lifeaftr | July Intro: Dancing in the Dark

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July Intro: Dancing in the Dark

INTRO LOG: JULY

Who: New arrivals, and you!
What: New souls arrive to the archipelago of LifeAftr
When: July 4th - July 10th
Where: Primarily Io, as well as Ensō
Warnings: Mark as needed!

Last month, the island of Io saw a massive overhaul, as Eleu reunited with their lost half, Zum, to take their rightful place as the island's Avatar of Fun. Eleu'zum is aware that Io will not be remaining in the archipelago for much longer, and thus have opted to go all out in the celebration of their rejuvenation.

New arrivals may awake at any of the locations listed below.

Waterslides: Don't Let Me Get Down
For this week only, the waterslides threading throughout the bathhouses of Io have been equipped with some special new features, namely the light-up water jets laid out across the outdoor areas, as well as diving boards placed at extreme heights for thrill seekers. Sure, you could just sit around and relax in the heated water, but where's the fun in that?

The supplies at the bathhouses have also been outfitted with wide varieties of inflatable tubes and pool toys, pool noodles, beach balls, dive toys, and squirt guns of every shape, size, and color. And yes, we really do mean every possible type you can imagine.

So have a blast, get soaked, shoot off of high-speed waterslides, or try and avoid the chaos to get a little relaxation time - the choice is yours. But enjoy the bathhouses and pools while you have access to them, before Io disappears.

Go-Karts: Don't Lie Me Down
That new go-kart track by the vineyard is in dire need of some test drivers. With corkscrew turns and twisting roads, those tracks look very much like they might be a tad hazardous, especially if your kart goes off-track...but don't fear! No matter how badly you spin out, you'll find that your kart will never leave the road, thus keeping spectators safe from any and all roadside dangers.

However, just because they're safe from you doesn't mean that you're safe from them. You've got plenty of items to use against your fellow racers, but you've got nothing to protect yourself against the turrets mounted at the sides of the tracks, placed for the enjoyment of spectators who feel like getting a little more participatory. The roadside turrets are capable of spitting all sorts of additional threats upon racers: banana peels, balls of fire, jets of water, and so on.

However, bear in mind that this feature is a two-way street; climb onto one of those turrets to target racers, and they'll find that they'll have no difficulty targeting you in retaliation.

Whether you're here to watch, here to race, here to make things difficult, or simply here to place bets and keep score, you've still got plenty of drinks to wash away the shame of defeat, or celebrate your first place victory.

Hedge Maze & Butterfly House: Back into the Easy Days
Newly mounted atop the tea gardens is a brand new butterfly house, hosting a spectacular abundance of gloriously colorful specimens. With jewel-bright wings and unusually bold dispositions, one will find that these butterflies are very, very easy to behold up close. They don't seem to mind visitors at all, and will happily flutter down to light on the hands, head, and shoulders of whoever draws near, assuming they don't swat them away. The butterfly house comes equipped with small dishes of sugar water to feed them, if you desire, though you could just as easily simply spend time here to relax and look out across the island. From up here, you have quite the spectacular view.

The tea gardens have also gained a rather grandiose hedge maze threaded around the tea trees. The paler pathways are for leisurely, scenic strolls, or playful games of who can reach the finish line first. The darker pathways, on the other hand, are for the more competitive, as well as the more daredevilish; those who take those pathways will quickly find themselves racing to reach the exit before some rather large bees catch up to them.

Despite their potentially fearsome appearance, these creatures are quite harmless, but there's still nothing quite like turning around and seeing that buzzing loudly after you. If they catch you, the bees will promptly burst into a large cloud of multicolored glitter that will coat you from head to toe. And if anyone has any experience with glitter, that can be quite a pain to get rid of. You'll probably be shaking it out of your hair and brushing it from your joints for weeks.

Rollercoaster & Carnival: Overlooking Trouble Gone Bad
The rollercoaster is the newest addition to the Honeycomb, and it's as much a thrill to behold as it is to ride. There are no lines, no tickets, and no entry fees; simply climb aboard! Once the cart is full, or if no further passengers enter, it will take off at breakneck speeds, twisting and loop-de-looping in a breathtaking series of physics-defying turns and arcs.

