TDM 002

[erkumods]

TDM 002: IF FOUND PLEASE RETURN TO

( 1 ) Around mid-morning, a message from the Augur appears on bracelets all across the city. "New organisms discovered. Domestication in progress." The wark of a chocobo rises up from the outskirts of the city. Several more join in, forming a charming chorus. And, strangely, this is when new arrivals begin to show up. Beamed in one at a time, scanned en masse, they are processed just as the first wave was. There's one major difference: whereas the old guard was given their bracelets and ushered into the City, the new folks are also given... collars. Buckled, snapped, or otherwise fastened around their necks, a variety of colorful collars with some rather unusual novelty pet tags. (These are just a few suggestions. The typical “If found, please return to ____” is also very much acceptable.) "You are new organisms. Domestication in progress. Compatible Eros energy will complete domestication." No matter how hard they try, characters cannot take the collars off by themselves. They need a partner's help - but not just anyone will do. It very well might be the first person they find, or it might take several tries. The robots grow bolder as the day grows on, targeting characters who aren't new, as well. "Y̶o̶u̴ ̸a̷r̸e̷ ̵o̵r̵g̶a̴n̷i̷s̶m̸s̶.̶ ̶D̷o̶m̴e̴s̶t̶i̶c̵a̸t̶i̸o̴n̸ ̷i̵n̸ ̴p̸r̶o̵g̷r̵e̷s̵s̷." Their antics die down by nightfall, but for the next day or two, the occasional malfunctioning 'bot may accost someone in the street, so stay on your toes! ( 2 ) An abandoned racetrack lights up the night. That's right: place your bets, folks, because these birds are about to run around a track while robots sell synthetic, overpriced aphro-popcorn. ...Did you say priced? That’s right! If you participated in the orgy earlier this month, you'll find you have a stash of credits accessible in your app. You've fucked money back into the world, so why not waste it? (Opportunities to earn credits will come up periodically and won't always be sexual in nature, so don't worry if your character wouldn't have any yet.) And if you don't have credits to bet with, why not get creative? ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● N A V I G A T I O N

Comments

[flamebond]

[ Oh he'll get an eyeroll, it's only a matter of time. Still, something in the sharpness of his own acidic eyes seems to soften with the response. A little less like he's baring his metaphorical teeth and a little more like he's willing to play nice. He happens to like pink, after all. It would've been tragic if they had to get in a fight over it. ]

Don't think so. Pretty likely I'd end up lopping your head off and believe me, I've got enough on my conscience.

[ Axel waves one hand, as though he's waving the very thought away. But then he snaps his fingers and puts one finger up, like he's thought of something. ]

Unless that thing locks like mine does. Then I might have a solution for you.

[aeroll]

[ he happens to like pink too ok? he just doesn't like pink on him.

it's a nice color on other people, but let's be frank here, pink on red makes him look like the poster boy for a bad valentine's day card. ]

Locks like your does? [ yea, let's skip over decapitation and go straight to real solutions. ] If you're gonna say I have to fuck this shit off, then you can save your breath. I already heard it. I already tried it. [ he tugs at the tight band with a finger. ] Fuckin' bust.

[flamebond]

[ He laughs. It bursts out like it's been surprised out of him. It's not like that kind of language isn't familiar to him, but the crowd he ran with before preferred a more refined way of speaking. Old habits die hard, it seems. ]

Thanks for the tip. I'll keep that in mind.

[ But back to the point, Axel taps his throat. The cute little heart sits in the soft dip of his clavicle, and in the middle is a clear hole where a tiny silver key would go — if it existed. Unfortunately, he's had no luck finding anything that looks remotely like that, or anyone that can pick a lock. ]

Mine is pretty obvious.

[ He puts his palm out, gesturing with his fingers for his mirror to come closer. ]

Let's have a look.

[aeroll]

[ oh, was he not aware then?

narrowing his eyes at the little lock on the redhead's collar, reno gives his head a shake as he taps at his neckband. ] I don't have a lock on mine. [ but even as he says it, he is closing the gap between them again. ]

It's a stubborn piece of shit though. [ he cranes his neck to the side, showing him the adjustable buckle. ] Tried to take it off myself, but it won't budge. [ like it's been sealed shut by whatever magical bullshit this place has going on. ]

[flamebond]

[ When he's close enough, Axel ducks his head a little to get a better look. He's very tall, but that also seems to be a trait they share. Axel only looks taller because his hair gives him more height. One gloved hands lifts and he slides his fingers underneath the collar, leather against skin, turning the clasp so he can look at the buckle. When he exerts a little pressure it pulls the redhead slightly toward him by the throat, but he only seems to be testing the give. Then he keeps rotating it until the buckle is against his adam's apple. ]

It's still gotta be a magic lock.

