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

Kyouya Ootori || Ouran High School Host Club || Cognitive

[brightestbulb]

A: Red Springs

To say that Kyouya has found his time since arriving to be an unpleasant experience would be an understatement. While he is dry, in the puffy, long black coat provided, comprehending his predicament and aware of the tall, black-suited faceless man following him by this time, he is not comfortable with any of it. Of course, being who he is, he shows none of this on the outside. He seems calm, disconnected, as if what he is going through has not the slightest effect on him. When the caravans arrive at the spring, he heads immediately to his room.

Kyouya stops right in the door; sorry if a roommate is already here. He shakes his head.

"This is unacceptable; they can not expect us to share a bed with a stranger." He sighs, pushing his glasses up his nose, settling the strap of his bag more firmly on his shoulder. It bothers him a great deal more than he admits. Kyouya is good at working predicaments to his ends, so perhaps his roommate will be open to some arrangement that allows him to sleep alone in the one comfortable looking bed in the room. Or maybe they will decide that they do not want to sleep in the same room as a young man whose gaze is anything but friendly and has Slenderman following behind him like a creepy puppy dog.

B: Ingredient Three: Wait, Isn't that a Pokemon?!?

Going on a quest is more a Tamaki thing than a Kyouya thing, but he is not a bad person at heart, and he also thinks that getting on the right side of the people around here is not a bad idea. He is going to be here awhile. The best thing to do is participate, learn to use his magic, and get himself home after all. The Inn, while a nice enough place is certainly not the sort of accommodations he is used to, so he will need to upgrade that, garnering goodwill means finding a means to make a profit. He has looked over the various requests, weighed their risk versus their gain, and decided that this trip to the hills seems to have the least risk with a decent enough gain.

He will make sure he is as prepared as he can, his few belongings from home with him, his familiar standing behind him with the same rigid posture, minus any expression. Once he is confident he has everything in order, he will seek out among the others to find a companion.

After all, he is not going tromping in the hills completely alone, he may be new to his magic, but he'll need to practice to change that, and if something should come up along the way, it's better to have someone when in a strange place than on his own. Anyone who approaches him or he approaches will be met with a polite, clipped request to make the journey together.

C: We succeed together:

Magic may be new to him, but he is an intelligent young man, and if this is what he has been sent here to learn, he will take every opportunity to do so. The trouble is that he is going to need to trust the person he completes this with. He is not a young man to trust someone instantly, but Kyouya does go into this with honest intent, so there is a chance it may be possible. The meditation tent he has chosen is filled with a peaceful quiet; he does not need ambiance.

He is going into this with a mind for learning, and as far as he is concerned, education is done best in a quiet environment. Perhaps with the right person, some more of his inner preference may come out, for now, anyone who joins him to attempt the first part of this will find a young man, seated quietly within an eerily quiet space and Slenderman standing behind him like a silent sentry.

Nothing spooky here at all. Nevermind that the young man himself sits with perfect posture and a sharp, keen look in his eyes.



D: Wildcard: I am open to taking the third prompt through to completion in a thread or having it fail spectacularly, so whatever revs your engine, let's roll! You can pm or plurk bethestorm to plot if you want to do something not listed here.

[tookashirototheknee]

There is, in fact, someone in the room. Matt is sitting in a chair, scrolling through something on his device, and looks up with the other young man walks in. A small green creature is sitting on his shoulder. He's wearing a strange, almost space suit like outfit, along with a bag in his lap.

"I can take the floor, no problem." He shrugs, which makes the little creature jump a bit. "I've certainly had worse."

[brightestbulb]

Oh, well that was suspiciously easy and Kyouya fixes him with a gaze that says as much as he steps into the room. Has had worse, well, at least the commoners he meets here will be less likely to be annoyed by the accommodations and it seems to be working to his advantage.

He steps in the room, to the bed and drops his bag upon it neatly, Slenderman moving silently along with him, he inclines his head at the small green creature, well, at least not all these familiars seem to be walking creep shows, just his.

"What do you expect in return for the concession?"

[tookashirototheknee]

The little green familiar bounces on Matt's shoulder, but looks a bit warily at Slenderman. That's just wierd. It makes a couple sounds that might be beeps or just nervous noises.

His words make Matt put down his phone and look up, a bit concerned. "It's no concession. I honestly don't care. This floor's warm, and I'm sure I can get more pillows and blankets if I need them. It's not a big deal. I don't tend to work in tit-for-tat. I've found that it just... creates much more divisions than is necessary."

