TDM 008

[goldmods]

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

It has recently come to our attention that many of our guests have not been focusing on their health and wellness. In an effort to encourage healthy living and help our beloved guests get in shape, a grand sports festival will be held in the Golden Peacock. This sports festival will include many small games and four large games.

Prior to the festival, guests will have the opportunity to train and prepare for the games with our expert coaches.

We hope you are as excited as we are! And, as always, we hope you enjoy your stay. 】

BEAK

MEET THE TEAM

WAKING UP IN THE BARRACK

► For the first time in months the Golden Peacock hasn't run into an overbooking issue. There's plenty of room for everyone inside of Beak's training barrack. This barrack is one large room lined with dozens of bunk beds and wall pods. Guests will wake to sleek concrete walls, polished metal accents, and raw, industrial finishes. All guests waking up inside the barrack will find that, instead of their usual clothes, they're wearing revealing athletic wear. Tight, elastic, sheer, mesh... those that aren't squeezed into crop tops and tiny shorts are dolled up in various sport uniforms instead.

► In antithesis to the Golden Peacock's usual belief that more is always more, Beak's training barrack is designed to focus on basic needs without luxury or excess. Each bed comes with a simple curtain for each bunk, offering basic privacy while also keeping the space functional. They will also be provided with cotton sheets, blankets, and pillows that are easy to maintain.

► There's so much available room that current guests may also find themselves temporary moved into the barrack. During this time, their Watches will not connect to their room’s lock pads and they will not be able to enter their normal suite. Don't worry! Your possessions and room are safe. Access will be reinstated after sufficient team bonding.

HIT THE TRAINING FIELD

► The coaches will blow their whistles at 0600 hours every day. Be ready to wake up and get your gear on! Guests that don't make it out onto the field before roll call at 0615 hours will be the day's gophers. Gophers are guests tasked with cleaning up equipment, collecting balls from the fields, resetting obstacle courses, and getting water for other guests. Training ends at 1800 hours. Between 0615 and 1800, guests are expected to train in Beak and build their relationship as a team.

► Guests may plan their own training schedule and work at their own pace. They have access to a variety of sports equipment and courts, so they can go wherever their heart leads them! Basketball, tennis, golf, soccer, running, swimming, batting cages — we've got it all! Don't miss the general fitness areas, either. Guests have access to every tool to reach their wellness goals.

► Meals in Beak are simple. All guests are entitled to three nutrition pouches per day. Nutrition pouches contain a jello-like substance designed to provide all the dietary requirements a human needs per meal. Snacks and desserts are given to VIP players. If those hard workers want to trade or sell those delicious temptations to other guests during their downtime, the coaches will look the other way.

♦ DIAMONDS GAME ♦

OMEGADOME: HUNTING GAME

A cheerful pair of game managers stand outside the conservatory doors and block all guests that try to enter. They quickly explain that a special Diamonds game is taking place inside and only guests that agree to participate may enter. This game is a physical exercise that riffs on "Hunting", which is a popular sport in many different countries and civilizations. Of course, it is one hundred percent safe, and all guests that play are eligible to win massive chip prizes, store vouchers, fabulous prizes, and more.

Details about the game? Those can't be shared outside of the conservatory. Only the brave and those willing to risks will reap the benefits of this Diamonds game. So step right up, dear guests, and sign this waiver before stepping into the flourishing beauty of the conservatory for a brand new adventure.

WELCOME TO THE OMEGADOME

► Guests that agree to participate in this Diamonds game and will be asked to sign a game waiver and, upon completion, will have the back of their hand stamped with a Diamond stamp. They will be advised that every round of the game lasts 24 hours. They will not be allowed to leave the dome until these 24 hours have been completed. Guests may enter a new round anytime after their previous round has ended. The more you play the more you can win, with all rounds cumulative when claiming rewards. Enticing, isn't it?

► Given their stamp, guests are then allowed to enter the conservatory. A massive dome now covers the entire conservatory, blocking all exits and pathways to the gardens and vale. The only way to leave is through the doors monitored by the game managers, who are also available for questions. The 24-hour countdown begins as soon as a guest crosses the threshold.

► The conservatory is blooming in verdant greens and pastel pinks. Cherry blossom trees are blossoming, streams are babbling, and the brush are thick with leafage. Guests will find that numerous small cabins have been installed amongst the flora for their use. Comfortably furnished patios and courtyards can also be found throughout the groves.

A MESSAGE TO PLAYER WATCHES

【 Welcome, new player! You have entered the OMEGADOME.

The OMEGADOME is a 24-hour high contact sex game that will indulge your physical senses on a whole new level.

The Diamond stamp you received will assess your body and select a designation within 30 minutes. This designation will alter your physical chemistry to heighten pleasure derived from sexual encounters. Three designations are available in the OMEGADOME.

Every sexual encounter in the OMEGADOME is worth 1 point. Collect as many points as you can. These points can be exchanged for chips and prizes.

Good luck and happy hunting! 】

DESIGNATIONS

► ALPHA: The highest rank in the dominance hierarchy. Alphas may exhibit "dominant" behavior or have other temperamental quirks, such as aggression and possessiveness over their mates. Alphas may have a knot when in rut. Female alphas may temporarily grow a penis or their vulva may grow into one when they present. Both are able to “knot” themselves to their mates during intercourse when rutting. Alphas also have the ability to emit pheromones to dominate or subjugate others. The pheromone scent is unique to the alpha. They can mark both betas and omegas with their scent or through biting.

► BETA: Subordinate to alphas in the dominance hierarchy. Betas have typical human anatomy, with none of the special attributes of alphas or omegas. They do not have a rut or heat period. Betas typically have no sense of pheromones and do not produce them. However, some betas may be able to smell pheromones and be mildly affected by them. They do not possess the ability to mark but can be marked by alphas and omegas. Betas may experience submissive impulses toward alphas and dominant impulses toward omegas.

► OMEGA: The lowest rank in the dominance hierarchy. Omegas are the most fragile of the three designations, with frailer bodies compared to alphas and betas. They can go into heat, which may trigger desperation to be bred or mated. During their heat, omegas biologically produce a sweet scent to arouse alphas in order to breed. Male omegas may be self-lubricating. Omegas may have nesting impulses or become depressed when separated from their mate. They can mark both betas and alphas with their scent. Omegas can easily become pregnant, but while in the Omegadome, the Diamonds suit acts as a natural birth control.

GAME RULES & PRIZES

► Rules within the Omegadome are straightforward. Players are not allowed to kill or otherwise seriously injure one another while inside the conservatory. Guests may not leave the conservatory until their 24-hour round has ended. Guests are also asked not to destroy the conservatory grounds, if possible.

► The goal of the OMEGADOME is to get fucking and collect points. Each time a guest has sex they collect a point. Point collection is based solely on frequency. Six points can be collected by fucking six different guests one time or fucking one guest six times. Otherwise, guests may freely enjoy the conservatory however they like during their stay in the dome.

► Guests may cash in their points for chip payouts, prizes, or vouchers. The more points a guest has to exchange, the better the selection of payouts and prizes.

DIAMONDS' INFLUENCE

► The Diamond stamp changes every guest that enters the Omegadome into an alpha, beta, or omega. Each guest is unique and the way that the Diamond stamp interacts with their body chemistry is similarly unique. No two alphas are the same. One alpha may have the full body experience and have manifested all of the qualities of an alpha while another may only experience ruts and emit pheromones. Guests that experience a stronger change are considered dominant. Guests with subtle changes are considered recessive.

► The Diamond stamp allows Wildcards and other non-Diamond suit guests to enjoy any effects of the DIAMONDS SUIT. Many guests will find that, at baseline, they are aroused and more sensitive upon entering the Omegadome.

► Guests that already fall under the Diamonds umbrella may find the strength of their usual suit symptoms doubled. They may also suffer from Double-Diamonds phenomenon. Reports of Double-Diamonds phenomenon include, but are not limited to: a frustrating degree of stamina; difficulty climaxing; excessive chafing and dry skin; erections that exceed 4 hours; swollen nipples; deflated scrotum; nosebleeds; excessive bodily fluids; etc.

♥ HEARTS GAME ♥

DOUBLES' THERMO: SURVIVAL GAME

Chickadees is sparing no expense on advertising their e-sport games over the course of the sports festival. Posters, notifications, stickers, fliers! Come one, come all. Sports don't need to be physical. Guests that duck into the arcade will find a variety of e-sport games to enjoy, but the real showstopper that every single employee is aggressively promoting is the new immersive VR game, DOUBLES' THERMO.

A large swath of egg-shaped pods have been installed in the back half of Chickadees. Any guest that shows an iota of interest will be assaulted by employees encouraging them to give it a try. They will offer vouchers for a free session, encourage with mentions of prizes that can be won from the arcade's coveted prize wall, and persuade by praising how high tech and immersive the experience is. Some employees are desperate enough to trick or push guests into the pods if they aren't willing to go in themselves.

However they've ended up inside the VR egg, guests will find themselves submerged in strange fluid as the lid closes. Everything fades away into darkness as the game loads...

WELCOME TO THERMO ISLAND!

► When they open their eyes again, guests will find themselves waking up on the shore of a remote island beach. This VR game is hyper-realistic, beyond what anything the Peacock has offered before, even compared to the VR in high rank suites. The sand is coarse, the sun is beating, and the flavor of salt is thick in the air. Thermo Island is a small island, uninhabited and overgrown with vegetation.

► Guests will wake up on the beach wearing an outfit that has some kind of significance to them. While the Hearts suit leans toward positive associations, it might select an outfit that a guest has a negative association with. It may even load the guest with an appearance reflective of a different point in their life — be it past or future. Above all, this suit likes to elicit an emotional response.

► Other than lightly furnished huts that line the beach and spot through the jungle, this island offers none of the luxury provided by the Peacock. Guests are stranded on this island with no tools, food, or weapons. While it is completely virtual, guests still experience hunger and exhaustion as they normally would. And that sun? It's strong. Watch out for sunburn!

A MESSAGE TO PLAYER WATCHES

【 Welcome to DOUBLES' THERMO! You have been marooned on this remote island. In order to survive you must cook your own food, collect water, and survive with limited resources. Thermo Island is dangerous at night so please take care when the sun goes down.

Your mission is to leave this island. In order to leave, you must "double up" with another player by making a significant emotional connection with them. You will not be able to leave Thermo Island until you double up with another player.

DOUBLES' THERMO'S artificial intelligence will gauge emotional connections and notify guests when they have met the threshold for doubling up with another player. All of our guests in the Golden Peacock are unique; this threshold is dependent upon the individual. Both players must meet the emotional threshold before doubling up.

Good luck and enjoy surviving this little taste of paradise! 】

GAME RULES & PRIZES

► The name of the game is to survive and make a mutual emotional connection with another guest in order to log off. After the initial welcome message is sent, guests are completely left to their own devices on the island. The only way to log off is to make that connection, so characters can end up spending virtual weeks or months on the island if they're not diligent in reaching out to their peers! If they do spend an extended amount of time on the island before making a connection, they'll find that only a few hours have passed back in the Peacock when they finally do log off.

► The emotional connection guests make do not have to be objectively significant. The connection need only be significant for them. However, the game does have a fail-safe function in case of a particularly helpless guest. If too much time passes it will automatically trigger the emotional connection notification with someone that they've worked to survive the island with. Surviving harsh conditions together naturally creates some kind of bond, right?

► Being able to log off can be considered a prize itself. After completing the game, guests may choose one of the fun prizes off of Chickadees' prize wall. Stuffies, erasers, finger traps, plastic toys, pencils... absolutely worth fighting for your life in VR!

HEARTS' INFLUENCE

► Hearts would never really leave its players alone. It knows that the guests of the Golden Peacock need a few extra shoves when it comes to matters of the heart. Another fail-safe programmed into the game, called Romantic Scenario Pusher, can be triggered at anytime.

► Romantic Scenario Pusher is exactly what it sounds like: the game's AI randomly creates a situation and throws a guest into it in hopes of forcing an emotional connection. The AI has no restraint and is not tied to moral compunctions, so it may end up pushing characters into dangerous or awkward situations. Giant spiders might suddenly appear and attack, twenty hungry lions could manifest out of nowhere, a random pit appearing in the ground where someone is walking... this AI is willing to do anything for the sake of emotional growth.

► Romantic Scenario Pusher can be triggered in rapid succession. There is no limit on how many times a guest might be victim to the AI's whims.

♣ CLUBS GAME ♣

QUACK AND COVER: SHOOTING GAME

Cloaca & Dagger has temporarily outfitted itself as a neon-bright paintball course. Gone are the wild sex setups in exchange for series of obstacles and obstructions for guests to navigate while in pursuit of paintball championship. This high intensity game of strategy and physical fitness promises to exhilarate! Welcome to Quack and Cover, a game where your shooting skills and ingenuity will be put to the test.

So say the game managers at the door before following up with a few disclaimers. Cloaca & Dagger is not responsible for any physical or psychological trauma guests may incur while inside. Guests that join the game will then be outfitted in tight black underarmor and supplied with a paintball gun and protective mask before being let loose on the course.

WELCOME TO QUACK AND COVER

► Cloaca & Dagger offers a massive paintball course that spans across twelve different rooms. Every room has obstacles and blockades for guests to utilize, but there are also stretches of empty space that force shooters into the open to move locations. The club is dimly lit, offering both additional coverage and challenge for guests.

► Guests are given a few paint canisters at the beginning of the game. However, these canisters don’t last forever. In order to reload on paint during the game, guests will have to restock by heading to the pile of cans left in wide open sections of the course.

► The paint used in Quack and Cover is very unique. This spectral paint makes clothing vanish. A clean hit on a target’s shirt will make the shirt disappear. Splatter from the hit may or may not make additional pieces disappear too, depending on how much transfers. The spectral paint is otherwise completely harmless and has no special effects on anything except fabric/clothing.

A MESSAGE TO PLAYER WATCHES

【 Welcome to QUACK AND COVER, a paintball game designed to challenge both your body and mind. Unlike standard paintball, there are no teams in this game. QUACK AND COVER is every man for himself.

Your goal is to collect points. Every hit on another player is 1 point. The more points, the higher your ranking in QUACK AND COVER. The leaderboard can be monitored on screens provided on the wall in every room.

Our paint, SPECTRAL PAINT, is designed to eliminate an article of clothing with a clean hit to the corresponding piece. Any players that loses all of their clothing has lost the game and will be removed from the rankings. As long as a single sock remains on your body, you may continue playing.

Fully eliminating another player from the game adds 20 points to your score.

Go forth and take aim! 】

GAME RULES & PRIZES

► The main goals of Quack and Cover are to rack up points and to eliminate other players. Each body hit earns 1 point. Elimination earns 20 points. Every room on the course has a large screen where points are calculated and rankings are updated in real-time. The more hits you get the higher your ranking on the board; eliminated guests will be dropped from the board completely.

► As long as you have some article of clothing left on your body, you’re still in the game. The spectral paint will remove clothing, generally one piece at a time — unless a particularly good shot hits a seam and knocks out two. Guests stripped completely naked will receive an alert that they lost. They will then have to do the walk of shame off the course.

► The main prize of Quack and Cover is bragging rights. Guests that score highly will be paid out for winning and their picture will be forever enshrined in Cloaca & Dagger’s hall of fame.

CLUBS’ INFLUENCE

► Guests aren’t safe from the Clubs suit’s mischievous nature. Clubs will focus on two particular tricks that have proven to be very effective in the past: hallucinations and delusions.

