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

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I see, I see.

[ He's heard that before, though Makoto does seem more serious this time. What's coming up might very well be Makoto's last hurrah but he hopes it isn't. He just needs him to make it through one more effort. If he doesn't, there are plan Bs and plan Cs, but none of them have the structure of this one and if he can just... keep him alive through it, it'll be fixed.

Everything will be settled, finally. Corrected. After that, anything can happen, even his own demise. He just has to make it that far and he needs to hope Makoto is along with them, hell or high water. ]

You're becoming more profound, aren't you? I understand though... getting lost in the rush, losing yourself. It's a fair concern. You have to keep yourself in check in all of this and stick to your personal codes. All I'm saying is I know you can handle it... but you'll figure things out for yourself, one way or another.

[ He lets out a short laugh at the insult, letting it roll off his shoulders. It's the kind of Makoto Jab he's come to appreciate. ]

Oh, don't be so sure, y--

[ He hears a loud pop overhead, somewhere above the rising walls of the amphitheater, and he turns quickly, stumbling and nearly dropping his glass. He can hear the sounds of others, little ohs and wows, and he notices the sparkling remnants of a firework fading out in the sky before the whizz of another shoots up into the air. ]

Ah! There--

[ He turns his eyes back to Makoto, grinning sloppily. ]

Here, I nearly forgot we're at a party. Let's set aside all the sad break up talk for now and enjoy ourselves a little bit. You've just arrived.

I guess I am. [ He pauses, pulling at his shirt again to buy some time. ]

... You might've crossed that bridge ages ago, but I'm not sure I can. Why risk it?

[ Makoto jumps when the fireworks start, but then he catches Laurent stumbling out of the corner of his eye. It's just instinct the way he moves to try and stop him from falling. He ends up looking a little stupid having taken a few steps closer with his arms outstretched like he's ready to grab Laurent by the arm to steady him... only for Laurent to be fine. Honestly, he would've done it for anyone, but only with Laurent does he feel like such an idiot for it. Makoto recovers by crossing his arms and pretending like it didn't happen, face heated and set in a frown. If Laurent falls again, he's on his own and deserves to eat the ground for drinking so much. He stubbornly turns himself completely away to stare at the fireworks instead. ]

Some party. I ended up wasting most of it talking to you.

[ He's just going to ignore that he could've walked away at any moment. And he could walk away now, but he doesn't. Instead he just stands beside him, watching the fireworks. ]

Edited 2020-12-24 01:50 (UTC)

[ Makoto is reflexively nice. Laurent understands that, but even he's surprised when Makoto strides closer and makes a move to keep him on his feet. Makoto is quick to recover but Laurent doesn't let it go. ]

M'alright. Thank you, though, Edamame. I drank that last one a little too quickly, I guess. Feels like being eighteen again, haha!

[ He lets out a short laugh again before raising a brow at Makoto's comment, smirking. He turns his face towards the sky, yellow sparks reflecting off the blue of his eyes as the show really starts to kick off with coordinated, and questionable, fireworks bursting overhead. He puts his free hand in his pocket and shifts his feet to get his balance again. His words are getting more slurred and distinctly more French-sounding as he quips again. ]

You can always go mingle, Edamame. You'll find plenty of fascinating people here.

Whatever.

[ Makoto mumbles, his eyes still trained upward on the fireworks. These will be safe to look at since there's not much they mess with when it comes to fireworks, he thinks. Safer than looking at all the naked people running around, at least. He's still tense, even as he tries to enjoy the fireworks show. ]

No thanks, at least you aren't naked.

[ And then the yellow bursts hit and his expression slackens. It's probably one of the most beautiful things he's ever seen. He doesn't know how long he stares, feeling a sudden and deep respect for this place. Makoto blinks, looking away from the fireworks to look around at the people. He's still hot but he's not even looking at all the nakedness around him like that, like he's suddenly at peace with it all. Then he remembers Laurent is still there, and turns to him with what is probably the most genuinely peaceful smile that's ever been directed at him. ]

Hey, do you wanna go sit down?

Heh.

[ Laurent doesn't mind keeping an eye on the sky, though he would not deny he'd been scoping people out all evening for his own amusement. This is not the first time he's been at an event full of naked bodies and it probably will not be the last. ]

I thought I would refrain at least until you decided to wander off on your own.

[ He has no issue with nudity and has proven himself to have no shame in this place.

