avalaughs | TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 4

Entry tags:

modpost,
tdm

TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 4

{ 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

obtain a small can of magic dust from a sprite's wings

sudden repeated visions of 15 seconds of a potential future based on every choice your character could make

B ⦿ Ingredient Two: Deez Nuts

retrieving baskets full of these tiny nuts

the Bear Fir, who won't hesitate to come for you

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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?"

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.

"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.

"...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?"

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?"

Some kind of horror creature... So casual and nonchalant about admitting that's his familiar. But candid. Zuko's about that. This seems promising — like someone who can get down to brass tacks.

"No. Not like this." He says it with a stern, raspy tone, not hesitating now to look Kyouya head-on.

"Have you?"

They are in a tent, preparing to perform a magical ritual, in a world that has bonded them to random creatures. There is nothing to gain by beating around the bush at this moment, Kyouya is what he needs to be when he needs to be. And he is always down to brass tacks, though he may play the long game getting there when it's called for.

"No, I've just arrived and have little experience with my magic." Again, nothing to be gained by lying, so he'll admit the truth.

"It seems we need some measure of trust between each other to complete it. This seems improbable with a stranger but I am thinking that as long as we go in with the clear mind that we're both here to complete this ritual it may count as trust and allow us success."

"Right."

He says it with a sharp nod and a firm look, very much agreeing. Clear mind. Zuko... can try that. He's mirroring Kyouya so far, he's thinking; tit for tat. How does one gain the trust of a stranger, though?

"I've been here like a month... and I have some experience with my magic, but not as much as I'd like, and not nearly as much as I'm normally capable of... Oh— uh— I, uh, have fire powers... back home. We call it firebending. But here I'm learning other elements, too. It's not the same as bending. It feels different. At least for me..."

He's not sure what it feels like for other benders, whose elements must be manipulated from the outside, not conjured from within themselves like firebenders will themselves to create flame from thin air. It's a part of his soul that's missing. A gaping void where a warmth used to be. Gone. Snuffed out. He's not sure if it's just the magic of this world or his own mind, his own failure, as a result of... well... everything here so far. He's not handled things well. He didn't the last time he lost his firebending and was spirited away at once, either. He just doesn't handle much well, really, he's feeling like these days. Who's to say it's not his fault in some way that he can't feel his inner flame?

But they're not at that level of trust to voice that. So he awkwardly drags a hand down the back of his head and neck, eyes glancing aside. How to continue making small talk... It's not his forte, clearly.

"So, um, do you have magic in your world...? What kind of magic do you have here?"

Kyouya is not unaware that the other young man seems to be following him, mimicking and agreeing. Though he also has the thought that this could work in their favor as it is in some ways a measure of trust. In truth, he would like more time to study the ritual and what can happen if things do not go according to plan, however, that is not a luxury they have and so Kyouya decides they should proceed with the ritual.

“I think it best we do not compare to things in our world, in mine magic is not real, it’s something only in stories.” Though, he supposes Tamaki possesses a certain kind of magic, it is not the same as what they are dealing with here. He can imagine much as he feels out of sorts at the change and suddenness of it all, this young man must as well. Though, he does consider that his understanding of powers both with previous and current experience is a benefit.

“I am sorry this world seems to have robbed you of something important.” See bonding, it builds trust at the end of the day that is what Kyouya is after. For the ritual and because every network must be built, and he is not going to overlook anyone as he builds his in this new world.

“Shall we begin?” He can make small talk, he could sit here and politely engage indefinitely, even pretend to be interested in doing so, but that is a waste, and he has absolutely nothing to gain from it. Their goal here is to complete a ritual, the sooner they begin, the sooner they can know if they will have success.

"Yes."

Guy's down to business. It's refreshing, though? Zuko tucks the observant apology in his back pocket, the remark indeed having gained some trust, even if Zuko hadn't expressed clearly how important his bending was to him; Kyouya picked up on it, even as someone from a world with no magic. That says something. At least there must be a depth there.

