peacockstop | TDM 05

Entry tags:

!mod,
!tdm

TDM 05

【 Thank you for choosing the Golden Peacock, 5-star resort and casino. You are currently registered as a WILDCARD in our system.

Due to a high volume of check-ins, temporary accommodations have been made in our KING SUITES for all new arrivals. We will endeavor to have all guests moved into their reserved rooms as soon as possible. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience.

As a token of our gratitude for your understanding, front reception has arranged for a GRAND FEAST to welcome our newest guests. The attendance of all guests is required. The house will enforce compliance.

Please note that rank-appropriate attire is mandatory. Guests found breaking social code may be disciplined. We hope you enjoy your stay! 】

ARRIVAL

DIVINE AWAKENING

A cool breeze lofts across the room. Gentle, soothing. Cotton sheets and silken covers slip with the tired stretch of limbs. New arrivals dozing in the comfort of their king-sized beds wake to the balmy warmth of a hazy sun and the rhythmic lap of waves on the shore. Clouds mist around the floor, granting ethereal ambiance. Gauzy curtains flutter, revealing a majestic stretch of sky in all directions. This temple is nestled at the top of a mountain, one where the sea somehow meets its edge.

All King suites have been set to the Heavenly setting for the comfort of these new Wildcards. To call this place a room feels like a misnomer; all of the senses scream that this is a real temple at the top of a crisp oceanside mountain. The only clue that this place isn't what it seems is the door in the distance. It stands dark against light, a stark rectangle distinctly out of place.

New arrivals aren't waking up alone. Reception would never expect their guests to wake up in a cold bed. All new guests will be waking up next to another Wildcard or a current guest snatched up from the hallways. Guests waking up in these heavenly King suites will wake dressed in sheer white tunics and togas that leave very little to the imagination.

MARK OF THE GODS None of the traditional suits have manifested on these Wildcards. Instead, all new arrivals will discover intricate patterns winding their arms and legs, each one different from the next. Thorns, vines, stars, or moons — the commonality of these marks is that they come in either glittering gold or shimmering silver.

► BENEVOLENT DIVINE: Those with marks of gold running along their skin have been identified as benevolent deities. The powers that be have sensed the kind spirit within. All benevolent Wildcards may experience the effects of any RED SUITS over the course of the next two weeks.

► MALEVOLENT DIVINE: Those with marks of silver running along their skin have been identified as malevolent deities. The powers that be have sensed the muck that lurks beneath the surface. All malevolent deities may experience the effects of any BLACK SUITS over the course of the next two weeks.

MADDENING HUNGER Itchy throat, dry mouth. Headache. Hungry. It comes on slow, at first nothing of note. But, surely, it begins to deepen. Grapes don't feel filling. Water barely quenches thirst. All new arrivals will wake up in a state of hunger. They will find that despite the complimentary snacks left in their room by room service, nothing hits the spot.

No matter how much food they eat, these new arrivals, who have been dubbed as divines, won't find any satiation from food or wine. This gnawing hunger is exhausting; as it increases, their strength decreases. They cannot continue on like this for long.

All Wildcards, regardless of divine differentiation, will need to be worshipped for sustenance. Otherwise, they risk falling into a frenzied state.

There are many ways they can be worshipped. While having their bodies worshiped through sex is the most effective, they can find minor relief in acts of praise, affection, offerings, service, and so on. The longer a Wildcard goes without being worshiped, the more their god mark will leech their energy, and the faster they will lose their sanity. Loss of sanity can result in any kind of frenzy, from general mania to breaking from reality.

GILDED CAGE

AN ENDLESS FEAST

Doors to the grand banquet hall of Gilded Cage have been opened. A singular massive table stretches throughout the entirety of the restaurant, every available inch loaded with trays of food and goblets of wine. Waiters seamlessly dip in and out of the kitchens with platters over their shoulders, bringing delectable cuisine from all avenues of every earth around for guests to enjoy. Vibrant fruits, roasted meats, and decadent desserts funnel into the hall without end.

Rugs and cushions have been laid out for low rank guests. All high rank guests have thrones and benches covered in crushed velvet and delicate linens. Wildcards have a seat of honor amongst it all, each fresh new divine lead to the grand dais for their own semi-private tent with daybed and eager servants.

Low ranks are carefully watched by security and wait staff. Some low rank guests may even be dragged in by resort staff to assist serving high rank guests and Wildcards. All high rank guests and Wildcards are revered and catered to during the feast. Low rank guests are expected to feed them, rub their feet, and comply with any whimsical demands. Any low rank guest that defies a higher ranked guest is at risk of being shackled, forced to scrub chamber pots, and other humiliating punishments.

ROYALS ► Royal cards are King, Queen, and Jack ranks. All ranks beneath them must comply with their demands, no matter how whimsical or stupid. They are waited on hand and foot, with low ranks throwing themselves forward for the honor of pleasing them. Royals do not need to obey the commands of anyone aside from Wildcards. While it is good manners for a lower royal card to defer to a higher royal card they will not be punished if they decline.

