TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 4

[avalonmods]

{ QUICK NAV } Premise ⚔️️ Rules ⚔️️ FAQ ⚔️️ Taken ⚔️️ Reserves ⚔️️ Apply ⚔️️ Locations ⚔️️ Bestiary ⚔️️ Top-Levels Only ⚔️️ 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. It's a fast process, as they no longer have to collect possessions and pets from drowning in the waters, so they're only needing to go around hitting the ice that keeps forming on the surface with their shells to keep the surface open for the falling arrivals. 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** and tell them to "Check the Shit Box." The "Shit Box" refers to wardrobe more formally known as the Wardrobe of Finding, a hammerspace-like wardrobe that opens to each person's items and pets when the person touches the handle. It was recently enchanted by Merlin to prevent people from having to fish their waterlogged possessions and pets out of the water with them. From there, Archimedes directs everyone to settle in groups into modernized carriages pulled by horses and gives 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. For the month of February: there are complimentary chocolates placed on the pillows that make you feel warm and fuzzy when you eat them, all the rooms have been temporarily redecorated after hearing about Valentine's Day after an announcement about an upcoming Valentine's concert to be held by the off-worlders. They wanted to celebrate love too, and help the newcomers feel welcome! Unfortunately, this means that the two-person bedrooms only have one bed this month... maybe you can get a roll-away? 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. As the snows give way to rain and the cold persists across Avalon, it may seem as if some of the local businesses are suddenly short-staffed. A favorite spot might have shorter hours, longer wait times. Whatever it is, it seems that there are fewer Avalonians as the days go on. It is not long before there are signs posted outside local businesses and every clinic, there is an illness striking the populace and adventurers seem to be immune. While the healers can cure this malady, they are short on supplies and some of them are not easy to obtain. All are urged to take up a task and gather these ingredients. Anyone who does obtain one or more of the required ingredients will be given a Fairy-blessed Tincture of Wellbeing from one of the faeries who stayed behind after the tournament. It is said to bring healing no matter where you are when you sprinkle it on the ground in front of you. (Note: The tincture will teleport the nearest healing mage to your location. This information is not included with the tincture... surprise!) A ⦿ Ingredient One: A Can of Sprite Sprites can be found in and around Avalon, and thankfully so. The first task is to obtain a small can of magic dust from a sprite's wings. Now an adventurer may think to capture and take this by force, but be wary: sprites always travel in packs and will be so inclined to curse any would-be attackers dance till they drop, literally. Sprites are mischievous sorts with a wry sense of humor and can be quite fond a flower which grows near the Red Springs called the Cinnabar Paper Bush. Bring them a bouquet and beg for their cooperation, but be cautious of breathing in the flower's pollen-- the sprites will not warn your character that it's a potent ingredient in probability spells, so breathing it in may cause sudden repeated visions of 15 seconds of a potential future based on every choice your character could make in a particular situation. Getting out of the pollen's effects takes a full day of going through visions of parallel possibilities if there's no one to help you, and the sprites will be long gone by then. You'll need another adventurer to use their magic to get you out of this or prevent the pollen from spreading... good luck. B ⦿ Ingredient Two: Deez Nuts Within the Brocéliande there grows a certain tree. Even in winter, this tree produces tiny star shaped nuts that when ground into a powder are a key ingredient in many healing tinctures. However, the nuts are coveted by the wildlife for they taste quite sweet when eaten straight from the tree. Adventurers are tasked with entering the woods and retrieving baskets full of these tiny nuts. A warning was given to not go unarmed, those animals can be very protective of their food supply and they are rumored to be coveted by the Bear Fir, who won't hesitate to come for you. A warning to the wise: do not eat them yourself. They can be quite tempting. A tiny call will induce the desire to devour all of them, burrowing deep within your conscious. Not only would an adventurer fail their task but they would fall gravely ill for a period of two days. With these obstacles in mind, it may be best to team up and go at this task together to make sure everyone comes out alive and well. C ⦿ Ingredient Three: Wait, isn't that a Pokémon? The hills to the south-east of the Red Spring are home to the elusive Hill Trolls, who never leave their hills, but like to engage with any traveler who does come through. Most try to avoid them as they are extremely rude in every way. However, for this particular remedy, there is special bluegrass known as poliwag grass, so named because the seer who discovered this unique grass had seen the creatures it is named for in an alternate world and found them endearing. The catch? Only the Hill Trolls know now wherein the hills the small patches of this grass can be found. Adventurers are tasked with entering the hills, engaging the Trolls, and requesting a guide to the grass. Avalonians will advise doing anything the troll asks of you, it’s the only way to appease them and get the prize. Characters will be set about various household and yard chores by the Hill Trolls, who will lead them to believe that this grass will take several days journey to reach and they simply can not leave their home and yard in such a state when on a long trip like that. Make sure to complete all your tasks, though, try not to be too angry when once their yard and home are spotless the Hill Troll produces a satchel of poliwag grass straight from their cupboard. They didn’t say you had to go on the trip with them and they will need to replenish their supply after, so they're not apologizing for anything. A video is sent to everyone's devices, a strong magic spell making certain that it opens. Morganna's face appears. Morganna, after all, is to be listened to when she speaks. She seems to be looking at her nails as the recording starts, not looking at her captive audience.

