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 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?

You seem like the kind of guy that shares what's needed!

[And that's exactly why Nagiri's worried that the guy would tell the Counter-Vamps that he's got a vampire on board... But the assurance does put him at ease.

He makes a vaguely offended face at the suggestion.]

You think since I'm a vampire, I can just pal around with one of the geezers from old prestigious clans...? I got nothing in common with those posh blue-bloods hanging out in castles...

If you were going on a rampage and hurting people, yeah, I'd tell people where to find you. You planning on doing that?

[truthfully he doesn't understand this...clan business, or the castes of society in vampires]

I know not to ask Blade, that's for sure.

...No. [He says, averting his eyes nervously. Unfortunately, he's as bad at lying as he is at rampaging and hurting people these days.

Nagiri barely gets the caste stuff either, but he does get that Bucky's suggestion was like asking a homeless man if he could go live in a king's castle.]

Yeah, not gonna room with any stranger, vampire or not... Look, I know a dhampir that might have some room, that good enough...?

[It's starting to feel like Bucky's trying to set him up with other vampires, and Nagiri's not sure how to feel about that.]

Like I said, we'll take you wherever you're comfortable. I'm not trying to pull your leg or anything.

[that's true, this would be like people lumping him in with Cable just because they both have metal arms...Bucky should have thought of that]

I told you already where I wanna go... It's simple, dammit...! Call Kantarou from the Counter-Vamps, don't tell him I'm a vampire, tell him I've got this... fish problem or whatever you'd call it, and tell him where he can pick me up! I can handle it from there...

[Nagiri doesn't know why they're even still talking about it. ~~It's because Nagiri looks uncomfortable and uncertain when talking about the guy he's going to rely on.~~]

[he senses there's more to that. either a discomfort, or helplessness...Bucky just can't put his finger on it.]

Okay. We can do that.

[Guilt and regret, mostly. Long story.]

Good...

[Though, now that he's been outed as a vampire... Ugh, he hates asking for anything, but after the kind of reaction he had outside in the sun, it's clear he's really low on blood... Time to swallow his pride in favor of survival.]

You wouldn't happen to have extra blood bags for transfusions or anything...? I'll even take an expired one...

[oh right, this water won't really do much for him. as much as Bucky wouldn't have the blood used frivolously....it's needed.

humming the affirmative, he stands to cross over to a convenient little fridge in the back of the jet]

Got any preferences? Or just the first cold one?

Anything's fine...

[Some vampires have preferences for blood types, but Nagiri doesn't know enough about those to have a preference. He feels lucky that there's even spare blood.]

[humming, he takes the first bag he sees, and carefully palming it, brings it back to the vampire]

Do you need a straw or do those little teeth do that for you.

Little?! Shut up, asshole...!

[That's among the worst things you could say to a vampire! Some primal instinct within Nagiri is very offended. He growls and grabs the blood bag, creating a small blood blade in his palm, just big enough to pierce the bag (even that's a bit of an effort in his current state) and starts absorbing the blood through it. From the outside, it looks the blood bag slowly starts draining on its own in his hand.]

[Oh, Bucky knows, if the smirk on his face is anything to go by.

the eating method is strange, but not the strangest he's ever seen. he doesn't stare him down as he eats, that isn't polite, and he's been raised better than that. raised and dragged]

Enjoy.

[He said that on purpose?!]

Don't give me that stupid-ass smirk! Die!

[Nagiri grimaces with regret after saying that, 'die' is his usual go-to word when angry at someone, and getting teased made it slip out, but he's not sure if Bucky will take it too seriously...

It's definitely a strange eating method. For some reason, Nagiri can even taste the blood, and instinctively licks his lips while drinking through his hands. It's pretty good blood, and he can feel his strength returning, his body getting a little warmer.]

Thanks... [Nagiri mutters awkwardly. He's far from polite, but after everything Bucky's done for him, it's probably the least he can do.]

[the smirk does not ease, but once he's thanked, it softens. It's odd, but Bucky's glad to see Nagiri doing better. he already looks much more alive and vampy, and that's loads better than him nearly being unconscious.

and it's easy to ignore Clint in the front]

No problem.

[What's with that softer smile? It makes Nagiri feel kind of itchy, thanking somebody like this. He looks away without a word and finishes draining the blood bag, licking his lips. Now what's he supposed to do with the empty plastic bag...?]

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