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TDM 010: PARTNER UP, PARTNER
| TDM 010: PARTNER UP, PARTNER |
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” barracks. Your inventory will be found a day later, wrapped up haphazardly and delivered to each person's makeshift home. I. Laid Bare Basics There is a new addition to the scenery at the beach, and everyone is welcome! Especially new arrivals, who will be ushered to the recently-established Laid Bare Spa, where (provided they don't slip away from the bots' helpful grasp) their uncomfortably wet, sandy clothing will be stripped away and they will be lovingly pampered by the cold metal hands of the resident robots. Long-time Islanders and newbies alike are welcome to enjoy such amenities as hot and cold baths, sauna rooms, scrub-downs, thorough whippings with birch brooms, skin treatments, massage and energy work, and more! All rooms are thoughtfully decorated with tasteful murals of naked and disrobing bodies. Maybe you'll see someone you recognize?! (Maybe you'll see... you?) Islanders who happen to find their clothing mysteriously missing are welcome to borrow a Laid Bare branded towel to cover up with on their way home. II. Tattoo to You, Too The Augur understands that sometimes, it's difficult to find a partner to indulge you in those favorite Auspicious Acts - especially for new arrivals, but surely even long-time residents could benefit from a little assistance now and then. That is why ever-benevolent entity has gifted Her precious Islanders with tattoos which feature their most secret, urgent, and/or shameful of desires! (Even if that desire is to simply complete a Bingo.) The tattoo may be a picture or a word, and it can appear anywhere on the body. At first it is pleasantly warm to the touch, like a soft glow of light on your skin. It soon becomes apparent - through either robot advice or a notification on your communication device - that your task is to find a match for your tattoo and complete the depicted act with that person. The longer one goes without completing the act, the more the tattoo seems to heat up, until it feels like it is burning into your skin. Take too long, and the tattoo may become permanent. Otherwise, the tattoo will fade within hours of completing the Auspicious Act. [ For TDMers: feel free to select any favorite kink for this prompt! If you complete a kink that doesn't appear on your card, you may switch one square for the completed kink. For current players: by participating on (tagging into) this TDM, you may switch one kink into your card (it must be the kink in the toplevel prompt you responded to). ] III. Creepy Crawly Caterpillar Crawl Are you on the hunt for credits? Then have the robots got a task for you! The 'bots of the Nameless Island are recruiting Islanders to go bug collecting in the caves, crevices, and hollowed-out logs of the wilderness. The quarry? The (shudder - literally, the robots will shudder) doom-summoning harbinger bug. They describe these creepy creatures as fat, fuzzy, and rainbow-colored, with long, fluffy antennae that look like rabbit's ears. The robots describe these critters as so dangerous that Islanders should only hunt them in pairs. Should your team return successful, you both will be rewarded very handsomely for every caterpillar caught! The bugs are typically very docile and seem to enjoy soft pets, judging by the cooing and squeaking noises they make (especially to scritches behind their "ears"). Poke or disturb them however, and they may bite! Body parts bitten by angry caterpillars will swell up cartoonishly, and can only be treated by having someone else suck the venom out. Good thing you're traveling with a partner! The 'bots strongly recommend against keeping these little buggies as pets, but they're not your dad. N A V I G A T I O N |
Xiao | Genshin Impact
[Those who happen to be exploring the beach may see a figure in the distance, isolated as he watches the robots crawling the shore. At first glance, he appears youthful, maybe a little lost, but as one studies him, they will be able to see the tension in his shoulders, the determined expression etched into his features, his body a taut line ready to snap - to battle.
In truth, Xiao is not youthful, nor is he human. And that weight on his shoulders is no ordinary burden.
Like the other new arrivals, he was spit up by the sea and deposited on the shore, into the hands of those robots. But unlike those who allow themselves to be ushered into the spa, he had stalked off immediately after receiving his bracelet, rejecting the towel and spa excursion entirely.