► The first trick is based in hallucination. Guests may see a familiar person, someone they’ve loved or hated, in the midst of the course. No matter how hard they try to chase this figment, it will always manage to keep a safe distance and turn corners before it can be caught.

► The second trick is based in delusion. Guests may see another guest as someone they’ve loved or hated. Though their “loved/hated one” may be acting kind of strange, it definitely looks like them! From head to toe! It even sounds like them.

Guests perceived as someone else are not actually changed in any way. They’re still themselves; it’s all in the affected guest’s mind. However, telling that to the person with crazy eyes and a loaded paintball gun may not go so well… good luck!

♠ SPADES GAME ♠

PECKING ORDER: MMA GAME

During night hours, many long-standing guests make their way through Talon toward the gym’s creaky basement stairs. Three floors down and then through a desolate hallway with littered with abandoned equipment. Double doors wait at the end, unassuming until they’ve been opened…

Flashing lights, jeers, and the thick odor of sweat. You’ve found the Pecking Order, a late-night mixed martial arts event where guests show their prowess in the ring. Spectating guests shout and messily eat snacks on make-shift bleachers while fighters clash inches away, using only their bodies to fight for dominance and win. Pecking Order is very informal; guests only need to sign up in order to get added to the docket. Anyone can watch, though they will be vaguely warned at the door that even spectating comes with risks.

WELCOME TO THE PECKING ORDER

► The basement level of Talon has been overtaken by fight fanatics. Everything in the Pecking Order is rudimentary, lacking the glitz and glam of the Golden Peacock. The ring is grimy and stained with blood. Cages are rusted. Gloves and tape are dingy. Even the seating for guests is lackluster, slapped together with old exercise equipment and boxes. Nobody cares about any of this because the Pecking Order is all about the love of battle.

► Guests can either fight or spectate. Guests who enter to fight are randomly paired up with no consideration to size, age, or weight class. Those spectating are encouraged to bet on who they think will win. They’ve also somehow managed to make a “bar” where warm beer and greasy nuts are sold.

► Game runners consider fighters eligible to enter the ring as long as they’re conscious, no matter how battered and bloodied from previous fights. There is no official first aid at the Pecking Order. The closest they have is Creepy Jim, who carries around a box of bandages and strokes the muscles of his “patients” while patching them up.

A MESSAGE SCRAWLED ON THE CRAPPY BASEMENT WALL

PECKING ORDER RULES
1. Respect the strong
2. The strong get to do what they want
3. The weak belong to the strong
4. Cowards get out
5. No supernatural or magical shit
6. Match ends when someone yields or KO
7. Fights to the death OK

GAME RULES & PRIZES

► The rules of the Pecking Order can be referenced at any time from where they’re written on the wall. The group takes these rules very seriously. Those found breaking the rules will be thrown out.

► All fighters must wear the provided wristband that blocks supernatural and magical abilities. The ring is all about physical strength with no additional fluff. Fighters are expected to go fist-to-fist without assistance from tools or magic. The wristband won’t impact passive supernatural/magical abilities.

► As a prize, the winner of the match may take anything from the loser. This can be money, their clothes, their date, or even the loser themselves. Many fights end with the winner fucking the loser into the mat while the audience cheers.

SPADES’ INFLUENCE

► Thought you were safe in the audience? Think again. Spectators may be randomly picked out from the benches and thrown into the ring to fight. On the surface, there isn’t a clear reason why — but the game runners will be drawn to guests that have a taste for violence in their heart. Or, alternatively, they will select guests that they recognize as being too cowardly.

► Those that win multiple matches are considered strong. The strong may choose anyone from the audience to claim for themselves. They can do this at any time and as many times as they want. Anyone not considered strong is considered weak and the weak are not allowed to deny the strong anything.

► Those that do not submit to the strong will be dubbed cowards. They will be swarmed, tied up, and then strung from the rafters for the remainder of the night.

LOCKER ROOMS

YOU WASH MY BACK, I'LL WASH YOURS

Every training and game location has a door labeled LOCKER ROOM right outside the entrance. These doors all connect to the same massive locker room. The magic of these locker room doors goes one way. Trying to go back to the place you just were by backtracking will not work — you’ll just end up in Beak! All guests will be advised to finish their games before hitting the showers.

The Golden Peacock is proud to present our upgraded and extended locker room. Please come in and enjoy the facilities, catch-up with your teammates, and enjoy some healthy drinks provided by our favorite resort convenience store, Cock-a-doodle-doo’s!

AMENITIES TO ENJOY

► RAINFALL SHOWERS: High-pressure, overhead rainfall showerheads mimic the sensation of standing under a gentle cascade of rain, providing a soothing experience. Adjustable settings allow guests to switch between a relaxing rainfall effect and more intense water pressure for a revitalizing cleanse.

► MASSAGE SHOWERS WITH JET OPTIONS: Showers equipped with various body jets positioned strategically to target different muscle groups. These jets can be customized to deliver a pulsating, massaging effect for tension relief, which is perfect for post-workout recovery.

► STEAM ROOM: These rooms offer a gentle mist of soothing steam, with the added benefit of aromatherapy. Customizable essential oil dispensers release calming scents like eucalyptus, lavender, and citrus, turning the steam room into a rejuvenating sensory experience.

► CEDAR SAUNA: A luxury cedar sauna that transforms the traditional sauna experience into an indulgent, spa-like retreat with a focus on relaxation and sophistication. Cedar wood, with its natural beauty and therapeutic properties, offers a rich, aromatic environment that is perfect for enhancing overall wellness.

► GIANT SHARE JACUZZI: A high-tech pool that seamlessly blends relaxation, elegance, and advanced technology. This indulgent oasis provides a rejuvenating retreat after a workout, a soothing escape for relaxation, or a peaceful moment of reflection. Essential oils can be added to the water to enhance the experience.

► ICE PLUNGE: The ice plunge offers guests a rejuvenating and invigorating contrast to the warmth of the sauna and jacuzzi. Step inside the igloo room and enjoy a shock to the system. An ice plunge promotes recovery, circulation, and muscle relaxation.

► DRYING PODS: After enjoying the amenities, guest can step into a high-end drying pod, which uses gentle warm air to dry the body. These pods are equipped with adjustable settings to suit different preferences, such as a light, cool breeze or a warmer, more intense dry.

► BEVERAGE BAR: The beverage bar offers a curated selection of drinks for guest enjoyment. These selections are healthy to promote hydration, relaxation, and overall well-being. Guests can find infused water, herbal teas, cold-pressed juice, protein shakes, smoothies, cold brew, and kombucha.

OOC NOTES

INVITES | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS

▶ BLANKET CW: altered states; aphrodisiac; blood; body modifications; breeding; coercion; competition; dangerous situations; delusions; dominance themes; dubcon; emotions; exhibitionism; gambling; guns; hallucinations; hierarchical themes; injuries; mind games; omegaverse; pheromones; sports; survival themes; violence; virtual reality

▶ 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 March event.

▶ 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!

▶ 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.

NAVIGATION • LOG • NETWORK • OOC • MEME

Comments

[laserguy]

[It may be hard to fully read Scott through those seemingly ever present sunglasses, but maybe it's the way that his mouth is turned upwards just slightly that makes him appear patient. He never thought he would be a patient sort of person, but it's honestly not hard being like this. Maybe it's from meeting the other mutants back home. Maybe it's even from being here.

Or Kotone is just that cute. Look, he has eyeballs.]

It differs for each person and there are different suits, representing the cards of a deck, but... [There's finally a pause this time, like he's thinking how to fully word this and also feel comfortable with what he wants to say. Scott doesn't want to talk about how he lost control of himself, but he needs to mention how strong those influences are.

It's important she's at least aware of this. Scott was thankful when he learned more about this from others.]

For me, thoughts that I normally would be able to push down come to the front of my mind. [...] It gets worse the longer you um.

[Okay, there's a hint of embarrassment that floats in his voice because uh. Saying it out loud to someone you just met? Definitely more difficult.] ...when you don't have sex.

[orphne]

[Don't worry Scott, you're not so bad to look at either! Though honestly it's more his behavior than any difficult-to-read expression on his face that makes Kotone want to trust him. Not that she's the most distrustful person out there -- she tends to think the best of most people she meets until they've proven otherwise -- but he's been nothing but kind to her. Her thumb presses gently into the back of the tattoo as she looks back up at him when he hesitates.

Her cheeks flush pink when he mentions sex, and she lets go of his hand. Oh... well, that makes sense, she guesses. It's not like she hadn't noticed the general attitudes of most of the staff and some of the guests, but it's still embarrassing to have it just stated plainly like that! Still... it could be worse. It's just forming social links with people again, isn't it? Just more intimately...

After a beat, she laughs, trying to banish the awkward atmosphere.] Well then, I guess that's easy for a cute boy like you, huh? [she teases, taking a step back and starting to skip ahead, still in the vague direction of the hut he'd mentioned.] I bet you've got lots of girlfriends.

[laserguy]

[He really didn't realize it until now, how cold her hand actually was. The slight chill that was cooling his skin instantly leaves when she lets go, letting the VR's hot temperature start warming up his hand once more. Huh... what was that? There's a flicker of surprise that travels in his eyes, along with a twinge of concern for her, and it's a thought and feeling that he keeps close to the front of his mind.

He'll bring it up soon. It seems like a problem he should point out, right? If she's not feeling good... then he needs to do something about that. He can't just offer a coconut and call it a day. She may be laughing and look okay right now, but Scott also thought he was fine for a while until he just wasn't.

Then she's teasing him and Scott huffs, temporarily distracted.]

Oh, yeah. That's me. I have a line of girlfriends wanting to go out with me every single day. [No hiding the sarcasm in his voice. Guess he could pretend that he has a bunch of girlfriends, but that's never been his thing.]

And look who's talking, I bet you'll have a line of boys wanting to go out with you. [He teases back, and one can almost hear the eyeroll his his voice before his voice dips into something more cautionary.] ...But hey, I am serious about that. The suit getting worse over time.

[orphne]

[The sarcasm makes her laugh, because she'd half-meant it! He is pretty cute! But it's nice that he's still modest, too, and funny about it to boot. The grin she tosses him is genuinely amused, redoubling her laughter as he continues.]

Maybe! [Her eyes sparkle with amusement. Maybe there will be a lot of people, maybe there won't. She opens her mouth, maybe to make a joke about the two of them getting together, but oh- no, he's being more serious. She once again matches his tone, letting her smile fade into something smaller and more heartfelt.]

