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

Entry tags:

!tdm

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.

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

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.

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

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?

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

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.)

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

N A V I G A T I O N

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"No, bother at all. I've been in your position before and I am happy to help." He waved off the bow. He picked up the worry rather quickly. He folded up the net instead. Setting it in the fish basket.

"None of the residents do. Like you most of the people here are from other places. Aside from the metal men we are all transplants. We were brought here by the Augur. The deity here. This place is strange. Many of us come from different places, those of us that are from the same world, maybe from different times in our lives.

Here, this is a lot to take in. May I offer you a hot meal, a shower, and a change of clothes?"

"The deity..." So this was all a gods doing was it? Why was it that such a spontaneous happenstance made all the more sense to him the moment an overarching benevolent being was involved?

Was he starting to get used to them doing things like this? Goodness he certainly hoped not.

"Ah, on no, I couldn't possibly intrude. It seemed you were in the middle of some important work and I dont wish to distract you from it just so that you'd have to care after me."

He genuinely did feel bad, and it wasn't as if he wasn't resourceful enough of a person to try and find things on his own.... Maybe.

Hopefully.

"Ah, no no It really is no trouble at all. I was just fishing. And I have more than enough already. One thing you need to be aware of is any of the food that comes from the Metal Men is laced with drugs. So we try and supplement our diets with what we can catch out in the wild." He closed and picked up the basket and offered him a smile.

"When I had first arrived, people were kind to me and offered me help. Now that I am established I would love to pay it forward. I do not live too far from here. There is a lot of information to take in, and I can assure you it will be easier to digest once you are dry and fed, Master Cho."

Ah, what a kind man.

Hakkai was genuinely startled by Ziyao's hospitality, but that didn't mean he wasn't grateful. His shoulders seeming to relax and a soft smile forming as he begrudgingly accepted that he was going to be cared for no matter how much he politely protested.

"Very well then, since you so insist," It was true information would be helpful. He was relatively blind to his current situation save for what Ziyao had already told him. So getting further clarification on everything would most certainly help him sort out his next steps. "At least, if that's the case, would you mind if I help you carry some of this?"

He'd hate to think that he was providing more work for the other man.

"As you wish." he gently handed over the basket. He got the sense from the man that he may have a hard time sitting still. He was happy to offer him some way to help. Ziyao smiled softly. He enjoyed being of service and would have had to prepare this fish at home anyway.

He led the way, down the beach and towards the city. The extra days of the sun were a welcome change and he was happy for his flowers at home. "We are lucky, that there are places there are we can hunt or fish. There is also a city greenhouse you can procure fresh vegetables. Though I am working on growing some in my own garden so I don't have to take from community resources." with that he stopped in front of a gate, It was a Chinese residential gate that had the phrase 'Springtime Radiance' painted on it. He pulled out a small peony token from his belt and one could feel a shift in spiritual power as it opened up. He stepped inside, there was a courtyard and garden filled with Roses and white Peonies Off to the side there was a koi pond with a small stone table with peony patterns etched on it, meant for outdoor dining.

In the middle of all of this was a western-styled cottage, It was small but cozy. Two dogs ran around playing in the gardens as well and ran to greet their caretaker.

He turned to the man and smiled warmly. "Welcome to my humble abode. It isn't much but I hope you can make yourself comfortable. Perhaps I can show you Koi Tower sometime."

... This was humble in Ziyao's opinion?

Hakkai could not help but look around the small plot of land with wide-eyed admiration. Truthfully, this was perhaps anything he could have ever wanted in a home. Something small, quaint, private, and with such a large beautiful garden... how did this man acquire something so perfect?

It truly felt like he had stepped into a scene out of a movie with how the residence had been all so wonderfully set it up.

"Your home is beautiful..." He hadn't even stepped inside yet, and yet he felt like he had to say at least that much. Truly the title for this place was absolutely befitting it. "It looks like it had had quite a lot of love put into it."

Reminder to self: ask Ziyao for homemaking tips later.

Jin Ziyao had lived in both poor hovels and large rich palaces in his lifetime. This place was the first that had truly begun to feel like home to him. He thought it was because it was truly his. His, his brother, and Persephone's. And they had all put their own loving touch upon the house and gardens.

"Thank you. That is kind of you to say." he smiled and opened the door leading into a small living room/ kitchen. Plants were everywhere. There were three bedrooms and on each was a Chinese-styled painting of a flower and a small poem. Two peonies and one rose. In the middle of the living room, there was a fireplace, where a gold bow hung from. There was a pile of library books on the coffee table and several bookshelves dotted the room. It did give the impression of a place that was very well-loved.

"I apologize for the messy state, we are still in the midst of unpacking fully. We have only been here a month. Here, you can set the fish down on the island. And you can use my bathroom to take a shower if you like. I'm afraid my clothing might be a bit short for you but I hope it is alright. At least until I launder your clothing."

Hakkai had to do his best to prevent himself from making an audible gasp as they had entered the small home. His hand subconsciously pressing to his chest as he admired the scene of the room with a sense of absolute splendor.

Perhaps more bookshelves. Otherwise, this would be absolutely perfect.

"No, no apologies necessary, I'm the one coming into your home without notice after all," This beautiful, beautiful home. Finally managing to shake himself from his interior-decorating induced stupor for long enough of a moment to do as Ziyao instructed. Placing the fish down upon the kitchen island ~~good god a kitchen island, how magnificent~~, before turning back to face Ziyao with a polite smile.

"Oh? Are you sure? I know it's rude of me to track sand around, but I wouldn't wish to abuse so much of your kindness. After all, we've barely gotten to know one another. And there's still so much that I'm trying to sort out with this land."

