ercookies | TDM 014: A DAY AT THE FAIR

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TDM 014: A DAY AT THE FAIR

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.

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I. HAY FEVER

A new mode of transportation has made an appearance! From one end of the fairgrounds to the other, and even sometimes off the beaten path and into the wilds, robot-horse-drawn hay wagons shake, rattle, and roll. And, of course, what are hay wagons great for? Anyone fancy a roll in the hay?

Anyone who is taking a hay ride will see their A5 card flash - and they will be given the option to trade one square for the vehicles square. (New players engaging in this prompt can call it a freebie.)

But beware! The wagons roll at all hours of the day and night. At night, the spooks come out to play! Rides will be "haunted" by frightful spooks played by machines and your local Islanders. The 'bots will hire anyone interested to don their favorite slasher costume or ghostly garb. After all, everyone knows that fear and adrenaline are related to attraction, right? Just another thoughtful service provided by your generous benefactors.

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II. Acute Beef Poisoning

How about an eating contest? Multiple competitions are held throughout the fair: hot dogs, hot dogs, pies -- just use your imagination! Of course, there's always the chance that you've been recruited to be "eaten"... So sit back and enjoy the ride.

For those of you with an exhibitionist streak, all contests are held in front of an audience.

Be careful, ye who eat here, because the pies in particular have been known to have the following effects (with a two-hour duration):

Meat - A simple aphro pie; a character finds themselves craving a very different kind of meat.
Apple - Temporary amnesia befalls those who've tried the apple pie. The effects can be as great as forgetting your entire identity or as minor as forgetting what you've had for breakfast.
Cherry - Look upon the very face of innocence! All guile falls away from this character, making it impossible for them to lie.
Strawberry - The compulsion to follow orders may be strong sometimes, but the strawberry pie comes with the compulsion to give orders instead.
Blueberry - Oh no! You're looking a bit... off-color? The blueberry pie turns a character's skin blue for the next two hours.

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III. BRODEO

Last but not least, try the mechanical contraptions of various sizes - equipped with equipment of various sizes as well! The objective of this game is to last as long as you can.

Thirteen Hand Sam is the smallest of the mechanical horses. It has no attachments, but instead vibrates until the rider orgasms.

Mechanic Mike is the second mechanical horse. With a modest six-inch dildo, it bucks its rider around until orgasm.

For those who like a real challenge, the mechanical bull -- the Bonine -- is a two-person contraption that straps each rider in with their own dildo. They sit face-to-face on the thrashing machine, within touching range, able to encourage each other to come (and to lose) more quickly.

Ride like you've never ridden before, or comfort someone in the aftermath of a job well done.

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N A V I G A T I O N

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Okay.

Wow. Poor Su Minshan. That is quite the place the Augur had decided to drop him in on. What a mess. He decided to take pity on his friend. Jin Guangyao put the funnel cake back in its bag and hopped off the table, walking over to clasp a hand over his wrist.

This poor man.

Well, not as poor as the man who was tossed off that bull. Ouch. He winced as the unfortunate bull rider lay face down and ass up on the hay floor.

He was going to drag him away now. He pulled him off to a quieter area away from most of the weirdness of the fair. He reached down into his saddlebag and pulled out a bottle of water and offered it to him.

"Minshan...Is this better?"

"Ah," His voice was frail as it left his lips. His eyes unfocused as he found himself lead away with little regard as to by whom. Surely any sight was better than what he had just come to witness. His eyes first focusing down on the small dainty hand which grabbed at his wrist, only traveling up slowly as he was lead off away from the crowds and the bulls.

Stopping only to bow his head down low in reflex. His mind had not quite processed the voice he heard, and yet somehow, he managed to respond with his usual respect. "I'm sorry. I don't know what had come over me. I..."

--Wait.

It was at that moment that the familiar tone of the conversation began to click. Feeling his own body grow numb at the fear which had welled up at the pit of his gut. Was he afraid to lookup? Perhaps he was afraid that he might have been hallucinating. He would not doubt it with the various forms of shock he had gone through within the past few days alone.

It took him a moment to speak up. His voice quivering as his eyes slowly rose to meet a familiar sad stare.

"... Guangyao?"

Crud. Oh, crud. Did his voice waver just then? He could certainly feel his lower lip quivering in response. Surely he could not actually be speaking to Jin Guangyao. There was just no way.

"Hello, my friend. I'm sorry that the deity here brought you to this surreal place, but it gladdens my heart to see you again," he said his voice soft.

The last time that he had seen him he had a hole in his chest and the memory of that night made him tear up. He had given his life to save him, was a loyal and kind friend. He was good to him over the years.

"It's me. This place must be so overwhelming. It was for me as well when I first arrived."

"... Guangyao," Despite Jin Guangyao's calm tone and casual explanation, all Su She could do was once more repeat his name. His eyes focusing on the face of his close friend. The friend he only a few days prior saw lying on the floor in tears, clinging to his side. The friend whose voice he heard last before everything went dark.

He was settled; this place surely must be a dreamscape. Some form of horrid afterlife shoving illusions of things he wanted to see in places he didn't want to be.

The tears in the corners of his eyes built all the more. His pupils dilating as he finally met Guangyao's gaze.

"Guangyao... Why are you here?"

There were times Jin Guangyao wondered the same. If this was a fucked up afterlife to demand penance from him for all the many mistakes in his previous one. Sometimes it certainly felt that way.

"I presume because the diety thought that I was a good candidate to provide this island with what it wants. A cruel sentiment but not one I have much say in." he didn't have the heart to tell him that in the end, his sacrifice was for nothing that all it did was buy him a few precious hours of life.

Instead, he smiled softly, his eyes wet.

"Minshan, I'm sorry. I am so sorry you got caught up in everything. I'm sorry that you died like that. I failed you."

Wait. Did Jin Guangyao feel as if he had failed him? Wasn't it his duty, his obligation, to protect him so that all their hard earned work would come to fruition? The sight of tear stained eyes pained him, it reminded him of that very night. He had never seen Guangyao sob like that before. He had never seen him look so pained.

"No Guangyao. I was the one who failed you!" The tears that were building at the corners of his eyes were threatening to spill out. His face strained and red with emotion. He wanted to reach out and hold his leader still, to assure him that it was all right. But he knew his place, and he simply wouldn't dare. "I was the one who was unable to hold back Chifeng-Zun's corpse. I left you surrounded on all sides by the enemy. I should have been more prepared."

Never. Su She would never leave it so that Jin Guangyao should feel guilty for someone like him. Not when he wouldn't have even had much of a life at all if it weren't for the others intervention.

He smiled, despite the tears which were now fully trailing down his cheeks. Standing up straight before bowing his head down once more as formally as he could.

"My death is not your burden to bare. It is only upon those who have always dragged us down."

Edited 2021-06-25 23:17 (UTC)

The tears fell freely once again. He wasn't going to tell him about his own end, he decided then. Let him believe that he was successful. It was a white lie but a lie that may save a lot of trouble down the line.

"No. Minshan, it is.

You were a good and kind friend to me. I honor and respect you. I am grateful for everything that you have done for me throughout the years Minshan. I owe you a life debt. I owe you a lot of things.

You had died because my sins had come home to roost. I had made so many mistakes back then.

However,

We are no longer in a place where we need to be looked down on. Though there are cultivators here, one's rank nor birth really mean anything to anyone. There are people from many places and all kinds here. And if one is willing to work with the diety one can carve out a good life for themselves."

There were setbacks to this. Of course, there were, sex was a difficult topic for anyone to broach but at least the nobles had to spread their legs just as much.

Guangyao's kind words felt like daggers piercing into his flesh. Surely this was the only person who would ever speak to him in such a way. This was the only man who could ever care to show him such kindness. It was for this reason that Su She knew he would follow him always without question.

This was why he would gladly die for him. This was why he'd gladly kill for him. This was why he would do just about anything for Jin Guangyao.

Speaking of--

"You mean to adjust to this place and its... decadence," That was putting it politely. He had many things he had wanted to say about the obscenities of this land. But considering his company he refused to speak up too rudely as he wasn't quite sure about Guangyao's opinions on the matter (although considering his lords past experiences he was pretty sure the feeling was mutual). Su She never really felt too opinionated about matters of sex and what it entailed, but the Lan sensibilities which were instilled upon him at an early age left him hesitant and wary at the sheer excess of it all. "And you mean to say that we are not the only ones here? Do you mind if I ask who else?"

The surprise was apparent on his face. He was still trying to figure out how it was he, someone who was dead, had found himself once more with the very alive Guangyao. But to hear that there were others about as well was off putting.

Did that mean he had to be on guard. Surely anyone else who knew him would not take kindly to finding him here.

"Yes, Unfortunately the sooner you get used to the weirdness of this place the better for you in the long run, distasteful decadence and all." Jin Guangyao of course had a laundry list of issues with sex in general and this place in particular had a certain challenging nature to it that was intensely overwhelming.

He just was choosing not to think on it too too hard.

"It is probably best if we find you housing on the other side of the island from where most of the cultivators are. There are a few that would probably not take to well, but there are others who are not from where we are from."

"Ah, I see," It seemed Guangyao refused to give him specific answers. Knowing his friend as he had, he made the safe assumption that it was perhaps the other man's way of protecting him. He was worried about what it could imply if that really were the case.

Could that mean that Lan Wangji was here? Oh, he hated to think that could be true. Even more so, he hated what that could have implied, considering his recent discovery of the younger twin jades' sexual deviancies.

The thought made him slightly nauseous. Though with resentment or disgust, he wasn't quite sure. Both? Probably both.

"Perhaps it probably is for the best then. I'm so sorry. I hate to think I'm burdening you in such a way, my friend."

It was for his safety, of course. He didn't want the man to panic after all.

"Minshan, you can never burden me. Never even consider it." His voice was soft. how could he be burdened by someone who had given him his life? Someone who had followed him with such devotion?

"I can show you the apartments, they aren't much but they are good to start with. I can bring you food and supplies so you don't have to worry. I would move you into Koi Tower however it is too close to the cultivators and I don't want to overwhelm you with that drama if I can help it.

"Let us get you settled in and I can explain the rules of this land. That way you can be safe as well."

"Nn," He nodded his head obediently with that. He hated the idea of having to accustom himself to smaller quarters after so many years of fighting for something better. But he also understood the heaviness of the situation and how that would require him to take a few steps back. Besides, it was Guangyao who was telling him what was best. How could he refute that?

"I think I somewhat understand what the rules are. Especially considering the current, well, festivities," He absolutely refused to look behind him at the bull. Surely if he blocked the vision from his own memory well enough, the image would never have to plague his thoughts again. "But what I don't understand is why so many seem to be so enthusiastic about it. Why would someone wish to fully and mindlessly embrace themselves into a situation like, well, like this?"

Had they no shame?!?

Jin Guangyao began to lead them out of the fair and through the city.

"Well, there are different reasons. Some genuinely like it and find it to be fun. Even basic needs here need to have a square to be filled. All the food that comes from the machines is laced with an aphrodisiac. So sometimes things happen and you cannot help it from happening.

But as you fill squares the accommodations can get better." he was already used to this place sadly.

"Are you hungry? I have brought food that I had made from home."

".........."

Was... Was that really the case? Was everything really just so free-going here? Was it all just taken that casually? Even by Guangyao? Even his Guangyao, who had often been so reserved, seemed to take this topic in casual stride.

He gulped back, eyeing his friend wearily at the mention of food. So the food here was all laced with aphrodisiac, was it? So what was Guangyao's intention of offering some to him after just bringing that up? Was he trying to sum up Su She's reaction to such an offer? Was it a way to judge how he would perform in such a place? Or could it be--

"Um, that is..." Oh no. He was in a spot. He was slightly hungry; it had been some time since he ate anything after all. But also, his nerves felt so shot due to the recent acceptance of his own death as well as his realization of the world he had now landed himself in. "I wouldn't wish to trouble you, sir, but surely I couldn't take food that you prepared for yourself."

Ah. Yes. That was a safe answer. An inoffensive one. This way, he didn't have to worry about the internalized conflict of willingly taking drugs from the man he felt closest to.

Oh.

Ohhh! Oops. Okay, he was going to clarify that.

"No, I meant that I usually carry food that I made, sourced from things that I've fished or my friend hunted themself. I had already eaten so I want to make certain that you are cared for as well.

It is just fried rice with some steamed fish nothing too fancy. I can also take you to where I work part-time and cook something for you there. They have tea as well." He smiled softly, he had some funnel cake earlier after all.

"Ah, I see," Damn. So much for trying to find a way to politely turn down the offer. And it was Guangyao who was offering. Surely the other man had no ill intention in wishing to give him any of it. But-- With the implication that it was drugged-- Did that mean that Guangyao was simply preparing him for what would inevitably happen in this land? Or was there a more devious intention afoot? Did Guanyao want to have him affected by such things?! What did Guangyao want from him!?

His cheeks were red. Avoiding eye contact as he nodded his head in response.

This was Guangyao. His sect leader Guangyao. His savior Guangyao. There was no way he could deny anything from him!

"Then I am grateful for the offer. I could never turn down a meal that you have prepared. Thank you."

He felt like there was some sort of miscommunication happening here. Especially from that expression that his friend was wearing. He shook his head and led him to the Maid Cafe. It was a cute shop with something to offer everyone. Guangyao waved at the maid that was working today and led his friend to a seat.

"Did you want something to drink?" he asked.

Su She's expression seemed absolutely bewildered by their surroundings as they made their way into the cafe. His eyes wide and his lips parted as he looked around with curiosity to the strange foreign sights the location had to offer. Only to almost trip over himself upon seeing the strangely dressed woman.

Goodness! She was barely wearing anything! He could see her legs! Was this a cafe or a brothel?

He did his best to hide his bewilderment and the deeper reddening of his face by lowering his gaze and quickly following Guangyao's lead. Scurrying into his chair by the table only to keep his head lowered.

"I, well, I suppose tea would be fine," He certainly hoped this place served tea.

"Ah, this place is designed like some of the places in the far far west. We mainly cater to a certain type of client who likes these cute frilly robes. I'm working here mostly on weekends, but I've been thinking about getting different work, that doesn't involve quite so much acting."

He didn't blame him for staring at everything so wide eyes, he was much the same when he had first arrived himself. This place was so very different than anything in their own world.

"Alright, allow me to make you some tea and heat up food for you. This way we can make sure that the food isn't tainted. It's really the puppet food you need to watch out for.

Do you mind relaxing a bit Minshan? Let the maid know if you need me, while I make preparations."

"Ah, wait, you're making the tea?" Wait. No. No, no. He was not about to have a sect leader, chief cultivator, and his best friend Jin Guangyao get up and start serving him like some menial worker. Sure Su She was a little more lenient than most regarding class structure than most people from their world. He had to be considering both their origins. But Guangyao was his superior in every sense of the term! There was no way he, a minor sect-leader to an already failing sect, could be served by him!

He stood up almost immediately. Bowing his head down politely as he avoided eye contact. Eating Guangyao's food was one thing. But having him tend to him!? He couldn't!

"I am so sorry, Jin Guangyao. But certainly, I could prepare it for us both if you show me the way. There's no way I could stand to have you keep catering to me after how much you have already done to help."

Would you please not make him feel useless?

"Of course. I was going to heat up our lunch anyway." He had both of his hands up and shook his head, laughing. Even back home he wouldn't have minded serving tea for his friend. He knew that there was a mutual respect there.

"No. No. No. There are so many machines here...Please just relax. I work here and can utilize them. Please Minshan. Sit and relax. It must have been a trying few days for you. Please allow me this pleasure, knowing I am taking care of my dear friend." He smiled softly before walking behind the counter and began to prepare the tea for him. He pushed a button on a machine that poured hot water into a cup and added the tea to it, humming softly as he brewed it.

Su She was a man capable of many things.

'Relaxing' wasn't one of them.

And so he couldn't help but stare on, baffled, as Guangyao told him to simply let it be. It had been true that the past few days were strenuous to say the least, but nothing was more strenuous than being served by his good friend. He knew Guangyao was happy to, but he hated that the one man he thought deserved a worlds worth of respect was the only one that would tend on him in such a way.

But what could he do? Guangyao was already hard at work turning knobs and pressing buttons. The simple song he hummed along in the process a soothing melody to Su She's ears and enough to get him to sigh out in resignation before plopping back down at his seat with a thud. His shoulders sulking and his head bowed as he patiently waited for his meal.

He smiled as he sang, he had missed Minshan so much, even told his friend about him. And now that he was here... He wanted to make certain the man settled in well. He masterfully set the tea down on the counter and disappeared to the kitchen to properly reheat the meals that he had made before.

Soon enough he was back, a tray of pork fried rice in one hand and a tray of fresh tea in the other.

"Here you are Minshan, eat up. This will hopefully help you feel a bit more settled."

The meal was a surprisingly familiar one despite all the trinkets and bobbles that were used to make it. The smell reassuring and easing is mind slightly as he looked back up towards Guangyao before bowing his head in respect.

"It smells amazing. I knew you were an experienced host, and that cooking was something you must know, but I'm still surprised you were able to make it all so quickly. Thank you so much for the meal, sect leader."

"Ah. Well, thank you. I used to help in the kitchens a lot when I was young, to help my brothel sisters. It was a skill that had carried me over many years. I find myself utilizing it a lot more here these days.

As for the speed, I had made it earlier today. I just warmed it up again. I would love to have you over for a fresh-made meal sometime soon. I'll make your favorites." he smiled softly, pouring out tea and taking his own cup sipping it thoughtfully.

"What are your plans now, my friend?"

00. Arrival

I. HAY FEVER

II. Acute Beef Poisoning

III. BRODEO

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