I'll remember that, [she promises softly, giving him a nod. She might not have a suit yet, but there's a weird feeling in the back of her mind, like she's absolutely certain that he's telling the truth -- and beyond that, she's already experienced it herself. That has to be impossible though, right?] Do you know how long it takes...?

[laserguy]

[There's absolutely no way that she wasn't someone that had a lot of boys interested her back home. She's cute and really friendly, and... that's pretty much all boys need to be interested in a girl at first. What? He's just speaking as one of those said boys, even though he won't even try to ask her out. Him and popular never really mixed.]

Okay. [He returns, voice soft but accepting when she tells him that she'll remember. He's going to hold that to her now. Shit, does that mean he should check on her after this VR experience ends? ...Well, he was going to anyway, but he really wants to now. Just make sure that she's doing okay, even if the implication is basically asking her if she had sex lately. Wow. God. That place is so embarrassing.

Anyway. He breathes in, taking this all seriously because it really is. It's not just dumb teen sex talk. It's something that affects emotions and thoughts.]

Usually around a month before the effects fully hit. It gets worse as more weeks pass though.

[orphne]

[He is sweet, isn't he? Unconsciously, her hand goes to her as she mentally spins the loaded barrel of the revolver she imagines her Personas inhabit. Does one of them match Scott...?

Helel clicks into place. The Star, the Persona she'd awakened with Akihiko's help. A reliable guiding figure. Maybe that's him? It's hard to tell from a first meeting without Theo's help, so she leaves it be for now, shivering a little as she drops her hand. In spite of the island heat, she still feels cold deep inside.]

A month, huh? [she echoes thoughtfully. It's impossible not to think of the Shadows they'd fought every full moon. Seems like she's once again on a monthly timer, though if she's meant to spend that month training like she and her team had done in Tartarus...? Who knows.] Are you doing okay?

[Like yeah, they'd joked about the lines of girlfriends, but still. Doesn't hurt to ask! She knows as well as anyone that a joke and a smile can hide a problem.]

[laserguy]

[There's that shiver again and okay, now he's certain that something is going on. His concern increases, because he doesn't feel cold at all despite wearing less than her. Something to do with her egg pod? Or something else? He really can't leave this alone now.

Scott just stalls for a couple seconds longer, surprised by her question because she's the newcomer and the one that's apparently cold in hot weather, and yet she's asking if he's okay? ...She's a really kind person, huh? Cute and more than just outwardly friendly and charming, but truly nice. He smiles a little, before nodding, although he starts taking a few steps closer to her.]

I'm okay, promise. [And he is, definitely better compared to his first couple of months.] But Kotone... are you cold? Did you want your jacket back? I noticed earlier that you've been shivering and even your fingers felt cold.

[orphne]

Yeah?

[Well, okay! She won't push it, then. If he says he's okay, then she'll trust him. They barely know each other anyway, so it's not like she can demand he tell her things. That doesn't mean she won't check on him herself though!

She hums at his question, her brows furrowing with thought. He'd noticed, huh? Maybe those sunglasses aren't as dark as she'd initially suspected!]

It comes and goes. Sometimes I just get this chill. [Her hand goes to her heart once again, as if she could somehow reach inside and find whatever was making her feel cold. A glance toward him, then she shrugs, clearly trying to brush it off.] You probably felt the same thing when you first woke up here, right?

[The heat from the beach still makes sweat prickle on the back of her neck, but somehow that doesn't do anything to eliminate the chill. Maybe it'll go away once she stops thinking about it!]

[laserguy]

[She's placing her hand against her heart again and he wonders if it's just some sort of tick she has, or if the motion is something more significant? Interesting, but it's an inquiry that fades to the back of his mind, as he now stops in front of her. The sun is beating down on them, everything feels so warm to him, and so now that he's close enough, he offers a hand to her, as if suggesting Kotone to take it.]

I didn't, actually. I'm sweating standing out here. [It's why he's super worried.

There's something intensely focused about Scott now, easy summer boy with an open shirt replaced by something a little more leader like as his sunglasses set squarely on her eyes. He's swung her jacket over his shoulder now, wanting that out of the way as he does this.]

Can I see? [Hold her hand, that is.]

[orphne]

Oh.

[It's a simple answer, her brows once again furrowed in confused thought. Yeah, she's still sweating, too -- the heat when she'd first gotten into the VR had been pretty oppressive! But now that they're under the cover of some trees, while she's still sweating, that deep chill is still frissoning its way up her spine.

There's something almost mesmerizing about that intense focus, and without even thinking about it, she offers him her hand. It shakes, just a little, as another shiver goes through her. She'd give him her hand even without all of that anyway, but if a boy looks at her that intensely, she's at least going to see what he's about!]

Not even when you first showed up at the casino, you mean?

[laserguy]

[His warm fingers wrap around her shaking hand, as if offering his support already, before they gently curl around in a firm grip as he pulls her hand just a little closer to his chest. If he's warmer, then this makes the most sense, right? And she seems okay with it, so Scott will keep holding her hand within his, even if he can feel some of that coldness seep into his skin.

He doesn't mind. Maybe even kind of nice in this heat, but most importantly, he wants to help her. She's honestly like the first person he's been able to actually assist since getting here and it feels good. Important. He wants to do his best in that, despite the attitude he can sometimes have. It's not just because of being a good representation of mutants, but... just helping someone that needs it.

