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TDM 012: SLINGING IN THE RAIN
| TDM 012: SLINGING IN THE RAIN |
00. Arrival 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. If you don’t manage to get away from them quickly enough, they may even usher you toward the Laid Bare Spa, where new arrivals will be offered free massages, a sauna, hairstyling, and their clothing may come up permanently missing. But you will be given a complimentary towel to leave with if needed! Feel free to explore the Island, though there isn’t much to see beyond what arrivals before you have helped to rebuild. 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 place to live in the now, whether a rundown apartment in the City, a tent on the beach, a bed in the barracks, or your own space at the House of Worship. Your inventory will be found a day later, wrapped up haphazardly and delivered to each person's makeshift home. I. THUNDERBOLTS AND LIGHTNING Erku's new arrivals may not be the only residents left dripping wet. Although the weather on the Island is almost always dreary, clouds begin to multiply and darken over the days before that first arrival, turning ominous shades of purple and blue which may look familiar to Islanders who have been around since Erku's beginnings. Perhaps robots will advise Islanders to fortify their shelters and get ready to accept refugees, and they hope their charges take the warnings to heart! When the rain finally falls, it is a non-stop torrent. Even though the weather is warm, the rain itself chills to the bone. Shacks and beach tents won't stand up to the downpour for long, and the shabby apartments may leak and flood. New arrivals who aren't handy enough to make quick repairs may be forced to take shelter in the homes of current Island residents, or else huddle together in the 12 rooms of the barracks for the full week that rain falls on the Island. Cats, dogs, and little dragons will also be begging Islanders for a warm place to stay! Beware of lightning strikes, too, because the skies rumble with thunder throughout the storm. Buildings and residences are frequently damaged by strikes. They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and that's very true on Erku - Islanders who are struck by the lightning might find themselves temporarily blessed with god-like super strength. Such power might not always be a good thing for those who aren't used to wielding it, so please be careful not to damage your friends or property! Islanders may choose to keep their new powers, but a bingo square can be used to wish them away. II. A TASTE OF ERKU In need of shelter and credits? Then the robots have a task for you! Erku's robot population has taken note of how much Islanders seem to love the humble potato, and they want to contribute! Ready as always to please, the robots have filled the hospital cafeteria with mountains of potatoes in every imaginable variety and color: russet, red, gold, purple, chartreuse, sweet, savory, spicy, and so many more! But wait, there's more: they have provided knives, cutting boards, and peelers too, and are eager to see Islanders work their magic in their open cafeteria kitchen! Robots will monitor every dish produced, as they are eager to improve their food replication repertoire. No worries if you aren't culinarily skilled, however. Islanders will be rewarded in credits for whatever they can contribute, whether it's a gourmet meal or simply a basket of peeled potatoes. Robot-provided potato preparations are also freely available to snack on while you work, though as always, they're liable to be spiked with something to encourage Islanders to get more "friendly" with one another. Of particular note is an invention the 'bots are quite proud of, sure to delight your organic tastebuds: the potato cocktail, which packs quite a punch and - strangely enough - tastes just like a hearty steak dinner? III. NOSTALGIA FOODS Seeking a bit of refuge and some comforting food to warm you up? Signs and flyers are out informing residents of the Straight From Home Special going on right now at the Flashbang diner! Come In For All The House Favorites! For the next few days anyone can walk in and receive a free meal (or two if you’re really nice) from the robot cooks behind the counter! And it just so happens that they know exactly what you want. You will be served a meal of your favorite foods from home just the way you like them. Did you tell them? No. How did they know? Don’t bother asking, they’ll just say that the Cook Always Knows. The robot waitresses will make sure your drinks are topped up and you have everything you need, just like any hometown diner or pub you may have heard of. Eating any of the foods will bring out such nostalgia. Feelings of fondness, sadness, longing, anything when you think about the memories of your past and even of recent events. You won’t be able to stop yourself from sharing those thoughts and feelings with those around you. You’ll want to talk about your life, your opinions on the weather, the sex you just had last night and in great detail. The waitresses are listening and so is everyone else nearby. When you leave the diner you might just have to keep on sharing your thoughts about anything that comes to mind. Walk by someone you think is attractive? You’ll have to tell them. Don’t like someone’s outfit? Definitely have to tell them. Suddenly remembering having sex on the beach? Maybe the person next to you on the trolley won’t mind hearing all about it! The effects of the nostalgia will last for half a day or until the completion of an auspicious act. N A V I G A T I O N |
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Huaisang lets out a cry of joy and relief, making a beeline for Jin Guangyao. It's hard to run on the wet sand in such heavy clothes but he keeps going, throwing what meager cultivation he has him toward his goal.]
San Ge! Help me! Please!
[He begs, teary eyed, daring to cast a fearful glance behind him at the rather insistent puppets chasing him down.]
I think they're possessed! I don't know what to do!
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Huaisang?!
What are you doing here?!
[Still if out of pure instinct he pulled the boy behind him. The robots whirred approaching closer. He could never really help himself with the younger man.]
Those are the metal men that help people on this island. I don't think they want to hurt you...
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[That sure is a distressed and frazzled voice as Huaisang ducks behind Jin Guangyao. As for himself, he doesn't even question why the other man would be here now. He'd been there where'd he'd just come from though now he has more distance from the puppets, he notices something strange.]
San Ge, your clothes are dry...
[It comes out in a distracted mumble before he's peering over Jin Guangyao's shoulder at the strange metal puppets.]
W-What are they? Are spirits controlling them?
[It's the only possibility that makes sense to him right now.]
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Why wouldn't my clothes be dry A-Sang?
[He looked over to the robots who had seemed to give up on their current quarry, instead just humming warily at a distance.]
I think they are some sort of technology. The deity here seems to have something to do with it, but I'm not entirely certain at what magic controls them.
You said Da-ge hit you? Are you injured? Can San-ge see?
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[Once the puppets' attention has been diverted, Huaisang pulls the torn cloth away from a rather deep looking gash on his upper arm. Now that shock of the blow and strange transition to this island has passed, the pain of the injury is starting to set in again and he whimpers a little like an animal caught in a trap. The salt water, and whatever weird fish may be lurking in the sea, probably isn't helping.]
D-Da Ge went crazy and started attacking everyone... He even attacked me. It was after the conference and... Don't you remember this? You were there, too. You were holding me back, telling me that Da Ge didn't know us.
[And the teary eyes are back as he meets Jin Guangyao's gaze directly. He sniffles.]
Da Ge wasn't well. I'm worried about him but the sea won't take me back there, will it?
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There would be no point in reminding him of this pain. Instead, he pets Nie Huaisang's hair gently.]
I...I remember.
It won't we are someplace far away from home.
A-Sang, please sit here. San-ge will be right back with something for your wounds. Can you do that for me?
[He knew that this boy grew up to be the man who murdered him, but right now all he could see is the same scared Huaisang he had always been. This was his weakness, wasn't it?]
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I'll wait here.
[He walks over to a large rock and sits down on the sand in its shade obediently, drawing his knees up to his chest. There's sand all over him now and he desperately needs a bath and clean change of clothes. It's not like he knows his way around or has any place to go anyway.]
....If the puppets come back, you're sure they won't harm me?
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I’ll be sure to fly over and save you from the puppets.
[He made his way to the robots himself, and explained the situation as well as requesting medical supplies to take care of the wounds. They made a few brrrring noises but relented the supplies. He came back jumping on the rock next to him. ]
I don’t think they will bother you. Can you take off your robes so I can examine the damages?
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As deep as the cut is, it'd been a wild glancing slash. Had Nie Mingjue struck his younger brother at full strength, he would've lost the arm completely. As it stands, it's just an ugly, inflamed incision. And quite probably infected by whatever germs are in the sea water here.]
It hurts, San Ge. I know he didn't mean to do it. He didn't even know I was there.
[Even in a rage and no matter how contentious their relationship had become, Nie Mingjue would never mean to do him harm. He has faith in that.]
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His fingers worked diligently, trying to be a gentle as possible.]
I know. He's been getting worse.
[The words were something he had said back then as well it was like deja vu almost.
He bandaged him up and pressed a clean cloth to him to help and dry him off.]
Is this better?
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[Huaisang slumps a little, exhausted and unconsciously leaning toward Jin Guangyao. He just got here and he's already tired. All he wants to do now is just curl up someplace comforable and warm and take a nap.
There's nothing he can do for his brother now, not when an ocean and possibly more than than that separates them now. All Huaisang can do is hope that Nie Mingjue's rage stops and he recovers soon. Of course, none of that helps him in this situation. Where does he go? What does he do? He just doesn't know.
So Huaisang just reaches over and casually rests a hand on Jin Guangyao's shoulder.]
I'm glad you're here. I don't know what I'd do on my own in this place.
[He gazes through his lashes at Jin Guangyao, a faint ghost of a relieved smile on his lips.]
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[He always had a hard time saying no to Huaisang. It was almost second nature at this point.
That expression hurts his heart more than anything else. How lonely he must have been planning for his death so long. How much he had to keep that hatred in his heart. And just smile and pretend to be who he used to be. As someone who has had to do that most of his life, he knew the toll it takes.
He knew it was unethical to just allow him this peace right now, he will probably have to tell him the truth someday. Wasn't it fine that he could just let him be happy in this new life? Huaisang was not someone he had meant to hurt on purpose but he did.
His face had softened. His hands trailing through his hair gently.]
