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buttrinthum2024-04-30 10:34 pm
TDM #9
Whether it be sleep or death, you feel your eyes close, and as your body begins to let go, you see a barn owl that is flying through the darkness, soon sweeping you across the clouded sky. You feel yourself mouth the words, “I wish, I wish..” and utter your deepest and darkest desire.
When you regain consciousness, you’ll find you are in an unfamiliar place with no recognition of how you arrived here. You have the clothes on your back, but nothing else. No weapons and if you had a particular superpower, you’ll notice it is missing. All you have is a satchel with a piece of bread, a vial of water, and a potion. The potion could be red, blue or golden. There are no instructions about these potions other than two words: Drink Me.
Will you drink it or not?
There is a parchment, handwritten in scrawling, jagged lettering that seems a bit... ominous:
You’re in a garden, surrounded by flowers and plants– most of which you cannot identify. However, there are a few that you can make out: Larkspur and Anemone You’ll soon find out that being around the Larkspur makes you almost overwhelmingly tired, to the point you might even feel sluggish and in desperate need of a comfy place to rest. Why not lie down right in the garden? Or better yet, find someone to snuggle up with and sleep your worries away. The only truly strange part? You don’t seem to dream. At all. Straying too close to the Anemones, meanwhile, grants an entirely different effect. One second you’ll be walking through the garden and then suddenly you’re twenty feet away and facing the wrong direction. Even worse, whatever those flowers have done to you will sometimes make it so you “glitch” through solid objects – your leg might suddenly be lodged in the ground despite it being perfectly solid a moment before, or your arm could be shoved halfway into a wall that… actually, was that wall even there before? Nevermind that. The effects only last for a few minutes at worst, so at least you’re not stuck there forever, right?
Thanks to the combined efforts of dreamers and dragons, Vaeros is asleep. No one knows for how long. The locals aren’t particularly pleased with this turn of events and the village is a mess, but at least the moon is high in the sky again and everything is back to normal… relatively speaking. Things start to change... morph into something more dreamy, more surreal. It's subtle at first but after a few days…
The aftermath of the overgrowth, animal attacks, and the overall chaos of Vaeros' tantrum has left the village a little worse for wear. While most of the damages are cosmetic and could be fixed by the local's efforts alone, maybe a little help would be appreciated? If nothing else, it might help alleviate a little bit of the tension still lingering in the air after the events at the castle.
That, and the locals seem to be acting kind of strange. Leaving them to their own devices might not be the best idea. The Gelfling you are aiding in repairing a half-broken wall has been hammering for what seems like hours and when you look to see what they're doing, they haven't actually made any progress - they're just hitting the same spot over and over again, potentially making the hole even bigger. Did the goblin you just passed have a completely blank face for a moment? Others might walk into things, off of things (Starlight Cliff might be a hazard zone), or suddenly and inexplicably become aggressive toward dreamers, grabbing anything they can get their hands on (kitchenware, vegetables, a goose??) to use as a weapon. It's a very bizarre scene and the villagers don't seem to notice there is anything wrong with the people around them.
It’s not just the locals either. The animals have been acting equally strange. There's a wolf inside the clothing shop trying on suits, a goat standing (or trying to stand) on its hind legs, bleating out random words like a town crier while jingling a bell around its neck to get everyone's attention. Where you should find the local baker, suddenly they're replaced with a deer holding a paddle in its mouth to stir up a batch of brownies.
To top it all off, there's an eerie sense of deja vu no matter where you go or what you do. Didn't you just help that goblin with the wheelbarrow an hour ago? So why is it halfway across town again? You could have sworn you had to go and grab groceries, but your pantry is full like someone already had.
Days pass and the oddities continue to make themselves more and more apparent. The sidewalks seem uneven and wobbly at times, threatening to toss people walking across them to the ground or even fling them into the air with a sudden violent ripple. Walking through the forest sees the leaves of the trees melting into green goo that sticks to your clothes, your hair, and your skin - potentially staining them green and leaving you in dire need of a bath. You can always wash off in the lake, of course, but even that is not free of the strangeness occurring in Visium. The water of Lake Omen has turned to lava, at least in color; although there is no heat radiating from it when one approaches. That, and the locals are still fishing in it without issue, save the fact that they keep pulling up fish with tophats on.
