TDM 008

[etrayamods]

content warnings for this TDM include: gambling references, mild horror themes and suggestive content ⏵ arrival⏴ Arrival does not happen as Aurora usually plans for it. Newcomers generally find themselves waking up within the hospital, are given a brief overview of their situation, and sent on their way. Now? They wake up immersed in a game within The Gold Saucer. But it doesn't quite feel like a game: whether it's snowy mountains, riding a chocobo as you listened to the wind quickly pass by your ears, or in the middle of a battle with a beast, it feels utterly real. It's only after the game concludes - either by winning or losing - that you find yourself back in the main game area. A bot, dressed as personnel in this lavish playground, approaches each arrival with an earpiece allowing them to communicate with those in their same situation. It also serves to inform them of their goal: collect enough gold saucer points (or GP) by playing the games to acquire a card fashioned to their own likeness from the game counter. Then, they must trade it for someone else's. Seems simple enough, right? Hopefully the cards aren't too expensive... ⏵ the gold saucer ⏴ The Gold Saucer is an ode to the very idea of fun. It’s huge, labyrinthine, colorful, and lively. Everywhere you look, there’s something to do. At the same time, it’s also impossible to tell what time it is. There are no windows to the outside, there are no clocks. This place is beyond such a thing. There are games everywhere you look, ranging from the pseudo-gambling to sports to pixelated video games in cabinets. Yet no matter which boxing game, pinball machine, or skeeball machine you look at, the same creatures and themes arrive. Cactuars, chocobos, the fiercest Behemoth, the cuddliest Moogle… For those from the realms of Final Fantasy, this will feel natural- homey even. Everyone else will simply understand that there is a fairly strong central theme here about magic, machines, and monsters. It’s hard to tell how long you spend here, and it seems to sit outside of the very concept of time. Still, there are many restaurants, lounges, and vending machines. There are shops and costume rentals. There are even little pharmacies with headache remedies if the partying gets out of hand. And when you grow tired, there is a hotel- though it is made up like a haunted house, you can count on getting some semi-restful sleep. ⏵ playtime ⏴Interdimensional Games At first, stepping through to play any of these games may make participants wonder if they have been teleported somewhere else entirely. But on closer inspection, all the skies above are merely well-constructed interiors with painted ceilings. After all, it always seems to be daytime during these games. Snowboarding - Race to the bottom of the mountain, but avoid obstacles and complete as many tricks as possible! Chocobo Racing- Race on Chocobo-back around a treacherous outdoors race track which can either be taking place in a desert, a swampy forest, or upon an island beach. Work in tandem with your rented bird and against your competition by throwing hazards in their way or utilizing buffs garnered on the track. Different colored birds will yield different advantages. Yellow - Good All Rounder Red - Fast, but hard to steer Blue - Slower, but very easy to steer. Much easier to pick up items from them. Green- Resilient against traps and sabotage Colosseum Battle- Face off against the fiercest beasts around. Pair up with friends or rivals to Collaborate or Compete to do the most damage and deliver the final blow. These battles are synced to the comparative power of the one entering the competition. We wouldn’t want anyone to get hurt unnecessarily, after all. And indeed, no one will get seriously, gruesomely, or permanently injured in these battles. Those without fighting capabilities can rent weapons outfitted Materia to assist them in their trial. These will allow anyone to cast spells, though not guarantee any better wielding of weapons. There are a hundred rounds, starting with fairly simple Spriggans, ranging all the way up to blood-thirsty Behemoths to challenge even the most battle-hardened hero. Gold Saucer Games Leap of Faith- Players are presented with an obstacle course that stretches a hundred feet into the air upon floating platforms and islands. Both are held aloft by magical crystals. Powers are entirely