► Royal cards are encouraged to eat, drink, and be merry. Be selfish! Be greedy! Take everything you want! There is no end to the pampering and indulgence offered to royals. Long-standing guests line up to flatter them and give them gifts. Resort staff are desperate to make them laugh or smile. A royal card frowning strikes terror every servant. Resort staff will insist that they seek their own pleasures and not worry about the feelings of those lowly cards. All numbered cards exist to satisfy the royals; being concerned about their peasant feelings is unnecessary.

► Royals can command any numbered rank. If they find a numbered rank they particularly like they may monopolize them for their exclusive use. The word no does not exist. Whatever a royal wants, a royal gets. They can also issue punishments to numbered ranks that do not please them. There are guards prepared to discipline servants at their command. They may also dominate unruly servants with their own hands if that pleases them.

SERVANTS ► Servant cards are ranks A - 10. Hierarchy exists within the servants as well. While a rank 10 servant must flatter and please the royals, they may issue orders to any servant rank beneath them. This continues down the line — a rank 6 servant must obey and adore any rank above them but may command and bully any rank below them.

► The Ace rank shows its fickle nature. All Ace cards are bottom-barrel servants sitting at Rank 1 that anyone can bully. They are automatically ordered to clean up trash, scrub sticky floors, and dance provocatively for any rank that demands a show.

► Servants must obey anyone that outranks them. There are guards standing along the walls waiting to discipline any servant that defies the hierarchy. However, the guards are mostly for show — suits enforce real compliance. Any servant that disobeys an individual who outranks them is at risk of their suit flaring. If their suit does flare, submitting and obeying or an orgasm can abate suit effects.

WILDCARDS ► Wildcards are akin to deities. There is no greater honor than to serve or possess a Wildcard. Royals want to own them and servants want to please them. All Wildcards are showered with endless adoration. Fights break out for the chance to feed them grapes or rub their calves. Wildcards may do whatever they want without consequences, even toward royal ranks.

► Wildcards are encouraged to indulge in the finest of everything. Servants must tend to them and obey their commands. While royals do not need to obey them, there is great prestige in claiming a Wildcard’s affection. Wildcards are encouraged to be selfish and enjoy themselves to the fullest.

► Any royal or servant that satisfies a Wildcard can collect a Wildcard token. This is an electronic token that appears in their bank account once a Wildcard has climaxed during sex. Physically pleasing two Wildcards bring about great blessings. Players may submit two Wildcard tokens under their rewards thread to collect a small item voucher.

PHOENIX CASINO

ALEA IACTA EST

Phoenix Casino has been reborn in antiquity. Stone pillars line the aisles and embroidered linens cast a gauzy filter over every corner of the gambling center. The number of statues has increased, with every corner decorated with marble figures in provocative poses. The feast continues into even here; scantily clad servants and waiters carry around platters of succulent fruits and pitchers of wine.

The game tables are abuzz. Special games have kicked off in honor of the new godlings that are waiting to check in. Even here, those of different ranks are distinct from one another. The lowest ranks wear small slips of clothing. Some are even collared to show they belong to a particular royal or Wildcard. Royals and Wildcards dress luxuriously in thick robes and golden jewelry.

Game managers clap and encourage guests of all ranks to join in on the fun. While there are numerous card games, slot machines, and raffles happening around the casino, staff are promoting three events in particular.

WILDCARD AUCTION ► All shiny new Wildcards have a unique number pinned to their robes. Early in the night these nubile virgin Wildcards will be paraded across the stage and asked to introduce themselves to the crowd. After, the bidding will commence. Don't miss this opportunity to claim a resort virgin and beloved divine!

► Bidding for a Wildcard can get intense! Numerous long-standing guests are already obsessed with these stunning new arrivals and are quick to bid high. Bidding wars can break out at any time. Some very eager long-standing guests are willing to get violent if it means they get to monopolize one of these Wildcards. Security is on stand-by for cases of Wildcard theft; some guests are so desperate for these Wildcards that they'll even try to kidnap them if they see the chance.

► The hierarchy is temporarily set aside for auction purchases. Any rank can dominate a Wildcard if they have the means to bid high enough and buy. In the case of Wildcard purchases, their god marks will force compliance to whoever buys them during the auction.

CASTING LOTS ► This special game of lots is designed for a high rank and a low rank to play together. In the case of guests of the same rank playing together, a coin flip will decide who plays the "low" rank for this game.

► The high rank guest will roll a six-sided die. The number rolled will reflect the game rule by which the low rank guest must try to satisfy the high rank guest. If the low rank guest manages to satisfy the high rank guest they will receive a large payout. If the high rank guest is not satisfied they may discipline the low-rank guest in any way they see fit.

ONE: Without using hands.

TWO: Using only mouth.

THREE: While blindfolded.

FOUR: Using only butt cheeks.

FIVE: Using only legs.

SIX: While remaining on knees.

► The high rank decides if and when they have been satisfied. Work hard, low rank!

HEADS OR TAILS

► What's a casino without a bit of risk? There's a special game of Heads or Tails happening at the game tables. All guests must bet their rank in order to play. Winners of the game will have the option to either swap ranks with the loser, or keep their rank as is and move on to another game. With a little bit of luck, even a Rank 2 can experience living the high life.

