sticksandbones | EVENT & TDM 012

EVENT & TDM 012

IT'S GONNA BE MAY

WAKE UP

You open your eyes, and with a jolt, find yourself within the clearing of a miniscule town surrounded by trees and thick, black fog. Despite the ominous backdrop, nature seems to be thriving — it’s a pleasantly chill spring day, as far as anyone can tell, and everything is vibrant and blooming… even some of the animals. At some point, a friendly old dog with red fur approaches, carrying a basket in his jaws. Inside are blackberries and apples other fruits. Did he find this himself? Or did someone give them to him to bring to new arrivals? Regardless, he very clearly hopes that you’ll share.

A giant golden brown turtle sits by a tent, napping in the sunlight. Two statues sit in the courtyard by an old well — a haloed woman marked as the Goddess of the Sun, Beiwe, and a gentle woman looking adoringly at her counterpart, marked as the Goddess of the Moon, Ourania. If you pay your respects, the air feels gentle and warm in the day, and like a fresh cool breeze at night.

As you explore more, perhaps the bloomed animals will approach — a mossy squirrel, or a frog who happens to also be a lilypad. It’s charming, almost. Whimsical and kind.

Shame that the wall of fog looms ever on, watching. Waiting.

SHINING, SHIMMERING, SPLENDID

cw: hallucinations, compulsions, near-death experiences

For a while, spring seems gentle, almost. Peaceful. The previous month may have been full of jokes, but things are actually safe. Of course, that can’t last forever. Every night, a purple, shimmering mist floods the town. It does not breach the doors and windows, even if left open, but looking at it is… enticing.

Should you give in, the mist is cool and gentle, swaying around you like smoke. The longer you stay in, the more your eyes feel blissfully heavy. Soon, you find yourself surrounded by loved ones, in a place that brings you joy — a childhood home, a vacation spot, some place warm and safe and dear to your heart. Everyone is playing and having so much fun. Join them! Join them!

Of course, by the time you do jump into the fun, you’ll find yourself awakened with a start, just about to fall into danger. Perhaps you climbed a tree and were about to leap to the ground from too high up. Or maybe you stuck your head in the river and your lungs were about to empty. Regardless, the happy dream shatters with imminent danger, and perhaps you’d better hope that someone else is nearby to help you. … Especially since with each night you give in, the more enticing the mist is the next night.

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

At some point, the mist is forcibly dissipated and instead the moon shines brightly, almost like a spotlight. Investigation will reveal an absurdly large capybara that seems more like a vehicle than an animal, even with the jasmine flowers hanging off of it, siting down with the ‘door’ accessible to anyone willing to climb in.

“Come with me, and I will bring you to a night of festivities.” is all that it says when asked. And it knows that you will — you’re all curious as kittens, after all. Once the last person takes a fuzzy seat within the capybara, it slowly stands up and begins walking through the woods, and for the first time, everything seems peaceful. Normal, even. Why, there’s not even a monster or misshapen, grabby tree! Just a moonlit forest, and fireflies in the distance.

Eventually it brings you to a small but beautiful cabin, crouching down to let everyone out again. Outside is a layer of marble surrounded by pillars decorated with sheer fabrics and an abundance of lilies and calendula, jasmine and marigolds, hydrangeas and gladiolus. A buffet table has also been spread out, and within the cabin are changing rooms with a multitude of ornate gowns and suits, alongside sitting rooms and other potential necessities — though you get the feeling that you should still be on your best behavior here.

Gentle music plays from an unknown source. The capybara is resting, until it’s time to leave come sunrise. For one night, everything is at peace. You may as well enjoy it, and dance to your heart’s content.

SPARK NOTES

CLICK TO EXPAND!

WAKE UP

Welcome to Aldric's Grove! The fog wall is a little creepy, but worry not: A dog has brought you a snack, and the plant-bearing wildlife are pretty friendly. If you've been here for a while, no worry: You, too, are getting a basket of treats from the dog.

SHINING, SHIMMERING, SPLENDID

A purple mist fills the Grove at night, and stepping into it makes you experience a euphoric dream... shortly before you wake up because you nearly walked into death. Be careful, because the mists are addicting, and you may not have an easy time avoiding their temptation the following nights.