[ He takes half a step back and puts his right hand out. In a burst of heat and fire, Flame Liberator appears in his hand, and he spins it once to rest the stylized blade against his shoulder. The handle looks like a chakram instead of a regular hilt. Over all, just as flashy as Axel himself. He cocks his head, smiling. ]

What's your name anyway?

[aeroll]

[ what, the guy comes with accessories now too?

reno eyes the manifested weapon in his hand warily. quite the summon, ain't it? if he could do that with his emr, then it would sure make his life a hell of a lot easier. what other tricks does this asshole have up his sleeves anyway? reno ain't enjoying the disparity between them as much as he'd like.

he doesn't think he's gonna attack him though, even if he is ready for that potentiality. still, he's pretty sure he doesn't like where his lookalike's mind is going with this. can't be anywhere good. ] You're not planning on using that on me, are you? [ he doesn't trust anyone going near his neck with a sharp tool, disregarding whether they have good intentions or not. ] And the name's Reno. [ he arches a slender brow at him. ] What's yours?

[flamebond]

[ It would definitely be a lot more obvious if he were. As it stands, his weight is mostly cocked on one hip and his grip on the Keyblade is loose and casual. ]

Sure am.

[ He makes a shooing motion with his hand to make more space, taking another step back so that he can lift the weapon between them on a straight arm. All together, between his arm and the reach of the blade, it's nearly as long as he is tall. The blunted, curled end of the Keyblade points right at Reno's throat. ]

My name's Axel, the guy hopefully about to free you. Got it memorized?

[ He smiles, all charisma, and taps his temple with one finger. ]

Now don't move, I don't want to miss.

[ And the Keyblade starts to glow in his hand. ]

[aeroll]

[ crazy— he's fuckin' crazy if he thinks that he'll just stand here and let him take a swing at his neck with that thing. ]

Shit. [ not a fucking chance. ] What the hell, yo? [ it's just a split second, but in a flash of blue, he's behind him now, safe from the point of his weapon. ] Axel, yea? [ you insane bitch. ] You might wanna take a guy out on a date first before you use your blade on him.

[ jeez... ]

I'm not a guinea pig here. Got that memorized?

[flamebond]

[ In his defense, he isn't actually swinging it. He blinks when Reno disappears, then lowers the Keyblade and the glow simmers back out before he turns around. Axel gestures by opening both arms, trying to look disarming. Maybe not so easy with a giant weapon and that long black coat — but he's doing his best here. ]

Hey, don't be so nervous! This is what Keyblades do, unlock things! I mean... they do other things, too, but that's besides the point right now.

[ Flame Liberator stays pointed down, but he puts his free palm out. ]

I'm not gonna hurt you, come on. Do you wanna just wear that thing forever?

[aeroll]

[ he doesn't know what he plans to do with that 'keyblade' or how it's used ok?

and let's just say that reno doesn't have the blind trust needed to put his life in the hands of a complete stranger. it would be fucking stupid of him. ]

I'd rather take my chances fucking this thing off. [ at least there won't be a significant risk of decapitation. (once again, no fucking clue how that weapon works.) ] Why don'tcha test it out on yourself first? If it works on you, then I'll give it a go.

[flamebond]

[ The Keyblade vanishes in a little burst of flame, and Axel raises both hands in a shrug, shaking his head. ]

No can do. I can't unlock myself.

[ Well, he knows how to unlock his heart but he's only just gotten that back, thank you very much. ]

And none of the other Wielders are here.

[ But more importantly, Axel cants his head and squints, somehow expressing suspicion and humor all at once. His hands are back on his hips. ]

Anyway, didn't you say you tried that already?

[aeroll]

[ ehhhhhh, he thought that he would reply with some bullshit like that. typical. ]

Then I guess shit outta luck for you too. [ he doesn't sound remotely sympathetic. ]

Yea, I did. [ a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders. ] But no harm in giving it another try.

[flamebond]

[ He's really not that bothered by the collar. It's not doing anything to him, other than making his neck kind of itchy sometimes, and if he's honest he thinks it looks kind of cute. Of course, if he were running around with a big bold inscription like Reno's, he might be a little more concerned.

Axel cocks his head and raises an eyebrow, something arch creeping into his expression. ]

Are you using this as some kind of pick up line? "Help me get my collar off, surely it'll work at some point."

[aeroll]

[ he'll agree. the collar does look cute on axel, but that's only because axel ain't him.

he breathes out a laugh at his question, an amused smile spreading across sharp features. ]

I don't need to use this [ he yanks at the collar with one finger. ] to get laid. If I wanted to fuck, there are better ways to approach someone. [ he isn't the type to play coy or beat around the bush, straightforward and unabashed. ]

How sleazy of a guy do you think I am? [ RHETORICAL. ]

[flamebond]

[ He'd leaned forward, just a touch, and now straightens back up — but that eyebrow remains firmly fixed in place. ]

I don't know. Do you have a heart?

