avalaughs | TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 6

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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 6

Check out the OOC intro meme for this month to say hi to new players/characters!

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⚔️️ 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 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 still chilly, but not enough that you can't manage on your own. The Lady of the Lake is swimming around under the water, but seems to be focusing on coordinating a band of mossatees to help rescue any wayward new arrivals. Mossatees are a special Avalonian manatee that is green in color and has what appears to be a patches of grass or other short plant life growing on its back. While some are fully green, many sport blooming flowers or fairy circles of mushrooms.

If anyone tries to ask the Lady of the Lake for directions, she will direct you to Archimedes at the Rent-a-Ride. Those with animal magic may get their info from the manatees, though may notice that they're really overly friendly and have zero concept of personal boundaries. Everyone may notice they have no concept of personal space, as they will happily run right into someone's belly for a snoot squishing. 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.

*Reminder: Your character's familiar may or may not be with your character in their initial plunge. If the familiar isn't partial to water, it may meet your character on the beach or sit atop their head while they swim. Or if they are, they might splash about and swim alongside your character. Familiars have different personalities and body specs and we leave those up to the players.

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 animal-themed ponchos 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. Which given the fact that it's pouring down rain in April? Not ideal. You were only given ponchos, not rain boots.

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.

Unfortunately, due to a bee infestation and massive amounts of rain, the hot springs of the Red Springs are not available this month! Instead, an underground salt cave is offered as a way to relax and unwind. Gather around in the rejuvenating, dimly lit caves and breathe in the relaxing effects of salt crystals. Feel the sand between your toes, or if you don't like sand, try one of the many pools with tiny garra rufa for a fish pedicure. Or, lie down in a recliner and stare up at the "stars"-- magic sparkles in the ceiling that move to spell out single-word concepts you may be experiencing. (Maybe you're relaxed? You might get something like "Chill." Find your relaxation buddy hot? Just be careful to look away before the stars spell "Thirsty" to the whole room.)

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 it turns out, a mythical land that's been around for a few centuries has a few things in common with many modern worlds. It's got the internet, and games have evolved a little bit past hoop trundling and draughts. April, being the traditional month of mirth and games and lots of rain making it hard to have fun outdoors, is the time for Camelot City Gaming Convention, affectionately shortened to CameCon. Come into the large convention center located in the south part of town, get dry, and check out some of the awesome things to do.

A ⦿ Couchless Co-Op

Fighting games

NASTAR Racing Game

rhythm dance game

Grand Theft Automation

really

B ⦿ Arthurian RP in your Arthurian RP

LARP as their favorite Knight of the Round Table

rock-paper-scissors-magic

dress-up

props that will magically give you sword skills

picnic on the concrete floor

C ⦿ It Figures...

A convention isn't a convention without a little shopping. Come check out what cool games are upcoming in the exhibit hall, buy figurines of your favorite game characters (or.. new ones you've never heard of since this is a new world, but are still cute and/or kick-ass), and most importantly, check out the cool magic you can apply to them. A spell available for purchase in the convention hall that's popular this year is Recipe: Figure Anima, which makes your figures move in place and say popular lines as if they're an actual, miniature version of the character. It's recommended you practice while you're in the convention hall though so figure experts can help if things go.. awry. People have been known to have their own emotions influence the spell, and sometimes toys have started taking on the attitude of the caster. There's nothing quite as tragic as your favorite angelic game character telling you they're gonna kick your ass because you were in a fighting mood. So OOC. Maybe you can find someone who's a little better at magic to fix the problem?

Of course, when the rain breaks through and floods the exhibition room, there's a lot of mass hysteria as people scream and climb up onto tables, trying to protect their merch above all else. Hurry, help someone else up onto your table before their ent dakimakura they just purchased gets wet! Only you can save the gamers from water! ..Or that's what you thought, until a second later the electricity goes out and you're left in a total electricity blackout in the convention hall. It may be a good idea to use some magic to try to light the way and find a way out of the flooded hall...

