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[3.8★] "Too much water" — Yelp Reviewer
It's like a fish tank, but bigger.
The sea is a vast expanse of water that covers 70% of our planet Earth. It is also home to various marine life that dwell within the very depths. Then one day, someone decided to bring the ocean to the surface for Reasons. So now everyone gets the chance to see all sorts of seafaring creatures — man-eating sharks, living fossils, and whatever horrors found deep in the ocean trenches all safely confined inside these oversized aquariums.
Somehow, your character got their hands on some tickets. So why not dive right in and spend some of that free time to hang out with the fishes? Learn something about the ocean, pet a cute penguin, or even plot to free a killer whale. It'll be an experience they won't forget.
This is just an open RP post with a sandbox-like setting. While there's some scenarios premade for your roleplaying needs, you can mess around with it as much or as little as you want. Feel free to use it for voicetesting, create cross-canon shenanigans, or develop a ship even further. You can carry the story over to your musebox if you'd like too. And you can re-use this post as many times as you'd like (until it hits the comment limit.) So bring your blorbos, your originals, your AUs, your friends and your friends' friends along for the fun!
- Comment with your character's name and series in the subject.
- Follow it up with a starter, and state your preferences too.
- Label any warnings when necessary.
- Reply to other characters!
- Most importantly, just don't worry and have fun!
Upon arrival, the attendant greets you as she collects your ticket. She hands over a brochure of the park containing a map, and descriptions of each featured exhibit that you can access. Afterwards she explains some guidelines for you to follow while within the park premises:
- No smoking.
- Don't leave your children unattended.
- Don't tap or slam against the glass.
- Please keep your valuables with you.
- Don't bring food or drinks inside any of the exhibit rooms.
- Use of flash photography is strictly prohibited.
- Ignore the noises coming from the backrooms.
- Keep a safe distance from the pools, otherwise you will get wet.
Once she's done, she slaps a wristband over your arm and gestures to make your way into the main lobby where all of the other visitors are gathered. From here you may begin exploring around the facility on your own, with your partner, or tag along with a tour guide as they show you the way. There's a lot of places to be, and plenty of fish to see!
The Sea-Through Tunnel is the main attraction of the Oceanarium, and the highlight in most advertisements you find about this place. And you now understand why after seeing it up-close.
It is a long glass tunnel that passes through the large indoor aquarium, giving you a glimpse of the wonders of the sea. And like an aquarium, the exhibit presents a near-perfect replication of the seabed and the various kinds of marine life found exclusively under the sea. Though it comes with a few bits and bobs you expect from any fish tank like a shipwrecked galleon or a treasure chest. If you peruse through the brochure, you take note of the description of the tunnel as follows:
Apparently this exhibit is also popular among families and young couples according to the guide that you overheard. They explained how with the vivid blue water, the colorful coral covering the surface, and an assortment of marine life swimming by, certainly all of these make for a perfect backdrop for any special occasion.
"First meetings, reunions, confessions, wedding proposals, you name it!" the tour guide enthused, "What could be more memorable than having a heartfelt moment or two take place underwater and being surrounded by thousands of fish?"
Another popular attraction in the Oceanarium is The Cold Spot, showcasing images and dioramas of wildlife that survive within polar habitats. And to really add to the experience, the temperature in the room is a bit lower than usual. So as the name implies, it does get a little chilly inside.
Though what draws people the most is the large penguin enclosure within the exhibit. It's where guests get to see these dapper-looking birds clumsily waddle around on the snow-covered surface or diving gracefully into the waters of the indoor pool. Many of them are seen idling by either at their nests, the fake rocks, or at the edge of the pool with little concern of their spectators standing behind the glass barrier with fascination and glee.
Then you notice some smaller text at the bottom of the Cold Spot's description.
Other than that, if you're not up to paying for meeting penguins, there are a couple of penguin statues and a photo stand-in of a penguin with its face cut-out so you can pretend to be one just for laughs.
But as it turns out, there was more to it than meets the eye.
Maybe it's something you caught word of before entering the facility, but you heard rumors that there were plans from the staff behind the scenes about getting rid of one of their poorest performers in the bunch. The Oceanarium has a bit of a seedy reputation regarding the welfare of these seafaring mammals, and have even called into question how they handled them in captivity. You don't know what they'll do to that poor creature, and wouldn't want to think the worst of it to happen. Frankly it's not your business to pry, yet you feel you have to do something if any of that is true.
Now driven to save the creature, you and your partner sneak into the backrooms and make an attempt to set it free.
You figured there's a good reason why this exhibit is called The Abyssal Zone, as it is almost pitch black inside upon entering. This makes it impossible to read the brochure in such darkness. And the only sources of light that you could find are the tiny LED lights embedded on the floor to illuminate your path, and the soft eerie blue glow coming from the fish tanks.