► All rank swaps are temporary. Winners that choose to swap ranks with the loser of their game will have 24 hours with their new rank before they revert back to normal. They may continue playing on with their "new" rank if they want to test their luck.

► Heads or Tails is played with a physical Golden Peacock coin. Players will take turns as the coin flipper, with their opponent guessing if the outcome will be heads or tails. The first guest to reach three correct guesses is the winner.

BEAK

ENTERTAIN YOUR BETTERS

A massive circular arena has been erected in the middle of Beak. Staggered seats rise up to the ceiling, where royals lounge in luxury viewing boxes. The gaping mouth of the arena is wide and desolate. An assortment of weapons, such as spears and shields, hang along stone walls. It waits for the taste of blood and stench of battle. The sound of the audience cheering and booing echoes throughout the Wellness Quarter.

Beneath the open arena is a smaller closed arena and the warrior’s bunk. Warriors will find cold showers, rustic wooden benches, and training weapons available for their use. Deep in the earth is a grimy prison where servants who refuse to battle are thrown to wait for their turn. There are also cages where the hungry “animals” wait to go out and entertain the masses.

A long track rings around the perimeter of the arena. Gone is the standard green fuzz and white lines, replaced with stone and dust to elicit the real feeling of running beneath the hot Grecian sun. Foot and chariot races take place throughout the day.

BATTLE ROYALE ► Numbered ranks have been conscripted into battle for the amusement of the Wildcards and royals. While high ranked servants may be able to wiggle their way out of a fight, low ranked servants will be thrown into the arena without mercy. Warriors that win their battles will be showered in accolades and payouts while losers will be mocked and pelted with rotten tomatoes. Warriors that try to forfeit their match will be stripped naked, strung up on a pole, and mocked for 24 hours.

► Battle rules are simple. Any means and methods of fighting are acceptable when in the arena. The arena’s overseer will decide if a battle will end when first blood is drawn or if it will continue until one side can no longer continue. There are rare instances of battle to the death, typically reserved for warriors who have deeply offended a Wildcard or royal.

► Royals and Wildcards are welcome to join in the royale if they wish. They will not be forced and they will be given any armor they want before stepping into the arena. Low rank warriors are given no armor — some may even be forced to fight nude.

SUBDUE THE BEAST ► Any numbered ranks that have displeased a Wildcard or royal will be thrown into the arena to fight barehanded against hungry tigers and lions. If there are no troublemakers on hand to throw into the arena for entertainment, low rank servants will be forcibly volunteered instead.

► Those alleged hungry tigers and lions? They are other servants dressed up in sexy animal costumes. While staff will take genuine volunteers for this role first, they will forcibly volunteer low rank servants into the role if needed. All costumes are revealing and offer little protection. There is an assortment of looks to choose from, not just tigers and lions, though whether or not a servant gets to pick their outfit depends on how charitable the arena master is feeling.

► Matches will end when one party can no longer continue or the audience is sufficiently amused. Royals and Wildcards are permitted to partake if they please, and there will be no consequences if they decide to withdraw.

RACE TRACK ► Royals and Wildcards are invited to participate in horse racing. Only, there are no horses to be found — all the “horses” are servants! Any chosen servant must carry their master over the finish line. While piggyback rides may make the most sense for a race like this, many of the high class prefer more elegant positions, so anything goes. Horses are required to wear a bridle at all times during the race.

Servants are also allowed to participate as jockeys as long as they observe the hierarchy. Servants may ride any servant of a lower rank. Aces are ordered to walk around with a poop shovel and bag, even if there won’t be any real horse poop lining the track (probably).

► Royals and Wildcards are also invited to participate in private horse racing. These races involve no track, taking place in the back of Beak in private rooms furnished with cushions and silks. Like with the public races, royals and Wildcards may select any servant that catches their eye. Unlike the public races, the goal here is to make their ‘horse’ orgasm as quickly as possible. Times will be saved on their Watches. The faster a master makes their horse come the more bragging rights they have.

Servants are once again allowed to participate as jockeys as long as they observe the hierarchy. The higher ranked servant must make the lower ranked servant orgasm as quickly as they can. While the ‘horse’ may offer mutual comfort they will receive no accolades for their skills.

TALON

SHOW OF STRENGTH

Talon is bustling with warriors training for the arena. Several strength building stations have been set up, including benches for royals to perch on while warriors bench press them. Additions have been made to Talon as well; multiple mud pits have been dug for warriors to participate in some mud wrestling between arena battles.

Servants that appear too fragile to handle mud wrestling have been conscripted into the oil bearer role. Their job is to slather the warriors in oil from head to toe, and otherwise prepare them for their matches in either the arena or in the pit. This includes styling their hair, tending to their wounds, and wiping the sweat off of their bodies if so desired.

The locker rooms that connect Beak and Talon have been fully stocked with first aid kits and luxury bathing supplies. Warriors that have won their matches get first pick, leaving the dirty towels and shampoo that smells like ass for the losers to sift through. Those sneaky ghost hands are having a field day, snapping rat tails at unsuspecting bathers and locking naked warriors together in the supply closet. Guests lacking vigilance may find their bottoms unexpectedly pinched.

