angryhearts | you want to hear it? well

Entry tags:

mo dao zu shi: wei wuxian

you want to hear it? well —

ONLY, MY SECRET'S MINE, AND I WON'T TELL

The garden may no longer be available upon return to the hotel, but there is still a bustle of energy. How fortunate all the Oysters are, to reside in such a renowned place! It's a great honor for those in Wonderland to be granted opportunity to teach their skills or ply their trade here, and the Queen permits only the best. Hotel staff themselves seem to delight in the presence of the traveling merchants. Many trade teas or favors for enchanted items, and will eagerly discuss their purchases. "Oh, it happens regularly enough," they will say if asked, "but you never know if the merchant you liked or the item you eyed will be back next time!"

The talk lingers after the guest instructors and merchants have departed, but it isn't the only thing left behind. Glimmers of green may catch your eye, tucked away in hidden places that seem almost impossible to reach without drawing attention to yourself. Those who manage it will find a scrap of heavy paper with a drawing of a stylized caterpillar, a series of numbers, and the words call a friend.

Are you curious enough to input the numbers into your Empathy? It will ring, if you do, until an answering machine picks up and asks a single question — How doth the little crocodile improve his shining tail? Do you dare leave a message? What will it be? Whatever you decide, the call will disconnect after a few minutes. It seems the only thing you can do now is wait for a call back.

But of course, the hotel is not in the habit of allowing such a thing as idle waiting. Her Royal Highness has noticed that some of her beloved Oysters seem quite reluctant to partake of the many splendors that the hotel provides, and she will be offering a special treat — indulgence.

QUEEN'S GAMES
8/12 - 8/22

What's more fun to indulge in than a little healthy competition? It's time for the Queen's Games, a truly dazzling spectacle. Competitors come from all over Wonderland, and this year for the first time ever, Oysters are invited to join! Announcements for the games schedule will be posted all throughout the hotel, along with directions on how to register to join.

The games will be held in either the pool area or the gym, which seems to have expanded to accommodate the number of spectators. Available games include:

archery
chess
croquet
artistic swimming
diving
gymnastics
flamingo flying
ice skating
ice sculptures

Of course, even the games that Oysters are familiar with may not be quite the same. Chess in Wonderland is a team sport, for example, with each member of the team filling a role as a chess piece and a coach as a strategist directing the plays. Attempting to capture one of the other team's pieces includes having to successfully win a fight against them. Gymnastics and diving competitors include growing and shrinking in size to their routines, ice sculptures come to life when they've been completed, artistic swimmers and ice skaters change costumes and swap partners in the blink of an eye.

If they're lucky, Oysters may find one of the competitors willing to show them the ropes. If they're even luckier, or more persistent, there may be a spot or two open on one of the teams that Oysters can slot themselves into. For the most part, team members will be delighted to have Oysters there.

"You all just feel so much," one may say, sounding a little awed.

"Show off those emotions, it'll get us points," another will add.

Although competitors are friendly, with Osyters and with each other, it's clear that most of them are here to win. Rivalries may flare up throughout the month, ex-lovers may be reunited and broken up again, infighting may spark among the teams — all things that can be soothed or exacerbated, for Oysters who may have inclinations towards utilizing such things to increase their chances of winning.

Or to fan the flames of drama for its own sake.

THE CALL
8/16

Starting in the early morning hours and continuing late into the night, any who left a message will get a call back.

Those who completed the poem will be greeted immediately by a friendly male voice, with an apology for the delay. "Ugh, our lines are backed up like crazy," the caller will say. "Where are you reporting in from?"

Those who somehow identified themselves as an Oyster, as residing in the hotel, from off world, being held by the Queen, or otherwise potentially against the Queen, will have their call returned by a cold female voice, guarded and wary.

"Show me your Oyster mark," the caller will request. "We can't risk giving you anything without proof."

Regardless of which caller contacts them, anyone who cooperates will receive similar information.

The friendly caller will readily provide assurances that the resistance base was not found, despite Mad March and the Order's attempt at reconnaissance in the old kingdom.

"Can't say much more than that over these channels, you know, but worry not! Everyone is safe. We have a follow up from the last mission — sorry about the air conditioning, you know, couldn't be helped — you ready for this? Keycodes. Access keycodes. Didn't get more than a handful, of course, and the intel is vague about what they access. Are we glad to get your call! How about it, you ready to try one out and see what information you can get?"