As such, he's still dripping with water and plastered with sand, though he makes no attempt to do anything about it. He's too busy running his fingers over the mask on his hip, as though considering putting it on.
Are you a newcomer? Did you happen to be cast onto the shore right next to Xiao, only to have a robot encroach on your space to hand you a towel? Or maybe you already received your welcome package and a robot is currently attempting to push you toward the spa. Either way, he'll gladly step in front of the offending machine, with a curt but well-meaning:]
Stand back.
[Because his duty is to protect, and he will extend that to whomever needs his aid against suspicious robots.
...Or perhaps you just want to say hello? Feel free to approach him.]
02. Tattoo
[It may not be obvious at first, given that his arm is already covered by tattoos, but nestled in the crook of his arm, colored in a similar shade of green, is a tattoo that doesn't match the tone of the others: one hand resting atop another, a symbol of touch perhaps, or maybe comfort.
Xiao ignores it. Even as it starts to burn, even as the pain reaches a near-intolerable level, Xiao ignores it.
He has existed for somewhere around two thousand years - and he has suffered throughout much of that time. A little physical pain is nothing - nothing, he insists to himself. He's been through worse and come out of it with his sanity still in tact, if not his karma.
But here...here there is no one to play a flute to still his mind; there is no one here capable of giving him a much-needed moment of peace.
So if someone happens to pass him by despite his best efforts to isolate himself in a more remote area of the beach, they may catch sight of him clenching his fists. They may hear him growl. They may even hear him say it to himself, low, firm, but with a quaver:]
This is nothing.
03. Wildcard
(Open to other general scenarios (no smut just yet). If you want to work out details feel free to PM me!)
1-ish! just lmk if you want changes
or: kaeya is schemin', as kaeya is wont to do? it's why he initially hangs back as he spies someone daring to go toe-to-toe with a particularly persistent robot, waiting to see if any assistance is required—and if said assistance would be worth his while. the robots are pushy, yes, but not hostile; he doubts this person is in any sort of danger.
and yet something catches his eye all the same: the familiar glint of what appears to be a vision, attached just above this stranger's wrist. interesting! so interesting, in fact, that kaeya soon presses forward, sidling right up to this strange scene.]
Now, now. There's no need to fight.
[hi, buddy. hello. hope you don't mind kaeya draping this towel right over your head, because that's precisely what kaeya is doing before addressing the robot.]
See? All taken care of. [which means little, coming from him, so as he glances over at this newcomber—] Isn't that right?
[the robot is ~watching~, as much as a robot can—and while kaeya can't wink, the energy is definitely there. a winking vibe... can u feel it...]
same with this, lmk if anything needs to be changed!
(But that is exactly the problem here: this is not Liyue. These are not the evils to which Xiao is intimately connected. He is not part of the pulse of this land, as he was back in Liyue, and being forcibly disconnected from all that he had sworn to protect is disorienting.)
He might chide the mortal for being so careless, but then comes the towel.
As times have changed in Liyue, so too have the people; there are some who revere the adepti less than in prior eras, who have the gall to impersonate them for monetary gain. But no one has shown Xiao such casual disrespect to his face before.
A beat passes while Xiao processes this surprise. Then:]
There is little 'right' about this situation. Least of all, your lack of respect.
[He sees your wink energy and raises you an expression of utmost disapproval, though he's poised as he pulls the towel off of his head - at least, as poised as one can be. If he happens to brush away some of the dripping water in the process, he will call it a happy accident.
The robot isn't advancing further, and though Xiao is still prepared to fight it if necessary, he eases off enough to turn his attention on Kaeya instead.]
I see you are keen on upholding Mondstadt's reputation.
[The freedom to disrespect one's elders, as it were.
That's right, Kaeya, he sees you. Well, kind of.
Kaeya seems familiar in that vague way that many people do when Xiao takes note of them. Perhaps he had been to Liyue in the past; perhaps he had uttered Xiao's name or partaken in the Lantern Rite festivities. It's possible that he registered within Xiao's consciousness before, but so have countless others.