Apparently all of the specimens featured here are mostly found within the deepest trenches of the ocean and are highly sensitive to bright lights. That would explain why the attendant from earlier discouraged you to use flash photography. The tour guide mentions how a handful of them are species that have been around since the prehistoric era. They even proudly boast that the Oceanarium seems to be the only marine park that has the rare "Deep Sea Pucker-Faced Lanternfish" in captivity, thought to have been extinct during the Paleocene era. Seeing how these species of fish managed to survive for over millions of years makes you wonder what else could be lurking beneath the depths.
You then take notice of a few fish that seem to be glowing by themselves. One of them at a distance looked rather... humanoid in shape based on the silhouette. Though maybe you're just seeing things.
"...Oh and did you know?" you hear the guide continue, "Some of these fishes are able to produce their own light naturally – mostly to lure in their prey."
Somehow, you're getting the sense that you're being watched by whatever it is behind the glass.
Slight body horror.
Something's wrong.
Your body swiftly jumps and aches as your nerves begin to connect to your sudden awareness. It's like you are weighted down with lead for muscles, your limbs are uncooperative at every attempt. Not only that, but there's an odd sensation coming from your hands and feet like they felt stuck together. And for some reason, it's become a chore to breathe through your throat as you rasp loudly. And as you awake, bright lights glare before your eyes and you immediately shield them away with your hand. And that's the first oddity you've discovered – the skin between your digits are stitched together, webbed like fins of a fish. The second is finding yourself atop an operating table.
A sharp chill takes over you completely.
Nothing seemed out of the ordinary before you got here. But whatever reason you have for visiting the Oceanarium, someone had their sights on you and knocked you unconscious when no one's watching. And now you've found yourself in a strange yet horrifying predicament. Everything about you has changed, and you dread how your life will be like from this point onwards. It's become certain that you've regretted ever coming to the park in the first place.
There's no time to think about this any further. There's only one goal in mind right now – You have to get out of here. And you can only hope and pray the people running this place don't catch you if you're spotted.
Had enough excitement for today? It sure seems like it.
Well, your time here in the Oceanarium is finally over. Maybe you got to learn a thing or two about the sea, that you found some appreciation towards our fishy friends. Or maybe you've just decided for yourself that you're going to stay far away from the ocean permanently. Either one of these is a valid response really. Just don't let the staff know about the latter part.
But before you leave, the tour guide encourages everyone to stop by at the gift shop and bring home a souvenir or two for you and your friends. There's Oceanarium-themed keychains, fridge magnets, bottle openers, t-shirts, baseball caps, and even plush toys of critters such as penguins, dolphins, octopi, a legally distinct clownfish, or the pucker-faced lanternfish that you can have as a new companion on your way back out.
Alternatively you can sit back, relax, and grab some bubble tea or try out some fish and chips at the indoor café. Of course there's more options you can choose from in the menu, with some food items specially catered towards those who are either vegan, vegetarian, have specific allergies, or just a really picky eater.
If you're not feeling any of these prompts, or have some other ideas in mind, then go wild!
You can mix and match scenarios or come up with your own. Swap roles where you play the villain and your partner would be the hero or the other way around. You can even expand the setting with new locations, or AU it up and rebuild it into your own version of the setting if you'd like. There's no limits to what your imagination can create. It's free real estate here, and the world is your oyster! (No pun intended.)
no subject
[He nods.]
Let's try that.
no subject
I see - I hope you've been enjoying yourself while you're here. There's so much to take in, it would probably take all day to see everything, hah.
no subject
[A nod.]
So far it has been very interesting.
no subject
Does that mean the two of you are part of a guild?
no subject
No, we worked independently. Although prior to traveling together, I was taught at a hero school. The headmaster refused to teach Zack, as he was more interested in privately tutoring someone else, and I took it upon myself to teach him instead.
no subject
Erm... but there were other teachers as well, weren't there? Did they also refuse to teach your friend?
[ That seems like it's.. not a very good school if they literally reject prospective hero's over... what, financial status? Social status? If that's how they ran their school ... well, it wasn't really that surprising, she did know of some schools who turned people away because they weren't rich enough. She wasn't a fan of that - which of course was why she never went to those types of schools. ]
Its nice of you that you were willing to teach him what you know though.
[ Oop - she hopped a bit to the side to get out of the way of the blonde janitor, pausing as she eyed a directory. ]
Let's see.. 'Abyssal Zone'? [ She glanced towards the doorway. ]
It looks pretty dark in there.. Do you think your friend went inside?
[ She started in that direction, about to reach into her pocket for her Xipha so they could have some light, but halted when she saw the 'No flash photography, cameras or lights' warning. ]
Oh dear... it's going to be terribly hard to see in there.
no subject
[The blond didn't glance up. He was wearing a red cloak over his clothes. For the briefest moment, what looked like a leathery wing folded under there was visible....]
Hm. That's the sort of place Zack might avoid on name alone. He might say it sounded too gloomy. Then again, he might be curious enough to try it, under the circumstances. I suppose we should investigate.
no subject
She glanced over her shoulder briefly at the janitor, but it would be impolite to stare, and their path was getting a little darker so she needed to pay more attention. ]
Gloomy? Hrm.. I would have called it mysterious, myself... And ordinarily, potentially dangerous - safe places aren't often referred to as 'abyssal'. But they wouldn't have anything dangerous here like that. [ She hoped her guess was right anyway, but she couldn't help but wonder. ]
Oh, it just dawned on me, I don't think I ever asked what your friend even looked like.
no subject
A slight smirk.]