The guarded caller will allude to the Order not being able to find what they wanted out in the ruins.

"Did you think they took you out there to show you the sights? They're looking for us, obviously. No I'm not going to tell you more than that — just because you're an Oyster doesn't mean we can completely trust you. All right, look. Last time we broke into the hotel, we recovered a few access codes. We had to get out of there before we could find out what they accessed. How about a trade? We give you the code, you call us back and tell us what you find."

INDULGENCE
8/13 - 8/23

Throughout the event, there will be a number of activities available alongside the games designed to encourage unwinding. A concert set up in the hotel lobby will kick off the start of the games, at which indulgence teas will be made available for the first time. They will continue to be served readily at all hours of the day. Enhanced spa facilities will be made available as well — dazzling pedicures and manicures with nail polish that can do anything from change colors based on your mood to emit light so bright it can function as a flashlight; makeup that gives you a kiss that will literally stun the recipient; aromatherapy that will cure any kind of hangover; oils that double as aphrodisiacs, for those interested; healing massages that will take away your aches and pains, wiping away any bruises or injuries with no questions asked. A clean slate, ready to indulge again.

Then, of course, there are the less official activities. Whispers will begin to spread about another kind of competition being run after hours, when all good competitors should be sleeping. No one quite knows who's running it — one person heard it was the coach of one of the chess teams, eager to get her players extra practice; another heard it was one of the chess players themselves; still another will say it is an ice skater, a flamingo pilot, a gymnast. After all, it hardly matters, does it, as long as it runs, and there is a fight every night? Oysters are welcomed into this competition as well, where the only rule is not to kill your opponent. Teas of all kinds exchange hands as bets are placed on the fights, and the champion is rumored to receive a truly spectacular prize.

If fighting is not to your speed, fear not. All of the competitors seem to have different ways to unwind after the games are completed for the day, and all are happy to allow Oysters to indulge in attending the various get-togethers and parties they host. The knight on one of the chess teams has the most renowned wine collection, and he's brought some of his finest with him to be enjoyed alongside cheeses and poetry. One of the swimmers is a passionate musician, and has recruited anyone who can play an instrument to discuss musical theory and play together. A croquet player is known for hosting the wildest parties, with free-flowing moonshine and sips of ecstacy tea readily available. There is a flamingo pilot with a book club, an archer who is a fabulous chef, a diver who is a skilled debater with a wicked tongue — whatever you like to indulge in, chances are, someone's throwing a party for it.

The games will end on the 23rd, with a roaring celebration of all who participated in the competition. The pool area will be taken over for the farewell party, with music, food, alcohol, and dancing available. It is here that the winners of the competitions will be announced, and prizes will be awarded.

If you have any questions, please leave them over here! Results for the access code sign ups and the distractions will go out on the 14th, so players have until then to sign up. Characters can use the keycodes to access areas and cause distractions from the 16th through the 23rd — and beyond, but after the final party they may no longer have an easy excuse. If you wish to have your character compete in one of the competitions for the prizes, you can sign up here! Winners will be RNGed.

PREMISE RULES FAQ TAKEN RESERVES APPLICATION MOD CONTACT HIATUS & DROPS WORLD INFO NPCS CALENDAR AC REWARDS PLAYER CONTACT

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

As soon as he's up Lan Wangji's leg, he shakes it as if the limb has offended him. In a way, it has. What on Earth is Wei Ying planning to do up there, anyway, turn back into a human and rip off his pants? Good Gods and Immortals in Heaven, what on Earth could that boy be thinking?

The audience isn't sure they like this part of the fight, as they can't see Wei Ying anymore. They're only treated to this view of Lan Wangji shaking his leg and it's not even a particularly enjoyable dance to watch.

At least one of them grows bored and yells at them to actually fight.

Once inside the clothing, he uses that small size to climb all the way up Lan Wangji's side before changing into a slightly larger but quite a bit softer animal. The tiny mouse rubs and squirms all along the parts of Lan Wangji's body that he knows have a ticklish tendency. Since he doesn't want to actually harm the other man, all he can do is assault him in other ways. Every once in awhile there is a small nibbling to his side.

Oh, this is cruel and unusual. He'll try to sway Wei Ying on his side, but unfortunately, the damn critter is too quick; he has to reach into his shirt and try to fish Wei Ying out of there, but he doubles over trying to hold back his laughter.

Damn! How on Earth is he supposed to fight him this way?

While Wei Ying is in his torso, he might notice that Lan Wangji is currently devoid of either a belly button or nipples. This silly demon physiology...

Lan wangji's body is odd but at least he is still ticklish. His plan has worked perfectly as the man doubles over. This is far better then physical violence. He knew this shape shifting skill would come in handy. The fact that it doesn't ever seem to wear off now an added bonus.

His little voice comes from inside those robes, "Do you concede, Lan Zhan?"

"No!" he shouts, though he hardly ever really shouts, it's more of a hoarse whisper than anything else. He keeps trying to get Wei Ying to come out, but he's so fast. Lan Wangji starts leaping around and spinning, hoping that Wei Ying won't be able to cling on.

The audience is. Mostly confused.

He crawls up Lan Wangji's back and sticks his head out through the color, letting that little wet nose and whiskers rub against Lan Wangji's neck.

"So stubborn, Lan Zhan. I bet if I turn into a bunny you wouldn't have the heart to hurt me."

"Try me," he says, reaching for Wei Ying to grab his neck and pull him out of his collar; what on Earth?

If he is successful, he'll quickly change to holding him by the butt and under the arms instead of the neck; that would be mean.

Wei Wuxian lets himself get pulled out of those robes and immediately changes into a rabbit while in his hands. He's starting to feel the toll that all the changing is doing to his body but it's his only advantage in this fight. "What are you going to do to me now? Be careful of being fussed at for animal cruelty."

How could anyone beat up such an adorable little bunny?

Lan Wangji takes the rabbit in his hands and holds it to himself, crushing it in a hug but so that no one can see how tightly he's actually holding on. Well, unless Wei Ying screams or something, but they all know he's not actually a rabbit!

"Ahh your hugs are nice, Lan Zhan but this is too tight." Wei Wuxian can't even struggle, but this is the direction he had hoped for. He starts to grow, bigger and bigger. Hope Lan Wangji can handle holding onto a snow leopard. He is gong from a couple pound bunny to a seventy pound cat in seconds.

Good thing Wei Ying usually weighs more than a snow leopard. He's more worried about the claws and the teeth than anything, though now that he's large, he won't feel bad about trying to slam him back into the ground. Does it count as wrestling a snow leopard if it's sort of the love of your life?

As soon as his body is slammed back into the ground he makes a pained sound and poofs back into that tiny lizard. He utilizes that tiny size and speed to scramble out of the grasp and scurry up onto Lan Wangji's back before changing back into the Snow Leopard.

"I'm going to expect many apologies after all the times you've hurt me today."

But he can definitely feel a little off as he sits there, the world starting to get a little darker at the corner of his eyes. It's a strange feeling and not one he is used to or has ever experienced in all the times he's used this ability.

Lan Wangji falls backward as this happens, but tries to use this to his advantage, his wings pinned back to help pull them to the ground; even if he gets a little bit hurt for the effort, it can join the rest of the scars on his back.

He hasn't noticed that Wei Ying's feeling a little off, or that that's not part of the game they're playing.

The crowd is starting to grow impatient, what with neither of them actually wanting to hurt each other... The crowd starts yelling at them to get on with it, and throwing things at them.

Wei Wuxian ducks as something goes flying by his head. He isn't sure what that was and he doesn't want to know as that seems to start a chorus of cheers and more things being thrown. Apparently the opponent is now the crowd versus each other. He hops off of Lan Wangji and immediately changes back to normal. His body can't seem to hold the shape shifting ability any longer and he stumbles a few steps away.

"I don't think there is going to be a winner in this match, Lan Zhan." He ducks again..was that a pan?? How did they even get that..

He reaches out to put his hand out against the side of the ring, needing that support as he feels like he is about to pass out. Struggling to keep himself together and not wanting to just give in since that is like admitting defeat.

Generally he trusts Wei Ying to handle his own, so when he sees the pan being thrown, his ire turns towards whoever threw it, as he feels overprotective, and he moves to attack that person, but then--

--But then Wei Ying stumbles onto the side of the ring and Lan Wangji rushes to catch him.

"Let's leave," he murmurs gently into his ear, placing an arm around his waist.

He nods and puts his weight against Lan Wangji. He is starting to forget where he even is as he starts to walk towards the exit of the ring. What was he doing here and why is it so noisy? He shakes hie head to try and clear it, wanting to push away the fog that that is trying to invade. His body almost feels like it is walking automatically..but to where he isn't sure.

He vaguely sees things are being thrown at them still but either they are very bad shots or the items aren't nearly hard enough to do any damage. He tries to offer the other a smile as he gets a moment of clarity back, "That was fun, Lan Zhan."

Probably not the most appropriate time to be smiling and saying such things but he has a bad feeling that if he doesn't say it now then it won't get said.

"Mn, we can fight again soon," he responds, wondering what happened to Wei Ying. He's usually not like this, so robust. Maybe it's the new body, but then, he should have already known how to manage himself, no?

"Stay close," he warns, arms still around him as he gets pelted with a few more soft fruits and walks Wei Ying away from all this. "Let's go back upstairs," he says, trying to guide him out of this area so that they don't get hit anymore.

Once they're out in the hallway, he feels slightly more relieved, but stops to inspect Wei Ying.

When they get to the hallway, Wei Wuxian is little more then a zombie. The light is fading in his eyes as if he is in a trance and he feels inclined to just walk..and walk..with no actual destination in his mind. He is still vaguely aware that Lan Wangji is there with him but even that is starting to fade.

This is similar but also different then when he felt himself being taken by the resentful energy. At least then he was still aware of himself and his surroundings and the pain it caused made him feel so much more then he normally would. This makes him feel like he is slowly being swallowed up by darkness that even a light won't be able to pass through.

Lan Wangji is... worried. To say the least.

"Wei Ying," he says, voice firm. "Talk to me." He tries to guide Wei Ying over to their rooms, so he can take him back to Cloud Recesses. He can explain to the other one.

He knows he can't play him a song of healing, but he will desperately make the attempts.

Wei Wuxian follows along, more because he is being guided versus actually knowing he is being pulled. This is the first time he has used the shapeshifter ability since it became permanent. At least it was the first extensive use of it. Never before had there been any side effects of using it and of course he never expected there to be any this time either.

But he doesn't say a word, not even knowing where or who he is at the moment. His feet just taking him forward as if he is sleep walking. At least this happened in the presence of Lan Wangji so no matter what he won't be ending up somewhere random in the hotel or in the presence of someone who can't be trusted.

Lan Wangji gets him up to the Cloud Recesses so that he can watch over Wei Ying, worriedly carding his hand through Wei Ying's hair. He just wants to make sure he can heal up, and doesn't go and walk off without anyone to watch him.

After awhile the light begins to come to his eyes and he slowly becomes more aware of his surroundings. The first thing he notices is the hand through his hair which he starts to lean into out of reflex. His eyes blink a few times as he tries to clear the darkness from his vision and he makes a soft sound like he is waking up from a dream.

He slowly turns his face towards the other man, realizing he isn't in the ring any longer but not remembering how he left.

"...Lan Zhan?"

"Wei Ying," he returns. "How are you feeling?"

He has kept an eye on him to see if his vitals are doing anything worrying, which thank goodness it looks like he's stable.

He looks around the room as his vision clears and notices his surroundings. "Cloud Recesses...? How did I get here?" He doesn't even know how long he has been out and not remembering what happened is terribly unsettling as he looks back over at the other man.

"What is going on, Lan Zhan?" He wonders if maybe Lan Wangji hit him a little harder in the ring then he thought but even that doesn't seem right. Certainly the man wouldn't have done anything that would have caused this.

The man asked him how he is feeling but mostly he doesn't know. He feels okay if not a little disoriented.

"We were fighting and you got faint, so we left," he answers. "I took you up here. You're safe." He thinks there's something odd that's gotten him paranoid, because he seems to have a lapse in memory.

He seems to be fine aside from that, but it's still worrisome.

Lan Wangji is worried, and going through the memory of their fight. He definitely hadn't intended to hit Wei Ying so hard...

"Did I do too much damage while you were in another form?"

Some of the forms weren't as strong as Wei Ying, after all.

ONLY, MY SECRET'S MINE, AND I WON'T TELL

QUEEN'S GAMES 8/12 - 8/22

THE CALL 8/16

INDULGENCE 8/13 - 8/23

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QUEEN'S GAMES
8/12 - 8/22

THE CALL
8/16

INDULGENCE
8/13 - 8/23