”"As infamous as Arthur and Merlin are, there are many magics they are unfamiliar with. They live in the realm of basic magics, the ones you all have touched and trifled with. But there are skills you will need in the future that require something a little stronger. Now if you came to me seeking spells, I would ask a fair price, dears... but it is my universe you are all saving too, so I will offer you a taste." She finally looks directly into the screen. Despite that it's just a recording, it looks as if she's looking directly into your soul. She sees you even without you responding. Her lips curl up in a little smile, friendly and yet mischievious. "Magic is stronger when more than one person performs it. Where you would be able to toss fire, you could create a fire tornado or rip the earth until it spits the fires of hell up as lava. To perform this kind of magic, you must be entirely in sync with your partners. Of one mind, of one movement. Open the attachment and it will place a memory of how to perform Synchronic Magic with a partner into your mind. It will still take practice, of course. Baby steps."

Magic-infused technology is a hell of a thing-- those who listen after the video ends and open up the attachment will find themselves rapidly flooded with what amounts to an instructional video and a visual sample of witches moving exactly in sync. After a little finger painting on each other's face and collar bones and some deep meditation while performing the spell, the caster of the spell will have complete control over the movements of the person the spell is cast upon. For the duration of the spell, the person who the spell was cast upon will mentally reside in the caster's head outside of their body. Their body will do anything the caster's does. For this particular version of the spell to work, it requires the consent of the person it's being cast upon, though there are other forms of the spell that do not that are not. With that knowledge, get practicing. A ⦿ We Succeed Together When a goddess gives instructions to learn something, you learn it, and so some of the locals have set up meditation tents at one of Camelot City's parks. The tents are filled with incense, steam, and have a spell cast on them to provide relaxing sounds-- babbling brook, yoga music, rain on the ocean, a crackling fireplace, the cries of your enemies, the relaxing sound of change falling from your favorite plinko machine... It will respond to your emotions and find the sound that's most relaxing to you to help you clear your mind. If you trust the person you're with, the spell will go smoothly and you'll be able to perform the much simpler practice spell provided in the tent: a shadow dance. Follow the dance steps around the circle on the floor of the tent; shadows will begin dancing along the walls of the tent outside of their light source. Your shadows will be able to separate from your feet and travel without you once the dance is completed. It will return after completing whatever task you need from it. If you need some help developing your trust in the other person, try playing a game of twenty questions or partaking in some of the sparkling ginger shots in front of you-- they've got a heated kick to them that's sure to warm you up and make you fire out a secret to the person you're sharing the tent with. B ⦿ We Fail Apart If you aren't perfectly in sync with your partner to cast Synchronic Magic, all kinds of things can go wrong. People who do not trust each other may end up accidentally sealing the tents shut and trapping themselves inside until they tell each other a secret they've told no one else, thus forcing them to trust each other. People believe the exact opposite at their core could end up temporarily body swapping with their partner until they wipe off the body paint and break the spell. And of course, even if you're completely on the same page and the person controlling both bodies has two left feet, a mistake in the shadow dance could cause the shadows to enter your eyes, turning both of your vision to complete darkness until you've been in sunlight for about 15 minutes straight. I hope you weren't practicing at night. C ⦿ Loss and Gain After performing the Synchronic Magic, magicians of all kinds are going to feel a little strange. It's a magic outside of their field of expertise used to perform further magics, after all, and they've shared their essence with another person to perform it. There's a chance that characters are going to feel very alone after being separated from the synchronic magic. Alone, tired, and wanting to feel connected again even if you're normally the lone wolf type. Synchronic magic makes you feel connected to others in a way that's hard to do otherwise, and without it it leaves a sense of loss and disconnect. It's not a side-effect that was discussed ahead of time, but the citizens of Camelot have prepared for it for anyone who wishes to stick around after their spellcasting. After the magic is done, at the center of the tented area, everyone is invited to gather around a huge, prismatic bonfire taking place in the center of the park that the tents had been set up in. The bonfire is filled with flames of all colors, like a prism reflecting light and warmth, and acts as a beacon for casters' shadows to find their owners and reconnect with them. It also is enchanted to encourage affectionate feelings. This may inspire people to be more... touch-friendly than normal, wanting to hug and hold onto or simple be shoulder-to-shoulder with the people around them. These feelings can easily be fought even if they're present, but fulfilling them will help to eliminate the sense of loss from the synchronic spell ending. At the end of the night, little rainbow fireflies will begin to fly away from the flames, having been hatched within them, and fly off into the night as the flames turn to embers, and then to charcoal. It is said that if you catch a rainbow firefly, you can make a wish on it, and when let go they will take those wishes to the heavens with them. Some wishes may actually be granted, so if your character has a wish, submit it here. 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. • The first "Arrival" prompts are present on every TDM, but contain seasonal tweaks for flavor. All other prompts will change monthly. (This month, please check updated method of inventory collection at the Rent-a-Ride and the "February Special" rooms at the Red Spring.) • The Shadow Dance Ritual is a form of advanced dark magic; this means that yes, after significant practice, a dark magic user may be able to do this on their own with only their own shadow. Even if your character isn't a dark mage, they can do a ritual to perform out-of-discipline magic. More information on rituals and how to unlock them will come in the future! • Please comment with wishes regardless of new/current member status if you want to participate! :) • 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.

Comments

[whatsamada]

Then you're suppose to take my hand and you give it a shake.

[He said before gesturing his hand out to him. He was hoping Xiao would take it as he wanted him to be his friend!]

Or if you want, how about you tell me how you greet one another in your world? I wouldn't mind learning!

[whatsamada]

[To fight or not to fight, that is the question. Ken knows he's going to lose no matter what he does. And he didn't know what this strange man was going to do to him if he should proceed.

He stared at him for a moment or two before drawing his spear out.]

I'll do it on one condition. Only if you apologize to Koromaru. [He said before gesturing him to his dog.

Because nobody insults his dog for nothing!!]

[sighsheavily]

[Cecelia pinches the bridge of her nose, obscuring how red in the face she got giving that mini-speech. ugh.]

Just. [UGH!!!] Hold onto that...for later. I'm in no state to be...accepting apologies for this or that.

Re: Wishes

[blue_ice]

Kaiba's wish is to learn magitech. He wants to work in app development.

[whatsamada]

[In that instant, Ken immediately grabbed the elf and placed him to the side. Hoping to catch the creature in time, he hoped he was able to get him safety away from the attack! As he was looking at him to see if there were any major injuries, he seemed to be safe so far. While the creature was coughing from the kick, the brunette glared at the elder.]

But you didn't need to go that far! What the heck did he ever to do you?

[Did Karma want a fight? Ken would give it to him if he needed to but now wasn't the time. However, Ken had his spear nearby should he do anything.]

Do I need to remind you that this is a regular quest we're doing? We're not here to fight!

zhongli | genshin impact

[saxum]

( 1. Caravan to Camelot )

[ It is times such as these that Zhongli truly learns to appreciate the struggles humans must face upon their daily lives. Never has he felt so helpless struggling in freezing cold waters, dripping wet and very unpleasant upon the back of a large turtle. They are, of course to him, inconsequential concerns. It's humbling in a way, but he's entirely grateful for the generosity blessed upon him and others who had the misfortunate of arriving the same way as they're given warm clothing and transportation to what he hopes is a much warmer, less dangerous environment.

For anyone riding in the caravan along with Zhongli, he remains silent, even with the strange little glowing yellow creature currently fluttering about here and there. It might playfully bob and sway around you seeing as Zhongli's attention is directed solely on the object in his hands, the phone handed out to all of them. ]

Quite a curiosity.

[ Is he talking about the smartphone itself or the video that's currently playing?

Both, honestly. Modern technology is amazing. ]

( 2. Ingredient Three )

[ Rex Lapis, Geo Archon Morax, God of War... doing house chores. It isn't exactly too far-fetched from his responsibilities to the funeral party, but he's never quite had to get his hands dirty in this manner. Whether the hill trolls are getting free labor out of him or not, he cares little for, as long as he takes to these simple tasks with all the focus he does his regular duties back home in Liyue.