Well, the first thing we do is get you out of these sopping wet clothes, get you a warm bath and some hot food. We can figure out the rest later.
Come home with me? I can help take care of those things at least. I think you would fit into my underrobes as well we're close in size right?
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In the meantime, Huaisang is soothed by those gentle fingers passing through his hair, quite comfortable with this simple act of intimacy. His face brightens at the offer. After all, he's always enjoyed Jin Guangyao's company very much. In their world, he'd always wanted to spend as much time with him as he could steal away from his brother and that awful strict regimen. And at least here, there is one person he can trust for certain.]
I'll come with you. All of that sounds so wonderful. I wasn't sure where to go or where I could say.
[And any instruction the puppets may have had was lost in his panic and confusion over what they were.]
They should fit me just fine. I'll wear anything so long as it's dry but if it's yours, I know I'll be comfortable!
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Ah, I've only arrived here myself, a few weeks ago so I am new to all of this as well.
[And even those two weeks consisted of fucking both a friend and an acquaintance in the most awkward way possible.
He smiled, hopping off the rock and onto the sand. He placed Hensheng down and offered the other man a hand to help him down if needed. He was going to have to be careful holding Huaisang while flying with the injury on his shoulder, and it'll be slow but he could certainly fly them both over.]
I should probably warn you before we go. Apparently, the Unclean Realm exists here. It was here before I got here and the person who is the caretaker of it has allowed me a modest residence there. I thought I should warn you ahead of time. I nearly fell off Hensheng when I saw it myself.
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Huh? But how can that be? Why would it -
[Huaisang's words break off as another strange vision hits: a rundown cottage, an unfamiliar man in black and red holding him with an expression of concern, a profound feeling of self-disgust and a desperate plea to see his home again. For a second, he leans against the rock, a little disoriented until the images pass. As soon as they're gone and all feels right again, Huaisang takes a deep breath and steps onto the sword.]
Is it far?
[Somehow he doesn't think it's far. Or at least, it shouldn't be. Within walking distance of the beach for certain.]
This caretaker... Who are they? Do you trust them?
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No, not far at all. But I'd rather fly you with your injuries so you can get that warm bath sooner. [He took a moment to gather Huaisang's discarded robes off the rock and tucked them away in a pack he was carrying. He was going to have to place a request for a qianqun bag pretty soon.]
His name is Shen Qingqiu, He's a cultivator probably stronger than the ones we know of. I feel like I can trust him. He gives the air of a scholar and is really interesting to have conversations with. He had offered me a place to stay even though he didn't know me well and that is kindness.
I feel like you two may get on well. [With that he stepped on Hensheng, and offered a hand to help Huaisang up.]
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[A powerful cultivator taking care of the Unclean Realm doesn't sound too bad. That he's a scholar certainly piques Huaisang's interest, having always been drawn to that lifestyle himself much to his brother's frustration. Of course, it's not really necessary anymore, is it? There's a Nie now and it's the ancestral home of the Nie clan, after all, however, strangely it happened to wind up here. Not that Huaisang is a hurry to take charge anyway, at least not until he has a better understanding of this place. His ancestors would never forgive him if he simply surrendered it but he can bide his time and get his bearings first.
He takes Jin Guangyao's hand and steps up onto the sword.]
Hopefully, we do. I want to thank him for taking care of the place. And sheltering you, too, of course.
[It's somewhat comforting to think that he might get to live in his own home. It's as safe and secure as anything.]
Is anyone else there? It'd be awfully big for just one person to manage on their own.
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That is kind of you. I'm certain you two can work something out now that a Nie is back home.
[He thought about it humming softly into his shoulder.]
Let's see, I haven't met everyone yet and the Unclean Realm is so big that it is easy to avoid people if that is what you're doing... I think there are other cultivators living there, though not too many of us. Certainly not as many disciples as there once were.
The only one I have met so far asides from Shen Qingqiu is Master Xiao Xingchen, who owns the cafe that I work at.
[The Unclean realm had come into fuller view, however it was probably emptier than he had remembered as well as having that odd statue that just stripped people. Jin Guangyao was careful to avoid it at all costs. Instead, swerving and landing in the courtyard nearest to his small residence.]
Welcome home A-Sang.
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It looks so empty now. The air is different somehow...
[He murmurs, a little unsure of how he feels about that. It's surely much too big from a handful of cultivators to defend, even one who's powerful. The walls and roofs seem intact though and that's what's most important so he relaxes a little bit.]
Xiao Xingchen, huh? I've heard he does good deeds. Da Ge had dealings with him once. I think it was over that criminal.
[Not that Huaisang had paid especially close attention to it. He'd had other things on his mind like his hobbies, when Jin Guangyao's next visit would be and what he should wear for it, or whether he was going to die by the end of saber practice that day. When they land in the courtyard, Huaisang caresses Jin Guangyao's cheek once more before stepping off the sword onto the courtyard tile.]
