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TDM 006: SPECTRAL SPECTACLE
| TDM 006: SPECTRAL SPECTACLE |
00. Arrival This time, you come out of the water, the Nameless Island's own inherent energy drawing people in. It's like being suspended between realities and abruptly pushed from behind through a rift in dimensions. It may make you sick, or that might be the motion of the ocean, lifting you to the surface and carrying you to shore. Waterlogged and covered in sand, new arrivals will be greeted by robots who welcome them with towels and bracelet devices. The A5 card is already loaded up. Feel free to explore the Island, though there isn’t much to see. Most of the buildings are abandoned and in dire need of repair, and beyond the city lingers a thick fog that obscures much of the wilderness from view. Wander too far into this fog, and you will find yourself mysteriously looping back to where you began, your memories of what you were doing and how you got there erased. With that in mind, it may be wise to stake your claim on a rundown apartment, a tent on the beach, or a bed in the “comfortable” new barracks. Your inventory will be found a day later, wrapped up haphazardly and delivered to each person's makeshift home. I. The Dragon's Matchmaking Welcome to the Island, cherub dragons! The auspicious actions of your fellow Islanders have foreseen the reintroduction of dragons to the world. Unlike the hulking, possessive creatures of ancient lore (and recent hot springs), these well-meaning little critters love to help. Their small size and roly-poly frames make them unsuited to laborious tasks, but they will be the perfect companion to any residents who endeavor to pick up a small item, wish for their lunch to be delivered to an absolute stranger, or need a fire started from a tiny, flaming sneeze in their drafty homes. If a cherub dragon sees an Islander they perceive in need of their assistance, they will zip right in and refuse to scram until they’ve done the job! No visible struggles? No problem! The little dragons also love to play matchmaker. Persistent dragons will gleefully nudge together Islanders they believe will have chemistry, and sometimes they aren’t wrong! Of course, even if sparks fail to fly, the dragons’ trilling songs are known to kindle romantic feelings between strangers and long-time lovers alike. II. Ruins While the Islanders have been enjoying their autumn relaxation, the ‘bots of Erku have been hard at work clearing the surrounding forests of dangers for their guests’ safe habitation. If you are of deft hand with monster slaying, forestry, or even just hauling debris and weed picking, the robots will gladly exchange credits for help with reconstructing the recently unearthed mountain temple grounds from the rubble that remains there. Just follow the path of gently glowing mushrooms to the site of the temple ruins. Beware of lurking creatures, grabby plants, and falling rocks!  The temple ruins are tall and breathtaking, despite the eerie chill of the fog that lingers just beyond. Or is it the fog that sends a shiver up your spine? After all, this place was very spiritually important to the original inhabitants of the Island, the robots say to anyone curious enough to ask. Although their own programming does not include religious worship, the Augur believes the restoration of this place to be vital to the continued augmentation of Eros energy. When questioned about the strange shadows that seem to slip from tree to tree, or the unsettling feeling of ghostly hands that seem to nudge volunteers deeper into the grounds, the robots respond with nothing but bafflement. Their sensors detect no unknown organic presence afoot. III. Ritual Islanders who chase those mysterious shadows may find themselves particularly drawn to a structure that lay deeper within the ruins, beyond where the robots have made the most progress. Three sets of crumbling, moss-covered stairs join to form a central platform, which - despite the overcast skies - seems to emit a soft glow. Those who step onto the platform may begin to hear a quiet, compelling voice, which urges them to be free of their inhibitions and to offer their energy to the spirits to be multiplied hundredfold. Visions of naked bodies in the throes of carnal worship dance before the eyes. Those who are especially spiritually sensitive - or perhaps, just lucky - may feel as if possessed by a consciousness that is not their own, and that consciousness is filled with a burning sexual desire. Leaving the platform is an option if alone, but the intense and overwhelming urge to seek companionship will persist until an Auspicious Act is completed. Those who are fortunate to be joined by company within the temple will feel compelled to worship right then and there, no matter the risk of being seen. Within the walls of the temple, Eros energy is enhanced such that any erotic act - big or small - will be enough to break the spell. N A V I G A T I O N |
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....it reminded her of the way she usually reacts to it.
But it couldn't be........
.......could it....?
Her grip on his arm may lessen only because she will reach out for his face only to stop halfway because...]
Are you only saying that because it's the way you truly feel or because someone else made you feel this way...?
[She wanted to know the reason behind his reaction. Why did he feel this way? Why? To her, his appearance was not the way he was mentally describing himself. If anything, it was the opposite for her. She found his appearance to be intriguing.