Which means that if you happen to be alongside Zhongli in these shared errands, you'd better not skimp on your job here. ]

Do you require a short reprieve?

[ Even though he's staring at you with that focused, steely gaze, like there is absolutely no way he's letting you take a break. ]

( 3. Wildcard )

[ Choose your own adventure and such, or let me know if you'd like a custom prompt! Please note if you want to do the Sync or Swim prompts ask me in advance due to the nature of Zhongli's character, but if you'd like to do something with the bonfire or the affectionate feelings effect in part C then go right ahead! Feel free to reach me either through PM or on plurk at frosmoth ]

i.

[thepattern]

[ Corwin had come to the lakeside, hearing that there might be new arrivals emerging from the icy waters, to see if there would be anyone he recognized. So far, no, but it's something just to watch the disoriented masses drag their way up the sandy steps to the top of the cliffs.

It's even more of a something to watch someone forgo the steps altogether and decide to scale the cliff face by hand.

So, Corwin, amused, is waiting at the top to offer a hand to the young man once he gets close enough. ]

Impressive show. Any reason you decided to take the hard way?

[leitstern]

[Jasper looks towards his bottles. Names. Connctions. He remembers sharing both with his men - and now as back then he could do with getting completely drunk.]

Oh. Certainly. My name is Jasper, friend. You should know I am honoured by your interest and your assistance. Both are greatly appreciated.

[phoenixwiz]

Harry wishes that he can protect his friends, both the ones at home and the ones he has made in Avalon, from danger.

[leitstern]

[Nobody likes an uncomfortable home. Nobody likes the reality that life is dreamless with nothing but discomfort - and perhaps they loathe being thrown into another reality to boot! It seems humanity shares certain traits throughout worlds, he reasons. It would be comedic weren't it so tragic.]

A month indeed! One should think people would be in an uproar. But perhaps the kindness you speak of spurns them from action to resolve their circumstances.

[There are hints about this man's life being difficult, but he knows not the details and understands not to intrude.]

[floatsaway]

[Well, Ochako was just about to go into an explanation of the phone - how to turn it on and off, options to lock it if this girl wanted some privacy, and general functionality. Sort of...like showing an older person how to use a phone, though she never did ever have a smart phone before (her family wasn't the wealthiest...), so it was a learning experience even for her a little bit.

However, Before Ochako can even get going, she sees just how enamored her new friend is with her familiar and giggles a bit. The dire wolf had actually been curious about the much smaller dog, looming over it to give it some curious sniffs with a playful wag of its tail.]

Oh!! If you want to pet, uhh... [Hold a moment--] Her, then please do! I haven't seen her get mean toward anyone unless they were being mean to me, and she's super duper fluffy!! Can I pet your doggy, too?

[leitstern]

[Seconds pass again. Jasper finds himself drawing back as a fresh spring trickles from the young man's face. It elicits feelings of despair that he had trodden down and his brow flattens with unease.

Such sadness is arousing. Such passion is human.]

Come at me? You can barely stand.

[His voice is cold and like he is giving orders.]

Perhaps you ought steady yourself before engaging my attention with such unsteady arguments.

[reigniter]

Ignis really wishes he has his old magic back- armiger, his elemental magic so he can zip-zap around the place. He misses it, he won't lie.

[leitstern]

[Jasper acknowledges nothing about his new companion at first. It proves easier to deny their relationship and forget her existance. Better to rely on the consequnces of disappointing his master, than the concerns and empathy of family. His cold mood is notable to every passenger in the carriage and he refuses to remove feet so rudely planted on the only available seat. Being out and revelling in service to the darkness means he no longer has to care about putting on a performance.]

Ah, princess! It is such a pleasure, to run into your company again.

[His voice is removed from the situation. Impersonal. Her status as next in line to the crown something that is mocked, not respected or adored. He salutes her with his drink and promptly downs it in one. This is not a person he had been expecting. Not a life he had been expecting to confront.]

[dvine]

Aside from wanting everyone he knows to be safe, he wants a house. Nice, big house. So he stops worrying about their living situation anymore.

[uenosama]

He wants his band to be successful and Mafuyu to be happy.

V

[phoenixwiz]

(Harry has been in Avalon for a long while now, though there is a part of him that is missing home and his friends he left behind and that feeling is so far too hard not to ignore for so long. He’s at the bonfire and staring at it blankly from his position against a tree. Rose is snuggling up to him by the cheek, though he doesn’t seem to react to his familiar’s affection.