nerfed, though falling and hitting the ground is strangely painless. Those who collect the most silver and gold statuettes of cactuars placed at random throughout the course will be awarded proportionate GP; though there is a bonus for those that reach the very top first. Triple Triad- Everywhere you look, people are playing this game on little 3 by 3 boards, or any surface with enough space. You will be given a loaner deck to play with. Are you clever enough to defeat your fellows. Fashion Report- Theobold, familiar to some, stands by himself in a little booth with a dressing room and an incredibly expansive walk-in closet. He is a robot of distinguished fashion and strong opinions on those fashions. Do you dare subject yourself to his scrutiny? Come prepare in his wondrous closets to make the best outfit for the chance to win a prize. Please submit your fashion here! There are Arcade Machines and activities galore. If you can think of it, it’s probably there- Just with that Final Fantasy pastiche on it, of course. ⏵ the beehive lounge ⏴ There are other places to eat at the Gold Saucer, but the vending machines and cafés all pale in comparison to the dinners at the Beehive. For all the rave reviews, there is a dress code at the Beehive, and this is literal. If you step inside and are not currently wearing a dress, you will be ushered into a sideroom and appropriately made over. However, this is only for those trying to go in through the normal doors. Around the side there happens to be an employee entrance, manned by a bot. He will only allow those in who seem like they intend to work— and therefore must be wearing at least one piece of the Bunnysuit Collection to trick the guard. Once you are made over or have snuck in, you are free to relax inside with drinks, dine on a fine meal, watch the dancers, or participate yourself if you feel brave enough. Why would anyone ever dance here? Well, that’s simple. It pays really well. So if you’re sick of games, or terrible at them— you can always come dance for a shift. Though, don't get any unseemly ideas about freeing yourself of your clothing, this isn't that kind of establishment! ⏵ haunted house ⏴ When you grow too weary or drunk from a day of games, you may be directed to somewhere a little quieter to sleep. Up the elevator, and through the doors reveals a modest walk through some woods until a quaint, victorian hotel appears. It is always nighttime here, and the stars and moon twinkle above. The receptionist, a bot in a rather bedraggled-looking chocobo mascot costume checks you in and shows you to your room. You can sleep here, especially if you can tolerate the hokey haunted decorations strung up around the place. Though sometimes, late at night, there will come a vigorous thumping on the door to startle sleeping patrons awake- Only for the culprit to vanish and be impossible to locate. ⏵ ticket counter ⏴ The prize counter is manned by a bot and has a sign posted overhead. Most prizes will be handed over inside an appropriately sized wrapped box, as the contents are a mystery. Sparklers & Glowsticks 10 gp Bunny Suit 300 gp Bunny Stockings & Heels 150 gp Animal Ears (Random) 500 gp Kigurumi (Random) 100 gp Chocobo Barding (Random) 1000 gp Classic White Mage Robes 500 gp Classic Black Mage Robes 500 gp Plush Toy (Random) 100 gp Wind-Up Minion (Random) 200 gp Chocobo Mascot Suit (Random Color) 2000 gp Triple Triad Booster Pack 50 gp Triple Triad Card in your Likeness 10,000 gp ⏵ NOTES ⏴ This TDM may be treated as a mini-Mission. Time will not pass inside of it in relation to the world outside - meaning, this can be happening at any time between late May into early July! This Gold Saucer is a bit of a mix between that of FF7's and FF14's, but it also has some things that neither have as well. Any inaccuracies are entirely intentional, aimed to make this rest within a space of uncanny valley for those who are familiar. While otherwise being a bit of a chaotic fantastical funhouse for everyone else! If there is something unlisted, chances are it will exist if it is in either of the other versions of the Gold Saucer. Characters already in game are welcome to post to the TDM, too! Please mark them as current characters in your header. Threads can be kept as game canon as long as both characters get into the game! Please direct all questions to our mod queries comment! ⏵FULL NAVIGATION⏴