MUSCLE CONTEST ► Who can appeal to the royals and Wildcards most? It’s a competition based on aesthetics! Strip down, oil up, and flex your muscles to earn a high score from the judges. Royals and Wildcards may issue a score between 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.

Wildcards and royals are welcome to join in the competition. For some reason, their scores always end up being 10 no matter how skinny or noodly they may be! The flattery and praise for their stunning looks and bodies is endless. No need to work out, my lord, my lady. You’re stunning as is! Truly no body is more perfect!

► Servants are not only allowed, but encouraged, to bribe royals and Wildcards into giving them a high score. While chips and gifts can certainly be offered, isn’t the most compelling argument some hands on experience? Staff will hint to competing warriors that offering sexual favors to the judges may help improve their scores. What better way to prove their physique is the most superior than to put it to work?

► Royals and Wildcards may purchase warriors for their exclusive entertainment if they so desire. Staff are eager to impress these nobles and make a pretty penny in the process. While this isn’t an official auction, these sneaky staff aren’t above making sure the elite and their requested warrior are left alone in a locked room. You grease my palms, I’ll make sure that sexy warrior greases yours.

WRESTLING MATCHES ► Guests will find that a deep mud pit has been added to the front hub of Talon. Servants are stripped and oiled down before being thrown into the pit to wrestle for the entertainment of the nobles. While staff will take volunteers for wrestling matches, they will also grab whoever looks good, even if they’re just passing by! On-lookers place bets during the matches. The winner of the match will receive a small cut of the prize money.

► Wildcards and royals may enter as well. Servants are expected to throw their matches if they’re facing a noble… and if they don’t, they may be facing some unexpected consequences! All suits are sensitive to the hierarchy and will suddenly flare if a servant starts thrashing a noble.

► During a match-up of nobles, it is expected that the lower ranked noble will throw the match in favor of the higher ranked noble. While royal suits will not flare if this isn’t adhered to, discipline between royals isn’t unheard of!

► Some matches are held under “Special House Rules” — which means that the winner of the match gets to claim and fuck the loser. On-lookers will jeer and demand that the winner publicly fuck the loser where they can watch, but private rooms are available for the winner to claim their spoils of war without sharing.

WAYWARD ARROWS ► An archery range with targets has been established for warriors to show off their shooting skills. Like the arena, there are benches and boxes for the audience to admire this graceful art — or to throw tomatoes from when a warrior misses the mark! Both servants and nobles are welcome to participate as archers.

► Servants have been conscripted to act as moving targets across the range. They are told to heckle the archers while avoiding their arrows, and only advised that the arrows won’t pierce their bodies if they get hit. It’s all fun and games. We can’t have all of our servants dying en masse!

During this portion of the games, archers will be given an assortment of charmed arrows with chalk tips that elicit different effects:

RED ARROW: Chalk powder from red arrows will trigger an intense need for physical release by grinding, humping, or frotting.

BLUE ARROW: Chalk powder from blue arrows is pure aphrodisiac. Inhaling this powder will cause close spike to near-orgasm, one that the target will find that cannot be completed by their own hand.

GREEN ARROW: Chalk powder from green arrows will stir neediness. The hit target will suffer cravings to be sticky and hug, climb, and generally latch on to another person.

PURPLE ARROW: Chalk powder from purple arrows will cause a bad case of loose lips. This may manifest in a compulsion to loudly speak in pretentious purple prose, dirty talk, or say otherwise hilarious things for the amusement of the audience.

► Effects from the arrows will wear off within the hour. Multiple hits from differently colored arrows can create fun new effects so feel free to get creative!

INDULGENCE

DESIRES FROM THE VOID

The spirit of the festivities rouses something primal. With emotions heightened, the core of the Golden Peacock responds in kind. It drinks in the sweat of the warriors in the arena. Inhales the laughter of the royals using servants as furniture. Basks in the brilliant glow of fresh Wildcards. The portraits in the elevators are rowdier than usual and the chandeliers lining the hallways gleam with new vibrance. Energy is palpable.

Things begin to move around the resort. The forgotten and the old exhale a dusty breath. Like the hunger that the Wildcards woke up with upon arrival, as its heart begins to beat quicker, there is a tension in the air of those things hungering to feed. To join in, and indulge. To get what they want.

And they’re coming out.

GALATEA ► Statues around the resort begin to stir. First it’s with a hazy blink, moving to the slow creak of their stiff mouths. Eventually they break off of their pedestals and out of their poses before clumsily making their way down the hallways, stone feet an emphasized thump with every step. They tremble, their cold stone bodies aching for warmth and human embrace.

► Statues around the resort have begun trying to kidnap guests for themselves. Once they’ve spotted a guest they want, they will stop at nothing to try and drag them back to their pedestal to spend forever locked in love’s embrace with them. They do not need food, drink, or rest.

► There are two ways to put a statue to rest. One is to engage the statue in battle and break off its head. Once the head is broken off, it will cease to have a spirit and crumble to dust. The second is to involve the statue in a physical act of intimacy — have a threesome with it! Or twosome, if someone is willing to watch. In the case of the second, statues will return to their pedestals satisfied upon completion.

