TDM 05

[goldmods]

【 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

Comments

[shanksyourfeels]

[ It's hard to keep pushing against the pheromones in the air. But hearing Reign mutter, seeing his face, helps Shanks to keep pushing forward. ]

[ Slowly, Shanks shakes his head to Reign, and answers him, evenly and calmly. ] I'm not worried about that.

[ He's here for Reign, and he doesn't care who gets him. ] Come with me.

cw : violence, gore, cannibalism

[eaudevamp]

[ Shanks' voice is a steady anchor, and Reign tries to focus on that as he pushes himself up to stand. He manages on trembling legs, taking small steps towards the redhead. A little more, and safety is within reach.

However, with Shanks inside now as well, the door creaks shut, and the room is once again thrown into darkness. Fear grips Reign, and he gasps as those long buried memories reappear once more.

A party. Lavish and in full swing. Reign recognises this ballroom. It's one often held at the Fear Manor. Men and women in decorative masks, dressed in a fashion similar to him mingle about, chatting, drinking something "red" from glasses, all with a frenzied eagerness in their eyes. Eyes with slit pupils akin to his own. Vampires. The air is heavy with pheromones. Oppressive, intimidating, dominating. But there's a buzz as well. A game being played for the entertainment of the guests. ]

No... No more... [ There's a barely audible mummur from Reign, aware of what's going to happen next. A dark skinned man, a human, runs through the crowd, trying to escape this hellish madness. Yet he doesn't manage to get far before he's caught by a vampire who instantly sinks their teeth into the poor human's neck. There's a gurgled scream, followed by the crunching of bones, the ripping of limbs, the wet munching of flesh. A feast.

Like a deer caught in the headlight, Reign is unable to tear his gaze away from the scene before him. An arm wraps around his shoulder, and he tenses. "Come now, Fear. See what else we've caught." His attention moves toward its intended target, and his chest suddenly goes tight.

A redhead. Why... How...? No! He wouldn't let Shanks come to harm! Despite the terrified child in him screaming for him to stay put, to not get involved, Reign breaks free. He rushes forward and manages to yank Shanks from the grasp of a vampire, putting himself between them, his blood pounding loudly in his ears. ]

[shanksyourfeels]

[ At least, it was Shanks' intention to get them out of this. When Reign reaches him, he offers his arm to go around Reign to help steady him. ]

[ But then the whole scene changes. That's what this room does? It's not something Shanks recognizes, and at first, he wonders if it's just some random scenario the room throws at them. Not that it matters. ]

[ He isn't the type to do much for himself in most situations, unless he's in real threat, but usually, that's just deflection and self-defense. He saves his offensive moves for when others are in danger. And unless he's mistaken, Reign is in danger from this. Of course, Shanks can't necessarily control much that's happening, either. Before he knows it, he's being taken. He pauses for a moment as it registers what his captives are - vampires.

[ When Reign tries to get in between, again, Shanks moves forward to wrap his arm around Reign. ]

[ His own expression tightens. Eyes narrow to the vampires crowding around them. What a specific scenario.... He'll save that thought for later. ]

Now...there's no need to involve this one is there? [ Shanks manages to say that and sound so level headed and even-toned. If he's frazzled by the pheromones, thrown off by the nightmare surrounding them, he still doesn't intend to show it. ]

[eaudevamp]

[ Shanks' presence is grounding, his arm around Reign a tangible sensation, one that lets him know that the man is here with him. Or is he? Could this all be the workings of the resort? But if Shanks is in his memories, then the redhead must be real, right? But the real danger is for Shanks, for the vampires wouldn't truly bring harm to Reign. After all, this is a party meant to celebrate the Fear clan's achievements, and—

"What's this? Has the young Fear heir brought a human to share with us?"

Reign's grip tightens in Shanks' arm, a haunted look in his eyes, much like a terrified child facing unspeakable horrors. ] N-no, he's not for you. You c-can't take him.

[ He hates how small he sounds, but the vampires just laugh and further closes in on them. What can he do? He's but a mere boy of barely ten, his pheromone just starting to develop. How is he supposed to save this redhead? Who is this person again? His head hurts from the jumbled memories, but he knows there's one thing he can do.

Gripping the redhead's hand tightly in his, Reign turns tail and runs. Like he has always done. Runs and doesn't look back. Down the hallways, past other vampires watching him with knowing glances, their laughter echoing against the walls. His foot catches onto something and he trips with a startled yelp. ]

[shanksyourfeels]

[ Shanks' eyes narrow. Standing tall, he speaks, firmly. ]

As he said, I am his.

[ And when Reign turns and runs, while it's not Shanks' style, he does retreat with him, holding on to his hand. Reign tumbles, and Shanks is there to offer him his hand. ]

You were brave. You're not going to stop being that now, are you?

[eaudevamp]

[ Lost in the memories of his past, Reign doesn't yet quite fully register as to who this red-haired human is. The man is missing an arm — must have been the vampires who did it, he thought — and his entire appearance, from his fairer skin and odd-coloured hair, is so very different from the usual human population. A rare Art, then? But it doesn't make sense.