Zuko stands, the dragon leaping down to the ground as he rises, spreading its wings slightly as if for show as it does. He glances around, apprehensive about the dancing ritual because, well, dancing also isn't his forte... But not so apprehensive as he'd been when performing the ancient Dancing Dragon firebending form, literally dancing for his life. This hopefully wasn't such a severe dance; though, something in his gut tells him the stakes are still pretty high. Perhaps offering this experience of his own would be helpful...? Even without the dragons' presence — well, spare one, who is slinking its way curiously over to inspect and sniff at the Slenderman from a good few feet away from the faceless creature. Zun's not sold on any of this yet, and neither is its master.

"You should know— This isn't the first time I've danced to sync powers with someone. It wasn't the same at all, but I once learned a sort of 'dance' to fuse firebending powers with my friend back home..."

Kyouya is not too worried about dancing, he has danced more than once in his life. After all, there are parties, host club events, and other moments where being an Ootori means he has to entertain a young woman with a dance.

Kyouya lifts the jar of paint, if they are going to do this they may as well start from the beginning and make certain to get it correct.

"Without a mirror, it is best we paint the symbols on each other to avoid mistakes."

Kyouya exudes utter confidence in himself and his capability here even if he has never done such a thing before. He is a precise young man and a ritual to him seems to be all about preciseness. He nods in acknowledgment of what Zuko says.

"Good, then you have experience with magic in a way I do not, it does not exist in my world." Unless the spell of the Host Club counts but he is not going to be so sentimental as to bring all that up.

Indeed, Kyouya's aura of confidence is clear, and it's a bit emboldening. Zuko's typically one to act first, think later, a strong air of confidence about him himself — but not so much precision. Mistake-making is his hobby. Kyouya's a good overseer, and it's apparent right away in his demeanor. Zuko nods affirmatively, stern in agreement, locking eyes with the taller boy expectantly. He'd not gone to bed last night thinking he'd be eagerly waiting for some random dude to paint on him but, y'know, here he is.

"Mmn. In my world, we have only elemental magic — we don't even consider it magic. It's just part of life. Part of who you are, if you're a bender... Some of the mentality translates here, though. I can already tell."

Yes, Kyouya knows the impulsive type well, it's his position to stop the fallout that can come from such actions. He is very good at his job, they do not call him the Shadow King without reason. They can both agree, they were not going to bed with the thought of painting another young man, but here they are.

Kyouya can find amusement in it, but in the end, it is nothing more than the barest edge of a smile from his lips as he begins to paint the symbols in careful strokes over Zuko's face.

"Your collar please, I need to complete them along your neck to collarbone." He listens as Zuko talks and he paints, dipping his fingers in during the time he waits for the other to move his collar out of the way.

"It is experienced with the elements, so if your magic is elemental it should be simple to translate the forms to this world's magic. Mine is a mental form called Cognitive but having just arrived, I'm just learning its capabilities."

"My sister has cognitive magic..." His tone is a bit darker, as his eyes creep to the side. He's disconcerted not knowing her capabilities, either; he only trusts her so much, even as close as they've grown. Cognitive magic seems particularly terrifying if gifted to the wrong type of person. Whether that's Kyouya or not remains to be seen. It makes the Slenderman familiar seem rather more intimidating, though, with this added knowledge. Clearly Kyouya is someone formidable in some sense or another.

"I'd like to learn more about cognitive magic myself. What have you practiced so far?"

"So your family came with you, interesting." Forgive Kyouya, he would prefer his family not to show up. Nothing against them but it is quite freeing to be here in a world without them and have half if not all of his friends with him. Considering how well he can manipulate a scenario with just his normal wits, cognitive in Kyouya's hand is a frightening thing.

Kyouya continues to mark Zuko's skin with precision. Sitting the paint aside when he is finished, he wipes his fingers and proceeds to unbutton the first few buttons on his shirt to expose his collar bone.

"Controlling the creature you see behind me, I've yet to test it on another person." Not that he does not intend to, cause oh he does.

“Yes… My sister and I arrived at the same time — from another world, actually, not so unlike this one. There, our uncle was with us, too. Uncle isn’t here, but three other friends of mine from home are in this place, as well.”

Zuko stands still, head held high as Kyouya paints. So he’d yet to test it on another person… Does that mean Zuko will be the first, as part of this exercise? This all seems rather linked to cognitive magic, after all. That’s a little scarier now than it had seemed before. He meets Kyouya’s eye before he paints him in turn, taking the can of paint into his own hands with a moment’s hesitation. There’s a sharpness both of them share and it’s mysterious and disconcerting. Just because Kyouya has no experience with magic doesn’t mean he’s harmless. Zuko glances down to his own chest, examining what Kyouya had painted across his décolletage, and gets to work painting matching symbols across the other’s.

