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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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"We do, yes." The man answers quickly, looking round to decide what's the shortest path to reach the Hangar, then heads to the left. "From different worlds and times too. The augur seems to be fond of that universe, although it pulls people from all dimensions at once."
Looking over at his new companion, Peter gives a small smile and a curious look. "So...you're another pilot, or you have simply heard of them?"
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"Gundams... from multiple worlds?" That was just crazy to think about. More worlds than just his had built Gundams. What were they like? Were the Gundams at all similar to theirs?
"I was a Gundam pilot back home."
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"Ugh, damn it.... Everything about this planet is very peculiar. I've met people from my same world, but they were from a different point in time than me. So that can happen too. As for the giant robots, there's a variety in the Hangar. I think Dorothy called hers 'Mobile Dolls' and not Gundams too."
Peter pauses under another awning for a brief second, giving Trowa a look and then a smile. "Cool. The ones I've met here had always been a bit secretive about their occupation, but we generally get along well." He even had a conversation with Heero that didn't involve any death threats. "What's your Gundam called? Does it have wings too? You should check if it's in the Hangar too, my ship appeared out of the blue."
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"That is very strange... people from the same point in time."
If Peter happened to be looking at Trowa when he mentioned Dorothy, Trowa actually showed some genuine emotion there. He practically bristled and his eyes grew dark. He didn't like the idea that she was here. Sure, another woman could be named "Dorothy", but another one with her own mobile doll?
But he shrugged it off after a moment. "Secretive? Sounds like ones I know." Heero. "It is called Heavyarms. It was made for long-range fighting."
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"It's an experience, let me tell you." He didn't specify if it was good or bad, better not to think about it for too long. The look of annoyance didn't go unnoticed, but Peter didn't know enough about Dorothy's relationship with the pilots to make sense of what Trowa must be feeling. He was polite enough to not ask, not yet. That was a conversation to have indoors, dry and more comfortable.
"Do you happen to know a pilot with a very long braid and another who is allergic to smiling?" That was Duo and Heero, alright. Peter asked with casualness and an unmistakable hint of fondness in his voice. "Good name, it sounds fitting too." He waits another moment and makes a sign to Trowa as they start walking again.
"Ey, we're almost there. Would you like to the spend the day at the ship? I have rooms to spare, and It doesn't look like the rain will be stopping anytime." The weather seemed to be getting worse as time went by and Peter didn't know how long it would last, or if things would end as badly as they did when the blizzard hit them a few weeks ago. He didn't like the idea of Trowa staying on his own with this weather.
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"Duo Maxwell and Heero Yuy." Yep, he knew exactly who Peter was referring to with just that information right there. "I didn't name the Gundam, but I do think that is fitting."
At the offer to spend the night, he nodded his head once. "I would appreciate that."
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Silent comfort was good, but it would probably be more effective once they're not walking around the city to get away from the rain. The dragons seemed to understand humans just as well as any other small pet did, which is to say, sometimes they listened, and sometimes they didn't. In many ways, they reminded peter of scaly cats who could breathe fire.
"Got it in one. Were you all on the same side of the war then?" He asks just to know what is he dealing with. Peter has no opinion about wars that are from another world, it's not his place to judge, but it helps to know if two people will try to kill each other on sight or not after finding themselves in the same room.
They finally made it into the Hangar and the blond lets out a sigh of relief when the building stops the elements from giving them more grief. At his feet, the dragons shake themselves like dogs to get rid of the extra water clinging to their scales. When Paku Paku does the same, still perched on Peter's shoulder, it splashes his face with raindrops prompting him to let out an Oi, careful. before he smiles at Trowa.
"Good then, it's no problem. My ship down that corridor." Some more walking, thankfully this time there's no wind or rain hitting them from every angle. The hangar isn't exactly warmth, but it's nicer here than outside. There are rows of different ships, shuttles, and vehicles around them, Trowa might spot some familiar big robots too.
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Trowa couldn't help a faint smile watching as the little dragons shook themselves out, including Paku Paku the adorable gargoyle. The water didn't bother him much. He was already wet enough to not care if he got wetter.
Trowa followed after him, but of course, as they were walking, he spotted the mobile suits from home... including Heavyarms. "They are here."