I believe it’s simply that they have sea creatures down there that aren’t used to bright lights. It shouldn’t be dangerous.
[He smiled a bit.]
He has spiky black hair, bluish-lavender eyes, and an infectious grin. He is a joy to be around.
no subject
There was a movie that my friends and I saw once last year, that involved a science team trapped in an undersea station that was leaking from cracks that had begun to form from an attack from a rather large, ancient deep sea creature - but I am well aware something like that could never happen in real life.
[ Then again, some of the creatures they dealt with certainly -looked- like some of the creatures swimming around in their tanks. ]
I don't recall much of the plot, but I believe it was something along the lines of 'ancient creature woken after a thousand years of sleep seeking revenge against those foolish enough to encroach into its territory'. ...or something like that.
[ She suddenly perked up at the sight of a spikey haired man with his arm around a pretty blonde. ]
I see! That's a distinctive enough description, I think. It shouldn't be too hard to recognize someone like that. [ How many spikey haired people can there be? ]
no subject
[And they had better not.
He listens in amusement to the explanation of the film.]
It sounds like several horror films Zack took me to see.
[He looks to this guy and then away. That isn't Zack.]
If he sees us first, there will be no need to recognize him. He will bound right over.
no subject
I see! Haha, your friend Zack sounds like the type, if you don't mind my saying so. He must be very social and curious. I hope I will be fortunate enough to meet him. [ Unfortunately she couldn't spend -all- day looking, as much as she would have liked to help him out. But as active as this guy sounded, and no phones readily available - it might take Sephiroth all day to find Zack. ]
Does he often run off to investigate things on his own like this?
no subject
That is a good way to describe Zack, yes. And he does indeed.
[He studies the exhibits when they reach them. His wings stiffen a bit when he sees the creature that seems humanoid from a distance. It doesn't look like he can get closer for a better look.]
no subject
[ She paused, glancing out of the corner of her eye towards him. ]
Is everything all right?
no subject
[He stepped back from the case, not wanting to involve her in ... whatever was going on here.]
Yes.
[He turned away.]
Zack isn't here. Let's move on to the penguin exhibit.
no subject
Of course they're perfectly in their right to ignore other opinions, but it seems quite limiting to dismiss someone's outright like that rather that consider other alternatives and options to broaden their horizons. Why else are new things created?
[ She gave a brief glance at her phone when it buzzed briefly at her. ]
Ah, excuse me. [ She turned aside for a second to shoot off a quick response, before folding the Xipha and putting it back into her pocket, looking back at Sephiroth. ]
Ultimately everyone is allowed their opinions, whether it's agreed with or not. It's up to that individual how they decide to take it, whether it's to improve, ignore it or take an entirely different option.
[ A slight pause as she glanced further into the room, thoughtful, and then - somewhat reluctantly - turned to follow him. ]
Do you think perhaps he went back to look for you?
no subject
[He waited, checking his own phone while he did.]
Indeed.
That is possible. Or he became occupied with the penguins.
[The janitor was coming down there now, sweeping the path.]
no subject
Yes, you're exactly right. I do think it's important to accept criticism from anyone, - provided of course, that it's actually criticism and not just someone insulting it out of malice.
[ Catching sight of the janitor, she nodded his way. ]
Maybe he's seen him?
no subject
[The janitor flicked his wing at that comment, then looked up when Agnes spoke.]
Huh? Seen who?
no subject
Oh! Pardon me. [ She glanced at the Janitor, momentarily pausing at the wing again. Well it would be silly to assume all winged people knew each other. ]
Sephiroth is looking for a friend of his. A black haired man named Zack..he was last seen in the penguin exhibit. Does that sound familiar to you by any chance?
no subject
Yeah, I saw somebody like that over there.
[Sephiroth gave no hint of recognition.]
How long ago?
[Another shrug.]
Fifteen minutes, maybe.
no subject
That's good news! That means he can't have gotten that far. THat's a relief - I was worried he might have wandered into the exhibit after all. [ Then Sephiroth REALLY wouldn't be able to drag him away. ]
no subject
Sephiroth looks amused.]
If he was there fifteen minutes ago, the chances are that he’s still there. Let’s go look.
[He heads back up, intending to head for the penguins.
The janitor goes over to clean near where the humanoid creature looks out.]
no subject
Hrm... [ She nodded, somewhat distractedly to Sephiroth. ]
All right. [ She motioned at her phone. ] That was my friend a few minutes ago - I promised to meet up with them, and they were asking where I was. I suppose the time got a little away from me. [ Sheepish. At least they weren't worried, since she did respond to their inquiry. ]
I'll have to meet up with them - but hopefully your friend hasn't moved on already.
no subject
That is fine if you need to leave. I wouldn't want to keep you. Perhaps we will meet again later.
[Hopefully not in the middle of the more dangerous investigation they were all three doing here....]