Between the alcohol and the aphrodisiacs blooming together in his body, he can barely tell there's any kind of shift in his own body, let alone Makoto's. Not until he sees that smile on his face which is almost a little frightening, even to his addled brain.

Oh boy.

Still, he feels particularly amicable right now. It's like a wave of understanding has washed over him, though the truth of it all is swimming around in liquor inside his skull. He stumbles to talk, thoughts spun round by that smile and posture on his 'assistant'.

He smiles and sets the empty glass he's been holding down on a tray as a robot host passes by to be free of it. ]

Ah, that's probably for the best, isn't it? Sure, let's find a spot.

You know? It doesn't really bother me anymore.

[ Makoto shrugs, hands on his hips like he is in his element all of a sudden. He tilts his head at Laurent though. Even drunk as he is, he picks up on how much drunker Laurent is. Makoto doesn't question why that doesn't particularly bother him. Before, it was annoying. Now, he feels compelled to help him just because he's a reveler, even if he's fully dressed.

With a word, he offers Laurent his elbow just in case he needs it like it's the most natural thing in the world. He's already looking away, his other hand on his chin like he is determined to pick the best spot for them. ]

Actually, I checked out the area earlier.
[ And now he's rambling off all the information the robots were willing to provide to him about this place and all the little things he finds interesting, even though Laurent probably already knows a lot of it. Of course, he finds almost everything about this place interesting now. ]

Ah...

[ He does feel rather... obligated to strip, in a way, now but he's still trying to hold off. For now.

But he's otherwise drawn right into it, smile sneaking its way back in as he uses Makoto's elbow for support. There's some waviness to his posture, but he's hanging in there and everything comes for his motor skills. ]

Oh, did you? And what did ya-- did you find? Edamama-- me?

[ He didn't even need to ask. Off goes Makoto, rambling on. He knows most of what he's saying, but he's still drawn in to listen to it. He wants to hear about this place and he wants to hear about it in Makoto's now overly pleasant voice. ]

[ Makoto points to a spot with a good view of everything. It's close enough that they aren't off on their own, but far enough that they wouldn't be obligated to join in. He looks up to Laurent for approval at first, but then shrugs and decides it's his job to make the decision as the most sober one and moves to head in that direction anyway.

He'll try and guide Laurent as best he can through the crowd. The blond is his responsibility right now and he plans to respect that obligation to the utmost. Whether that means slowing down, supporting him, or just generally trying not to let him fall, he's planning to handle it all while being generally pleasant and maybe a little awestruck in response to all the naked people around them. ]

[ Laurent looks over at where Makoto's pointing and nods. Looks good enough to him. Anywhere is good enough to him in this lovely, bustling place. He is especially interested if it means he gets to sit and enjoy and get his bearings and the threat-of-a-boner under control here. At any other time, it wouldn't be a problem, but for all that he wants to now, more than ever, go join in the fun he knows he's in a prime position to actually get pummeled by Makoto and he isn't in the mood! Sorry, lovely, naked partygoers.

He follows along, smiling as well as ever though his weight leans against Makoto and his stride is almost a serpentine shape as he wobbles along. It has been a long, long time since he's felt this intoxicated. Mistakes were made and lessons were learned. Do not down a double shot of anything to try and shake off the threat of a depression session. He should have learned that years ago and clearly did not. ]

[ Makoto shoulders Laurent's weight without complaint. Once they are at the destination, he moves to allow Laurent to sit first and he'll help him if he needs it before plopping excitedly down next to him.

It's too hot and since he already feels so at peace with everything, Makoto just automatically starts taking his vest and dress shirt off after sitting down. He haphazardly folds them and sets them aside to enjoy looking out at everyone. After some deliberation, he also decides he can lose his shoes. It's as far as he goes, but it's as far as he wants to go and for once it doesn't feel like he's forcing himself, he's just comfortable in his own skin like this. What a great feeling. It's like he can feel the energy in the air and it makes him feel like he's actually part of something bigger than himself.

Makoto leans back, resting on his elbows with a sigh. ]

[ Laurent, shocked at the politeness directed towards him but highly appreciative all the same, sits before Makoto does and watches him as he almost seems to bounce in place when he's seated.

While Makoto casts his gaze outward in reverence of the 'holy' place around them, Laurent casts his quiet, confused but encompassing appreciation for Makoto and his shift in mood.

The desire to 'reward' him is strong, but tamped down by sheer willpower. He will, for his own sake, chock up his adoration for him, for this place, in this moment to his intoxication and to the fact that Makoto has decided to go even more with the flow of the occasion and lose his shirt.