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

For one night, the mists clear up and peace settles over the forest. A giant capybara gleefully takes everyone to the site of a grand dance, where the clothing and food are all free, and the music swells with joy. Dance your hearts out until dawn breaks, and then the capybara will take you back home.

OOC

Happy May! This is a reminder that TDMs are game canon. Enjoy your dreams, enjoy your prom night, enjoy the capybara. OOC Plotting Lives Here if you'd like to plot anything out!

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Mizuki sort of instinctively squeezes Affogato's hand, and his eyes go down to his feet. His other hand nervously twists his umbrella around in his hand. ]

...I'm not good at that, really. I never got the chance to learn how, and... the one time I got to make a choice on my own, I did something real bad, so... I think heroes should definitely be the one to change it. I'm not so sure a world changed by me would be a good one. [ Factually incorrect, but Mizuki's out here with self-esteem issues- ] I'm sorry that happened to you, though. I'm sure that was frustrating...

If you want to talk about it with someone, though, I'm always available! I'm real good at listening!

[ The hand squeeze almost makes him take his hand back in vague disgust. It feels weird. Is he trying to give him comfort? Take comfort? The gesture is foreign and he's not sure he likes it. ]

Bad by whose standards? Many will try and suppress you by calling your decisions bad or wrong, simply because they don't like not being the ones making them. Others simply desire to control you, and by putting you down they gain the control they want. Your life is your own.

[ Does he want to talk about it? Absolutely not. He ignores the question. ]

Edited 2024-05-25 15:26 (UTC)

[ Mizuki shakes his head, and he does actually let go of Affogato's hand at this point. Unclear whether or not it's because he felt a twitch or something like that from the other, or just because he feels a little more comfortable worrying his hands into his umbrella. ]

I don't think that's true. Those people gave up a lot for me, just because... they were kind people. They didn't expect anything in turn. But that's why I think their opinions mean so much to mean.

Besides, I don't think being controlled is all that bad or anything. Having someone tell you what to do so you don't have to second guess anything ever is nice, I think. At least, for me it is. I've been told that's not a very good perspective to have, either, though... I'm really not good at these sorts of things.

[ His hand being released makes him stare at it, like he's unsure he whether that's what he wanted. There's also a small part of him that wants to wipe his hand off on his hip. Instead he focuses on Mizuki.

Oh? ]

Ah. You're a follower. A soldier. You prefer someone to take your lead. If that's what you prefer, then who am I to dissuade you? Hmm, in which case, saving the one with Power would benefit you, as then they can command. You need not think of what to do. Simply obey.

[ Don't worry about it, kitten. ]

[ At least Mizuki wears gloves. And, besides, consider the way he's twisting his umbrella handle, it's better he'd let go. ]

Umm... That sounds more in line with something I would do. [ Imagining the Doctor or even Add on the tracks always had something click on Mizuki's brain like "save them". It's a nasty, gross sort of desperation, that he literally couldn't function if something happened to them.

Maybe that's why he's sort of falling apart now, with Add's disappearance.

But, hey! He's met someone who's alright with the way that Mizuki thinks. That hasn't happened like........ ever. This person must either just be being polite, or maybe he just understands? ]

...You're okay with that? You're not gonna tell me I'm wrong?

[ It's almost too good to be true. Did he really find someone who needs to be controlled? Who would rather not make their own decisions? Wake him from this dream. ]

Hmm? Why would I tell you you're wrong? I have no desire to force another off their path. If you truly wish to follow, then do so. Some are made to lead, and some to follow those that do.

[ He reaches out and gently pats his head. A small little gesture of affection. ]

You'd be the first, is all... [ His head tilts a little into the pat. Yes, thank you, he appreciates touch a lot! ]

Oh, I didn't ask for your name, mister. I'm so sorry. I promise I'm usually not so rude. I'm Mizuki. Thank you for entertaining an answer for me. I really appreciate it.

[ Him and Harque. Touch based rewards. Oh, Affogato can do that.

The apology makes him laugh a little, a small mmhmhm of one. ]

Think nothing of it. It was an interesting question to have handed to me! You may call me Affogato Cookie.

[ Mizuki doesn't want it brushed aside. He'd done a lot to forget his manners while he was here. His doctors would be surprised - he is well known back home for "polite" being a main personality trait of his. Maybe he'd lost some of his front because he'd been outed for what he really is here? He should work on that for sure.