He really was worried. After all, as far as he knew, he had no way to pay Guangyao back for the kindness. And it genuinely did make him feel bad.

He laughed softly, shaking away his concerns with a hand.

"You will not be the first to track and through my room after crawling out of the sea and I highly doubt you will be the last. Go ahead and help yourself with my oils and soaps. Leave your clothes in the basket in there. My closet is attached to the bath, pick out something comfortable. I'll sweep after you are done.

Please don't think of it. As I said I am happy to make new friends and If I can help a new arrival I can pay back those who helped me. If you wish to pay me back, once you are settled assist another newcomer in fitting in." he said pleasantly as he took the fish out and began to wash them in the sink.

"Do you have any dietary restrictions?"

"Ah, no, no, I mean. My stomach is a bit sensitive in general, so maybe nothing too spicy?" Really, after the second time asking, Hakkai was pretty much resigned to the fact that no matter how much he worried, Jin Ziyao was going to care for him no matter what. His shoulders going slack as he decided that, given how his clothes were uncomfortably stiff and smelt like sea-water and fish, it was perhaps for the best that he did shower.

"Where did you say the shower was? I don't want to wander off accidentally."

Thank goodness he had gotten used to using other people's showers after all these years. It helps make it feel slightly less awkward.

"Alright, nothing from my home region in that case." he laughed softly. "I can get something together while you shower and I will put no spice in it in that case."

Ziyao nodded, leading him to the room furthest from the door It had a paeony painted on it with his name calligraphed onto it. It opened up to a master bedroom with an attached bathroom. There was an erhu sitting on the table as well as various books on horticulture and paintings neatly organized. Fresh peonies decorated the side tables.

He opened the door to the adjoining bathroom, that shared a similar aesthetic to the bedroom.

"The closet is over here, Do you have a preference in the kind of clothes you like wearing? There is a mix of Hanfu and modern clothing, Perhaps robes or looser clothing will be better considering the difference in our heights, I should have your clothing dried by the evening..."

Edited 2021-07-30 23:24 (UTC)

"Hmn, I do have a preference to looser clothing. As for the type, I'm fine with either traditional or more modern so no real preference. If anything I actually like mixing the styles up a little bit, myself," If one could not tell tell by his nice slacks and changshan combo going on.

He himself had been still admiring the houses layout. The design, the overall feung shui, the florals, he wasn't a professional by any means but good god it was all like a dream. He was almost jealous to know that Guangyao was staying in a place like this. A soft sigh escaping him as he peaked into the small yet cozy looking bathroom. Yes, it was definitely a good decision to take a moment to bathe.

"Thank you by the way. I know my gratitude is apparent but I never once properly said as such," He smiled softly as he nodded his head in a slight bow. "As many people are implied to end up teleported to this world, I imagine most don't get such a good transitional experience. I'm grateful."

"Alright please allow me to see what I can find. Gold is the color of my sect, so most of my clothing is in yellow tones..." He fussed around through his closet before pulling out a loose Hanfu in Lanling Gold, peonies were stitched along the sleeves and chest, it was meant to be worn long but he thought it would fit his new tall friend better. As for the pants, the trousers he chose were slightly short but still loose enough. He also retrieved a large fluffy bath towel and handed it to Hakkai.

"Of course. You are quite welcome. I'm afraid I am a busy body who likes making new friends when I can. So many of us are washed ashore here so far away from our homes. I was fairly homesick when I first arrived as well. I am going to go get our lunch ready, Do you know how to make the rainfall from the shower?" he still found the concept fascinating.

New friends, huh? Hakkai's expression couldn't help but soften with that. His attention finally seemed to be distracted from his admiration of the house to focus solely on Guangyao once more. This man certainly was the type to try to make friends quite quickly, wasn't he?

It seemed that he was implying that he did things like this for people quite often.

"The... Rainfall?" What? Was it some fancy shower? Was it one of those cool ones that make it look like it was physically raining within the shower itself? It didn't look like anything so special at first glance-- If anything, it looked like a perfectly normal bathroom setup-- Ah.

Wait. Did he mean--?

"You mean if I know how to turn it on?"

Connections were useful to have in a place anywhere and doubly so in a place like this and at his heart Jin Ziyao was a fantastic politician and diplomat. He returned the gestures with a grateful smile. A newcomer like Cho Hakkai would surely need connections as well.

"Yes, the rain that comes from the shower. I can show you if you don't I struggled a lot with the technology when I first arrived," he said cheerfully.

.... Ah.

"Oh no, no. No need for that. Thankfully, although rare these days, showers like this do exist in my world," he smiled sweetly as he said that. Giving a quick wave of his hand as if to express that it would he fine. "I do appreciate the hospitality though. Really, you're quite kind to be so hospitable to all of us 'newbies' that you happen to run across."

From how Guangyao worded it, it did not seem uncommon for groups of people from new worlds to suddenly appear on the regular. Handling all of that must have grown tiring after a while.

"Ah, I'm glad. I was confused and amazed when I first got here, we always had to bring wooden tubs and buckets back home for a bath.

Ah not too often. I have been here about five months myself. I'll leave you to it and begin preparing our lunch then, call me if you need anything." with one last bow he was off.

While Hakkai took the time to shower and change Jin Guangyao, moved to prepare a meal. lightly seasoned tofu with eggplant, Steamed fish, some Char Siu he had made with some boar his brother had hunted for them, and a nice large helping of rice. This he set up in the small island in the kitchen as well as a nice pot of green tea.

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."

00. Arrival

I. Beach Episode

II. Sand Sport

III. Graciously Given Gifts

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject