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etrayamemes2025-05-30 09:20 am
etrayamods) wrote in etrayamemes2025-05-30 09:20 am
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TDM 008
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 ⏴ 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. 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.
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! |
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[Though there was no amusement in his voice, there was certainly a twinkle in Clive’s eyes.]
I need to practice wearing these shoes first.
[Clive looks at the high heels in the package. It was a marvel that people could walk in these, let alone dance. But Cid had said he just had the shoes. Maybe he could help.]
Any pointers?
[Clive keeps pace, shaking his head.]
I’d rather not walk across the entire club to store my things. It’s easier to go in the back.
[That and the people there are going to get a good enough show in a couple of hous anyway.]
That sounds like a situation I would rather avoid.
[Clive holds the employee’s only door to the club open for Cid.]
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[And bizarrely, the bouncer bot lets Cid through even though he’s just carrying his heels? And the rest of the stuff-?]
Ah- good to know that’s enough for them… [he mutters.]
Pointers? Just put ‘em on. [Cid seems to whisper something to a bot backstage, and it goes to fetch drinks. ]
[Cid takes a load off in a little chair in front of a vanity, looking wholly and comically out of place. He tugs his boots off to reveal not the usual woolen socks, but dark stockings.]
You and me both. So we’re gonna sit back here, study their movements, and go up when we don’t see anyone we recognize. Or when we get too drunk to recognize them back. Whichever happens first.
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[Ha ha. Very funny. Clive sighs and takes a seat at the vanity next to Cid's. He carefully unpacks all of his items. And lays them out. He stares at it all intently, as if it is a puzzle. Logically, he knows how to put all of this on.
[Logistically? That's going to be a whole other problem.]
How are we supposed to, um.
[Clive lifts up the bunny suit and holds it up for both he and Cid to inspect.]
Fit in these?
[Clive silently hopes that bot gets back with their drinks soon. This is far more embarassing than he anticipated and he isn't even wearing the damn thing yet.
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[The bot comes around with shots of rum.]
[Cid throws one back, then looks to Clive with raised brows. The boy holds a tray with five more shots. ]
Your lordship-?
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[Without a word, Clive downs a shot and takes a second. He holds it out to Cid and in one of the worlds' most tired dad voices, says:]
Cheers.
[And downs the second shot.]
Cw: nudity and various pining plus maybe sexual talk, but no directly sexual content
[Cid downs his second and third shots like it’s nothing. He laughs, low and dark, like the stirring ashen wood reigniting.]
Alright, let’s pour ourselves into these things and try to get the dance right enough. See what this pays.
[Cid starts undoing belts and heaping his swords onto the table. He loses his gloves and starts pulling the strings of things loose. ]
Don’t look so glum.
Cw: from above, just assume that is gonna be the rest of this thread
[Clive smiles as he says it though. It definitely beats being chewed on by a morbol. If he never sees another morbol in his life it will be far too soon.
Yet still, Clive takes the third and final shot before standing and following Cid's lead. He reaches behind his neck to pull out the bow tying the top part of his dress up. The zipper at his waist is a bit more awkward to get.]
Can you help me with this?
[Clive approaches Cid and turns, exposing his bare back to a man he trusts more than many.]
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[He clamps down on that thought. He still needed to be able to fit into the skimpy bunny suit- and it looked like it was going to be difficult enough as it was without it also being hard. ]
But of course, m’lady. [He fires off a deflection with a joking tone.] Been a while since I took a dress off such a pretty thing.
[He unzips the dress, redirecting where he looks as it comes apart.]
Will that be all? Or should I go find the key to your chastity as well?
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Nope. Not happening. Not tonight.
Clive is silently grateful for Cid’s inability to take most situations fully seriously. He scoffs a laugh before looking at Cid over his shoulder, eyebrow quirking.]
I don’t know if I should be flattered or insulted that you think I’m still chaste.
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[Cid just pretends he doesn’t hear the sounds he makes as he tosses his sword belt on the vanity table top ]
Finally shack up with Jill, did you? Hope you had the decency to marry her first.
[Cid continues to avert his eyes as he pulls off his jacket and undershirt with unceremonious haste. He’s got quite a lot of lithification blotching on his left shoulder and down his arm. No wonder he’s always rolling it or hanging his arm on his swords.]
