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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"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."

"I see," What amazing news! Guangyao having a fully developed golden core? Wasn't it simply that and the unfortunate circumstances or his birth that had separated him from the most powerful of cultivators? He always knew Guangyao had the potential. Hell, the man was able to become chief cultivator despite all that was stacked against him.

He could feel his his own tears stopping short from spilling, a small smile forming instead as his hands slipped down to grasp the others. No, this was good. This could mean that not everything they had fought for was lost. "If that is the case than it's a proper core you will get. I will make sure of it."

He paused, a question lingering on the tip of his tongue. He had been wondering about it when it was mentioned previously, but considering the ways of the land he was too nervous to ask.

"You've mentioned something about squares... How does a square help you request a deity for a core?"

He flushed a bit. He was still not used to explaining sexual things fully, but he was better than he used to be. And if anyone can give him an informed answer, it was him.

"Alright this place the way it is this is going to be a bit awkward so please bear with me, Minshan.

The Augur here uses the energy we produce by performing sexual actions. This is called eros energy, it is brought about in a similar process as dual cultivation can be utilized."

He lifts up his bracelet and activated his bracelet. More than four-fifths of his squares were lit up with a variety of names attached as well as sexual acts.

"These are called 'Auspicious acts'. They are specific acts that the Augur asks for and you can trade them for rewards. This is how I attained a replica for Koi Tower and Nie Huasang brought the Unclean Realms here. You see if I get a line, I can ask for a full core or any other large reward.

I figure if I am going to have to do such things, I may as well gain what I lacked back home. There is a sweet sense of irony isn't there? In attaining it this way.

And even more so to see the righteous cultivators out there have to do the same." he was heartbroken but it didn't stop him from being a petty bitch.

That... That certainly was quite a bit to take in. And the fact that that was the case had managed to show itself quite clearly upon Minshans expression.

At first, he seemed to listen intently. His eyes focused on Guangyao as his old leader began to explain the situation. But the moment the term 'sexual acts' was mentioned, his eyes could not help but grow wide, his smile slightly strained.

Was- Was Guangyao serious? He had to be telling a joke, right? But Guangyao continued his explanation, comparing it to the sacred art of dual cultivation and pulling out some strange magic light from his bracelet, which displayed surreal-looking images before him. On it, words that he had recognized, others that he had not.

He did not like the words he recognized. His mouth gaping slightly, and his mind feeling numb as Guangyao continued to talk.

Something about other cultivators? Something about doing as he pleased? He was no longer listening. Instead, staring at the screen with abject horror.

"The flowers... What are the flower designs for?"

"The flowers are the squares I have completed already," he said softly, a smile unwavering on his face. What else was there to say?

Oh.

That was most certainly blunt.

And somewhat horrifying as well. Su She's smile straining all the more as he felt his eyebrows bunch up to the words.

"I... I see..."

Oh, how he hated himself for what came next to mind. The familiar names intermingled with the strange words making the answer obvious. And yet, he could not just accept his own inner logic. Not, surely, when there could be some alternative answer?

".... And all the names?"

He wants to die.

Edited 2021-08-08 03:03 (UTC)

"People I have slept with. Some more unfortunate experiences than others. But a goal is a goal." he said, shrugging softly. He wasn't proud of some of them but they were useful at least and even more of the painful experience at least gave him a filled square.

"It seems I may have been mistaken our message when we had said 'Fuck the cultivation world'. This is what we had meant. Right?" he had jokes.

Ziyao only receives the blankest most dead eyed stare in the world in response to the joke. The humor at least managed to ease the anxiety he was suddenly feeling somewhat. Or at least he wasn't two seconds away to curling up in a ball and hyperventilating as he felt before Ziyao had said anything.

But the name's that he saw-- That wasn't good.

Xue Yang, Nie Mingjue, Nie Huaisang, Lan Xichen and, quite surprisingly, Xiao Xingchen.

The majority of those names were unfortunate to even share the same new world with-- But to sleep with each of them?

... What did they do to Ziyao? How did each of them further hurt him? He was obviously in pain from a few of these experiences.

He stood up.

Patting himself off and placing what was left of the dish to the side to be cleaned up.

"Anyway, I believe I'm feeling a little full. Perhaps I should find a place to rest and gather my bearings with all this new information."

He was going to hunt each and every one of them down.

Edited 2021-08-08 16:22 (UTC)

He in return offered an awkward laugh.

"Minshan," he called out, following him. Oh no. This could end very very badly. And the last thing he wanted to do was restart another cycle of revenge after that truce was so carefully negotiated.

"Wait!" he ran to catch up, paying his credits before he was behind him.

"I know what you're thinking. Don't. I am an adult. I made some bad decisions. You don't have to avenge my honor or anything. Please?"

"This is not about your 'honor' Guangyao. It is about the people causing you pain," No. He wasn't going to allow Guangyao to take all of the trauma onto himself. Not while he was here. Not when he could defend him and help him. Regardless he did stop, though, if only because that was what Guanguyao had asked of him.

Sighing out with impatience as he looked down at his dear friend. "You can't just say you made a mistake now when you just admitted to being hurt before. Even if it is giving revenge in your own way, what this place is forcing you to do is shameful!"

He stopped himself short, taking a shaky breath to calm himself down before bowing respectfully.

"I am sorry, sect leader. But it is not the actions and who you personally chose to do them with that I am upset about. It is the coercion involved. The thought that you are being forced into something that you most certainly would not have otherwise done if you didn't feel like you had to to survive here. And my anger is aimed towards those who cornered you in that moment of forced survival to use you for their own reasons.

I cannot forgive that."

"No it's fine it really is! This place coerces everyone. No one took advantage of me, if anything I probably seduced some of them myself and this is all my own actions and stupidity. Of course, I would never have done this at home. There were times they were forced to as well. This island does things to people. You wake up as other people and do things. It's just the way of it.

Please Minshan. I don't want it all to spiral further. I worked so hard to have a truce, some equilibrium.

My hurt doesn't matter. I'm fine and I've survived worse.

...Please."

"Jin Guangyao..." Oh gods, there was that all too familiar pain on Guangyao's face. The expression that so made his heart melt every time he saw it. The face of someone who had fought his own personal hell and survived... But barely.

Jin Guangyao seemed so frail, so broken. And knowing that he felt that pain only further lit Minshan's rage. How dare they hurt him? How dare they drag him down to the point that he only blames himself?

Perhaps part of it was because of how much Minshan himself used to think like that. When brought down and torn apart emotionally, when belittled and emotionally preyed upon by others, it was hard not to think that you were somehow to blame for how they reacted.

He reached down, lightly grasping Guangyao's arms. Keeping silent for a moment as he only stared down at his pleading friend, his strong and fearsome leader.

To think that this was what everyone believed to be a cold and calculating villain—the fools.

"Guangyao, you must stop this," His shoulders sulked down, sighing as he did his best to keep as calm as he could. "Stop blaming yourself for situations that were not entirely in your control. Stop blaming yourself for others' actions towards you. I know you do not wish situations to escalate. I know you don't wish to cause trouble. You rarely ever try to intentionally. But isn't that passive attempt to please others what caused our downfall?"

Leaning in, he wrapped his arms around Guangyao, holding him with such delicacy as if he was afraid the other man would shatter should he try to grasp him any harder.

"You are not to blame for the pain others have caused you. Others' reactions and how they decide to act upon them are entirely on themselves. So, please... Would you please stop letting them treat you like this? I'm not sure my heart can take it anymore."

"Minshan, I'm just so tired. I'm moving from there in a few days, I have already made some strong decisions. I just need to take the time and heal. But challenging people outright won't do any good.

If anything, any action made by you will break the truce I had set in place. It will cause so much damage on a scale that is wider and bigger than either of us. There are gods living here Minshan, with powers that can dwarf even the highest cultivators.

I would rather end things peacefully so that we can live a peaceful existence. I am still going to give something important back and give a piece of my mind. But for now, I really don't want to.

It isn't worth it." his friend was right, he was frail and broken in a way that he hadn't been in a long while. But still, he still had a banquet to prepare and things that needed to be done.

He was just so tired.

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TDM 014: A DAY AT THE FAIR

00. Arrival

I. HAY FEVER

II. Acute Beef Poisoning

III. BRODEO

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