avalaughs | TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

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A ⦿ Soaking in Your Arrival

KERPLUNK, SPLASH!

Regardless of what you were in the middle of, you and your familiar have been magically pulled into the world of Avalon just above the Bay's chilly waters. After a brief plunge into the Bay, the rush of water filling your ears and soaking up into every creak and crevice of your body, you may need to cough to clear your airways when you rise above the surface. It's paralyzingly cold for a few seconds before you're approached by the Lady of the Lake beneath the water's surface. She puts a vial of a vibrant, glowing red Everwarm* potion to your character's lips. The icy water doesn't feel so icy once consumed and you'll be able to move your limbs enough to swim to shore on your own. She can't stick around to explain, she's got to get this to all the new arrivals! Many of which you'll see plopping in around you.

If you can't swim, a handful of helpful ice turtles will scoop you up from beneath and drop you off at the shore. When not helping people, the turtles are going around and hitting the ice that keeps forming on the surface with their shells to keep the surface open for the falling arrivals or pushing personal items to the beach near the new arrivals they smell like (belong to). If anyone tries to ask the Lady of the Lake for directions, she will direct you to Archimedes at the Rent-a-Ride. If anyone with Animal Magic asks the turtles, they will give the full spiel, but very slowly, and they like to get off topic and gossip about other turtles you've never heard of. The shores themselves are littered with new arrivals complaining their way up a staircase carved into the walls of the White Cliffs. There is no railing, so be careful, but if you do fall, be prepared for a mysterious sand hand to reach out of the side of the cliffs to catch you. The hand will pat you atop the head twice before retreating back into the wall. This is the Cliff Beast; despite the name, he is quite friendly.

B ⦿ The Caravan to Camelot

Once everyone is wrangled up to the top of the White Cliffs, the handsome owner of the Rent-a-Ride, Archimedes, will distribute smart phones, a pair of earbuds, and a winter cloak** to everyone before getting them settled in groups into modernized carriages pulled by horses and give them a basic explanation of why and how they've been brought to Avalon: The rest of the universe is frozen in time and your character has been brought here by a familiar that was able to bond with them. They'll have to learn magic to help save their own world from destruction, but first they've got to get them to Camelot. It is here that you have the first opportunity to decide who they will be in their new home. You'll have about an hour to wander around here, meet and greet, and pet the horses before it's time to go.

These carriages use fae technology that combats weight, so your character will be able to get in regardless of whether they're light as a feather or weigh two tons. The carts have air conditioning when it's hot, heating when it's cold, and a mystical shield to protect from bugs. There is also a mini-bar that pops out of the console with nip bottles. Characters can use their smartphones to connect to Camelot's internet service,

avalononline (AOL), to chat with other characters, watch dumb videos, learn about the world, contact Camelot Support (they'll answer any questions they can for you, from how to use a smart phone to where to find quests and resources to learn more about your magic). Be careful if you decide to use your phones while in the caravan-- if you don't use those earbuds and start forcing everyone to listen to your nonsense, Archimedes may make you walk.

C ⦿ The Red Spring

The journey from the White Cliffs to the City of Camelot is a long one, and the first evening you arrive you'll end up spending at the Red Spring, a booming resort town. Because of the volume of new arrivals and vacationers, inn rooms are assigned two-to-a-room. The rooms have two twin beds, a bathroom, a mini-fridge and microwave, and a TV equipped with a couple of entertaining video games and a few free movies.

If you don't want to relax in the room, try taking a dip in the spring for another chance to meet your fellow travelers. The waters have restorative properties that help horses and travelers recover quickly when drunk. It is known to relieve stress, improve energy levels, and mildly accelerate healing. It may be a little chilly when you get out though, so make sure you don't slip rushing back indoors when you get out!

The springs are also home to a large training grounds just outside town limits, where there are teachers who will teach basic magic safety and help you discover what kind of magic you have together with other new arrivals. Try target practice, obstacle courses, meditation circles, and other ways to try to figure out just what you can do... if you didn't already have an accidental discovery on the ride there.

Everyone needs a little fun from time to time; the locals have put together the annual Snow Games. As with all things Avalonians plan, magic plays a part in the competition. There will be three separate tiers for characters to enter. Each Tier will have its predetermined track or ring, set up and ready to go.