“My sister’s voice can enter my thoughts… She tells me things silently.” He says it with no hint of comfort. He doesn’t know what Kyouya might be doing to the Slenderman, but if it’s anything like Azula’s practice, then that poor Slenderman…

"I see, then you could consider yourself lucky, even without the addition of your Uncle. I've not found any of my family but some of my associates." His friends, more family to him than his family honestly "Are here."

It does in fact mean Zuko will be the first by way of this ritual because, for all he has said, he is not going to hand over control of his body to a stranger. Instead, he is going to continue to do exactly what he is doing, take charge of the ritual, and guide the route they take. It's done politely and effectively at least. Kyouya remains perfectly still as Zuko paints him, other than the slight arch of an eyebrow at the mention of his sister speaking in his mind.

"That feels invasive without permission." Communicating with his familiar that way seems acceptable, but without just cause, he could not see him doing this to another person for no reason. Shadow King or not, he is a good person.

"I suppose... A few of my friends I met in that world are here, too. Any familiar face is better than none... When I first arrived there, I was alone. Here, I found my sister within minutes."

Zuko's a slow hand, taking time to even pause and check that what he's painting matches what Kyouya painted on his own self, not necessarily the artistic type. But he's not unartistic, and when he pulls away, they do look quite alike. Except Kyouya's, y'know, a half a foot taller. Why is everyone from that planet so tall...?! Zuko has an impression of Japanese people all being incredibly tall by his world's standards, all five out of six friends (including Kyouya, now, for all intents and purposes) being 5'11" or above... the only one his height being Gokudera, whom he sees eye-to-eye to in very many ways, but gee, physically it's a comfort, too. It typically wouldn't matter but for that they're the same age and need to look and act in sync.

"Well... She's a princess. She's never needed permission to speak her mind," he muses, the ghost of a smirk on his face, thinking of his own drastic punishment for speaking his despite being a prince. It's not clear if he's being sarcastic or literal. But indeed it's true that something in the way he holds himself, however awkward at times, has an air of formality, not so unlike those from Kyouya's own sphere. It's not impossible he's being sincere — being in another fold of reality, after all, what'd be so unusual about meeting royalty?

"Then it would seem of the two worlds this one is more generous."

Kyouya makes no move to rush him, it is better to be slow and thorough than quick and make some kind of mistake that could cause damage either to them or the ritual. Kyouya does not see the heights as an issue, after all, he is far from the tallest among his group of friends, that feat left for Mori-senpai, and in dancing it is quite easy to be in sync with a partner who is shorter than you.

"Then that would make you a prince or are you only half-siblings?" A Prince, now that is always a connection to make. A Princess with that kind of power as well, if he can try to learn her name before ending this interaction he believes he should. He does not take the serious young man for a liar and Kyouya is good at reading people. He is also, very comfortable at meeting Royalty the reveal having no outward reaction from him.

"With our heights, it would be more comfortable for me to lead the dance." Zuko doesn't mind, right? He can handle following along with Kyouya, guaranteed the young man is graceful, so it should not be too awkward.

"By far," he says with some amount of quiet venom. He had a hard time of it in Lunatia. Already he prefers this place, if he had to make a choice. Not that he particularly enjoys either, unhappy anywhere he goes, but at least he doesn't have to deal with touchy-feely shit here... well, except for right now, that is.

He hesitates before answering Kyouya, but nods at the instruction, stepping half a step closer to him with open body language after setting the paint can back down. He has no idea what to do. At all. It's better Kyouya lead anyway because odds are he's actually danced at least once in his life, which is a leg up on Zuko.

"...We are full siblings. I am the crown prince of the Fire Nation, soon-to-be Fire Lord," he says tentatively, strangely compelled by the nature of the exercise and environment to tell the truth for once, before trying to smooth sharing this fact over with an even more discomforting one. "And in my culture, it's considered inelegant to dance. ...So, um, I've never danced before."

Periodt.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 4

C

no subject

1/2

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject