ercookies | TDM 015: IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PARADISE

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TDM 015: IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PARADISE

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. Beach Episode

Welcome to your beautiful and sunny island paradise, Erku! ...wait, it's sunny? That's right! For about two weeks, the Island will enjoy unusually warm and clear weather, just perfect for enjoying the cool waters of the beach. Don't swim out too far, however, lest you stray into hazardous choppy waters or get lost in the fog that still lingers beyond the peaceful cove. Just stay close, and you're golden! Once again, friendly robots have erected beachside food stalls for grilling fish and crabs, and encourage any enterprising Islanders to help hawk foods for credits.

If gutting and cleaning fish isn't your forte, however, never fear. The robots are recruiting for a very important task! You see, they have very thoughtfully set up swimming and snorkeling lessons for any Islanders who are doubting their skills at staying afloat, or who just want to have some fun in the waves. There is only one complication: the robots are too heavy to swim.

Enter, you! Earn credits by instructing your fellow Islanders in the marvels of the ocean. Not just swimming and snorkeling, but also fishing, clam digging, and sand castle art - among other things - are valuable skills you can sell.

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II. Sand Sport

For the more competitive sort, the robots of Erku are happy to share a bit of culture from the planet's ancient past: wet sand wrestling! Volunteers (or any innocent Islander roped off the beach by an enthusiastic 'bot) don their skimpiest swimwear and duke it out for dominance in the wet sand by trying to throw their opponent outside of a ring. Knock-outs count as an automatic lose, so be careful! Oh, and no worries if you aren't particularly strong. Before the match, competitors are offered a a special drink - simply named "The Creamy" - an ancient recipe which is said to temporarily increase your strength and vitality. One shot of this, and anyone could take on Goliath! (And not just in a fight.)

By the way… those who lose the competition are mysteriously compelled to accompany the victor for the day, waiting on them hand and foot, anticipating and fulfilling their needs before they are spoken. Did the 'bots forget to mention that?

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III. Graciously Given Gifts

While swimming in the nude is completely acceptable on the Island, the robots know that many residents still (for some reason) value their modesty. That is why they are happy to encourage beachside revelry and communion by making sure scanty swimwear is readily available to Islanders who are in need of something to cover up with - while still showing off your assets, of course. Islanders may purchase for themselves, but they are especially encouraged to gift swimwear to their fellow Islanders... in fact, any swimwear to be given as a gift is free! Not only is it a lovely gesture to let a friend or lover know you appreciate their body, but also, swimwear received as a gift is said to be very good luck in wet sand wrestling competitions.

Naturally, the robots are sensitive to the emotional needs of their organic charges, and thus they wouldn't want any new, recent, or less personable arrivals to the Island to feel left out for not receiving gifts. That's why some Islanders will find surprise swimsuits in pretty gift wrap sitting on their literal or metaphorical doorstep… addressed with love from a random Islander! With thoughtfully written messages included, of course, usually complimenting the recipient's figure in graphic and/or poetic terms.

If you have any manners, surely you'll find these mystery admirers and thank them for the lovely gift! (If you're really a person of culture, maybe you'll even show it off for them.)

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N A V I G A T I O N

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Being ever the efficient man, it did not take long for Hakkai to clean himself down. His footsteps were soft and careful as if treading through this unknown ~~perfect~~ cottage would somehow ruin the moment. He only made himself known as he peaked his head into the kitchen from the doorframe to watch Ziyao diligently get the meal for the both of them prepared.

It was interesting, but despite being from completely different worlds, there was just something so very nostalgic about the sight before him.

"Goodness, you certainly got that prepared quickly," there was a soft chuckle that had left him as he made himself known. Stepping into the room to show off his new golden wardrobe. Sure enough, the pants didn't quite seem to reach his ankles. But at least the Hanfu was baggy enough so that it did not seem all too ill-fitting on him. His arms neatly folded into the leaves as he tilted his head with a curt smile.

"So? How do I look?"

"Hmm?" he offered him a small smile as he set the garnishes on his final dishes.

"I usually pre-prepare certain aspects of our meals so it is easier to throw together. The Char Siu is from yesterday.

That fish I caught earlier I'm going to fillet and salt and set it out outside to dry while we have the sun. That way I can toss it quickly into other dishes and we will have food for a while.

It makes things easier, especially if you are constrained on time."

Ziyao looked him over, humming softly. "Not bad, the color contrasts your eyes nicely. And your tone is similar to mine. We will have to find you some better-suited pants if you like you are welcome to come to 'Skin contact' a clothing shop I work at part-time and we can find some extra pairs that are more suited for you. They offer some nice store credits if you are comfortable doing some modeling work as well."

"Ahah, modeling you say? Oh I hardly doubt they'd need someone like me for that," Hakkai had always found himself to be fairly average looking at best, save for a few more positive and a few more negative physical traits he possessed. Surely in a world that was so focused on bringing people from all over, they could find more suitable participants. "But I wouldn't mind shopping around a bit perhaps."

"Ah," Oh, that was right. There were requirements to getting by in an entirely new world. "I suppose the first thing to do would be to look for work. I doubt I could get new clothes without an income."

"Ah, don't be so hard on yourself, You are perfectly handsome and have a good height as well." he served him a bowl with rice and utensils so that he can pick what he likes, gesturing for him to have a seat.

"Hmm. That is true. There are a few places that are hiring. Sometimes the robots also have certain jobs available as well." He chewed his lip thoughtfully serving himself.

"What are the types of things you are good at? I work part-time at the clothing shop and part-time at a maid cafe. They aren't too bad if you don't mind service work, I do some embroidery and consultations at the clothing shop as well."

"Things I'm good at?" Hakkai was happy to take a seat as Guangyao started to dish out some of the food. Already lifting his chopsticks as to start equally serving himself to the array of dishes. It all looked so good he had trouble deciding where to start. "Well, if anything you can say I'm a bit of a dabbler."

It was difficult for a man who loved to learn and do everything to simply stick to just one task.

"I used to teach in a youth center when I was younger. Various subjects to various groups and ages of children. I've also done some accounting, tutoring, cleaning and the occasional bout of physical labor," He was just going to casually leave out exactly what such physical labor entailed. "I know how to mend clothing as well as make minor adjustments, but I don't have much knowledge in embroidery. Although I would be absolutely willing to learn. I mean, I do know how to knit."

Guangyao picked at some fish as he listened, pouring some hot oil he had made with his Saozi. Ah yes, much better it needed that kick.

"Ah, I can understand that deeply. A lot of different jobs to get by in different places from the sound of it. I find myself in much the same place. Housekeeping, embroidery, mending, Administration, accounting, and eventually moving into sect politics later in my life. There really is so much out there that one can just pick up. I continue to learn new things here as well.

Actually, perhaps we can help one another. I have a proposition. My brother and I have a replica of our ancestral home here. Due to some personal reasons, we are living here so I can rest a bit. I am paying a friend of mine to look after the gardens of our estate but I hate leaving our family residence empty and these days it feels as if I have less time to go to look after it, between my jobs and the community pantry project I volunteered at.

Would you be interested in a caretaking job? I can offer some credits, some fulfilled squares if you want as well as room and board in exchange."

"Oh?" Hakkai could not help but blink as he looked up towards Guangyao with curiosity. His head tilting slightly as he paused to consider the proposition.

"I see, I can understand the willingness to help me out. And I must say I am absolutely grateful that you've done as much as you had already--" He went back to paying attention to his meal as he continued, sipping at his tea as he considered what to say next. "And truthfully having a job opportunity such as this would certainly make things quite a bit easier for me in my adjustment here but-- Are you sure?"

He didn't mean to sound rude or offput by the offer. In fact it was an amazing prospect, however he couldn't help but worry over Ziyao's level of trust.

"We've only just met after all. And I know I've stated my qualifications, but I could just as easily be lying about them. Are you sure its wise to just offer to pay me to look over something of yours?"

"Do not get me wrong, it is not pure altruism on my part.

I mostly do not really wish to have to go back to that place too often, if I can help it. As I said I have personal reasons for why I fled to this little haven but I cannot really leave that place neglected either.

And even if you are lying and make a wreck of the place, nothing is preventing me from utilizing a square to right it again." And anything that he could not bear to lose was in his hidden treasure room in any case. And the more distance he could put between himself and that place was for the better in his current mental state.

He poured some more tea for the two of them.

"However, if it is uncomfortable to do so outright, we can have a test period. You can have a place to stay and food and if we work out and are happy with things we can negotiate a proper price."

"So what you're saying is running into me is more a matter of convenience than anything else," He really did feel like some lucky sap who must have won some lottery system. He really did happen to run into the right person when he came crawling out of that ocean, didn't he?

Offering his cup out for the refill, he listened intently as Ziayo explained his situation with the house. Not quite getting all of what he was saying but understanding the overall gist of the situation.

"I suppose a test period would work well. That way, you always have an option to back out should my work not be sufficient to your needs," Speaking of, there were probably some important planning measures to start taking into consideration if that were the case. "Perhaps we should start with a simple contracted arrangement? We can fill out the terms and conditions, what you expect of me, the trial time, and matters of payment."

The ever-diligent man Hakkai is, he already seemed to be getting straight to work.

"Of course. Please allow me to get my parchment, brush, and seal and we can plan out a proper agreement. Pardon me." with that he disappeared to his room and got the aforementioned things, settling them down on the coffee table.

"I can write up a simple trade agreement. Did you wish to have square trade in it as well as a form of currency? Are there stipulations you wish to add as well?"

"Room, board, and possible add-on for food and care needs is more than enough in terms of starting stipulation. We can add on anything like health and long-term accommodations after the trial period ends. Ah, we should probably discuss how long we would like this test period to last as well before we decide to pull up the decision of long-term commitment," Leaning in Hakkai held his hand up to his chin in thought as he watched Guangyao write things down. His mind circling over the ever-growing list of things that would probably need to be brought up. "As for payment, you say it's in the form of credits? Is that a type of physical currency? And I'm not quite sure what you mean by a square trade..."

"Hmm, I agree, once the trial period is over we can probably get you your own quarters as well. I can happily share food that I have caught and hunted to help as well. There is a small kitchen on the south side of Koi Tower." he made notes in his neat handwriting. He set aside another piece of parchment to make a final draft.

"Yes, credits are a digital form of currency here, they can usually be attained by jobs or doing tasks for the metal men. Oh.

Goodness. I think I have forgotten to explain squares to you." he took a breath, he was more used to explaining this stuff than he used to be but it was still always embarrassing.

"The diety has brought us here to produce a type of energy, they call it eros energy but it is the sort of energy that is made through dual cultivation. Instead of just cultivating ourselves we are cultivating the land, bringing back the natural flora and fauna.

This is achieved through sexual acts. On your wrist, there is a bracelet and on that is a square with things that will help generate more energy. Here is mine as an example. the ones with flowers are the ones that were filled. Each square you can request the diety for a boon. It took three to attain and furnish the home you see here. If you fill a line, you get bigger and better things.

I suppose it is an incentive to comply with their requests. As you move through here, you will notice that most things are geared towards sex. But those of us on the island try and help one another out in filling our cards as a trade."

There was a long moment of silence that seemed to last between them as Hakkai took time to process the information that had suddenly been dumped upon him. He had figured that there was possibility that credits were a digital system, and he could imagine them being akin to credit cards back home. And he was well aware of the bracelet on his own arm thanks to a conversation he had with another young man not too before he met Guangyao. Or at least, the other man, 'Mr.Ruffestrabbit' as he called him, had taught him of the networks function.

But the supposed requirements of the land...

"Ah, I see," Hakkais hands folded together on the table. The soft smile he held not once changing despite the drop he had felt deep in his gut.

Was this man serious? Or was he messing with him? There was no way he could be serious.

"So when you say you're willing to offer a square you're meaning to tell me that you wish to sleep with me."

Oh boy.

The smile on his own face was serene.

"If you wish to, the offer is there. There is no real pressure in such a thing but we do tend to offer assistance when we can." it had taken him some time to learn to be more casual about sex. He pressed the end of the brush against his lips.

"Though if that is something you want, I usually request some negotiations beforehand. But you don't have to decide on that now, or anything. We can stick to credits if that is more comfortable, of course." he said casually. He had some plans for expansions that needed to be made to Koi tower as well as some assistance to the community pantry.

"My, you certainly are good at making such a thing sound entirely transactional. I have to commend your level of professionalism," he said with his own calm serenity. Deep down there was a bit of panic at that new bit of information. Trying his best to keep from just going straight to his own watch to see just what it was his own "squares" had said of him. He had no idea how any of it worked, the payment method, the requirement system, any of it. But he felt it would be rude and far too personal to stare at Ziyao's any longer.

He decided he'd just have to wait until this conversation was long over and Ziyao was gone before he'd run off and figure out how to access that.

"But credits alone are fine. I'd rather not wish to over complicate our contract with a back and forth of necessary clauses detailing each of our sexual requirements in order to set up such a payment system. I dont wish to give you any excess work after all."

And this in turn saves him from talking in embarrassment about his own awkward sexual hang-ups with a man he only just met. A man who's intentions were hard to read, especially considering all he was already lavishing Hakkai with.

