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

Okita Sougo | Gintama | Dark Magic

[firstsaderesponder]

1. oh my god there was only one bed

[After a hard day's work of getting isekai'd, all Sougo wants is to rest. Well, okay, he was technically "resting" the entire journey there. He spent the entire caravan ride either watching online videos of people getting hurt or napping. Then again, it's not like his nap was all that refreshing. Was there a word for something like jet lag except it affects you traveling between worlds? He was actually sleeping lighter than usual, the way he does before a big mission. Luckily, he had gotten his trusty Kiku-Ichimonji RX-78 with him from the Shit Box. He may be a country bumpkin shithead of a samurai, but he's a samurai nonetheless: the sword is his soul.

So when the caravan drops everyone off at the Red Spring, Sougo was looking forward to letting his guard down a little. Not completely of course, but having his own room would give him some control over safety. As soon as he reaches the actual room, however...it's very clear what this is to him.]

Eh, if they were gonna book us a love hotel, they could've at least given us some ropes and stuff.

[Come on, give him a dungeon or something.

Because they were finally settled, Sougo had wanted to look for Kondou-san among the new arrivals. But he's got an assigned roommate right by him, and he has to mark his territory, to show his roommate who's boss. He jumps onto the middle of the bed and sprawls himself out so that there is only room for him. Popping some of the chocolates into his mouth, he then puts on his sleeping mask.]

Good night.

2. don't clean the trolls*

[This magical illness is a cause for concern, but this isn't Sougo's element. Back in the Shinsengumi, his job was to chop up bad guys and whoever would get in Kondou's way. Sougo's not a paragon of virtue nor does he want to be. But somehow he got roped into finding the Hill Trolls. At least this should be interesting. Sougo heard these trolls are bad-tempered and looking for a fight, so he could have some fun with them.

He brought his sword just in case, but instead, he's handed a broom and dustpan and ordered to do bitchwork. Fortunately, the Trolls' house even in all its disarray is still cleaner than the Shinsengumi bathrooms. He could do what he was told and get started on cleaning but...]

Hold on. There's a fly on your head.

[With his broom, Sougo hits the nearest Hill Troll repeatedly on the head. That troll looks like he's about to explode with anger at any moment....]

*[ooc: Since Sougo's clearly aiming to piss the Hill Troll off, the troll will bonk him and his companion(s) over the head with something heavy, locking them in a cage, and forcing them to listen about their latest vacation.]

3. fusion dance

[When a goddess gives instructions, Sougo would usually ignore it. But he's interested in some new forms of dark magic, and this would help him develop his own. Back at home, he dabbled in some curses...all for the goal of scaring Hijikata, of course. He probably wouldn't be able to do this kind of spell on Hijikata because he'd never agree to it, but maybe Sougo can find someone who can.

He's gotten along with his new familiar so far--Sougo forgot his name, so he's just been calling his kamaitachi "friend" Sasuke. Sougo calls him and asks for some help because he's usually not good with this socializing thing. This was usually something Kondou-san would do, both for Sougo himself and for Hijikata...

Soon you may see Sougo being pushed towards you by a floating weasel with sickles for legs.]

Oi, Sasuke here is telling me to try this thing out.

["Sasuke" puffs his little weasel cheeks out and yells I told you, my name's not Sasuke!. It's okay, it's their routine now.

If this ritual works, then he gets some fun black magic. If it doesn't....well, he'll still revel in the way he can make his new partner squirm.]

4. wildcard

[What you will! PM me or hit me up on Plurk at vonreuenthal.]

3;

[foeyay]

Then wouldn't you rather try it with someone worthwhile?

[It's almost disgusting how smoothly Kamui slides between Sougo and his unsuspecting victim. He's all smiles and unmitigated bloodlust beneath the shade of his parasol.

Honestly, he hadn't expected to see another familiar face here. While Sougo Okita certainly isn't Kagura or Abuto, however, he is someone Kamui can relate to on a very personal level. A level of bloodshed and battle. Kamui can't hide the excitement shining in his predatory stare.

The righteous policeman of Earth and the villainous pirate from space. That's clearly a sync made in heaven!]

[firstsaderesponder]

[Well well well. If it isn't the space criminal. Sougo almost has to smirk at Kamui's way of basically saying, "mind if I cut in?" "Sasuke" looks at one 18-year-old murderboy, and then the other. If "Sasuke" had popcorn, he'd be eating it.]

Oh, someone's eager. I didn't realize you were that desperate to sync with me.

[For all his baiting, Sougo would be lying if he said he wasn't curious about how syncing with Kamui would go. He is all too aware of their similarities, but those similarities lead them to the battlefield, not a meditation retreat. But the battlefield can be its own kind of meditation, can't it? And even something simple as making a proposition is a battle in itself. Sougo stares down Kamui--they will get to a tent, eventually, but Sougo wants Kamui to feel like he's asking a favor.]

[foeyay]

It's not desperation. It's process of elimination.

[Kamui actually chuckles at that thought. Imagine him trying to sync with Hijikata or Tsukuyo. It would be beyond impossible.]

You're the only one disgusting enough to match someone like me!

[firstsaderesponder]

[You got him there. Sougo knows he's rotten, and there's a certain devilish, sadistic kinship he has with Kamui.]

So there is a working brain in there. I thought it'd be rattled around too much from all the flips you do.

[He starts to walk, assuming Kamui will go with him. Turning his back on a Yato would be a bad idea.]

Still, why'd you wanna sync with someone?

[Sougo assumes Kamui has the same reasons, but wouldn't Kamui crumble if he isn't causing conflict every few minutes?]

[foeyay]

[Luckily for Sougo, Kamui slides in next to him, strolling at his side rather than his back. Kamui isn't looking to aggravate him into a fight today, so he's willing to behave. At least, he's willing to behave as long as it's beneficial to him.]

Why else? To get stronger! [He counters impatiently.] Magic is strength here. If I don't at least experience as much of it as I can, how can I call myself a Yato?

[firstsaderesponder]

I take that back. There's no working brain in there, only Yato muscle.

[It's not like Sougo is different most of the time. But he does use his brain when he wants to, usually in the process of fucking with Hijikata. He's curious about the type of magic Kamui has, and if Kamui is still insanely strong even in another world. Elemental and kinetic magic would suit the Yato, but Sougo doesn't want to show his cards too early. There will be plenty of time to have a rematch with Kamui later, but right now their interests align. They have to play nice instead of play bloody. The latter is much more fun, though.

As Sougo passes by some tents, he makes no pretense how unimpressed he is with what other travelers find "calming." Ocean waves or bird songs? Tch, maybe if you're not a Gintama character. Soon they reach an unoccupied tent...the scary noises are music to Sougo's ears.]

Are you hearing what I'm hearing? It's the sound of Hijikata dying.

1

[arf]

[ Taichi is at the Red Springs of his own volition, because he came to meet a guy about a potential acting thing they want to do for some show at one of the touristy spots. Taichi is nothing if not a hard worker, and so he made the trip all the way out here trying not to cry at the horse carriage taxi-equivalent fair. They're supposed to meet the guy already, and as whoever Sougo's first roommate is inevitably storms out of the room in tears or frustration, Taichi catches a glimpse of the starfished man on the bed and quickly grabs the door before it swings shut. ]

Okita-sama!

[ He says from behind the door that almost closed on his foot, looking excited to see his friend, not realizing he isn't going to remember him yet ;; ]

[firstsaderesponder]

[Oh thank goodness. Sougo hears the footsteps stomping out the door and he knows he's done his job. He was hoping he could wring out a stronger reaction, but he has the room to himself now...or does he?

Upon hearing a happy voice calling out his name (with -sama, no less), Sougo sits up and lifts his sleeping mask. Huh. Who is this happy idiot. Sougo's never seen him before in his life. But perhaps it doesn't matter. The Shinsengumi are well-known throughout Edo and Gintama characters are aware of their popularity. Maybe this guy's just a fan.]

Yeah, that's me. Did ya want an autograph or something?

[arf]

An autograph..? Heh, shouldn't you want mine?

[ As if. Okita definitely is making fun of him for his signature again, though, so he tries to tease back. (Or he's oblivious this isn't his Sougo.) He lets himself in the room and comes over to the bed. ]

You should've told me you showed up here!

[firstsaderesponder]

Why would I want your autograph? Anyways, it's not every day people are happy to see a police officer like this.

[Dude, Sougo has no idea who you are. But he's used to taking weird things and rolling with them (he's from Gintama after all), which would unfortunately keep giving Taichi false hope. On the other hand, the chocolates are giving Sougo the warm and fuzzy feelings, so he won't shove Taichi away from the bed just yet.]

[arf]

It's your favorite actor, Taichi!

[ Taichi can't tell if he's pretending but to know him just to hurt his feelings or genuinely doesn't know him. He wouldn't put either past Sougo. He looks at him discriminately, like he's trying to figure it out.

In the end, heedlessly sitting on the edge of the heart bed with him, he decides to go with: ]

You're the super sadist Shinsengumi with top tier sword skills and we were together on a weird alien planet! Don't arrest me, officer!

Wildcard (Arrival)

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata accompanied the trek from Camelot to help get the new arrivals situated and to practice his elemental magic at the cliffs afterwards, but also because he hopes to see some familiar faces among the newcomers. Kamui arrived with him, and Tsukuyo was already here, and even if neither of them has any memories of Prismatica, it makes him feel a little less lost to know they are around.

