Discord
| Thread Review (Newest First) |
| Posted by palencorgi - 12-10-2024, 01:50 AM |
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I think you need to decide if the current, anxiety-ridden situation will be worse with the risk of snapping back into Computer form and out of a new body. Yes, the current one is clunky and scary and new. But it's consistent with what it does. The idea of having a sword hanging over your head that if you push yourself too far, you'll snap back to this and have to deal with that, all again-- What's the worse choice? I think I'd lean towards trying to understand this body first. Even if you choose to accept a new one- and owe who-knows-what- you'll at least know what you might snap back to in the future. |
| Posted by ಠ_ಠ - 12-10-2024, 01:44 AM |
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Hm, the ability to change back and forth between forms? How can I lose?? No, seriously. Before saying yes ask if the inability for Mikki to leave is because of their outstanding deal or something else. What's this person know about the person who did this? Why are they here? Are they doing this because they're bored? Does this happen to everyone who goes here or just some people? Why me? What kinda stuff would you want me to do in return? You gonna make me kill a dude? Or erase my dad from existence? Are you gonna steal my soul so I become a puppet? You know, I could probably get a lawyer out here, who can invalidate your deal since you misled me about the terms. J/K I know you're some magic bullshit and you don't obey the laws of god or man. What happens if I call the cops, though? |
| Posted by Lilium Mortem - 12-09-2024, 03:11 PM |
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Ok now that I know that we're doing deal-with-the-devil type shit I'm gonna have to say noooo way buster I'm not making another deal with you. You've been creepy, rude, and don't forget the part where you violated my body to have an easier conversation . No way in hell am I trusting you after that. I'd rather try my luck at the night musuem, hopefully find a body that works, thanks for that tip by the way. you can't even really change me back, so why bother selling my soul or whatever. |
| Posted by knux400 - 12-09-2024, 09:30 AM |
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"...I don't think you know how anxiety works. The uncertainty is the worry. I'd rather find out what your favor was for the ticket before I let you have any more, sorry. You said you'd be here during the day, so it's not like this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I'm perfectly fine waiting." "Thanks for reaching into my face and fiddling with shit, by the way, that made me feel a lot better. Please don't ever do that again though because that was freaky as hell." |
| Posted by SHIVERS - 12-09-2024, 09:13 AM |
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Your thoughts are jumbled to say the least. Notably, thinking about how Mikki came in and changed back, but you feel your chances of that are growing slimmer. ARC:\TR_TH *OF COURSE IT WOULDN'T BE THAT SIMPLE FOR ME* ARC:\TR_TH *...THERE'S STILL A CHANCE* ARC:\TR_TH *MAYBE* ARC:\TR_TH *PLEASE* Ultimately, you know you need answers, and owing a kind-of-weird museum manager a favor isn't that big of a deal if it means getting some. You're sure More answers likely won't come cheap, though. You're still wary - you know there's a decent chance they know what's going on - but you can keep your suspicions to yourself. Hopefully something will come to light. Anything, at this point. "All decided?" ARC:\SPEECH "...SURE." "Deal?" ARC:\SPEECH "DEAL." You reach out your claw and take the ticket. You You reach out your claw, You reach out and take the You reach out and You take You reach out and clasp your claw with theirs. A wave of dread rushes through your circuits. You can't pull your hand away. You feel a crushing pressure all over that's slowly dissipating. "Perfect." You gaze up at the creature holding onto you. You don't recognize their species. You have no idea what you're looking at. Long and slender, almost serpentine in an S-shape, but with short arms and legs protruding at about the first and second thirds of the body. Two ears - you assume they're ears - thin, and flicked upwards from their head. Bright purple, though it transitions to a light blue closer to the tail, creating a gradient effect. Bright yellow eyes with a jack-o-lantern grin. Scars the same color, but turning orange and then red the further along they are down the creature's body. Tall. Taller than the rat. Several heads taller than you, at least. Their imposing head grins down at you. "You really should be more careful. Making deals with anyone you meet?" Their long neck leans in, eyes and jagged mouth lighting up your screen. "WHO KNOWS WHAT COULD HAPPEN." They let you go; snickering, as if they'd just told a joke too funny to contain. "That friend of yours drove a much harder bargain, you know. I didn't even have to turn you back yet! And for, well..." They reach into your pocket, and pull out your ticket. Then, they take a ticket from the stack the rat had set by the register. They hold both up in front of your screen. The two tickets are identical. Same light blue color. No moon, no sun, just the title of the "...not much of anything. Parlor tricks, really." They put one back in your pocket and toss the other. "But, a deal's a deal." They smile. You realize you can move again. Instinct kicks in. You turn around to leave. The door is gone. "Done already? And here I thought you wanted answers. You were fairly adamant about your little investigation before. And, to change back, of course." You find yourself facing the creature again, although you're certain you hadn't turned back around. "How about we stay focused, hm? All that worrying of yours is impeding progress. Here." The purple creature reaches into your screen. You feel their claws rummaging around In Your Head. Your display flashes and glitches. You suddenly feel calm. "There we go. Simple enough." Their claw recedes, pulling you forward somewhat as it pops out of your monitor. "Better?" You can't exactly disagree. You know you SHOULD be scared, or extremely Wary at the very least. But you aren't. "Good! Let's talk." The creature snaps their claws. ▶ Safe Surface corru works You find yourself sitting in an admittedly-comfortable red armchair in a black void. The creature sits across from you, in a chair just like yours. A single, warm light with no apparent source illuminates the both of you. "You want to know about the museum?" You hadn't asked a question. You aren't even sure what you were Thinking. "Yes, it is different at night! VERY different. You knew that already. Afraid I can't tell you more than that! If you want to know more, why not go back? You've only been Once, after all. Maybe you could try bringing a friend this time. You already know what could happen to you. So what's the harm? You want a new look, don't you?" They raise their claw to their mouth, stifling a giggle. "As for during the day, it's normal. Just as boring as it ever was. The only difference is: Me! Couldn't exactly leave that old man here to run things, could I? He'll be back when it's all said and done, anyway. ...I think." They shrug. "Regardless, if you want to come see me, I'll be here anytime during the day; feel free to drop by! And don't worry about a ticket. You should be using those, anyway. Oh, but don't try and bring any friends along. And don't try to tell anyone, either. It won't work." They tap the top of your monitor. "You're the only one that gets to know about me. I can't exactly remove your memory with those guardian angels of yours, can I? And what a privilege! I'm sure you feel very lucky." You finally work up the nerve to speak. ARC:\SPEECH "YOU'RE... THE ONE THAT DID THIS TO ME." They make a face and point at themself, as if to say 'Me?' They're still grinning. ARC:\SPEECH "YOU ARE, AREN'T YOU?" ARC:\SPEECH "YOU DID... /ALL/ OF THIS." A buzzer sounds, from nowhere, as a large red X flashes over your screen. "Nope! I didn't, if you can believe it. I played no part in that Update of yours, though I won't argue with the results. Certainly an interesting choice!" You don't see them stand up, but they're suddenly lifting you up entirely by the monitor, claws tapping about on your new head. "I can't imagine why you'd want to go back. This body is SO much more interesting than that old one. And you've hardly experimented with it at all!" You feel them playing around with knobs and switches on the back of your head that you didn't even know you had. You feel every click and turn, every subtle shift, every little change to your display. Every sensation is alien. Your limbs jolt reflexively on occasion, as if expecting pain. No part of it hurts at all. "You don't even know what all your buttons do yet, or how to get that cassette loader of yours working." They sigh quietly, sounding legitimately disappointed. Somehow. "What a waste." The creature gently sets you back down in the seat, leaving you marginally dazed, yet MUCH more present, now. They sit back down, shaking their head. You don't have words. You're still processing how that felt. And that part of you really does not want to think about it. "You know, if you want to be technical, you did this to You. You entered the museum. You chose the exhibit. That particular fascination of yours really backfired, didn't it? That's one way to look at it, at least! I suppose it's all about perspective." Their smile is back. "Either way, I didn't do this to you. But I can change you back. Sort of!" ARC:\SPEECH "...WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT?" They tilt their head at you. "You saw what happened to your old body. It rotted away. Into practically nothing. I could put you back in the rotten sludge that's left, but you'd effectively die along with it. None of us want that, do we? However, I Can make a new one! Just like the old. More or less." ARC:\SPEECH "MORE OR LESS?" You feel as if you're speaking automatically. "This new body is your REAL body. It's woven into your being. Quilted together. Allllll the way down into what makes you You. Not even I could remove it if I tried, at this point. So, even an entirely new body will have some bleed to this one. Like a blueprint at its core. And it will try to pull back to its natural state," They point at you, the computer. "...if you allow it to do so. Just don't pull at it too much, and everything will stay relatively 'normal'. Even if the reminder will Always be there." You stare. Dead silent. Even with the calming effect, from whatever they did to you, your thought process feels sluggish; like a residual effect from the stress you Should be feeling. "So, how about it? Would you like to be an amerveille again? Nearly the same body as before; myopia and all. You'll owe me again, but you've already come this far. What's another deal?" They reach across to you, holding out a claw to shake, grinning, as ever. "And, of course, if 'you' have questions, I could indulge some. For a price, of course! And I don't take money. Luckily for you, you won't even know what my payment is until after it's done! A lot less for you to worry about that way. Don't you agree?" |
| Posted by MarxzVulpez - 12-08-2024, 10:16 AM |
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huh, I guess you could say the museum experiences are about as different as night and day c(^ : I say go for it, this person either knows exactly what's going on or not at all and I don't think answers are gonna come easy...or cheap if those ticket & gift shop prices are anything to gauge by. Might as well see what's here. plus, we know where Mikki's headed if we need them later. |