Though when he's spoken to, Reign blinks from his lower vantage point, eyes warily glancing at the offered hand. The voice feels familiar, as does the mildly salty scent emanating from the man, the words a comfort to his ears. ]

N-no... No, I won't stop being brave. [ His own voice, shaky and child-like at first, builds in confidence as he finally reaches out to take the hand and pull himself up. While Reign may have gotten this man away to safety, it feels as if the redhead had saved him instead, a beacon of light in his otherwise bleak world. ] Are you all right? They didn't hurt you? I'm sorry about your arm.

[shanksyourfeels]

[ Shanks is patient while Reign tries to figure everything out. This, after all, confusing for him, too. Never mind the added element of being hunted down. ]

Don't worry. The arm happened long ago, and I'm fine, so far.

[ He tries to keep Reign close to him. ] Are you all right?

[eaudevamp]

[ Reign easily sticks close to the man, pressing to his side and accepting any close contact given to him. It eases his beating heart, soothes the anxiety, and the crashing waves gradually slows to gentle rolling waters. ]

Y-yeah... I'm all right, I think. [ He nods his head, trying to give the redhead a reassuring smile, despite how shaky he feels. ]

How did you get inside here? [ Did Reign meant the Fear manor? Or perhaps this room? Hard to tell, and it could mean both. Regardless, the vampire keeps a close eye on the man, watching him carefully even as he keeps an ear out of their surroundings. ]

[shanksyourfeels]

[ Shanks keeps is hand usually on Reign's shoulder, allowing him to stay close, instantly protective. ]

Walked right in. [ Shanks gives Reign a smile he hopes is comforting. ]

I was concerned [ there's only a small pause, barely noticeable - he doesn't want to confuse this Reign, who seems to not recognize him, at the moment ] about a friend.

Do you know of a way out?

[eaudevamp]

[ There are so many questions that Reign wants to ask, even as he soaks in the redhead's comforting warmth in his shoulder. Something about the man is all too familiar, yet every time he manages to grasp onto it, the person's identity slips past his fingers.

For now, though, he gives a nod. ] I do. I can lead the way out. [ He knows this manor like the back of his hand, used to hiding in places whenever it gets too much for him. ]

Come with me. I'll make sure you get to escape safely from here.

[shanksyourfeels]

That's kind of you, but you should come with me. [ Shanks encourages that in a gentle voice. After all, if this is no place for him? He doesn't think this is a place Reign should stay, either. ]

[ But, well, he also knows there's definitely something outside of this scene they seem to be stuck in. He's only barely able to set aside his own, very real terror, because his fear is for Reign. ]

[eaudevamp]

[ Reign pauses once he takes the redhead's hand, hesitance clear on his face. But then he comes to a decision and nods. That gentle voice somehow manages to convince him, and Reign feels deep down within him that for some unexplainable reason, he can trust this man.

Without another word, Reign lightly squeezes the other's hand before leading both of them towards the nearest exit. It's one of the backdoors that should lead out into the courtyard, though when he steps through it with the redhead in tow, Reign can't help but blink in confusion.

He glances to his side, recognition befalling him at the sight of who his companion is. ] ...Sh-Shanks? [ A panicked look over his shoulder tells him that they've made it out of that strange room. ] We're escaped...

[shanksyourfeels]

[ They are fortunate that Reign trusted him, in that case. Shanks rushes with the child through the courtyard, then...pauses with a pleased sigh. ]

You seem to have returned to your senses.

We have. Feeling any better? We should probably, also, leave the room, before it gets any more ideas.

[eaudevamp]

[ There's more that Reign wants to ask. What had Shanks seen? Was Shanks hurt? Did anything unsavoury happen? But they've more pressing matters.

He nods. ] Y-yeah, I think so. Yes, yes, we need to leave.

[ Because while they'd left the main manor and are now walking through the courtyard, they're both still very much stuck within the illusion the Punishment Room has conjured. With that, Reign tugs on Shanks' hand as he pulls the man along to run across the yard. Almost there...!

Instead of running through, Reign slows to a stop and turns to Shanks, gripping the redhead's hand tightly as he places his other hand on the gate. If anything, this is like a strange deja vu of that time they were trying to escape from the mirrored shadow realm. ] Ready?

[shanksyourfeels]

[ As far as Shanks is concerned, he's unharmed, what matters more is that Reign is okay, and getting out of there before anything else happens. ]

[ He nods to Reign's words, then lets Reign lead him along by his hand. ]

Yes. You first. [ Especially because Reign had been in that room longer than Shanks had. ]

[eaudevamp]

[ With that, Reign pushes the gate open and steps over the threshold. Keeping his grip tight on Shanks, the vampire makes sure to pull the redhead along with him, not daring to let go until they've both fully stepped out of the room. Once Reign has confirmed that they're in the clear on familiar grounds, he quickly slams the door shut behind them.

In an instant, he turns toward Shanks, burying himself against the redhead, his arms wrapped firmly around the man's waist. ] I'm—

[ He wants to apologise for having put Shanks through that, whether intentionally or not, wants to make sure that his friend is safe and fine. The words, however, remain stuck in his throat, and all Reign could do is hold onto Shanks tightly, doing his best to stop the sudden tremble of his body. ]

[shanksyourfeels]

[ When Reign hugs him, hides away in him like that, Shanks puts his arm around Reign's back, then leans against Reign's head. He can tell that apology is coming, so when Reign doesn't finish it, he speaks. ]

It's all right. We're both out, and I'm unharmed.

Are you? [ He looks down to find Reign's face when he asks that, worried. ]

[eaudevamp]

[ Shanks is warm. They're safe. The mixture of their natural scents comforting, and Reign finds himself relaxing a tad.

He shakes his head at Shanks' question, almost nuzzling against the man, before he pulls back so Shanks could see his face. It's not a pretty sight, with eyes slightly puffy and red, and Reign doing his darn best not to let the waterworks flow. ] I'm f-fine too. Just a bit shaken. I didn't think that— I thought...

[ The vampire grits his teeth, then takes in a deep breath. ] It felt so real.

[shanksyourfeels]

[ Feeling safe is important. Shanks, too, feels less on edge, safe. And he will offer Reign whatever comfort he can. ]

If you're sure. [ Shanks says that as though he doesn't entirely believe Reign, but when it comes to feelings, Shanks avoids his own if they're painful or uncomfortable, and he tries to ease the same in others. He won't press, either way. ]

[ As for the sight, well, Reign is pretty, no matter what. He lifts his hand to gently rub one of Reign's cheeks. ]

Regardless, it's over.

[eaudevamp]

[ Reign feels bad that he's the one who tends to be comforted, almost frustrated in himself for not being stronger, to get a hold of his own emotions. Shanks must have been unnerved as well to have been caught within the illusion, more so having seen Reign's horrifying past. It's why he does his best to put on a brave front for Shanks, nodding and giving the redhead a reassuring smile, shaky it may still be.

Even so, it doesn't stop the vampire from leaning in Shanks' hand, nuzzling against the warm palm. The small gesture is enough to calm him enough that he soon does the same to the pirate, his hands coming up to cup Shanks' cheeks. ] Y-yeah, you're right. It's over. And you? Are you truly fine?

[ He holds Shanks' gaze, trying to read the minute expressions that the pirate may not tell him, wanting the man to know that even a frightened vampire like himself can still be relied on. ]

[shanksyourfeels]

[ With Shanks, he's accustomed to keeping his head in difficult, and frightening, situations. It's not the he thinks he can't rely on Reign, but that he's far more concerned about Reign after seeing his past. And he really is, mostly, okay. Perhaps shaken, and even angry about the life Reign had to live. He wants to ask how accurate that particular scene was, but he doesn't to push Reign to think about it, too much. ]

[ Reign nuzzles his palm, and Shanks smiles softly at him, in return. When Reign does the same for him, Shanks nuzzles in return, but turns his lips to give a kiss to Reign's hand. ]

Truly, I am truly fine. [ He looks right back into Reign's face. ] Just glad we're both out of there.

And you? Are you truly fine? [ Because Shanks doesn't think so, not really. Not after that kind of life, but he understand not wanting to talk about it, too. ]

[eaudevamp]

[ If nothing else, Reign has a feeling that Shanks is holding it all together for his sake. To calm his nerves. Be the solid rock for Reign to hang onto. While his past isn't the ugliest, it also isn't pretty. None of the vampires back home lead "normal" lives anyway. But at least they're both here in the now, no longer trapped.

The vampire breathes a sigh of relief, taking Shanks' reassuring word for it as he smiles at the kiss to his palm. He begins to nod when the question is turned towards him, though the action is halted midway. Swallowing heavily, he then slowly shakes his head. ] I think I want to sit down and not think about anything else. Can we leave this place first?

[ The basement is a dangerous place, and Reign is worried if there are other traps that may spring up upon them. ]

[shanksyourfeels]

[ Shanks prefers keeping himself together to start with, but Reign is part of it, it's true. He still exudes calm, regardless. ]

Of course. I think that's a wise first step. [ Shanks cants his head, and gestures for Reign to go first, that way he can follow behind him, just in case. After what happened, he's on edge enough to want to keep an eye on Reign's back, no matter what he says, or logical thinking. ]

[eaudevamp]

[ Reign wants to argue over the arrangement Shanks set for them, his anxiety spiking at the thought of the redhead possibly being caught up in something else, only for Reign to realise too late and unable to help. He opens his mouth, sees the look Shanks gives him, and finally relents with an understanding nod.

The vampire considers tying both their hands together with his necktie as a precaution, an added security. But that will leave Shanks vulnerable, so Reign drops that thought immediately. ] If anything happens, call my name, all right?

[ Without another word, he begins to walk ahead of Shanks, eager to leave the basement as soon as possible, yet staying close enough within earshot. ]

wrap soon?

[shanksyourfeels]

Of course. I will call your name, you call mine. But I promise, Reign, I will be right behind you.

[ After all, Shanks has no intention of letting Reign's back out of sight. He has to make sure he stays safe. Because he wants to. ]

Likewise, if you ever need my assistance, even beyond now, call my name.

[ And with that, Shanks follows. ]