Comments

[shorebound]

( The distance between them is appreciated. As is the lack of any real intention to push him into answering a bunch of questions. Spend enough time out in the world as a porter and only cargo for company, your people skills are the first to go, and as it is, he's not in any particular hurry to dig them back up.

And someone watching you? He's used to that too, especially with the Bridges and the UCA. To say nothing of the people who look at little too long at him with those marks on his skin. It doesn't bother him much anymore, even if it makes something itch under his skin that he can't explain. At least the idea of prizes seems to be enough to get her attention elsewhere. )

If that's what you want.

( He's not fussed one way or the other. When she turns to look at him again, he arches a brow, meeting her gaze. )

Yeah, seems that way. ( He's not sure he likes that word - new. ) No. I don't know this place besides a couple of the pharmacies and some of the game areas.

[shorebound]

( Sam can't say he's used to having first aid kits, let alone ones that have anything usable in them. Most of the ones he comes across are picked over by others, and it's only in the larger cities that supplies are readily available. So having one at all is more than he could hope for.

He takes it from her with the same care as the container, sets it quietly beside him. )

Somethin' is better than nothin'.

( He takes a moment to once more wipe off his foot before finally turning to the water, starting to clean it carefully. But he shakes his head at the offer. )

It's part of the job. ( Your feet getting fucked up. But he does look up from what he's doing, hesitating before nodding his head towards the space on the bench. The towels and first aid kit will be between them, enough space that he can work without touching. )

You can ask about 'em. People always do.

( About the handprints on his skin. People always look. It doesn't bother him much anymore, as long as they keep their distance when they do. )

[levelshift]

[Accelerator remains calm, his fingers not budging as his brain starts doing some real multitasking: holding a conversation and running the complex physics calculations needed to perform emergency medical treatment without completely fucking this guy's body up. It isn't easy, but he maintains a nonchalant air as he does it.

Though, there's a brief split second when he's grabbed that he twitches, but he's whitelisted the guy in his reflection to be able to treat him safely, so there's no worry about any bones breaking.]

First aid.

[His tone is a bit dry, but he'll at least offer more of an explanation this time:]

I can manipulate vectors. That means I have complete control anything that has a vector, including shit like your blood, all the way down to the individual atoms that make up your cells. I'm forcing hemostasis right now, so your body will start to repair the damage to your blood vessels. I'm also controlling the flow of your blood, and making sure your internal organs are functioning properly by controlling the electrical signals being sent to them.

♥

[shorebound]

( Some sort of oddball is an apt description for someone like Sam. He's not particularly concerned about it, wouldn't be bothered if this guy did dismiss him entirely. It's something he'd do himself, honestly.

And to anyone else, that confused look, that response, might have gotten a laugh or maybe at least a smile out of someone else. Only Sam just watches the guy, lifts a brow slowly. )

You don't look like any ghost I've ever seen.

( BTs count as ghosts, he figures. Spirits of the dead trapped in the world of the living. But he does finally offer at least a small bit of an explanation for the question. )

Not used to people walking up on me is all.

( ... Not sane, seemingly harmless people, anyway. )

[tinflower]

[ It's a paused look that Gorgug's used to, and that he doesn't bother to react to. There's nothing offensive that follows it, and he's more interested on if the guy will share his winnings. But at what he decides he wants, Gorgug frowns in a thoughtful way, brow lowering. ]

I saw a fancy lounge... I didn't go in, but wouldn't that have food? [ Maybe? Though... ] Probably not the kind you'd want after winning battles of skills, but, it could be okay. I don't know if you need points to go in.

[ Nowhere has, the vibe around that lounge was too sophisticated for his tastes, and if this guy wants to get close to a lavished meal, he might not want to spend them too early. ]

[maximumlegend]

[ Considering that Fabian is very much used to at least one person who acts that way - giving him those awkward pauses before replying - he just.. stands there. For better or worse, because he's still staring at Noelle the entire time, even if he isn't pushing her to hurry up. But maybe the staring is its own kind of pressure, who knows..

When he speaks up his question is fairly simple though. ]

Why do you think it is scary?

[tinflower]

Well... I tell it to do better, and to stop acting like I messed up somewhere when I programmed it, but I don't think it's been working. [ What's the solution? Gorgug's got a wrinkled forehead from even trying to think about it. ] I can keep trying...

...

...or I can. You know.

[ He makes a motion that either looks like the "tear out its brain" implication he wants it to be, or it looks like he's taking a cookie out of a cookie jar. ]

Fix it.