His colors. The way it all looked onto his skin. At first, she thought the scar was an intricate tattoo, but after realizing there was more to it -- how can she not find it even more fascinating? She has never been attracted to anyone with tattoos or scars before, but the way it looked on him, on such a pretty clean face -- it didn't take away nor overshadowed it. Was it the kindness in his silver eyes? The bittersweetness of his smile. The passion in his posture and way of presenting himself?
Was it just him....?
Whatever it was, she will find herself looking up at him with genuine curiosity and intrigue, leaning close just to reach for the left side of his cheek as she decides to admit.]
Earlier, you made my heart beat the loudest I ever felt in a long time, when you leaned in close to me, to tell me to look after myself better, when you came to my rescue and got me out of the temple, and when you literally fell from the sky. Only one other person has ever made me feel this way, as though I forgot the ability to breathe. Not many people have ever moved my heart with just their appearance. But you both did. For different reasons because you two don't look alike.
[As she thought about Ursula, Nike's smile will turn to a very heartbroken one without meaning to. It will reflect in her glassy gaze while reminiscing about her.
But she will return her attention to the boy by her side, a pinky beginning to follow the form of his scar.]
Sorry for sounding shallow, but I'm still deciding which part of you I like best. It's a tie between the color of your eyes, the scar on your face, or the smile...I really did mean when I meant about the way your smile didn't reach your eyes. It was a beautiful smile, but it was too sad for my taste. I think if you ever give me a smile that truly reaches your eyes, then....
[Just the thought made her cheeks turn warmer while her expression will turn softer, almost as if she is expecting something interesting to happen, like if it'll take her to another world or something as cheesy, but she decides to take the poetic route instead.]
It'll be an incredible sight to behold.
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Look. As much as he dislikes being seen as a freak or a monster, he can now honestly say he doesn't like being objectified as a pretty person much more. Disagreeing that he is one or not notwithstanding. Maybe if she had exonerated his manliness?? Except no, that would honestly have probably weirded him out even more because of the outright lie of it. ]
Uh— [ Eloquence meter plummeting. ]
I, ah... [ floundering. how is he supposed to respond to that. girls don't normally fawn at boys in such a way, and even with the roles reversed he doesn't approve of it.
Although he's also blushing quite madly. And might be having some seconds thoughts on if this is a good idea. 10/10 she is going to try to molest him if she gets possessed again and he is not entirely okay with that. (read: 95% not okay at all after that) ]
...thank you?
[ he is completely at a loss for what else to say that wouldn't be rude ]
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.......
Did she go overboard with admitting all that? He doesn't seem to be reacting entirely to it at all. Then again, she has no idea what he was thinking neither.
Maybe she should take this as a rejection on his part? A polite rejection?
........???
Letting go of his arm, she'll smile softly and shake her head.]
We should get back to what we were originally doing.
[She will search her surroundings for a moment until rediscovering the pull from the temple.]
....you know, you can go back to the beach. I hear there are cute dragons. It's not too late for you to go back...?
[This was his last chance to leave. His final chance to take back his promise without any hard feelings. She wasn't really expecting him to actually go through with it. He did more than enough. She was satisfied.]
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And yet he feels like he might have misstepped when she responds like that, and seems slightly crestfallen for a moment before she continues, giving him an out like that.
He blinks for a moment, clearly slightly dumbfounded that she would even offer that. She didn't have to doubt him; it's just that he's uncomfortable with a compliment, you know. Or attention like that being paid to him. ]
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Chin up, eyes calm. And as he lets his hand drop so too does his invocation since she would seem fully dressed once again and no longer clinging so; the cloak fades away like a dream, leaving him in his uniform, and his left hand becoming just a normal hand again. Presumably—he does wear white gloves, so it's hard to tell. ]
You're right though, we should get going.
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This boy was similar to her. In the modesty and intimacy department. It was clear their values align, even if it feels like they have different perspectives concerning certain topics.
That and she knew he wasn't interested in her. He hasn't stared at her in the way men usually have. Neither has he made any comments or made any assumptions due to it.
It was odd. Shouldn't she be happy to know he wasn't like that?
She won't have time to mull it over or even reason about it. Not when he made his decision -- he was coming!
Watching him in the corner of her eye, noticing the way he looked better than before, he was no longer skittish, if anything he looked more confident. Nike will watch him leave along with the white cloak before revealing her white holy dress once more.
She'll turn around to face him realizing he was very serious about all this. He really wanted to help the spirits! Her eyes may begin to gleam as she was more than relieved over all this.]
Right! We should go! [A pause. Taking a step by his side, she'll sheepishly add.] Together, this time...
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Honestly it's less about you Nike, and entirely everything to do with him crushing his feelings into a tight little ball.
Also it simply isn't the time or place to notice when a girl is pretty. Basically never, with his life... But especially when she's been shoved in his face so much about it by some nosy ghosts who can't mind their own business. ]
Mn. [ That light sort of smile, reassuring and certain. Is it real? Faked for her? For himself?
Yes. ] Together.
Don't worry. Just grab my hand really tight if they become too loud.
[ He waves her to follow him, and starts walking back up the stairs to the temple. Normally, this time. ]
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Not when he has successfully distracted her! Holding hands? It'll get her to blink because...]
...only when they get loud....?
[It was barely an audible whisper. She figured it may be best to allow the wind to carry it away. Her gaze will soften, looking down with the tiniest of smiles appearing.
Climbing the stairs behind him, Nike will take the time to absorb the surroundings, finding the temple area to be as beautiful as before even if covered by moss. The higher they go up the stairs, the stronger the tug was beginning to feel along with the return of the moving shadows. Her green eyes will notice all too quickly a slight cold push behind her which will encourage her to speak up.]
Hey! About what you said before...? I can only hold your hand when it gets louder?
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[ The way she asked that.. ]
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It's okay, he can feel them too. Faintly. ]
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A gloved hand appears before her. She will stare at it for a moment, considering it, but it would seem her hand did not get the memo because she'll end up accepting his offered hand.]
Why are you wearing gloves?
[That was her next curious question. When he was wearing the cloak, he wasn't wearing gloves, not exactly anyway. The color of the gloves was interesting, so it made her wonder.]
Is this your cloak disguised as a glove or....?
[Was it part of his current uniform? Which again, she will notice once more.]
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One step, then two. He'll keep leading them up the stairs by the hand like that; like he's used to doing such a thing, almost. ]
No, they're normal. [ Mostly. His whole uniform is made from unique fibers and specially made for his style of combat, but a lot of that honestly goes over his head. That's all Johnny and the science team, he just knows that they tell him it'll be effective and less annoying or constrictive than regular clothes. These gloves don't tear even when he invokes his claw form, that's all he knows and he's grateful for it. So's his wallet. ]
I've just worn gloves most of my life. [ In one form or another. ]
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[To learn the gloves were not the cloak in disguise, it surprised her a little. No, it very much did. His cloak was clearly made of magic. She knew that much. Along with the sharp claws on his left hand, she can't see them anymore. They disappeared as much as the white cloak did.
She wanted to see his hands after noticing that interesting detail. Where were the claws? How did he hide the hard armor-like item that felt very warm to the touch?]
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She caught onto that quick. ]
They're made of something special so they don't get ripped when I... change. [ He hesitates slightly over that. ] I don't understand it completely, to be honest.
It's just convenient.
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Before she was even able to figure out, the reason she is finding something out of place, she will feel another tug on the back of her mind once they both reached the top of the stairs. Nike will grow tense while her grip grows stronger almost signaling the appearance of the spirits.
She can sense something different about all this. There were now more spirits than their previous visit. Why? Nike will lower her head, thinking it over once more.]
...you still have time to leave. As long as we don't touch the platform, then we'll be okay...they can't touch us until we're entirely on it...
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It's fundamentally alarming, the way it wants him to succumb.
So even before she says anything he lets his eyes close and takes a small breath. It, ah... smells faintly of... cinnamon? Something woody. Soothing, but kind of spicy. Which is altogether something he's not certain is exactly that relaxing or relieving, because it makes no sense in this place and feels like it might be his mind playing tricks.
Sticky. It feels languid and kind of sticky. Like where he might want to just crawl into bed and spawl in a sleepy tangle.
So it startles him slightly when she speaks up, and says he can go. ]
...
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He squeezes her hand lightly in response, something both reassuring and reassured, and he can smile a bit more easily at her then than if she had said nothing.
A bit more honestly, too, as it's somewhat bittersweet. ]
It's alright. I told you before, didn't I?
I'm staying. Just squeeze my hand if you need something to focus on, okay? [ Again, he gives her a small squeeze as if to demonstrate. ]
I'll be right here no matter what. [ No matter what. He won't leave her; at most he'll yeet them both out. ]
You're going to be better at something like this than me. [ He says that like it's just so obvious. He's meant to fight akuma, after all. A very different thing. ]
So just let me help you remember who you're supposed to be.