That's not all, however. The campsites on Io have also opted to make some slight alterations to celebrate the Avatar's return to form. Those large, colorful tents have gone from mere sites of sleeping and relaxation to a full-blown carnival. There are booths where you can play simple ring-toss games and the like, as well as stands for the acquisition of cotton candy, popcorn, and just about any snack you'd find typical of a carnival...as well as a few flavors that might seem a tad bit unconventional. But, hey - as long as it's here, why not sample what's free to eat? Even if you might run into seaweed ice cream, squid-ink sundaes, crab-cake kettle-corn, and many more besides, peppered among your more ordinary flavors.

A small collection of rides have also been provided, of course; what carnival would be fit without them? A carousel with cariborn- or beowolf-styled mounts might be a bit strange to behold at first, but it rides just as well as any other. A small ferris wheel allows you to oversee the sights of Io at the peak of its curve, while whirling teacups can make for a delightful if potentially nausea-inducing escapade.

The island of Io will be disappearing from the archipelago as of July 10th, so you'd better enjoy these additions while you can! For once, there will be no strings attached!

All new arrivals will awake with knapsacks, their names stitched to the front. The contents of said knapsacks can all be found in your acceptance notices!

As a final note to those who participated in the Test Drive Meme, bear in mind that those threads, if all parties involved would like, can be game canon in the form of dream-like memories involving a place very much like this one, though the layout is considerably different.

Feeling a tad adrift? Make sure to check the Locations Page, which has details regarding the starting areas and a handy map for those who feel better with a bird's eye view!

LOGS ● OOC ● STORIES ● MAIN NAVIGATION

( CODED BY BOOTYCALL )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Asking him outright if he's okay seems like it might go over badly. Nonetheless, that brief look at his eyes indicates that he's probably anything but.]

You been working out? [Levity's not his strong suit. Not much is his strong suit, admittedly, but what the hell else is he supposed to do? Walk away and ignore it?]

Not sure how many times you can break your record before you break the whole system.

[The snort of aborted laughter is sudden and loud, and the crooked smile on Guzma's face is one that hasn't appeared in at least a few days now. It's, uh...not a question he gets, and while he doesn't really actively work out, the young man is fit and built tall and thick. But, he knows Tim is taking a jab at him, because the looks he's been getting aren't exactly inconspicuous.]

Gotta make up for skipping leg day, yo. [The mallet is handed to him, finally, and he weighs it in his arms, taking up the stance and a deep breath.] I won't break nothing unless I really wanna, don't sweat it.

...You'd all know if I did. [And with a loud and hoarse grunt, the mallet is lifted over his shoulder and brought down hard, the loud crash of metal on wood first, then the loud clang of the bell being sounded. Guzma points a thumb over his shoulder to Tim, who is now being offered a honey stick by a few friendly bees as they fly it to him.]

[It's for the best that Tim lives with people who laugh when they're upset. It means he can recognize the mirth for what it is, and that's not mirth at all.]

I don't doubt it.

[Yeah, if it wasn't obvious before that something's wrong, the fact that Guzma forgoes the prize entirely so that the bees can fly it over to Tim instead just about cinches it.]

Uh, thanks. [He stares at the honey stick without really knowing what to do with it. Maybe he'll give it to Ren. She likes these things. Eating just doesn't feel terribly appetizing to him right now.]

Something on your mind?

[Ren probably would devour all the honey sticks, or just shove them into her pockets and/or bag like the heinous little gremlin she is. Besides, it's not like he hasn't already amassed a surplus of things to give to her when he's in a better mood. This is just his stress relief - don't judge.

The question makes Guzma's smile twitch, and it turns from...somewhat pleasant(???) and joking to guarded and sharp. He's not quite at the level of friendship with Tim to have a pow-wow with him over feelings. Plus, he's still salty about being let alone again, for what eels like the twelfth time now. The wound is still fresh, and raw, and he's not yet simmered enough to discuss it in length, yet.]

