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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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[ Even though her eyes are still a bit red, it's good to see that she's smiling and laughing. Should he be worried she's going a little bit ahead? No. He thinks that he could close the distance quickly if something were to happen. Because even if she can take care of herself with the weapons and powers she has, why shouldn't she still be looked after?
He tips his chin up in mild greeting when they're back together. ]
That, so? Is it all right if I use it, then? [ He has a crooked smile but it is genuine. ] Well, Fio's a good name so I can understand not thinking of one better. [ He lifts his hand out to lightly pat the air above her head, and thinks he'll give her a proper head pat as soon as he is looking a bit better.
A step forward and tilt of his head; his tone casual as he asks: ] Hey, who taught you the word "liability?"
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And that's a word I learned from Darkie!
[ Speaking proudly, with an unwavering smile as she speaks of... "Darkie". That is clearly one of her many childish nicknames for somebody. Good luck to Verso if he ever meets this person. She's been trying to flex some of her new vocabulary a little, but it's obvious when it's learned from another person. Of course he could tell it's from someone else. Of course anyone could tell, with the little pauses she makes in between syllables. She's been picking up all sorts of words from people. Including a couple of "bad" ones... ]
He's a friend I made here. Um... not here, but we met on my first mission not too long ago. Darkie says a bunch of big words sometimes. He's really grumpy! [ Yet she still sounds cheerful when she says that... ] He's kind too, in his own way.
[ Is he even in the theme park somewhere though? Shadow doesn't seem the type to miss out on investigating a new place. She can picture his annoyance once he's found out she's wandered off alone. Again. ]
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His eyes drift to the side as he mulls over the nickname "Darkie." It seems like he's going to have difficulty finding that person. Why couldn't they have received an easy one like "Versie?" Oh well. It is things that makes a man go hm, as he listens to her talk about him.
He does, at least, try not to frown at her saying that he's grumpy. If they met on a mission, he wonders if the grumpiness comes from wanting to keep her safe? Or finding her a burden to look after? There's no way to know without speaking to them, anyway. ]
Is he now? [ He says with interest about him being kind. ] Also hoping to get you a few prizes? [ A soft teasing response as he heads into the area outside the arena with her. At the very least, it seems people expect some blood on the competitors. Of course, they probably don't expect him to be covered in it, but what can a person do? Shuffle toward one of those bots for a clean and re-dress, right? That is what he's decided on, anyway. ]
There's quite a few prizes over there... have you thought of what you'd like most?
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I'd just like the card. Then I gotta trade it with someone. That's the goal, they said.
[ A prize that she doesn't sound very excited about. She's following the mission, believing that somehow this ensures the survival of their worlds. She still doesn't understand how the few missions she's been part of do help the multiverse, but she continues to go along with it anyway.
Yet her eyes wander over towards the other options, to focus specifically on the display of different plush dolls. She's restraining the urge to bolt ahead, to get a closer look. One of them even looks to be a small chunkier version of the cactus they just fought. There's a few other creatures that she doesn't recognize, but they're just as adorable. If there are a couple hundred points left to spare on her card, maybe there won't be any harm getting a doll. She's never owned any toys before.
Fio turns to him, about to ask the same question. Maybe he already accomplished the task at this point. It seems like he would have an easier time accruing points to get what he needs. The prizes weren't exactly on the forefront of her mind, but he asked. And she looks at him, frowning, the dried blood quickly being an easy reminder of the earlier battle. ]
You really should wash up first. I think that's more important...
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[ Because guess who has been throwing himself in arenas? It is this man. It seems like the easiest way to earn the currency and also ignore lingering issues by trying to "stay alive." ]
It'd mean a lot to have your card. Means that it's the first step to our friendship, no?
[ She doesn't sound too excited about it, but he tries to make some excitement. Right - it probably is more important to get that card than other gifts. If he has any other points left, perhaps, he'll try to get her a stuffed animal. Who doesn't like one of those? Especially how she sees her eyes wander over the options and seems to settle on what he just humored getting her. ]
Oh -- [ He holds his arms out to the side as he looks down at himself. ] You're quite right. I should. I actually have a room, so -- let's stop there and I'll have you wait outside while I get less -- this. [ He smiles wide and amused.
A small tip of his head as he starts to head toward the hotel. ] It looks a bit like a haunted manor. You're staying there, too, right? It seems more like fun than scary... but I will admit sometimes I do get a little scared. [ A segway to check and ask if she's been feeling scared in the space they have to rest. ]
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But I'd be happy to trade with you. It's like... you'd be helping my world. [ With the lack of any visible progress, she's been worried, unsure of what else to do but to continue following the missions that they've been instructed to do. She's too afraid to stop. So it gives her some peace that she'll be able to fulfill the goal successfully in the end. Though she doesn't express the joyous excitement he might be expecting from his suggestion, she does look relieved. ] And I'd also be helping your world.
[ She would like to think so, even if she hasn't had the chance to ask about it yet. She's curious though, especially seeing how he summons his weapons. Perhaps she shouldn't be focusing on too many things at once. She's far too soft, incapable of thinking about preserving her world alone. ]
...You get scared too? [ Her eyes lift briefly as she totters along by his side, showing a little look of surprise, not expecting that from the man who took the frontline in the arena. Then forward again. ] Um... it's... a little scary, I guess. I mostly don't like the knocking when I try to sleep.
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But he does smile more when she says him taking her card would help her world. He didn't think that she would be so joyful at his suggestion, but happy to see her so. However, he has to school his expression when she mentions helping his world. ] That means that the little miss is my -- [ He rolls his eyes up. ] -- benefactor.
Do you know that word? [ It's certainly better than "liability." ]
Oh, yes, I get scared quite a bit. [ Verso softens his voice as they walk along, like he's sharing a secret with her. ] The dark sometimes frightens me, too. [ His smile is soft and fond as he talks with her, walking along toward the hotel. ] The knocking does get to be a bit much. They should wait until the morning if they need something, no?
[ Pointing to her. ] But you'll know where my room is... so if it's ever too troublesome, you can come get me.
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What does it mean? [ Slowly, she attempts to pronounce the word a few times as they come up to the front of the manor. ] Beh-nuh-fac-tor. Bene- factor. [ Her voice fades into quiet murmurs as she repeats it a few more times. Another big word, but it's one of her better attempts. It might take her a while to properly and naturally say it in a sentence though, like the way she uses "liability". ]
...'Kay. [ That he'll let her go to him if the knocking becomes an issue is another reminder that she has plenty of people to rely on now. It warms her heart, when she used to be someone with the world against her. ] I'll let you know if it becomes a problem. [ A pause, then she lowers her voice to softer volumes. Leaning a bit to the side, walking along on tippy toes for a brief moment to make sure he hears. ]
Versie? If the dark scares you too much, you can come get me too.
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Right -- we got these little earpieces, don't we? [ It is where he found out what this "mission" apparently was. But it seems like it has other uses, as well. ] So -- [ But he stops when she leans a bit and gets on her tippy toes; Verso kneels down and tilts his head toward her to hear what she wants to say. ]
See? This is why you're my benefactor. [ If only he didn't have all the dried blood on him, he might've lightly poked her nose at the end. ] I'll be sure to come running if the dark scares me too much. I saw what you did --
[ He makes a small gesture behind them, indicating the arena. That was amazing; true. Perhaps, she doesn't need him coddling her so much, but he wants to give her all the kindness he can, either way. ]
-- I know you'll protect me.
i think that's the 3rd time i got that b99 puppy meme. i feel like im doing something right...🥹
She would always give her own kindness to the world, and did everything to be "good." Even in another world, she's no different and continues to do the same. In the harsh reality she grew up in, that kindness was never returned. These days, she feels far more valued. And hearing his verbal acknowledgement of her efforts is a motivator to do so much more. ]
I think I understand. I'm... your beh- nefactor! [ The word doesn't roll off the tongue easily for her. Not yet. Nonetheless, Fio repeats it again with a giggle, clasping her hands near her mouth.
She casts a quick side glance back towards the direction of the arena, before shifting her attention back to him. Dropping her arms down, she bashfully tucks them behind her back. ]
It's been a while since I did anything like that. Fighting... [ So far, Verso and the audience are the first to have witnessed her summoning weapons. It's actually a surprise to her that it's a feat she's still capable of doing outside of the Cage... ] I don't really like to fight. But I'm glad that I was able to help.
YOU'RE DOING THE BEST AND EVERYTHING RIGHT
[ Verso can't help but smile wider at seeing how happy this all makes her. He thinks of how he'll lightly poke her nose and pat her head as soon as he's no longer covered in blood. Little things that he hopes will continue to have her laugh.
He makes a soft noise when she looks back toward the arena then back to him. His head tilts as he waits for her to say whatever she is going to, and nods after. ]
You were. [ It's important, he feels, to reassure her that she helped him. ] Well, as you are my benefactor, consider me both your sword and shield. [ He places one hand on his chest as he properly kneels down and bows his head. ]
I shall ensure your protection whenever and wherever, little miss. Consider this my solemn vow. [ Lifting his head up, he is smiling with a wink. ] So long as you're willing, of course.
[ For someone so young, it's easy to take away her choices and decisions under the guise of wanting to look out for her. So, he wants to offer all the possibilities he can for her, so the world will always seem within her reach. Is that meant for someone else? Maybe, but still -- ]
The choice is always yours, yeah?
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You're... my sword and shield. [ A nod. ] Yeah. As long as I get to keep helping you too. As your beh-nefactor. [ ...She's having fun just saying the word. ] We'll protect each other!
[ She isn't going to let him do all the work, of course. ]
Um... [ She looks upon him with amusement, trying to hold back a laugh. It feels wrong to laugh during this moment. Yet, she's already been expressing plenty of joy throughout their walk together. Seeing how he gets down on his knees, with a hand on his chest, again reminds her of a knight she would see in her picture books. Almost. Perhaps she's beginning to truly believe he's completely healed underneath the coat of dried blood. Again, she brings attention back to his current state... ]
I think you would look more like a knight in shining armor if you cleaned up.
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[ His smile widens yet again in hearing her say "benefactor." It also soothes him to have her agree with his proposal. ]
I suppose that means I should hurry to clean up then to be a proper knight.
[ And he pushes himself up to stand - so that they can continue toward the hotel to where his room is. He feels a lot of regret being as bloody as he is; even though it is dried, he thinks he would've liked to hold her hand as they walked.
Well, soon enough, he can.
To people that look a little surprised at seeing him, he holds his hand up to say: ] Arena. [ As they pass. Like that explains it all. Of course, it seems like that's enough of an explanation that people just shake their heads. Apparently, they think the blood is some other creatures and not his own. Fair assumption, really! ]
It's nice people are so worried, huh? [ He tries to play it off like that to Fio as they get closer to where his hotel room is. ]
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...Hm. [ A small sound of agreement. ] It's nice that they're worried... and care. I think a lot of the people that Miss Aurora and Echo bring to Etraya are really nice too. A lot of people care.
[ The ones she's met anyway. Some may be a little cold to her. (Or they just... show kindness in a different way.) Others simply tolerate her existence. Which is fine. Better than the kind of people she had to deal with growing up.
Her steps will begin to slow down once it looks like they're getting closer to his room, so she can politely wait out in the hall. Having to participate in a battle, then walking from the arena to the manor can be a little tiring. She's glad for a moment to stop and rest. ]
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[ If they didn't, why would they work so hard to save their universes, their worlds? Perhaps, the simple answer is because they live there, but what about those that don't care about that, even? He decides to shelf that thought for later.
Verso does give her a small 'wait for me' gesture - his hands up with his fingers spread, before he slips into the hotel room. Of course, the whole process of cleaning himself was a little more arduous than he thought. Or maybe he just never noticed how hard it was to get blood out of everywhere before while someone is waiting.
But he does return properly cleaned with a new attire -- a simple suit. He opens the door and already is kneeling down to reach out so he can give her that congratulatory pat on the head he meant to before. ]
Thank you for waiting, my benefactor.
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When Verso returns, he might catch a quick glimpse of how bored she looks waiting outside, kicking her heels at the carpet. ]
Versie? [ With a tone that sounds almost like she doesn't recognize him. Her eyes lift at the sound of the door opening and she immediately lights back up. ] Versie!
[ She bounds back over to the front of his room with a hop in her steps, moving in to properly receive that congratulatory head pat, which she enjoys for a few moments... Then with a sudden step back, tiny hands reach up to grab and examine his hand. Even when she'd seen him heal his own injuries after the oversized cactus' rain of needles, she's still a bit curious now that the blood's been washed off. ]
You're really all healed up...
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[ Verso smiles wide at how excited that she is to see him. He's a little sorry how bored she must've been waiting. However, he's soon tilting his head when she takes his hand to look it over. His eyebrows lifted up as he has an easy look of confusion before he understands what she's doing. ]
That's right. [ A warmer smile. ] Pretty durable, aren't I? [ And he's already back to kneeling down so that he isn't towering over her. ] This means that I can be a pretty good shield for you, yeah? Of course, I'll still be looking for you to make sure I'm okay, as well.
[ Just not as much; he'll do what he can so she doesn't have to worry about making sure he's all right. ]
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[ She continues to inspect his hand for a moment longer, squinting a little as if that could help her notice some kind of scarring leftover from any cactus needles. All clean, it seems. Her eyes lift, looking curiously at him now that he's closer to her level. ]
Did you miss a spot? [ She's staring at his scar. ]
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[ Verso says with great emphasis. His smile softens as he watches her, but tilts his head the opposite way when she looks at him curiously.
He blinks then shakes his head. ]
No. [ His mouth opens as he thinks of what to say, but closes it soon after as he can't quite find the words that he's looking for. He rolls his eyes up, searching the ceiling, before coming back to look at her face. ]
These are scars I've decided to keep. [ Another smile. ] They're from a long time ago so they don't hurt anymore. [ The corner of his smile dips a little. At least hurt physically. ]
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Oh... [ She responds softly, when he answers. ] Why do you keep them? [ Asking out of innocent curiosity. If it's rude to ask, she doesn't realize... ]
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It's to make sure I don't forget something important. [ Dropping his hand away, he reaches out to lightly poke her nose. ] I'm older than I look and can be a little forgetful. [ His head tips the other way as he laments. ]
So, this will make sure I never forget what's important.
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It must be something super important, huh. [ She figures there's more to it, but she doesn't question any further. ] I'm sorry if I asked a difficult question...
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[ He wonders if she knows how rare it is that he's willing to do that much for her. Of course, even though he'll answer any question, he already knows he'll omit pieces he thinks she doesn't need to know. He did so just know.
He pauses before he reaches out to ruffle her hair. ]
Okay. Shall we go get and trade some cards?
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Um- huh?! [ A look of surprise, then she breaks out into a small laugh. Her hands pull back and reach up to smooth out the strands of hair sticking out. In the short amount of time they've known each other, Verso's been giving her far more attention, praise, and affection than her own family's ever given her... ]
...Yeah. Let's go. [ After a moment, she drops one arm to the side, but the other reaches to grab for his hand again. She would like to hold hands on the way. ]