► Statues that end up destroyed may drop a small lore hint. They will wheeze as their stone begins to disintegrate, their stone eyes dripping liquid gold tears. “I just wanted to feel alive again… I wanted to feel like you again… to be whole,” will slip past their marble lips before they crumble away.

NARCISSUS ► Gaze into the water. Admire your pretty face, the curve of your lips, the squint of your eyes... wait, are you winking at yourself?! Over the next few weeks, water-based reflections will begin acting of their own free will. They have the ability to move within the scope of the water and speak, their voices muddled but understandable.

► These reflections are extremely flirtatious and charming. They smile and bat their lashes, pretending to be innocent while drawing the original owner in closer. How about a smooch? How about more than a smooch? Their whispered promises are sweet. Salacious. Loving. Anything to get closer to you. Leaning in too close to the water is dangerous — these reflections will reach out and try to drag unsuspecting guests in. Whether this is out of malice or affection is unclear, but how can they possibly make love to you unless you join them in the water?

► Once caught, it is challenging to escape from their phantom limbs in the water alone. Several long-standing guests need to be saved from The Nest’s decorative fountain because they keep coming close to drowning after trying to kiss their reflections. Unfortunately, not every location with water is as prepared to save unsuspecting would-be lovers. No body of water is safe — not even a cup of it!

► Reflections will become increasingly indignant if they're ignored. Their sweet words will take a sharp turn into insults similar to, "I'm the better looking one between us anyway!" They may also let slip some personal secrets like, "This is why Johnny will never love you back! You're so cold, ignoring even yourself!"

Any mention of the fact that they'll end up drowning the character in question will earn a scoff and another small lore hint along the lines of, "Why are you being such a baby? Only the resort can really kill you anyhow. It's not like you'll die forever if I fuck you in here for a while!"

PANDORA’S BOX ► A spider's web threads through the resort. Invisible, but audible to those that are willing to listen. One of the Punishment Rooms on the maintenance levels is unlocked. Without the padlock on the door to keep them silent, silvery whispers drift up from the basement. A brush of thought, a tickle of an idea that won't quite go away — come down… come down and see… what is inside… don't you want to know?

► Those that heed the call and explore the maintenance levels will find the unlocked Punishment Room. The closer one comes to this door, the stronger these voices grow. They will continue calling, eagerly encouraging whoever stops in front of the door to step inside.

► The inside of this Punishment Room is plain. White walls, a single card table, and two plastic chairs. A single lightbulb offers a dusty glow. There is nothing particularly interesting upon first glance. Slowly, the door behind will creak closed until it is closed, locking itself in the process. That small lightbulb will begin to dim until everything inside the room is plunged into darkness.

► This Punishment Room senses the worst memories and fears of one of the captives inside and forces them to experience them in real time. The manifestation of memories or fears inside this room are realistic, to the point that it's impossible to discern whether or not this takes place in reality or the mind. The Punishment Room will randomly select which prisoner to dig from if there is more than one, but all guests inside will experience the room's effects.

► The door cannot be unlocked from the inside. Someone must either open it from the outside or captives must wait until the punishment is over and the door unlocks itself. How long that takes is random, ranging from a few minutes to a few hours. That’s what you get for listening to disembodied voices!

OOC NOTES

INVITES | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS

▶ BLANKET CW: Alcohol; aphrodisiacs; battle; blood; bondage; compulsion; costumes; discipline; dominance; drowning; dubcon; fears; fighting; food; hierarchy; humiliation; indulgence; kidnapping; noncon; paranormal; power imbalance; roleplay; servitude; stalking; submission; supernatural; terror; violence; weapons

▶ All characters on the TDM are WILDCARDS, which means they have not yet been assigned a card value. Suits will not manifest until characters are accepted into the game.

▶ All TDMs are game canon. This TDM acts as the game's August event. Changes to the above locations will ICly be present from August 15th - September 1st.

▶ Current characters may top level on the TDM. Any current characters posting to the TDM should note they are current in their subject header.

▶ The top level directory is for new characters only. We want to make sure new characters are prioritized and receive attention! If you would be interested in a game invitation, you can note that in your comment header.

▶ If you aren't satisfied with these prompts, please feel free to check out our LOCATIONS to explore more of the resort!

▶ Smut threads that take place on this TDM can be used for rewards. If both parties in the smut thread join the game, you may retroactively apply the character's initial card values to your 52 bank. If one character does not join the game the thread will not be applicable toward rewards (as that character would not have a card value). The character that does join would still receive a small payout for the encounter. Hopefully it was a fun thread regardless!

▶ Wildcard tokens from the GILDED CAGE prompt may be redeemed even if the newbie(s) in question do not join the game, but only for the small item reward; the token does not carry over to Game 52.

▶ We ask you to kindly add content warnings to your threads as appropriate.

▶ If you do not currently have permissions and kinks listed in your character’s journal we suggest leaving a note in your top level of any limits or boundaries for other players to reference.

