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TDM #12
Welcome! Everything is fine.
Uploading. . . Complete!
The Lobby.
- When you open your eyes, there is quite a lot of beige to take in. The unassuming walls of the room you've found yourself in are barren save for a single motivational poster directly in your line of sight. An illuminated sign above an open door on the far wall reads 'lobby exit.'
"Welcome," chimes a polite, synthesized voice. "I'm happy you're here." A moment later comes the clarity of the situation: you have died and so has the world you came from. "This is Amani, your new reality," continues The Peacekeeper. "Everything will be fine."
At least you aren't the only one here, you'll soon find out, as others who are just as confused and concerned as you are might be mingling on the main hub's first floor. Hopefully, you find a familiar face among the crowd. If not, that's all right. You'll get to know quite a few people very well soon enough.
- If you're one of the unlucky few whose death required a bit more intensive re-coding to maintain stability in the simulation, you'll instead awaken on a bed in the infirmary. Everything is strikingly white save for the occasional string of vines with lavender growing in bursts to help keep people calm. Whether or not it works seems to be on a case-by-case basis.
While there is active medical staff, the voice of The Peacekeeper is also there to explain the situation in a more delicate manner to these individuals. It's already stressful enough having to have gone through such a violent death, after all!
If characters want more questions answered, they'll need to speak to The Peacekeeper directly. But first, it will encourage socialization in the main hub and hopefully, you'll find someone you recognize to make taking things in a little easier.
WHAT
The twelfth Amani TDM!
WHEN
July 26th, 2023 (and until the next TDM!)
KINKS OF THE MONTH
★ Voyeurism/ Exhibitionism
★ Public Sex
★ Group sex
★ Temperature Play
★ Sexual Exhaustion
★ Public Sex
★ Group sex
★ Temperature Play
★ Sexual Exhaustion
WHAT'S YOUR DTF STATUS?
If the main hub and its features don't appeal to you, that's perfectly fine. This is the perfect time to configure your Digitized Technical Friend or your DTF status. A DTF is similar to a dæmon from His Dark Materials in that it is connected to and a reflection of a character's soul. These DTFs take shape accordingly and are projections similar to the NPCs. Think of them as your own personal Clippy except less annoying. Hopefully.
Once that's set-up, there are other locations of the main hub to investigate! You can visit the training grounds, music lounge, library, and onsen. Also, feel free to leave an offering for the resident deity of sleep (Hypnos) at his shrine! You can even visit The Peacekeeper themselves on the second floor. They're always happy to have visitors! They're also conveniently where you might place a complaint about that status of the main hub and its amenities. Even if you do complain, The Peacekeeper will encourage others to set off and find their own place to live out in the simulation.
Granted, the housing market in the afterlife isn't exactly robust. It doesn't help that every place you find has a leaky roof or broken window. No, unfortunately that will need to be fixed the peaceful way. If you'd like more lighting or even cozier clothes, simulation inhabitants are reminded that 'peaceful interactions' are very important!
It might be a good idea to stick close to someone you know, for now, since even the smallest amounts of intimacy might see subtle changes occurring where they're staying. Perhaps that broken window is now fixed, the grime and dust seem a little less, or the floor doesn't creak quite as loud.
Larger changes, however, will only come after demonstrating the more powerful peaceful interactions. If you want new hardwood floors or a fresh coat of paint on the walls, you're going to have to demonstrate how well you 'get along' with others against them first.
SUMMMER OF TRANSFORMATION
One summer morning, inhabitants will be greeted not by the artificial rhythmic chimes of The Peacekeeper's announcement but instead a more natural one. It is the sound of a wind chime; specifically, the source will be a furin (or furins, for multiple-people households) that seems to be customized to suit whoever it belongs to.
The slip of paper attached to the bottom also is an invitation. Inhabitants are being invited to Hiromitsu's worldwide summer matsuri - festival, for those who might not be aware! - in mid-August. In order to help you all prepare, this invitation also provides a yokai disguise once activated by someone's touch.
A menu screen will open up on their DTF's main screen hub that allows them to choose a yokai to present as. They're even customizable! In every way you could want. Someone can even mix and match different yokai features if they so desire. After all, hanyo (half-breeds) and hybrids are a thing in Hiromitsu so no one will even bat an eye.