| Posted by ಠ_ಠ - 12-08-2024, 08:39 AM |
| Is there something different about the night exhibit? |
| Posted by Lilium Mortem - 12-08-2024, 06:54 AM |
| How about this? I don't *care* about the stupid exibits, I went to this museum last night, *and got traumatized*. There's no way you don't know *something* about the supernatural bullshit going on here so rather than a favor to see you dinky little tourist trap how about instead I get some goddamn *answers* |
| Posted by knux400 - 12-08-2024, 05:50 AM |
| Uh. I mean... sure? Surely there's no harm in owing a favor to a museum manager who's way too into their role. See if they know anything about the real museum. You know, the fucked up one. Not this thing. |
| Posted by SHIVERS - 12-08-2024, 05:31 AM |
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You're hesitating. You hate that you are but you aren't exactly thrilled to go back in again. You do have other options. You could experiment by trying to leave now, just to see what happens. Or maybe you could finally check with the person in cabin #8. But, attempting to drive like this probably isn't a good idea, given how unwieldy your head is now, and that you aren't really used to this body yet. And you are Not really ready for more socializing with strangers after the mini mart. You do have some potential questions for Mikki. That's something to kill time. ARC:\SPEECH "DID YOU TRY TO LEAVE WHILE YOU 'LOOKED DIFFERENT'?" "Nope. No way in hell was I leaving like that." ARC:\SPEECH "HOW LONG EXACTLY HAVE YOU BEEN STUCK HERE?" Mikki looks skyward, rubbing their chin. "'Bout... a week and a half? Maybe a week? Maybe two weeks? Somewhere in there. Haven't exactly been keeping great track of time." ARC:\SPEECH "HAVE YOU BEEN PAYING FOR THE CABIN THIS WHOLE TIME?" ARC:\SPEECH "I IMAGINE THAT WOULD GET EXPENSIVE." ARC:\SPEECH "IF WE'RE STUCK, THEN I'M WORRIED ABOUT MONEY." "Yeah, I have been payin' for it. Pretty much. Money's not really an issue for me right now, is all." ARC:\SPEECH "...WHAT DO YOU MEAN?" "Means I'm payin' for it and don't worry about it. Now are you going in or Not?" You shoot up from your spot on the fountain. ARC:\SPEECH "YES, I'M GOING. SORRY." You walk around the fountain and make your way up to the door. The same two-story shack-like building, the same light bulb outside - now off, with the sun up - the same little wooden sign. The outside still isn't imposing in the slightest but you know what's in there. Sensing your trepidation, Mikki walks over by you. "It'll be fine. Probably. Bet you'll figure it out. I apparently did. And if anything bad happens, you probably won't remember afterwards, anyway." They pat you on the back, as if that was somehow supposed to be reassuring. "I'll wait around out here a little while. After, I'm headed back to my cabin to pass out. Just knock anyway if you really need me. It'll wake me up." Another pat, this time to your shoulder. "Good luck and all. I'm gonna stand back while I still have the chance." They hurry past the fountain, leaning on the side wall of the mini mart. Apparently content to stand there and watch you go in. You grab the door's handle and swing it open, stepping-- into the inside of a shack. It looks about like what you'd expected to see the first time you came in: It's a fairly cramped, single room with a handful of scattered exhibits around. Cheap-looking rugs have been hung along a large portion of the walls, likely to hide the worn state of the walls themselves. Even from here, you can see that the 'exhibits' on display aren't much to write home about: A newspaper is propped up on a stand. An article is displayed, one detailing a slice of toast with Wax - a high god of Taverne's - face supposedly on it. From the picture, it doesn't look convincing at all. There's also a glass case in the corner with a clearly-faked dried corpse of a "skritchimus"; a patchimus upper body with a skritter lower body. It looks to be made out of paper-mache. Additionally, there's a plaster mold footprint of a 'real mothman footprint'. It's just a pretty normal-looking footprint. And those are only the ones you can see. You don't exactly feel the need to look at more. There's a tiny corner just by the door where you find a few shelves, each lined with various knick-knacks labeled with the museum's name. A cash register sits on a stand just next to them, and a wooden sign labeled 'GIFT SHOP' hangs on the ceiling above the shelves. The items themselves have surprisingly expensive prices on their tags. You're still processing everything when you hear a noise from the back, like steps being descended. A black curtain behind the exhibits labeled 'EMPLOYEES ONLY' is pushed back, revealing a tall, white rat in a cheap, colorfully-patterned suit. You can't quite pin down their species. They look to be a corvice, like Mikki, but their striking purple eyes have visible yellow pupils. Likely a hybrid, you guess. They spot you, and practically run to greet you. "Well, hello hello! Welcome in!" They outstretch their arms to their sides with a little flourish. You feel like you're talking to a birthday party magician. "Tell me: Is this your first time delving into the terrifying depths of modern mystery? Or are you an experienced veteran of the unknown?" You forget where you are momentarily and realize just how long you've been staring at them. It doesn't help that Tall seems to be an understatement; they're taller than You, and given you're over six feet - likely more, with the new, bulkier head - that is NOT at all something you're used to. It throws you off more than you would've expected. They don't even seem thrown off by your silence. They're wearing the same little smirk they walked in with. "...Don't you worry, I get it! Already awestruck by what's here, aren't you? You must've taken a peek before I came down. I can't really blame you for being eager; there's Lots to see! Well, don't mind me!" The rat gestures to the exhibits. "Be my guest." Before you even move, they stop you. "Oh, whoops. Before I forget..." They move over to the register, and tap a stack of tickets just next to them. "Only for the low low price of twenty-five cash. Normally it's thirty-five, but you happened to get here during a rare Sale event. Consider yourself very lucky, my friend." ARC:\SPEECH "OH. I HAVE..." You fish the free museum ticket you received out of your pocket, and hold it up for them to see. "Unfortunately, the free tickets are Night Tickets, specifically, while these-" they tap the stack of tickets "-are premium, Day Tickets. Different tickets for very different experiences." You don't remember anything about that. You hold your ticket up to your screen and do your best to examine it closely. Sure enough, the ticket is light blue and says 'FOR NIGHT ONLY' in small text on it. It has a picture of a moon, but you must've thought that was just for theme purposes. Truth be told, you aren't sure you even looked at it that hard. The stack of tickets the rat has are light yellow, and have little suns on them. You feel very embarrassed. "Don't blame yourself, it's an easy mistake to make, happens all the time!" You put the ticket back. They wait for the cash, watching you expectantly. You know you don't have your wallet, but you make a show of tapping your pockets regardless. ARC:\SPEECH "...HA HA. I-" ARC:\SPEECH "I MUST'VE--" "Leave your wallet at home? Or did you lose it?" They give a fake sigh and scoot out from the register, and retrieve a ticket, stepping over to you. "How about this: Since you're new around here, we can just say you owe me one, and I'll spot you a ticket. On the house." They hold it out. "Deal?" |
| Posted by ಠ_ಠ - 12-06-2024, 03:45 AM |
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some questions for mikkie: - did you try to leave while you were changed? - how are you staying in a cabin this long? don't you have to pay for it? Then, two things to do. Go talk to cabin 8, see what happened, then try to leave while you're still like this. See if you can. After that, go to the museum before the day ends. |
| Posted by knux400 - 12-05-2024, 12:20 PM |
| ...Might as well go in. Assuming the layout is the same as last time, we know exactly where the TOLA exhibit is, and hopefully we can go in and hit the undo button on whatever all this is. |
| Posted by MarxzVulpez - 12-05-2024, 11:47 AM |
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aside from that... from every indication Arcana's given, Arcana Does Not want to be a computer, it should go back to the museum. even without the mortal panic of being seen like this, a whole bunch of stuff is seemingly cut off while in this form: can't eat, can't drink, probably can't swim without dire consequences, don't know who can or can't see the computer form until meeting them, can't use the phone or maybe even the camera, and while the like, guaranteed amount of sleep is admittedly kind of nice that's like a partial perk in a sea of discomfort. Sure there are a couple what ifs to worry about, but there's no way to know unless we go down there and see |
| Posted by MarxzVulpez - 12-05-2024, 11:20 AM |
| Mikki, how long have you been stuck here? |
| Posted by SHIVERS - 12-05-2024, 10:46 AM |
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The toolbox could come in handy, or maybe the battery pack and radio instead, but ultimately you want to save what you've got. The speakers would, theoretically, let you actually speak out loud, which would be a godsend right about now. And the stylus would allow you to use your phone yourself, without needing anyone else's help. Both seem too good to pass up. Given you received three coupons today, it's fairly safe to assume you'll receive the same amount tomorrow, so you could get it then, regardless. You consider stealing them. The items here very likely are not anything the store cares about; they're essentially giving them away for free. Not to mention, it's a chain corner store, who cares what they Do and Don't want taken? But getting caught would be humiliating. You aren't risking that. You could ask Mikki. If everyone gets these coupons every morning, they might have some leftover. You really really don't want to bother them again. But hopefully it's the last time you'll need to. You peek around the aisle at the corvice, watching as they pull several chilled drinks off the shelf. Sports drinks, from the looks of it; all of them bright red or pink. ARC:\SPEECH\WHISPER *"PSST."* ARC:\SPEECH\WHISPER *"MIKKI."* They only notice when they turn around, drinks bundled in both arms. ARC:\SPEECH\WHISPER *"DO YOU HAVE YOUR COUPONS?"* ARC:\SPEECH\WHISPER *"THE ONES FOR HERE. THE POINTS."* "Nah. Pretty sure the lady at the front desk stopped giving 'em to me. She was refilling the snacks in the vending machine and saw me toss 'em. Got the other ones still, but those're for me." The bug walks by, idly glancing at the little point display. "What d'you want with that junk, anyway?" ARC:\SPEECH\WHISPER *"...I CAN'T USE MY PHONE ANYMORE. IT HAS A TOUCHSCREEN."* ARC:\SPEECH\WHISPER *"SO THE STYLUS WOULD BE HELPFUL."* ARC:\SPEECH\WHISPER *"AND I WAS THINKING THE SPEAKERS MIGHT HELP ME TALK OUT LOUD."