▶ Don't forget to relax and enjoy the end of your summer! ♥

NAVIGATION • LOG • NETWORK • OOC • MEME

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ As Jun surveyed his surroundings, he couldn't help but wonder what the worst possible scenario might be in a place like this. After all, he had seen statues come to life before, though admittedly in the form of animated mannequins.

Just as the thought crossed his mind, the sound of hurried footsteps caught his attention. Turning his head, Jun watches as someone runs towards him, with a statue in close pursuit, hot on the heels of the fleeing individual. Though he recognised the person as an unfamiliar face, it didn't occur they could be in trouble. ]

Whoa, hey!

[ He sidesteps, trying to avoid interfering but also wanting to assist the person escaping the approaching statue. ]

Hold up! It's gonna keep following ya if you keep it up.

[ Thanks you, Captain Obvious. ]

[Thankfully they don't crash, but Jun isn't going to get away with rubbernecking from a distance. Not when he's trying to get Natsume's attention like that.

Nope, he'll soon have Natsume hiding behind him instead, hands braced at his shoulders as if to use Jun as a shield against the oversized man of stone heading their way.]

Then what do you suggest!? I'm not letting it eat me!

[ Being able to distinguish between the two, Jun’s dislike for the moving statues is almost evident on his face. Anything moving in the casino irritates him to no end, especially when it’s statues who won’t take no for an answer.

With Natsume shielding himself behind him, Jun sighs, turning halfway to avoid making eye contact with the bulking hunk of statue. ]

Last time it was mannequins, but it’s a lil’ different ‘cause they made a game of hide and seek outta this. My best bet is that it’s gonna be different with a statue. I kicked down a few of ‘em and you could pretty much fight the mannequins, but a stone statue… it’s made of real stone, so it’s gotta be heavy.

[ And fighting a stone statue, especially when Jun’s figuring things out on the spot, might not be easy.

Still, he can’t help but tease, ]

You ever fought a stone statue before~?

I think I'd break my hand if I tried punching that thing.

[Says the beanpole. He'd more likely bruise himself badly, or have the poor luck to get tangled underfoot. The statue can be heard getting closer, having stopped running when Natsume stopped. Was chasing him just a game then? To see him run out of stamina in trying to get away, and then... well, he assumed eating him was the thing's goal.]

The mannequins sound like a different sort of nightmare.

[Those he'd dealt with before, sort of. They were also trying to eat him though, so it wasn't much different than this.]

Don't know 'til you try, yeah?

[ He's joking, not wanting to see anyone break their hand today. All with finding a way to stop the impending statue from coming into their view. Perhaps the statue is merely playing around, wanting Natsume to run out of stamina for an easier catch, but Jun doesn't want that to happen. ]

You're telling me! Last time they were walking 'round wearing "sexy clothes," but I guess the difference is that they're not giving ya a choice this time. And, uh, it was only inside one store and not the whole casino. I guess there's a couple differences now I'm thinking 'bout it...

[ He trails off near the end, thinking about it. ]

Well, c'mon! We gotta keep going. I'm not gonna leave ya to the metaphorical wolves ♪

[... And he's off again. Running out of stamina hasn't been a problem for Natsume for quite some time, but lately he's found himself feeling as though he'd been run over a few times by a Kei truck. Something to do with the Divinity marks, from what he's gathered. He's not sure he can actually run for much longer, but what else was he going to do?

And why was this guy so cheery about it?]

Do you- have an idea- where I could hide?

[ The difficult part is figuring out how to beat the statues at their own game because there's no surefire method to know how they'll be stopped this time. Last time there were options, and ways to fight back. But statues don't shatter easily and sure, they can't continue running forever.

Though, they're not chasing Jun; he can't leave someone in danger. ]

Some sorta place where they can't open doors. But maybe they can? I dunno! We've just gotta find a safe place 'cause 'til then, they're gonna keep chasing ya.

[ Spoilers: Jun has no idea. ]

It does have hands, you know!

[How was it that he's managed to find the one person that wasn't any help at all? The statue was getting closer, or maybe Natsume was running slower. Either way, he was starting to feel pressed for time.]

I thought you'd know of a place already!

Yeah, well, it’s gonna keep catching up, anyway! I’m tryna help here, and ‘sides, it’s chasing you! Not me!

[ … unless they find something to throw at the statue. Only then would the statue slow down, or so the bright idea goes. ]

Hey, I never said I knew a place! But look ‘round for something to throw at it and maybe it’ll slow down.

Sorry!

[Jun did have a point. Getting cranky at him wasn't going to help either of them. Looking around, Natsume saw.. well, a lot of things, but nothing that wouldn't potentially make the statue more angry. He hated to make even more of a commotion, but this wasn't something only he could see. Desperation demanded action though, and Natsume started overturning chairs as they ran past them. He might not be able to throw anything useful, but he could at least make chasing him a little harder.]

Do you know any exorcists?

[He hating asking, but he also didn't know enough himself to be able to do anything on such short notice.]

Don't worry 'bout it!