He doesn't know him, but he can at least recognize him as originating in his world. Couple that with his attitude and outlandish outfit, and it's easy to guess where he comes from.]
it's perfect... sorry, xiao 😔
...well! someone so serious is sure to have a swell time, once they wander away from the beach. that in and of itself is almost as interesting as that anemo vision—which, in turn, pales in comparison to that callout, because hey: (mostly) nailed it in one. it's rather impressive, hence the lift of his brow before he brings a hand to his chin, glancing upward. time to feign thoughtfulness... hmm, hmm, hmm...]
Mondstadt's reputation... could it be our famed hospitality? Or perhaps it's our generosity. [he did give xiao a towel, and he is keeping that robot at bay by virtue of his presence, so! so. as he looks back down at xiao, smile widening:] You flatter me.
[be the bane of this irritating evil, king. please. but while he could probably continue right along, he drops his hand to his chest, going for a slight, yet respectful, incline of his head. no need to make enemies.]
My apologies if I offended you. I just know how... persistent our friend can be, when it finds someone in need.
[the friend, of course, being the robot, and case in point: it's still here! creepy!]
no subject
Namely, this kind of irritating behavior.
He would simply walk off without further comment, as there's no need for him to entertain a human intent on being...like this. But: the robot. Xiao eyes it again, a fleeting glance before looking back up at Kaeya, still unimpressed, but maybe with a fraction less disapproval than before.]
Your apology is accepted, though you would do well not to look for empty praise in criticism in the future.
[Words of wisdom from an adeptus! It's your lucky day, Kaeya. Please feel free to write them down and do consider that your payment rendered for your current role as a shield against robots.
...But it isn't like Xiao needs a human's protection from anything, let alone these towel-wielding monstrosities. Xiao knows he could fight them on his own, and he would be a poor excuse of an adeptus if needed a human to protect him. But there is the matter of Xiao not wanting to cause trouble in this new land. He will defend himself and others, and he doesn't take well to being forcibly extracted from Liyue, but that doesn't mean he wants to be the cause of trouble. That isn't his nature - it goes against what he is meant to do.
So: Kaeya-shield it is, though hopefully not for long. Surely the robot will move on eventually. Maybe if Xiao sighs and uses the towel some more? He tries it - takes it and pats his head, his neck, all the while looking unenthused. He speaks to Kaeya as he does so.]
How skilled are you in fighting?
[Walking up to strange robots in a strange land without a care in the world? Insulting an adeptus and being cheeky about it? Kaeya better be a decent fighter, because he's asking for trouble.]
no subject
...and really, who knows just how long they'll be standing in this spot? because as xiao, like, halfheartedly dries himself off, kaeya casts a pointed look over at their nosy friend. if this one is anything like the ones in the spa—which kaeya is sure that it is—then it's the clothing drawing its attention; stripping lonely newcomers down seems to be these things' raison d'être, and offering any sort of resistance just means they'll summon backup. annoying. not something kaeya wants to deal with, especially when there are other, easier options, so:]
An interesting question, [is his easy reply, because while his vision is hanging from his hip, he's just stepping right around that, thanks.] Is there a reason to fight?
[like, does this guy... know what this island is all about? does he know.]
no subject
Surely you are not as big a fool as you are making yourself out to be.
[To originate in a world where there are monsters and threats in droves - and to be forcibly removed from that world and deposited here, by something powerful enough to summon even an adeptus -
Is there a reason not to fight, would be the better question.
Xiao wavers - only barely, only briefly considering that this human might actually need real guidance, because his cavalier attitude seems to warrant it - but patient wisdom isn't exactly in his repertoire, and this man doesn't seem to have his wellbeing in the forefront of his mind, anyway.
He huffs and resumes toweling, now looking away from Kaeya entirely, off to the water, thinking of duty - and of the archons they presumably left behind.]
You cannot expect anyone to rescue you here. [Oh-so-begrudgingly, given his lack of connection with his land, and given its hold on him despite the power he has:] Not even me.
[In case Kaeya had somehow come to the conclusion that this short, ornery stranger would be able to save him from the theoretical threats that he will very likely bring down upon himself.
In short, Xiao knows nothing about the island. He merely understands the importance of being able to defend oneself - and that being able to do so with skill, not just with gifts bestowed by gods or elemental prowess, is especially important in a land that doesn't follow the same rules as their own.]
02!
...He doesn't recognize him. He feels as if he should, something about him intrinsically familiar—perhaps the unique style of his dress, something he had seen during his travels to Liyue, or the mask on his hips that reminds him of... of what? He isn't sure.
(Of himself, younger, furious and wounded.)
Regardless, he'll step closer to investigate, mindful to stay outside of (human) striking distance. He wagers the stranger's mood would only be exacerbated, should he be cornered. ]
...You're unwell.
[ It isn't a question but an observation, albeit an unhelpfully obvious one at that. And while Diluc does mean to help, his attention is briefly drawn to a certain glimmer above his fellow newcomer's wrist, an elemental marking he immediately places a name and place to. ]
—You hail from Teyvat?
[ That isn't really a question, either, but his surprise puts the inflection of one in his voice. And also a measure of tension in his own stance. (Though he hasn't been given direct reason to feel threatened, he knows to tread cautiously where the power of the gods is concerned.) ]
no subject
...But these aren't his demons, as unrelenting as the pain may be, and this world isn't bound to the same conventions as his own. And this stranger doesn't seem to be a fool, for at least he is keeping his distance.
And in speaking to him, he is providing a much-needed distraction, however minimal.]
A physical ailment.
[He says it through clenched teeth, but the comment is meant to be dismissive - there are worse afflictions, and even his very life force is often battered for the sake of his duty. This human can carry on his way without concern.
Or - wait. Hearing that second question, Xiao does his best to ease out of his tense stance, to unclench his fists and fully turn to the human - to look at him, while also presenting himself as a being worthy of his role (just ignore the still-present grimace on his face).]
I do not simply 'hail from Teyvat.' [Strained, but still marginally chiding.]
[What a distastefully uncomplicated way to describe Xiao's somehow severed connection to Liyue; he was part of it, and it was part of him, and now -
But this man is doing him a kindness in his attempts to speak with him, and scolding him is only going to drain Xiao's energy further. He scales back and qualifies:]
Liyue. You have traveled through its lands. [Not a question, because though his isn't quite as sharp as he normally would be, under this pressure of pain, he recognizes the man in a vague way - he knows of him, in the way that Xiao knows of anyone who comes through Liyue or happens to speak his name: with distant familiarity.]
no subject
But could this be a recurring symptom of an illness? Or— ]
Your tattoo. Is it causing you great pain?
[ An educated guess, based on experience. His dour mood is understandable either way. Diluc is no more pleased himself to be stranded on these foreign shores, at the mercy of another god and its strange, mechanical servants.
—Liyue. Diluc stiffens a little, wondering if he should be wary of being recognized. He's certainly a public figure, but the way the stranger speaks it, it feels vaguely personal. Like he ought to be aware of him in return. (Perhaps it's just paranoia, a habit built up from so many years spent checking over his shoulder.) ]
...Beg pardon, but have we met before?
[ He would think he'd have some recollection of someone as inconspicuous as this lad, though his travels to Liyue had never lasted very long. (A fraction of a three-year sojourn across the seven nations of Teyvat; an occasional business trip to discuss trade logistics; a lead regarding the Abyss Order; or simply a brief excursion with the Traveler, at their behest.)
He's ultimately bound to Mondstadt after all, though his body may be mortal, with mortal limitations. ]
no subject
It's...bearable.
[By his relatively skewed standards.
But since it has now been acknowledged, Xiao allows himself to lose some of his bravado. He doesn't give into desire to clench his fists as he had earlier, nor does he vocalize the pain beyond a barely audible groan, but he does lose his composed posture, dipping his chin and pulling his arms tightly to his side.
