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upcyclingmod ([personal profile] upcyclingmod) wrote in [community profile] pedalbike2020-10-16 08:19 pm
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Third TDM: Don't Turn Around


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Arrival



Not all characters (known as Wickie, singular or Wickies, plural) arrive at the same time, surprisingly enough! That’s life for you. Some Wickies find their way to the island at a pivotal (or very mundane) point in their life, or even after or during their death.

Wickies who were standing or walking often find themselves entering the town South Sister, located on Lighthouse Isle, through an open doorway. Those that were laying down, or sleeping, tend to be found lying prone in beds, bathtubs, showers, couches, and similar places within the cottages on Cottage Row. There’s no rhyme or reason to it all! To Wickies familiar with the era, they will realize that everything looks as if it’s come from the ‘90s.

The house which a Wickie finds themselves within could already be occupied. This includes walking into a fellow Wicke, waking up in the same location, or accidentally scaring a room full of people with their sudden appearance.

Oops.


Braving the Trail

A new trail has opened up in the woods today! Funny, that there’s never been a real path before, but this one promises a spectacular view for all Wickies who brave it.

However, the view has to be earned with one stipulation: until the Wickie reaches the trail’s end, they are forbidden to turn around. At all. There’s no mention of what may happen if the Wickie does glance back, but the scripted text on the sign marking the trail hints that the consequences just might be dire.

The hike itself is fairly easy. It even feels peaceful with the sounds of bird calls echoing in the distance. But for Wickies who are known for past procrastination, the walk will prove to be difficult. These individuals will experience an itching urge to turn around and leave the trail, and the itch worsens with every pause of their footsteps.

If a Wickie does turn around, they will find themselves staring up at a blank masked figure, slightly taller than themselves. And as wisps of fog cover the packed-dirt path, the figure hisses out a sigh, their voice barely audible as they issue their reprimand:

“I’m disappointed.”

Why, it’s not clear at all.

But with those words, the Wickie will find their body locked into place, unable to scream as their limbs become paralyzed, their eyes remaining fixed upon the masked figure. Somehow, the figure moves without walking, inching closer and closer until their mask and the Wickie’s face are close enough to touch.

The only way to become unlocked from this position is to have someone come and cover the Wickie’s eyes before leading them back to the trail’s start, somehow breaking their vision of the masked figure, or by speaking of a past regret outloud.

Otherwise, the Wickie has a good chance of dying from exposure.


Currently residing

It’s been nearly three months since the first arrivals started off on the island. It’s had its ups and downs, but with the previous quiet month, it’s been easy to relax in the cottages and houses, and even feel safe.

But not everything stays as it should. Whether a Wickie is just scoping the houses out, or returning to sleep in one of those comfy beds during the night, they will find that things are just a little..off. It’s as if someone has moved everything just a little, by no more than an inch or two. Sometimes, it even looks as if someone hurried away from the middle of a task. For example, mugs left in the sink will be washed; unslept in beds have been stripped, and their sheets are found in the laundry.

It’s only after sitting down with a fellow Wickie, that what’s going on will slowly become apparent.

People, looking more like blue tinted holographic designs, appear within the house. Slowly they become more visible, going through the motions of daily life. People with their significant others, children playing, even pets can be seen, playing with their owners or doing things that pets do.

These residentials don’t seem to notice the newcomers in their surroundings. But they do notice objects are moved, particularly if it’s furnishings. They frown, confused, before talking to one another and seeing the items returned to where they believe it should be. And curious too, that while the residentials appear to speak to one another, there’s not a sound that’s uttered when their mouths move.

It’s not possible to interact with them, unless the Wickie has the spiritual power to speak with spirits. Even then they’re quite confused, and do not believe themselves dead- it’s as if they think the Wickie is the ghost instead.

It is possible to deter the residentials manifesting by lighting a candlek. Upon the candle being lit, they recoil, some of them violently, and with great upset, before fading.

But they weren’t causing any harm.

Are they?


It Arrives

The pumpkins have vanished (finally!) there’s no more costumes in the various drawers in town; the apple bobbing is done, and there’s no more bonfires. Pity that means the food is gone too.

But something else has arrived. Something...small, white, and with webbed feet.

You’ll know it by its sound. It’s unknown what has brought this particular goose to the island; it might have been a laden desire, or it had flown here over miles. Or who knows, maybe the Admin has set this goose out as some kind of petty revenge.

All that is known as that this goose likes to wreak havoc. It likes going into the flower and vegetable gardens, looking for seeds, vegetables, and flowers to pull up; it likes to grab keys and toss them just out of reach.

It’s also clever enough that it figured out how to get into Fruits Basket, into homes, and even...sometimes...onto roofs.

Thankfully, while the goose likes to startle people, its mischief is rather harmless, and even, at times, enjoyable to watch. Just be sure not to leave anything electrical it can throw into a body of water by accident- or any bells it can keep in its temporary home by the woods.

For those who are curious, yes it will accept all sorts of snacks, and it is a wild, ordinary goose. (So yes, it is as harmless as a normal goose and yes it is edible).


Confession network

Yet again, the phone goes off. Doesn’t look like it’s anybody in town, but it’s that weird, cheesy app called The Heart Game. And it’s persistent, too: it doesn’t want to be ignored, making a series of beeps and chirps, much like a pet that wants attention.

The message that pops up is as follows:

We’re back! It’s the time for everyone's favorite game- Confession! So beloved users, our question is:

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why? Tell us everything!
paperpusher: (and I keep on smiling.)

[personal profile] paperpusher 2020-10-27 12:49 am (UTC)(link)
Haha, good luck! I will say most of the people here are alright. A lot more of them are used to this sort of thing-- the supernatural or other dangerous circumstances-- than not, at least.

[Not his poor roommate, though.]
shinizama: (pic#14408370)

[personal profile] shinizama 2020-10-27 01:13 am (UTC)(link)
[ very normal, not at all weird. a brief half-dubious tick of one brow later, and Megumi is following behind the oblong shape of Vangeance's shadow. there's something old-world about the other man that he can't quite put his finger on; something aristocratic. diplomatic.

a grey area. it's difficult to know what to think about the guy's calmness, but for now, he'll feed off of it. if nothing else, it gives him time to assess.
]

If it's a different type of ability than what you're used to, knowing probably won't make it more accessible. [ practical. but that's not a 'no', either; just a warning that he won't get too technical, to spare them both the headache. ] —All it boils down to is knowing how to channel the inherent energy that I have, and knowing how to apply it to use different techniques. Like summoning.

[ his shikigami trots next to him, looking up as if it knows that it's vaguely the topic of conversation. ]

I'm assuming your powers function on the same kind of principle, but in different ways.
nerine: (Objection noted)

[personal profile] nerine 2020-10-27 01:16 am (UTC)(link)
You say a lot more, but that's implying there's a few who aren't used to it...

[that could be bad, real bad!]
hopesong: (Dance With Me)

[personal profile] hopesong 2020-10-27 01:23 am (UTC)(link)
Not a clue. [ She answers honestly, with a soft chuckle. ]

Only ended up here last month myself. It seems to be a kinda nexus of sorts. People get brought in from all over, different timelines and universes an' all that good stuff. No way out as far as I'm aware either, sorry, hun.
paperpusher: (ain't youth meant to be beautiful?)

[personal profile] paperpusher 2020-10-27 01:25 am (UTC)(link)
Yes, unfortunately. [Not like he's going to just call out his roommate directly, who hasn't been able to sleep at night because of the stress of this place. Or that Yagami-kun, who was just a particularly inquisitive and serious young man without any connection to the supernatural, who hasn't been able to sleep at night because he broke into a building he shouldn't have and got something haunting him. Gotta watch out for both kinds.] So... I know you said it's protecting you, but how is it for other people?
nerine: (New Age Dreaming)

[personal profile] nerine 2020-10-27 01:28 am (UTC)(link)
Well... Basically, if no one hurts me, I won't do anything.

[She doesn't refer to it as entirely separate from her this time...]

As I said, it'll react and give me warning signs, but I never strike first if that makes sense.
paperpusher: (only to find I've come alive)

[personal profile] paperpusher 2020-10-27 01:39 am (UTC)(link)
[A normal girl then, for all intents and purposes. With the exception of having a built-in Spidey sense defense mechanism. Someone he probably doesn't have to worry about, but also not someone he'd, say, add to the exorcist groupchat.]

Well then, let's hope you don't end up doing anything. [He plucks one of the paper dolls from the top of the pile and offers it out to her.] If you need to get in contact with me, you can use this. [(it waves hello!)] It'll be able to find me and lead me back to you. I know you've already got one overzealous protector, but it just wouldn't feel like I'm doing my duty if I didn't join in.
nerine: (Shut up and dance)

[personal profile] nerine 2020-10-27 01:44 am (UTC)(link)
[She could probably snap people in half, but again! In due time when she's comfortable enough she'll let people know, but part of Monts is relieved she doesn't have to say anything.]

Oh! How cute.

[She delicately reaches for the offered doll and lets it slip onto her palm.]

I appreciate the extra help. Do I just tell it what to do?
paperpusher: (I wanna be a bottle blonde)

[personal profile] paperpusher 2020-10-27 01:49 am (UTC)(link)
It senses your intention to send it back to me, essentially. You can write notes on it if you'd like, but it's not necessary. More complicated commands than that would require a certain amount of spiritual ability and knowledge on your part, so I'm trying to keep things simple.

[And also avoid having to ask if her own symbiotic passenger lets her tap into anything like that.]
nerine: (c'est la vie)

[personal profile] nerine 2020-10-27 01:54 am (UTC)(link)
I like simple. Better to start there than to try any funny business on my end.

[Monts lets the paper doll slip into her bag and it'll settle onto the side of the French press until she finds a place to place it separately.]

Oh, before I forget, what's your preferred name? Don't want to slip up on my first day.
paperpusher: (I wanna be a real fake)

[personal profile] paperpusher 2020-10-27 01:58 am (UTC)(link)
[Preferred name... Natori's from ambiguous-pre-digital-age, he's not woke enough to understand this question properly.]

Well, I use 'akeboshi' when I'm posting on the network, but Natori's fine. [? did he get it.]
nerine: (Natural fit)

[personal profile] nerine 2020-10-27 02:01 am (UTC)(link)
[More like she's had Japanese customers before and had a bit of a stumble when it came to calling them by family name or first name and also she just always gives her own inexplicable nickname to everyone first.]

Natori it is then. Wish we met under less dubious circumstances, don't you agree?
laeradr: (15)

[personal profile] laeradr 2020-10-27 02:49 am (UTC)(link)
[ He looks amused at that pragmatic answer. It's not like he'd asked out of any desire to learn those skills; unfortunately, magic doesn't work that way. But he appreciates the consideration(?). It says something about this youth. ]

It does, indeed. [ He'll repay one good answer with another, speaking amicably even as he scans their surroundings. ] Magic is based on the ability to control mana -- the energy in the environment, and inherent to oneself.

But, you see ... [ Vangeance's words peter off into a quiet, thoughtful hum. ] ... as far as I know, the entire continent shares the same understanding of magic that my homeland does. So if we're both unfamiliar with each other's abilities, either you, or I, or most likely both of us have ended up very far from home.

[ That was really the reason he'd asked about Megumi's abilities. He'd harbored some genuine curiosity, of course, but it's more that he's really coming to understand what bizarre circumstances he's ended up in. His calm smile doesn't waver, even as he looks over unfamiliar surroundings, murmuring quietly, ]

This could be quite the troublesome situation.
shinizama: (pic#14408419)

[personal profile] shinizama 2020-10-27 03:13 am (UTC)(link)
[ oh Vangeance... sweet summer child. Megumi is glad that this weird masked man is leveling with him, but his reply is dry, and frankly? incredibly millennial. as mature as he seems, he's still 16. ]

This situation is the sort of cliché that you usually see in anime.

[ do you even anime, Vangeance??? Megumi doesn't, but it's ubiquitous enough that he knows about isekai. ]

It's likely that I'm not from your world, and you're not from mine. The easiest way to go home is to figure out what the terms of this place are, and fulfill its requirements.

[ wow, don't make it sound so exciting, Megloomy. ]
consumethedarkness: (09)

[personal profile] consumethedarkness 2020-10-27 03:15 am (UTC)(link)
[He's not the same young kid who runs in at the first hint of a fight. And while he doesn't trust Vanitas right now, he can see that the masked boy is stuck here just like he is. So there's not really much point to a fight right now.]

[Though, Vanitas's answer has Riku looking up in surprise.]


What do you mean? Are you saying that no one here knows what this place is?
consumethedarkness: (10)

[personal profile] consumethedarkness 2020-10-27 03:15 am (UTC)(link)
[How can such a simple-looking bird be such a menace..?]

[Riku gently nudges the goose with his foot, trying to shoo the bird away without actually hurting it.]


Stop that. I'm not afraid of you. Go bother someone else!
consumethedarkness: (05)

[personal profile] consumethedarkness 2020-10-27 03:15 am (UTC)(link)
Changing every day?

[That makes him look at her in surprise.]

Does this world change all the time?
usurpurr: (pic#14334034)

[personal profile] usurpurr 2020-10-27 03:52 am (UTC)(link)
[As much as Catra hates to agree with Shadow Weaver, she is feeling so vindicated right now. She's been arguing with Adora since they got here about these exact things, trying to get her to see how strangely she's been acting since she picked up the sword, but Adora hasn't been having a bar of it. Their dynamic's shifted so far because of it, and Catra--

--Catra just wants her Adora back.

She's still torn, not wanting to gamble her new freedom. But when Adora slips up, claiming Shadow Weaver as her prisoner, Catra's decision is made in the same snap as her razor-thin patience.

Adora's not even pretending to care about what Catra's doing, so Catra makes no effort whatsoever to add any effects to this. She doesn't draw out her phone, she doesn't pretend to read a message. Her tail continues to lash with obvious pent-up irritation, not that Adora's going to notice, and there's an edge to Catra's tone as she lies so blatantly.]