And it wasn’t long before he gets a tight hug from a lady he hasn’t seen before and he blinks for a few seconds, not knowing how to respond back. He eventually regains some composure.)

Oh hi there, miss. Nice to meet you. (Rose greets her with a cheery squeaking.)

ii.

[floatsaway]

Behind you, watch out!!

[Is going to be the only warning Violet is going to get before something large - perhaps even larger than the Bear Fir, give or take - slams into its side as it explodes from the brush a distance away. It's a white wolf, but much, much larger than the standard - almost the size and height of a draft horse, actually. The two beasts snarl and wrestle wildly in the clearing, the wolf trying to pin the creature down, while the Bear Fir tries to shove it off. Teeth and claws are flying, and Violet may now notice the small, brown-haired girl rushing towards her.

Ochako stands over Violet, not sure what to do seeing as her quirk doesn't work here, and she has...no idea how to use this "magic" she's been told she has. All she can do is root on her dire wolf familiar and guard the girl if it comes close, holding out the staff she'd been given as a weapon outward. At the very least this world couldn't take away her martial arts training, though Ochako's not really sure how well that'd work against a creature like this...]

[morganknight]

[Ooh, punning back. He likes her.]

Sure, that won't cause any problems for me when I have to move, will it. [Fingergun and a wink; if he actually thought she needed that sort of help, he'd provide it in a second and damn the consequences, but considering she pretty much radiates an "I can handle anything, no problem" confidence, she's sure not getting treated like that.]

Counteroffer, how about we team up and use our awesome combined powers of looking at two different things to handle this?

[morganknight]

[Morgan's way too oblivious to notice hands; he reads body language instead, and having considered hers to evince strength and skill commiserate with a knighthood, any mental nicknames he's assigning her have way more to do with that.]

In part. How you earn status as a champion is just as important as doing it, right?

[cameprepared]

Claire would wish for a sign of her brother's wellbeing.

[floatsaway]

[Just a Hero/Code Name, if he were to elaborate - Ochako's got one herself, too. And while Ochako's training did help...a little bit, in a school and world of heroes, comparing oneself to others constantly tends to just be the norm. She knows she's not as good as others, and while it usually doesn't bother Ochako much, it is still frustrating to be overlooked by potential agencies she applied at, while others "better" than her are quick to get scouted.

Strength and power doesn't make a hero, not completely, but it sure helps sometimes. Especially with self-confidence. She'll get there eventually though, maybe when she matures a bit more.]

O-Oh! Oh, that'd be wonderful!! [She claps her hands together before bowing at the waist.] Th-Thank you, so much! I can usually keep up with my katas easily enough, but having someone who really knows them...ehehe, I'd really appreciate your tutelage, sir. You're very kind to offer.

[tookashirototheknee]

"Hey, if you can imbue magic into weapons or, armor or something, that could be fantastically helpful. Heck, I'd love to have a healing breastplate or boots or something." Or a staff? Is there such a thing as a healing staff? Matt would love that.

[morganknight]

Morgan. Morgan Knight.

[He isn't sure if she's bowing because of culture in general or because that's what you do to someone who agreed to teach you, but either way, he sticks out a hand for her to shake. Formalities are overrated, in his opinion.]

[rediscovering]

[ I-Is he... hiding...? What? Zuko's face falls, confused, trying not to jump the gun to feeling hurt... Maybe Aang is playing a prank or something. Did he really think he's being so smooth? Hiding behind some random strangers on the climb? Zuko skips a beat, but then starts up after him, ducking around others on their way up with grumbled "excuse me's," which gradually turn into a more pointed "Move!" with each pass as he nears his target, still avoiding him mysteriously. He's a little too loud to keep things low-key, still calling after the boy as he pushes past people on the cliffside shooting him puzzled looks, the prince now increasingly grouchy; his growing bad temper at least surely seems familiar to the young monk. It's a long climb, after all. There are many new arrivals and companions, the throngs thickening out toward the top of the staircase, providing a good escape for the monk if he so chooses while Zuko is still several paces behind, now physically shoving people aside one by one in his desperation to catch up with the Avatar once they reach the top. Not that anyone else knows that, because he's really just acting like a jerk just to get what he wants — how unusual for Zuko... People in his way are irritating, but won't deter him. Did Aang really think Zuko'd give up that easily, he wonders to himself, almost amused behind his confusion? The Avatar knows Zuko better than that, no matter what timeline they're on. Zuko's never given up following Aang. He's not starting today. ]

Aang, wait— What're you—? Lady, would you just move, ugh– Get out of my way!