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[Clive grabs some of the packaging from his costume and turns around, fully intending to chuck it at the other man and stops dead. The packaging falls to the floor, any comment defending Jill’s propriety dying on his lips.]
Cid…
[Clive steps closer, hand raising to brush the seam where skin meets stone. His hand hovers for a moment before he drops it back down to his side, fist lightly clenched. He turns away to give Cid the privacy Clive assumes he wants and if it hides the pain in his own eyes, all the better.]
How long has it been like that?
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Well… Not too long. Started up five years ago. Hasn’t gotten worse, for whatever reason. Maybe it’s how well I’m eating… [It wasn’t just that- it was the nature of this place. If it weren’t, that would still help though. ]
Come now, don’t act like you’ve never seen it before. I’m fine.
[Cid just goes about his business shucking his boots and dropping trou. ]
Maybe doesn’t make me the prettiest girl dancing out there, but beggars can’t be choosers. [He kicks his pants up and catches them before draping them over the vanity chair.]
[Cid has lithification everywhere he channels his lightning. His joints, his hand… Patching and speckling his legs, ankles… No wonder he was nervous about the jump across the wooden bridge.]
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[Clive turns to face the vanity and starts setting out his clothes. He watches Cid through the mirror and frowns. It wasn't just his arm. It was everywhere. Certainly not at late stages, but still. Clive looked back down at his clothes, thinking of every time Cid used his magic. When he killed the dragon in the forest, when he had to summon Ramuh because Clive had lost control, when he speared that creature that came through the mothercrystal. Cid was always saving his ass and hurting himself to do it.
Is that why you creak around like an old man?
[Levity is what is going to get him through this night. He needs to focus. Clive gestures towards Cid's knees with a lacy piece of fabric he hasn't looked at yet.]
You know, I met someone here. He is able to use healing magic that does no harm. Maybe that can at least take some of the edge off the pain.
[Clive isn't naive enough to think there is a cure, but maybe if they can stop the spread or ease the pain, that could be enough.
Clive finally looks at the lace he was holding and frowns. Was this an undergarment? He holds it out by the edges. There was barely any substance to it at all.]
Founder help me, I am never going to fit in this. Do you think I got the wrong size?
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[Cid tries to discern what it is Clive’s flapping about, the. Realizes he probably has one as well. He shakes the box lid loose to look at the body suit.]
I am an old man. [But he doesn’t want to talk about his pain.]
Nothing for a healer to heal. Anyway, no need to ruin my perfectly good excuse for a mid-morning drink.
[Cid finishes undressing as he paws through the pieces to find the under most part. It’s gotta be the stockings. He bunches them up and steps into them almost gracelessly. ]
… And anyway, I met a fellow. Very knowledgeable. Works at the hospital. Real prick, knows his stuff. I’ll introduce you.
[He looks at Clive’s garment. ] Well, put it on and find out. We can always take it back. Or maybe you’ll get paid more if it shows more off, eh?
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What are you, in your forties? That's not old, Cid.
[Clive sits and carefully pulls the underwear up. Surprisingly, it has a significant amount of stretch and makes it to his hips. Unsurprisingly, it does very little to support his nethers. Not to mention the back doesn't cover him at all. He sighs, stands, and tries to do some rearranging.]
How do people even wear these things?
[He looks up to see Cid going to put on his stockings.]
If you're not a little more careful with those, they're going to tear.
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[Cid stops with them around his thighs to look at Clive.]
One step too boisterous and you’re going to fall right out of those. They’ll have to take the sausage off the menu.
[Cid pulls his stockings the rest of the way up, then fights with how stretched or bunched they are around his ass and legs. Cid pulls out the one piece suit and holds it up to himself. ]
… It’s gotta fit. [He steps in, one leg at a time, and hikes it up to his armpits. He smooths his hands over his chest.]
How do I look?
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[That, and he enjoyed talking to the people who worked there. The times where he got to visit, when he wasn't killing monsters or Akashic, were quite pleasant. Also, when you offer to help with things and your name is Clive Rosfield, you inevitably end up helping with chores, including laundry.
Clive manages not to sputter, but that doesn't stop the blush from spreading from the tips of his ears to his cheeks.]
That would be... less than ideal.
[Clive adjusts again, finding the best pocket of fabric possible before moving onto the stockings. Having those helps. He feels significantly less like he was going to flash the world.