The slip of paper attached to the bottom also is an invitation. Inhabitants are being invited to Hiromitsu's worldwide summer matsuri - festival, for those who might not be aware! - in mid-August. In order to help you all prepare, this invitation also provides a yokai disguise once activated by someone's touch.
A menu screen will open up on their DTF's main screen hub that allows them to choose a yokai to present as. They're even customizable! In every way you could want. Someone can even mix and match different yokai features if they so desire. After all, hanyo (half-breeds) and hybrids are a thing in Hiromitsu so no one will even bat an eye.
PROPHECY, SPEAK TO ME
Out in the ocean waves has also suddenly appeared a Tori gate and a small fleet of ships sailing through them. Between the columns of the gate, all inhabitants can see is a film of golden light that looks as though it is a portal of some kind. Swimming closer will show that the light is actually an iridescent golden sand ever-sifting and moving in intricate, organic patterns.
Passing through will have no effect other than suddenly looking like you've been golden glitter-bombed. Don't worry, it'll wash out!
If someone stares at the gate, they will start to feel strange. At first, it's nothing more than minor auditory and visual hallucinations. Of what? It depends! Someone might see someone familiar in the corner of their eye, hear a voice believed to be long gone, and looking away will dispel the effects.
Staring longer, however, will see something more extreme occurring. Rather than simple hallucinations, inhabitants will see prophetic visions* flash before their eyes. It is brief, alarming, and disorienting. Staring longer again won't bring the vision back no matter how hard someone tries.
Unfortunately, it is fleeting as the hanami of spring and gone in a blink only leaving you with only a sense of unease.
(*NOTE: If your character would stare long enough to see a prophetic vision, comment here to let us know!)
Passing through will have no effect other than suddenly looking like you've been golden glitter-bombed. Don't worry, it'll wash out!
If someone stares at the gate, they will start to feel strange. At first, it's nothing more than minor auditory and visual hallucinations. Of what? It depends! Someone might see someone familiar in the corner of their eye, hear a voice believed to be long gone, and looking away will dispel the effects.
Staring longer, however, will see something more extreme occurring. Rather than simple hallucinations, inhabitants will see prophetic visions* flash before their eyes. It is brief, alarming, and disorienting. Staring longer again won't bring the vision back no matter how hard someone tries.
Unfortunately, it is fleeting as the hanami of spring and gone in a blink only leaving you with only a sense of unease.
(*NOTE: If your character would stare long enough to see a prophetic vision, comment here to let us know!)
FREE SAMPLES
The ships that come upon shore are no more than four or five. Upon each is a yokai and their wares for sale. Although initially confused, they do take stamps as payment... and inhabitants can watch as those stamps convert to an actual form of currency after the transaction. Huh! How about that?
Although limited in what is available, they promise that their full stocks will be accessible when inhabitants visit their homeworld of Hiromitsu.
Although limited in what is available, they promise that their full stocks will be accessible when inhabitants visit their homeworld of Hiromitsu.
- ★ Food » A couple of the vendors have brought some delicious food that no summer matsuri can go without! According to them, anyway. Some are strange, others are "sensual", and then the rest seem to be just regular food!
Inhabitants will be able to find mochi, chocolate-covered bananas, grilled green onions, meat skewers, meat buns, and more! Just be warned: anything that is labeled as not safe for work will have you feeling pretty peaceful before you know it.
★ Kites » One vendor is selling a variety of colorful kites. All of them use a red string though, inhabitants can note, and seem prone to tying people up together. This seems especially true of people who maybe have interest in one another but haven't been brave enough to talk about it. Or maybe they just need to talk in general.
Either way, the line won't untangle without a little bit of good ol' fashioned healthy communication. If you want to make-out first though just to be sure, well, the vendor isn't going to judge any.
★ Goldfish Scooping » Known in Hiromitsu's native language as "Kingyo sukui," this game translates to goldfish scooping. Some inhabitants might remember it from their time before but for those who are new... The object of the game is simple! Using a small paper net, you have to scoop out a goldfish gently but quickly enough to transfer it to a separate bowl before the paper breaks.
These goldfish come in different colors that denote different levels of prizes. Gold earns five (5) stamps, silver earns three (3), and bronze gets one (1). If you fail to get a fish, there is still a consolation prize!
