fourside | [3.8★] "Too much water"

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[3.8★] "Too much water" — Yelp Reviewer

THE OCEANARIUM
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.

➤ What is this?

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!

➤ How to play:

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!

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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!

Scenarios
A Watery Wonderland ✦ Close Encounters of the Penguin Kind ✦ Operation: Free Willy ✦ Submerged in Shadow ✦ Deep Fear ✦ Relaxed, Refreshed & Resurfaced ✦ Wildcard!

❖ A Watery Wonderland

➤ Location: Sea-Through Tunnel

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:

...The Oceanarium™ has even transplanted seaweed, anemones, giant clams and all from the Pacific and Atlantic depths to really nail in the accuracy of their natural habitat. It's the best place to find sharks, stingrays and other fascinating seafaring creatures from behind the glass without having to dive deep into the ocean itself. So you don't have to worry about that pesky thalassophobia kicking in!

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?"

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❖ Close Encounters of the Penguin Kind

➤ Location: The Cold Spot

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.

If you're hoping to get a close look of these birds, then lucky for you! For a phenomenally nominal fee, you can feed and pet them at your leisure within the exhibit.* Watch as these little guys will start swarming around you to observe and hope to get some fish out of your hands.

Then you notice some smaller text at the bottom of the Cold Spot's description.

* – The Oceanarium™ will not be held responsible for the animals' behavior, and any injuries or losses gained from them will not be compensated for as per agreement in the terms and conditions written in your waiver. Please take caution when interacting with these animals.

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.

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❖ Operation: Free Willy

➤ Location: Aquatheater

Built for family-friendly entertainment, this area is an enriching experience for both you and our finned friends in captivity. The Aquatheater is made to hold more than a hundred guests to view over the stage – a large oval pool where our handlers hold the highly-anticipated marine show featuring our highly trained cetaceans and pinnipeds performing the most captivating acts of acrobatics in and over water.

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.

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❖ Submerged in Shadow

➤ Location: The Abyssal Zone

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.

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❖ Deep Fear

➤ Location: Basement-Level Research Laboratory

⚠️ Content Warning ⚠️
 
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.

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❖ Relaxed, Refreshed & Resurfaced

➤ Location: Gift Shop & Café

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.

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❖ Wildcard!

➤ Location: Anywhere

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.)

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[he starts slightly, just minutely, at the weight of Nagiri on his shoulder. he peeks at him, brow furrowed with concern. He looks clammy...]

Hey, hang in there. Have the water, if you can.

Nughh...

[He really doesn't want to drink the water... But, wait... Maybe he should just pour it over himself? He's a fishman now, that's probably good for him? Having water all over him sounds pretty good right now...

Without thinking about it further, Nagiri raises his head off Bucky's shoulder, opens the water bottle and upends it over his own head and shoulders. Sorry, Bucky, you're definitely getting some on you. Nagiri looks a little more alive, at least...]

[oh, that's-- not what he was expecting-- alarm rising, he leans back to take in Nagiri's face, pinched in pain? in distress? the guy usually has had an unpleasant look on his face in the 15 minutes he's known him]

Just hang on.

[He definitely has a strained expression. Not quite pained, but pinched, eyes and mouth closed. Nagiri's currently focusing on keeping his blood blades from appearing anywhere on his body where they'd stab Bucky. As a side-effect of that effort, an old scar opens on his forehead, with blood bursting out to harden into a brittle and small blood blade, like a horn. Also, he's completely drenched, and regretting that slightly now that his cloak is sticking to him.

He doesn't respond out loud, but he nods.]

[his concern grows, they might have to get an actual med evac at this point, the way Nagiri is looking. but soon enough there's a bonafide jet landing nearby, crushing a few trees in it's wake.]

I'm gonna pick you up again, okay?

[No doctors! ...Is what Nagiri would say if he knew what Bucky was thinking. He's kind of distracted by the actual goddamn jet (that he knew was coming, but holy shit) and the sound of trees being crushed.]

Sure... [Nagiri remains pliant and lets himself get carried. Once he's back inside, he'll be just fine, he just has to hold on a little longer... Ugh, but the fact that there's a jet means there'll be other people, and a higher chance of someone realizing who Nagiri was... He grimaces, and with effort, manages to make the blood horn disappear, the wound re-sealing itself afterwards.]

[that's probably the most alarming part...Nagiri didn't even protest, didn't grumble, nothing, just acceptance. Bucky hurries a little more, longer strides to get him to the plane, and the ramp comes down, a familiar blonde behind the wheel, as it were.

he takes one look at Nagiri and isn't impressed]

[He'd be grumbling if he wasn't focusing on not blowing his cover, for sure. Some direct sunlight hits Nagiri while he's being carried to the plane, and he hisses, trying to curl on himself, looking ill.

Also fuck you blondie, he's plenty impressive, just wait until after sunset! ...Is what he'd be thinking if he had the energy to notice what anyone's thinking about him right now.]

[yeah the hissing also gets him doubly worried....but he's settled away from a window, but there's plenty of light for Bucky to see.]

Okay, what do you need, man? Can you talk?

[Being in a smaller, enclosed space does make him feel better. Like he could breathe easier... if he could breathe. Ever since he got the gills, he hasn't been able to fill his lungs. Since he can survive without breathing, he's been able to set that aside to focus on survival, but now that he's safe, away from there... It's all catching up on him.

What does he need? He needs blood. He needs to take a deep breath and calm down. He needs a small, dark, enclosed place he can crawl into and curl up in. He needs to not be wet, he hates water and his cloak clinging to him, but the new fish side of him wants to be surrounded by water at all times. He needs to stretch his legs, but they're gone. He needs his clothes back, his worn-down pants and his taped-together shoes, he'd kept them safe for years but now they're somewhere in that lab, probably to be thrown away by some scientists. He needs to get rid of this feeling of thin webbed skin between his fingers, it's uncomfortable and makes him want to rip it off. He needs to see the people he cares about, to hear them talk his ears off with stupid, meaningless prattle about some kids' shows and sci-fi sagas he's never seen. He needs to hug a small, round, cute animal. He needs someone to ruffle his hair and tell him he's going to be all right.

He needs so many things he can't have. He curls up on his side and covers up his face with his arm, trying to block out the ambient light.]

Just lemme rest...

[he's content to let him rest, but he's also dripping wet. Bucky quiets, doesn't say anything else, but does get a towel that was stowed away, and drapes it over Nagiri's face, rubbing his hair slowly]

Alright, man.

[Just leave him alone... is what Nagiri wants to say, but he finds himself leaning slightly into the towel rubbing his hair. Tsujigiri Nagiri should really not be letting something like this happen, should tell him to fuck off... but he introduced himself as Tsujita. Not like this'll affect his reputation.

Nagiri relaxes, closing his eyes.]

[totally no reputation being ruined here, it's all fine and he's still tough.

When he finishes up, he stays nearby, but doesn't say anything else. Thankfully Hawkeye hasn't said anything sassy, just got them in the air]

[Nagiri just lies there quietly, trying to ignore the fact that he misses that contact. Not breathing or moving, body cold as a corpse, towel covering his face. Probably an unsettling sight. He'd really like to get some sleep, but the ambient noises of the jet and the knowledge there's someone nearby are keeping him awake.]

[it is, because after a moment he lightly taps Nagiri's shoulder]

You alive?

[He doesn't visibly react to being poked, but he does speak up, sounding annoyed.]

You think I'm gonna die that easily...?

[oh, that's a relief]

You look dead.

[Nagiri lifts the towel off his face for an offended glare.]

Like I'd die here...! I'm...

[He shuts his mouth with a look of 'whoops, shouldn't say that.' No matter how offended he is, outing his identity that easily is stupid. He averts his eyes and mumbles instead, kind of embarrassed.]

I'm going home, after all...

[there's an expectant look in Bucky's eyes, like he was waiting for Nagiri to continue...and when he didn't, he hums]

Yeah, you are. We'll help ya out, man. You just rest, and don't die.

I'm not dying, dumbass!!

[Speaking of going home, now that that's actually happening, how exactly is that going to go? Nagiri's not sure what Bucky's planning on, so he's a little worried he'll end up having to wait at an airport or get taken to the police station or something... Maybe he should take the lead and get that sorted out.]

Hey, before we get there... You gotta call the Vampire Countermeasure Division, Kanagawa branch, and ask for a Kei Kantarou... You tell them Tsujita's involved and he'll drop everything to pick up your call. Tell him where you're landing and I'll be outta your hair as soon as we're there...

[hopefully he'd suspected this this entire time, and it isn't just clicking now--]

You could have just said you needed to chill out due to the vampirism, man. If that's where you want to go, we'll get you hooked up with these people. But if it isn't, we'll take you where you want.

[Considering how many times Nagiri's mentioned vampires since they met, it's not hard to put the pieces together! But Nagiri flinches, eyes wide as they lock on to Bucky.]

That's not...! It's not like that!! He just works there...!! I'm not...

[Oh, who is he kidding, his cover's blown! Nagiri eyes Bucky warily, heart pounding. It doesn't look like a bad reaction to finding out someone is a vampire, but Nagiri can't relax that easily. He awkwardly keeps eye contact despite wanting to avert his eyes because his instincts scream not to let Bucky out of his eyesight until he knows if he's an enemy or not.]

He's... Kantarou's just a guy that's offered to take me in... I don't know how to contact him other than through his work, that's all...

Look, I don't care that you're a vampire. Long as you don't dust in front of me, or kill anyone in front of me. I'm no hunter.

[hasn't gone hunting in any long time, other than anything in Europe...and that was long ago, a lifetime ago. his gaze is carefully neutral again as he watches Nagiri stumble along his explanation]

If that's where you want to go, we'll take you.

[Okay. Okay, it's looking like it's fine. Nagiri relaxes just slightly, tries to get his heartrate under control. He shakes his head quickly at the word "kill", raising his hands up non-threateningly.]

Of course not...! Just... shit, don't... don't tell anyone, or I'll- [No, he can't go for his usual empty "I'll kill you" threat at a time like this! Finish that sentence some other way!] I'll... die... [God dammit, that came out so pathetic.]

Don't exactly got anywhere else to go...

[Where else would he even go, at this point? The ocean or some river would probably be where he's most suited to living right now, hunting fish for their blood more efficiently than ever. Logically, that should be where he should go. Survival should be his first priority. And yet, he can't stand the idea. With his body changed probably irreversibly, all he wants is some damn normality even if it kills him.]

I'm not gonna tell anyone. Do I look like the kinda guy who loves conversation?

[he's spend what, half an hour with Bucky? he is not the soft and fuzzy conversationalist you might think he looks like. if you were bizarro or something, and things were opposite.]

Not to be funny, but what about Dracula?

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