Nnnnnope. [So don't ask again, please. :)]

[That's a pretty good indication that he doesn't feel up to talking about it. That's fine. Understandable, even. He knows better than to push when someone's more likely to dig in their heels and resist even the most well-intentioned attempts to get them to open up. Call it experience.]

Sure.

[Meaning he's fine to let that lie, though he can't say if he knows what's got Guzma riled up. Doesn't see Lillie frequently enough to notice when she's not showing up like she should. He doesn't, after all, live with her.]

[So he grabs the first other topic that comes to mind, instead.]

So Asgore and I went in for some trees, little while back. Apple and cacao. Your idea was pretty good, and Asgore's not bad a gardener, so we're gonna see if it works out.

[That...actually gives Guzma a pause, and he turns around to look at Tim with a genuine look of surprise. He was clearly not expecting that curveball there, and was gearing up to get defensive over nothing. He blinks a few times before it sinks in, and there's a moment where the tension of his muscles and shoulders lessens just so.]

Huh...no kidding? Y'know, can't say I know how to cultivate 'em, or make the beans int chocolate myself, but I'm sure y'all could ask the rabbit for a book 'bout it, if'n you gotta. Good luck, man, if y'all can get some actual chocolate on this dang island.

I think that's what Asgore did, yeah. It'll...probably take some time before we actually have anything drinkable, but I know it was your idea. I mean, wouldn't've thought of it if it weren't for you, so thanks. For that.

[This could be going better. It could also be going worse. At least Guzma doesn't look...as ready to take a swing at something. Not that he's not still wound up. He's pretty sure it's gonna take more than a neutral-to-positive interaction with someone he only vaguely knows to improve Guzma's mood.]

Hey, no problem. We all gotta get our comfort food somehow, yeah?

[Honestly, he's a bit spoiled, all things considered. Guzma, and probably a handful of others here, were from a far more modern living than most. The things they wanted, needed, and even craved were just a short distance away in a store or market. They never had to grow, raise, and make it. Does it make him appreciate the process more? ...No, not really. It actually makes Guzma miss the amenities he had back home.]

Y'all still need ice, I can supply it, too. [He notices the line getting longer and frowns. Right, they're still technically playing here. With a wrinkle of his nose, Guzma relinquishes the mallet to the next in line and shuffles to the side with Tim, hands in his pockets.] Y'still running that, uh....what's it called? Danny?

[Can you tell he cooks or himself?]

Denny.

[Probably best that he cooks for himself. Denny doesn't offer much except some of the same shit over and over. It's a social thing, more often than not, and Guzma isn't exactly what you'd call a social creature. Neither is Tim, but that's not the point. He didn't build Denny for him, in the immediate sense.]

[In the long-term sense? That's a little more complicated.]

Yeah. It's still around. Ice is always good, soon as I remember to ask for something to put it in. [Tropical climate like this, it's not a fun

[The brief chuckle is knowing, and Guzma nods his head.] I mean, your basic cooler works decent 'nuff for me. Then again, I say that knowing my bud can spit ice whenever I need 'im to, so...

[He shrugs.] I gotta get 'round to poppin' by more, myself. I can drop off a couple'a recipes I picked up from that little library that showed up, as well as a few Alolan specialties that should be easy 'nuff to make. And heck knows I need'a get out more.

[Is he joking? Is he being sincere? Is he laughing at himself for being a total, monstrous shut-in when he gets upset and/or depressed? The answer could shock you! But Guzma doesn't bother with explanations, he's still...only half and half on his attitude right now. Tim is helping, and he appreciates it, but they're not exactly close friends.

Sorry, dude.]

Edited 2019-07-16 23:28 (UTC)

That'd be appreciated. Muffet's a hell of a cook, but the more we can make, the better.

[Carefully neutral. Doing his best here. It's clear that something here is incredibly not right about this, that Guzma's doing pretty shit. There's just no way to go about asking directly without potentially poking some very sore spots.]

[He knows better than to just ask. Tim's not one for pointless machismo; it's not feelings he minds discussing. But he also has tact.]

You ever wanna stop by and show us, you're welcome to.

If I remember to crawl outta bed once'n a while, yeah...I'll pop over.

[He certainly has been, uh....waking up later and later recently, but still manages to at least get his chores done. Or the few tasks he sets for himself, most days. Keeping himself busy is probably for the best, otherwise he'll dwell too much on his thoughts, and that's never a good thing... Guzma tends to get angry first, and hyperfocus on that one emotion for a while, unless someone forces him to take a detour from that little excursion to Rageville.]

What you doing here though, yeah? Y'all never struck me as the 'Party Type'.

[Yeah, that's...that'd be the Depression, dude. Tim has been very closely acquainted with that feeling for most of his life. He's just not sure he has any reason to point it out. Guzma's probably aware of what it is, right? Probably.]

[In any case, he's probably better off not armchair diagnosing anyone.]

[Tim shrugs, hands shoving into his pockets.]

Never been to one of these before. Carnival, or fair, or...whatever. [When would he've had the opportunity to? Wasn't anything like this at the hospital.]

[Guzma has too, to an extent, but it sure does get the better of him on this stupid island, especially when he starts caring about people a little too much. He's starting to think it's better not to, and revert to his old ways of just...not caring. Because what's the point? They'll leave and forget eventually, right?

At least it's fun while it lasts.]

Yo, wait--...really? So you've never had the artery clogging goodness of carney food? For real? Bro...bro. We need to get you a deep fried Twinkie STAT. [Whether or not Guzma shoves Tim on the tilt-a-whirl to barf it up a minute later is still up for debate though. He's mulling over the pros and cons o entertainment.]

When you put it like that, I'm not sure I understand the appeal.

[It's a place where people would go - kids would go - to have fun. "Fun" just wasn't really in his scheduling, as a kid. And once he grew up, he didn't really have any friends to drag him off into situations that he wouldn't otherwise look twice at. Not unless you count Brian.]

[And he does his best not to think about Brian.]

['Fun' didn't really exist for Guzma much as a child, either - only when he was actively battling or with his Pokemon. Or, after he finally ran away and found a new, better family in a bunch of unwanted brats like him, that society dictated weren't useful enough to keep happy.

But, he needs a laugh, and so does Tim, clearly. Kindred spirits, maybe, or just because misery loves company...but Guzma grins and chuckles softly.]

All's good in moderation, yeah? Believe me, this stuff is terrible for you health-wise, but it still tastes good, which ispretty much the whole appeal. Just don't overload, or take a roll 'round one'a them coasters after, and you're good. And y'all gotta at least try it - like, when're we gonna get another chance here, bro?

I guess that was the reason I decided I should at least give it a look.

[Some people are put off by carnivals. The crowds and noise and general aesthetic can be terror-inducing. He's always found the quiet, the dark, and the isolated to be more innately terrifying for different reasons.]

Well, hey, if you don't mind giving me some pointers, why not? [He genuinely didn't mean to make this a cunning ploy to get Guzma to have a good time, but that's kind of what this turned out being. Whoops.]

[That's fair, yeah. Guzma's just not as much of an introvert as others in Team Skull, that's or sure. He doesn't like to be touched by people he isn't cozy with, sure, but he can...tolerate crowds a lot better than others. It gives him a chance to show off, which is part of his entire image, most times - when he's in the mood.

But, this is as good a chance as any to distract himself, and Tim's good people. Kinda quiet, a bit...boring, to be honest, but still good people. They probably would both benefit from one another's company right now.]

Got nothing better to do other'n hit this thing 'til I feel fulfilled so. [Shrug emoji.] Don't mind tagging 'long wit'chu, bro. Y'all curious 'bout anything in particular or just wanna wander first?

I guess I've never been on a ride or anything like that before. Looks terrifying, though.

[Why would people go on panic-inducing rides for fun is beyond him. His brain manages well enough with organic, homegrown panic. Food might be a good idea, or at least...just to get a good read on what might be able to be stored. Potentially recreated at Denny?]

Dunno what any of the edible stuff is, either. Think any of it would keep if I took some of it back to Denny?

Eh, can't speak for everyone, but the scariest part's basically the first drop on a coaster. After y'all get through that, the rest is pretty much cake. [He shrugs lazily.] Depends on if you're afraid of heights, I guess.

[Guzma continues walking, hands shoved into the pockets of his hoodie. He slouches as he walks, since what is normal posture, and honestly...looks the type of a prowling thug. It's just ingrained, it seems like. Or his spine really is that bad.]

As for the food...mmh... I mean--...it'll be edible? But keep in mind, most carnival food is fried. Meaning it's super greasy. Keep that for too long and that grease and at builds up over time. Like, this stuff isn't good for you cuz'a that. S'better fresh, 'specially like...fried dough.

That is also something we gotta get you. Wonder i they got Pinap berry puree here as a topping...prob'ly not. [WISTFUL SIGH.]

[Tim follows at less of a slouch, though he's pretty sure that if they were in Alabama, they'd be stopped by security anyway. For some bullshit reason or another, no doubt. Loitering, or looking like they don't belong. To be fair, Tim pretty obviously doesn't.]

[He follows anyway.]

I grew up in Alabama - deep south, [he adds, in case Guzma's world doesn't have an Alabama...or a United States.]

Everything there is fried at least once. [Dry humor, even that delivered without a smile, comes naturally to him.]

[About to open hi mouth to explain - he doesn't know where that is - Guzma closes it when Tim explains, and he laughs again and smacks him playfully on the shoulder. It's a weird way he shows he likes someone - sorry, my guy.]

Well, then you're used to the worst part of it! Still, I don't recommend keeping this stuff for too long, though I will say...getting oil to fry stuff in would be dope. Fried fish? Or like...getting some'a them Bludrocs butchered and fryin' 'em up? Bruh.

[Chef's kiss.]

[He definitely jumps a little at the contact - both the unexpected nature of it, and the heartiness of the gesture. But he's getting better at not leaping a foot in the air like a fucking rabbit every time someone so much as brushes up against him. Recovers quicker than he used to, anyway.]

Well, we're still pretty good on coconuts. No idea how to make coconut oil, but it's a thought.

[A pretty good thought, too. They've got butter, technically - they've got milk and that means butter is a logical progression, even if it's going to be blue and look like it's covered with mold because of it.]

[He wrinkles his nose at some of the foods on display, dubiously.]

"Deep-fried Oreo." Do I wanna know?

[Usually, Guzma's pretty considerate about touch - he's not big on it either from people he doesn't like or know - and respects those that bring it up, but...he's distracted, and excited. And also really, really hungry. He worked out most of his frustrations, and now he needs a heaping helping of carbs to make up what he lost swinging a heavy mallet around.]

Oh, dang, you're right...never thought 'bout coconut oil. [Fish oil he's thought of, but also doesn't know how to make it, either.] I'll check one'a them cookbooks I snagged from that little library a while back. Might have a clue in there, yeah.

[Guzma does a double-take, sputtering as he backpedals the distance he walked and looks at the sign.] Yo, no kidding?! They have those here?! Bro...dude, my guy.

We have to get one.

[DUDE, TRUST ME.]

[Well, Tim's definitely not gonna be able to offer anything in the way of advice or protest, since he's never had a deep-fried Oreo in his life. Deep frying an Oreo sounds like it shouldn't work out so well, but if Guzma's insisting, and this is intended to help cheer him up some - or at least take his mind off things - then who's Tim to disagree?]

Well, everything's free. Might as well, right?

[He's been eating like someone who's been surviving off the land for two years. This is going send him straight into a food coma from the sheer influx of sugars and carbs.]

July Intro: Dancing in the Dark

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weeps over the fact i have to wait another month to have a deep fried oreo. ;__;

LMAO

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