However, he's a little more focused on the "cookie" part. Ohhh?? How fun! To meet another one that's presumably from the same world as his friends. Big smiles, then. ]

It's really nice to meet you, Mister Affogato Cookie! I'm glad you found it interesting~. I have a few others, if you're interested! Have you heard about the Prisoner's Dilemma?

Oh no no, simply Affogato. I am just a humble servant to his Liege, King Dark Cacao Cookie, after all.

[ Oh yes, he will deliberately still associate himself with the other. He may have all but banished him, but he will make sure his name is thought of when the other is. ]

The joy in our meeting is all mine, Mizuki. What is the prisoner dilemma?

K-… King?? [ Hold on. ] He never mentioned anything like that to me. [ He’s only talked like once to him so maybe that’s not surprising, but??? Also, he’s a little confused, all things considered. Hadn’t they just talked about how he doesn’t want to be controlled, yet he called himself a “humble servant”? That doesn’t seem to add up.

Is he going to question it? No. Of course not. But he’s worried about Affogato now. “Did he hurt you?” and “Are you okay?” are questions that come to mind. Perhaps at a later time… ]

Ah— oh. Right. The prisoner’s dilemma is a game theory that proposes a scenario:

You and a partner, and for this thought project your relationship to this partner is not a variable, have been convicted for a crime. You and them will spend 5 years in prison. However, you are offered to confess and push the blame onto your partner, and in that scenario, you would get off without any time and your partner would go to prison for 20 years. You also know that your partner is given the same deal, and if you both confess, you’ll both go to prison for 10 years.

Do you confess?

Oh? Well do not let him be so humble. He is King to a great Kingdom.

[ And oh, Mizuki, it is so very complicated. There is nothing healthy there.

He ohs thoughtfully to this question. Obviously he knows what he would say but does he really want to tip his hand about just how self focused he is. He must put himself first, afterall.

So, he lies. Kinda. ]

Of course not. And if they are my partner, I know they will not confess either.

[ He would betray them in a heartbeat.

... Well, maybe. Depending on how much loyalty had been shown. ]

[ Gonna blorp under DC's door at 6 AM like "You didn't tell me you were a king!" and not explain how he got in there-

Regardless, Mizuki nods. ] I see. Alright. Then... mmh, is there anything else influencing your answer? Is that the whole of your thought process?

[ Please do scare the shit out of the old men by blorping into their home.]

Oh, plenty of things. But will you like the answers?

[ Though he has a feeling Mizuki won't care. ]

[ Amending this then: "You didn't tell - Stop screaming it's just me - You didn't tell me you were a king!" ]

I'd like everyone's answers, Mister Affogato. Regardless of what they are. I want to learn all the ways people think and how they respond to things and everything that makes them... unique. There's nothing more in the world I'd want to hear about.

Hmm, even if the answers may be horrible? Some people out there are not good people after all. For one reason or another.

[ He has no pretenses that he's a good Cookie. ]

Oh, that's alright, too. All people have their reasonings for doing things, for sure, but I wouldn't say they're "not good". For the people who might seem... mm... "too far gone"... how do I say this...

[ He hums for a minute, tapping his cheek. He seems to be struggling with his wording of this, and maybe for good reason. He does eventually give Affogato another serene smile, even if the next words from his mouth are mildly terrifying. ]

I can just fix them.

[ Well! That's fucking ominous! Thanks! Though he's so curious. ]

By what do you mean... fix them? What if they don't desire to be fixed. What if they're perfectly happy the way they are?

[ But hm, answer to the question. He reaches up and plays with the end of his braid, thoughtful. ]

If this is my "partner in crime" then I trust them, implicitly. If I trust them that much to be in on my schemes, then they are as loyal to me as I am to them. I would demand nothing less, and I would hope they would demand nothing less of me. If they were not truly loyal, then I would not give them my time, nor trust my life to them.

I used to travel the world back home, and in doing so, I learned a lot about the people within it. I suppose from different worlds here there's something to be said about the experience variation being taken into consideration, but as far as I'm concerned, no matter the world, the mind is still the same for evolved creatures. The chemicals that cause different emotions and the patterns a human takes and the parts of the brain are all going to be the same.