[brightestbulb]

No one can blame him, Kyouya may not be showing it but even he is a little wary of his Familiar. He is unsure why this creature would have chosen him or given him magical powers of the mind. But, here he is and it is what it is at this point. The young man has no choice but to make the best of the situation, survive this weird fever dream and get home.

Kyouya listens to the other without saying a word, making a soft humming sound before accepting his words, after all he knows there are those out in the world who simply want to do good.

"I see, I would advise you to be careful, in a strange place not everyone will take your kindness for that, they will extort it as a weakness."

very wildcard

[unknowntodeath]

Archer has been acting as a cupid for one of the quests mostly for the troll factor. It fits, mostly because he's an archer called Archer, but otherwise... yeah he's not the cupid kind of a person.

But he's bored and likes to give people headaches.

So, Kyouya better be careful or he's getting struck by an arrow.

the wildest of cards up in here, making it even wilder >> let me know if you want me to change it

[brightestbulb]

Really, Cupid? Kyouya is far from impressed, that seems like something Tamaki would be into. For this young man, love is not something he is inclined to think of or worry about. He has a few walls, that only a few people have ever seen past, after all, love means letting people in.

That said, he is unaware that those who have taken on this quest have been shooting unsuspecting travelers.

Lucky for him, his Familiar is a rather tall man, who as the arrow flies, steps in and takes the arrow himself rather than letting the young man who he has bonded with take the arrow. The young man turns.

"Did you just shoot my companion here with an arrow?"

wild is always great

[unknowntodeath]

Archer sighs with a shrug, mostly amused. He hopes the arrows won't affect familiars, because that would be weird.

"I'm doing a quest. It involves shooting arrows at people. Not lethal ones, however."

oh baby baby it's a wild world

[brightestbulb]

"If they aren't lethal wouldn't it be wiser to ask for volunteers, less likely of someone...."

And he goes speechless as Slenderman suddenly appears behind Archer, wraps his arms around and him, and begins to nuzzle his head atop the man's.

"Um..." Yeah, still speechless, what is happening here?!

B

[irritated]

In some ways, Hikaru was lucky that his magic here is somewhat similar to the magic he had back in Prismatica. Although it is different and Hikaru had learned that plenty of times through a lot of trial and mishap. He's best with fire and he thinks that's because that was the exact type of element he had before. The others are more difficult but a Hitachiin has to be a fast learner so Hikaru has been diligently practicing.

For this particular request, it's still a bit too much physical labor for Hikaru to be comfortable. What kind of trip? For how long? He's not particularly interested in leaving to go on one at all but he's also realized he cannot be too picky if he wants to literally survive. This place isn't easy to live in and gold really does have to be earned. Hikaru has ideas on how to get more but he still needs some gold in the first place.

Being poor is terrible. How does any commoner do this? Terrible. But right now, he guesses, he can put up with a trip...

Kyouya wasn't asking Hikaru, maybe he didn't even see Hikaru, but Hikaru hears that voice and is immediately whirling around. "Kyouya-senpai?!" It's been well over six months since he last saw the other boy. He didn't think he would actually get to see the other hosts again.

[brightestbulb]

It has not been six months for Kyouya, but he was previously in France so it had been a small amount of time, he was preparing to come home with news for Tamaki but instead, here he was in a strange land. He does not think he will be able to see any of the hosts, not expecting them to have been brought here along with him and never considering they may have been here or somewhere else before that.

He will agree, being poor is not a state that Kyouya intends to suffer long. It is simply unacceptable and of all the available quests, this one had no indication of a possible altercation. It seems to be more of a negotiation and for that, he is perfectly equipped.

He certainly did not see Hikaru or he would have approached, in fact when he hears his name called Kyouya pivots sharply for a split second his stoic gaze is gone and he shows the first emotion since his arrival, genuine surprise.

"What are you doing here?" Oh, well, that was clipped and not meant to sound rude, he is just rather taken aback to find Hikaru there in front of him, looking not nearly as out of place as Kyouya feels.

[irritated]

By now, Hikaru knows better than to take Kyouya at face level. Kyouya is somebody who's actions speak louder than his words and betray his true meaning. Much like Hikaru himself.

"What am I doing here? What are you doing here? You're half a year late. We didn't really think we'd see anybody again..."

Who is this mysterious we? Hikaru isn't doing a good job of explaining.

[brightestbulb]

Yes, he can do all he likes to hide it but his fellow host are bound to see beneath his outward detachedness and this is a fact that Kyouya is okay with. Even if he will act as if he has no idea what they mean if outright called out for it.

Hikaru is doing a terrible job of explaining and Kyouya sighs, pushing his glasses up his nose when his familiar approaches he raises a hand at the Slenderman behind him waving him off for the moment.