Maybe he finally gets what Professor Xavier is saying.]

...Is that any better? [Scott asks, tone gentle despite the engaged look he's still setting on her.] And well, uh, I woke up in a mortuary, so I might not be the best person to ask. Everything felt kind of cold at first.

[That was unpleasant like what the fuck. WHY DID HE GET THAT KIND OF GREETING??]

[orphne]

Oh... yeah. [It's very intimate, isn't it? Her cheeks stay colored that light pink as she lets him draw her hand in against his chest without protest. He's so warm, pleasantly so, not like the punishingly bright sun above. It at least stops her hand from shaking while it's in his, and she presses her palm flat against his bare chest.

Her lips part with some surprise when he says he woke up in a mortuary, though. There's a darkly funny humor to that, because isn't that where she should have woken up? Unless it's different for her because of the Seal so they didn't know what to do with her. Still, it begs the question,] Are you dead?

[It's a gentle, curious question as she tilts her head, pressing her fingertips against his chest as if she might somehow be able to feel his heartbeat (or lack thereof).]

[laserguy]

[Those tremors are dying down, so that's an accomplishment, right? And she said that it's helping, so why not continue with this? Scott is very aware on some base level that this entire scene feels and looks pretty intimate, but guess he's gotten a little less shy about that sort of thing anyway. Well, sometimes. Depends. No one is watching them for one thing.

It helps when he's fully focused on another person and their well-being. It's like that area between being that leader he's supposed to be and also a regular teen because they are touching and holding hands and... he cocks a small smile at her.]

Pretty sure I'm not. Want to check?

[With the amount of times his heart thudded rapidly in his chest for one reason or another, he's pretty sure that he's alive and everything. Still, he figures to offer anyway, letting his hand guide hers to his heart so that she can feel its steady beat. It was tempting to lightly tease or joke about this place being absolute bullshit sometimes, but she asked that question so gently. Like she's actually worried that he's dead or something.

Is that even possible here? He never even considered that before.]

[orphne]

[She manages another laugh, tossing a grin up at him.]

How do you check that? [and yet, she still lets him guide her hand over his heart, flatting her palm and closing her eyes to feel the steady thump of a heartbeat. Her own heart is beating, so maybe it doesn't mean much, but if he's sure he's not dead, she's definitely not going to try to convince him that he is!

Then, with a spark of mischief in her eyes, she leans up and plants her other open, just as chilly, palm right against the side of his neck, hoping to startle him with the sudden coldness. It's not all bad, feeling like she's on the edge of a fever every now and again, if she can do things like this!]

[laserguy]

See, still alive.

[He reassures once more, watching the way her eyes slide shut like she's memorizing the rhythm of his heartbeat. Or is he reading way too much into that? Scott isn't sure, but her hand's still against his chest like she's taking him in, so he's fine to let this continue. Although her eyes are soon opening up with a certain spark in them and--

Scott startles as that sudden chill contrasts vastly with the warmth of his slightly sweaty neck, unable to stop the way his voice squeaks from the contact and the sheer difference between their two temperatures. T-that was definitely cold and mostly, unexpected!]

C-cold, holy shit! [So much for being the cool mentor type... but before she can pull her hand away entirely, he reaches with his free hand to the one on his neck so that he can continue to keep it there. She's still emitting some of that cold, but it's okay, really.]

...Didn't say I mind having a cooling pack out here.

[orphne]

[She bursts out laughing at that squeak in his voice, because it's kind of cute! In spite of how cool he was acting, it's good to know that her literally cold hands can still get to him. Grinning, she makes to draw her hand away only for him to hold it in place, which only makes her laugh more just from being startled.]

Oh yeah? [Still, she can't say she minds. The warmth of his hand against hers, the sweat on his skin, is such a reminder of life that she can't help but smile up at him. It definitely feels like she's unlocked some kind of social link. But also-] Gonna be kind of hard to look for shelter if I'm doing this, though.

[Like, unless he picks her up and carries her on his back, she can't hang onto his neck and head toward that hut he'd mentioned!]

[laserguy]

[She's a troublemaker, isn't she? Yeah he sees it now, past all the perky smiles or maybe because of them. Scott has her captured now though!

His hand is still holding hers to his neck, hoping that she gets just a bit warmer from this. Is it really enough to denounce the chill that stems from her very being? A slightly disheartening thought and one that gets Scott's smile to fade, not enough to look upset, but he's still worried.]

Probably.

[He agrees, but Scott doesn't really do much but guide their hands from his neck. And with a brief questioning look towards her, as if asking permission, he lowers them to her chest-- to find her heartbeat in return. Even if her body is still cooler than his, they can still feel this, right?] ...We're both alive.

[orphne]

[Pot, kettle, Mr. Summers. Kotone tilts her head with a little curiosity when he pulls their hands away from his neck, giving him tacit permission with just that look and her complete lack of resistance. What she's not expecting is him to return the favor, bringing both of their hands to her heart. It somehow feels even more intimate than when he'd guided her to him, drawing a deeper pink flush to her cheeks and parting her lips with a soft,] Ah? [of surprise, followed quickly by a laugh. The touch of his hands against her heart does more to warm her insides than the blazing sun ever did.

He seems so confident in his answer that it's easy to believe him, even if she knows that's no guarantee. Then again, is anyone ever truly gone as long as someone remembers them...? Can one truly be dead if they're still seizing the chance to live, however briefly?

Much to ponder. For now, she has a cute boy with his hand on her heart, a flush on her cheeks and a smile on her lips.]

Are you flirting with me, Scott? [she teases, the warm sparkle in her eye hinting that she doesn't mind at all, actually.]

[laserguy]

[It's always so difficult for Scott to tell if someone is blushing or not, his red lens blocking the way for him to fully appreciate their appearance and their reactions. Kind of frustrating and if he really wants to delve into it, upset with himself with his inability to fully control his powers, but that's far from his mind now. Because even if he can't see the way her cheeks turn pink, the clear trust she's giving him now is more than enough.

He keeps their hands together, one combined grip on her chest, the other on his. His smile small, but genuine, maybe even comforting. Feels like they're both alive to him, right?]

Didn't know that a pulse check was flirting to you. [He laughs, lightly teasing her as he keeps this position for just a few seconds longer.]

[orphne]

[She looks deliberately down at their joined hands, so close to her breasts, then quirks an eyebrow back at him.] You don't think so?

[She's teasing, too, but there is an element of truth to it, too. Isn't checking if someone is alive, isn't affirming that belief, one of the most important things someone can do for another person? Isn't wanting someone you've met to continuing clinging to life one of the most powerful emotions there is?

None of that gets voiced, though, as she just laughs and tries to extract her hand, taking a step back.] C'mon. We probably gotta do more stuff on the island, right?

[Although if their goal is an emotional connection... isn't this one?]

[laserguy]

Uh.

[There's a light covering up pink that crosses his cheeks when she points out how close his hand are to her breasts and look. LOOK!! He didn't actually think about touching her without permission-- and definitely not there! He just wanted to mimic the whole feeling on his chest and.

Yeah, he's blushing. It still doesn't make him move though, not until she takes a step back and he raises his now free hand to rub the back of his head. Okay, that got a little awkward!! But... at least she's still smiling at him, so it's clear she's not actually upset.

Scott will take it.]

We were on the way to the hut. Did you already forget? [He teases, but he soon cocks his head to the side.] I imagine that you suddenly didn't get warmer from all that, so maybe we can find something in there to start a fire. Maybe blankets if we're lucky.

[orphne]

[If anything, his blush only makes her laugh more. It's good to know that in spite of how charming he is, she can still fluster him when she needs to. Now that she's further away from him, though, the warmth from his hands is starting to fade away. Her skin still feels kind of warm from the sun, but inside feels cold, and she's sure she probably still feels cold to the touch, too. She'd felt it before the VR also, but it had gone away on its own, so... it's probably fine!]

I just thought we won the game already! [she calls back over her shoulder, clearly expecting him to keep following behind her as she starts walking again.] But a fire sounds like fun! Like a campfire, or a bonfire... maybe we can find something to roast, too!

[And just ignoring the idea of getting her blankets, because, like, she doesn't expect him to worry too much about her. She'll be alright, as long as they're both safe and comfortable.]

[laserguy]

[Truly a menace. He sees that he can't let his guard down around her!! He'll have to be extra focused by smiling back and feeling like he's just teasing another teen out at the beach and feeling normal about all that. Yes, that's what not letting his guard down means. Feeling just a little more okay in this place, despite the odds. Or maybe it's what it wanted in the first place.

Nah, he ain't giving shit to the people in charge. They can suck his dick--]

Wouldn't there be some flashing lights or a victory noise if we won? You know. [He tries to mimic some sort of level complete noise to... some success. He's had his fair share of arcade games at this point and a good variety of them! Still, he catches up with her, until he's walking by her side.]

Hoping to find a giant boar running out in the wild here? What would you do to even fight it? [...He's mean and kind of wants to hear what she'd do.]

[orphne]

Oh. Does it have to rank 10...? [Their social link, that is, before they're able to leave this place. Hmm, that could mean they'd be here for a while. Like, at least a few days? Pharos had been able to skip ranks, but Pharos had been really special. Nothing against Scott, but he doesn't seem like the Death arcana!

Anyway. No, she's not going to explain what she'd meant by "rank 10," that had been intended for her alone. She continues without missing a beat,] Get a big pointy stick and--

[She jumps, miming the same kind of slashing and slicing motion she'd use with her naginata. Never mind that she's never killed an animal and wouldn't know what to do with a freshly killed one.]

I thought maybe we could find like... a conbini, though.

[Why... would there be a convenience store...]

[laserguy]

[Rank 10...? Huh, is she someone that plays a lot of otome games? Guess he can see it. Maybe these games are popular among Japanese teenagers or something. That's going to be his assumption for the time being, Kotone 'Otome Enjoyer' Shiomi.]

Oh yeah, you'd definitely show a giant boar with that. [...He's definitely teasing her again. Scott isn't even going to ask where she's going to get a big pointy stick, just kind of amused as he watches her slash the air with a pretend stick. She's really not the type to run away, huh? Even if they probably should in normal circumstances. Like aren't big pigs kind of awful to deal with??

Luckily he has something that can deal with it no problem.]

Hm, conbini? [He looks at her with a questioning look, the word obviously flying above his head.] What's what?