ercookies | TDM 008: A WALK IN THE THEME PARK

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TDM 008: A WALK IN THE THEME PARK

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.

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I. SIX FLAGELLANTS

Welcome, one and all, to a thrilling new location! Robots have worked tirelessly to build, from the ground up, what can only be recognizable as an amusement park. You are just in time for the grand opening of Six Flagellants: Great Advagtures!

The Ferris Wheel routinely stops when lovebirds reach the top, waiting for a kiss - or something more daring! - before it starts up again.

Robots warn of the scary Haunted House: a dark building with wall-to-wall creeps, and hot and cold running chills. Flickering ghosts roam the halls, and you may find an eerily realistic Headless Horseman -- who bids you, "Come closer. Give me head," while pointing to yours. Hey, get your mind out of the... Nevermind.

The Carousel is a two-story affair. Nude figures with familiar faces lounge about, waiting to be ridden, and closer inspection proves that they have the faces of your fellow islanders. Hop on your favorite person and take them for a spin!

There are even Bumper Cars, which have the interesting effect of making one feel more aroused with every bump and impact. (It's randomized each time, so don't try to guess based on car color!)

What should be a similar ride, the Teacups, has the robots' madness written all over it instead. They have misunderstood the gentle spin-cycles for dangerous, dizzying loop-the-loops across a wide track. Some would swear that the ride has a supernatural invocation for fear. Others are simply man enough to admit they're afraid.

Lastly, the Tunnel of Love is not what you expect. Although flavored lube and guides to cunnilingus are on each fleshy-log-shaped boat, the motion of the ocean is quite soothing, and there's a pleasant floral scent in the air that causes a light intoxication.

Don't forget to try the food! Similar to the Street Kiosks, there's a ton of faire food: cotton candy, corn dogs, and the like.

Mascot outfits are available and those who wear them will be rewarded generously with credits.

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II. LIKE A FIREWORK

The next morning, you receive a message on your device: You are cordially invited to a celebration of skinship at the House of Worship. Please do not dress for the occasion.

If asked about it, the robots will confirm that is not a specific holiday, but a simple joyous event. If you pry, they may even say that the Old Ones often made merry and partook in the pleasures of the flesh - and so too should you.

For an hour, there will be food and drink - alcoholic and aphrodisiac. Then, at the designated time, once the sun has gone down, clothes will be shed and a revelry begun.

As fireworks explode overhead, the different colors send the naked senses reeling:

Red: You are amorous towards the people around you. Yours is a joyous celebration. The Auspicious Acts you offer are happy and lighthearted, full of kisses and sweet nothings.
Orange: You feel bold and adventurous, eager to try something - or someone - new. Your preferred Acts may be dangerous or exciting, perhaps with more than one person.
Yellow: You feel reverence when you watch the fireworks, reverence when you look at your fellow people. You feel blessed to be part of the celebration at the House of Worship, and you make the Acts you complete into Acts of worship. You are all about the spirit of generosity.
Green: You are not here to celebrate. Jealousy is your lot. Uncover a new side of yourself, full of bitterness and resentment, and try an Act that treads the fine line between light and dark.
Indigo: You are proud to celebrate! Those around you are lucky to bask in your presence. You have a newly-minted domineering attitude that makes itself known, and your Acts are likely to be something where you'll come out on top.
Violet: These fireworks make you feel unusual - the opposite of yourself. You are different in all that you want to do, preferring Auspicious Acts that you may not have thought twice about before.

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III. MISTLETOE

mistletoe

sensory deprivation

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N A V I G A T I O N

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Luckily for Makoto, by the time the party starts he's already gotten his change of clothes so he isn't stuck wearing his suit anymore. Instead, he's opted for his jeans, button up shirt, and black vest.

He'd actually been hoping the party would be a chance to get more information about this place. But all he'd learned so far was what the robots were willing to tell him about the House of Worship and the celebration. The mystery only makes him that much more curious. He had been more than a little enamored with the surrounding area, having already explored more than he had mingled.