A ⦿ Keep Your Vines to Yourselves

overgrowth of prehensile, very friendly vines

destructive magic

without

tickle the person the vines have captured

B ⦿ Selfies with Selkies

very, very large flower

Take a trip up to the Archivist

Cereus de Anima

the Silent Shore

shirtless selkie

take a selfie

eventually

a cottage on the other side of the Pure of Heart Bridge

old man that Morganna tried to kill and save in a quest a couple of months ago

C ⦿ The Answer is No

Back in Camelot City, it seems that anyone who's been touched by the vines has been replaced by a doppelganger in their lives. They're just barely off from the original- they have all the memories, but may be slightly more skilled at things they didn't used to be, or may seem to make less ethical choices than they might otherwise. There's just something slightly off. But when people start using AOL to contact their friends and let them know they've been gone.. well, it may seem like the jig is up, or at least in question.

Those who find out they've been replaced may want to return to Camelot quickly to try to reclaim their lives. Doppelgangers will attempt to kill their original if they come into contact with them when they aren't around other people, so you may need to flee for your life if you haven't gotten good enough at magic to defend yourself yet. Around other people, the doppelgangers will do their best to try to prove themselves the real person and since they were made from the original, will have the same memories as the original character so asking questions that "only ___ would know" may not work. Eventually it will come out that the doppelgangers have occasionally wriggling vines instead of spines underneath their clothing, if you're willing to check that to see who's real, but that won't be common knowledge.

What can be found out from the old man at the Pure of Heart bridge if you choose to leave your doppelganger alone is that Cereus de anima doppelgangers can only live for a month without killing their original and absorbing the rest of their essence. However, if the original plant isn't taken care of with a special venom you can only obtain from certain creatures in the Forest of the Fisher King, the problem will just keep happening over and over until the city is overrun and becomes nothing but a breeding ground for the flower and its replicas.

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.
• You can have any animal-style poncho you want! They are themed, not made from actual animals. No animals have been harmed in the making of these ponchos!!
• TIMELINE: The resolution to the third prompt will be in April's event! The first two prompt sets will be during the first week of the month. The doppelganger problem and obnoxious traveling and research will be occurring for the second and third weeks of the month.
• People with green magic may be able to fill something off about the doppelgangers, but may not be able to identify what it is right away. Blood mages will be able to feel that their blood feels the same as the original as they are essentially copies. Cognitive people will be able to use their magic normally except for hypnotic suggestion- the doppelgangers are immune to it, so while you may be able to find other ways to out them, hypnotizing people to tell the truth won't work this time. Doppelgangers are made from the essence of the person, so they will be able to access their phones and accounts. Note that the Cereus de Anima and doppelgangers are not fairies and cannot be contracted with. If a Death Mage attempts to possess a doppelganger, it will technically come in contact with the doppelganger's vine and may end up with more than one doppelganger depending on how many times they try it. Siphon magic can be used to destroy a doppelganger easily, however, the essence that was stolen from the original's soul may be destroyed in the process so it is not recommended as the original may start to feel as though they are no longer a whole person.
• 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. Make sure to read the Red Spring section on this month's even if you're normally familiar-- the springs are closed this month, check out the alternate prompts!
• Questions about this TDM's content? Comment here! If you have a question about the game at-large, please head over to the FAQ.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Foul spirits? Her expression falters a bit, but she's also not mortal and she doesn't seem to register there's any sort of upset there at *her*— she doesn't know this man, after all, aside from his name being the same as the Demon King who tried to possess her and became bound to her instead.

But she looks at the poor Oni wandering off, before turning to look back at Nobunaga and tilting her head curiously. ]

... forgive me, but— is something the matter? You seemed tense just now... and your familiar is running off. You may wish to summon them back if you need aid here.

[ Sorry, Nobunaga— mortal reactions are still new to her, so she's a bit confused by his response. She's still very new to being around humans and out of her home and people, but she can at least tell when someone is unsettled. ]

Thank you for withdrawing your weapon... I'm grateful.

[ She adds— she simply didn't want him getting into trouble for it. ]

I don't! [Hoarsely!]

[And he slips up to glare at her, half about to unsheathe the sword all over again, just out of stubborn spite, but the anger ebbs a little.]

[It's not her. He's being absurd.]

[There's still a lump in his throat that refuses to go away.]

[It's not her, and if it was a dream version, or even impossible ghost, she'd be haunting him not acting like...]