[ He's not mad about it, it's difficult to keep a level head when something, like a statue, is chasing you across the resort. Desperation obviously would set in, with adrenaline pumping, while they continue running. Hopefully, the statues don't storm their way through the overturned chairs. ]

Uh, I know a guy who said he can get rid of curses. But I dunno! I doubt it's a scam, 'cause he was talking 'bout how it's a family business.

[ Perhaps he can, they hadn't spoken about it at length, after all. Not that Jun matters if it's going to cost him, especially as he's swimming in chips. ]

Got any better ideas?

[Because if not, Natsume is running out of steam. If it weren't for the adrenaline he'd already be a goner. Is Jun the type to piggyback a stranger in need like this?]

If not, I can't keep going much longer.

[The statue does seem to be held up a bit by the chairs, at least. Maybe it has something against breaking casino property?]

Thinking ‘bout cornering the statue and kicking it down. But nothing is coming to me and I’d be stupid to try it.

[ Maybe in a less controlled environment than this it’s easier to come up with something. If so, it won’t be the first person he’s piggybacked! ~~And likely won’t be the last.~~ ]

I think that’s gotta be what they’re waitin’ for. Using up your energy so ya make for an easier catch… It’s pretty sick.

[ And not in the good way!

He continues looking around, hoping anything will put an end to the chase. But not knowing what will come of this is the frustrating part. ]

If we knock it back somehow… Hmm… But we gotta be careful, so knocking it backwards from a safe distance is gonna be our best bet. And that means we gotta find something strong enough.

[If wearing him down like that really was the objective, then it was working. Natsume's face is paler than it should be for someone that's been running, and he can't help it when he stumbles against Jun. It does give him an idea, though.]

We could... try to trip it?

[Surely that was easier than pushing it over. Let it use its own weight against itself.]

I think I'm gonna-

[Yeah... he's passing out. His Divinity battery is all out of juice! Good luck, Jun!]

[ He's aware of the strange occurrences, like the ghost in the locker room, which is why Jun prefers to train in the mornings or afternoons. But this? The statue that won't give up pursuit, might not stop until Natsume is in its grasp. This place is terrible, no matter how Jun sees it, and he can tell just by looking at Natsume that he's losing energy. ]

Goddamn...

[ Being deep in thought, he turns just in time to watch Natsume fall. He catches him, swearing under his breath, holding Natsume in his arms as he attempts to drag him away. Thankfully the last word sticks with him, mulling it over as he slings Natsume over his shoulder and continues running. He doesn't notice the rope immediately, but will eventually see it as he gets closer. ]

[Being carried like a useless sack of potatoes was much more manly than being carried like a princess, so Jun gets +1 for that even if Natsume isn't awake enough to judge him over it. He gets another point for not abandoning Natsume to his fate.

Meanwhile, the statue has mostly worked its way past the overturned chairs thrown into its path. There's a look of determination in its face, and the eyes actually appear to narrow as they catch sight of Jun with their quarry. Jun has suddenly become the main obstacle between them, and admirable as it was, the sight was enough to send a few other witnesses scrambling to get out of the way.

The rope belonged to a large floor to ceiling curtain that had been pulled back. It pooled on the ground where it had fallen off the wall hook. With any luck Jun would be able to make quick use of it.]

[ It's not easy running from a statue while carrying a body. It's easier to crash and burn, tumbling into things and other people. Well, unless a statue counts as a person, which technically it does. The statue seems to have other plans, namely working its way through the through of chairs. If Jun wasn't what one might consider a jock, the statue would've caught up by now.

There he catches sight of it—a rope lying motionless on the ground, while the clanging of the statue echoes in the background. Determined to put an end to this once and for all, he moves ahead with Natsume on his back. But first, he'll make sure to secure a spot to set him down, ensuring the statue doesn’t charge ahead, snatching their quarry! Jun isn’t about to go through all this trouble for nothing!

As he untangles the rope, he shifts it across the space, moving it from one side to the other. After pushing down a few more chairs, Jun fastens the rope between them, pulling it taut to ensure everything is firmly in place. Hopefully, the statue can't see what he's doing through the curtain falling as it seems they've moved to focus on Natsume instead.

As he remains concealed behind the curtain, it appears the statue is oblivious to his presence from this vantage point. He isn't intentionally showcasing Natsume as a prize, hoping to entice the statue to approach! After all, this is all part of Jun's strategy. As the statue inches nearer, navigating around the toppled chairs and coming into his view, it halts, realising there's no way forward with the rope connecting the chairs. ]

Gotcha ♪

[ He mumbles quietly, pulling fiercely on the rope, hoping for the statue to come crashing down along with it. The statue struggles to escape, but Jun is determined to hold his ground. With one final, powerful pull, the statue lurches forward, crashing into the chair ahead. The head of the statue crumbled to nothing but dust. While Jun may feel the burn in his muscles afterwards, but he’ll just consider it a quick, mini-workout.

Jun ought to head over to Natsume to make sure everything's alright, but first, he needs a moment to recover as the adrenaline begins to wear off. Hang tight over there! ]

[When Jun does head over to Natsume, he'll find the other boy awake and looking as though he was fighting back tears.