A ⦿ Foot Races

three-legged race

B ⦿ Sled Races

magically driven sleds

C ⦿ Snow Chicken

Snow Chicken, Magic Vs Yeti Style... This competition will differ from the previous two; it is not a race to the finish line but instead a competition to be the last team standing! Participants will pair off and one person will climb on the shoulders of the other and try to wrestle their opponents off without getting knocked off themselves. The field is full of snow, with more coming from the sky. Your opponents will be Yeti. Try to stay on, Yeti are no slouches so teams will have to work together using their magic not only to stay put but to knock your big-footed opponents to the ground.

Just... be wary, these friendly yeti are surprisingly big on hugging as a form of congratulations. It's much more challenging to escape from a yeti's embrace than it is to knock one over.

Trumpets hail an announcement by the town crier in front of the castle. More than a few people pull out their phones to record it and post it to the AOL network for all to see.

"Hear ye, hear ye! Our noblest of lords, King Arthur of Camelot, will host a tournament on this January the 20th on castle grounds. All are welcome to participate in competitions to determine those most skilled in both the physical and magical arts. In preparation for the upcoming tournament, we are sending envoys to Celliwig. In Celliwig lies the Magic Mirror of the South, gifted to Camelot by the Fae, and a means to communicate with their royal court at will. It is a vastly important task in your journey to become magicians and to show your good will toward the fairies. Parts of the mirror's frame have been damaged. We will need those brave of soul and pure of heart to retrieve the crystals needed to repair the mirror. Those interested, the party leaves at dawn."

A ⦿ Brave of Soul

The first stop on the trip to restore Celliwig's Mirror is to a cave just north of Albion's White Cliffs. No longer a part of the cliffs themselves, this outcropping goes underground and to a dank, dark cave. It is the only place which a special prismatic crystal grows. The crystal itself is hidden deep in the cave, which can only be passed by passing into a zone in which magic cannot be used. Characters will enter the cave and must face an illusion of one of their greatest fears. Those frozen in fear will pass out and wake up outside of the cave with no crystal. Those who run will find themselves turned out of the cave as well. Only those who recognize and face that fear deep in their soul will find the path forward. The fear will turn into a small light spirit, which will smile and reveal to them the crystals they seek.

B ⦿ Pure of Heart

The second stop is past a shanty town and at the bridge north of it. The bridge itself is broken, only the ends in existence. The water itself is impassible, white rapids sweeping away anything that steps into it. Silver crystals are on the other side of the bridge, visible in an outcropping from where they are, but it appears there is no way around as magic does not work on the bridge. The only clue as to how to get across is a plaque in the dirt before the bridge.

"The pure of heart will form the bridge with a leap of faith."

Since everyone has gone as a group, it will be possible to see others walking over the water once one person figures it out. Though the clue may seem challenging, it is quite straight-forward. Characters who are pure of heart will find that if they believe in themselves, they will be able to step off the bridge and hardlight will form beneath their feet to allow them to step over the water. Those with ill intentions or those who are willing to harm others to get their way will slip into the rapid waters and may need to be saved by other characters. At least you're off the bridge, so magic will work to that end.

C ⦿ Celliwig, the Splendored Court

As the travelers leave the bridge, they turn toward the shanty town-- wood shacks and failing farms. Not a place anyone would want to visit. Those who try to run ahead will find that it disappears as if an illusion, and they will find nothing. Those who stick with the party will wait a fair distance away until the sun sets. Once the sun begins to fall beyond the horizon, the small town will begin to shimmer brilliant whites and colors-- a glamour hiding its true glory, a city made solely of crystals and glass: Celliwig, the Splendored Court. Though smaller than Camelot, every part of the city is beautiful and glistening. The population is small and it's very quiet and serene for a city. The people of the city don't seem keen on speaking to outsiders, and will typically scatter before anyone can really engage them. They seem humanoid in nature, but not entirely human. Even the animals around the city seem to be ethereal in nature, gliding more than walking.

The party is led to a hall at the center of the city-- the hall of mirrors. Those who have succeeded in obtaining crystals need to bring them and set them on a table placed before a mirror at the end of the hall, which appears to have a number of empty settings. It's unclear what happened to the mirror previously, but now it's necessary to restore it to garner the favor of the fae.

Once crystals have been delivered, people will be free to explore the quiet city, but it seems most of the city is closing shop while the visitors are around. There is a restaurant that will serve visitors food, though all of the dishes are of the molecular gastronomy variety. Alcoholic drinks seem to come in vapor form and flashes of light if ordered, but seem effective nonetheless. The local general store seems to be willing to sell supplies to weary travelers as well, but that's about it.

