prismaticrap | ▶ TDM .017

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You awaken amidst the darkness with only a faint light to greet you. Your body is hemmed in by shards of crystals, gently sparkling and possibly pricking your skin. The surrounding landscape is dyed in the pinks and purples of the dusk filled with crystals protruding from the ground, some as large as a skyscraper. After an hour or two of wandering through the crystal wilderness, a group of people find you worse for wear. They are the gallant Moon Knights from the planet of Prismatica. Because of the strange phenomena during the past months when scientists observed the sudden appearance of rainbow crystals in the sky, the government has been feverishly combing through the moon for more Moonblessed to be rescued. You’ll eventually be brought into Iris’s moon government center.

You all may have your usual inquiries — Where are we? Who are you? What's going on? — and the Prismals are almost too eager to answer. They tell you about their world and about the first appearance of the Moonblessed as the medical staff give you an examination to make sure you’re not carrying any viruses or biological hazards. If you react violently, you may be restrained and nerfed with a specialized neurotransmitting gun that releases a numbing agent through the top of your spine. Once the examinations are over, you’re informed that you will be provided accommodations on their planet during your stay. You will then be escorted to the docks, and led onto a large transport vessel that makes frequent trips back and forth between the Iris moon and the planet. Faces onboard vary from both old and new Moonblessed as well as the local Prismals.

The next destination: Prismatica.

▶ Welcome to the Jungle
07/08 - 07/15 | Iris Moon, Government Center (Arrival) and Planet Prismatica, City of Lunatia | top

Welcome to Prismatica’s hub, Lunatia, the city of your dreams! A bustling metropolis lush with bright lights, vibrant colors, luxuriant plant life, and all the conveniences of technology absent from your own world… It seems like paradise to all the uninitiated. After a quick tour of the city, new arrivals can find themselves getting cozy in their new homes.

A Settle in your new home at Level 2 to find new roommates and say hello to your neighbors! City officials will give you directions to the designated districts across Level 2 and instruct you to pick out a unit. Each apartment complex has a different aesthetic, some may look cozy, some stylish, and some bizarre. The free accommodations have a basic living space that can only fit two or three people at most in one unit.

Starter Chromaspace furnishings are provided which can be controlled with the touch of a built-in panel. Examples are color-changing curtains, transforming sofa beds, cabinets turning into tables, etc. Customizing your apartment or moving out will have to wait until you earn more chroma. Until then, why don’t you check out your new neighborhood or explore the city levels? Maybe your new roommates or neighbors can give you a “hand” with allowance for dinner.

▶ You’re as Cold as Ice
07/08 - 07/15 | Level 2, Crystal Beach | top

Summer strikes Lunatia with record high temperatures as the city is wracked by an unnatural heatwave. Residents will feel the burn the moment they head outdoors, kissing their skin pink as it drenches them in sweat. For a hot and sticky day like this, it's the perfect time to head to Crystal Beach for a refreshing dip in the water. All sorts of new stands have popped up by the shore, selling icy treats and frozen cocktails.

The morning news recommends befriending those blessed by Cordis, who can keep people cool with their magic touch. They also warn of overheating machinery and electronics! Establishments and residences may end up dealing with broken air-modulating units if they use them too much.

Having cleared their names, Suzaku and Kaya of former *BTSB fame have decided to reform as a rock band duo called The Nine Tails after leaving their boyband roots. They will be performing their most chill new summer jam, “Fox Girl Summer,” while incorporating Cordis magic of their own to keep the listeners feeling cool and refreshed.

B Those listening to Kaya and Suzaku’s summer anthem might find their beats too chill to relax and party to. And by that, we mean literally. Ice may start to form around the limbs of happy local beachgoers, filling them with unfortunate shivers that will send them running into the arms of another Prismal to thaw. Even more troubling is that some portions of the oceanfront may also start to freeze, trapping some unsuspecting swimmers inside and leaving them in need of rescue. If anyone goes unnoticed, a Prismal lifeguard will be quick to rescue them.

In a panic, Kaya winks at Suzaku, who reassures his worried partner and ends their performance by summoning a mighty phoenix above the stage. Of course, it is only an illusion for the audience as Kaya thaws the partygoers and the ocean with his magic. Suzaku might have gotten carried away with their debut...

▶ Boom, Badoom, Boom, You Got that Super Bass
07/08 - 07/15 | top

The heated beach waters have brought a large onslaught of aggressive super bass close to the shore. Needless to say, the boys with the booming system were not ready for the sudden and alarming increase in population of this particular fish. In response, the beach committee is hosting a fishing competition to see who can catch the largest super bass. They will be providing extremely durable fishing gear and sufficient bait to all worthy competitors, so come to the Crystal Pier with your best fishing know-how and try and break a record or two!

Due to the competition, job openings for lifeguards have become available. Their main task is to keep an eye on participants and the audience. They should be ready to pull them out in case they have trouble swimming back to the pier. Lifeguards will be provided official beach committee high-tech swimsuits (in the form of tankinis and speedos of your choice) that enhance their performance by allowing them to swim faster and breathe more easily underwater. In the dark ocean depths, they glow with patterns easily recognizable to the Prismal eye. They also accentuate the Moonblesseds’ assets very nicely.

C Although they are no different from sea bass in appearance, super bass are known for their monstrous strength and penchant for mischief. They like to fly in the air and slap whoever tries to catch them and their fellow fish with their tail fins. You think you like them better when they dolo? Think again. These fish will purposely grab a hold of something eye-catching such as rainbow-colored sea pearl or other treasures from the ocean and pull the unsuspecting fishers into the watery depths.

▶ Put on Your Red Shoes and Dance the Blues
07/08 - 07/23 | City of Amegahara | top

The city of Amegahara is in preparation for the annual Vulpus Astra Celebration which is coming up in a few weeks. This year is special as the foxes of Amegahara have never celebrated this occasion with the dragons of Lyestellus, making it the first time all three cities in the alliance will be celebrating together. This is all thanks to the Moonblessed, who not only healed their lands but also brought the Prismals closer.

And so for this special year, the upcoming event promises to be an even larger and more extravagant affair. In order to address the extremely high demand for traditional dress and other materials needed for the celebration, many job openings become available in Amegahara. Among these are tailors, glassblowers, florists, and dancers.

D The tailors will be sewing traditional clothes, such as lovely-patterned yukata, kimono, haori, and obi. Glassblowers will create pearl glass plates, cups, and trinkets such as hair accessories and festive souvenirs. Florists will be heading to work at Inari Highway’s greenhouses, caring for flowers and putting together flower crowns, colorful bouquets, and floral arrangements to use for street and interior decorations. It is encouraged to make use of pearl glass vases!

Lastly, dancers will be auditioning for a group of strict Amegaharan foxes who will not shy away from hurling insults if you underperform. The traditional Amegaharan dance features many layers of intricate fan work that is difficult to master, or dancers can choose to take part in the more uproarious Amegaharan drum dance. Be prepared for long and grueling rehearsals after passing auditions, where you will be forced to partner up with one another to bend each other’s bodies as flexibly as it could then dance until every single person in the room has the movements and timings memorized perfectly. Moonlacing will keep one another from collapsing in exhaustion, but your bruised ego may require more tender care.

▶ Questions

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Her lips thin.

Without any plan for returning to Elfhame, their current predicament is a thought she has actively tried to avoid. Six's displeasure brings it back to the forefront of her mind — and all of the emotions she associates with it. Frustration at her powerless, righteous anger directed at their captors, and no endless worry over the control slipping through her fingers like grains of sand.

It's only a matter of time before she has to forfeit it to the whims of some ridiculous Moonblessing — another predicament she does not know how to approach without a solid strategy. She pauses in her step to cast him a scrutinizing look. ]

Shouldn't a hedonist like you enjoy it?

[ ... To be blunt. She hates it, but she cannot imagine the hedonists in Elfhame would find Moonlacing pleasurable. An indulgence, even. ]

Edited 2020-07-13 22:43 (UTC)

[ If he has a problem being called a hedonist, he certainly doesn't show it, only giving her a bit of a nod as he pauses to poke at a promising door that turns out to be a dead end: a massage room of some type, currently unoccupied. Alas. ]

I admit, I would not mind a pleasant vacation, should the weather break instead of constantly assaulting me with the merciless rays of a burning star.

[ He does not care for the sun. ]

But I have left behind several problems that need solving, and more than a few companions I would rather be helping instead of meandering around in search of a bath. Not that I don't doubt that they are entirely capable of--

[ Oh, wait. ]

You mean the Moonlacing, yes? I don't like being required to do anything, even if I am as pleased with a romp in the bedroom as any red-blooded man.

[ In that, their thoughts match.

Still, she can't help but be envious that he had appeared much more content with their surroundings than even Jude can pretend to be — on the surface, at least. First impressions can certainly be deceiving. ]

I was beginning to think I was the only one who minded being stolen from our homes and made to — [ Her mouth purses. ] — Moonlace.

[ What she doesn't admit is the relief that comes with knowing that isn't the case, with finding a similar mind. Her eyes roam over the room, curious, before she moves on. ]

The decision is still in your hands, isn't it? Moonlace with who you'd like, or choose your own death by crystallization.

[ Not much of an option, truly, but she is Madoc's daughter. As it currently stands, those are the only two paths available on the board. ]

It would be a wasteful one. Stubbornness isn't worth dying over.

Edited 2020-07-14 05:41 (UTC)

[ Six is, at the end of the day, a talented liar.

And he knows that foisting his own displeasure on strangers, especially strangers who have had no hand in it, is rude and largely fruitless. Better to commiserate after a bit of friendly interaction, no? That is how one makes acquaintances instead of being told to shut their piehole. ]

I am in the unique position of having some experience in this - the kidnapping, I mean. This is the second time I have been spirited away with little notice.

Being spirited away to swive--[ Context implies he means fuck. ]--is new, however.

[ He purses his lips, trying a more mundane door...and stares in at piles of folded towels. Alas. ]

Do you have anyone in mind for Moonlacing? Preferences? Rules and requirements?

I'd like them to have a nice arse, personally.

[ Laughter tumbles out of her before she can bite it down, a burst of surprise that leaves her speechless. A remark as shameless as that belongs among the fey; then again, she supposes it's too remarkably honest for them. ]

Someone who doesn't want to see me dead.

[ Regardless of her earlier laughter, she's 100% serious. That isn't the end of the list, isn't even close to it, but it encapsulates what's most important: trust. In an ideal world, that would be the requirement; in this world, however, a mutually beneficial alliances is the most she would wish for, if she didn't have someone to depend upon.

She brushes her thumb over the band of the ruby ring on her finger, as if ensuring it still remains. ]

You shouldn't have any trouble. Look around you — everyone is beautiful.

[ Otherworldly, even. It's almost annoying to leave Faerie only to find herself surrounded by that same ethereal fey beauty in another world. ]

[ Six is in the midst of trying a third door - fancier, this time, with waves rippling on its surface in shades of neon blue - when he stops, hand in the air, and turns to look at her. Really...look. ]

You...know that is a terrible standard, yes?

[ Although if he is entirely honest...that is his first requirement as well. He is not about to swive someone that wants him dead. That has become more and more of a concern over the years, tragically. ]

Your bar must be raised.

At least bed a friend...a friendly face! A handsome face?

[ One ear tilts, his expression thoughtful. ]

At least bed someone you like. [ He holds up a finger, repeating: ] Someone you like, not just a beautiful face. The beauty can be a bonus.

[ She snorts — not derisive, but dismissive. In a land plagued by backstabbing and constant betrayal, it would be a high enough standard; too many would like to have her head, though she doesn't bother to correct Six beyond: ]

Because your standards were raised so high.

[ Unmistakeable sarcasm drips from her tone, absent of any true bite. His standards, high or low, are no business of her own; he'll receive little judgment from her, in that regard, but she hardly knows what to do with his concern over her own. ]

What you're suggesting — [ Distracting herself from the conversation at hand, she drags a finger across the door's intricate design and pulls it open before Six can manage it. Dryly, she continues: ] — is someone I don't want to kill.

Edited 2020-07-15 03:33 (UTC)

[ As the intricate door swings open, an exceedingly lovely communal bath comes into view. The room is comfortably steamy, scented with delicate florals and one bold note of pine, and off the main bath are rows of pine benches with sleek sinks, buckets, and bathing supplies. Six pauses long enough to poke his head inside, ears up, tail wiggling.

Now this is a bath! ]

Now see here, arses are very important.

[ He steps inside, peering around for any counter for payment or...anything at all. There is none. ]

And that is my suggestion, yes. Someone that can make the moment fun, that you enjoy. A good romp should be just that: good.

I'll take your word for it.

[ Said with the calm patience of a parent trying to placate a child. Which is, truthfully, a miracle on her part; an in-depth conversation about her sex life, hypothetical or otherwise, is officially too much for her to endure.

Nearly. She handles it with what grace she can manage, ignoring the embarrassed heat that's crept into her skin, a flush that curls around her collarbone and travels the length of her neck. Warring with it, she turns away, moving to rummage through the supplies nearby. ]

Your concern is noted. [ A pause. With some finagling, she returns with a vial of liquid — bath oil, from the floral scent of it — and promptly holds it out for him to take. Maybe something indulgent for him will be enough to deter them away from discussing who she will or will not have an enjoyable romp with. ] But definitely unnecessary.

My thanks.

[ From the wiggling of his tail and how he seems to abandon the conversation, Jude's efforts to steer him away from intimate gossip appears to be successful. He pops the decorative top on the bottle, a gleaming lotus flower, and gives it a pleased sniff. It is very lovely. He drifts toward the shelves, picking through the baskets to see what else he can retrieve.

Bath oil, soap for his hair, skin...some lotion...yes, yes, now this is what a man that has worked as hard as him deserves.

And then he speaks up again. ]

Oh, you already have someone in mind?

Edited 2020-07-16 00:51 (UTC)

Yeah. Something like that. They meet all of my requirements.

[ The long pause that follows makes it seem like she intends to elaborate, but she only lapses into silence. For all of his friendliness, Six is still a stranger, and Jude is ... Jude. A cagey, paranoid creature that has lived in fear too long to trust easily.

Most secrets are better kept close to the chest until she can be certain they can't and won't be used as a weapon against her, anyway. Her next attempt to redirect the conversation is still patient, deliberately so; there's no need to drive away potential allies by prickly insisting he doesn't need to know her business.

She wipes her hands down the front of her blouse, futilely trying to erase the lingering traces of flowery oil that had stained the edges of that crystal bottle. ]

And you?

[ With that, he seems to be imminently satisfied.

It is not as though he cannot see the flush that creeps along her neck and her cheeks. And it is not as though he is wholly ignorant of social graces (though according to some detractors, he certainly is). The young woman had just been...well.

She had had an air of stolid tension and a clear unhappiness, both of which he could not blame her for, given their situation. But it would do no harm to do a little cheering up, no...? A little teasing.

But not too much teasing, because she has a very strong swing. ]

No one yet. But as you said, everyone is beautiful. I only need to find someone that I like.

[ He picks up a basket, placing his spoils into said basket and turning to face Jude directly. ]

Now, I have a bath to take. I had best remove myself from your company before I start to strip, as that would be untoward.

[ That sounds like a dismissal if she's ever heard one. Though she tries to conceal it, she's grateful for it — both his reluctance to shock her by suddenly disrobing and the escape from this conversation.

Above all else, she's thankful to avoid the discomfort of being expected to strip down in the presence of a stranger. The baths may be communal, but being laid bare before his eyes would be uncomfortably vulnerable.

But she still can't evade the heat that continues to bleed into her skin. His implication alone brings a fresh wave of embarrassment with it as she steps back, inclining her head in the slightest bow. ]

It's your bath. I should remove myself from your company.

[ What does one say to someone after all they've discussed? She searches for it as she moves toward the door, before finally settling on: ]

Good luck with your search. [ Actually — ] With everything.

Thank you.

And the same to you, Jude.

[ He gives her a little half-bow that is entirely sincere. Before she fully departs, he fiddles with the communicator on his wrist that he still does not have a complete understanding of, but he has at least gotten as far as identification numbers. ]

Contact me via this. [ Giving the number. ] If you've ever a mind to commiserate over shared troubles.

[ Because being stranded in an unknown world might be ameliorated somewhat by having friends, yes?

That has been his experience. ]

[ How do friends work. Someone help her poor soul.

Her surprise is fleeting, an owlish blink, as she hesitates to open the door. Through that stunned silence, however, she commits the number to mind; in a strange world, it would do more good than harm to seek out similar-minded allies to aid her in returning to her rightful place.

— Even if she doesn't quite know what to make of Six just yet. Time will help her make an assessment. Jude swallows her uncertainty, burying it where it cannot reveal itself to him, and casts Six a polite smile. ]

I will.

[ Undecided as she is, it isn't fully a lie. With that, she gives him one last parting look before silently slipping out of the room. ]

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▶ TDM .017

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