* "Huh... . . . Welp. Wish you luck with that. You comin' up to check out? Last chance." They don't wait for an answer from you, already on their way to the front. You don't know what to do. Even through the filter of this new body you find yourself properly panicking, wracked with indecision. You find your legs moving. Some portion of you apparently making the decision for you. Peeking around the front aisle, you watch as Mikki dumps all their various items across the counter. There's a delay before the person starts scanning. "This everything?" "Pack of Southfields." Your fans spin faster as you make your way up beside them. The cashier- You recognize the cashier. The person staying in the cabin adjoined with yours. A brown raccoon with yellow-orange eyes. The one you accidentally pointed your camera at. Luckily for you, they aren't looking in your direction, for the moment, too busy scanning and bagging all of Mikki's items. You debate whether or not to sneak away. You can't decide. You can barely process your own thoughts. The cashier slides the bag over. Mikki already has their card out. "That'll be--" They flinch and back up a step, bumping into a case full of cigarettes and lottery tickets, causing it to rattle. The cashier's face runs through a plethora of emotions, but seems to settle on 'apprehension' as best as you can tell. "...Masks aren't allowed in here. Take that off or get out." You're too afraid to move. You wish you weren't here. "Nah, not a mask." Mikki swipes their card. There's the tiniest of smiles on their face, apparently deriving some amount of enjoyment from the whole predicament. They reach a claw up and knock on the side of your monitor. "This is Arcana. It's a computer." The cashier eyes you carefully. "...Construct?" "Computer." You still can't move. "...Arc. Bud. You're freaking them out; don't be weird, say hi." ARC:\SPEECH " . . . " ARC:\SPEECH "...HEL LO. ? ." ARC:\SPEECH "S ORRY." "Hear that buzzing? Means it's talking. Look at the screen." They do so, directing the occasional wary glance at Mikki. "There, see?" Mikki puts a claw on your shoulder, hanging off of you. "Friendly computer." You can hear just how loudly your fans are running. You are probably going to die. You are probably dying. Your processor must be melting. The cashier glances between you and the bug as Mikki types in their pin number. Their demeanor is surprisingly calm after the initial shock. Or perhaps they only don't want to Look worried. "...If you two are pulling some shit, and you screw with me, it won't go well for you. I've got a gun back here." You are going to get Shot and then die. "Cool. Good for you. Anyway, d'you know anything about the weird museum thing around the corner? You know, the one with all the stairs and the big white room. That place." "...It's nothing like that, but I know the museum. It's a shitty tourist trap. What of it?" "Well, Arcana went the other night and came back like This." They gesture to you. You pull back some, more self-conscious than ever. ARC:\SPEECH "IT-" ARC:\SPEECH "I" "...Like what?" "A computer." "What abou--" "As in it wasn't before. Was an amer- It was a Normal... species. Whatever. Point is, it got turned into a computer." The raccoon looks at you both as if you'd just told the worst joke they'd ever heard. ARC:\SPEECH "I'M-" ARC:\SPEECH "I'M SORRY ABOUT THIS." ARC:\SPEECH "WE'LL- I CAN- I'M LEAVING. I CAN--" Neither party looks at your screen. The conversation continues around you. "...This is a prank." "Not a prank, it-" "A very stupid prank." "Promise you it's-" "Do you know when I started work today? How early I-" "I get it, I get it. Chill. Believe me, don't believe me-" "Why would I believe you?" "-But!" They raise a claw. "But. You can always go by and check for yourself." ARC:\SPEECH "/DON'T/ TELL THEM TO DO THAT!" ARC:\SPEECH "MIKKI, YOU KNOW WHAT HAPP-" "I've already been there. More than once. I don't need to go back." "How long ago? It might be Different now. So, IF you go back-" ARC:\SPEECH "YOU SHOULDN'T GO." ARC:\SPEECH "DON'T-" "-and something Bad happens, you can find me at cabin 11. And Arcana here is at..." You move for the exit. "...which cabin were y- Arcana?" You push through the door, walking outside. You take many aimless steps, ending up back around the side of the building, near the fountain. You sit on the fountain's edge, facing towards the solid wall of the mini mart. You don't bother to worry about what would happen if you fell in. Mikki emerges. You aren't sure how much time had passed since you exited the mart. "Hey." They pull out a cigarette and put it in their mouth. Instinctively, they shield it from the wind as they flick the lighter. Once. Twice. It lights. "You uh... good? Somethin' happen?" Mikki draws in smoke. They finally look at your screen. You must've cleared it already. You don't remember doing so. ARC:\SPEECH " . . . " ARC:\SPEECH "I DON'T KNOW. ARC:\SPEECH "IT DOESN'T MATTER." You could say more. You don't want to. You don't exactly feel present. ARC:\SPEECH "...WHY DID YOU TELL THEM TO GO TO THE MUSEUM?" ARC:\SPEECH "YOU KNOW WHAT COULD HAPPEN." The bug blows smoke away from you, but it drifts to you regardless, thanks to the wind. You can't smell it. You can't smell anything. They hold their cigarette between their claws. "If they get turned into something, I tell 'em how to fix it. Or you tell 'em. Either way, they fix it. No big deal. They're the only other person besides me, that we know of, that saw You. That's gotta mean Something. It's like uhhh... bigger sample size, right? To help you figure this all out." ARC:\SPEECH "...WHAT IF IT DOESN'T WORK?" ARC:\SPEECH "WHAT IF THEY DON'T CHANGE BACK?" ARC:\SPEECH "WHAT IF /I/ DON'T?" "Why wouldn't you? I'm sure you will, and they would, too--" ARC:\SPEECH "BUT WE DON'T ///KNOW/// THAT!" ARC:\SPEECH "NOT FOR SURE." Mikki puts their thumb and palm against their snout, looking at the ground, thinking. "...well. Was just trying to help w- ...yeah. Yeah maybe not my best idea. I'll swing by after I finish this and tell 'em not to go. No sweat." ARC:\SPEECH "...I GUESS." ARC:\SPEECH "JUST DON'T... BOTHER THEM MUCH." ARC:\SPEECH "THEY SEEMED PISSED OFF." "Who's bothering? They're fine. Not gonna die." ARC:\SPEECH "...AND-!" ARC:\SPEECH "DON'T TELL THEM WHAT CABIN I'M IN! PLEASE." Their eyes narrow, head tilting to the side as they look at you. "Wwwwhy?" ARC:\SPEECH "THEY-" ARC:\SPEECH "THEY'RE... IN THE CABIN RIGHT NEXT TO MINE." ARC:\SPEECH "AND I DON'T WANT TO CREEP THEM OUT." ARC:\SPEECH "I DON'T KNOW." ARC:\SPEECH "I DON'T WANT THEM TO FIND OUT 'BY THE WAY, THE SCARY COMPUTER MONSTER?'" ARC:\SPEECH "'YES THAT ONE. IT LIVES RIGHT NEXT TO YOU.'" ARC:\SPEECH "I DON'T WANT TO MAKE ANYTHING WORSE." "Why would you make anything worse?" ARC:\SPEECH "I'M-" ARC:\SPEECH "LOOK AT ME." "...What's your point?" ARC:\SPEECH "I'M SCARY!" Mikki blows out more smoke. "Uh-huh." They reach over and tap your screen with a claw. "Reeeaaaal scary." ARC:\SPEECH "I SCARED THEM EARLIER." "They got over it in... what, ten seconds? Thirty?" ARC:\SPEECH "I'M JUST-" ARC:\SPEECH "...I'M GOOD AT IT. MAKING THINGS WORSE." "Uh-huh. Well, whatever. You goin' in There now?" Mikki nods past you. You turn to look at what they're looking at. The museum. "No way in hell I'm goin' in again. But if you go, I can wait out here. ...Little while, anyway. If you finish quick we can touch base. You wanna stop being a computer, right?" They gesture to the strange, wooden building. "Now's your chance." |
| Posted by knux400 - 12-03-2024, 06:11 AM |
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Buy the erasable pen for one point, then erase the price tags of the speakers and stylus and rewrite them to be one point each! It's genius! Okay, but seriously. You get three more points every day, right? If Mikki isn't willing to spot you any for the stylus or the speakers, you can always come back tomorrow. Personally, I would prioritize the speakers here, since we can get around the lack of stylus by just having someone else use our phone for us. It's not great, but not being able to speak out loud is a far bigger issue here IMO. |
| Posted by Lilium Mortem - 12-03-2024, 04:28 AM |
| Ask Mikki to spot you a point for the stylus since your hands don't work with your phone. If that fails ask the cashier. If *that* fails just steal it. |
| Posted by ಠ_ಠ - 12-03-2024, 03:43 AM |
|
If the toolbox comes with tools in it, get that. Otherwise get the battery pack and a radio. |
| Posted by SHIVERS - 12-03-2024, 01:04 AM |
|
You try to ignore your own face being stared into, and think of every possible question that you can. Which is far too many. Your head is swimming with them. You try to condense as best you can, but it's a lot regardless. ARC:\SPEECH "I'D LIKE TO HEAR WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE MUSEUM; START TO FINISH." ARC:\SPEECH "WHAT EXHIBITS WERE THERE?" ARC:\SPEECH "WHICH EXHIBIT DID YOU INTERACT WITH? WHAT DID IT DO TO YOU? ARC:\SPEECH "HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT AFTER?" ARC:\SPEECH "MOST IMPORTANTLY: DID YOU DO ANYTHING SPECIFIC TO GET RID OF IT WHEN YOU WENT BACK?" ARC:\SPEECH "ANYTHING AT ALL YOU CAN REMEMBER MIGHT BE HELPFUL." ARC:\SPEECH "I DON'T WANT TO BE STUCK LIKE THIS ANY LONGER THAN I HAVE TO." ARC:\SPEECH "ALSO:" ARC:\SPEECH "LAST NIGHT, YOU SAID YOU *MOSTLY* TURNED BACK. DID SOMETHING NOT CHANGE?" ARC:\SPEECH "YOU ALSO SAID WE WERE 'FUCKED' LAST NIGHT. I KNOW IT'S BAD, BUT WHY?" ARC:\SPEECH "ADDITIONALLY: WHY HAVEN'T YOU LEFT?" ARC:\SPEECH "...I'D ALSO LIKE TO KNOW HOW I LOOK FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE." ARC:\SPEECH "SPECIFICALLY: AM I 100% A COMPUTER... PERSON." ARC:\SPEECH "OR ARE THERE PARTS OF MY OLD BODY STILL AROUND?" ARC:\SPEECH "I WAS AN AMERVEILLE, IF THAT HELPS." ARC:\SPEECH "IN GENERAL, I'D LIKE TO HEAR ANY THEORIES ON WHY NOT EVERYONE SEES ME LIKE THIS." ARC:\SPEECH "LASTLY: IT'S A LONGSHOT, BUT..." ARC:\SPEECH "DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO WORKS WELL WITH OLD COMPUTERS?" ARC:\SPEECH "ANYONE AT ALL AROUND HERE?" ARC:\SPEECH "MAYBE AN I.T. PERSON? I'M NOT SURE." ARC:\SPEECH "I'M HAVING TROUBLE FIGURING THINGS OUT." ARC:\SPEECH "...ALSO WHAT ARE YOUR PRONOUNS. I USE IT/ITS." "That everything?" You think. You nod. "Alright." The insect spins around, beginning to walk towards the store. You follow as they talk. "From the top," They wave their claw, thinking through their answers. "I went into the museum. There were a bunch of fuckin' stairs, and I should've bailed out right there, but I'm too curious for my own good. Always have been. Gonna curb that now, but anyway. There were three exhibits. Two of them sounded really boring. Don't even remember what they were. Third one was like... somethin' about art? Think it was 'oddities in' like... 