...That said the inn doesn't seem particularly keen on allowing visitors in strangely, so you're either going to be sleeping on the iridescent streets or camping just outside the city if you prefer the soft grass and the darkness of night. Just be aware, if you leave, you won't be able to get back into this mysterious city so easily.

MOD NOTES:
• All test drive prompts are open to anyone in the game at any time to create your own logs with, but this post should have top-levels by potential new characters only. Current characters may reply to any threads, but should not top-level comment on this post.
• If your application is accepted, you may accept TDM threads as game canon as long as both players consent. Characters may begin threading as soon as their journal is accepted to the communities.
• If nothing here tickles your fancy, try one of this month's Quests for your TDM prompt.
• Note that the third prompt in this TDM will have consequences on the game's progression. After the application round, a poll will be put up to see how many characters who are in the game, both new and old, are able to obtain the crystals from the Brave of Soul and Pure of Heart prompts.
• The first "Arrival" prompts are present on every TDM, but may contain seasonal tweaks for flavor. All other prompts will change monthly.
• Questions about this TDM's content? Comment here! If you have a question about the game at-large, please head over to the FAQ.

*This Everwarm does not count toward your potion collection for those who wish to take up potion brewing. You must obtain Everwarm from the Elphame Trader's to count.
**Jackets come in a variety of neutral colors, enchanted with a fit-adjustment spell that will adjust to your character's size.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Gokudera cannot sleep, which is perfectly normal for him most days. He's interested in gaining some kind of favor with the fae or locate a place he can train out in the open, but he's not given his name. From storytales in his youth, he doesn't easily trust the fae, but he is far from wanting to anger them by being reckless in his training if it goes anywhere outside training grounds. He's also curious if there is any way they could help in lifting his curse.

He's moving away from the rest of the sleeping party that had left the city in order to have a few cigarettes and not bother anyone.

Which means he's wandering about and may be happening by Zuko, but isn't looking to have any conversations. He's just trying to think out his approach to his current cursed state.]

Edited 2021-01-12 02:26 (UTC)

[ Zuko always pays careful attention to his surroundings, always on guard in case of random attack, especially when sleeping at night. He keeps his eyes and ears open at all times, the half he can. He's not splayed himself smack-dab in the center of a clearing, but on the edge, beneath a tree but with clear view of the sky and paths leading from the city's edges. It's not long at all til Zuko notices the bomber pass by, smoke trailing him giving him away all the more. The bomber has a distinctive appearance, and Zuko has an eye trained to it. It takes him a double-take for a moment, and it feels at once like a gut punch and like his heart flutters off, air sucked out of him.

He'd already just assumed he wasn't here... That he'd never see him again... Already even told people about him! He'd met his own friends from home and was elated to reunite after so long. He'd met his sister, endeared and relieved to be by her side for the first time in his life. He'd met Hikaru and his crush Taichi, had already grappled with annoyed and jealous feelings that Hikaru and Zuko'd had this parity of being in gay alien love spells in Lunatia, but now found he missed his confusion over Gokudera's absence and loss by all means. It put a new spin on his previous mindset that should he ever return home from Prismatica, he'd want to forget everyone, because it'd be too sad to lose them and miss them. But now that it came to that... that standpoint seemed less appealing. Transitioning from one plane of reality to another, being told your world might end, and remembering this other that ripped apart, for how it felt... losing Gokudera but not the memory of him had already been weighing heavy on the boy and he'd only barely arrived.

But knowing that everyone else he's met who were in Lunatia remember being there so far, he can't swallow his elation at seeing his not-so-long-lost friend. He goes by this baseline assumption that he'll remember, and once the recognition sets in, he springs up, running to catch up with the hitman, calling his name as he comes up. If only Gokudera could know, could remember, Zuko's wearing the brightest, most open-hearted smile he's ever worn — and he's smiled quite a lot around Gokudera, compared to anyone else. His eyes light up, his body language is open as if on edge of expecting a hug, he looks young and friendly and exceptionally happy... not at all the actual first impression Zuko would make in any other circumstance but a weird twist of fate such as this. ]

Gokudera...?! Hey! Hey, Gokudera! So you are here! Hi!

[There aren't many people in this world that Gokudera has befriended. It may have something to do with the fact that he's focused more on proving himself as the Tenth's right-hand man! Those friends he has made he does not recognize as such. People are friends with him, and he's too busy trying to figure out how to prove himself when it is realistically, unnecessary.

And now for some reason he keeps having lapses in his memory that are happening more often than he'd care to admit. He can't let the Tenth find out! The Tenth already knows. It's happened in an important fight with the baseball idiot! Pretty much everyone in this world knows he's cursed, so he figures it may be for the best if he stays on his own.

So he's sulking, wandering about and trying to find some way of curing his curse. Taking off his shirt and hanging it didn't help, but then... he wasn't cursed to be dizzy like that Sokka guy.

When he hears someone calling his name, he stops and lifts an eyebrow at the boy approaching him. Gokudera doesn't recognize him, and then pulls his device out to see if anything he's put on the network has his name on it. No.]

Hey. [This guy has some crazy confidence approaching him in such a friendly manner. Gokudera's very closed off, sneering a little and looking much too tense in stature to be welcoming.]

Do I know you? [Did someone introduce him to this guy during one of his memory lapses?]

[ Zuko's crestfallen in an instance. The words wipe that genuine grin off his face and replace it with a flash of confusion, shock, pain, before a faltering, incredulous smile takes its place again. There are many times in life when people make jokes around him and Zuko doesn't get at all that it's a joke, or worse, knows it's a joke and still can't figure it the fuck out. He's chalking this up as one of those jokes. Like maybe it's been so long since Gokudera's seen him or something, maybe he got here a month earlier than Zuko, too, like the others... So he just plays along, moves along. ]

Haha— Uh... H-How long have you been here? I just got here. Azula's with me, too — but not right now, don't worry. Is Yamamoto here, too?

[Gokudera has been here months earlier than Zuko, and he's never seen him before in his life. He's a bit on edge having someone recognize him, and worst off, know him by name. Gokudera's looking this guy over with obvious suspicion.]

A few months... [He doesn't know who Azula is, so his expression does not change. Of all things, he's watching Zuko's hands and keeping a safe distance from him. This guy knows Yamamoto? Maybe he's some friend of the baseball idiot's and has heard about him from him.]

You some friend of the baseball idiot's? Yeah, he's around here. Somewhere. [Gokudera gives a scoff, his distaste for the Rain Guardian strong... stronger than Zuko has likely ever seen.]

Has he told you about me? [Gokudera's going to have to yell at him. He knows the bomber isn't looking to make friends.]

[ Something's not right... The lightbulb hasn't quite turned on yet; Zuko's halfway-willing it off, truth be told. He can't keep up the fake smile, though, and concern sets in. Had Yamamoto told him what about him? Had something happened to him here? Gokudera seems off, that's for sure. ]

What do you mean? Told me what? What's wrong? Are you okay?

Why else would you know my name?

[Gokudera is looking on at Zuko with zero recognition. There may be something haughty to how he's looking at the other boy, eyes narrowed. The bomber doesn't easily trust, after all. He just assumes that Yamamoto hasn't watched who he's spoken to, or what about.]

Fuckin' peachy.

[Aside from the curse he isn't going to complain about to a perfect stranger, and the fact that he's obviously weaker than his boss's left-hand man... he's fine.]

"Why else would I–?"

[ The reaction hits like a smack, and Zuko's own eyes narrow to match his friend's — ex-friend's...? — finally dropping the atypical nice guy act no one else but Gokudera would ever believe. Except... even he didn't believe it. ]

What the hell's wrong with you? Are you sick or something? Got hit in the head? Amnesia?

[ Because assuming he's just plainly forgotten you or has never met you before due to timey-wimey wibbly-wobbly space stuff makes less sense than a head injury, in Zuko's book. ]

[This guy just approached him like a friend when they are strangers and is now getting up in arms has Gokudera even more on edge.]

I don’t know what that idiot told you, but I’m not looking to make friends. Just go bug him. You’ll have yourself a good time.

[He waves Zuko off and lights up a fresh cigarette before turning to carry on with his night walk.]

"Not looking to make friends?" What the fuck does that mean? I'd say we're past that, right?

[ Something's seriously off, and now it's starting to get under Zuko's skin. What's with the attitude? Did he hold Zuko's absence against him or something? Not like it's his fault, but obviously something's turning shit sour. Zuko's patient, caring charm was short-lived, and his fuse is shortening slowly but surely. ]

Look, I don't know who the fuck you are. Just leave me alone, okay?

[That's all Gokudera is trying to get at. He's got enough problems. He doesn't need someone running up to him and acting like they are friends when they are perfect strangers. He's taking a long drag of his cigarette and turning to keep on with his walk, hoping this guy won't follow him or try to keep up and continue this weird conversation.]

[ Zuko's face falls. His shocked expression is painted with pain, some deep iciness, insulted, but concerned... It's an expression someone who knows him well could pick apart for hours. But that someone is not Gokudera. That doesn't compute. ]

What? You're fucking with me— or...

O-Or— betraying me...? Wiping the slate clean or something? What's your deal?!

[ His mind snaps to the worst feeling, the first feeling, that bubbles up from his heart in a rolling boil. Zuko had made some creative liberties in what he chose to share and erase when meeting people in Lunatia... and he had fair intention of continuing it here in Avalon, as far as he felt for now. Lunatia was a ridiculous place. There's a lot Zuko wouldn't want to remember or admit to. Being a bear for a weekend is not a story he's eager to share moving forward. And admittedly, that's a weird bonding point to have with someone, if you're trying to erase uncomfortable parts of your past and start over... which Zuko would understand. But— he'd have hoped he'd be allowed to be privy to the truth. That he wouldn't be wiped off the board, too. Maybe he's too integral and close in the experience that if one were really trying to just put the past behind, Zuko'd be a central character to erase. But even if Zuko decided to never speak of Lunatia again to anyone, hypothetically, even if — he'd never cut out Gokudera... He had been Zuko's truth-keeper, himself, after all.

It's heartbreaking that Zuko's first assumption jumps to this conclusion, rather than the innocent benefit of a doubt that, really, this Gokudera had never been in Lunatia... but trauma works how it works, and deflecting while blaming oneself at once is some emotional parkour that he can't help but bust out. ]

[Gokudera stops in his move to walk away. If anyone knew him for even a few minutes. Knew him, he would hope loyal would be one of the major words used as a descriptor. He would never betray anyone. His gaze flashes anger before he's looking over his shoulder at the other boy, eyes narrowing.]

What the fuck are you talking about? I don't even know who you are!! I don't know how you know me, but you must not know who I am. Just my name. And who the fuck do you think you are?

[Gokudera cracks his knuckles and turns to fully face Zuko. There isn't a hint of understanding, sympathy, or hesitation in his eyes. He's detached, thinking this guy must have heard about him from someone else. He approaches quickly, grabs at the front of Zuko's jacket, and yanks him close.]

Who gave you my name?

[ That's not the move he was expecting, but Zuko doesn't lash back instantaneously — as much as he'd normally want to, it's Gokudera. He's not like that with him. Until now, at least. This was the opposite of their first meeting in Lunatia, he thinks... And he's pissed the fuck off about it, not just confused and hurt. He manages to keep his hands to himself even when being aggressed, enduring just a tensile blip of self-control, but does gesticulate sharply with his hands while he's speaking, letting Gokudera hold him. He's got a furious, steely look in his eye, even if he's trying to keep a peace it's clear only he cares about. ]

You gave me your name! It's Gokudera Hayato and I know you pretty fucking well! You seriously don't remember me?! Zuko?! Y'know, being best friends and all?! In Lunatia? Prismatica? The past half a year?! The fuck's wrong with you?!

[Gokudera's aggression isn't spiking up or going down. He's got a hand behind him, ready to pull out a stick of dynamite if that's what it will take to get this guy to leave him alone. He listens, but it all sounds like nonsense.]

I don't have a best friend.

[Gokudera that is not something to say with pride. It makes you look sad.]

I've never left Namimori.

[Except for him coming from Italy, but so far, he doesn't plan on leaving Japan until his boss does.]

Sounds like you don't know me at all.

[Gokudera looks him over, narrows his eyes as if he's trying to read something in Zuko's face.]

What do you want from me?

[ His words cut — all of them. Zuko may have bragged about his isolation in much the same way about a year ago — it hurts to relate to it, like he can relate to so much else with Gokudera, without relating... "Sounds like you don't know me at all" strikes a soft snarl from Zuko, but "What do you want from me?" pushes the wrong button. He doesn't want anything from him; he never had. Just to talk to him. Nothing more. That was so nice. That's what'd made him so special. He pushes Gokudera's chest away with one hand, pulling his hand from his collar with the other to free himself and step back. As he does, he naturally spreads his legs with firm footing, just in case, native battle instinct always on. ]

What do I want?! I want you to cut the shit! You say you don't remember anything?! All the weird shit we've been through? All the weird shit we have in common?! Our stories? Our families? Bianchi and Azula?! The Tenth and the Avatar?! Our flames?! Our friendship...?! You don't remember talking — just talking, for hours together?! None of it?!