Speaking of fish - they're raining from the sky now (tophats or not) in all sorts of different colors, shapes, and sizes. Good news! They're still edible. Bad news, they're probably trying to sell you something.
If you do decide to try the fish or any other meal in town, especially those served by the locals, you'll find that it doesn't taste like much of anything and most certainly doesn't fill you up, at least not at first. Everything is bland and unappealing until left in the presence of dreamers - and the more you share the meal with, the faster the taste returns.
Even with Vaeros asleep, only a small portion of the labyrinth is still accessible. Those that attempt to explore will find sections made up of pillows and cushions, and no matter what time of day it is elsewhere, this portion of the labyrinth seems to be stuck in perpetual twilight. Explorers will also immediately feel drowsy, then lulled to sleep by the quiet singing whispered through the air like a lullaby. Anyone brave enough to try and rescue those poor souls from their impromptu naps would be wise to plug their noses and cover their ears with earmuffs to block out the sound.
At night, dreamers dream. They will be visited by the same melody heard in the labyrinth, though it is distant. They will also hear a woman telling them to spend more time together, to bond and create things together in order to soothe the effects of Vaeros' magic growing wild in his dreams. Dreamers will also have the ability to visit other's dreams, meeting in a dreamy light liminal space that will not feel so real when they awaken.
Welcome to the labyrinthum TDM! Characters will arrive depowered and with only their clothing, and will be given a satchel with a crystal pendant, a communication device, some water and bread and a magic potion. If they drink the potion, they will manifest an elemental, healing or animal transformation ability.
With the exception of Castle Vaeros, characters are free to go as they please, so feel free to place them in any of the locations available on the map. Yes, this includes the Labyrinth - though characters will not be able to clear the maze.
You can find more information about the game here. Any questions regarding the TDM can go under the comment below.
i.
So far, no one of great interest has shown up, much to his dismay. Just another brat from U.A. High and some cocky-looking pro? He's really not sure who they are but as far as Shigaraki is concerned, trash hangs with trash, and if you're running around helping people with the "heroes" you're as good as one of them to him.
Unfortunately, Shigaraki doesn't recognize Kurogiri, what without his fog and the ominous-sounding voice, yet there is something vaguely familiar about them. Enough to intrigue him into creeping closer at least. As Kurogiri stumbles about to fall, Shigaraki checks them with a shoulder, hands reaching out to grab and steady them, a clever plot and sleight of hand, quickly frisking them for anything of possible worthwhile to steal. ]
You should be more careful where you step. When I arrived, the plants were alive.
[ His voice was dry and brittle, each syllable sounded painful to speak. With his face mostly hidden under a mess of balanced gray-blue hair and a baggy black hoodie only his deranged smile seemed to stretch uncomfortably wide. ]
[ ooc: Hey there! \o Tomura's canon point is from early on in the anime, I'm nowhere near up to date with the manga yet but I've finished the anime! I've got plans to canon update him soon but for now he's still a small fry all things considered lol ]
no subject
[With Shigaraki's assistance, Kurogiri manages to regain his balance. He doesn't mind the ruse, hardly considering himself or his condition now. Once he's standing steadily, he turns to fix his gaze on Shigaraki.
Kurogiri had been looking for someone, and when he sees that familiar hooded figure and hears that familiar voice, he feels relief wash over him. His initial turmoil starts to fade, even though he still doesn't know where he is or why he's here. This the person he needed to find.]
You're right. I should be more careful. It was remiss of me.
[He's usually very careful. He's been trained to be. He will do better next time. However, in spite of having been too incautious, he actually smiles. His own smile is faint and calm, but genuine.]
Tomura Shigaraki.
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[ There's something intense about this guy's gaze... The way he just turns to lock eyes with Shigaraki has him feeling uneasy for a few seconds, but that soon passes once they're talking again.
Wide, bloodshot claret eyes stare back as if locked in some kind of battle with the other. Without Decay, Shigaraki has been posturing quite a lot, he can't afford to let people think he's at a disadvantage, not when he's outnumbered. Chewing the peeling skin at the corner of his mouth, one hand tucked in the deep pocket of his hoody while the other scraps and scratches marks and mars down the side of his throat. ]
I don't care if you get hurt. I just don't want to be here when some do-gooder comes along to save you.
[ His tone is dismissive with a hint of disdain in it- however he just can't seem to shake this feeling he gets when the other male talks... Ah, so they know him, do they? How curious. Shigaraki stares for a long moment, putting the pieces together, the way they talk, the things they say, the fact they already know his name. ]
... Do I know you?
no subject
[ Kurogiri's fleeting smile fades. He continues to maintain eye contact with Shigaraki. With Warp Gate finally, truly deactivated, his eyes may not glow, but his gaze is no less unwavering. Despite that, there's no hostility in his expression. Shigaraki's mannerisms are familiar. Kurogiri takes no offense to the less than friendly tone. If anything, it's reassuring. ]
That's all right. I don't need to be saved.
[ He's the one who saves others.
The question about his identity unnerves him for an instant. Thankfully, he soon recalls the appearance of his hands. Yes, if his mist is completely gone, he must be unrecognizable. He wonders what he looks like now. Perhaps he should know, but he's not sure. He can't quite envision his own face. He nods, slowly. ]
Yes, you do. It's Kurogiri.
[He glances down at himself, taking in the sight of his bare hands again.]
I must look very different.
no subject
[ Maybe if his voice had been muffled a little and not as clear, or his eyes were glowing then Shigaraki might not have found it easier to jump to conclusions about who this was. It was annoying, to be known by someone whose face you couldn't quite put your finger on. ]
Good, because I'm not in the business of saving others.
[ He scowled at the thought of it, regardless of how much time passes, he still holds resentment for those who rush off to save others.
Kurogiri looks nothing like Shigaraki imagined he would, his hair, his eyes, he looks so healthy and kind it's a little off-putting but still, he stands there as they introduce himself. ]
...Kurogiri? ... Don't be ridiculous!... It can't be... Can it?
[ Ducking his head, this way and that, stepping closer to look them up and down, circling them like a shark as he considers that, yes, they could in fact be his very dear and missed protector and friend.
There was a look then, in Shigaraki's expression, the way his eyes grew wide, pupils small, lips parting in mild disbelief a look that perhaps Kurogiri was more accustomed to seeing on his face when he was a little younger? Startled disbelief in who he was seeing, relief at no longer being alone, anger that it had taken him so long to arrive, all swirled in a maelstrom of emotions that played across his dry, pale face. ]
... You don't say.
no subject
I wouldn't expect you to do so.
[ He's the one with the duty to protect, not Shigaraki. Shigaraki has other matters to concentrate on. ]
Yes, it's me.
[ He raises a hand to touch his face, his bare fingers meeting soft and solid skin. A novel experience. He's still wondering what he might look like. ]
I assume this is simply my appearance beneath the fog.
[Although no, that doesn't seem right... His body itself feels very different here, though he has no way of knowing why. He doesn't waste time considering it, focusing his attention on Shigaraki instead. He stands patiently still as Tomura examines him, regarding him fondly. He smiles faintly, forgetting his recent turmoil, as Shigaraki gives him that wide-eyed look—a more open expression than he's seen on his face recently.]
It is good to see you again.
no subject
[ Only how can he realize his full potential in this place? How can he relate what he's doing back to Master when there's no way of communicating with their home world? ]
You act like Kurogiri... I get a feeling of them from you I just... Can't see it...
[ As Kurogiri raises his hand to touch his own face, so too does Shigaraki. Without his quirk it's quite safe, and maybe a test too, to see if they'd pull away as those fingers come towards him. ]
You look so... normal.
[ His eyes still wide, voice still startled, and then as he's told it's good to see him, there's something he's not felt since he was a child. His shoulders drop a little, the tension that plagues him vanishes momentarily, and had he had a more affectionate upbringing, he could have hugged Kurogiri then. ]
Hmm... Likewise.
no subject
[Although... as sure as he sounds, he doesn't feel as sure. There's something else. Whatever it is, it hasn't changed his memories of or concern for Shigaraki, which is what matters.
As Shigaraki reaches out to him, he remains still, not flinching or even tensing. He doesn't expect any harm from him.]
Normal. Ah, is that it... My Quirk affects my body's composition significantly, so I can form the gates. I would look more typically human without it.
[He nods, as this explanation makes sense to him. He keeps his gaze on Shigaraki, steady and fond. If he were more impulsive and less used to living bound by the strictures of Sensei's teaching, he might have pulled Shigaraki into a hug.]
It's fortunate we've been reunited here. When did you arrive?
no subject
Maybe that uncertainty is what Shigaraki is picking up on? He can sense it, after all, how long have they known each other?
The fact that Kurogiri doesn't flinch makes him unbelievably happy (or as close to that strange emotion as he can get.) Setting his dry, dehydrated palm against their face, surprisingly gentle as he feels skin where before was only flickering fog and glowing eyes. ]
I never remember seeing you like this at all... I wouldn't have thought you'd have white hair or such blue eyes...
[ The expression on his face, the look in his eyes, more Tenko than Tomura, a youthful wonder and curiosity. He could really do with a hug too, shame neither of them are so inclined... ]
Months ago. I have a new bodyguard but he's... Well, different. So I'm glad you're here, Kurogiri. It's been exhausting being here alone.
[ That's all he's willing to say about Dito, unless Kurogiri asks more. ]
no subject
[He's aware it's possible that Shigaraki can read his unease. They know each other so well. However, he doesn't believe it's anything that should affect Shigaraki. It's only...internal. It's for Shigaraki's own good if he controls it.
He remains still and calm as Shigaraki touches his face, allowing the exploration patiently as he listens to the description of himself. Oboro Shirakumo, they'd called him. Well, most villains have another name, don't they? There's no... harm in it—if he also has one.
It would be nice to be able to give in to certain emotional impulses. Although he doesn't offer a hug, his own expression grows much softer, his smile a little more definite.]
I'm glad you've had someone to assist you. What do you mean by "different"?
[He's not suspicious, only interested. He would be curious about whoever had been keeping Shigaraki company.]
I'm sorry you've found it tiring. You're not alone anymore.
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[ Because the idea of accidentally turning someone like Kurogiri to dust is something he never wants to think about. It's fine though, the conflicting thoughts Kurogiri might be struggling with, it's not like Shigaraki doesn't have some of his own from time to time... Especially with his hands keeping him back.
A hug would probably distress Shigaraki more than he'd realize. It's not like he's ever really experienced one. ]
He helped me out of a few binds and seems to share our views on hero society. He's different because he has a perverse obsession with me. I can't tell if he's mocking me or genuinely thinks there's something special about me.
[ It's a little more than just that but then again, it's not like his father talked to him about the birds and the bees now, is it? ]
It's been beyond tiring, Kurogiri. You couldn't have arrived at a better time. We'll move you into the treehouse and we can start looking at the situation we're in.
no subject
[Warp Gate is effective when it comes to avoiding Decay, though it's true that if he hadn't known about Decay beforehand and it had suddenly manifested, it would have been difficult to react in time.]
I'm glad he's been a help to you and shares your ideals. [He's less sure what to think about the "perverse obsession". It's not that he can't understand someone being interested in Shigaraki, but when he puts it that way, Kurogiri can't help but have a doubt or two.] I hope he isn't mocking you. There's no reason to do so. It's true that there's something special about you.
[As his guardian, he's thought as much since Shigaraki was a child, though his admiration is also that of a guardian. He nods in agreement with Shigaraki's directive. He prefers to be with him, so as to better protect him.]
I would like that very much. You can fill me in on the details, and we can work on planning our next movements.