'art education?' Or- 'Artistic education'- That's it. Pretty sure. Picked that one cause, y'know, it's a museum, lemme see some paintings at least. Anyway there weren't any. There were like, three Mini exhibits in the exhibit that were like... cursed stuff, or somethin'. Talked about 'ohhh this one's got ghosts in it!' or whatever. Some crank garbage, whatever. Picked the first one I came across, pretty much, cause I was gonna look at all of 'em. Went in and- ...weird stuff happened. And I ended up looking, Really different. I didn't deal with it. It sucked. Didn't have much else to do, so... went back to try and figure out what the hell was goin' on. And I don't remember Anything that happened. While I was there. Nothin'. Nada. All gone. Like I never even went there. Just woke up in my bed back to normal. Mostly, anyway. Like I said before. Nothing stayed the same as how I looked before, exactly, but there's like... . . . ...It left a mark, basically. Thing on my chest - and No I'm not lifting up my shirt so you can see it. We just met and you've never bought me a drink, so... yeah. You're gonna just have to trust me that it's a thing. And it's kinda reminiscent of how I looked when I changed. A bit. That's all I can really say. I haven't messed with it, other than I can say: it does NOT wash off. Didn't matter what I tried. And touching it made me feel weird. So whatever. As far as I'm concerned, just got a weird tattoo thing, but that's all. I got off easy enough, I am Not going back in there again." They clear their throat, the two of you having crossed the street now, approaching the mini mart. "As for Why we're fucked and Why I apparently didn't think to leave: I did. I tried. Every way I knew how. After I changed back I tried to bail on this whole awful place. Nothing worked. You're welcome to go try yourself, though, if you don't believe me. Be my guest. ...But if you manage to, you gotta come back for me or send help or whatever, alright? Consider it payment for the info. And for the record: You're all computer. No amer-whatever. I've got no theories, for any of it. Nobody was able to see me like I was, and considering I don't even remember changing back, I just assumed I got slipped somethin', got really fucked up, and got a bad tattoo. Wouldn't be the worst thing that's happened while I was Indisposed. The only thing that breaks that theory - other than not being able to leave, which Still could've been aftereffects of me getting slipped something, but Whatever - point being: It's You." The corvice stops walking, hanging around the side of the mini mart. "...That's how I knew we were fucked. Seeing you, and actually being able to talk with you... ...told me that: This is real. And I'm stuck here." Mikki rests against the brick wall of the building, looking off at the treeline. Wind whistles through the air. You think about your camera, for the first time in a while. The corvice suddenly claps their claws together. They turn to you and make a wide gesture, almost a shrug, as they back up towards the door. "But THAT'S why cigarettes exist. Aaaand cheap shitty alcohol. Just for me! Right now." They put a claw on the door handle. "Oh, and: No, I've barely seen anyone around here, no I.T. guy; ask around if you wanna find someone. And pronouns; they/them, whatever, I don't really care." They push it open. ▶ SENZA CAFFEINE vcr-classique A chime above the door sounds. The mini mart is about what you expect. Tinny radio music come from some a single speaker in random corner of the building. A few rows of shelves are laid out with various snacks, supplies, and knick-knacks. Some refrigerated and frozen sections are located along the back and side for cold drinks and cheap ready-made food. You have no time to take it in, though. "Morning." Someone speaks from the front counter. You don't look at them. You panic, and hurry behind one of the aisles. A very slight crouch is just enough to hide yourself completely behind the aisle. "How ya doing." Mikki gives a slight wave in the register's general direction. The corvice stares at you as you hide, then follows you over. "...You're being weird. Don't be weird." ARC:\SPEECH\WHISPER *"I DON'T WANT TO BE SEEN LIKE THIS."* "Look, you wanna figure this out, right? That's why you asked me eight million questions?" ARC:\SPEECH\WHISPER *"YES, BUT--"* "Then chill. When you go up to the counter, either they don't see you, and you're fine, or they Do see you, and you have another person to ask questions to." ARC:\SPEECH\WHISPER *"IT MAKES ME FEEL... BAD."* "Bud. It's gonna be fiiiine." They look at you again, and sigh. "I'm just gonna pick out some stuff. Then I'm gonna go check out. You can come up to the front when I do that. Or if you wanna hide back here, you can. Frankly it doesn't matter much t' me. But I'm tellin' you: Wasted Opportunity." Mikki gives you a couple pats on the shoulder. "Think about it." They head to the very back aisle with a whistle, out of your view. You somehow feel even more self-conscious now, especially hiding like you are. ARC:\TR_TH *COWARD.* You feel like a nuisance bothering Mikki about the whole thing. ARC:\TR_TH *STUPID, STUPID, STUPID.* ARC:\TR_TH *WISH I COULD CALM DOWN AND BE NORMAL ONCE IN MY GODDAMN LIFE.* ARC:\TR_TH *...IS THIS POPPING UP ON-* ARC:\TR_TH *UGH.* You 'speak' a bunch of dashes, one per line, to get rid of the other text on your screen. At least you're getting better at using this terrible body. You give the aisle you're in a cursory glance, because you have nothing else to do while Mikki shops. It is only now that you realize you forgot your wallet in your cabin. So, you can't exactly buy anything, anyway. You narrowly resist 'thinking' more expletives at yourself for fear they may be show up visually. A small display on the aisle's endcap catches your eye, however, and you walk over to check. GIMME POINTS! Value Vendor Save up your Gimme Points, spend them on great products! Our stock rotates, so check often! Various items are hung in little bags along the display, each having a price tag in points rather than cash. It's likely just a way to get rid of items they can't sell, you think. A few of them are cheap toys clearly intended for kids, though you think some might be worth it, especially if they're free. You make a mental note of each. Cheap Speakers (for Headphone Jack) - 5 points Phone/Touch Screen Stylus - 4 points Small General Toolbox - 3 points Multi-Purpose Pocket Knife - 2 points Pocket Notebook & Pen Set - 2 points Eight-Hour Phone Battery Pack - 2 points Erasable Pen - 1 point Pocket Radio - 1 point Cheap Earbuds - 1 point You fish around in your pocket, pulling out three of the Gimme Points coupons, each worth a single point. |
| Posted by MarxzVulpez - 11-30-2024, 09:10 AM |
|
Ask if Mikki remembers what exhibit(s) were there and which one (or more than one) Mikki interacted with, and see if it's the same one that you interacted with. Hmmm, maybe ask What it looks like from Mikki's perspective: is Arcana's current form like, 100% solid, is there any indication of what Arcana looks like normally/ prior to this (Amerveille), and does Mikki have an idea of why not everyone would be able to see the Computer Form (I'm guessing not but worth a shot) also ask what Mikki's pronouns are ya goof |
| Posted by ಠ_ಠ - 11-21-2024, 04:02 AM |
| "Should we call the cops?" |
| Posted by Lilium Mortem - 11-20-2024, 03:42 AM |
|
Last night you said you *mostly* turned back to normal. what didn't change? last night you aslso said we were fucked. *why* are we fucked? Why haven't you left? What's the deal with the museum? What's the deal with the 'town'? Is there any way to call my therapist that won't make a scene and also can you unlock my phone for me I can't work a touchscreen like this |
| Posted by knux400 - 11-20-2024, 03:38 AM |
|
"I think it would be best if you just... went over everything that happened to you while you were at the museum, start to finish. Which exhibit you went to, what it did, how you dealt with it after, and most importantly, how you got rid of it when you went back in the second time. I, uh. Really don't want to be stuck like this any longer than I have to." "In the meantime, though, I don't suppose you know anyone who's good with old computers? An IT person, maybe? I'm having some trouble figuring things out in here." When Mikki starts smoking, try to smell the smoke. I'm assuming that since you can't breathe, you also can't smell, but cigarette smoke is pretty awful anyway, so maybe that's a bit of a comfort here. As for your phone, see if they have those little pen styluses at the mini mart. It's a bit of a long shot, but being able to actually use your phone would count for a lot here. |
| Posted by SHIVERS - 11-20-2024, 03:27 AM |
|
Mikki is probably your best source of info right now. You want to head over ASAP. First, though... Considering how you felt after being up and about for so long, and that your tail plugged itself into the wall overnight, that's probably how you 'eat' now. You need to charge yourself regularly, or likely at least when you start feeling drained like before. You try to figure out a way to show a battery indicator or similar function to yourself, but nothing you Think or 'Speak' seems to have any effect. Maybe someone around knows computers well. You find yourself thinking about that. REALLY thinking about it. You're a computer. You Are just a machine now. You know you need to change back, but you try to parse if there's anything you like about this body. Better to try and think positively for now, right? No. No. Nope. You are not going to think about that. You aren't. You need to change back. This body is temporary and inconvenient, and the fact that the facial expressions of your REAL body are all screwed up when people can't see This body is- You can't stand that. You've put a lot of time and effort into doing your best to Not Stand Out, and now, whether people see this body or your old one, you stick out like a sore thumb. You hate it. You're getting rid of this. You know How. And then it'll be over. Back to normal. Realizing that you really are not feeling well - not that you ever Could, stuck like this - you think about calling your therapist. You think that through a little more. You'd have to go to the bar or the front desk, and stand there having a very personal conversation where anyone could hear you. That's if your therapist Could even hear you. The bartender could, but Mikki can't. They have to look at your screen. It'd be a gamble, and if you get it wrong all you'd do is worry your therapist. Either way, it'd be a spectacle. If anything would be a surefire way to Actually make you fall apart, it'd be That. You aren't going to do that. Not right now. You should at least grab your phone, though. You quickly locate it in your cabin; somehow it ended up under one of the pillows on your bed. You pull it out and press the button to turn the screen on. It's nearly dead, with 3% battery life. Annoying, but it's- You can't unlock it. You swipe and swipe and swipe nothing happens. You remember the same happening when you wore gloves. The touch sensors likely don't work with your hard plastic claws. You'd need someone else's help to even unlock your phone to find Any of your contacts' info. And with it nearly dead- You plug it into its charger and leave it at that for now. After a quick change of clothes, you don your jacket, pocket the various coupons, and head out the door. ▶ Observe Pasocom Music Club It's a bright, beautiful day outside, and you are a standing, walking computer person thing. This is already weird. At least it's nice out here. You wish you could think about that more than all the worries sifting around in your head. Is there even anything IN your head, anymore? That's the monitor. No data's stored in those, it's probably elsewhere. Your head is Literally empty. You pass by cabins 7 and 8, thankful that nobody's sitting around the unlit campfire as you walk by it. You do see that the pool is a bit lively today, spotting a few people walking in. Good thing you aren't headed that way. Mostly, you're just glad nobody's out and about by the cabins at the moment. You hurry your way over to cabin 11 just in case. When you reach it, you find it to be quite a lot smaller than your own. You knock a few times. You hear a muffled groan from inside. "...just leave th' coupons in the mailbox." With no real way to audibly speak, you knock again. Gently. Tapping out a small rhythm, hoping it would signal that this is more casual. You hear nothing. Someone exits their cabin relatively nearby. You don't dare to look. ARC:\TR_TH *COME ON MIKKI* ARC:\TR_TH *PLEASEPLEASE ANSWER* You knock a little faster. "...god in- Ugh." You hear rummaging noises through the door as your foot taps nervously, only for it to finally open. A bleary-eyed bug answers the door, leaning on the doorframe. ARC:\SPEECH "HELP." It's all you can think to say. They sigh. "Well. Fuck." The corvice massages their temple. "Look. When I said we could talk, I figured, y'know, I'd get to sleep. Slept like shit on your floor and woke up with a hangover, which I was tryin' to sleep off. So we'll talk some later, alright?" ARC:\SPEECH "BUT- OH. SORRY." ARC:\SPEECH "I CAN- I'LL-" You feel anxiety grasping at your circuits. Mikki is reading your screen. Including what had popped up before the door opened. ARC:\SPEECH "OH, DON'T WORRY ABOUT THAT. SORRY" ARC:\SPEECH "I CAN'T HELP IT. IT JUST POPS UP." Their head tilts skyward, a long sigh rolling out of them. "Alright. Here's the deal: We can talk Now if you come with me to the corner store across the street. I need more smokes and somethin' to kill this hangover. If you don't wanna do that, I get back in bed." ARC:\SPEECH "THERE-" ARC:\SPEECH "THERE MIGHT BE PEOPLE THERE, THOUGH." They shrug. "So? There's gonna be people around sometimes. Who cares? It'll probably just look like a weird costume if they can even see it." ARC:\SPEECH "I DON'T WANT TO LOOK WEIRD!" Not sure how your text will read, you force yourself to speak more calmly. ARC:\SPEECH "I MEAN I'D. REALLY, REALLY RATHER NOT-" "Then we talk later after I sleep. Those're your options." Options. Go with Mikki to the mini mart, or be alone for longer- ARC:\SPEECH "OKAY. YES. LET'S GO. SORRY." "You're good, chill." You watch the bug slip on some shoes, feeling profoundly stupid. They step out the door with you, not bothering to lock it. They walk fast; you pick up the pace to keep up. "Alright, we're walking, go ahead." ARC:\SPEECH "I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S... HOW THIS..." Mikki hears you buzzing. They stop just beyond the cabins, by the road. "...right. Hell." The corvice turns back to you. "Alright. You ask or say everything you're wantin' to say to me, right now. I'll answer on the walk over. Sound good? Okay Go." Mikki watches your screen, looking antsy. ARC:\SPEECH "UM..." |
| Posted by knux400 - 11-07-2024, 10:30 PM |
|
Talk to Mikki before anything else, they're the best source of information you have right now. Also worth noting that your plug tail is probably what you do instead of eating, now. See if you can find a battery indicator or a power level function anywhere. Maybe just "think" a command and it'll come up? |
| Posted by Lilium Mortem - 11-06-2024, 11:11 PM |
| Don't forget to grab your phone, even if you get your body back you've still been through something traumatic and you should talk to your therapist. But first try to see what you can learn from Mikki, then talk to your therapist, *then* go to the mesuem to see if you can get your body back. |
| Posted by MarxzVulpez - 11-06-2024, 10:55 PM |
|
Yeah, go see Mikki Also It's maybe scary to consider but is there anything you Do like more about your new form? Just thoughts... |
| Posted by skinstealer - 11-06-2024, 10:41 PM |
| cabin 11, it's the closest you have to answers. high plug tail it over ASAP |
| Posted by SHIVERS - 11-06-2024, 10:33 PM |
|
You're overwhelmed to say the least, but the sooner you can get answers, the sooner this can all be over. Hopefully they can give some info, drunk or not. You can't stand being seen like This. You try - unsuccessfully - to put that worry away. Time to push through it. ARC:\SPEECH "FROM THE WAY YOU'RE TALKING..." ARC:\SPEECH "YOU WENT TO THE MUSEUM?" ARC:\SPEECH "WHAT HAPPENED?" ARC:\SPEECH "WERE YOU SOMETHING ELSE BEFORE THIS?" ARC:\SPEECH "WHAT EXHIBIT DID YOU LOOK AT?" The bug puts their claws up. "Sloooow down. I don't read that fast. Chill." They stare into your screen, following the lines. You feel uncomfortably vulnerable, having someone stare directly Into your face. You try to remain still regardless. "Okay, yeah, I went there. Weird shit happened, got turned into- ...y'know what I'm not gettin' into that. Just know it was worse than yours, alright? Bein' a computer's not so bad. Besides, I changed back, so it'd probably work for you, too." You jerk forward, leaning in close. ARC:\SPEECH "HOW DID YOU CHANGE BACK!" The bug flinches. "Easy, easy there." They look genuinely nervous. You pull back. You probably look more intimidating like this than you realize. You hate that feeling. ARC:\SPEECH "...SORRY." "I went back to the museum the uh... think it was the morning after it happened." ARC:\SPEECH "AND?" "And that's it!" They shrug, laughing. "I don't remember aaaaaaanything else at all, sorry! Just when I left, I was me again. ...Mostly. Like 99.999999%, if I had to... . . . " They squint up at nothing. "...what's the word...?" The bug hardly moves. ARC:\SPEECH " . . . " ARC:\SPEECH "IF WE COULD GET BACK TO--" "Quantify." They snap their claws. "That's it." They take another drink. ARC:\SPEECH "...IF WE COULD GET BACK TO WHAT WE WERE TALKING ABOUT." "Mhmn. Yeah." ARC:\SPEECH "YOU DON'T REMEMBER ANYTHING ELSE ABOUT HOW YOU CHANGED BACK?" "Nnope. Went there like blacked out? Came to. Bam." They gesture their arms wide. "Me again." ARC:\SPEECH "WHAT EXHIBIT DID YOU LOOK AT?" "Uhhmm... art? Somethin'? Something with art." The bug stretches, laying back down on the steps. ARC:\SPEECH "IT MIGHT HELP ME IF YOU TELL ME EVERYTHING." "Don't rememberrrr." Their head tilts back. ARC:\SPEECH "WHAT ABOUT WHAT YOU TURNED INTO?" "Nnope, none of That stuff." ARC:\TR_TH *THIS WOULD BE MUCH EASIER IF THEY WEREN'T DRUNK.* They shrug, speaking in response to your /thought./ "Tough's luck, bubp." The bug hiccups. "Uogh..." ARC:\SPEECH "I REALLY HATE THAT YOU CAN SEE THOSE." "How come? What's 'TR...TH'? How's it Different?" ARC:\SPEECH " . . . " "...Well, you got your secrets, I got mine. And I got..." They curl up on the steps. "To gooooo to bed." Their eyes close. ARC:\SPEECH "WAIT, WAIT." The bug looks up at you again, groaning. "C'mon, I'm Tired." ARC:\SPEECH "THESE ARE MY FRONT STEPS, YOU-" ARC:\SPEECH "WHAT IF I DON'T GET TO TALK TO YOU AGAIN?" ARC:\SPEECH "WHAT IF SOMETHING HAPPENS?" "I won't explode, it's Fiiiine. What're you all Worried about ME for, anyway?" ARC:\SPEECH "I ONLY-" ARC:\SPEECH "I DON'T-" ARC:\TR_TH *DONT WANT TO BE BY MYSELF* ARC:\TR_TH *AGAIN* You try to push the visible thought down with more lines of text. ARC:\SPEECH "DON'T" ARC:\SPEECH "READ" ARC:\SPEECH "T" ARC:\SPEECH "H" ARC:\SPEECH "A" ARC:\SPEECH "T" ARC:\SPEECH "." ARC:\SPEECH "PLEASE." "Read what?" The corvice snickers quietly. Your head hangs down. They reach up to lightly pat your shoulder. "Worrying tooooo much, c'mputer. Gotta... quit that. O-kay?" They point at you, before their arm goes limp on the steps. You don't respond. The corvice's eyes gradually begin to close. You rub the side of your head. ARC:\SPEECH "...WHAT CABIN ARE YOU IN?" "Leven." They yank a key out of their pocket, displaying it proudly, for some reason. A number '11' keychain dangles from it. "The one in the waaaaay Back." ARC:\SPEECH " . . . " ARC:\SPEECH "IF YOU'RE BACK TO NORMAL," ARC:\SPEECH "THEN WHY HAVEN'T YOU LEFT?" The bug's yellow-green eyes are barely open. "Couldn't. ...Screwed! Screwed, liiike I... said. You're welcome..." They roll to their side, looking uncomfortable on the hard steps. "...t'... try..." ARC:\SPEECH "WHAT?" ARC:\SPEECH "HEY..." They stop moving entirely, only the rise and fall of their breath is left. Fast asleep. ARC:\SPEECH " . . . " The night fills with quiet once more. Your claws hold your screen. You wish you could breathe. Back to it. You hesitantly tug the collar of their shirt down an inch or two, just enough to inspect their neck. No marks. Nothing out of the ordinary. ARC:\TR_TH *...WHAT NOW?* ARC:\TR_TH *ITS TOO COLD TO LEAVE THEM OUTSIDE* You spot the cabin key. Still in their claw. After retrieving it, you stand and reach your arms under their back and legs, trying to lift them. You can't even get them fully off the steps before your limbs crackle, sparks flying. You nearly drop them as your power flickers. ARC:\TR_TH *BAD IDEA BAD IDEA* ARC:\TR_TH *BAD IDEA BAD IDEA* ARC:\TR_TH *THEN* ARC:\TR_TH *ONLY ONE OTHER OPTION* Reluctantly, you open your door. This time, being as careful as possible, you put your claws under their shoulders. You manage to drag them inside without your power cutting out. You push the door shut with your foot once they're in. You feel particularly drained, in a way you've never felt before. It's a wispy, faint feeling. You don't like it. You toss the bed's thick comforter onto the floor and drag the bug onto it, putting an extra pillow under their head for good measure. You place their key next to their head, hoping they'll find it when they wake up. ARC:\TR_TH *...ONE LAST THING* You ignore the fading feeling and make your way into the joint restroom. You make absolutely sure to lock both doors, including the one your neighbor would use to get in. A sense of dread fills you as you approach the mirror. You examine yourself. Your head is the same as it was before. Blue screen, visible lines of text, wood paneling, knobs on the front. Normal computer monitor. Normal head. ARC:\TR_TH *NORMAL, NORMAL, NORMAL* ARC:\TR_TH *ALL NORMAL* ARC:\TR_TH *VERY NORMAL. 'NORMAL.' YES. SURE* At your neck, you notice a few buttons. It's difficult to see them properly in the old mirror, but you think one reads 'KB' and one reads 'CS'. ARC:\TR_TH *NEVER TOUCHING THOSE.* You turn to the side. Your clothes are now noticeably baggy. There must not be much to you under- Something moves. You swivel in surprise. It moves with you. You look behind you. You still have a tail. A new one. It's a long, thick power cord, by the looks of it, and it seems to be moving about of its own accord; weakly lashing side-to-side on occasion. It moves a little more like a feline tail than your old one did. You don't know if this is better or worse than not having one at all. You grab it. You can Feel it. Just as your claws and head also have a sense of touch. You can't fathom why, but you're grateful for it. You don't want to think about being fully numb. As you let go of your tail, your eyes follow downwards. Firstly: You aren't wearing shoes anymore. You don't have a clue what happened to them. Secondly: Your paws are gone, replaced by simplistic-looking, three-pronged metal claws. Two claws are pointed forward, while the back one almost serves as a heel. They'd look a little like avian talons if they weren't so... squared. Not to mention, you have no range of motion in the claws themselves, only the heel. You pull your pant-leg up, finding a ball joint there. Rolling up your sleeve, you find similar along your simplistic mechanical arm. ARC:\TR_TH *AT LEAST MY FINGERS HAVE SOME MOTION TO THEM.* You wish they weren't hard plastic, though. You're worried they may be brittle. You find yourself unable to stall any longer. ARC:\TR_TH *MOMENT OF TRUTH* You lift your shirt up, looking at your torso. It's about what you were expecting. A mix of hard plastic and metal in a boxy format, with the two bulkiest points being where your upper torso had been - which looks to be the 'computer' portion of your body, looking most like the TOLA from before - and your 'hips', which are now a rather large set of several metal joints in a hard plastic shell. Connecting the two points, a thick, clear plastic tube surrounds several cords in various colors, and a length of metal with many interlocking joints, dull spikes protruding from each one; very much resembling a spine, unnervingly. All in all, you surmise that your new chest and spine are likely to be particularly vulnerable, along with your screen. Not too much has changed, then. Though, a thought is nagging you one you can't seem to put away. Namely, that: There's no room to fit you - the Real you, your body - in this one. Not anywhere. It isn't a suit. You let your shirt fall back into place. You don't want to look anymore. You unlock both doors, hurrying back to your cabin. Once there, you toss off your jacket and slip your pajamas on. The stranger is still sound asleep. ARC:\TR_TH *...NONE OF THE BODY THINGS MATTER.* ARC:\TR_TH *LIKE THEY SAID. ILL GET IT BACK* ARC:\TR_TH *ITLL BE FINE* That wispy feeling is stronger than ever. You hardly feel present at all. You flick the light off, annoyed at just how bright your blue screen is in the dark room. You crawl into bed, feeling physically out-of-place Immediately upon lying against the bed. The blankets catch on your body many times before you succeed in pulling them over you. You can't properly care. You're in bed. ARC:\TR_TH * . . . * ARC:\TR_TH *...HOW DO I SLEEP* ARC:\TR_TH *DO I SLEEP...?* You barely get the thought out. TOLA:\SYS [REST MODE: ON] TOLA:\SYS [GOOD NIGHT !] Your screen flicks off. Lights out. ⛌ DAY TWO ⛌ TOLA:\SYS [REST MODE: OFF] ▶ Logo Rhythmic IV Reginald J. Lewis TOLA:\SYS [GOOD MORNING !] ARC:\ You start up. You move your body, only to find it stuck on something. Your head turns, finding that your tail is plugged into the outlet by the wall. You yank it out, feeling an odd tingling sensation shoot through you as a result. It lasts only a second or two. You shake it off. ARC:\TR_TH *NOT A DREAM* ARC:\TR_TH *STELLAR.* You check the time, finding a sticky note on the alarm clock in the process. You peel it off and read it. my bad for last night thanks for setting me up I'm in cabin 11 if you want to actually talk today. also stuff got dropped in your mailbox. prob coupons - Mikki You set the note aside. The time is 9:49 AM You pull yourself out of bed and open your mailbox, retrieving everything inside. There's quite a haul this time: Two free meal tickets to Bo's Bar & Restaurant. Three 'Gimme Points' coupons, assumedly for the mini mart. Four gold coins; arcade tokens, probably. And, of course, one free ticket to the Whipsaw Oddity Museum. Options. The front desk, museum, pool, and mini mart are all open, while the bar doesn't open until Noon, and the arcade isn't open until 2PM. 'Mikki' mentioned that going back to the museum, specifically the morning after being changed, is what turned them back. You're reluctant to go back at all after what happened, but it'd be worth it to change back and get this over with. That is, if you can trust what they said while drunk and half asleep. You could go talk with them in cabin #11. They are the only solid resource for information that you've found, so far. Though, you hadn't had the chance to talk to the person in cabin #8 yet. Either one could be a good option. You had the thought before to talk to Olive at the front desk, seeing as she did say she was, sort of, a doctor. ...You have no idea how much medical training would help right now, though, and she might not be able to see you as This, anyway. The mini mart is open. You have those points, whatever they are. That is an option? Maybe if you run out of others, first. Just the same, the pool is still open. You still doubt Computer and Water will mix well. You could also try for your car. It's still in the parking lot across the street, assuming nothing happened to it. Mikki said they weren't able to leave, but you don't really know Why, and don't know that that would happen to You. It might be worth not risking the museum again, and simply cutting your losses. You could probably find someone elsewhere that could figure out whatever turned you into this. Maybe? You don't know. It's an option. Part of you is hesitant to leave the cabin at all, though. Knowing it's highly likely that at least someone is going to see you this way. Technically, you could simply wait until it's dark again. Less people, less eyes. That's a lot of daylight to waste, though. Too many options. Your processor's running too fast. |
| Posted by MarxzVulpez - 10-31-2024, 10:29 AM |
|
Well, as they said might as well talk try and get as clear of an explanation out of em as you can, you've had a hell of a night so far but we can get through it. plus the sooner you get any sort of answers (even a start) the sooner you can get working towards fixing stuff, yeah? |
| Posted by Lilium Mortem - 10-30-2024, 10:25 PM |
| Ask what cabin they're in and talk to them in the morning. The probability of getting straight answers is inversely proportional to how drunk they are. And you need to calm down and process things before hearing Omens Of Dire Import or whatever. |
| Posted by skinstealer - 10-30-2024, 10:25 PM |
| also check their neck |
| Posted by skinstealer - 10-30-2024, 10:24 PM |
| ask if...they are usually a bug. |
| Posted by knux400 - 10-30-2024, 10:19 PM |
|
"Wait, back up. You've been in the museum, too? What exhibit did you look at? What happened to you?" If we can get some more information out of this person, go for it- but if they're too weird and creepy, just head back into your room. |
| Posted by SHIVERS - 10-30-2024, 09:54 PM |
|
Well. Either you don't actually look like this and you're hallucinating. In which case this should go okay? Or, you do look like this, and hopefully you don't look too offputting. It should be fine. You wind through the tables towards the bar. "EXCU--" You didn't speak. Not out loud, anyway. Though, a faint buzzing noise came out with every character you 'spoke.' There's something fuzzy in your vision. It takes a little while to focus on it. You can see your screen displayed alongside your normal sight; almost like an overlay, but something more instinctive. It reads: DATA LOADED. TRANSFER COMPLETE. DRIVE "ARC:" INITIALIZED. ARC:\SPEECH "EXCU--" ARC:\ There's a blinking cursor at the end of the text. ARC:\TR_TH *FUCK* You stop dead in your tracks. The buzzing noise is fainter this time, but even keeping a train of thought seems to project it onto your screen. ARC:\TR_TH *OH GOD WHAT DO I-* ARC:\TR_TH *SHUT UP SHUTUP SHHH DONT THINK SO MUCH* All composure is lost. "Come again?" Your back arches on its own, standing at attention. ARC:\SPEECH "SORRY!" ARC:\SPEECH "VERY SORRY ABOUT THAT." ARC:\SPEECH "I AM STILL GETTING USED TO THIS." ARC:\SPEECH "HAHA HA." ARC:\SPEECH "ANYWAY, I AM-" ARC:\SPEECH "NEW, HERE. COULD I ASK YOU SOME THINGS." "Shoot." You realize that the bartender still isn't looking up at you. ARC:\TR_TH *WAIT* ARC:\TR_TH *CAN THEY HEAR ME?* ARC:\TR_TH *CAN THEY HEAR /THIS/?* ARC:\TR_TH *TESTING. TESTING. HAVING VOICE PROBLEMS. CAN YOU HEAR ME?* The beatfox quietly wipes down another portion of the bar. ARC:\SPEECH "UH." ARC:\SPEECH "QUESTIONS. SORRY, KIND OF RATTLED RIGHT NOW." "You're good, just ask." ARC:\TR_TH *OKAY I'M* ARC:\TR_TH *PROPERLY AUDIBLE WHEN I TALK, BUT NOT WHEN THINKING.* ARC:\TR_TH *VERY VERY GOOD TO KNOW.* ARC:\TR_TH *MAYBE THAT MEANS I DON'T ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE THIS?* ARC:\TR_TH *I SHOULD ASK ABOUT THAT. WHAT I LOOK LIKE* ARC:\TR_TH *WHAT'S A WAY TO DO THAT COVERTLY...?* ARC:\SPEECH "...WOULD YOU SAY THAT I LOOK LIKE A POCKITT?" ARC:\SPEECH "I'M NOT ONE, BUT I HAD SOMEONE EARLIER TODAY CONFUSE ME FOR ONE." ARC:\SPEECH "PERSONALLY, I CAN'T SEE IT, BUT I'D LIKE A SECOND OPINION." ARC:\SPEECH "I'VE JUST BEEN THINKING ABOUT IT." ARC:\SPEECH "I KNOW SOME OF THEM ARE KANGAROOS, TOO, BUT..." ARC:\SPEECH "SURELY THE RESEMBLANCE ISN'T THAT STRONG." ARC:\SPEECH "WE'RE PRETTY DIFFERENT SPECIES, I'D SAY." The beatfox glances up at you for the first time, studying you. Your body feels restless, filled with energy. Practically electric. Likely some odd form of mechanical anxiety. You don't like it. "...Kinda. There's some resemblance, but your eyes are different-" ARC:\TR_TH *I STILL HAVE EYES!!* "-and you're taller than a lot of pockitts I've seen. Different shapes, too. ...Plus, there's that thing around your neck." ARC:\TR_TH *I'M NORMAL! I LOOK NOR-* ARC:\TR_TH *WHAT* ARC:\SPEECH " . . . " ARC:\SPEECH "...WHAT'S IT LOOK LIKE?" "Tattoo, maybe. Dunno." You didn't have that before. ARC:\SPEECH "IS IT, LIKE-" ARC:\SPEECH "DOES IT LOOK--" "Buddy, what is this? You just fishin' for compliments?" You wave your plastic claws. ARC:\SPEECH "SORRY! SORRY." ARC:\SPEECH "HAVING... A WEIRD NIGHT, IS ALL." ARC:\TR_TH *HOW DO I PUT THIS* ARC:\SPEECH "I THINK I... HIT MY HEAD, A LITTLE BIT AGO." ARC:\SPEECH "WHEN I CHECKED IN EARLIER TODAY, THE PERSON WHO CHECKED ME IN-" "Olive." ARC:\SPEECH "IS THAT HER NAME?" "You're at the cabins?" You nod. "Then yeah, would've been her." ARC:\SPEECH "WELL. ARC:\SPEECH "OLIVE MENTIONED... SOMETHING ABOUT BEING THE CLOSEST THING TO A DOCTOR NEARBY." ARC:\SPEECH "...I THINK I HIT MY HEAD PRETTY BAD." "Don't look it, but I'll take your word for it." ARC:\SPEECH "EITHER WAY, I'D LIKE TO CHECK IN WITH HER." "Is it an emergency?" ARC:\SPEECH "UH" ARC:\SPEECH "I DON'T" ARC:\SPEECH "THINK SO?" They raise an eyebrow. "Then you can wait 'til she opens the front desk in the morning. ...How'd you hit your head?" ARC:\TR_TH *UH* ARC:\SPEECH "FELL." ARC:\SPEECH "...C... COMING OUT OF THE MUSEUM." ARC:\SPEECH "HIT MY HEAD ON THE FOUNTAIN, I THINK. MUST HAVE." "Must have?" ARC:\SPEECH "JUST. YOU KNOW, SYMPTOMS. AND I DID FALL." ARC:\SPEECH "...I'M NOT REALLY SURE WHAT ELSE COULD'VE HAPPENED." "What symptoms?" ARC:\SPEECH "I-" ARC:\SPEECH "THEY'RE-" ARC:\SPEECH "I'M NOT REALLY... SURE HOW TO DESCRIBE THEM. WELL." The bartender looks you up and down. That restlessness hits you hard. Your claws are twitching. ARC:\TR_TH *I NEED TO. LEAVE* ARC:\TR_TH *I WANT TO LEAVE I WANT TO LEAVE* You brace yourself on one of the barstools, feeling heat in your chest. "...Tell you what: I'm gonna stay in here another... half an hour. If you change your mind and wanna call an ambulance--" ARC:\SPEECH "NO! NO, I MEAN-" ARC:\SPEECH "SORRY. I'M FINE! IS WHAT I-" ARC:\SPEECH "LIKE, IT-" ARC:\SPEECH "THERE- THE-" "-Your facial expression hasn't changed since you came in, and you're talkin' funny. Kinda monotone." ARC:\TR_TH *I AM?! OH GOD* "You could have a concussion. So maybe take a sec and think about--" ARC:\SPEECH "DIDN'T REALIZE! SORRY ABOUT THAT." You start backing up towards the door. ARC:\SPEECH "I THINK I'M JUST" ARC:\SPEECH "VERY VERY TIRED. HAHA." ARC:\SPEECH "I THINK AFTER SOME SLEEP I'LL SEE HOW I FEEL AND IF IT'S BAD I'LL TALK TO..." ARC:\SPEECH " . . . " "...Olive." ARC:\SPEECH "OLIVE! I'LL TALK TO HER." ARC:\SPEECH "THANK YOU SOMUCH 4YOURHELP AND SORRY FOR THE TROUBLE-" "Hey--" ARC:\SPEECH "HAVE A GOOD NIGHT!" You accidentally slam your hip into the door as you hastily push through it, ending up outside. Your claws reach up holding the sides of your monitor head. ARC:\TR_TH *IT ISNT REAL* ARC:\TR_TH *IT ISNT REAL* ARC:\TR_TH *GET A FUCKING GRIP ALREADY* You smack the side of the monitor, hearing the CLUNK every time. It hurts. And it all still feels real. ARC:\TR_TH *WHY DO I STILL FEEL IT* ARC:\TR_TH *WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH ME* Nothing you try makes it go away. A thorough look at yourself will probably help. You can probably find a way to prove to yourself that it isn't real. Then, it'll hopefully go away? If not, you can check in with the person in cabin #8. If they were there, maybe they stumbled into what you did, too. Maybe you were drugged? That could be it. You'd like to check regardless. You walk back across the street, not checking for cars this time. The campfire catches your eye. You spot someone sitting on a log next to it. ARC:\TR_TH *NO WAY IN HELL IM TRYING UNNECESSARY SOCIAL CONTACT AGAIN* ARC:\TR_TH *APPARENTLY MY FACE IS BARELY MOVING ANYMORE AND MY VOICE IS WEIRD* ARC:\TR_TH *WEIRD/ER/ THAN BEFORE, AT LEAST* ARC:\TR_TH *THE LESS I OPEN MY MOUTH THE BETTER* You deliberately walk far to the south, looping around the back of your cabin to make it to the front. It looks like the person at the campfire is still there, though you can only really see their silhouette. ARC:\TR_TH *GOOD* ARC:\TR_TH *ALMOST INSIDE* You fish your key out of your pocket and jam it into the lock. It's dark. You miss, and drop your keys. ARC:\TR_TH *AUGH* You reach down to get them, forgetting how large your head is now; it bangs into your door. You end up sitting on your butt on the steps outside your door, rubbing your somehow-sore monitor. ARC:\TR_TH *FIGURES* ARC:\TR_TH *KILL ME* You scoop up your keys. "Hoooooly shit. Look at You." ARC:\SPEECH "WHU H" Your head swivels upward, meeting the eyes of a corvice - some sort of insect morph - standing over you. "Is that really Real?" They reach out and tap your screen, causing you to pull your head back. "Oh my GOD, it is." ARC:\SPEECH "YOU CAN SEE TH-" ARC:\SPEECH "WHA T" "You're like buzzing. You bust your head when you bumped it? I'd fix you but I'm nnnot good with computers." They lean in and squint at your screen. ARC:\TR_TH *DONT LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT* ARC:\TR_TH *THERES NO WAY THEYRE SEEING IT* ARC:\TR_TH *IT ISNT REAL* ARC:\TR_TH *IT ISNT REAL* Their face lights up. "THAT'S how you talk now? That's so Fucked." The bug laughs - a little too loudly - and slumps down roughly onto the steps next to you. They pull a bottle of cheap-looking alcohol from their pocket and take a swig. "Definitely real, just between us. You're lucky that's all you got." They flop onto their back, laying across the steps. "Welp! Wasn't just me; thank fuck, honestly. And hey not just You! Either! You got-" They gesture to themself. "-me! This asshole! Who's currently veeery, very drunk." The bug laughs. "Sorry 'bout that. Not much else to do! We're pretty screwed, so it's like..." They tip the bottle up. "-might as well." |
| Posted by skinstealer - 10-30-2024, 03:18 AM |
| thirding...though we should consider tracking down cabin 8's resident, i want to see what the hell they were doing down there too |
| Posted by Lilium Mortem - 10-29-2024, 10:51 PM |
(10-29-2024, 10:31 PM)knux400 Wrote: Let's... ask about the receptionist, I think. All things considered, we don't look too different from some kind of construct species, so assuming none of these people are prejudiced against mechanical beings, your appearance shouldn't be too offputting. Just don't make any sudden moves or mention destroying organic life or anything like that. Seconded |
| Posted by knux400 - 10-29-2024, 10:31 PM |
|
Let's... ask about the receptionist, I think. All things considered, we don't look too different from some kind of construct species, so assuming none of these people are prejudiced against mechanical beings, your appearance shouldn't be too offputting. Just don't make any sudden moves or mention destroying organic life or anything like that. If the receptionist isn't here, our next stop should be our room to get our contact list and get familiar with our new robot body. I don't think being in the bar is a good idea considering our anxiety level and lack of familiarity with ourselves, so we shouldn't stay here any longer than we have to. |
| Posted by SHIVERS - 10-29-2024, 08:54 PM |
|
You think over the details you can remember about the TOLA, trying to reassure yourself. The placard said the computer itself would disappear, and mentioned disappearances of people, too. So, maybe it's done this before? And returned every time. This could be temporary, then. You don't remember it saying anything about the people returning, though. You don't want to think about what happens to you if it decides to return to its desk with you still inside it. Hopefully you aren't on a time limit, here. You shake that thought away. Maybe there's a way to actually Use the computer while it's You? You could check for a keyboard. You reach towards your tors- No. You stop yourself. No, you REALLY do not want to feel what 'your body' is, right now. Everything has felt Wrong, physically, since you left the museum. Besides, you wouldn't be able to see much without removing your clothes. And you are Not doing that out here. You can give yourself a full examination when you're back in your cabin, not standing outside in the middle of nowhere. You briefly consider trying to figure out potential commands, but remember that whatever you consider Yourself is in here. You don't want to screw up and delete yourself from existence. And that sounds like something You, of all people, would find a way to do by accident. No Thank You. Maybe you can try later when you're 'calmer', whatever that might look like now. You decide on the bar. You can ask for help, or call for help. You make your way over to it, slowing your pace. You nearly fell, before; your head might be even more fragile than before, right now. You'd rather not find out what happens if any part of this body cracks. Some adjustment time could help right now, anyway. So, you take it slow. You reach the double-doors at the front of the bar. There's music coming from inside. You place your plastic claw on the handle, and proceed to hesitate. You're worried about being attacked, but, also even just having people be Afraid of you, or thinking you look Strange or Off-putting like this, or just Staring sounds mortifying. No choice. You probably don't even look like this, anyway. It probably isn't happening. You push your way inside. ▶ Future People Alabama Shakes A set of small bells ring quietly above the door. Some radio station plays faintly from speakers throughout the building. Before you manage to locate another person, a gruff voice speaks up from behind the bar. You freeze stiff at the sound, your back arching in a way that feels particularly alien. "Got about 20 minutes til we close. You want food or drink, lemme know." The voice's owner is a rather large, orange beatfox far to the left, wiping down the back of the bar with a rag. They aren't really looking at you. It's likely they only heard the door open. You take the moment to survey the bar itself. It's a lot bigger on the inside than you pictured. The bar is at the far left, stretching around the corner of the restaurant. You can see an open window into the kitchen behind it. The restaurant takes up most of the building, with many, many tables spanning the giant, open room. There's a few booths in the corner opposite the bar, too. They look comfy, and semi-private. On the right side, tucked away, there are a few pool tables, a dart board, and a couple of slot machines with chairs. The shining lights from the slots catch your attention, so you deliberately avoid looking at them. There's a clock ticking on the center wall of the room. It reads 11:37 PM. A phone hangs on the wall between the restaurant's tables and the games to the right side. You debate going up to the bar and asking for help, but, they haven't seen you yet. And you feel anxious thinking about them doing so. Your monitor head tucks slightly down against your shoulders; an annoyingly-unconscious motion you can't seem to stop. The phone. You want to try the phone first. They're bound to see you, when you use it, but hopefully you won't look menacing making a phone call. Surely you won't. You step over to it, debating who to call. You don't know very many people. And you don't really want to bother any of them. For all you know, this probably isn't actually happening. You had a panic attack in a museum because you were alone, and scared and something just broke in your brain. Or maybe the TOLA really does cause hallucinations; from radiation, or something like that. Either way, you could try calling your therapist. Try to get your head on strai- . . . Try to sort out your brain. That sounds like a better idea. You lift the receiver and immediately remember that: You don't have any phone numbers memorized. You check your pockets. You don't have your phone. Or your wallet, for that matter. You left both in your cabin. The only thing in your pocket is the meal ticket. You hang the receiver up, gently bonking your head against the wall, resting it there for a few seconds in annoyance at yourself. Well. New options. You could steel yourself and ask the person manning the bar for help. Or, at least, check if this is actually happening with another person. You should work up a proper approach if you decide to do this, you think. If you do talk to them, and somehow this DOES seem to be happening, you wonder if you should ask about the person who checked you in: She mentioned having some medical training. Maybe she could help, somehow? Or check things out, at least? You don't know. You're grasping at straws, here. You could also still use the phone, and call the emergency line. But, is that a good option when you aren't Entirely Sure this is happening? What if it isn't, and a emergency services come all the way out here for nothing? What would you even say? 'My head is a computer. Help? Thanks.' Still, it IS the only number you know off-hand. You could also go anywhere else. The previous options are still open to you. The pool, the lit campfire, checking on the person in cabin #8, or returning to your own cabin. Even the museum is still technically open. You really don't want to go back there. But, you could. There are probably more options you're forgetting, too. Time to decide. |
| Posted by MarxzVulpez - 10-29-2024, 06:47 AM |
| it's kind of late but maybe we should try and find the on who checked us in: she said she's the closest thing to Medical Help for miles, maybe she could help or has answers. Reception IS closed though so maybe we could find someone who knows where she is, or if not someone else who could help so maybe the Bar is the best bet |
| Posted by knux400 - 10-29-2024, 05:14 AM |
|
Head to the bar and ask for help, but take it slow. Give yourself some time to get adjusted to the new body. The TOLA was the one that disappears from time to time, and it comes back loaded up with memories and experiences. It's done this bodyswapping thing before, presumably, and returned to the desk intact each time. Hopefully that means it's just a temporary thing and it'll wear off eventually? Examine yourself closely. Is there a physical keyboard on your body somewhere you can use to type commands? It may also be a mental input thing. If you had this thing when you were younger, you might remember some simple commands you could try. Or at the very least, how to access a help directory. |
| Posted by Lilium Mortem - 10-29-2024, 01:09 AM |
| You've just been through something deeply traumatic. Call a therapist. I mean I know it's night but there's gotta be a hotline or something for mental health crisis stuff, right? |
| Posted by ಠ_ಠ - 10-29-2024, 12:36 AM |
| Go to the bar and call someone you know. |
| Posted by SHIVERS - 10-28-2024, 11:51 PM |
|