[ He doesn't want the bot to hear...! ]

[demainvient]

[ That—

Can't be possible, surely. If nothing else, the Gommage should have taken him long ago, and he doesn't look any older than Gustave himself, his features still young beneath the scar that drags over his eye and cheek. Gustave stares at him in blank astonishment, and words only don't pile up to stumble off his tongue because, for a long moment, he simply can't think of any. ]

... you look remarkably good for an old man.

[ It's a little weak; he thinks, distantly, that he might have reached the limit of strangeness that he can deal with today. But he's already managed to open his eyes again in some other world after being struck down in his own... is this really so much odder?

But Verso gives him an out, with that warm smile, and he huffs a disbelieving laugh, one hand covering the wound at his side, the other still gripping Verso's arm, giving him something to lean on, helping him keep his balance. ]

...yeah. Yeah, probably a good idea. And then I'd like to hear the story of how you've managed to survive since the Fracture, without aging at all or being taken by the Gommage.

[demainvient]

[ It makes sense — he understands the words, the theory — but the context is all wrong. He's never heard anyone talk that way about a body, adjusting flow and manipulating vectors for blood instead or water or some other substance. He talks about this — first aid, as if it weren't utterly disconnected to every kind of first aid Gustave has ever experienced or learned — the way Gustave himself talks about the pipes and plumbing of Lumiere, the energy requirements of the shield dome.

It's almost enough to distract him from the distinct discomfort of having those fingers in his chest. Almost.

But there are still fingers in his chest and so he nods tightly, does his best to calm his breathing, his heartrate, while his mind whirs. When he speaks, his voice is a little tight, but he tries for conversational. ]

Handy. I could have used someone like you on the team back home to help keep the city's infrastructure running smoothly.

[herofhopeless]

[Clive lets out a thoughtful little hum.]

The kiddie gloves are on and you know it.

[Clive is very aware of Cid's reputation. While he doesn't know how much of it is true, but he at least knows that Isabelle saw a decent amount of him.

Clive moves his free hand down to Cid's hip and subtly nudges it forward, moving back to gide the two of them into a gentle spin.]

Maybe I should have helped you warm up more first.

[Clive can't help the soft, shuddering breath he takes at Cid's touch. Oh how much he wants. Even through the haze of alcohol and whatever the feeling he got while dancing was, Clive knew if he wasn't careful that want would become very evident to everyone in the establishment.]

Another shot sounds good.

[He doesn't want to take the out, but he knows he needs to. Once the two of them are centered again, Clive reluctantly steps out of Cid's grasp, letting go of his hip and sliding a finger along Cid's jaw. It isn't until he is at Cid's chin that he breaks eye contact and looks towards the wings and heads in that direction. In a fluid motion, he takes the tip jar for them to split. As expected, it's full.

Once backstage, Clive unceremoniously flops into a chair and tries to ignore how much colder he feels without being in Cid's orbit. He toes his shoes off and sets the tip jar on the vanity with a satisfying jingle.]

Told you.

[brat]

Better than you.

( with a scoff, because maybe the man hadn't had much of a choice, but fighting one of those things as beaten up as he looks is just ridiculous. damian pulls himself up to his feet easily enough, and doesn't seem to be too fazed if he even is at all. he's taken harder hits intentionally and weathered them just fine. now? he's taking a step closer to the man and dropping a hand down to sift through a few compartments of his utility belt. out of one comes a small suture kit, and out of another, several wads of gauze and miscellaneous other first aid tools. )

Show me the wound, and perhaps I'll tell you about them.

( he won't. but he's up on his feet while the man is down on a knee, so at least he's gotten him on more even ground. )

[borrowers]

I'm not used to many things being smaller than me.

[The pollies, gnats... bugs like that. She doesn't mind it, except that animals have a tendency to want to eat you. Like her auntie who'd been eaten by a frog — or so she was told by her mother. A terrible way to go out, really...]

This isn't my home, either.

I was traveling, but... there's no way I would just be in a place like this.

We borrowers can't even journey that quickly from one place to the next.

[keepitgoing]

Oh, no, noooo. I'm not much of a troublemaker. We've got plenty of those without me having to get involved.