He tears his eyes away so he can look down at his own shirt. He's been overheating for long enough. He fumbles to pluck the buttons of his silk shirt free, shrugging the shirt off and pulling it into his lap for safety soon after. It's a good shield, as well, so win-win. ]

Feeling better than before, Edamame?

[ Makoto slides his gaze away from the crowd to look up at Laurent. The way he looks over Laurent is more reverent than anything sexual, lingering over his torso and chest for more a second with no real sign of embarrassment before leisurely finding Laurent's face. His expression is still languid with the mix of alcohol, aphrodisiacs, and the impact of the fireworks. It's making it more difficult to concentrate, not that he's putting up much of an effort to now. Sitting here together is oddly relaxing for him. ]

Of course. It was too hot. [ Though he's still noticeably flushed, from his ears down. And then he's looking back out on everyone again. ]

Everyone looks so happy. Isn't it nice?

[ There's another sigh, followed by some peaceful, slow paced rambling, slurring slightly as he stops caring about trying to sound more sober than he is. ]

This celebration makes me feel like... I don't know. Like it will all be okay, somehow.
I mean, I've already done so many things for the first time here,

This is the best one so far, I think.

Edited (too many typos) 2020-12-24 04:54 (UTC)

[ Makoto's got a face on like he's been partying with some of Laurent's old friends in Paris. How sweet. He is sure he will be unhappy later, but there's something charming about this rare, content Makoto.

He gives him an amicable pat on the knee before resting his elbows on his own thighs and his head on his curled fists bent forward in some attempt to support his heavy head. He just needs some time to process everything and this place is just so wonderful right now, he is in no rush to run out just yet. ]

Yes, they are, aren't they? Sometimes, you need to accept things a little and enjoy yourself in the moment like this. You'll miss out on a lot less fun that way.

[ he smiles without looking over at him, listening to Makoto's voice blend with the ambient sounds of revelery and the ongoing fireworks overhead. ]

It will be ok once you've got your sea legs. You worry far too much , Edamame. Otherwise, all the 'things you try' won't be nearly as fun.

[ Makoto glances at the hand on his knee, but doesn't jump. The warmth of his hand lingers long after he's removed it. It's not Laurent specifically, but the circumstances surrounding them. Makoto looks out at the crowd again, only this time there's a tug like he actually does want to go join them. For a moment, he pictures it. As brief a feeling as it is, it does scares him enough that he shuts his eyes and takes a few deep breaths.

Then he seems fine, pulling his legs up to sit cross-legged and resting his head in one hand lazily. He's looking over at Laurent, more thoughtfully than he has any right to while also looking that dazed. ]

Maybe you're right. But I can still do things at my own pace.
An experience is only fun if you actually enjoy it.

Right now, this is enough.
[ As he gestures at pretty much everything around them. ]

By the way, do celebrations always make you less of a connard?

[ But he's smiling like what he just said is the funniest thing in the world. ]

Edited 2020-12-24 05:26 (UTC)

[ He hums thoughtfully, feeling more heavy and spaced out now that he's seated. He doesn't doubt he could fall asleep at any moment, given the opportunity. He's not ready to give up on the festivities yet, though. It would be too disrespectful to just nap when he should be paying worship to this place.

He glances over at Makoto, letting out an amused sound as he huffs out a breath through his nose. ]

You should take it all at your pace. You have the time to. For better or worse, there's not much that's rushed in this place and people will help you out if you're still getting your feet wet, so to speak.

[ Feet wet, dick wet... same thing in this place.

He chuckles, shrugging his thin shoulders. ]

I would hope most would be less up un connard when at a party.

Mm. I will.

[ Makoto doesn't feel like forming any more words, just a soft laugh and a hum of agreement as he shifts his gaze again. His train of thought derails while watching everyone and it's nice to just exist here with everyone again. He's finally silent for a few moments, his mind peacefully quiet which is rare.

Then he blinks, turning his head almost fast enough to make him dizzy, as if he just remembered something important that he'd forgotten. His brows furrow, trying to drunkenly read Laurent. ]

... You don't have to babysit me, you know.

[ He feels like he should be probably be embarrassed at what he's suggesting, but he isn't, and fixes his eyes on Laurent's. ]

[ Laurent's content to let the silence settle over them, focused on the revelry ahead of them. Maybe if he settles and just soaks it all in, his body will calm down. He's never successfully willed himself sober before, but it doesn't hurt to try.