Now he finds himself where there is more of a crowd though. Pointedly, he is still fully dressed and trying his best not to stare at anyone exposed. Eying the drinks a little warily, still a bit distrustful even as he munches on some of the proffered food. Makoto's a little startled when this shirtless stranger offers him a glass though, refusing to look below the man's neck when he shoots him a confused look. But he recovers well enough to take the drink with a nod. ]

Oh, sure. Thanks. I wonder what type of alcohol it is, though?

[ He smiles back before narrowing his eyes at the swirling liquid, glancing around to see other people drinking the same thing. Well, if they hadn't died yet... You know what? He decides he needs a drink after all this stress and takes a big swig of it. Despite himself, he pulls a face, trying not to cough. ]

It's a little strong.

Edited (forgot to remove that title haha) 2020-12-21 02:08 (UTC)

[ Qrow's expression crumples into one of relief. Were it not for that brief moment of panic he probably could have made that suave, Qrow realizes belatedly, but it's damn well too late for that now. ]

I, uh, wouldn't know.

[ Qrow shrugs and rubs at the back of his neck now that the drink is out of his hands, crimson eyes darting briefly to the floor and then back to the stranger. And it's true - he actually hasn't touched alcohol since he arrived.

He has, however, been here long enough to know the alternate effects some of the beverages have.

He gives a brief chuckle at the thought, about to say as much - but after taking a second look at the man he's approached, Qrow thinks twice. With a lifted brow and a flat tone of voice, he gestures to Makoto's... clothing situation. ]

Lemme guess. New here?

[ Makoto's not aware of just how strong the effects of some of the drinks and food can be yet, though he's been wary of the ones offered from robots for the most part up, until this point. He takes a few more sips of the drink, it burns a little, tinging his voice with a slight rasp. ]

I guess that's fair. I can't really tell either.
[ And it's true, he's had alcohol but he's never really been a connoisseur. He doesn't have any plans on drinking too much, though he is starting to feel a little warm already. Makoto's just chalking it up to the normal effects of alcohol, deciding right then that this one drink would probably be enough for him. ]

That obvious, huh?

[ He shoots the man a sheepish smile, relaxing a bit. Makoto finishes his food, free hand lingering on the hem of his vest while he continues to nurse his drink. But he doesn't seem ready to run around naked. ]

I'm guessing you've been here a while? Are parties like this common?

[ Qrow should have predicted that the drink would be spiked with something other than alcohol, and if that had been on his mind at all he probably wouldn't have passed it onto a complete stranger - much less a newbie. Alas, his concerns had been elsewhere at the time.

As it is, the new guy seems relaxed enough and easy to talk to, which goes a long way in easing Qrow out of that awkward moment. His shrug is nonchalant, his chuckle dry. ]

Yeah, been here since the beginning, actually. Doesn't take too long to learn to play along before those tin cans make the decision for you.

[ Makoto takes another drink, it's not as bad once he's gets used to it and it feels like it might be calming him down. It's starting to cause him to flush already, half a drink and all the food he'd eaten since getting here making it feel just a little warmer than usual. He gives the other man a curious look at that response, though. ]

The beginning? How long ago was that?

[ Though after he mentions 'playing along', Makoto tries not to be obvious when he shifts his collar with his free hand, making sure the red marks there are still covered. Not that he regrets it, but he also feels slightly embarrassed that he didn't make it a day without something happening. ]

Hm... about six months? [ Another shrug. ] Hard to keep track without a calendar.

[ Counting the days hasn't been at the very top of Qrow's list of priorities, at any rate. A lot of things were happening when they first arrived, and too many of those things involved formerly dead friends coming back to life under very strange circumstances.

But here they were now, and Qrow was beginning to take note of the rosiness beginning to rise on Makoto's cheeks. Try as the other man might to be subtle, Qrow was once a spy by trade. He wouldn't be worth his salt if he didn't notice a little tugging at the collar, though for now he'll simply assume Makoto must be feeling too toasty.

Only natural. He was wearing a lot of clothes. ]

Hey, you okay? Wanna sit down?

[ Qrow jabs a thumb in the direction of some seating behind them, the usual suggestive set-up with plenty of cushions. ]

[ Makoto frowns at that. If this guy's been here six months, that means he could end being here that long. Or longer. That thought deserves another drink. ]

Yea, I'm fine...

[ He turns his head to where the other man's suggesting. At first, he was going to decline and explore around some more. But then the thought of being able to recline against all those cushions suddenly sounds like a great idea. It's not like he's had a lot of chances to just relax lately. And this guy probably does know a lot more about the island. The suggestiveness of said seating goes right over his head.

Well, he's probably been staring too long, but he finally turns back with a grin. ]

You know what? Sure.

[ Makoto downs the rest of his drink and leaves it for a robot before heading over there, maybe a little more unsteadily than usual. ]

Edited 2020-12-26 14:28 (UTC)

[ Keen crimson eyes dart from the empty glass - currently being whisked away by robots (who unfortunately now knew Makoto was in need of a refill) - and then back to the other man's slightly wobbly form.

Uh oh.

But the man said he's feeling fine, and Qrow isn't about to press the issue. They're going to sit down and that's a start.

With a subtle eye kept on his unsteady companion the entire time, Qrow heads over to the seating area right behind him, gratefully setting into the cushions and stretching long legs out in front of him as he lowers himself down. It is nice to relax, actually, and a glance towards the sky suggests that it will be a prime location for fireworks watching. ]

You can call me Qrow, by the way. Qrow Branwen.

[ He extends a hand to the other man in greeting. May as well introduce himself if they're going to settle into the cozy sex couch and have a chat about Sex Island. ]

[ Makoto's not quite as graceful, though he makes it to the seating just fine while trying his best, while this tipsy, to give the other man his personal space once they're beside one another. He lets himself just sink into the seat for a moment, the warmth he's feeling a little more distracting now that he's surrounded by soft cushions. It is definitely an improvement upon the benches outside. Which, he tries not to think about after what happened.

He looks over when Qrow introduces himself, smiling politely up at him and reaching out to shake his hand. ]

Makoto Edamura.
It's nice to meet you, despite the, uh, [ He gestures vaguely around the area, looking for the right word. ] circumstances.

[ He's doing a good job of sounding more sober than he is, despite the flush that's reached his ears.

Makoto nearly jumps out of his skin when a robot shows up with another drink for him and he's trying to turn it down. Eventually his only option is to catch the drink or let it spill all over him. He frowns at it disapprovingly. ]

They're... pretty insistent aren't they?

[ Qrow snorts under his breath. Yeah, 'circumstances' is one word for this place.

The 'helpful' robot has a drink for him too, carried in its other hand, and Qrow accepts it with a weak grin before smoothly setting it aside on a nearby tabletop. It whirs away, satisfied that the needs of the organic beings are taken care of, leaving Qrow to roll his eyes in its wake. ]

Yeah, like I said. Best to play along. Next thing you know they'll be buzzing over here to undress you.

What?! Are you serious?

[ Makoto splutters, looking startled by the prospect of that, his voice going high and cracking. Instinctively, his free hand clutches at the front of his shirt defensively, not really having regard for how the motion messes with the careful placement of his shirt collar. ]

[ Qrow is at first taken aback by Makoto's reaction, nearly jumping out of his seat and upsetting the drink he'd just set down - because listen, he'd just come from a devastating war only six months ago. He can be a lil' jumpy.

But once he's assured that he isn't going to get a lapful of cocktail and he's shaking the alcohol and juice off his hand, Qrow happens to spot when Makoto must be hiding under his collar.

He barks a laugh. ]

Look, if it's those hickeys you're worried about - [ he gestures towards Makoto's neck ] - don't be. You aren't the only one.

[ Not like Qrow wouldn't be littered with scratch marks and love bites if he wasn't capable of rapidly healing them. Who is he to judge? ]

[ Well bringing attention to those hickeys does nothing but intensify his flush, though his tone is admirably even and he's staring into his drink with a frown. ]

No, it's just, you shouldn't be forced to undress. It's wrong.

[ Not that he'd been eager to show those hickeys off either. Without thinking, he's taking an angry swig of his drink, expression settling into disgruntled. The hand in his shirt loosens and he's relaxing against the cushions again with a huff, not really caring to fix the collar now that Qrow's already seen them. He was going to ask the other man about the island but now he doesn't even want to think about it.

Makoto turns his head, looking more drunkenly curious up at Qrow than upset now. ]

If you don't mind me asking: where are you from? Originally?

Edited 2020-12-26 20:37 (UTC)

[ Well, the guy's got a point there, but the crooked grin on Qrow's lips suggests that he doesn't quite believe that's the whole source of Makoto's discomfort. Then again, maybe Qrow has just been on this crazy island long enough to be desensitized to the idea of robots none-too-subtly pushing them into doing this and that.

After all, his first night here was a weird, aphro-fueled orgy.

But that aside - ]

Ah, well.

[ Qrow rubs at the scruff on his chin, pausing for a moment as if he's trying to decide where to begin. The bright scarlet hue of his eyes aside, he does have the lean body, dark hair, and angled cheekbones to suggest someone of ambiguously Asian heritage - perhaps mixed. ]

It's a planet called Remnant. Specifically Anima, though these days the closest thing to what I'd call a home is the Kingdom of Vale.

[ Makoto's watching him, idly sipping at his drink and letting himself melt into the cushions. This whole place was a little overwhelming for him, but at least the only thing that happened on his first day was getting a blowjob on a bench. Now, though, it's sort of easier to let himself drink and try to keep the stress of it all at bay.

Oh, another person from a different planet than Earth. He'd learned earlier not to judge based on his own Earth standards of looks alone, though now he's looking Qrow over in earnest fascination. While he felt he was a pretty average looking Japanese guy, he knew he wasn't ugly or anything, some of the people here he thinks are decidedly cooler looking than anyone he's ever seen in person. Qrow is now included on that list. ]

What's the Kingdom of Vale like?

[ Makoto sounds genuinely curious, surprised when he goes to take another drink out of his now empty glass. This time, he holds it to his chest, afraid the robots will show up again. ]

Edited 2020-12-26 22:24 (UTC)

[ Qrow isn't used to being asked about home - it happens more often than his conversations with new arrivals turn quickly towards life on the Island. Trying to remember what Vale was like after six months in this bizarre pocket dimension and nearly a year on the road is almost a challenge.

But of course, Qrow could never forget that feeling of relief that would settle over him the moment he stepped back into the comfort of Taiyang's log cabin after a long mission, greeted by the thrilled shouts of his two nieces.

The memory of it brings a passing warmth to his smile. ]

Ah, Vale is... well, it was - [ here the smile fades, his expression going a little more somber, ] - a pretty great place. It was safe, y'know? Mountains kept most of the monsters out, and it didn't have as many of the social ills as the other kingdoms either. Helped that the headmaster of our combat school was one of the wisest guys around.

[ ...or so they had thought, at the time. A moment passes where Qrow seems to fidget with his hands, his eyes downcast and darting - but it passes when he notices that Makoto has already drained that latest drink. After latching onto this detail, Qrow gestures to his own half-spilled, half-melted cocktail with a fresh grin. ]

Got another one if you want it.

[ Makoto's still paying attention even if he looks a little listless at this point. His eyes don't really leave Qrow's expression as he talks, and he can't help himself from frowning when his expression goes somber. He didn't mean to upset him. Something must have happened and even with his mind a little muddied, he knows better than to press on that. ]

Monsters?
... So many people here have had to deal with monsters or demons before.

[ Makoto eyes the new drink lazily and nods, lifting up the glass from his chest and holding it out for him to trade. Without the suggestion, he probably would've stopped drinking. But the feeling isn't half bad, and it is helping him relax. His other hand seems content to stay on his chest. Though a moment later, he pulls at his shirt a couple times to get some airflow. It seems to do the trick though, based on Makoto's expression. ]

Steady there, tiger.

[ Qrow snorts under his breath as he takes the emptied glass from Makoto's unsteady hand and exchanges it for the melty cocktail. The new guy looks like he's had enough, judging by the rosiness in his cheeks, but Qrow figures that Makoto has probably had a hard couple of days and he's earned it. (And Qrow definitely isn't the guy to go to for lectures about moderating alcohol intake, that's for sure.)