He realises that it would be foolish to hope for Kondou, but maybe one of the other men may land here... Saitou's silent company would be nice to have, Harada would make for a great questing- and drinking buddy, Tetsu could be his assistant once more (and maybe his future squire), and Yamazaki would be a much-needed punching bag. But of course he has no such luck. Of course not. Oh no. The Shinsengumi member rising from the lake and wringing out his soaked coat is none other than the Sadist Prince Sougo Okita. Hijikata can't hide his disappointment as he throws a hotel towel at him.]

Why is it you?!

[firstsaderesponder]

[Sougo isn't having a grand time himself either. Imagine being pulled out from your world to end up in ice-cold water, and the first thing you see once you finally make it onto dry land...is Hijikata's constipated face.]

I could say the same thing myself. Where's Kondou-san?

[Because if Okita is there and Hijikata is there, then who's flying the plane protecting the gorilla? No doubt this was the start of some weird arc, but Sougo had to make sure Kondou is safe before doing his usual homicidal routine with Hijikata.

Sougo throws his soaked coat back at Hijikata (have fun with that), then catches the towel and starts to dry his hair off. At least that strange potion was keeping him warm for a little bit.]

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata doesn't have to imagine the first part of that because he went through it himself only a month ago (how did that time fly by so fast?!). He lets out an annoyed grunt as the soaked coat hits him in the face, but he does hold on to it for Sougo. Deep, deep down he may just be a tiny bit relieved to see him. His question, though, gives him a massive flashback to how they got sent to Prismatica without their commander. Why does it always have to be that way?]

He's not here. It's just us, Tsukuyo and Kamui. Not even the Yorozuya is here this time.

[This really is a huge concern to him, honestly. Shouldn't the main character be here? Isn't this an epic crossover to save the multiverse? So where is he?!

Also yes, he's completely trusting that Sougo remembers everything. Sure, Kamui and Tsukuyo don't, but Sougo and he are practically a tandem, much as they're like oil and water. Surely if he remembers Sougo does, too.]

[firstsaderesponder]

This time?

[Sougo stops drying his hair, slightly arching a brow. It's always a mistake to listen to Hijikata-san because he never has anything useful to say. Sorry Hijikata, this is not the exact Okita Sougo you're looking for.]

It sounds to me like you were expecting him. Ah, maybe this is the start of some spin-off. But if they wanted to do a Shinsengumi spin-off, why aren't Kondou-san and the rest of the guys here?

[Oil and water indeed, but they're thinking the same thing. Both Hijikata and Sougo know their role in the narrative. This new situation with just the two of them and two other characters they haven't interacted much with...it's strange. Granted, Sougo and Kamui did have their climactic battle. That could be a possibility, but the stage isn't set for it.

He leaves the towel on his head as he goes to grab his coat, when poof! A small weasel pops in front of them. And it's no ordinary weasel. That fact that it was floating through the air might've been a clue, but this weasel also has sharp blades where its paws should be.]

Okita-san! I've been waiting for you!

...Huh? Who's this? Do we got a new mascot or something?

[Sougo grabs the poor weasel's tail, just to see how it'll react. The kamaitachi yelps, pulling away in vain.]

[mayoninofukucho]

Sougo, let it go.

[He heaves a sigh. Exposition time!]

This is your familiar, I guess. Everybody gets one assigned here. Without your familiar bond you're going to be toast, so play nice for once.

[To be fair, "toast" doesn't quite fill in for "sent back to our frozen world", but Archimedes can explain the details... or maybe Hijikata will, but one thing after the other. First of all he needs Sougo to stop hurting his familiar. Leave it to this sadist to end up with a kamaitchi...]

It's not a spin-off, it's another unlicensed crossover. There's a crapton of people from all over the place here - anime, manga, video games, movies, you name it.

[At least with his fellow Gintamas he can blatently break the fourth wall without any considerations.]

This is England before it was England, Britain under King Arthur. Only a modern version.

[Isn't this making perfect sense, Sougo?]

2

[farmerofwrath]

[Things were going mostly peaceful while Zen was working on the yard. But trolls apparently aren't infamous for getting on people's bad sides for nothing. Which he soon learned when the Hill Trolls had a sudden change of heart and tasked him with cleaning instead.

So far it was only remotely disappointing, but things started to go downhill from there. Namely, when the smartass he was made to split the work with decided to have some fun trolling the troll, dragging both of them into this nonsensical mess.

Which consists of getting a blow to the head from a shovel (oh, the irony) that came out of nowhere, then regaining consciousness inside a cage. Right beside the same smartass that pulled the stunt.]

... so, genius, apparently your fly turned against us.