[ Possession, after all, is one of the limited things he knows can happen regarding a regular ghost or spirit and has witnessed. ]
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The demonstration was very good to have because it will bring her back to the reality of the situation. Her cheeks will begin to flush as she looks away from his smile. It was still a sad one, and yet it was brimming with so many true emotions -- she couldn't help look away just to give her heart and nerves a shot to catch up.
Damn. What should she do? She didn't want to get him involved in all this. There was only one way to get the spirits to calm down. She wasn't prepared for it yet. To tell him, at least.
Then again, he does make a comment that piqued her curiosity: "You're going to be better at something like this than me". What is he saying? Isn't he an exorcist? Isn't it suppose to be his job to purify spirits as she does just in a different and more savage way?
Unless -- Does he know what she is? Has he figured out she wasn't entirely human? Can he sense that?
Nike will turn to Allen the moment she thought of it; however, she will feel the final push that will force her to move towards the platform. Again...? Why are they so insistent?
She will look down and allow the images from before to fill her mind. The positions, the sensations, the sounds, and just the experience of those memories will have her squeezing his hand very tightly. Please don't leave her alone. Please don't leave her at the last minute. Don't abandon her, not the way she has.
Ah, why was she remembering this now? Why? All she can do now was try to sing her song, but...]
Who am I supposed to be...? I wonder about that sometimes...
[Looking up at the ceiling for a moment, allowing the soft light from above shine delicately over them almost as if there was sunshine outside. She knew there wasn't. It was filled with clouds. The sky. Her beautiful blue sky, she was beginning to miss it even if she was taken deep into it, another dimension. Is it as blue as her own or a different color altogether? These memories did not tell her. Not even a small clue.
Closing her eyes, she will concentrate on the world surrounding her beyond the temple, trying to get a sense of it all -- how to help these spirits? Trying to find an answer, all she can hear whispers into her ear.]
Worship, worship, worship. [She will continue to repeat and every time she did her dress would shrink. Damn, she may be getting in too deep again, so she'll begin to pull on the hand in her grip, trying to bring him closer to her in an attempt to keep herself anchored.] Allen...please, can you hold me again like before...? [A pause. She'll lean against him as she begins to tremble.] ...I don't think I can hang on to this reality for much longer not unless I feel something holding me here....
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Loud and blaring. Thick and cloying. Unpleasant. Touch. Feel.
Fuck.
Ugh, he hates this. What kind of stupid nonsense do ghosts have to be hung up on to have them be so fixated on this sort of thing now. It gives him a headache almost immediately, and he might be the one holding tight. Almost so much so that her question and sudden request catches him a little offguard. ]
? [ Hold her again like before? He isn't quite sure what she means. To pick her up like he means to carry her off...? That doesn't seem right.
She seems likes she's struggling. Faint, and kind of feathery. Distant, like she's being pulled away. So he squeezes her hand—firmly, even if not enough to cause pain. And he hesitates, but she did ask, so.. he reaches with his free hand and touches her other arm, pulling her to face him before reaching to take and squeeze her other hand with his. Anchoring, rather, so that he can speak more steadily into the hair near her ear.
Hair is neutral enough, right. And because of his vantage and natural gentlemanly gaze, he has no idea about her dwindling state of dress currently. ]
It's okay. Just breath for a moment. Nike— [ She smells good and it's distracting.
Breathing out, he forces himself to focus. Squeezes both her hands. Don't you dare let yourself see her any differently now.
He pulls back, pale grey eyes fixed solidly on hers. ]
You said you were here to help them find peace, right? [ It's gentle but stern. Seeming so impossibly calm still. ] And you want to be strong enough to do that, don't you?
Then don't let them distract you from that.
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And yet his simple instruction to breath, she was able to subconsciously follow by taking a deep breath, some being his scent, the familiar reminder of snow, that it was a good thing that he pulled away to force her to look up at his grey eyes instead of allowing the desire to be close to overwhelming her.
"You said you were here to help them find peace, right?"]
...r-right....
["And you want to be strong enough to do that, right?"]
...yes...
[His eyes were looking directly into her own. It was determined to get this done, even if it seems like his gaze would seem distant sometimes. Was he fighting the urges too? Ah, he must be feeling it by now, and yet he was doing everything he could to keep not only her own consciousness but his' as well. The need to help these spirits were beginning to outweigh the desire to be in his arms.
All she could do was hold his hand tightly, look down and concentrate on the beat of her own heart, that the minute he said -- "Don't let them distract you from that" -- she will begin to sing her song.]
...the sadness born today...soars high into the sky...