(Please comment here to have your catch RNGed if you'd like to play the game!)
★ Katanuki » The last vendor has a game prepared called katanuki. This game is a lot more difficult than it appears at first glance but not complicated! Using a special candy, the vendor will have shapes pressed into it. Inhabitants have to try to carefully cut out the pressed-on picture with a small needle or pin without breaking it.
If they succeed, they win a prize! These images can be something familiar, sexual, or bizarre! There's no telling what you'll get. Literally. If an inhabitant succeeds in not breaking their picture, it will pop into a real construct rather than the image before their eyes. That phallus you were just carefully carving out? It's now a nice, new dildo in your hands. Enjoy!
SURF'S UP
Remember those baby turtles from a couple of months ago? Well, they aren't babies anymore! Although not as big as their parent, these turtles are now large enough to ride on. In fact, they seem to encourage it! That's right, it's time for some turtle surfing.
As with anything, there is bound to be a learning curve. Each turtle will attune to its rider... just give it some time! Being thrown off or wiping out is to be expected in the beginning. After a while, a bond will form between you and your aquatic pal and you'll be riding the waves in no time at all.
You might even be able to do some fancy tricks as a fun duo with enough practice! Just make sure not to wear your new friend out since they'll need their stamina for the trip to another world with you.
Why can't inhabitants use the ships to sail to Hiromitsu? These ships are only big enough for the yokai and their wares, that's why! If anyone attempts to sneak on or insist, they'll find that it isn't just because of the boat's size though. The fleet is outfitted with anti-theft and anti-yokai measures. What does that mean?
It means that the very boat itself is a yokai and will come (more) alive should anyone it doesn't recognize set foot on its decks. Floorboards with teeth will open up to try and eat someone's feet. Or they might instead shoot up to smack or launch someone into the cold sea water below. Whatever they do, the point should be clear: you aren't their owner or a yokai so get out of here.
As with anything, there is bound to be a learning curve. Each turtle will attune to its rider... just give it some time! Being thrown off or wiping out is to be expected in the beginning. After a while, a bond will form between you and your aquatic pal and you'll be riding the waves in no time at all.
You might even be able to do some fancy tricks as a fun duo with enough practice! Just make sure not to wear your new friend out since they'll need their stamina for the trip to another world with you.
Why can't inhabitants use the ships to sail to Hiromitsu? These ships are only big enough for the yokai and their wares, that's why! If anyone attempts to sneak on or insist, they'll find that it isn't just because of the boat's size though. The fleet is outfitted with anti-theft and anti-yokai measures. What does that mean?
It means that the very boat itself is a yokai and will come (more) alive should anyone it doesn't recognize set foot on its decks. Floorboards with teeth will open up to try and eat someone's feet. Or they might instead shoot up to smack or launch someone into the cold sea water below. Whatever they do, the point should be clear: you aren't their owner or a yokai so get out of here.
SEXY STAMP CARD
If you're wondering about these 'peaceful interactions' that keep being mentioned or what the kinks of the month are for... Here's your answer! Upon arrival, all characters will receive a digital copy of their very own sexy stamp card.
Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it!NOTES
Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it!
★ Please comment to the appropriate threads with your character if you'd like them to receive a prophetic vision or get a reward from the goldfish scooping!
★ The motivational poster in the beginning is of a daruma and the text translates to fall seven times and get up eight! This means, when life knocks you down just get up again and keep on trying!
★ We are currently at 30/40 slots taken! Anyone wishing to claim a character must have an invite from someone currently in the game and follow the proper rules in place to be accepted into the community!
NAVIGATION
no subject
Perhaps it is familiar because Prompto is no stranger to bottling everything up. He's seen it boil over more than once, with lasting scars to himself and Noct to show as consequences.
Were this a few years earlier, Gladio probably would have blown up. It took time, but ultimately Prompto realized it was from things far deeper than anger after his found family started to fall apart during what now feels like another life.
He takes a steadying breath, but the part that truly grounds the anxious boy is when Gladio holds him tight. Prompto always associated the big guy with feeling safe. No stupid dragon could ever best them- not with their combined strengths. His body instinctively melts against his solid muscle, and just like that, maybe things will be ok. The heart fluttering bit is most definitely just part of the relief. Absolutely.
"He um, remembers enough to know something went to shit. Sharp enough to know I'm hiding something big. He isn't a huge fan of it." Prompto sighs, shaking his head. Best to keep talking and not think about the trauma that came with, well, dying. Even the thought makes him shudder before he forces his mind back on course.
"He thinks I should spill. But... If Noct knows, he'll never forgive himself. I don't know what to do. I've been paralyzed over this for weeks, and there's no way out."
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But he knows full well that Prompto is better off not lingering on the trauma of dying, and wouldn't wish to, which is part of the reason he doesn't ask questions about it and is focusing on the practical aspects instead. There's very little he - or perhaps anyone - can do directly to help with that trauma, aside from help Prompto move further away from it. And, of course, offering general comfort whenever the kid needs it, which Gladio hopes he's doing already.
"Sure there is," he says, voice not quite flat but certainly no nonsense. "The only way out is through. You tell him." He lightly flicks the back of Prompto's skull with one finger, using the arm he's already got around his shoulders. "You think he's gonna forgive himself so easily for not being able to be there for his boyfriend after you went through something like that, because you thought you had to hide it to protect him? And he is gonna find out. I picked up on you being messed up about it right away, and I don't even know you as well as Noct does. He knows something's wrong already, mark my words. And sooner or later he'll corner you and have it out of you, because if he puts the pressure on you're not gonna have the heart to lie to his face when he knows you're lying. Better you tell him on your own, so he knows he can trust you to tell him important things...even if there's a waiting period. And so he doesn't have to field guilt and anger at the same time."
He nudges Prompto with his shoulder. "Besides...Noct may have more heartache than he deserves, and none of us want to add to it, but let's not pretend he's fragile. After King Regis, and Lady Luna, and even Iggy...there's a lot that Noct is never going to forgive himself for when it comes to other people making sacrifices for him, whether it was his fault or not. But he's still trucking. He'll be upset, but this won't kill him - and you're there to help him through it. And he'll be able to help you through it, too. That's where all the guilt comes from in the end, right? Feeling like you couldn't be there for the ones you loved when they needed you. So don't rob him of that chance when he's actually got it."
Privately, Gladio also thinks that a death that didn't actually last won't hit quite as hard as an irretrievable loss in any case. But, well...true and self-evident as that may be, he doesn't know and can't think of a delicate way to express that to Prompto. He doesn't want to seem like he's treating what had to have been a massively traumatic experience for the kid as inconsequential.
no subject
"The way is through huh? The ol Gladdy Special? You're crazy."
But really, he isn't crazy. At all. He's painfully right. As he gives that perfect read on Noct and his guilt, Prompto's blue eyes grow wide. He looks like a shocked puppy, and even tilts his head a little.
"I figured he'd not wanna know about yet another sacrifice, y'know? I figured..."
Figured what? That keeping it in would make it go away? That it wouldn't blow up in his face eventually, whenever he slipped up? Prompto's brow furrows and he frowns. Finally slowing down and thinking this through really shows how little sense it actually makes. Fragile isn't a word in the guy's vocab.
"Dammit,Gladio. Why do you always gotta be so on point?"
no subject
"What he wants is for more sacrifices not to happen, Prom. Not for sacrifices to be made for him and people to cover it up. There's a big difference. And deep down, you know it." He wraps his arm around those skinny shoulders again, giving him a squeeze. "You're gonna have to push through this bush you're beating around sooner or later, thorns or no thorns. But the sooner you do, the sooner you're free and clear on the other side."
He can't help grinning at Prompto's remark. "Y'know, the honest answer is years of screwing things up until I got smart. Although I admit, being afraid to tackle hard stuff head-on has never been one of my personal problems to begin with. I've got completely different ones."
no subject
Prompto waves an arm to punctuate his point, before settling into Gladio's touch again.
"Thorns hurt though. How the heck am I gonna pull those all out? I dunno how I will manage, yknow?"
He sighs, before shaking his head in apparent defeat. Gladio knows what he's talking about. Always does. This too shall pass, and it needs to pass sooner rather than later for Noct's sake.
"Years of messing up? Either way, you always were the brave one of our group. Noct tries to tell me I'm brave, can you even imagine? Crazy."
no subject
Damn, Prom, just ask Gladio questions he knows you know the answer to. He wasn't napping when you patched up that injured dog.
"And you are brave. Isn't this whole conversation about how you threw yourself in harm's way to protect somebody you love? Doesn't exactly say 'coward' to me. You've always been stronger and braver than you give yourself credit for, Prom. The sooner you stop talking yourself down, the sooner you can start seeing it, too."
no subject
But he sees the softness in Gladio's eyes when he talks about him. Right there, in his face for him to witness.
Right now, Prompto Argentum is in an emotional state, and Gladio speaks to him on a deeper level. Maybe he always has. Maybe that's why the words fall out of his mouth. His expression is tired, but with a small lopsided smile. Something gentler than anything he can remember tossing Gladio's way ever before, despite wanting to.
"Heh, I dunno. There's some things I'm not really brave about, Gladdy. Even with help."
Oh shit. Oh shit. Wait- what is he getting at? Deep down, Prompto knows. Probably no turning back now. Running headfirst into it seems to have resonated more than he thought.
no subject
But the way he's looking at Gladio...well, with certain information Gladio's privy to, he has to concede that maybe the kid does. Only one way to find out.
"Oh yeah?" he says, holding Prompto's gaze. "Name one thing."
no subject
"I um- I uh- I gotta go!!!"
Slippery as an eel, he wriggles away from Gladio and leaps to his feet. There's an agonizing pang that pulls at his chest as the blond tears his eyes away and loses that steady, solid, safe warmth around him. "Uh help yourself to anything in the fridge byeeeee!"
And thus, Prompto Argentum flees his own apartment. His footfalls on the stairs are uneven, and a following yelp and crash confirm he probably missed a step or two. The bells of the front door jingle, and there's a slam. All that's left is silence.
His DTF, Chibi, stares up at Gladio from the floor, unblinking.
My apologies for Prompto's rude exit. He appears to have become emotionally overloaded, as he is wont. Is there anything I can do to assist you, Mister Amicitia?
no subject
"Uh, yeah..." Gladio rubs the back of his neck. "Maybe you could tell me what the hell just happened?"
no subject
Chibi's tail wags slightly looking at Gladio. This one makes her person very happy, she can tell. She likes him. Not that anything else would give good indication with how stoic she appears otherwise, in stark contrast to Prompto himself.
I believe Prompto was overwhelmed, yes. He still has much to say to you, but he became...Concerned about what might happen after. I do not know where he is headed- he hid his location.
no subject
With Prompto's anxiety, Gladio knows the latter is perfectly possible. But he wants to know if he misstepped. Maybe he pushed too hard, came on too strong, let too suggestive of an atmosphere build based on what he wants (and what he'd been used to, back home) with Prom when that's not what a Prom who's got Noct is looking for. And while he'd prefer to ask Prompto directly if there's an issue...Gladio doesn't think the kid would ever be honest with him if he was doing something wrong. He'd try to downplay it, or make it his own fault, or even wholesale act like everything was fine when it wasn't.
He's better off just asking the dog.
no subject
She is weighing what might best benefit Prompto here. Of course, it is honesty. Gladio makes him happy. Their interaction right up to when he ran, made him happy, even with the difficult subject matter. Should she stay silent, that might go away. Bogged down by his worries, he might just avoid everything. That won't do.
You did not Mess Up, no. Prompto became overwhelmed with his usual what-ifs. Were I to guess, he was quite happy with your behavior. He is simply frightened of what might come next.
no subject
Hell, even if Chibi would tell him, Gladio wouldn't ask. That wouldn't be fair to Prom. That's the sort of thing the kid has the right to say for himself, or keep to himself. Gladio's not going to go behind his back getting his own dog to rat on him.
"Well, whatever's going on, the kid needs his space, and I'm in his right now." Gladio rises to his feet. "I'm heading back to my own place. Get in contact with him once I'm gone and let him know it's safe to come back, alright? And let him know I'm not mad. Who the hell knows what he's working himself up thinking."
no subject
Prompto will be relieved to know you are not mad, Mister Amicitia. I will message him upon your departure. Thank you for speaking with him on the topic of his death. He was harming both himself and Noctis, saying nothing."
The dog will stay seated where she is, just...Watching, as Gladio departs.
She has much to do, now.