You can make this quick. Check out the TOLA-4 - if it's there, if it even supposedly disappears - then the C07. That one seems safest. You don't really want to mess with the 225. You walk to the center curtain and part it, moving inside. The room within is relatively normal. Still the same green walls and carpet, still the same sourceless light; but it's only the computer system, sitting on a desk across from the curtain. You walk over to get a better look. It's- oh i recognize this i think looks really similar to one of the first computers i ever used didnt know it was called a TOLA The computer itself is a dark grey box - about a foot and a half wide and maybe four or five inches tall, you estimate - with a keyboard protruding from the front of it. The TOLA is currently connected to an old, but nicely kept CRT monitor; grey with dark brown wood paneling on the sides. The monitor has two knobs and a speaker on its front, along with a few plastic dials underneath them. Another cord leads next to the keyboard, where the aforementioned cassette reader has been placed, along with what looks to be an example cassette to test out. You pull the nearby office chair over and seat yourself at the desk. Curiously, you reach up and turn the power knob on the monitor. It crackles to life, eventually lighting up with static. You hear the faintest electronic hum coming from the CRT. Your shoulders relax against the tall back of the chair. Feeling somewhat calmer, you find the computer's power switch on the side of the box. It kicks on. ▶ Logo Rhythmic IV Reginald J. Lewis The black screen turns to dark green, while a bright green square seems to drift around the screen in a spiral pattern, drawing a blocky line with various sparkly effects in a simplistic animation. When it finishes, the letters for TOLA appear, one in each corner of the screen around the spiral. It holds for a couple of seconds, then the entire screen fades to bright green. Dark green text appears along with a blinking cursor. TOLA4 . . . . . . . . OK. INPUT . . . . . . . . OK. DISPLAY . . . . . . . OK. CST_RDR . . . . . . . OK. ADDTL . . . . . . . NONE. INSERT CASSETTE. You reach over and pick up the cassette next to the reader. It's white, with a blue label that's fairly worn. Most of the label's fields aren't filled in, though someone's written on the two lines for 'Title'. ARC-DRIVE RELAY 1183 1141 8514 huh. maybe its a game? i remember that one back in the day had a couple the mansion one was pretty fun Feeling a little excited for the first time you step foot in this place, you open the cassette reader and pop it in. The computer seems to detect the cassette; a new line of text appears. LOAD CASSETTE? Y/N You tap the 'Y' key on the keyboard, then hit 'ENTER.' LOADING DATA . . . Various buzzing noises emit from the monitor's speaker. It's a little bit loud, but otherwise not a big deal. You reach out for the volume knob to turn it down. Your hand doesn't make it. ▶ Stretch Marks Siarate Your head pounds. Your vision tilts. The screen suddenly seems far away. You feel pins and needles along your ears moving downwards. Something is Wrong You scoot the chair away from the table. It takes far too long to stand up. Your body feels sluggish. You use the desk for support. You turn around, walking towards- The curtain is gone. You're standing in an open field, at night. Trees border the field, though they're distant. Wind sifts through the grass. There is no other sound. There is no moon in the sky. You turn back around. The TOLA is still there. You barely manage to sit. Around you, there are walls again, but there is no curtain behind you. You see through a window ahead of you - a few cubicles and computers. You recognize this place. There's no time to process. You try to turn the TOLA off. The switch does not move. You grab and pull at its cords. Your muscles don't respond as they should. You try to stop the cassette reader. To open it. To break it. Anything. You can't muster up the strength. You pull frantically at the computer. Trying to throw it to the floor. It doesn't budge. Your fingers are numb. You can't move your mouth. Something red drips onto the desk. You look down and reach up, checking. Blood runs from your muzzle. It stains your hand. A wheeze trails from your throat. Your neck is bur ni n g. But the rest of you feels hardly there at all. It's hard to see. It's hard to think. It doesn't feel like you're breathing anymore. An idle thought drifts lazily to the murky surface how you'd like to sleep. A light suddenly shines from behind you. You turn the chair with nearly-numb paws. ▶ Late Night TV There's a television behind you, in the corner. It looks towards you. Playing some show or another. You can't tell. You can barely hear it. You don't really feel here. You know where you are. This is your bedroom. From a long time ago. Your legs are made of lead but you force yourself to stand to take a few wavering steps towards the TV. You focus, when you're close. Trying to see what show is on as if maybe that could help you somehow you think. Something dark and fuzzy pushes forward into your vision. It tips over in front of you and THUMPS onto the floor in front of you. The room looks a little brighter, now. You look down, to see what fell. ▶ Facing Responsibility Siarate Your own head lays on the floor between your feet. Blood pools from its mouth and the stump where its neck had been. Your glasses rest a few inches nearby, bent from the fall. There's still some motion left. Its muzzle opens and closes a microscopic amount. Its cheek twitches. Its eyes are wide open but you can tell just by looking that it's dead. The rest of your still-standing body looks to be rotting. You're missing some of your fingers. You hadn't noticed. It all feels numb The room rotates vertically. You realize only after that you fell. Your shoulder had banged into the desk, tilting it. Your view, pointed up at the ceiling, watches as things begin to fall from the desk. The reader the cassette the keyboard and computer itself- You don't see where they fall. The monitor slides to the edge. You watch as it tilts. It's still on. It's still loading. Its screen faces you. You feel your train of thought recede, washing out like a tide. The monitor slips You stare in as it plummets onto You can see again. You don't remember opening your eyes, but you're awake now, staring at the ceiling. The room is dark, and it's spinning a little. There's a dim blue light coming from Somewhere - you aren't investigating again, you couldn't care less. You feel out-of-it. Your memory's fuzzy, though that doesn't really surprise you. You remember looking in on the TOLA, messing around with the cassette reader. After that, nothing. You must've passed out? Were you really that anxious? You feel stupid. At least your neck doesn't hurt anymore. You sit up, then stand. You feel pretty heavy, especially your head. Nothing quite moves right, and you're still feel dazed. Even your vision's a little blurry. makes sense if i passed out REALLY hope no one saw me oh well i want out of here already You find the black curtain in the dark and part it, stepping through. This room is different than the one you came through before. You swear it is. It's smaller, and there doesn't seem to be much in here at all: Only a red door labeled 'EXIT', and something rectangular hanging on the adjacent wall. You walk towards the exit, turning your head to check the other- It's a mirror. Inside it stands something unfamiliar. You see your jacket, your jeans, your sneakers on- You take a step closer. -being worn by someone wearing an old CRT for a head, with a bright blue screen. The monitor's grey. Wood paneling on the sides. Knobs on the front. why would- The memories of the cassette loading rush back to you. You feel woozy. You look down. You see curved, grey, segmented claws of hard plastic, moving and stretching as you will them to. You reach your plastic claw up. The plastic claws knock against the screen. It hurts a little. Your screen. Your head. You run your claws against the sides of the monitor You can feel them running across your head. You grasp the sides of the monitor, in a desperate attempt, trying to pull it off. It hurts when you try. You let go. You stare into the mirror. You spot text on your screen. DATA LOADED. TRANSFER COMPLETE. DRIVE "ARC:" INITIALIZED. ARC:\ There's a blinking cursor at the end of the text. You'll wake up, soon. You're sure you will. You have to. You walk as briskly as you can to the exit. All your movement feels wrong. Nothing is quite weighted in the right way anymore. The dizziness hasn't worn off, either, but you fight through it. You're soon through the door into a white hallway. There's another exit door at the far end, this one with a push bar instead of a door knob. You hurry towards it. Your pace is slow and off-kilter, but you're nearly there. An open elevator shaft to your left catches your eye. You can see the cables. It's only blocked by a padlocked gate. As you realize the cables are moving, the elevator itself raises up into view - open on the inside. A short, raspberry-colored rabbit - a pockitt, you think - is on the other side. You spot a plastic keychain in the shape of an '8' hanging out of their pocket. They yelp and jump upon seeing you, startling you in turn. You back up to the wall, feeling vulnerable being seen like this. You don't know why. "...the... fuck... is--?" You don't hear the rest of the sentence as the elevator rises beyond this floor. You don't want to think about what just happened. That someone might've seen you like This. This all feels real, you feel Awake, and you don't want to think about That, either. You rush to the exit and push your way through, stumbling- You manage to catch yourself on something. It's the fountain. You look down into the water at the TOLA-4's monitor staring back at you. You stand up. You're outside. The museum is behind you, looking exactly the same as when you went in before. You should be much more scared than you are. You feel like you should. You're still scared. Anxious. But there's a certain haze over it. Your emotions feel a little bit distant. Maybe you don't have a brain anymore, you think. The distance is almost comforting. You take a deep br- You can't breathe. You don't breathe anymore. But that feels normal, somehow. Options. You should probably do something about this. It looks like the bar is still open, for the moment. You remember one of the only phones is in there, and there's likely people, too. Maybe you could get some help. Though, don't bars out in the country usually have a gun behind the counter? Someone could - understandably - think you're... Something... and shoot you. Or is that only saloons that have those? Maybe you've seen too many westerns. The pool building is just next to you. You heard voices in it before, though you don't hear anything at all inside now. You also aren't really sure what happens if you get wet, now. You scoot away from the fountain, just in case. Hopefully it doesn't rain. The parking lot is nearby. You could just go get your car keys from your cabin, drive off, and never look back. Could you even drive well like this, though? Things don't exactly feel 'calibrated' well, at the moment. You aren't used to this body. You're still kind of dizzy, too. There's an orange light out by the cabins. It's probably the campfire. If it's lit, there might be someone over there. Good to know, no matter what you decide to do. You did also see someone with the key for the #8 cabin. You could go check their cabin, see if they're home. Maybe you could explain yourself. Maybe you could ask them questions; they Are the ONLY person you know of who you know has been into the museum. If that was real. And if they're already out of the museum. They could also: Run or Attack you on sight. But so could anyone, when you look like this. With any luck, you'll wake up in a little while. Even if it feels real. You'll wake up. And everything will be normal. CHECK MAP:
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| Posted by MarxzVulpez - 10-26-2024, 07:14 AM |
| C07 and TOLA 4 sound like the best to check out. You could also check out the third one if the TOLA has decided to take a hike for the time being... |
| Posted by - 10-26-2024, 04:20 AM |
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Nah fuck it do all three. You may never get a chance like this again. |
| Posted by knux400 - 10-26-2024, 04:06 AM |
| Take a quick peek at the TOLA-4 to see if it's even there at the moment, then check out the LJ Attention C07. It's... probably best to avoid the one that causes anxiety. |
| Posted by palencorgi - 10-26-2024, 04:05 AM |
| I'd second left/right. Both seem to be good at tracking unseen things... that's always interesting . |
| Posted by skinstealer - 10-26-2024, 03:46 AM |
| show me the cassette computer...i'm so curious! |
| Posted by Lilium Mortem - 10-26-2024, 03:28 AM |
| Left, and if you have the time, right. Or you could just leave. No one is forcing you to look at displays in the magically lit underground museum. |
| This thread has more than 50 replies. Read the whole thread. |
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