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

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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?"

"My plans..." The words had caused him to hesitate with his meal for a second. He had preoccupied himself so much with his disdain for the land that he hadn't taken time to stop and think about his own next steps.

Truthfully he wasn't sure. It wasn't too long ago that he had plans. Grand ones that he had daydreamed and idealized for ages. But those plans all went up in smoke the moment he had found himself impaled upon the arm of a fierce corpse...

The thought caused him subconsciously to reach up, to clap his hand against his chest as he sunk into his own mind. That was right. Those plans that he and Guangyao had spent years plotting out together would probably never come to fruition.

Even if his dear Guangyao was here with him.

The circumstances were now so different.

"Truthfully, I'm not sure. I was so overwhelmed with everything I had not once stopped to think of what it could be I'd want from a place like this."

Edited 2021-07-27 06:05 (UTC)

His expression was a sympathetic one. Guangyao had known how long they had worked and had himself watched all their efforts burn into ash. He reached out and placed a hand on his friend's forearm as he touched over his own chest. How many times had he made that same action himself?

Held his chest or his throat when he remembered. His heart broke for his friend and a bit for himself as well. They had no chance of surviving where they were. The cultivation could not let them exist these two who broke the status quo.

"It's alright, Minshan. It is. All a lot to take in. Even dealing with a death is hard and will take time to settle. I am here if you need me. I will help you settle in and we can figure out what you want as we move forward." He remembered when he had first arrived being alone and wandering this new place. The most familiar face was Xue Yang's.

He had remained silent for a moment, lost in his own head and the torrid of memories that plagued them. He understood what HAD happened. He knew what had happened. But it was his first time he really let the thought settle since he had woken up on the shores of this land.

That was right. He died that day. He remembered the anger, the fear, the desperation that he had all felt at once as he faced down Nie Mingue.

He knew he stood no chance.

But he didn't mind. He willingly chose to give his life that day. After all, it was because of his choice to die that Jin Guangyao got to live.

"It's... It's fine," He turned to face Jin Guangyao. A sad yet resolute smile forming as he nodded towards his leader, his friend. "I have accepted my fate the moment I turned to face him. No, perhaps even before then. I think what throws me off more is suddenly being here afterward. I just..."

He couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, shaking his head before continuing. His hand turning to clasp Guangyaos' gently. "I really was not expecting the first face I saw when I woke up was yours."

He could imagine what must have been going through his friend's head. It was supposed to be a quick stop, just grab his mother's body and make a run for Dongying. It wasn't supposed to end as it had. He knew why it happened as it did.

There was no other way it could have happened. But guilt twisted in his gut, he knew that Minshan would have happily given his life for him, but the reality of watching his friend die like that... He couldn't stop the tears that poured from him once more. It was for nothing, that sacrifice. Just another person who died for the crime of loving him, believing in him. A-Su, Mo Xuanyu, all died for the same reason. He would carry their deaths on him.

"Minshan." his voice was cracking with emotion. "I know. I know and I'm so sorry." he was happy to see him now but his death broke him.

"Looks like our fates are not yet done with one another, my dear friend. I'll be here for you with whatever you need, please don't worry." he squeezed his hand a bit tighter, trying to stem his tears but failing.

"This has been happening a lot since I got here, all I can do is to just allow it to happen. I think it comes from a lifetime of holding back." he just pressed his forehead against his friend's shoulder.

"You are really here, right?"

The tears had shocked him. He knew of Guangyao's pain. He knew how his friend had suffered more than anyone should. But the sight of them staining the other's cheeks was just too much. He could handle accepting his own death, but to face Guangyao's pain directly like this--

"Guangyao..." He couldn't help himself. Reaching out, he lightly brushed his hand against Guangyao's cheek, his thumb idly stroking away at the tears. A soft yet sad smile meeting his lips as he nodded his head, his eyes not breaking away from the others. "Mnn, It's really me, Guangyao. I'm really here."

What sorrowed depths his dear friend must have been feeling. To face his friend after all that had gone on that night.

"And I'm glad. I'm so glad you feel as if you no longer have to restrain yourself."

It meant that Guangyao was at least free from the scrutinization of their world. Wasn't that all that the two of them had wanted, really?

He held onto him for a long time. Why was he always crying in restaurants and bars? But at least it was the maid cafe.

"I just...I missed you so much. I'm happy you are. I really am, but I'm also sad that you have to deal with all of this."

he nodded against his robes."Yes, I don't have to worry about that at least. No one will revile me for being the son of a whore. And if any cultivators do, well that is their problem. I really can't care anymore." He settled against him quietly. It was a boon at least.

"In this place, I can work on getting a proper core again. I found a teacher willing to teach me my foundations, and he said it wasn't too late and that I can ask the diety for one if I fill enough squares. I don't have to worry about being weak after that. I can fight on par with our peers."

00. Arrival

I. HAY FEVER

II. Acute Beef Poisoning

III. BRODEO

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