Anyway, at least he's here and sober to look after the guy. ]

Met another monster hunter already, huh? [ He chuckles. ] So much for impressing you with my job description.

Thanks, I'm fine.

[ That said, Makoto's still going to take this next drink as slow as possible. Since the new glass is still a little fuller than his last, he sits up very carefully, using his free hand to readjust some of the cushions so he doesn't actually have to put that much effort into staying up. It's a little slower than usual, but he thinks he's doing an excellent job of acting sober.

He laughs at Qrow's answer though as he's adjusting. ]

Hey, my world is pretty boring compared to everyone else.
We don't have actual monsters. Stories about them, sure.

[ Makoto kicks off his shoes so he doesn't mess up the cushions when he brings his legs up and crosses them. He also gives in and unbuttons his shirt just a bit. ]

Don't tell me you have a cool sword, too?

[ Makoto might very well be doing an excellent job of acting sober, but for better or for worse, Qrow is only alive today because he is a very observant man. He's glad that Makoto seems to be relaxing enough to literally unbutton a little. ]

I'll have you know,

[ After setting the empty glass aside, Qrow leans in close enough that he can feel the warmth rising off Makoto's skin in the chill of the air. His grin splits into a confident smirk, a hint of mischief in it. ]

I have the coolest sword.

[ His hands spread wide in front of them. ]

It's huge! I mean I'm talking enormous, here.

[ Makoto blinks at him, and doesn't really have the reaction time to move back. Not that his sluggish mind catches up in time either. He pulls his drink towards him though so it's not in Qrow's way, it's only polite, his face still flushed as ever.

The sudden cold on his bare skin making him wince at first but then it doesn't feel so bad so he leaves it there, still staring up at Qrow with genuine curiosity. ]

Really?
[ He is still thinking of the different (real, actual) swords he's seen and briefly wonders if it's as big as Dante's. That one, he was sure he couldn't have lifted even if he wanted to. ]

What's it look like?

Edited 2020-12-27 02:50 (UTC)

[ Qrow can see that Makoto isn't picking up on the innuendo, even drunk as he is, and that's charming in its own right. Give it time, and he'd catch onto life on the Island. In the meantime, Qrow just chuckles, giving him a brow-waggle just blatant enough to border on ridiculous. ]

Oh, I'd love to show you sometime.

[ Which, despite his jest, isn't a lie. Qrow designed that thing (his actual, real sword, that is) himself, why wouldn't he love showing it off? ]

[ Well, there are a couple beats of silence and Makoto furrowing his brows. Then his sluggish mind sort of comes together and he frowns at him. It's the brow waggle that cinches it and now he's looking at him with a very unimpressed expression. ]

That wasn't funny. [ He grumbles heatedly into his drink, sulking into the cushions and feeling stupid. ]

It's not my fault so many people here have really cool weapons.

[ Makoto huffs, and then shoots him a look like he's just daring him to make another joke. ]

Oh come on, it was funny.

[ Well, Qrow is laughing, anyway - slapping his knee, in fact. It's not that he means to make Makoto feel stupid, but he can't help teasing someone when the opportunity to loosen someone up presents itself.

Seeing the man take to sulking into his drink might be pinging at Qrow's guilt complex, however. He judges Makoto's shoulder. ]

If it makes you feel any better, I really do have a big sword and I'll show it to you if you're interested.

[ Makoto drunkenly mumbles to himself before taking a small sip. It's not like he really trusts himself to be able to leave without looking stupider so give him a minute to stew on his cushion pile.

Makoto comes back around in time for Qrow's next statement. He's looking at Qrow again, not really upset anymore though still a shade embarrassed. Makoto's filter is also a little broken right now though, so it doesn't appear like he's thought it through before his next sentence comes out. It's more than a little accusatory. ]

Are you talking about your dick again?

[ He keeps a straight face for as long as he can drunkenly manage before laughing though. See? He has jokes, too. And he looks a little proud of himself for that one. ]

00. Arrival

I. SIX FLAGELLANTS

II. LIKE A FIREWORK

III. MISTLETOE

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