realmofstories | Chapter 04: Act II

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Chapter 04: Act II

A MIDSUMMER ROSE: ACT II—

With the tasks completed, the story progresses onward to the next Act. As everyone falls asleep, their dreams replay the events of the story thus far.

The two queens fought fiercely with sharp words and powerful magic, but in the end Titania surrendered and muttered “just curse the brat.” Carabosse did indeed curse Tam Lin to prick his finger on a spindle and fall into a deep slumber, as well as give the child an invitation to join her dark forces should he ever decide to forsake his family.

While Oberon was hesitant to trust his son with Puck, the rebellious fairy argued that being rough around the edges meant he could better handle a crisis. So the king set Puck the test of retrieving a flower from a dangerous locale and returning with the flower intact, lending the sprite a priceless dagger for protection and a further test of trust.

Puck trusted little Tam Lin to hold the magical flower while the sprite carried the babe, eventually stumbling upon a convenient baby carriage. The two then enjoyed the beauty of the wild forest on their trek.

While still in pain from parting with their son and previous hurts in their relationship, Oberon and Titania reaffirmed their love and trust in each other as they set out to destroy the spindles.

Puck raised Tam Lin more as a younger brother than a son and they formed a strong bond. While Tam Lin took after Puck in being easygoing and playful, they still had a love and protectiveness for the forest they called home. The two would often use Puck's ability to shapeshift and communicate with animals and Tam Lin magically gifted skill with music to soothe and heal injured animals they came across and to protect the forest from any outside threats.

Carabosse did her best to intimidate Nick Bottom into telling her Tam Lin’s location, but the playwright parried her at every turn and even accused her of being a yaoi fangirl. Eventually the evil fairy’s temper reached its zenith, prompting the soon-to-be donkey to challenge her to a children’s card game. Bottom won through the use of sleight-of-hand, but Carabosse caught the cheater, and for his insolence turned him and all the town into donkeys.

When everyone awakens, they find themselves in the forest cultivated by Puck and Tam Lin and once again in their strange fairy forms. It is flourishing, more color, sound, and even music filling the air as sunlight streams through the open branches. However, within the shadows lurk dangers that manage to slip in and the forest still needs care and protection as it will be their main stronghold.

Like before, the magical fairy rings made of flowers and glowing mushrooms will send those who are to act their scenes to their proper location. However, there are other paths illuminated by glowing mushrooms and flowers, each one leading to various places both within and outside the large forest.

One path in particular will lead them to the cursed village where they are to help cure those afflicted by the curse as well as fend off the Erasers and other dangers that threaten the village. However they should be careful as they will have a "curse" of their own upon entering.

§ instructions.

The second Act is underway! This is the designated log for all Main Scenes. Others are free to create their own toplevels for the Sub Quests, which are detailed below. Each Main Scene has their own unique toplevel and those cast into the roles are to thread their scene under each. All scene instructions are provided in the toplevels.

As a reminder, there are two different fairy forms that characters outside the main scenes can take when in the setting of the story. While in Tam Lin's forest, they will take on their fairy form (can be the same as last Act or different). While in the cursed village, they will take on some kind of "hoofed" creature or fairy with a slant towards the equine.

Finally, just to be clear, characters who are in Main Scenes are not immediately dropped into their location and will have to step into a designated fairy ring made of iridescent mushrooms and flowers and then return. Threading all of that isn't necessary, but it's to help give a better idea that characters can take a break between scenes or wait a bit to help with other things like the Sub Quests.

Feel free to refer to the Game Notes for more detailed info as well as ask questions or clarifications.

§ sub quests.

Everyone is free to participate in the Sub Quests. There are no specific top levels, so you're free to incorporate them however you wish in your own top level.

¶ I. Lifting the curse. Everyone in the village has been turned into donkeys, and those who enter the village will also find themselves "cursed" with a hooved form, causing a bit of havoc within the village. The temperaments between each one vary from morose to hostile, and both can be difficult to handle. Some donkeys even stray from the village and need to be herded back, or else they are attacked and killed by the Erasers that lay beyond. To lift their own curse, the Aspects must protect and lift the curse off the villagers. There are a few ways to do this:

The cursed villagers no longer remember who they are, but a reminder of who they used to be could help. Although they cannot speak, clues range from the bits of clothing left on their bodies, their behavior, and the locations they tend to stray to.
The more hostile and aggressive ones may need to be subdued; knocking them unconscious may expel the curse from them.
Finally, there are some glowing white candied roses scattered about the village. Should the cursed villagers eat some, they will be cured.

Reminder: Aspects who enter the village will take on a new "hooved creature" form and must help lift the curse of at least one villager before they can leave the village and get rid of the "curse."

¶ II. Protect the forest and its creatures. With the Fairy Queen caught up in a complicated love affair and Tam Lin distracted by his own romance, the protection around the forests have gone thin, and many fairy creatures are left unattended and vulnerable.

The Forests. Tam Lin's forest has a barrier that must be strengthened every so often by using the pollen of the purple flower and casting it over the barrier. The weakest points will be where the shadows and darkness are greatest, and hostile creatures and Erasers are lurking. For the forests outside, follow the glowing mushroom path to different "outposts" to replenish the magic barrier in the area. Not only can they use the flower, but they must increase the amount of light to disperse the darkness.
Fairy creatures. A cute, little fairy creature may help guide them and even become attached. If not leading them to one of the weakened locations, the creature will lead the Aspects to a special nursery where many of the wounded need to be fed and healed.

Note: Aspects will have their fairy forms while in the forests.

¶ III. Clear the Castle Path. The pathway to the castle is covered in thorny vines and unpleasant fae folk under Carabosse's command. Some are just ordinary plants, while others will come to life and attack anything that tries to pass them. These plants also seem more resilient to flames this time, some even spitting fire and acid. The faes will create illusions and puzzles for our heroes to solve, such as turning parts of the road into blocks and forcing them to try and piece them back together (like Tetris). Other faes prefer being combative, trolls and orcs battle ready to stop anyone.

¶ IV. Bucking Bicycles. Scattered throughout the forest, at first they seem like regular bicycles with toy horse heads attached to them, but anyone who tries to ride them will suddenly find themselves bucked and tossed onto the ground. In order to ride one of these mighty metal steeds, one must first earn its trust. Perhaps a little elbow grease might persuade them, or a nice metal carrot.

¶ V. Wildcard. Make up your own prompt!

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[ Kaiba's more muscular than one might expect looking at him with his clothes on. If he circles around to the back he'll see a few older scars alongside the recent marks...and a human struggling to suppress his discomfort. ]

Oh, I get out, but I tend to wear heavy layers.

[ Deep breath. He shivers as he's touched. ]

I should clean these out. I don't feel any venom, but I don't like risks.

[ And if he's not stopped he'll start to head to the bathroom to clean the cuts while the bath fills. ]

[He won't stop him, instead following after him. The bathroom itself is not quite your typical one. It's partially exposed to the outside with gaudy plantlike decor and a large flowery bath, with natural waters streaming into it. Hyde is trying not to laugh at the scenery. The story spared no expense.]

Oh, I'm certain these waters will do just that and more. We should take the time to relax though. [At some point between going from the bed and into the bathroom, Hyde had lost his clothes and now standing naked beside Kaiba. He's not hard on the eyes at least, minus those claws of his.]

[ That specific wording only makes him suspicious. He kneels beside the bath and tentatively inhales the steam...it's not making him strangely lightheaded, at least. And that's good enough for now.

Communal bathing is a time-honored tradition that encourages honest communication between parties, often used in business. Kaiba has never participated before, but he remembers that much from his childhood teachings.

He keeps his eyes firmly above the waist, his cheeks tinged slightly pink. He's not that bad...

Coming to his decision, he crouches at the water's edge, flings off his remaining clothes in a hurried movement, and drops into the water with a sigh. ]

Yes. We seriously need to relax.

[ And stop overacting. Seriously. ]

[He could see his discomfort by how quickly he removes the rest of his clothes and moves into the water. Evenso, he was expecting much more resistance toward his forwardness. Was this man truly unfazed by him?]

Well, since you insist... [He casually slides on in beside him, touching skin.] What sort of business gets you all those other scars you have, hm? [This is not how you relax]

[ It is indeed the opposite of relaxing. He stiffens, pointedly shifting to create some distance. ]

My stepfather strongly believed in the phrase 'spare the rod, spoil the child'. And I had a strong disobedience streak.

[ He finally dares to look back at Kazuma. That dangerous streak in his expression. That strong, handsome face. He pushes those thoughts down, trying to focus on how good the water feels.]

But that's ancient history. Nothing that bothers me anymore.

Ohhh, the rebellious type. I like people like you. [His attempts to make distance only invites Hyde to chase him. As Kaiba looks to him, he smiles, a clawed hand reaching to press against his chest.]

I hadn't expected that from you. You seem rather clean cut...but I suppose they're the ones you tend to look out for. [He laughs, finding something funny about that.]

[ Kaiba's heart is beating frantically, as Hyde can likely feel. This left the realm of plausibility a long time ago...but although his mind keeps screaming at him to run, there's something in the gleam in his yellow eyes that keeps him there. The danger is exciting, but he has to tread carefully. ]

Nor did I expect the queen to be so...intriguing.

[ Hm. If he can just coax Hyde into submission, he can get out of here safely. But to do that...he reaches out in turn, trailing long fingers over his shoulder and around to trace circles on his shoulderblade. ]

Let me help you relax. You've had a trying day, and the trouble I got into didn't help.

[The fast heartbeat excites him until-] Eh? [He's...coming back at him? He is willingly touching him and that actually causes Hyde to tense up. He didn't mind earlier when Kaiba clung onto his neck during flight, so why was this any different?]

. . . [The queen...right. He's only doing this for the roles they must play, but...well he's not used to people persisting to go along like this whenever he's involved. He hums tilting his head to side.]

Do you really mean that? [His other hand reaches up to grip Kaiba's. Maybe it's not for him specifically, but there's no denying he likes having this attention.]

You've worked so hard today. You're so strong....working tirelessly...

[ On some level, he does mean it. That look is interesting....he smiles and turns his hand to give it a squeeze.

Maybe this isn't such a bad role to play. Kaiba shifts close so that his leg brushes Hyde's. ]

There's no one else I want to be with right now. Let me help you relax.

[ He squeezes Hyde's shoulder under that hand, blue eyes blinking up and willing him to consider the offer. ]

Ha-hah... [He just stares, still not fully able to process someone so willing to make their advances on him. His surprise will eventually turn into a pleasant smile as he laughs under his breath.] Mm that's what I'm talking about.

[He slides the hand that was resting on his chest, up to stroke his cheek.] I'll keep you to your word, my precious Nick~ [He might have intentionally stroked a little too hard and leave a fresh scratch on his face. A subtle reminder of what he could do if crossed.]

[ Oh, he definitely catches that, and for just a moment he hissed---but he was strong. He could take it. ]

Why not forget your troubles tonight?

[ Daring...knowing he's playing with fire, he reaches up to run his fingers through Hyde's hair with his free hand, humming softly. ]

[He leans into the touch, coming forward slightly as he lowers his hands to rest on Kaiba's lap. His eyes still watch Kaiba like a wary cat, despite the relaxing head massage he's having. Would this be consider winning Nick's heart? Hard to say when Hyde is still going along as if the effects of the potion were still active.]

Work my shoulders won't you? [He doesn't quite turn his back to him, but just enough for Kaiba to work. Be it Hyde's nature or Kazuma's own defensive habits seeping in, his movements show caution.]

Mm. Do try to enjoy it.

[ He's definitely blushing a little at the touch. He's playing with fire and he knows it...but he's in a cage, and attempting to quell the beast is all he can do. And...it's not the worst thing.

But he leans over, his warm palms settling on Hyde's shoulders. He rubs warmth into them before digging deeper with his fingers, well practiced from his attempts to massage himself back in the office chair. ]

You're so tense, my queen. Is something still troubling you?

[He rolls his shoulders, loosening up the muscles further.] I'm just admiring my love...

[He moves a hand, a clawed finger sliding along Kaiba's abdominal muscles. His expression is a thoughtful one.]

I see.

[ Good. He's a little less tense. Kaiba's doing his best to concentrate, to get him to really relax...but that finger is distracting. His cheeks are flushed as he shifts his legs under him and shifts to kneel, the water line now falling just above his hips. ]

He smooths his hands down Hyde's back, using the added leverage for a deeper touch, then hovers over him, arm draped lightly over his shoulders. ]

Tell me what you need. Are you ready to eat? Or rest?

[He arches his back a little as Kaiba works down, his claws now digging into flesh. He's not using all his strength, but it will definitely leave a mark.]

All I need, is you- [He suddenly gasp, pressing a hand to his head. He's reeling as if in pain.]

[ That's enough for him to back off---or try to, with the claws still in him. He leaves his hands loosely on Hyde's shoulders. ]

What's wrong?

Grrk! [He'll be able to free himself from Hyde's claws that appear to be receding. His whole demeanor appeared less like the monster he was a moment ago.]

. . .Fine. Everything is fine now. [Breathing heavily, he lowers his hand and slowly lifts his head. His eyes have return to it's usual dark gray.] He was about to make a hole in your chest. [You're no fun!]

[ Kaiba drops down, looking shaken. Okay. Dangerous time is over. He leans heavily on the edge of the tub. ]

...what?

[ He shouldn't be surprised. But he'd really hoped they had a connection...disappointment flickers over his features, then embarrassment. He hops out of the bath and covers himself with a towel, his cheeks darkening. ]

Look. Let's just...I got carried away. That was a ridiculous plan.

[Kazuma will remain in the bath, his back to Kaiba as he steps out. Hyde still loudly whispering in his head.]

The potion's effects have been lifted. We met what was required. [A little more than he liked, but if Kaiba won't say anything, he won't either.]

[ He appreciates the consideration and hurries out to give him space, though he pauses at the door. ]

I'm...sorry. Thanks for the save.

[ Just kill him now. Please. ]

[He pulls up his knees, curling up in the bath. He'll probably stay here a little while longer and get lost in his thoughts. Than find something to eat, cause he's feelinng a bit drained.]

You did what you had to, to stay alive. Long enough for me to regain control. I won't take it personally.

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Chapter 04: Act II

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