[He doesn't even know what this is. But it's not her, not his brain on a mental break.]

[He starts heading to the stone stairs. He wants his gun! ... Not that shooting ghosts is a good idea. The Atsumori floats through his head. (Song not play.) Haunting, revenge, she should be angry at him, not the other way around! But he is irrationally angry. At Kitsuno for leaving him and dying (not that it's her fault!), at this Kitsuno for not being the one he knew. At himself for being insane. At himself for thinking of her at all.]

What do you mean, "Oracle?"

[Kitsuno wasn't a charlatan like the other fortune tellers. Magic... Fate...]

The love of my life was named Kitsuno.

[She said she knew him, and yet acted like she didn't. Reincarnation was fake, wasn't it???]

[But now Oda's starting to wonder.]

You're not her.

[Ice cold eyes fall upon her with a chilling regard to weigh her.]

[And then his brain sort of snaps again.]

[A trick?]

[But no. It's not Japan, it doesn't even SMELL like Japan. And those plants are definitely nowhere in Japan.]

I am the Demon King of the Sixth Heaven. Born in Owari, same as her.

[Still hoarse voiced and very growly.]

[Jesus was born in Jerusalem. Is it like that, but demonic?]

[He just continues to take her in with ice cold eyes, and seems to be waiting for something, probably for reprimands, quite honestly.]

[ She really isn't sure what to make of his reactions, her shoulders sinking with every word he says. The way he looks, one would think she'd committed some kind of crime, but...

When he mentions that she has the same name as someone he loved, she stills, looking guilty as though she did do something wrong. Even if she isn't mortal and has nothing to do with whoever he loves, she still can't help but feel like she caused him to think of memories he didn't want to.

She watches him move, letting him speak, before turning to face him. ]

Forgive me... I seem to have caused you pain with my name.

[ She's not sure what to say to ease him— this isn't a situation she's been in before, and while he does yell and sound upset, she remains calm, curious about his reactions and mildly confused.

But she's not a fool, and can at least attempt to piece together what's happening... even if she doesn't understand it wholly. It does feel like he was carrying this upset more than he realized, and she sighs. ]

... I'm a guardian for my people. As Oracle, 'tis my duty keep our land safe from those that would bring it ruin. The Demon King... he'd approached me to wed but recently after trying to claim me— I had asked that we do not, until we knew each other better. I cannot call his feelings for me to be love, just yet... nor do I feel ready to return them as such.

[ Would it ease him to know that? That surely, their paths were different ones? She lifts her gaze to meet Nobunaga's squarely, though there's only concern in her own. ]

... will you give me the chance to explain? Perhaps it will assist you to learn a little about how this place works.

[ She hopes he doesn't refuse, though a part of her does ache for him. He used "was", after all. That likely means his beloved is no longer with him. ]

[He laughs. He laughs SO HARD.]

[Maybe that resettles it?! He's lost his mind!!]

[Those are not different paths at all!!!]

[That's exactly the same!!!]

Did he pour sake into your mouth and demand you act as a cup for him? [His eyes are still icy, but he does seem amused now!] Or challenge you to a game of Go, for every time you lost, he promised to conquer another part of your body? [If it's not obvious yet... He did that...] It does seem I only like rebellious troublesome women!

Explain away, spirit! [Sheltered princess, his go to nickname for Mai no longer works for him, it just sets him on edge. But she didn't seem to like being called a spirit so he'll keep THAT up for now instead.] I have no reason not to listen!

[ She blinks at his words, unsure of why he'd bring up those things— though no one was allowed to be near her if they weren't of blood, and any behavior like that would have easily gotten both her fathers and all her retainers enacting violence on him.

Especially with him being bound to her now... she's quiet for a bit, watching him, then sighing. ]

... he showed similar arrogance. But we had... an incident, and as of this time, he and I are bound to one another.

[ That would be harder to explain, so she just shakes her head. ]

If you wish to address me, then call me by my name or title of princess. I may be spiritkind and a kitsune, but I am not just any spirit.

[ That, she will say with firmness. But after a while, she lowers her head and looks thoughtful. ]

... let us go somewhere we can dry you up and have you rest a bit, first. This must all be very shocking for you.

[Spiritkind... kitsune?]

[Bound????]