This conversation, at least, offers him a point of focus that keeps his attention off of the increasing sensation of burning, so when he answers, it's with more patience than he might otherwise afford.]
I am acquainted with [a hint of a pause as Xiao maintains control over his reactions to the tattoo] all who pass through Liyue. No monster can survive my spear, no [another pause, longer this time] demon can withstand m-my -
[Xiao has a flair for the dramatic and would love to regale Diluc with a speech about how Seen he and the rest of Liyue truly is, but it's remarkably difficult to elucidate at length when the tattoo is only getting more painful.
So he clips his lengthy explanation and instead finishes with:]
No one escapes the watchful eye of the adepti.
[Not even you, Diluc.]
no subject
The pieces aren't all quite there, but something approaching understanding clicks in the back of Diluc's mind. He knows of the ruling archon and divine servants of Liyue—there is no secret to the rich history of the country, readings which Diluc has done long before ever stepping foot in the land.
As to which of the adepti this young man might be ("man" now being used to refer to his appearance moreso than his metaphysical makeup), his speech and attire are something of a hint. (A warrior that vanquishes demons...) Nevertheless, this is well enough outside Diluc's expertise that he refrains from crystallizing a conclusion right away, on so little basis.
More urgently, there's a shift in this stranger's demeanor, fractures in his composure as the pain seems to best his demonstration of stoic restraint. (Again, all too familiar to Diluc.) ]
It seems no one is able to escape the clutches of this island, either.
[ Human, Visionbearer, adepti... Forgive his bluntness, but he's now deeply contemplating how they've all been swept up and stranded, without prejudice, on this scrap of rock, mist and ocean. ]
I'm afraid your affliction will only grow worse should you choose to ignore it. If you're inclined to trust me, then know that I've already tried.
[ He pauses, but not for too long, because simply talking at him isn't going to resolve anything. And while he ought to be careful where he extends his help, Diluc is not so heartless that he'll ignore a plea (however unspoken) right in front of him. His father had not raised him to be that way. ]
—What is it you need? Or rather, what does your mark indicate.
[ What could a powerful immortal possibly desire...? Diluc doesn't exactly have the confidence he can be of any service at all, but it would be remiss of him not to offer it. (And from a purely practical standpoint, it would be better to help an adeptus than to potentially make an enemy of them.)
...Though, from the way this one behaves, Diluc wonders if he'll cause affront all the same. ]
no subject
Trust is irrelevant. [Though he can, at least, recognize that this man is offering assistance whereas others might expect the opposite, such as a blessing or some other form of adepti guidance.] There is nothing you can do for me.
[As though his desire is something ethereal, unattainable, impossible for a mere human to accomplish. He bolsters this statement by standing there unmoving, staring at Diluc as though there is some fault in his offering, as though he is behaving loftily for even considering he could provide what the tattoo purports to understand about Xiao's basest most desires.
It's rather dramatic of him.
Especially because once he decides to brandish the mark on his arm with a put-upon sigh - thinking that once he shows it off, the man's curiosity will be satiated and he will cease with the well-meaning advice - he reveals it to be the incredibly simple image of one hand atop another.
Xiao doesn't want for much. He doesn't need food or sleep. He doesn't desire human comforts. He is content with his role, regardless of the toll it takes. He needs nothing beyond his ability to fight - and the duty he must perform.
And yet...
But that is not for this human to concern himself with. And to make that abundantly clear:]
Humans are not meant to stay in the company of adepti for long.
[Let alone touch them.
Of course, those are the rules of their world, not this one - and even back in his own world, there were exceptions that did not result in catastrophe. Specifically, his time with the Traveler, and his time spent at Wangshu Inn. But exceptions are merely that: exceptions. They are not meant to become the norm.]
no subject
He won't presume to know which it is, nor will he be deterred in the slightest by his extravagant claims. (Guess who else is needlessly stubborn... This guy right here...) ]
I haven't found reason yet to believe the "Augur" makes such discernment.
[ They've been gathered here for the same purpose, and so Diluc speculates the same rules that apply to him apply to all arrivals.
He holds out his hand, beckoning the other to take it. ...He's curious, after all. (Perhaps a little overly confident in himself, but surely he's survived worse?) ]
Regardless, I'd like to see the results for myself. If you'll indulge this human a simple experiment.
[ His fingers curl out, fully revealing his open palm. ]
I assure you I'll be on my way soon enough.
no subject
But can he be blamed for his resistance? To have spent lifetimes avoiding contact, existing merely to fight through darkness, only to have all of that nullified? At least, back in his world, the breaking down of his barriers had been gradual, careful, the Traveler worming his way into Xiao's presence with almond tofu and thinly veiled requests for protection.
But this?
He looks at Diluc's hand with disapproval.]
You should not be so eager to cast aside the old ways merely because you are in a new land.
[Despite his words, he moves to take it.
It feels like giving in, when he forces himself to reach out his hand. It feels like an acceptance he doesn't want to offer - an acknowledgement that he isn't bound to his duty here, that the ways of the adepti hold little worth. When his fingers brush against Diluc's palm, a sense of loss settles within him.
But - no half measures. Xiao has conquered countless threats to Liyue's safety; this is a small hurdle in comparison. He fully commits.
And for better or for worse, as he curls his fingers around Diluc's hand, he feels a little less alone.
It feels warm.
And to avoid further thought on the subject, he speaks again.]
How long before you are satisfied?
[It is easier to glance at his tattoo in expectation than it is to look Diluc in the eye.]
no subject
So perhaps he's a little surprised himself when the young man finally relents, when he realizes the hand placed in his is that much slighter than his own, lighter than what the weight of an immortal's burdens should be.
...It isn't that he touches something divine, but something human. Vulnerable, almost fragile—something to be hidden behind a mask, guarded behind a sharp edge. (He grazes a mirror, a self-projection, and for only a moment he's the one who wishes to withdraw.)
Diluc relaxes instead, bows his head and prudently keeps any observations to himself, his eyes also trained on the tattoo tucked against the crook of the stranger's arm. He may not have familial ties to Liyue, but he'll offer a certain respect just the same. ]
That is dependent on your condition. If your symptoms are not abating, I won't detain you here. You may need to seek another to undo the— [ curse? spell? ] mark.
[ Which... may be difficult given his state. He won't offer to carry him—he has no doubt how terribly received that suggestion might be—but if he has to... he will. ]
no subject
They are —
[Xiao falters. The pain may be fading, but so too does the impulse that led to him to take Diluc's hand in the first place. Xiao feels progressively restless, and stiffens past his initial bravado, especially once he makes the mistake of looking up at Diluc's face rather than keeping his stare trained on his arm.]
Fine. Improving.
[One might expect Xiao to relax as a result, but the slow ebb of painful distraction means his judgement is no longer quite so compromised. He has no choice but to acknowledge what he has done here — what he is still doing — and the simple yet startling fact that he doesn't mind it. That a part of him does want this — an act of comfort, the feeling of being handled with care — when it shouldn't.
Not because of the rules of their world, nor because of the threat that his energy might have posed, but because Xiao's hands are tarnished with lifetimes of slaughter, covered in so much karmic debt that he should withdraw immediately, before subjecting this human to more of it — regardless of any actual consequences (or lack thereof).
He would pull away, but the mere consideration sends a fresh jolt of pain through his tattoo, as though it chides him. So instead, he squeezes Diluc's hand a little tighter, caught up in his internal struggle. When he speaks again, he looks away entirely, off toward the water.]
I will not forget this.
[It's spoken tersely, but he is referring to Diluc's kindness and understanding, for he has been more intuitive and respectful than Xiao would have expected. Were it not for his small sacrifice, Xiao would still be suffering.
Perhaps because those words are yet another step toward accepting this island and its expectations, the burn of the tattoo lessens further.]