[This Gokudera does not understand how to make friends, how much they could mean. The bomber is simply Smoking Bomb Hayato, worthless save for what he can do for his family. Not worth much as an individual aside from his worth and what people want from him. They never just let him be.

He lets Zuko step back and out of his grasp, but keeps close, ready to attack if that's what's needed. Gokudera doesn't trust this guy, because why should he?! He doesn't even trust the Rain Guardian in the family he's in.

He bristles at the way Zuko is persisting that this is just some act. Gokudera's feeling harassed, shakes his head as an adamant denial, and then stops when he hears his sister's name. Jumping to conclusions, he thinks that maybe this Zuko heard of him through his sister.

But The Tenth?!

Gokudera advances on him, not pulling any weapons out, but looking to back Zuko up against a tree, to push or shove, or grab his collar. Whichever is easiest that makes him feel like he has a greater control over this interaction than he really does.]

Are you fucking deaf?! Who sent you?! How do you know about the Tenth?! Chose your next words very carefully!

[He is brandishing a stick of dynamite, teeth clamping down hard on a lit cigarette, and it's burning down with how quickly he's breathing. Smoke is gathering around him, no flames, not even the motion to go for them. There is no animal companion to step in, just a very real threat of dynamite.]

[ Zuko's face is blanched with shock and white hot rage, expression screwed up, eyes wide and boring into Gokudera's, so close suddenly. He feels flushed with anger every moment that goes by now. This isn't fair. Destiny isn't just sarcastic, it's cruel. Even with dynamite and smoke in his face, back against the tree, his jacket collar balled up in Gokudera's fist, Zuko just narrows his eyes and grits his teeth, indeed choosing his words carefully, tone steely and cool, without flinching. ]

No one sent me. We knew each other somewhere else, but apparently you don't remember. Anything I know about you, I've heard from you, yourself. I'm not in the mafia. Or even from your world. We're just close friends. And I won't fight you.

Edited 2021-01-15 04:31 (UTC)

[Gokudera isn't planning on letting Zuko walk away without understanding that he royally fucked up. Smoking Bomb isn't looking to make friends. He never has been. He can't trust anyone, and for someone to just approach him and insist on a bunch of lies grates at him. To mention his sister, the Tenth, and now the mafia makes Gokudera scared.

So that just translates to wild anger, because he doesn't handle fear well. Like a cornered animal, flight or fight kicks in, but he's got a hand on this. Literally.

Reborn-san isn't here. No one else from the family is here except the baseball idiot, but he has to protect the Tenth at all costs. If this random person knows about his boss and the mafia, who else knows?! He'd be kicked out of the family for sure! He's worked so hard to be accepted and he's not losing it now!]

I can't remember something that isn't true.

And you can't know. I'm bound by a vow of silence, and if you're not mafia-

[He turns his head to light the fuse, fingers gripping into Zuko's jacket so tight that they're ghastly white. There may be a hint of insanity in his eyes. Something that screams he'll blow himself up along with Zuko. He'd rather that than commit crimes against the only thing that matters in his life.]

We're both as good as dead.

[Gokudera takes a smooth drag from his cigarette and the fuse sparks to life.]

[ Zuko's not looking the part of a firebending prince in his nice, plain clothes and fresh, new short haircut, maybe easily underestimated as a martial artist at first glance like this — but a martial artist indeed he is, and he is graceful and nimble. As soon as the spark lights, Zuko reacts accordingly with a gust of wind between them with his new airbending ability, and with his own hands, moves to break Gokudera's tight grasp on his jacket with a sharp twist of his arm, so he can slide deftly from between the bomber and the tree he'd pinned him against. While hoping he's disarmed by the suddenness, Zuko aims a swift high kick at Gokudera's hand holding the dynamite, attempting to kick it away if he's fast enough — he doesn't stop to think if that's really the best solution to a dynamite problem, but hey, that's the approach he's taking. Without his firebending, he usually just kicks shit until something happens in his favor. He has his swords strapped to his back, but there's no way he's using them on Gokudera, even while his friend is going mad trying to blow them both up. He leaps backward, trying to create distance between them now, on the defensive. ]

Stop it! Gokudera, believe me! You don't understand! I'm not an enemy — not yours or the Vongola family's! You have to trust me! I won't fight you!