[The words will be sung very weakly, apprehensively, but with a tad of sweetness to it. She will be breathing deeply within each verse until a light breeze will be felt. A slightly colder breeze as the soft light from above will grow dimmer with the sudden passing of a rain cloud. It was more than enough for her confidence to rise, the volume of her voice to become more relaxed even if it sounded as though she was emotionally exhausted -- it was difficult to stop seeing the images flashing in her mind all at once.]
I want to protect you; I want to touch destiny; the tears you have shed...the hole in your chest, I want to fill it with happiness.
[Just like magic, the minute she spoke those words, drops of water will begin to fall from the sky, very cold and vitalizing drops that her shoulders will begin to slump, feeling more collected. The rain was coming which meant -- the negative emotions will be absorbed into her body.
Which was odd but she wasn't feeling too many at the moment. It gave her more reason to raise the volume, add more enthusiasm, even if she was beginning to feel the weight of her own emotions and heart. It was depressing. To be unable to do much other than making it rain. Where was the surge of power she felt before? It felt as though she couldn't activate the true effect of her singing.
Well, she could feel the ire surrounding her earlier was lessening, leaving behind a feeling of dissatisfaction. She was beginning to feel weak on the knees due to it as it slowly dawns on her -- her song isn't working, not to its fullest potential because she can still feel their frustration now. Shit. The thought was more than enough for her to feel weak as she falls to her knees.
And yet, she didn't completely fail because she can now feel a new sensation similar to a silver-lining as though they may have found something new to be somewhat thrilled over. What could it be? Did they like the rain? It was a little cold. Don't mind her small sneeze just now.]
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While admittedly he wasn't sure entirely how she was going to accomplish calming them... singing wasn't something he'd considered. Although it isn't that the oddest concept for doing so. Chanting wasn't much different in theory, was it? Although all of that is honestly just kind of... fringe information to him. Not an exorcist like most people understand them to be, after all.
What a strange and beautiful haunting melody, though.
The plip of a drop of rain on his face is an entirely different kind of unexpected though. ??? Did he imagine it??? ]
—ah! [ She won't fall, not all the way, because he'll snap back to the moment and catch her as she starts to slump. Dipping down and arms looping quickly around her to help keep her on her feet and braced against him.
Unfortunately, he has to let go of her hands to do so. ]
Nike? Are you alright? [ She seems drained...
Plip plip. Plip— the growing drumming of water droplets pulls his attention momentarily from her however. He can feel it dampening his hair, and growing in volume like that so nearby, like it's right on top of them. ]
Rain...?
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The warmth she was feeling now was coming from someone desperately trying to keep her on her feet. Nike's hands will grip onto the uniform, one on his shoulder while the other just below it. Her feet will try to find their footing to be less of a burden to him. Although she knew he was strong enough to carry her, her shame won't allow her to let things be.
Her focus was entirely on her surroundings. On the sudden change of situation. The spirits felt calmer the moment she was in Allen's arms. Did her rain summoning do much of anything? It was difficult to tell. The timing of everything was muddling.
Allen's question over the rain will return her attention. She will look up at him with the smallest of smiles forming.]
The sky heard my call, even in a new world, it answered instead of asking me to create a new song for them.
[The smile will grow as she notices the raindrops on his damp hair.]
The rain. It helps to absorb negative emotions. It turns it into nutrition for the world. Only if those are willing to let go and accept the reality of the situation.
[Something she was having a difficult time doing -- accepting how she betrayed all those she cherishes and abandoned them, even if it was for the greater good. Her heart feels heavy, everything feels so clouded to her.]
...I need to reconnect with my heart to find my way again. My songs will be useless otherwise.
[And then an awkward laugh will be given as she shakes her head.]
I'm sorry for all the monologuing. I just...needed something to bounce off, I guess. I'll stop now! [Noticing that his hair and the uniform was all wet, she'll begin to slightly panic.] Ah man, sorry, sorry! I didn't think you'd get this wet! Are you okay? Not cold, are you? [Does she need to hug him tightly? Cause she is gonna hug him tightly now? Like right now. Definitely.]
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Ah? [ The hug, however, catches him entirely offguard. ]
No no, it's fine.. I don't mind. [ Haha. (Patting her awkwardly on the back.) All of that and she's worried about him getting wet? She should be worried more about herself! He has his uniform and it's meant to be durable and weather resistant.
Also he isn't cold at all. His back might be a little, but the hug is warm in an... he wouldn't say uncomfortable way, but... It's distracting. Like it's too easy to notice how warm and comfortable it is (that she is), and tempts him to just relax into it and forget the rest.
Ah. Damnit. ]
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What do you need to do that? "Reconnect with your heart".
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