[firstsaderesponder]

[Peace when working with Sougo? That's a foregone conclusion...When Sougo finally comes to, he rubs his head and looks at his cellmate almost quizzically. Sougo fully knows what he did and why they ended up here, but feigning innocence is much more fun than actually taking responsibility.]

I thought he wanted us to clean up. So I was cleaning up.

[He reclines and puts his arms behind his head like he's at the beach and not, you know, imprisoned by a Hill Troll. Speaking of the Hill Troll, he caught onto the fact that his prisoners have awakened, and proceeds to start scolding them on how rude and disgusting they both are--even though it all comes down to Sougo in the end. Meanwhile, Sougo just watches the Troll with a bored face, with the same casual resentment a child shows a parent lecturing them.]

[farmerofwrath]

[Zen knows a troublemaker when he sees one. He can tell this guy is an adept at the art of creating trouble from the way the other can keep a poker face even in the obvious disadvantage they face. Too bad this realization comes after they're imprisoned, though.

But what happens when you lock a troll in human form and a former delinquent inside a tiny cell? Double the trouble, of course.

Even as Zen's getting scolded as if any of this is his fault, he, similar to his cellmate, doesn't seem to be paying it much mind. But instead of mustering a straight face, he's trying to shift his legs into that cramped space so he can push Sougo with his booted feet.]

Hey, you're taking up too much space.

[Maybe if they misbehave even more things will work out in their favor?]

[firstsaderesponder]

[Zen's observations would be correct. Getting lectured for his insolence is another day in the life of Okita Sougo. This Hill Troll is nothing compared to a pissed-off Hijikata, even though the Hill Troll actually managed to land a hit on them. Sougo just likes to see the Troll angry. Blah blah blah...the Troll could stand to be less long-winded though.

When Zen pushes him, Sougo can't tell how serious Zen is being. His cellmate seemed to be frustrated earlier, but let's face it, most people would be frustrated in this situation. Whether Zen is being sarcastic or is genuinely concerned about his space, Sougo thinks pushing back against him would yield an amusing reaction. So Sougo shoves Zen back. Just to see what would happen.]

'S not my fault if your legs are too fat.

[The sight of two young men (with the same haircut) ignoring his insults and vitriolic speech is getting the Hill Troll angrier and angrier. Forget talking about his vacation, the Troll is kicking at the bars to shut the fuckers up.]

[farmerofwrath]

[Zen didn't ask to be thrown in here with this guy (to whom he isn't related despite the similarities in attitude and hairstyle), so the frustration is certainly there. But he thinks he's starting to see why his cellmate is so hellbent on stirring trouble, with how obnoxiously louder and more aggressive the Hill Troll is growing despite them not giving a damn about the yelling and kicking at the metal bars.

On second thought... maybe it would be pretty funny to keep pushing their luck only to leave Sougo to deal with his own mess by himself by teleporting away if things get really ugly.]

It's your fault all this annoying screaming is getting on my nerves, so do something.

[More shoving ensues, and the troll's yelling get even more hysterical in response to the indirect insult.]

2

[sunlightyellow]

[ Jonathan's got a pretty hard head but even he couldn't withstand a blow from a hill troll, much less a blow from a floating heavy object clearly controlled by magic. He's rubbing his head as he regains consciousness and finds himself and his troublesome companion inside of a cage-- a rather small cage all told, given Jonathan's bulky 6'5 frame taking up so much of the space.

This entire situation is clearly this stranger's fault, yet Jonathan doesn't seem immediately angry- despite having every right to be. ]

I'm not sure what you were trying to achieve back there, but it seems we are now in quite a predicament.

[firstsaderesponder]

[Sougo expected some sort of retaliation from the Hill Troll, but he wasn't expecting being locked up with an absolute giant of a man. Jonathan's patience will likely benefit them both, even if Sougo doesn't deserve it. In fact, he'll be an ungrateful turd.]

I was trying to get a fly on his face. Wasn't it obvious?

[Look at this innocent face, Jonathan, doesn't he look like he's telling the truth?]

Aaaah, I guess the guy doesn't appreciate it, though. Think you can get us outta here before he sees? Just stand up.

[Sougo has no doubt that Jonathan could even just stretch his arms to break the cage and free them. Besides, why go through the hard work of escaping yourself when you can have someone do it for you?]

[sunlightyellow]

[ Oh Sougo, here's the thing about Jonathan - he really genuinely wants to see the best in absolutely anyone. Often to a fault. That's why he looks at that "innocent facte and is 100% taken in by it. ]

That's what you were trying to do? Then I'm afraid the troll rather misinterpreted your sincere effort to help him - it's very unfortunate.

[ There's a pause while Jonathan takes a closer look at their cage. ] ...You think the bars that flimsy?

I'd be happy to give it a try although you will have to keep a watch for the trolls checking on us.