[He offers a slight smile, a little forced if only to dispel the awe he'd been projecting a moment before.]

This place also tends to get a lot of monsters or people to duke it out with. The whole... y'know, world-saving thing. Apparently that's a solid way to determine if ours is worth keeping from total doom.

[Peter tooootally doesn't know much about beating up monsters, either. Not him. Couldn't be.

... Maybe he should just spill the beans. He was an honorary Avenger, and he trusts Thor just by virtue of being Thor. But it's all so complicated and depressing, and he's not sure he has the heart to explain his journey through losing pretty much everyone in his life in one way or another.]

[levelshift]

[Having absolutely zero bedside manner is the main reason Accelerator will never make a career out of medicine. He's squarely focused on making sure his calculations are correct. It'd be a huge mess if his ability only made the injury worse, or outright killed him. He barely notices any discomfort, not even looking up as he replies.]

Tche, like I'd have the time. I have my own city I'm responsible for.

[Imagine helping run two cities?? Good lord, even he isn't that much of a workaholic.

He does flick his gaze up, briefly.]

Where are you from?

[limiterrings]

How did you find this?

[ he returns to the topic at hand, because the way the other hedgehog looks around in trying to understand why shadow looks at him the way he does... it doesn't help anything. instead, he'd rather lead the other hedgehog on a fake trail so he can't understand what it is shadow is nit-picking about.

... ]

[reincarnesiac]

( Topic switch accepted, rolled with, and turned into a bright eyed and somewhat amused look. )

Sounds like a guy with the right priorities. Hot chocolate is nothing to overlook. Might even be a cure-all if your ills include being cold, wanting something comforting warm and chocolate to drink, or needing a way too justify way too much whipped cream.

[theknightshift]

[ It sets his mind to racing. The impossibility of their shared predicament measured against the reality of it: an AI with far reaching abilities to pluck some of the most highly trained people he knows out of their lives and into this place. He'd been in the clocktower when it happened - one of the most secure places in Gotham. How had it bypassed that security? Who would build a machine for that? If the story they'd been fed was true - and Bruce had his doubts - then what was the point in testing their suitability if danger was imminent? How did plopping them into what amounted to a casino test their suitability for anything?

He's taking it in, as he walks with Barbara, trying to sort the pieces of the puzzle into an order that makes sense. But it feels impossible with so few of them in posession. Either way, it's a problem he sets aside when Dick joins them. Something to brood about later when he's found himself an appropriate space to do so. ]

When did you get here?

[thelightshines]

[...That line of thought seem unfinished. The other will not clarify the issue they were having. It doesn't surprise him, but now he's left wondering. Because it was something about himself that gave them pause. The uneasiness of not knowing what the other is thinking isn't going to leave him anytime soon. Despite being given a place to return to, the memories of the other turning on him still lingers, haunts him.]

...I was looking for someplace quiet, took the high ground to get a better view of the place. Those robots, they had to be coming out from somewhere. [Some backroom space that the general public aren't suppose to go through, therefore an ideal spot to have some privacy if he could locate it.]

Once I found an entry point, I...ended up exloring the back areas until I eventually arrived here.

[fromfire]

I certainly think so, too. [ He accepts the compliment for what it is as he flashes yet another bright smile. ] And if my equally if not more handsome companion thinks so, I guess it wasn't all ego.

[ Another smile, another laugh. ]

I'll tell you all the stories you want, Gustave.

[ The two of them are on borrowed time. One more than the other. He isn't sure which one of it that is, however. Yet he thinks that he'll answer as much as he can to Gustave; he owes him that much. But there is still too much he can't say for the sake of the man so loved by others. Why break his heart when it's what gave others so much hope? ]

[limiterrings]

[ is there always a backdoor to these places? squinting, shadow contemplates the information handed to him before closing his eyes. a small hum, the hedgehog takes a few steps closer as though he's going to take a look himself to see if he really does end up back at their "home base".

however, he stops just a few inches. ]

How interesting.

[ he is. curious. if anything. ]

Aurora's doing?