[ He's not going to understand that, even if Axel can appreciate the morbidity of his own humor, so he pushes on right away before Reno can answer. ]

So is that your plan? Work your way through the whole town until something changes? You know doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity.

[ He's paraphrasing but, whatever. ]

[aeroll]

[ okay, congrats. he earned an eye roll. ]

I said I'd give it another try. Didn't say I was gonna keep going at it, yo. [ he isn't that big of a moron. ] And it's not like I'm putting all my eggs into one basket here. I'm gonna test out other methods too.

[ he narrows his eyes at him and his shitty collar. ]

Anyway, [ he holds up his wrist to show the bracelet wrapped around it. ] we still got this piece of shit device, remember? Even if I don't get it off on the next try, I can at least take care of another box. Ain't all for nothing then. But you— [ he arches a brow right back at him. ] Don't tell me you're just gonna leave that on forever.

[flamebond]

Oh, are you? [ He needles, but it's more playful than mean. ] Like my Keyblade?

[ Is he subtly maybe calling Reno a coward? Yes. Yes he is. But figuring that this isn't going to change Reno's mind right now, he lets it slide. Axel spreads his arms, like he's showing himself off. ]

It kind of matches my outfit, don't you think?

[aeroll]

[ go ahead and tease him. he would rather be called a coward than be a dead man js.

ain't even gonna humor him with a reply to that. ]

It does, [ his smile widens pleasantly. ] but it'd look way better with a leash on it. [ :) ]

[flamebond]

[ Yeah, Axel is well acquainted with the pleasantness in that smile. The kind that takes deep pleasure in the idea of watching someone kneel. It doesn't put him off, exactly, but yanks on his memory like that aforementioned leash — a burden carried over from this name he's still using. Instead of tensing, his shoulders seem to relax, almost cocky. But this guy hasn't got half the presence Xemnas did, and Axel had still thrown ten years of loyalty back in his face in the end. ]

No offense, but I don't think you'd have it in you. I don't just answer to any shmuck off the street barking orders.

[ He raises his hand and twirls his finger. ]

That little teleporting trick was pretty neat, though.

[aeroll]

[ a laugh slides out, smooth as water.

he didn't expect the guy to take it like that. ] Did I say I wanted to put one on you? [ the 'shmuck' is a nice touch though. not the worst thing he's been called. it's almost cute. ] Naughty mind. [ he taps the side of his temple with one finger. ] But I ain't lookin' to recruit right now.

[ his brows raise in bemusement. teleportation, huh? ]

Thanks. [ as if he's gonna explain it to him. ] It comes in handy.

[flamebond]

[ Axel folds his arms, then raises one, knocking his wrist back with his palm up and his knuckles to the floor. ]

It was all over your face.

[ Which, seriously, it's still really weird. If they stood next to each other someone could really easily mistake them for brothers, or twins, despite the subtle differences. He almost wants to drag Reno over to the nearest reflective surface just to satiate his own curiousity.

Back to that other thing. He knows it wasn't really teleporting so much as — what was it Riku called it? Shadow stepping? Axel had never mastered that particular ability. But the ozone left behind wasn't quite the same, so teleporting it is. Regardless, it's enough to pique Axel's competitive energy and he smiles like a cat. ]

Let's play sometime, Reno. I'd like to know what else you've got up your sleeve.

[ But then, just as suddenly as that cunning look had appeared, his expression shifts and his eyes brighten like he's just got an idea. ]

Oh! Do you know how to pick a lock?

[aeroll]

[ well, he won't lie and say that he wouldn't snap a leash on him if ever given the chance. it would be far too enjoyable to pass up.

maybe it's a little strange considering the facial similarities between them, but the idea honestly doesn't repulse him. ]

'Play.' [ he drawls out the word, eyeing him keenly. ] I'm pretty sure our definition of what we consider fun and what qualifies as play don't align. [ he's competitive in an entirely different way. ] But sure, I'll see what I can do.

[ is the guy gonna ask him to try and pick his collar? ]

Yea, I do. [ a beat. ] But I've got nothin' on me to pick one.

[flamebond]

[ He can tell the guy is dubious, but that doesn't really put Axel off. Not only is he competitive, he's relentless when he puts his mind to something. He might have kept his very extensive appreciation for napping as much as possible, but he hadn't been an assassin just because he slept all day long.

Regardless, Reno's response makes him light up. Finally! ]

Okay, well, what do you need? Let's go find it.

[aeroll]

[ he doesn't even know the half of it. reno didn't become second-in-command of the turks by keeping his hands clean. ]

I need sumthin' thin like a paperclip or a bobby pin.

[ wait for it. ]

But I don't remember agreeing to help you out, yo.

[flamebond]

Come on, you've got nothing better to do.

[ Aside from continuing to molest people on the street to see if they can cut his collar off. ]

And I didn't say I'd ask you to do it for free.