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Now that they didn't have to worry about the rain, the dragons looked much more lively and ran around a bit, playing. Trowa would have more reasons to be amused by their antics. Peter would too, if he wasn't carrying so many mags with him. At least his ship was near. He looked over towards the younger man when he spoke again and sure enough, that's not a Gundam he had seen before.
"You weren't kidding about the long-range, uh. Is that a Gatling gun?" There was a joke to be made about overcompensating for something, but Peter decided to behave for the time being. "I like the colors."
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He watched the dragons' antics. He was definitely amused by them. He had never seen anything like them before so he couldn't help but watch them for a moment before Peter spoke again.
"It is. There is also a blade in the arm for when it runs out of ammo."
Not if... when.
"They weren't my choice either, but they are good colors."
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The dragons, - minus Paku Paku, since she was still perched on Peter's shoulders-, scurried forward towards the direction of the other ship. Then they paused, looked back at the others in puzzlement, and made some small growling yips that sounded like a question. Humaaaans, why are you not moving? It's cold here! Peter sighed, far too used to their antics.
"Let's get moving. I'd like to know more about your Gundam, but it would be better if we talk somewhere warmer." Besides, the bags he's carrying are pretty heavy, Peter wants to put them down once and for all. He started to walk again when he's sure Trowa was following, and they reached the Milano in no time.
"That's my girl." Peter announced with pride, waving a hand towards the metallic blue and orange bird-like spaceship in front of them.
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Trowa nodded in agreement to getting somewhere warmer and followed after Peter, especially when the dragons were so eager to get them to follow. He looked up at the ship as they walked up, surveying it with interest.
"Impressive. Not like one I've seen before."
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Peter rearranged the bags on his hand and gave Trowa a pleased smile. "Thanks. It's not an uncommon class hip in my universe, but its engine was modified by Rocket to be faster and more efficient. It also comes with central heat."
Which was Peter's way of saying they better get inside. The mini dragons were already running up the ship's ramp and waiting by the door to be let in, like eager dogs. JJ let out a mewling sound but this time she sounded less angry, just impatient. Peter tapped a code in the electronic panel next to the door and welcomed Trowa in as soon as the door slid open. It was warm inside, even if they were in the cargo bay, and Peter led his little troupe towards the main room of the ship.
"Can you leave the bag on the table? I'll put everything in the kitchen later." Peter's busy putting his own bags down and opening the cat carrier so JJ can step outside. As soon as she's free, the cat moves towards a group of pillows in the left corner of the room, plops herself there, and starts licking her paws.
"Make yourself at home, I'll go get you a towel, so you can dry off."
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Trowa didn't need more of a hint. Central heat was a good thing right now and the little dragons might as well have been yelling at them to hurry up as they wanted to go inside. So Trowa wasn't going to delay them, following them up the ramp and inside once the door was opened.
He glanced around as he walked, still following Peter to where he was heading. He nodded his head once in agreement, putting the bag he had been carrying on the table. He watched JJ as she finally exited the carrier and went over to the pillow.
"Thank you."
He went over to find a seat, looking over at the dragons, watching to see what they were doing. He was very curious about them. They were kind of cute.
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While all the pets and his new guest get settled, Peter fetched a couple of clean towels from the bathroom and a box of treats for the dragons from the kitchen. He's learned that giving them dried chicken when they behave makes it less likely that they will try to raid his fridge and cabinets. He came back just in time to see one of the little dragons, Denver, jumping on Trowa's lap to ask for pettings. The view made him chuckle.
"Here, give the dragons some of these. That way they will behave...as much as they're capable of behaving, that's it." Peter offered him the box and the towel. "Do you want something warm to drink? I can make tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. I'm partial to the latter."
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Trowa had been looking around the room that they were in and blinked in surprise when Denver suddenly jumped into his lap, but he was more than happy to provide the requested pets. How interesting that they were very similar to dogs that way.
He looked up, still petting Denver, as Peter came over with the box and the towel. "Thank you." He took the towel and put it around his shoulders before taking the box. Since one of them was in his lap, he needed to have a good control of the box. "I'm good with whatever."
And he would start giving the dragons treats, starting of course with Denver since he was closest before offering treats to the other two.