[ almost asking the other for his thoughts. ]

[repaintress]

Stop. Moving. Idiot. You're going to make your wounds worse.

[ Why are men so stupid? He needs to stay still, but instead he's swiveling to keep her in his line of sight. As though she were dangerous. ]

If I wanted to hurt you, I would have pushed you off the platform.

[ A cold, logical reminder that if Clea were hostile, she wouldn't have needed to hide it. As for said wounds...the word that comes to Clea's mind is how? Inside of a Canvas, this would not have been surprising - he looks like he's been stabbed straight through and healed, but injuries in the real world can't be healed like that. Then again, most of this place is unfamiliar. Clea's never seen lights like these, or platforms.

Maybe here, such things were possible. ]

I can assess your wounds, but I will not be able to fix them.

[ The only severe wounds Clea has attended to outside of a Canvas were Alicia's burns. She is not foolish enough to think that makes her any manner of physician or to risk the man's wellbeing trying anyway. There is confidence and there is foolishness. ]

I intend to help you off these platforms, get somewhere safe, and then find you appropriate medical help. Understanding your condition will help me convey to the physician what is wrong and ensure he brings the supplies necessary to assist.

[ She won't be able to move him herself, but it's unwise for him to remain so high in the air. If he does lose consciousness or fall, he could severely hurt himself and tear his wounds open again. Judging from their locations, this would lead to death by blood loss fairly quickly.

As for whether she's an interested party... Clea fixes him with an unamused look. ]

So you think I should leave you? Is that what you would do, monsieur, if you were in my shoes and I were standing there threatening to bleed all over a healthy competition? Leave me to my business?

[thelightshines]

...Maybe? There is something to it. [As the other pauses before the portal, he'll come foreward and slowly, puts his index finger through it.]

I brought someone here to leave with me earlier, and they couldn't. They only knew about arriving to this place, not Etraya. [He takes his finger back out, still whole and functioning.] Did you...notice there were others who apparently just arrive?

[limiterrings]

....

[ without missing a beat. ]

Who did you bring?

[ he knows that people have just arrived, he has met a few, not a lot, but there are others. just like how they were in the previous world of where they just arrived and were newcomers. ]

[fromfire]

[ If he were trying to shift the mood, he would've said: "You didn't seem like the type that needed permission." But he doesn't know if that is the truth between them.

His head tilts to the side at the question if he has another name. He's used the same name for decades. He could've changed it. No one from Lumiere would know; no expeditioner would. If he asked, he thinks that the Gestrals, Monoco, and even Esquie would agree to his request.

He breathes out a little laugh through his nose. ]

You can call me "Alvaret," if you like. [ It probably would be easier than calling him "Verso" when she knows it isn't true. ] Still, I don't have another name but that ... [ No matter what he can't give it up.

In the end, he can't forsake his name. He can only forsake his existence yet never find it in him to blame anyone. One day ... others might end up calling Aline cruel for having made him, but he can't; he can't when he feels all the love and care she put into his monstrous existence.

As much as he hate himself, he loves those that love him so much more. ]

I'm afraid I'm nothing but stupid.

[ He finally smiles at her, soft and warm. She can stay close to him as long as it doesn't hurt. When it does, she can leave him. That much is fair and right. A dead man shouldn't shackle or command the living; he is on borrowed time and doesn't know how much he has left. Should he live it being unkind to someone who has been grieving without relief? ]

I don't know how much time I have left in this world, Clea, but... I won't hold you to what life I have, either. [ She deserves to find joy for herself. Perhaps, that is something Verso wanted to say to her? It's unclear. He is unsure, but -- ] I'm not him.

[ Something she knows; something they know, but -- ]

But still, since I don't know how long I have... would you like to say goodbye? Just in case?

[ Offer her what Renoir took out of her hands. A chance to say goodbye to him. He isn't asking to be Gommage but asking to take some of her burden; to take some of her pain; to be an imaginary friend to say her peace to with no one else to take those words away. ]

[theknightshift]

[ Bruce nods; he thought as much. ]

Does that change things between you and I?

[ Read: Do you hate me and/or will you try to fight me? ]