[Gokudera is caught off guard, first by the way the hissing of his dynamite fuse stops with a gust of wind, and then next by the twist. The dynamite falls and Gokudera is stepping back, equaling out the distance on his own as well. He's not good at close range, anyways, and come to think of it... this may just work in his favor. If he's planning on taking Zuko down with him, then they should limit the amount of space... Keep it as it currently is between them.

The boy lowers himself, eyes trained on Zuko as he puts his index finger to his thumb, lifts the circle of his fingers to his eye and looks right at the firebender through them. Then, he's moving it to his lips and he exhales into it, and a bubble forms and even when he pulls it from his mouth, it continues to grow. Gokudera tosses it up and down, then turns his wrist and drops it. It grows rapidly, looking nothing like a legitimate bubble, just a trick of the eye, and when it reaches Zuko, it'll slide past him like smoke. Maybe it's an attempt to keep the space outside of this bubble from suffering too much damage. Maybe.]

Oh just die already. [He grumbles. As if it weren't bad before, now he knows the name of his family!

Gokudera crosses his arms down and in front of him, flipping up his jacket and spreading his fingers to drop dynamite out. But not just one stick. No. It's six and he's lighting them with his cigarette before flicking out his arms and wrists and sending them in a scatter around them both. Zuko may find that the bubble has formed into a shield nice and solid behind and around them both. Gokudera doesn't intend to escape this unscathed, and he certainly isn't going to let Zuko get away when he knows so much, and just keeps spouting more and more. Just rubs the salt right in the wound that makes Gokudera feel like a failure of a right hand.]

[ Zuko's amazed while being assaulted. The bubble was a new trick. But he's not in any position to be singing Gokudera's praises about his new magic right now. It's really a good twist of fate, because if Zuko still had his firebending... ...could they even fight? He knows Gokudera's probably speckled with dynamite, armed to the teeth with hidden explosives. If Zuko were to land a normal hit on him, it'd just send them both up in flames. Losing his firebending may be to his advantage right now. Ordinarily, he'd have no idea how to think like an airbender to fight like an airbender, but it works out for this battle too because he doesn't want to be fighting — and that's how an airbender thinks in a fight. How to evade being hit and stop the conflict with as little injury to either party as possible. It may be the most recent modus operandi he's been practicing mentally, but his fiery temper and literal fire made that indeed a mentality to practice, not his native mindset like it was for the Avatar. Aang's the only airbender he knows — well, that anyone knows — so he's got no other basis for comparison except how he can emulate his happy-go-lucky vegetarian 12-year-old monk best friend. Pacifism is in Zuko's heart, but it's a skill he's still developing. How does a fireless firebender fight like a pacifist? How does a pacifist fight a fuckin' balls-to-the-wall kamikaze demolition expert with a bone to pick?

His eyes follow each stick of dynamite rapidly as they're strewn about around them. His eyes dart last to the one that lands nearest him, wondering if his unintentional trick from before might blow the fuse out again. He waves both hands in a strange, swift, dancerly motion, splaying his legs out, feet firm, landing the form stiffly as one hand is held up flat just before his face, palm out like a shield, and the other arm is outstretched and pointed at the dynamite below, palm up. It's a basic firebending form for a simple, single fireball, but instead, it produces another small gust of wind that snuffs the spark and rolls the stick away. But he can't do that to all six like that, Gokudera is too fast and he'll just produce more, or Zuko will run out of time before at least one explodes. But on the other hand, what choice does he have? There are five more lit bombs trapped in a confined space with them. Peace negotiations don't seem to be working. "Oh, just die already" proves that, with a wince at the harsh words. If they actually were enemies, this would be a fight he'd be eager to engage, just because of how wild Gokudera seems to be; but they're not, and it's not, and he's not eager for anything except to defuse the bomber at all costs. He goes with his knowingly naïve Aang-like tactic of targeting each stick one-by-one until he finds a better idea, running and leaping with considerable speed to each spot as soon as he sees one and quickly waving all kinds of different but similarly dancerly moves, some firebending forms proving to be of greater effect than others... He doesn't know any airbending forms, so he's just pulling shit out of his pocket here, rapid-fire, all as one swift motion, until something works. Zuko knows the mafia is cut-throat, and Gokudera's told him before that if he were to ever betray someone, he'd be dead before he knew it, no questions asked. Act first and talk later kind of business, clearly. That Yamamoto could ever find any sport in their sordid circle... it's offensive after all. This game isn't fun, and he's not even playing. ]

Stop it, stupid, you're gonna blow yourself up, too! You're acting crazy!