Clive looks up at Cid and cocks his head to the side, giving him a once over that might be a little slower than necessary.]
Here.
[He walks over to Cid and grips some of the fabric that is tight at his waist.]
You're a little twisted.
[Steadying Cid's hip with one hand and tugging the fabric with the other, he gets the waist of the suit to sit smoothly.]
There
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[Not that he’s complaining. It’s a relief that it never came to the lad isolating and offing himself. But this is beyond his wildest dreams for how effective it all is. He places a hand on Clive’s shoulder to keep himself in one place.]
Maybe the stockings will keep you in one spot. Seems to be working well for me.
[It does look good on Cid. It shows off his tiny waist, the last delicate part of him that survived his aging. Cid’s eyes linger on Clive and the man he’s become.]
You look good.
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Here’s hoping or the audience is going to get a lot more than they’re paying for.
[When Clive moves back to get a better look at Cid, he stays close enough where his hand still rests at Cid’s slender waist, unwilling to let go and soaking in as much of the warmth from Cid’s hand as he can.]
Thanks.
[He doesn’t consciously grip Cid a little tighter, but it happens all the same. His voice is soft when he next speaks.]
It’s good to see you, Cid.
[I missed you.]
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[This languid closeness is new for Clive, a man who either pulled away or always seemed stunned into one spot when he’d touch him. Clive wasn’t his type back then, but now? Cid is forced to ignore the twinge in his cock with a hand on his waist. No time for all that.]
As long as they pay. [He turns his open palm on Clive’s chest into a fist and gives him a couple knocks.]
Time to put on the shoes and rehearse. And the rest of it for you for that matter, unless you’re going out like that.
[His eyes flick to the lacey underwear and he gives him a bounce of his eyebrows as he closes his eyes. As if he hadn’t meant to see it.]
C’mon. Before the rum wears off and we come to our senses, eh?
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Clive sighs and reluctantly lets Cid go, hand dragging along his waist until only his fingertips remained and then those were gone, too. Clive doesn’t look away, gaze familiarly intense, not until he feels the chair at his vanity bump lightly against his calves.]
I’d need a pay increase for that. And more alcohol.
[It’s Clive’s turn to shimmy into the skin tight suit and spend a stupid amount of time adjusting and readjusting his junk, grumbling about space the whole time. As much as he wants Cid to touch him again, he knows it would be dangerous so he spends the extra time looking at himself in the mirror to adjust the suit. Once he is as satisfied as he is going to get, he turns to face Cid again.]
I’m going to break my neck in these things.
[Clive sits to put the collar and wrist cuffs on before slipping his feet into the bright red pumps, marveling at how all of this seems almost tailored to his size. He looks back at Cid.]
Show me how to walk in these. Then I can work on dancing.
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[He could worry about it later.]
What do you mean? They’re just shoes. Ever sneak about on your tip-toes? It’s just like that except there’s just more shoe under your heel.
[Cid just slips on the heels and stands there, watching Clive. Then does a little circle. He was unfortunately a total natural. Useless.]
[Cid flicks his wrist as he attaches a cuff. ]
Don’t go overthinking it.
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[It wasn't difficult to sneak out when you weren't exactly a priority, but he doesn't have the heart to say that. Or the energy for any conversation it might start. Or any looks he might get.
Clive puts the shoes on and stands, using the vanity to stabilize himself. He frowns at Cid.]
Either you have more experience with this than you are letting on or your natural grace outshines most.
[Clive lets go of the vanity. He turns without staggering and watches the dancers as they move. Shifting back and forth, Clive works on finding the best way to put the weight on his feet. He closes his eyes and imagines a sword in his hands, shifting his body until it feels stable, like when he makes ready to turn out of the way of an enemy. He turns again, this time more gracefully, and manages to not fall on his ass or twist an ankle. He looks at Cid again.]
Let me see you do that again. I need to see something organic move.
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[Its not exactly feminine. The movement in his hips casts too much of a saunter to class as such. But it is graceful. And that’s a start.]
I’ve aged out of my natural grace, don’t you worry.
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Maybe all of my morbol exposure is taking its toll.
[Clive practices walking up and down in front of the vanities until he feels confident enough to walk without looking at his feet the whole time.
While watching the boys, he starts mimicking some of their moves, starting with sways of his hips.]
What would Isabelle think if she could see us now, eh?
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