"You're making no sense, you sound more confusing than Tamaki."

C

[asano_san]

As they say, "When a goddess gives instructions to learn something, you learn it." Keigo is here in the meditation area out of fear of potential consequences rather than a desire to become one with the magical universe or whatever this is supposed to help him do. He follows pointing fingers towards a tent with someone who needs a partner and pulls back the flap just enough to slide inside.

And freezes when he comes face-to-face with Slenderman. Even his familiar riding on his shoulder shrinks back and tries to hide in his hair. Maybe he should take his chances with pissing off a goddess.

Tuning in to Keigo's need for relaxing sounds, the spell fills the tent with video game background music.

[brightestbulb]

Yes, perhaps the Goddess thing should be more motivating. But Kyouya is a very matter of fact young man and not prone to flights of fancy or superstition. So he is able to compartmentalize his discomfort over Slenderman's presence.

What is not able to forgive is the sudden addition of such annoying music. He looks up, a sharp gaze fixed directly on Keigo. Behind him, Slenderman extends an arm and points across from Kyouya, seems he is indicating where the other should be seated.

"Sit the sooner we complete this the sooner I can stop hearing whatever this racket you're creating is causing."

[asano_san]

What do you know? You should do what the faceless monster says (or points out) is just as effective as It's probably a good idea to follow an order from a goddess in getting Keigo to do something he really wants to avoid. He sits down across from Kyouya.

"I'm new here. It's not like I've learned how to do magic yet. We might as well hurry up and fail so we can say we tried."

This they're in agreement on.

"Racket? It's just video game music." This they will not be in agreement on. "What were you listening to before?"

[brightestbulb]

Well, this is definitely a fact that Kyouya will have to file away for future use. After all, any means of negotiating to his ends he will use. His familiar is going to be no different it seems as it is more than content to obey the young man, for now.

"I refuse to rush in and fail because you have so little faith in yourself. Maybe one of the refreshments they've provided will calm your nerves." Sorry, Keigo, he has third son syndrome in a way no matter how much he has grown, failing for Kyouya is not an option. He must at least put his best foot forward. If he has to he will go into host mode here, though, honestly, he spent more time observing and organizing than he ever did actual hosting. But see, that is even a halfway pleasant smile on his face Keigo. It's not genuine but he has it perfected to seem that way.

"It's loud and abrasive. It was silent before, meditation is meant to clear the mind."

C

[rediscovering]

Zuko is always on board to meditate — mostly because he always needs it. He's never at ease. Today is no exception. Avalon has been rough to him since his arrival, personal problems mixing with magical ones mixing with sheerly existential ones, but unlike his otherwise charmed life in Lunatia, he's surprisingly eager to participate with the culture and community in this place. Adventures are far more his speed than affection is. So if it means helping the townspeople, practicing his new magic, learning how to sync up with others... he's here for it now. Besides, any distractions from his own mind are more than welcome these days. The going's been tough, but as they say, the tough get going.

Zuko was pointed to a couple other meditation tents before he comes to Kyouya's, which he passes up each time, demanding to be guided to a different partner. He'd lingered outside each tent to hear what sort of meditative soundtrack had been conjured, and with so many unusual sounds — particularly a tent sporting the sound of someone else's enemies crying out in pain, which, yeah, was not particularly relaxing to a stranger — he, himself, just wants some peace and quiet, too. None of this "new age meditation whale songs CD 2" kinda jazz. Just silence. That's the deciding factor as he's pointed to Kyouya's space, and even after the shock of seeing the Slenderman perched behind the pointed-looking boy, once he ducks his head in, it's still not enough to deter his decision to join him. Someone creepy probably doesn't want to talk that much, right? And besides — a faceless man is not so scary... He's seen far scarier people with faces, even beautiful ones. He lives with someone with a beautiful, pointed face who terrifies him more than anyone else he's ever met, apart from maybe their own father, and if he can get along with her now, little else intimidates him. He takes a seat across from the boy without permission, legs already folded when he looks up to Kyouya to ask. He comes without meditative music, himself. Maybe that sweetens the pot mutually, he's hoping.

"...Hey. May I join you?"

[brightestbulb]

Kyouya looks up as he enters, watching with a disinterested gaze as the young man takes his seat across from him. The host pushes his glasses up his nose fixes Zuko with that pointed gaze and simply waits while he goes through whatever it is he seems to be going through while settling in.

That he adds no noise to the room is a boon and Kyouya may not comment on it but he certainly does appreciate it. His expression flashes to a half-amused look as the other ask his question.