Natsume had started to come around while Jun had been messing with the rope. Like Jun, he'd felt the anticipation of the plan coming together. Of not having to run anymore, or worry about being eaten.

Instead, Natsume found himself barely out of the way as the statue came tumbling down. He was close enough to see the golden tears running down that shattered face, and to hear the soft, forlorn voice that had been released from the stone.

“I just wanted to feel alive again… I wanted to feel like you again… to be whole."

As exhausted as he was, Natsume couldn't handle the rush of mixed emotions those words brought up. The statue was no longer possessed, but he didn't feel any better about it. He sat there, staring at the crumbled head before a tear finally fell and he forced himself to look away.]

[ He can say he’s glad it’s over. Knowing how relentless the situation can get when there’s statues, possessed by something from the afterlife. Jun shouldn’t feel bad for looking out for himself and Natsume, it’s survival! But as he comes closer, noticing the tears threatening to spill, does he feel the slightest pangs of guilt.

It could have gone either way, but a day spent where the House wasn’t using you for their amusement is a day worth celebrating. At least, in Jun’s eyes.

For now, he crouches down, paying no mind to the fallen statue or the words coming as the statue crashes down. It’s too late to feel sympathy pangs for something like this, even when seeing Natsume close to tears. ]

You doing okay?

[ Even as Natsume turns his head away, he clears his throat. Finding an interesting spot on the ground, he focuses his attention there instead. ]

Yeah, I'll be okay. It's just... I hadn't expected it to say something like that.

[Hadn't expected it to remind him so starkly of home. He knew it wasn't the same. A ghost possessing a statue, even if it didn't want to eat him after all, wasn't the same thing as a living, breathing youkai that came to him for help of one sort or another.

Still, he had to admire the way someone that didn't owe him anything had been so willing to help him. Was it the Divinity markings? He knew it was making people treat him differently, but didn't want to think that Jun had rescued him simply because of that.

Regardless, the danger was gone and his rescuer deserved every bit of his gratitude. Natsume could only offer a weak little smile, but it was genuine.]

Thank you for saving me. I'm Natsume.

Some of 'em do that. I dunno if it's worth believing...

[ Rather than accepting there's a person behind the statue, or a soul possessing it. Perhaps they were once a resident of the casino, minding their own business before being turned to stone. Maybe they also refused to play the game, or they could have been playing.. What if the House simply grew bored and wanted to have their own fun?

He's well aware you can turn to stone and the reasons why you shouldn't take in everything at face value. Jun's cynical, not wanting to believe in what he can't see.

As for why he saved Natsume? Even that is a mystery. He could have easily left him behind, both times, but he opted to attempt something else. Maybe making friends has made him soft, or the being in love thing messed with his brain.

Jun returns the smile, not wanting to look too happy after everything. ]

Don't sweat it! I hope someone'd do the same for me. Nice to meetcha Natsume, I'm Jun.

[His emotions still felt raw, like they were oversensitive. He could tell Jun was trying to give him a little space because of it, but a part of him felt like it might claw its way out of his skin if he were to suddenly be left to himself. He didn't entirely understand it, and that bothered him the most.

Natsume had had plenty of near-death experiences in his short lifetime. Plenty of times he'd been chased, and even times where he'd witnessed a soul disperse. Granted, those hadn't been quite so destructive, even if he'd been sad then, too.]

Can I ask you to... stay with me for a while, Jun?

[As if he'd actually be able to turn down someone with the Divinity markings Natsume has, though Natsume himself has forgotten them for the moment.]

[ It's overwhelming, so, that's why he’s fine with giving Natsume some space. The situation is tough, but having the statue charge straight at you is even tougher. In certain places, the survival of the fittest is a harsh reality, and this is one of those places. Lowering your defences, even for a moment, is unavoidable.

Yet, it’s disheartening to witness Natsume in this state. They might not be close, but there's something about how he reacts that tugs at Jun's heartstrings. ]

'Course! I don't plan on leaving ya, that'd be bad manners.

[ He nods, giving a half-smile. It wasn't his intention to leave Natsume, not after that ordeal. ]

... you're not injured, yeah~?

Thank you... and no, I'm not hurt. Just worn out from the... Well, everything, I suppose.

[He couldn't really say he was okay when it was obvious that he wasn't. He felt melancholy now, looking at the statue where it lay crumbled. Wondering what the truth behind it had been. If it turned out that it was just the place messing with him, he thought the way they chose to end their little prank was going too far.

Sighing, Natsume held out a hand to Jun. He was going to need help getting up, and would definitely be pretty slow once he was.]

I don't think we should stay here.

Yeah, I get ya. And that's good you're not hurt.

[ He nods, understanding how overwhelming everything must be. He no longer wants to think about the statue, refusing to believe a person may have been the statue once upon a time. Honestly, Jun hopes this place isn't messing around with Natsume, not that he knows anything about the boy.

Taking the hand, he tugs Natsume up. Agreeing it's no good if they stick around much longer. ]

You're probably right. Who knows if another one of 'em heard all the commotion and could be making their way over.

[ He hopes not! ]

Maybe it's better if we get ya something to eat... Y'know, recover your energy or whatever!

OOC NOTES

c!

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