TDM #1

[fortiscormod]

"Well, good morning, Sleepy Head,"

The voice was sweet and pleasant on the ears. You open your eyes to find a smiling face looking down at you. A face that looks human enough. Two eyes, a nose and a mouth, all in the right places. But something feels off about it... "We've been waiting for you to wake. It's about time!" The nurse, for now that she's moved away you realise that she is indeed dressed how you would imagine a nurse would be dressed, continues to talk and fuss about the room. In doing this, she explains:

❝You've been asleep for such a long time! Several years ago there was an Event that caused many people to fall into deep, deep sleeps. Some woke within days or weeks of their fall, but there were some, like yourself, who have been asleep for so much longer. It's hard to tell just how long you have slept, and I fear the world you remember is very different now, but we are here to help you through your transition from Dream World to the Waking World.❞

The nurse leaves and you are left alone. You will find that even though you have been in a coma for years, you are as physically fit as you remember. Any injuries you believed you had are gone now, as if they were never there. At the foot of the bed are clothes and any items you own. Take them. Go. The urge will take you. Once you leave, you will find you can not enter the hospital again, nor can you quite remember how you got out in the first place. All you can remember is the strangely haunting nurse and her words...

---

Welcome to Williamsburg!

The town before you is a hodgepodge of colour and style. No two houses are exactly the same. Some made of wood, or brick or even strange metals. Some are no more than holes in the ground. But all are warm and welcoming inside and not many are inhabited. In fact you'll find that the town itself isn't that populated at all. The busiest place is Main Street. Here you will find all the shops you need. From food to beauty and fashion and furnishings for home and garden, there is a café selling the most delicious of sweets and a pub that never closes. The Main Street is the place to be, if there is something you are lacking. And it is only a hop, skip and a jump from the Hospital and around the corner from everywhere else.

● [The Nowhere Inn] is the local watering hole where you can come and share a drink with a friend. Or, if just passing through, spend the night. Here you will be greeted by Bert, the owner and bartender. A seven foot tall bear of a man with a magnificent beard and a loud, booming voice! And a desire to one day create a cocktail that will take the world by storm. It's just a shame that not all of his little experiments hit the mark... Newcomers to the town will be offered a drink on the house. Choose wisely, as some of these drinks can often come with side effects, both good and bad.
✦ Apricot Smash: A refreshing glass of fruit squash. Made from the concentrated juice of a sour and sweet type of apricot, this is a simple and thirst quenching kind of drink. If asked nicely, this can also be made into a slushie! Anyone who tries this deliciously fruity drink will find themselves enjoying a chance to dance and/or sing at any given opportunity. (Side effect: It can cause insomnia.)
✦ Lemongrass Twilight: Made from spicy and sour lemongrass syrup, this mildly alcoholic drink is served in a tall glass with round, purple coloured balls of ice. The drink is a swirling green, yellow and purple colour. Those who try this drink will find themselves feeling very mellow and warm and more inclined to feelings of affection. (Side effect: It can cause headaches.)
✦ Mint Blast: Pale blue-green with light swirls and served in a wine glass. The drink is heavy on the mint and light on the alcohol, with even a little sprig of it resting on the rim of the glass. Drinking this will leave you feeling a chilled and shivery. A nice cuddle should soothe those chills away. (Side effect: It causes sleepiness in the drinker.)
✦ Blue Smooch: This drink is a deep blue with white, creamy foam atop. The drink smells like chocolate and tastes wonderful. It leaves the drinker feeling happy and optimistic, almost childlike. (Side effect: It is rumoured to cause truthfulness in the drinker.)
✦ Burning Wine: Pale gold with yellow-orange swirls, this mulled wine is served in a clear glass mug and tastes like cinnamon and oranges, with a hint of chili. It has a nice, warming burn as it goes down. This drink will put a fire in your belly and keep you toasty and warm through the cold nights. It may also make drinkers a little more amorous than usual. (Side effect: It can sometimes cause tingling and numbness in the extremities.)
✦ Frosted Starlight: Sapphire with silver flecks and glittering sugar around the rim of the glass. This is an intoxicating alcoholic drink that is only served in the evening and at night. The drink itself smells like coconut yet there is no coconut within the drink. The taste is almost floral, with a slight hint of grape. Those who have tried this drink often find themselves with the brief ability to touch another and see their surface thoughts. (Side effect: It can cause blackouts.)

● [Sugar ‘n Spice Café] is a peculiar place. From the outside it looks like any other store front, but as you enter and the little bell tinkles, you will find the interior to be bright and open. Warm colours and bright lighting, and from somewhere soft music is always playing. A very modern sort of café selling a wide selection of handmade sweets and pastries as well as an espresso machine.
For the next month, if you come in for a hot drink you can have your choice of their specially made, homemade cheesecake free of charge. Subject to availability, of course.
✦ Roasted strawberries and cream cheesecake: Made with a chocolate biscuit base, sumptuous strawberries and homemade cream.
✦ Coconut cheesecake with lime and passionfruit sauce: This zesty citrus cheesecake has a buttery base, creamy coconut filling and fruity lime and passionfruit sauce.
✦ Triple choc upside-down cheesecake: The name may say upside-down, but this cake looks right side up to us! Juicy raspberries give it a fresh bite and for the chocoholics - oozing sauce.
✦ Gingernut cheesecake tart with sticky maple pears: A creamy cheesecake with high visual impact for that special dessert finale to your dinner party.

● For those looking to add a little something extra to their wardrobe, they'd be best heading to [Dreams Come True Boutique]. For the month of April the clothing store will be offering all new arrivals free vouchers for up to three new outfits of their choosing. Within reason, of course. But most all of the clothes here are decently priced with an odd array of fashions from the very old fashioned to near futuristic.

● [Linlae Botanical Gardens] resides not far from Main Street. Part of the gardens are covered, housed within a large green house, but most of the gardens are outside and easily accessed. There is much to see here, from the [Hedgemaze] with the secret gazebo at it's centre, [Hanging Gardens] and the weeping willows reaching into the waters of a large koi pond. If you're lucky you might see a large white carp, said to be 2,000 years old by the name of Etherus. Who knows how long he'd lived in that pond, but they say if you catch sight of him it's a sign of good luck. And if you manage to see him during a full moon, he may grant you a wish.
There are benches all over, places to sit and take in the peace. But don't expect much quiet, the twittering of birds is a near constant companion within these gardens.

● [A Home]. As you explore you will realise that you're going to need somewhere to stay the night. Of course you could always go to The Nowhere Inn and wait until morning, or you could just... open a door.
87% of the houses within the town of Williamsburg is vacant, and well maintained, for many years. These houses wait for someone to come and bring life into them. Inside your pocket you will find a key. If your key doesn't fit the lock, that house is occupied, so find another. When you finally open a door, you'll notice that the key has changed subtly. That key is now unique and can be used only for this house. It is yours.
Some houses come fully furnished, some might need some work. You might even be surprised to find that the house is one that looks vaguely familiar...

---

A Familiar View

It may have been immediate or it may take days for you to notice, but when you do...

The memories of your Dream World are coming back to you. It doesn't feel much like a dream at all. Those things that happened, those feelings you had, all seemed so real!

And then you find it.

It could be something as simple as a book, or as large as a building. You know this thing. This thing has been pulled directly from your memories, whether those memories are good or bad is entirely up to you. But there it is, as large as life, right in front of your eyes. What does this mean? Which world is real and which isn't? How did these things from that other world make it into this?
This is your chance to explore this new addition to Williamsburg. Maybe you will find the answers you seek? Or maybe you will be left with more questions. Just know that you aren't alone. It seems that almost everything in this world was pulled from another, brought here by 'others', and left here.

Maybe this new landmark, or item, leaves you with a warm feeling and questions are the last thing on your mind? Perhaps you would like to share with your friends, or even a perfect stranger, the joy that this thing brings you? Tell them your story. Share with them it's the history. Or maybe the feelings attached are feelings of anger, of horror and fear? Misery does love company, so don't go through with this trip down memory lane alone.

---

Down the Rabbit Hole

It starts with something small shifting around you. Maybe it’s a door or window, but as you walk down the street things take a turn for the bizarre. It’s far too late to escape by the time you notice the buildings themselves bleeding into the sky or folding back onto themselves.

You are stuck in The Corridor now.

And you appear to be alone. Or are you? As the buildings creak in protest you seem to hear footsteps. Is that a fellow waylaid traveler?

Before you can determine the direction of the sounds, one thing becomes clear to you: these homes and businesses, all that brick and mortar, seem to be closing in on you…

It is a gradual squeeze but you can tell that if you don’t get out of there you’ll eventually be crushed. As you explore this place where time and gravity seem to have lost all meaning and your senses may even betray you, you search for a way out or an end to this madness and that is when you finally realize that the buildings are taking shape according to your will. The more you panic, the more claustrophobic and chaotic things become. But if you remain calm and focus your attention you find you can tame the buildings back into their original shapes and places. Of course, it helps if you have a partner.

Comments

Aizen Sousuke l Bleach

[godzen]

The Nowhere Inn

[ Aizen greets Bert like an old friend and settles down in his usual seat. He savors the drink put before him as he scans the room. Most of these people, including Bert himself, aren’t real and he knows it. They appear insubstantial to his trained eyes. However, occasionally, someone a little more solid walks in. Aizen would know even without Bert’s overeager greeting, but the man does serve as a kind of watch dog and at this point in his genesis, Aizen is content to sit and watch whatever unfolds.

Aizen has been feeding Bert recipes for years now under the guise of drunken tips and it is always amusing to see how some of these turn out. The constitutions of otherworlders are a never-ending source of interest, as is this place itself.

Aizen swirls the liquid in his glass close to his nose to test how well it mimics the actual scent of the ingredients. It is loosely held and his entire demeanor is relaxed. He leans with one elbow on the counter. ]

What are you expecting?

[ His eyes slide to you. Aizen gave no indication that he noticed you before this, nor does he bother to clarify. He could be talking about the drink in your hands, his own, or any number of other things. ]

Down the Rabbit Hole

[ Most people would be scared at this turn of events. Aizen simply continues to stroll down the street and although the buildings are still twisting this way and that, they bend out of his way as he approaches them. Aizen’s steps are confident and sure. It’s almost as if he has a bubble around him that nothing can broach.

He looks like a really safe option right about now given these circumstances. Still, there is something slightly ominous about him. ]

[OOC: I’m open to any of the beverages. Just lmk which one you want Aizen to be drinking and/or your character to think he’s drinking! ]

The Nowhere Inn

[kingcat]

[It hadn't taken Grimmjow long to recognize Aizen's reiatsu. Almost before he was out of the hospital bed, he knew. It was why he'd taken so long to get himself dressed and out the door.

He had to make a choice. There was no mistaking that Aizen was still -- probably would always be -- stronger than him. He could run, hide, and become a red stain on a wall somewhere, or he could go to Aizen, submit to his rule once again. There was no dignity in either option, but a dead Arrancar couldn't be king of anything, so he followed Aizen's reiatsu like it was his scent.

Trudged darkly down streets, until he found himself in this weird-ass bar, approaching Aizen with a truckload of false confidence.

Right up until Aizen's gaze landed on him, and he grit his teeth as all the bravado left him.]

Nothing, Aizen-sama.

[Expect nothing. Ask for nothing. If he was really lucky, receive nothing. He doesn't kneel, but he doesn't dare to sit next to Aizen like an equal, either. His old Espada uniform is gone, replaced by the mostly black outfit he'd switched to after Aizen had been imprisoned, with white jacket and a pair of white belts.]

[godzen]

[ Aizen knew the instant his erstwhile Sexta appeared here. It is one more confirmation that people are brought to this place. ]

Hm.

[ It was a small sound, amused perhaps. It could've meant something or nothing at all. Aizen's gaze was blank and pitiless in contrast to the upward curl of his lips. However, when Bert ambled over and asked after Aizen's friend, warmth seeped in like so much honey. Even the corners of Aizen's eyes crinkled a little. ]

I'm certain he could benefit from a drink.

[ The line of Aizen's mouth parted to reveal his teeth. Bert knew him so well that he just nodded and brought one back. It was the same thing Aizen was apparently enjoying: Burning Wine. He set this in front of the seat beside Aizen and walked away.

Aizen said nothing, merely waited. In truth, he didn't care about Grimmjow in the slightest, nor did it matter to him if the man sat beside him or kneeled on the floor. He was nothing and Aizen was everything. This was merely a little game, one of many he liked to play with other people, the object of which was to stave off boredom.

So what would Grimmjow do? Embrace bravado or give into native fear, and to what measure?

Aizen took a sip of his wine which, of course, had no effect on him. ]

[kingcat]

[Grimmjow drops his gaze, like a wild animal trying to avoid a confrontation. Submitting to another creature's dominance.

It's not until the glass lands on the bar that he looks up, glances at Aizen before approaching the bar and lowering into the seat next to him with a quiet huff. It was all false bravado as he looked at the drink and plucked it up in one hand to sniff at it.]

The hell is this?

[He doesn't expect an answer, so instead he takes a long sip and lets out a low purr as it burns on the way down. He hasn't had cause to eat or drink much over the years, so even though he's suspicious of the beverage, he can't help but enjoy it.

Some of the tension bleeds out of him, satisfied that Aizen isn't going to kill him just yet. After the first drink, his sips are smaller, lingering in the simple pleasure of it, as pleasure of another sort starts to build without his notice. It's not something he's terribly familiar with, he's long since lost his memories of being human, and of pleasure gained from anything but fighting and eating.

So it sneaks up on him, makes him start shifting uncomfortably in his seat, tugging at his clothes and glancing around to see if anyone else feels how hot it is, all the sudden.]

[godzen]

[ Aizen closed his eyes in a slow blink. It took him that long to decide, which in the grand scheme of things wasn't very long at all. But it had been such a while since he'd encountered anyone from home. ]

Something you'll grow to enjoy very much.

[ He was not talking about the wine.

Amazing just how innocent even his Espada could be--and yet, that was part of what made them interesting to manipulate at times.

Aizen took another sip of his drink and waited. The performance was only getting started, after all. ]

[kingcat]

[He shoots Aizen a glance when he actually gets an answer, then turns his gaze back to the drink. He swallows hard, but throws the rest of it back, mostly to get whatever-it-is over with.

He can't even tell if Aizen is being truthful, because everything he says comes out the same; Sounding like sweet poison.]

What I enjoy is a good goddamn fight, but I don't sense anyone else with a decent amount of strength around here.

[He's squirming still, heart rate ticking up as he pulls his jacket off and loosens his shirt with a huff. His eyes are even dilating, making him look more feral than usual, especially with sweat starting to bead on his forehead.

The illusion is already starting.]

[godzen]

[ Aizen doesn't bother to reply to that. Instead, he continues sipping his wine and is silent for a moment. It's just long enough for the effects to really kick in and for Kyouka Suigetsu to begin to work. Grimmjow might not notice them yet but more people will seem to have come into the bar. It's Aizen copying most everyone in town. It's not hard for him since there aren't very many and soon they will serve their purpose.

As for Aizen himself, he has moved to an adjacent table but will still seem to be sitting by Grimmjow. Not that it really matters, but he's cultivated a reputation here and he might still use it. No, Grimmjow will be experiencing a very public humiliation all on his own. And he will enjoy it. That is, perhaps, the best part of all of this.

From his seat beside Grimmjow, the illusory Aizen continues to sip his wine and wait. ]

[kingcat]

[It was so hot, so uncomfortable. He doesn't notice much of anything beyond the heat burning through him, though after a moment more he glances down with a look of absolute confusion at his tented pants.

And then glances around, realizing how packed the place is. He gets up, tries to discretely rearrange himself, and start for the bathroom.]

[godzen]

Going somewhere?

[ Aizen's tone is mild and his words simple. The command to stay is understood. Grimmjow has not been excused. Aizen's expression hasn't changed in the slightest nor has he flexed his considerable reiatsu. He again simply waits for the expected obsequence. ]

The Nowhere Inn

[ancientflower]

[Aerith had just approached the bar to request a drink when a voice spoke to her left. She shot a look his way, a friendly smile on her lips.]

Expecting? Am I supposed to be expecting something?

[She didn't quite know what the question meant or even whether or not she was the one it was aimed at. If it wasn't she could easily apologise and move down the bar and out of the way.]

[godzen]

[ Aerith would find her own friendliness reflected in Aizen's warm gaze. ]

From this place. You just woke up, didn't you?

[ He leaned back a little, mirroring her posture, and smiled. ]

[ancientflower]

Then my expectations are low, since you're right, I've just 'woken up'.

[But whether she believed that or not remained to be seen, since she had memories in her head of three different worlds. Two of which had pulled her from her own with outlandish claims and even more outlandish worlds. This place had that same feel to it.

When the bartender approached, she smiled wider and addressed the man beside her.]

What would you recommend here? What's good?

[godzen]

[ Aizen considered her for a moment before deciding. ]

An Apricot Smash or Blue Smooch would suit you well.

[ Aizen himself was enjoying a second glass of Burning Wine. He willed that it should taste good to him and so it did. Otherwise, he was well aware that Bert's mixing left a lot to be desired. ]

I am Aizen Sousuke. And you are?

[ Such a gentleman. ]

[ancientflower]

[There was something about a grown man saying 'blue smooch' that made Aerith want to start laughing. And for that reason and that reason alone is why she called the bartender over and ordered herself one.

Then she smiled over at him.]

I'm Aerith. Aerith Gainsborough. It's nice to meet you, Aizen! You've been here a while, I take it?"

[godzen]

The pleasure is mine.

[ Aizen stroked his chin as he appeared to think. ]

Two? Three years now.

[ He flashes her an unassuming smile. ]

It is very different from my home. What about yours?

[ancientflower]

[Aerith hadn't actually planned on sticking close to the bar, but since she was talking to someone, she decided to slide her butt up onto the stool beside her. She crossed her legs at the ankles, tucking them in a little while she leaned her elbow onto the bar.]

Not long then...

[She laughed lightly, smiling cheerfully.]

Isn't this my home? [She propped her chin onto her hand then, a brow raising.] The home I remember is a dream, isn't that what you were told?

[godzen]

Something tells me you don't really believe that.

[ Aizen was indeed fishing. Gathering information was something of a hobby for him whether he needed it or not. ]

Re: Aizen Sousuke l Bleach

[strawberryprotector]

[Ichigo might be shit at sensing reiatsu, but he has read enough and seen enough movies to know that taverns and inns are a great place to start gathering information. He stops twirling the gold key long enough to stuff it in his pocket before pushing open the door. And stopping short as he sees Aizen] Well, fuck. Is this place you’re doing? Or did I fuck up and lose the fight and die?

[godzen]

[ Aizen thinks of all the ways he could twist this for fun and decides on the truth. He's been here a long time and Ichigo is, perhaps, the person he's most glad to see. ]

How many years has it been now, Kurosaki Ichigo?

[ It might be the truth but Aizen still isn't going to make it easy on him. ]

[strawberryprotector]

[Ichigo raises an eyebrow and takes a seat at the bar.] Years? Hasn’t it been less than a week since the fight against Ywhach? Or are we counting how many years has your fuckery impacted my life? And is there a minimum legal drinking age here?

[godzen]

[ Aizen's smile shows a little teeth because the answer to that is all of them. He doesn't feel the need to say so though. What he does do is accord Ichigo something that many want from him but few ever receive: a real answer to his question. ]

I've been here for years now.

[ He lifts a finger and Bert ambles over, tells Aizen how popular he is today, and asks Ichigo what he'll have. Aizen turns a little toward Ichigo after the man leaves and says, almost playfully: ]

Welcome to my Williamsburg.

[strawberryprotector]

I’ll have the uh…blue smooch. Sounds interesting. [When Bert leaves, Ichigo snorts softly.] Interesting that we’re in a place with an English name when I’m not making an effort to speak English. And neither are you. It’s my best subject, so I’d know if you were. How many years?

[godzen]

That's right. This world is the dream. Or so I think.

[ Aizen takes a sip of his own drink which interestingly enough is the same thing. ]

Three years, four months and two days.

[ He'd meant to give the first piece of information only so why...? Ah. Aizen spins the glass and idly ponders it. Is it this or something else? ]

[strawberryprotector]

[Ichigo thanks Bert when his drink arrives and takes a long sip of his drink as he listens to Aizen. Mmm, chocolate.]

I see. Well, I don't have any contacts in my phone for my sisters or my friends, so at least they aren't here. So as long as you're not gonna try to kill me or try to get out of here to level my town again, truce?

[He offers Aizen a handshake.]

[godzen]

[ Aizen doesn't hesitate to take the offered hand. ]

I never intended to kill you before, Kurosaki Ichigo. I'm not about to start now.

[ Once again, a little more comes out than he intended but he just can't seem to help himself. It's a bit alarming but also he kind of likes the challenge it poses. ]