"And the timeframe in which this initial contract period will last?"

"Of course, You spend enough time here and you realize that such things are transactional." not that being a whoreson didn't give him such a view on sex. If he thought of it as transactional then maybe he wouldn't be as hurt by the matter as he had been in the past. He wasn't going to open his heart to a stranger after all.

None of this showed on his face, however.

"Of course." He began drafting the final document, his hand moving in fine lines.

"I think two months should be reasonable as a trial period. It would give you enough time to gain your bearing and to see if this is an arrangement that you may wish to continue pursuing.

Is that amenable to you Master Cho?"

There was something painful about hearing how this place could dull one's sexual desires into something as basic as a business transaction. He never lived his life judging those that did so, in fact, he knew people who thought in such ways even back home.

But for Hakkai, sex was something sacred. A way to love and be one with a person. A way in which souls intermingled and collided to create something perfect and whole. For Hakkai, the thought of him being forced into a world where even he would be made to partake in such a thing so casually... Was somewhat horrifying.

Cho Hakkai was a romantic after all. A romantic who's only experience had been with someone he loved without question.

"Mnn, that sounds perfect," He did nothing to project his own inward struggles though. Instead nodding his head calmly as he watched Guangyao continue on with his writing. Focusing on the pen as it danced against parchment paper was a nice visual distraction from his thoughts. "The only other thing I can think of is matters of personal, physical, or property based damage should they arise."

It wasn't necessarily that, he was in a relationship that was making it feel better for him, and it felt good when he was with close friends, he was a romantic at heart as well. But being burnt a few times and being the practical sort of man he was he understood the reality of this place.

It was easier to view it as a transaction with most and saving the sweeter lovemaking with Nie Huaisang. Talk about the feeling of souls merging, he tried to not allow himself to be distracted by the thought of his lovely boyfriend. Trying to refocus on the conversation at hand instead.

"Hm, well property damage can be fixed with a quick request to the deity and a square trade. Personal and physical damage may be a bit harder to pin down. At least from what I have heard if one dies here, they only disappear for seven days. So there is that I suppose. I haven't experienced it myself yet."

"..... I see."

And here he had thought the sex-trade was an information overload! Did Mr.Ziyao just casually tell him that this place had a cure for death!?

Like, death?!?

Okay, well, this wasn't his first time experiencing that one. But usually every cure for death he ran across came with some serious repercussion or price.

"All right, the inevitable contemplation of one's mortality aside, are there any precautions or attentive procedures you wish me to follow should myself or anyone else be hurt on the premesis? My knowledge in first-aid is fairly comprehensive and I can tend to most wounds just short of anything that requires surgical need, but I think it's best to run that through you first.

And in terms of damage, I understand repairs are apparently easily fixed in a place like this. But what about compensation for payment? I take it the credits will be deducted from my expenses?"

"The best thing to expect early on is this place is bizarre, surreal, and transient. The sooner you know that the easier the adjustment period. But even so, it is possible to make a good life for yourself here."

Welcome to life on the nameless island, Hakkai. It is a surreal and horny place. The sooner you accept it the better for you.

To be fair, he himself was dead and now he wasn't.

"Oh, that is good to know. Well, yes Please notify me as well. I have some medical knowledge but most of it comes from the battlefield, I can offer aid. And if it is less severe I know some good folk remedies.

There is a hospital here as well, I think. I haven't really sustained injures since coming here.

That sounds reasonable for now. Hopefully, by the time the two-month period is up, I will have added some more residences to Jinlintai. Shall I show you the location before we sign? You should have a look at the location and make sure it is something you can handle. There are robots helping maintain the premises, as well." he made the final adjustments and slipped his seal in his sleeve.

"Ah, yes of course. I suppose a tour would be in order before I simply agree to caring after a location," Although, truthfully, if the location was anything like this cottage he really wouldn't mind signing the contract immediately. In fact, he was simply happy to know he'd have a roof over his head upon showing up here. So many years living transiently had left Hakkai worn and anything settled simply felt like a blessing.

Standing up, he adjusted his robes slightly before properly setting the dishes to his meal to the side. Cleaning what he could before tossing a cheerful and resilient smile in Ziyao's direction.

No matter how odd or how stressful things may seem, Hakkai always at least had his skill to smile on through it. After all, stressing over a situation wasn't going to resolve anything.

"Well then, I suppose I am ready when you are."

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TDM 015: IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PARADISE

00. Arrival

I. Beach Episode

II. Sand Sport

III. Graciously Given Gifts

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