Which is all just a long winded way of explaining that... I've seen people and the things that makes them who they are. No one's truly born "bad". Most of them are just... victims of circumstance, or lacking in some department of developmental needs. And I don't think any of them truly believe they're perfectly happy the way they are. A lot of those people are either too lonely, hurting, or dissociative to really be "perfectly happy".

They just need to be fixed. We fixed this one, so We can fix anyone if given the opportunity.

[ It's not too late to leave the little freak to his own devices, Affo- ]

What if it were a stranger? Someone you'd had to team up with based on circumstance. Like, for example, if you happened to be trapped with them and had to work together, even though you knew nothing about them? Part of the thought experiment is to consider them as both a fellow in crime, but also have some anonymity.

[ Affogato listens silently, turning his eyes away to stare in a different spot so Mizuki can't see the way his face twists to that. It's not too unreadable. Distrust. Distress. Thoughtfulness.

He doesn't like how close Mizuki is getting to, maybe, understanding why Affogato's done the things he's done.

Cool motive, still attempted Regicide. Still banished. ]

So you may say...

[ His voice is low and that's all he will answer on that, composing himself before turning back to Mizuki, an eyebrow arching. Maybe he'll try and scare this one away, before he can dig in. So he opens up. Truly. ]

A stranger? I would betray them. [ No fucking hesitation. ] They command no loyalty from me, and I give none in return. I do not know them, I cannot trust them. Perhaps this would lead us both to ten years, but I will not place my life on the line for someone I do not know. I put myself first.

[ Hey, if Affogato didn’t wanna deal with being psychoanalysed, maybe don’t talk to the psychology freak! Mizuki is more than happy to drop it, however. He understands that his rambling can sometimes be just a little bit much. ~~It’s the autism.~~

This doesn’t get Mizuki to flinch or anything, however. Instead, there’s just an understanding nod. After all, he expects people’s answers to vary. The mathematically minded will always pick to confess. It’s the same with those who have trust issues, or those who know they have too much to lose compared to others. He’d asked this question to a lot of ordinary folks back home, after all. Fathers who said they couldn’t risk leaving their daughters without a dad for 20 years, or sickly folk who said they really didn’t want to spend their final days behind bars.

It made sense. Not a lot of things were things that he understood, but for this, he does. ]

Is it okay if I ask you one more question, Mister Affogato?

[ ..... Hm. Maybe he should have seen this coming. The other hadn't really reacted much different. But it's so... strange? to have someone treat what he says so casually. Others would have decried snake! Traitor! But Mizuki merely nods like it's the most normal answer he's ever heard.

This land is weird, but he feels more at home here than he ever did back on Earthbread, surrounded by sweet loyal Cookies. He doesn't even miss the Cookie body, though this one is so bizarre. ]

... You are a unique little one, aren't you? I think I like you, Mizuki~ Ask away, what else goes through that little head of yours?

[ "Unique"...? How funny. Seaborn are supposed to lack individuality, so to be called that is laughable, isn't it? Maybe he should correct Affogato. "I don't want you to have the wrong opinion of me" or something like that? Hm... ]

Thank you. Does that mean we're friends?? [ He's so good at this friends thing now. All he has to do is ask about murdering people on the tracks or going to jail. Wow! ]

And my question is... What's the memory you have that makes you happiest? Or, if you don't want to answer that, the thing that makes you happiest?

[ Absolutely not the unique way Affogato means, but that's what you get when you're from different worlds. The question makes him blink, hard. ]

Friends?

[ No, he has no friends. He uses the term to garner sympathy and favor from the other. This sounds like an actual ... attempt to be so. How disgusting. He pretends he doesn't know the word.

And that question makes him stare, his brow twitching down. ]

The thing that makes me the happiest?

[ He'll focus on that, because he has no happy memories. Not even the ones in the Citadel are "happy". ]

Being in control, while my subjects feast and know what it is like to have a Leader who cares for their well being and comfort. That would make me the happiest~

We don't have to be, of course, if you don't want to. Sorry, I realize that was a little too presumptuous... [ Local man cannot read tone for shit, more at 11. ]

Ah... that's gonna be pretty hard to do here, I think, but... okay! I'll do my best to make that happen for you, Mister Affogato!

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