Thank you, San Ge.
[Huaisang turns and offers the other man his good hand to help him down.]
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It does. Doesn't it? But it is at least nice to be somewhere familiar when we are so far from home.
[Jin Guangyao was very familiar with that whole debacle, considering what he had done to prevent certain executions. Even though he had slept with Xiao Xing Chen and agreed that he was a kind and righteous man, he would never want him to know his involvement with Xue Yang's head still being attached to him. ]
He is a kind man, he helped me as well when I first arrived. [Never mind the slight flush at the thought of what the help had involved. Instead, he takes Huaisang's hand and steps off Hensheng, and sheathing her.]
Of course. [It was a given. Even with what happened, he just couldn't help himself. This younger Huaisang would need to be cared for and caring for people helped stabilize Jin Guangyao.]
So, did you want food or a warm bath first?
[He led him into the residence, a lot of it looked similar to what he was used to but there was anachronistically some ugly IKEA furniture scattered about. He places Hensheng in her place by the wall and turned to him. He looked apologetic.] They were here when I got here.
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It's not your fault. I'll look into the matter later. Perhaps this Shen Qingqiu might know what happened to the furniture. He seems as good of a lead to start with as any.
[Huaisang rubs a hand down his face.]
A hot bath first. I want to get all this sand off of me before I do anything else.
[Jin Guangyao's right now. It is still nice to have familiar surroundings - and company - so far from home. And being taken care of is just what he needs right now after such a long taxing day.]
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It's functional for the time being, we can always replace things later, I suppose. Ah yes, probably best if you don't fling sand everywhere I suppose.
[Which reminds him, he should probably tell him the type of things that are expected of them here. He gestured for Huaisang to follow him to the adjoining bathroom, it was much more modern looking than anything that existed back home and he reached over to turn the hot water tap as Xiao Xing Chen had shown him. Dipping a hand to make sure it was at temperature. Hot but not too hot.]
Isn't it marvelous? They added all this magic that heats up the water automatically.
[Then he turned off the tap as it had filled. He sat back on his feet.]
I should probably warn you about a few things, You see that bracelet that the puppets had given you? I have one as well as does every transplant on this island.
[He couldn't help the color that came across his pale face.]
Umm.. hmm.. well in the bracelets there are these squares and those are things to do to help bring life to the island. I think it has something to do with a certain type of energy that certain actions produce?
[Okay he was talking in circles. This wasn't productive.]
Huaisang, are you ready to live out one of your dirty novels? That's what this island is like. All the food, everything will make you want to...well fuck. [Sometimes the most vulgar words were the most efficient.]
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When the other man starts to stumble over his words, Huaisang looks over, curious at first, then a little amused. The flustered blushing and embarrassment is endearing, honestly, and he smiles like a cat just catching sight of a yummy fishy. It's charming enough to distract Huaisang from parts of the explanation but at least, it's simple enough follow and pick up the general gist of what he's supposed to do.
Live his life here like a character in one of his erotic novels. That's easy enough to do and if it takes his mind off his troubles back home that he can't do anything about, so much the better. Huaisang has wanted more firsthand experience for quite some time now. He doesn't even bother examining his own bracelet before gesturing for Jin Guangyao to come closer.]
Show me your bracelet, A-Yao?
[It'd be a little strange to keep calling him 'san ge' with what he's considering. In the meantime, Huaisang grabs a cloth and starts washing himself.]
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That expression he was giving him was also something else entirely. Jin Guangyao suddenly felt like he was a piece of meat ready to be consumed. Still, he moved to lean forward over the bathtub to show him his bracelet.]
Here you go. This is mine. I've only filled about one so far..
[Considering it had only been a month was something. Especially after his decade-long dry spell. This place was strange and embarrasing.]
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Of course, he's thought about this before. Jin Guangyao is his closest friend, one of the only friends he has other than Jiang Cheng and most of the time, he doesn't know what to say to his old friend. What does Huaisang say to a ill-tempered man who's lost everything while he continued to live a sheltered life? He has a hard enough time talking to his brother nowadays. And as much as Huaisang likes Lan Xichen, he's more his brother's friend than his own in his mind.
Jin Guangyao's always been different. Special. And it wasn't until Huaisang had watched his collection of treasured gifts from him go up in flames and felt a rage ignite toward Nie Mingjue that he's begun to question just how and why that might be so. Now's not the time to dwell on it overly much though. There's still time to sort all of that out later. For now, Huaisang's letting his impulses guide him. He's not ordinarily this bold but this is a special circumstance with an equally special person and he's willing to make an exception, considering.]
Get in the tub with me? I think it's big enough and we're small enough that both of us should fit. I have an idea that might help you out with this.
[Huaisang will worry about his own card later.]
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(Cw: here be smut)
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