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"Welcome. It would be awful luck if you caught a cold on your first day here." Peter was using a towel to dry his own hair, a mess of wet curls, as he looked at his guest.
The dragon on Trowa's lap made a happy sound at the petting and turned on his back to offer more of his belly to be scratched. That's it, until it spotted the box of treats. In a moment, the dragon was sitting upright, snout open and tail wagging behind him. Paku Paku and Warlock were by the teen's feet in a second, making 'GRAWWWW' sounds and standing on their hind legs to receive the treats.
"Seriously, guys? You ate about, 3 hours ago." Peter shook his head, but he was clearly amused by the whole display. "Hot chocolate it is then. I think you'll be busy enough even if I'm not around. Don't let them bully you into giving them the whole box."
After one last amused smile, Peter grabbed the bags they left on the table and headed to the kitchen. First, he put the food on the cabinets and fridge, then started to make the hot chocolate, filling the air with a sweet smell.
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Okay, they were just getting cuter by the second. First Denver asking for pets and belly scratches and then that sound they made saying they wanted treats and the way Denver was wagging his tail. Yep, they were definitely interesting and Trowa would have to learn more about them.
"I will make sure that they don't."
Trowa was certainly fair about treats, making sure that everyone got the same number of them. Peter would probably hear Trowa from the other room reminding one of the dragons that "you've already had one. This one is his." He was at the very least trying to keep order among three tiny dragons who all wanted treats.
He could eventually smell the hot chocolate and it smelled good.
sorry for the delay, I missed the notifs for this tag
Once the bad weather was over, Trowa would have an easier time spotting more of the dragons living all over the city. Because of the rain most had left to find shelter, they would come out soon enough, and they were too noteworthy to miss.
"Thanks, man. Shout if you need anything."
As Peter moved around the kitchen, he did indeed hear Trowa talking to the dragons, and laughed in amusement under his breath. He came back holding a tray with two mugs of hot cocoa with marshmallows on them and grins at the view that greeted him.
"Little devils, aren't they? They're lucky they're so cute."
it's no problem, darn missing notifs
Trowa didn't really need anything while he was gone at least, familiar enough with dealing things quite a bit larger than these chubby little dragons to be concerned about them trying to get more treats than he was willing to give. Still... they were getting a good snack. He was not stingy but he was fair.
"They are. Are there many of them in this city?"
Gosh, that hot chocolate did smell good.
Thanks! it was very rude of them >:[
Peter left the tray on the nearest surface and handled one of the mugs to Trowa, making sure it was out of reach of the dragons. Then again, they could fly, so getting them out of the way of things was something tricky.
"Yes, they're not uncommon. They appeared in the city out of the blue one day, like the geese and other animals did. Maybe it was the Augur or perhaps someone wanted to use one of their rewards to ask for dragons. Anything is possible with them."
Very
He nodded his head in thanks and picked up the cup of hot chocolate, keeping it up away from the closest dragon after he took a sip of it. Then he asked, “What happens if you do go?”
He regarded the dragons as he told more about them. He’d have more questions about them, but the hospital question seemed more of a priority right now.
Yep
Peter sat on a nearby chair and soon enough JJ was rubbing against his pant leg, trying to get his attention so he puts her in his lap. He did so with a soft smile on his face, murmuring a soft 'someone's feeling less grumpy,uh?' before turning his attention to Trowa.
"Nothing too bad, I imagine, but robots are very blunt and impersonal. And chances are that once you start feeling better they might try to get you to hook up with someone. That is what they do, since this planet thrives on sexual anergy or something like that. I don't fully understand it myself."
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He smiled faintly, seeing that the cat was doing better now.
Well, since that question had been answered...
"All of the dragons look similar to these ones?" And he'd give the dragon closest to him a pet.
We can start wrapping this one up if you want
"They do. Small and chubby, they just come in different colors. Once the weather improves, you'll see them around. Sometimes new animals will appear, or new locations...it's all created by the Augur, sometimes at people's request, sometimes not."
Peter took a sip of his drink, humming at the taste and already feeling much warmer than before. The rain shows no signs of stopping, but they're safe now, and it's only a matter of time until more of his friends join them.
Sure we can do that