[Gokudera watches the way his opponent moves, but he's not sticking around to watch him snuff out more dynamite. If Zuko could snuff out one with his wind magic, then he can snuff out more. Gokudera's got more than enough bombs on him than he's sure Zuko has energy to deal with. It's only a matter of maintaining distance and wearing him out. He's never seen elemental magic like this, but is only suspecting it based off of assumptions. He's seen a newbie fly using fire, and he wonders if the Tenth would be proud of him for doing this.

Absolutely not.

Fear is making him think irrationally. He should have shut Zuko up and explained everything to the boss, and left dealing with his supposed 'friend' be Tsuna's call. It is his family, after all. Unfortunately, the wrong people have taught Gokudera how to mafia operates, kicked him at his lowest and it is engrained in him that he needs to prove himself. So... dealing with this before it reaches the boss is his best plan, and one he pulled out without enough thought.

Blowing himself up should matter. The Tenth considers him a friend, and Gokudera thinks he is beneath that. He believes he cannot be a friend, but is only worthy through his use in the family. He's nearly blown himself up, been hit by cars, and put himself in countless fights because his life does not matter. It's only what he deems best for the Family.

He's throwing more dynamite into the air, and as they spin, they changes direction mid-flight, circled about Zuko. Gokudera's watching how he moves, noticing his odd dance-fighting with the air and growls, tossing a few more sticks, and then readying more. Some sticks don't go far enough, and he's moving back, putting himself by a tree and the circular wall of their dome. Gokudera crouches as the explosive goes off, felling the tree and throwing earth about, scorching, and then there is more going off, all the dynamite he'd thrown between the rocket-bombs Zuko is inevitably dealing with.

The bomber seems to have disappeared, casting his own illusion as he is prone, form smoking from the too-close explosive. He blends right in, the tree and the ground around him also smoking.]

[ Zuko's not surprised that Gokudera wasted no time in training with his new magic, if he's really been here a few months... which seems to be true more and more. Zuko's heart feels heavy as it's pounding in his chest, eyes scanning the scene wildly for both Gokudera and his new bombs being scattered. Guy's really not hot on small talk, huh. If Zuko'd been here longer than a few days, maybe he could figure out some cool airbending tricks that'd come in handy right about now. But without using his fire or his swords, neither of which would prove great against bombs anyway, he's got no tricks up his sleeves. All he can do is dodge and deflect... or plea and flee. It's not enough. He's fast on his feet and it works in his favor, his good reflexes having saved his life many times over the past couple years, but that's not enough either. As he rolls out of the way of one fresh stick as it falls, his evasion lands him smack next to another bomb — one not as fresh, unfortunately. Zuko's quick on his feet and quick of mind both enough to cast a protective wind spell around himself, something he'd seen Aang do many times to project projectiles the other way... But that's also not enough, and he's still sent flying backwards, spine smacked flush against a tree farther off than the one the bomber'd fallen. There's a shrill, painful ringing in his left ear, and it takes his perception a moment to sharpen again, stunned by the blow and the pain shooting down his back, stumbling twice before managing to stand up shakily. But as frenzied eyes search through the smoke, he doesn't see Gokudera anywhere. That hurts more than his actual blow somehow, and elicits a loud snarl in frustration. His guard isn't down, taking a defensive form even knowing it's probably no good against whatever the bomber throws at him next, but he fully anticipates he'll throw something else, and that he's still here somewhere in stealth... It's not like Gokudera to just dip out of a fight — that's not his style, he thinks. But now Zuko doesn't know what to think of his ex-friend — wherever he is. He has no idea how to fight this fight. He's aware how lucky he is that that bomb threw him against the tree; it could have just blown him to bits. He's not likely to be on the winning end of this no matter how he slices it. He'd always thought it was funny that the two of them worked with fire and explosives, like they'd be a great team if they were to ever fight beside each other... but to fight against each other, even without his firebending, Zuko's unnerved far more than in most fights, knowing he's potentially outmatched if he doesn't start fighting back, and hyper-aware that he's quite literally out of his element. ]

Edited 2021-01-15 18:52 (UTC)

TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

High Ideals

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oh I feel so guilty

the pain ;c we knew it was coming

this is legitimately painful. hurts more than my tattoo wtf

just breaking our own hearts for fun, nbd

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1/2

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