He raises his eyebrows in brief confusion at Makoto's comments before he starts laughing, waving off the comment with a hand that's been raised away from his chin. ]

M'not, m'not. Just figured you'd run off when you were ready... n'maybe I'd get someone to get my ass back up the stairs to... ah...

[ He raises a hand and motions towards the apartments looming nearby, attached to the temple. ]

Là, er -- [ He huffs, looking ahead, brows furrowed. ]

Maybe Eustace is feelin' generous tonight.

[ Makoto just watches him, dropping his head into his hand again. Even drunk, he raises an eyebrow like he doesn't believe him that he's not being babysat. If he wasn't here, he has no doubt that Laurent would've been naked a while ago. Not that he considers it in the moment but if Makoto didn't have so much artificial respect for him as a reveler and for the whole celebration as a whole, he'd probably have already left. For now, his head is still infected by enthusiasm for the celebration. The worry now is whether he is being a hindrance to this most sacred holiday.

He's quiet, considering whether he's just being a burden at this point. Maybe he should leave? Makoto's mulling that over as his gaze drops from Laurent, not really focusing on anything in particular. It's a longer walk back to where he can sleep, so his pragmatism wins out on at least staying until he's a little more sober. ]

Let me just, sober up a little more?
I should head back soon anyway.

[ Makoto says, falling quiet again. But he doesn't really seem upset, more tired all of a sudden than anything. ]

[ Laurent waves one spindly hand around dismissively, some of his obnoxious jolliness coming back finally. Makoto isn't wrong. By now, he'd definitely have been ass out if he hadn't run into Makoto.

What Makoto doesn't realize is that his presence is far more important than enjoying himself at some party, though now the whole event feels far more weighty and necessary. ]

Take yer time, take yer time, Edamame! No rush from me.

Ahh... you said you have somewhere to go back to, correct?

I did.

[ Makoto bristles, a little more in character for himself for a moment, still drunk but the fireworks seem to be waning just slightly. He still doesn't seem to mind the naked people but he does idly glance at his shirt like he's considering putting it back on before turning back to look out again. Makoto rubs at one of his eyes, trying desperately not to yawn. ]

I told you, I can handle myself.
[ And then under his breath, though it comes out as almost an annoyed sigh. ] I'm not a kid.

Oh good. Hopefully it doesn't stay shabby for long, but you'll just have to work hard!

[ He chuckles, looking over at him with a brief flash of fondness as he fights a yawn. How cute. He's so huffy but in the end, Makoto is totally wiped out, too. By the looks of it, he notices, he had reason to be more worn out.

So he's already getting 'introduced' to the nature of the place. Good luck, Edamame, he thinks. ]

I know you aren't. Just don't get in over your head, hm? You're as out of your element as I am.

[ Makoto doesn't comment on the shabbiness. He feels like Laurent is just fishing to find out where he's staying, and he doesn't trust himself not to say too much this drunk. Last thing he needs is Laurent showing up uninvited. He'll probably find out eventually, but he might be able to buy himself some time by keeping his mouth shut now. ]

Seems like your element to me.
[ Makoto grumbles, not quite frowning but it's the closest he's come to it since the fireworks hit him. The trickery, the sex, the nudity-- all of it seemed right up Laurent's alley to him. ]

Edited 2020-12-27 00:32 (UTC)

For better 'er worse, I almost always did this -- [ He waves a hand in the air vaguely, trying to insinuate the conditions of the island in the least descriptive way imaginable. ] for fun and not food, so not quite. Almos', but not quite.

[ He checks his device and starts picking through his screen, looking for a particular name. If Makoto is winding down and, slowly, sobering up, he feels more comfortable heading home before he regrets his choices. ]

I figure you know howta use this thing by now, then? To contact people?

[ Makoto nods in response. He turns away from Laurent to hide his yawn as he grabs his shirt and starts buttoning it up. Makoto's working on his vest when he turns back to Laurent, glancing down at his own device. He better get moving while he's still awake enough at this point. ]

Yea, more or less. It's not too different from a phone.

[ Makoto stands, taking a moment to stretch before putting his hands in his pockets. ]

Well, cya Laurent.
[ Laurent even gets a small nod out of Makoto as he turns to walk away. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TDM 008: A WALK IN THE THEME PARK

00. Arrival

I. SIX FLAGELLANTS

II. LIKE A FIREWORK

III. MISTLETOE

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