amuze | TDM 01

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TDM 01

WE DON'T

A quiet beep and a series of mechanical clicks draw you to consciousness once more, regardless of how you found yourself on the other side of dark weightlessness. You open your eyes to find yourself standing within the gates of a seemingly rundown amusement park, the forward motion of your feet suggesting you had just stepped through the turnstile directly behind you. A look backward also reveals a row of faceless, inky shadow figures, all seemingly waiting for you to move out of the way and allow them to enter after you.

Another beep, and should you choose to investigate, you will notice a small screened device embedded within the flesh of your left wrist (or elsewhere should that be impossible) The screen itself is dark with static aside from a bright red heart monitor that moves about in the top right corner. It's locked on that glitching, garbled visage, and doesn't respond to any taps or shakes of the wrist.

Floodlights click on from high above, providing a new source of lighting outside of the fiery sunset sky and revealing that this park may not have been as rundown and abandoned as it had first seemed. Off key music blares from somewhere unseen, loud enough to cause discomfort but not severe enough to rattle the teeth from your skull. Previously motionless figures suddenly begin to move, articulating and bending in uncanny ways as they wave and beckon you in towards the park. Their porcelain masks plaster on a cheerful demeanor despite the cracked and dirty state of the masks they wear. Stretched out across the promenade is a clearly handmade sign, the once-white cloth dirtied with years of dirt and grime. Even so, the words GRAND REOPENING! are a clear and stark contrast, painted in some dark liquid that oozes and drips onto the cobblestone below. Streamers and string lights drape haphazardly across the buildings and over the walkway, accompanied by several dozen sad balloons that seem to have lost the majority of their helium long ago.

In the distance looms the dark foreboding shape of a massive Ferris Wheel, standing motionless like a silent sentinel keeping watch over its dominion.

One of the masked dancing figures ripples its way towards you, shoving a pamphlet towards you with a hand that doesn't seem to possess any proper joints for the fingers to move the way they do. This close it's easier to spot that the dark void behind the eye holes seems to go on far too deep, and it isn't an illogical leap from there to come to the conclusion that perhaps there is nothing within this costume to pilot its movements. It moves and sways to the whims of unseen strings, playing the part of a puppet to another's command.

The offered pamphlet appears to be a map of the park's grounds, and whether or not you decide to take it the being soon thereafter slowly retreats back to its starting position. As it reaches its spot, the limbs of its body go slack and it slumps forward slightly, seemingly lifeless. A rippling wave of inactivity seems to roll through the other gathered figures, and one by one they all enter a state of identical deactivation. The music abruptly cuts off. The lighting from above flickers away with a loud electric hum, leaving only the light of the setting sun to guide you. Somewhere behind you, a shadowy figure slowly morphs to take on the form of the next park guest, and the whole routine will repeat itself in an endless loop the moment they gain consciousness the same way you yourself did.

Welcome to AMUZE ★ MENT AVENUE! The park is now yours to explore to your heart's content.

MAKE

The Ferris Wheel at the center of the park continues to play the part of a stone monolith, serving as a landmark to help you orient yourself as you wander the grounds. More of those masked beings seem to be everywhere you look, in various states of animation; some are sweeping the cobblestone walkways, while others seem to be in charge of concessions stands and game stalls that you pass along the way.

And on the subject of game stalls and food stands... You seem to have wandered into the area containing a surplus of both. A big aluminum sign hangs high above your head, spelling out the words PRIZE ALLEY! A central courtyard stands before you, containing a stone fountain depicting what appears to be a seal as it sprays muddy water out of the tip of its snout. The music has returned to this area, though it seems less bent on being overpowering and more content with being the soundtrack to your adventures.

Game stalls litter the area, all begging for you to give them a shot. The one closest to you in particular seems to draw the eye in a way you can't quite understand, and closer examination reveals that the goal of this one seems to be to break a stack of plates with the bucket of baseballs on the stall counter. Another masked figure stands at attention at this stall, waving at you as you approach and motioning to the row of bagged goldfish that sits along the countertop. They all seem to be in excellent condition, and should you find that you cannot resist the urge to try to win yourself a new pet, you may discover that the plates shatter to pieces regardless of the skill behind your aim.

Congratulations!

Winning your new scaled companion doesn't seem to be without its drawbacks, however, as the masked figure promptly reaches behind the counter and hefts a huge ten gallon tank up and onto the surface in front of you, thunking it down with enough force to slosh around the water inside it.

You didn't think you were going to keep that fish in a tiny little bowl, did you? Of course not. You were entirely aware of how inhumane such living conditions are, after all. Please enjoy lugging this aquarium about with you for the remainder of your stay; it's even fully cycled and equipped with an automatic filtration system, courtesy of The Entity.

DREAMZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

The sun hasn't seemed to move at all in the time you've spent here, giving you no indication of just how long you've loitered. Ancient looking animals lope about the carousel before you, and beyond that stands the tall shape of a large multicolored tent.

A sign above the open entrance flaps reads CIRQUE ILLUME, the painted-on C a glaring contrast to the rest of the letters, which are carved in wood and bolted on. The flaps of the tent itself are open, though it doesn't appear like anyone is inside. Rows of bleachers line the inside of the tent, facing and surrounding a central raised platform that seems to be the main stage area. Above your head, trapeze bars hang lifelessly, suspended by ropes and scaffoldings that don't quite seem capable of supporting any weight.

The main stage is vacant of any furnishings, and the overhead spotlights are dark and shuttered. You get the distinct feeling that you shouldn't be snooping about in here, though whether that deters you from doing just that is entirely up to your discretion.

ooc

Feel free to have your character wander about the various park attractions as you see fit! Everywhere listed on the locations page is currently available, with the only exception being the Hi-RiZe, which is undergoing maintenance for the duration of this TDM.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I. Daffodil

[Terrified was not a strong enough word to actually describe the sheer terror that had paralyzed Shiemi the moment she woke up. Clinging to the map that had been given to her, Shiemi found herself by Guest Services — anywhere to hide from the... creatures that had bestowed upon her said map.

Her knees felt like jello the more she walked, and after a few more steps she simply collapsed against the side of the building.

No! She wasn't going to cry!

Even if she didn't know where she was or how she got here...]

Nee?

[The name was more of a whisper, or a plea, for her friend. She couldn't feel him, and even as she attempted again and again with each time ending in failure, she couldn't quite stop.

Attempting to summon her familiar was something to focus on, other than the very obvious panic that was starting to bubble up to the surface, making her hands shake.]

II. Buttercups

[The last thing that Shimei had expected during her time here was to be the proud owner of a fish suddenly. Not just that, of course, but now she had a 10-gallon tank that she was supposed to just carry with her somewhere.

Shiemi had tried picking it up, she really did. She even tried tying the sleeves of her kimono back to give her better flexibility in order to pick it up.

It hadn't worked out in her favor, of course.

Now she was just trying to push it along the ground as carefully as possible so as not to break the tank.

It was... a work in progress.]

III. Aconite

[Eventful as the day had been, fish and panic attacks included, Shiemi found herself now inside the cirque tent. It was empty, and the quiet space both made her feel better and also made her feel as if someone was watching her at any given time.

That was probably the panic attack still lingering.

Probably.

She shouldn't be in here, or at the very least she feels as though she shouldn't, but that didn't stop her from simply sitting down on one of the bleachers and taking a moment to herself.]

IV. Wildcard

[Surprise me! Or go to RedOutlaw for plotting or simply to talk! ]

[Let's go look at the boardwalk games! was a brief, fleeting thought he had to have some fun. But when Kokichi had gotten there...a girl was struggling to push a fishtank along.

Well. Don't see that every day. He walked over, arching a brow.]

Where are you taking that? There's not really a good place for it....

U-Um!

[Please ignore the sudden panic on her face.]

I-I don't really know! I-I won a goldfish in one of the games a-and they gave me this tank to keep it in and I have no idea where to take it or even put it!

[Sorry about the panic rambling!]

[Kokichi raises a hand before glancing to his nails.]

Cool it, kimono princess. You're okay. I was just curious. Honestly, if you want to put it anywhere, you can probably just push this behind something and leave it there. Unless you're emotionally invested in it, or something, but someone else will probably find it later.

I'll help, if you need it. It's clogging up the main path anyways.

Well, I don't want Mr. Fishie to die!

[She looks very determined, and at the very least the panic gave way to a big smile now that there's someone else around and not just creepy doll people.]

I-I wouldn't say no to the help, though!

Mr. Fishie won't die. If you want to keep him, we'll need to actually get something practical to put him in, though...

[He's contemplating for a bit, but he lets out a little sigh as he strolls over.]

Alright. Let's get him outta the way. Together on three, we'll be going towards that corner to try to work this out. [He motions with his thumb to the left.]

Ready?

[He puts his hands on the tank.]

One, two...

[Shove!]

Three!

Okay!

[She shifts a bit so he could have an easier access to the tank, and the moment he said three began to push towards the direction he mentioned.]

T-Thank you for your help! My name is Shiemi Moriyama!

[She Definitely looks a lot more cheerful now.]

Kokichi Oma. No problem, Moriyama-chan.

[She's an earnest, nervous, sweet girl. He can tell that much already, and that kind of genuine nature never fails to throw him off a bit. It's nice, though, so it gets a smile out of him.

He keeps pushing until they get to the corner, and then he looks around.]

Alright, so. Next order of business now that this is out of the way is to find something to store Mr. Fishy in. That proprietor had baggies, but they were intent on giving you this as some kinda joke...it's at least a decent-quality tank. [He resists his urge to tap on the glass. Not now, hyper instincts.]

Any other ideas?

(no subject)

dreamsofamahara - 2022-08-02 00:06 (UTC) - Expand

[Gary hasn't moved far from the park entrance since he got here. There's plenty to explore, sure, and he's very interested in doing so later, but the sheer quantity of crazy shit just within the first fifty feet or so of the parking lot has been enough to keep him thoroughly distracted. He had just about managed to move on, wandering his way around the back of what looked like a gift shop, when he was drawn back to the gates by the flash of spotlights. The whole opening ceremony is over by the time Gary makes it back, which he finds immensely disappointing. Just have to find a better lurking spot, he resolves with a quiet sigh--]

[--followed immediately by him perking up when he hears the whisper of a name.]

...Hello?

[Sounded close. Catching and then pursuing the gentle beeps of another wrist monitor, it doesn't take Gary long to isolate the source: A girl, huddled against the Guest Services building in front of the first aid station. His expression shifts from curiosity to worry.]

Woah, hey! [The man in a suit closes the distance in a few long strides, crouching down to Shiemi's level from across the path. He winces a little - which doesn't just come from empathizing with this kid's obvious emotional distress, but also from the physical pain that twinges through his leg. Dumb thing has been bothering him more the longer he's stayed here. Probably just stress.] Come on, talk to me. Are you okay?

[The sudden voice had Shiemi all but jumping out of her skin. She looked up at the man, quickly wiping at her cheeks to get rid of the tears.

When did she start crying?

She told herself she wouldn't!]

I-I'm okay!

[She gave him a bright smile, mostly because what else was she going to do with a complete stranger that caught her crying in a corner?]

A-Are you okay?

[A fair answer, and one that Gary probably would've given himself if he was in her shoes. He returns his own smile, sad and pained.]

I think so. I mean, I'm confused. Concerned. A little scared. But I think I'm okay, all the same.

[Gentle honesty can't hurt here, but Gary elects not to fixate on it. Maybe a bit of normalcy will help?]

Can you tell me your name?

[She understood that completely. A small, almost shy smile crossed her face as she toys with the ends of her sleeves.]

S-Shiemi! Shiemi Moriyama.

[Despite the fear and confusion and perhaps the slight breakdown he caught her in, it was nice to actually talk to someone.]

Y-You?

[This seems to be calming her down, which is nice. Gary's not sure his heart could take it if he left this kid in the same state he found her in.]

[He settles a little further back on his haunches, trying to affect a more casual air.]

Gary! Gary Epps. [Mirroring Shiemi's tone almost unconsciously, Gary punctuates this with a wide grin.] It's nice to meet you, Shiemi Moriyama. I'm guessing from the, ah--fanfare, that you just arrived? I saw it from-- [a vague gesture behind him] --back that way.

Y-Yeah.

[She's toying with the ends of her sleeve, though it was now mostly as a nervous tick that she's gotten into the habit of doing. At least it wasn't anxiety pulling, that would have ruined the perfectly good kimono that was gifted to her.]

Do you know where we are?

[Gary notices this nervous tick, but doesn't point it out. She's probably flustered and maybe a little embarrassed - no need to point out something that could make her feel those things even worse. He stays on-topic.]

Nope! [His smile turns slightly manic, in a way that suggests he would very much like to have the answer to this question and is frustrated that he doesn't.] But I intend to figure that out. It's my job, y'know? I'm an investigative reporter, I do a weird piece like this once every other week, easy.

[...No he doesn't. Well, not this weird, anyway. But Gary's hoping the boost of confidence will be infectious.]

(no subject)

dreamsofamahara - 2022-08-16 13:21 (UTC) - Expand

[He's had to chase an unhealthy amount of hooligans out of his domain today, so he's perhaps a little more irritable than his usual nature permits. The aluminum of the seats gives a loud bang as he strikes it with his cane, the sound vibrating and shaking through the metal as he walks past and into her line of view.]

This isn't a rest area. I'd be happy to direct you towards the park if that's what you're in search of, but as you can see we are currently non-operable. Out.

[The loud noise drew a sudden and very startled EEP! from her, only to relax immediately upon seeing the... Man?]

O-Oh! I'm sorry!

[She's standing up, attempting to get down the bleachers without tripping and eating the dirt in front of the bird masked man guy.]

[There's a very put upon sigh that emanates from the nasal holes of his skull, and after a moment he reaches out to offer one hand for her to take, the other reaching out to grip her shoulder to keep her steady as she clambers down. If she trips and falls she'll tear her face open, and the last thing he needs right now is more mess to clean up.]

If you intend to stick around long enough, we should be open again within the week. You're welcome to come view a showing then.

[The moment she was steadied by him, a deep crimson blush covered her whole face. She wobbled for a moment, holding onto him a bit tighter. Once she had both feet on the ground and wasn't about to break her face on the bleachers, she straightened up and gave him a bright smile — face still the color of Shima's hair.]

T-That sounds lovely... Are you the Ringmaster?

Yes.

[He doesn't seem to be the type who takes pleasure in indulging in conversation.

Corax withdraws both hands the moment she doesn't appear is if she is about to topple over, reaching up to straighten his waistcoat and rubbing the palms of his gloves across his person. Almost as if he's attempting to brush off any sort of germs or other unsavory side effects he may have accumulated merely by touching her.]

My duties also include punishing those who do not follow the rules, so you can consider this an official warning to not snoop where you do not belong. You have been given the standard orientation procedure after all, I assume.

Y-Yes! I'm so sorry!

[She bows quickly a few times in apology, that familiar panic settling in at the prospect of being punished. She hadn't intended to break a rule!]

T-Thank you for the warning!

[She is simply going to pass away now. Goodbye.]

What the-

[ Is that a fish tank?! Is that a cute girl moving said tank? Yes to both! ]

Where'd that come from?! Do you need help with it?

[The smallest of eep! escaped her the moment he walked up to her, but after a moment she stood straight and nodded her head.]

Y-Yes, please! If you can!

O-Oh, okay!

[ He walks over and with relative ease, he lifts up the tank! For once he’s glad for all the training he’s gone through. ]

Where uh, where do you want to put this?

[The last thing she had expected from this whole interaction was this strange man to just lift this giant tank over his head like it didn't weigh anything. She gasped, staring at him with wide shocked eyes.]

O-Oh, wow! You're really strong!

[She stands up, dusting her kimono off the best she could.]

Um... I'm not really sure where to put it. Perhaps... out of the way for the moment?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TDM 01

Shiemi Moriyama | Blue Exorcist

II

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I

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Aconite

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Buttercups

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