Hey, Adora. [Literally not budging even the slightest bit to make this more believable. Maybe Catra wants Adora to call her out, to prove she's paying enough attention to her to catch something that's so obviously false.] Looks like something's happening over at the Woods. You better go help them out. [even if Catra said 'we', Adora would tell her to stay behind - and Catra's not letting that embarrassment happen in front of Shadow Weaver.

It's mostly just a way of trying to make it look like she has more agency than she does, when Catra adds:]
I'll handle things here.
laeradr: (04)

[personal profile] laeradr 2020-10-27 03:59 am (UTC)(link)
[ There's a pause before he laughs, brief but sincere. It's actually been a long time since he's felt so out of his element, and there's something oddly refreshing about it, even as he worries about how he's going to get back home. ]

Is that so? If this is something you're so familiar with, perhaps I should feel embarrassed about my ignorance.

[ And so here comes the inevitable question: ]

Then -- if you'd please indulge me. What is this ... 'anime' you mentioned?

[ Megumi-chan, there isn't even any television where he comes from. Please have mercy on this ancient specimen from fantasy medieval europe. ]
sohayamaru: (❋ 23)

[personal profile] sohayamaru 2020-10-27 04:10 am (UTC)(link)
No more than what needs to be done. At the end of the day, it's a job like any other.

[ Ever so modest. Even if he didn't mean it as a genuine compliment, she's still going to interpret it that way! ]

Danger is always present in some form or another, but yes. It isn't safe here.

There was some talk of acidic mud taking the shape of loved ones. However, I have yet to see any of the reported creatures with my own eyes. [ And from talking with several residents who have been here longer, the mud monsters don't fit the profile of any yokai Hide has knowledge of. Very worrying indeed. ] There are possible countermeasures of course, but whether or not they'll be effective...

[ Hide's voice trails off while she waggles a hand in a "so-so" gesture. ]

Living here is going to be a struggle for anyone that can't defend themselves. That much is abundantly clear.
sinistramanus: (But perhaps...)

[personal profile] sinistramanus 2020-10-27 04:20 am (UTC)(link)
[Years ago, such a provocation would have riled her. Had Shadow Weaver the strength and power, she might have even challenged it still, even if Adora's response was exactly what she'd been goading. Funny what yielding to Brightmoon as the resident imprisoned sorceress did to blunt the edges of such an assertion.]

[And the soul-deep exhaustion gnawing at every fiber of her being, that too.]

[Her eyes flick up to Catra, glad the haphazard bandages hid the unimpressed arch of her brow. Really? Adora could be... gullible, but that wasn't even trying--]
shinizama: (pic#14393295)

[personal profile] shinizama 2020-10-27 04:27 am (UTC)(link)
[ ah. instant regret... he should've known that Vangeance would be one of Those.

the air quotes around the word 'anime' makes Megumi feel 10 years older than he is. because he hears them. he knows they're there. it's not infomodding when we all know that that beautiful Ono-D voice tentatively enunciates the syllables as if they're a precious incantation.

ugh.
] It's short for 'animation'. [ Gojou-sensei voice: "that doesn't help, Megumi! details, details!" ] ...A kind of story that people tell, using pictures.

[ way to make anime sound like the most boring shit in the world. listen, he's not an expert. ]
usurpurr: (pic#14334033)

II

[personal profile] usurpurr 2020-10-27 04:33 am (UTC)(link)
[You know who'd be really good at catching and removing unwanted birds?

Probably the person who's snorting and making no move to help. Catra's just here to do a drive-by check on the seeds she had to plant to make her pumpkin stalkers disappear, but hey -- looks like she's finding free entertainment while she's here.]
laeradr: (11)

[personal profile] laeradr 2020-10-27 05:09 am (UTC)(link)
‘Animation’... [ Damn straight he enunciates that unfamiliar word in his lilting voice, clearly trying to form a mental image for it. So it’s something akin to theater, isn’t it? Just with pictures instead of actors? ] And you say this sort of situation is a cliche in these ‘anime.’

[ Strange thing to be a cliche, but sure. He can roll with it for now. ]

I see ... I suppose I’m not too knowledgeable about such things. I’ll have to be more aware in the future.

[ He glances over to give Megumi a genuinely warm and friendly smile. Kind of impressive how sincere he manages to seem while wearing that tacky mask. ]

Thank you. If what you say is true — that this situation has a clear solution — I appreciate the information. And your calm attitude, as well. You hardly seem disturbed by these circumstances.
peacefuldeath: A picture of Ryoji, grinning happily. (cheery)

[personal profile] peacefuldeath 2020-10-27 11:59 am (UTC)(link)
[ Ryoji certainly wasn't expecting to see Ken, either. But he seems to recover quickly from his surprise, a wide smile spreading across his face as he waves. He's awfully cheery for someone who'd just woken up in a strange place he doesn't recognize. ]

Y'know, that's a funny story. I actually don't know! When I woke up, I was here - but I don't know how I got here. Was it the same for you?

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