"It would seem that is the point of this exercise." And while he may not trust whoever he goes through this with, Kyouya is not a young man to accept failure, and thus, he will be giving this ritual even with a stranger his "best-effort"

"Ootori Kyouya, and you are?"

The familiar makes no move, just stands there a silent sentry to his bonded human. Really, Kyouya and he are going to have to negotiate the terms of this contract.

1/2

[rediscovering]

"Ah—"

He knows that name. Why does he know that name? He can't place it. Someone's friend from home... It's on the very outskirts of memory, though, having only heard the name once or twice maybe six months ago. Hopefully it wasn't one of Gokudera's friends... He doesn't need to meditate on mafia shit. This guy seemed harsh, cool... He could give off that impression, potentially. There's no telling, with the wide variety of characters the now-estranged hitman had told him about. Zuko has his guard up suddenly. This worry flies by his mind in a flash, catching his answer on his tongue for a beat as he braces himself inwardly.

[rediscovering]

"...Zuko."

His tone is flat, and he eyes the boy not quite suspiciously, but more than curiously, eyes narrowed, scowling slightly once more, a little deeper than his permanent scowl. But he means to succeed at this as well. Nor does he mean to make any enemies in the first place. But he's on pins and needles ever since his arrival here. Meeting strangers now comes with more caution. To break the ice, he has a friendly idea, but he suddenly turns around slightly, then scans the room as if looking for something.

On cue, a small, ferrety, red, winged lizard scrambles into the tent — not from the entrance, but sliding in from beneath one of the cloth walls, entering however it pleases... It felt it was called, and it came, that's it. What do dragons care about doors for? It scurries up to its master, crawling up his back and onto his shoulder like a flash. Clearly, he'd bonded quite well with his familiar already. And upon closer look now in the light... Indeed, it's no lizard, but a small dragon, horns, fangs, wings, whiskers, claws and all. It perches itself almost regally, and stares Kyouya straight on, its gaze maybe a little unnerving in how pointed it is in return — at least to most. While Kyouya may not be used to dragons, he gives off the air that he's pretty unflappable. He must be to have a familiar like that... Zuko knows enough about weird Spirit World-type stuff — which all of this is really not that far off from, to be fair — to know that if some creature seems particularly scary, you should probably show it extra respect to be safe.

"And this is Zunyan. He doesn't talk. What is your familiar called? Can it speak?"

[brightestbulb]

Kyouya has no ties to anyone by the name of Gokudera or the mafia, Zuko will be disappointed. Though, with the demeanor, he keeps it is no wonder that the other has this passing moment of thought. Perhaps had he seen Kyouya in his school uniform, alas, they had made him change and thus, Zuko will either remember where he heard the name. Or discover who he is once Kyouya has found his friends.

Zuko's gaze is met and he himself is measured as Kyouya takes him in as much as the other is taking him in. It is simple, at this point of all the people they have placed within this tent so far, this one has the most potential to be beneficial in completing his task. Good enough.

He nods at the exchange and question.

"I believe him to be some kind of horror creature. He calls himself Slenderman, so far he has only spoken in my mind."

Kyouya does not know if this is because he can not speak or because it would seem his magic is Cogntive and thus based upon the mind.

"Have you ever completed one of these rituals?"

C

[arf]

[ Taichi probably should've brought Hikaru or something, but he kind of figured sync magic is like, the definition of a twin thing. (Isn't that what they're always doing in scary movies!? Synchronizing like that... That's definitely what this is!!) And so he was kind of wandering around looking for someone he knew.

He is instead distracted by Slenderman (Slenderman!!) staring at him. And so Taichi gawks in horror because that is an internet meme myth come to life!!! AND IT IS GOING TO MURDER HIM AND HE HAS TO SCREAM. ]

You have to get away, Mister! He's gonna kill you!

[ So much for quiet ]

[brightestbulb]

[Kyouya is in fact enjoying the peace, considering he is coming from a class trip to France, has not been home yet, and is now in a magical land. He needs that quiet. does his familiar unnerve him? Of course, does he react, no.

But the sudden arrival of Taichi and his rather over the top reaction has Kyouya looking up, pointedly pushing his glasses up his face, he lets out a sigh.]

I appreciate your concern. [He does not.]He is not going to kill me, but you are another matter if you continue at that volume. Sit.

[Slenderman raises an arm, pointing to a spot across from Kyouya for Taichi to have a seat in.]

[arf]

W-Wait, is that your--

[ Taichi watches the Slenderman raise his arm and when Slenderman tells you to sit, you sit, and you don't question it because you don't want to get murdered.

Taichi whispers as he sits. Loud whispering, but at least it's better than the screaming. ]

Your familiar?