I cannot call you Princess of lands I didn't give you. [Strange. Very strange. He wonders which came first. Which incarnation. Was magic really something that existed elsewhere and humanity just longed to have it again like from a past life? Or was his and Kitsuno's spirits interwoven even in a future life? It's surreal, anyway.]

[Kitsuno... Nope. No way in Hell is he going to say her name. Even the thought of her name brings to mind her grave.]

[He'll figure something out.] How about Oracle? The woman I knew would certainly not profess to be such a thing. [So it won't send him emotionally reeling every time. But he IS actually asking. He realizes it's as much an imposition on her for him not to be the Demon King Oda Nobunaga she knew, as vice versa!]

[As for shocking... he just laughs again, and shakes his head.] Don't treat me like any other normal person. I may not be the Demon King you know, but I am still the Demon King of my realm, my time, my place.

[And it makes his head mentally bounce about in caged walls. If it's a mental break, why is she being so kind? Of course... she was always too kind. To everyone. Even him. But he's the very last person to deserve it! Especially now!]

Simply falling through a wormhole is not enough to startle me into submission. [That's a lot of bravado, using the word "wormhole" like he has ANY comprehension of it beyond his sponge-like memory for new and interesting things and being told of it in passing. But still, whether that's what actually happened, or this is all some sort of mental breakdown and guilt (? Can one such as he even still feel that?!) over moving on and trying to romance another woman, the words work perfectly well, either way.]

If you can't keep up, then say so! But otherwise I'm going to keep moving. [He's restless! He wants to drink in everything about this place! She interrupted his duel with his familiar to see which of them was stronger, or at least, how strong his oni could be, but the cliffs, the PLANTS, the -- everything! He has to see it all! Especially if this is a dream and he might wake up and remember very little of it.]

[He wonders if her Demon King WAS different in that respect! He can't imagine it! It's the one part of his core existence that's always been true. Why he got into guns, why he wanted to learn so much about European techniques, why he wanted to conquer and unite Japan so he could get rid of the warring feudal lords and create a universal currency, and show the world the true greatness of the Japanese!]

Would your Demon King have melted from a little water? [Scoff!] Or had so little pride in himself that he wouldn't be interested in expanding his domain should the opportunity arise? [He doesn't mean to "conquer" Avalon, he means just seeing it! ADVENTURE!!!]

[He wonders which version of himself was/is more arrogant. Or demonic. Or worse. Or...]

[So on.]

[He's not sure he CAN get much worse in most people's eyes, but hey. There's always room to grow!]

[ He'd deny using her name and her title? If she were any other spiritkind or demon, she knows it would be taken as a huge offense. She watches him, wondering what this mortal's reasoning is— outside of him just being reminded of his beloved by her name. But her own isn't common, so perhaps it makes it all the more obvious...

But she isn't here to start an argument, so to his response, she nods. She's also notably not using his name, but one doesn't usually do that unless they're told to or are close enough to. She does let him talk, quiet as she observes him, before giving him a nod to indicate that's fine. Though as for her Nobunaga melting...

It makes her chuckle quietly but she shakes her head, and leaves it at that, before walking up beside him. She isn't too concerned with the outdoors though she hasn't been out in the open all that much, so she probably isn't dressed as appropriately— in her elegant outfit That she's been maintaining here since her arrival.

Yet, not once does she falter, and as she watches him, she steps up beside him and onto the steps, glancing up to look at him. ]

You'll have enough time to explore, my Lord. It would be careless to exhaust yourself so quickly.

[ Though she does add, a little quietly— ]

You may call me what you wish if that pleases you. I'm far from home and my title hardly matters in a world where I've no one.

[ A point she's trying to make to him— that he probably shouldn't expect the same level of respect he gets back home in this world.

Her little fox familiar from home has been following her watches her before scampering up next to her and she shoots him a smile— though her Phoenix familiar who she got here is fluttering ahead now, watching them from the sky.

She does sigh and smile a bit. ]

As for my own Nobunaga... You're not very different, outside of your appearance.

[ She actually hasn't lain eyes directly on her own Nobunaga but she's made out his appearance, seeing as he's the ruler of the shadow lands— a demonic entity who shrouds himself the same way she does. ]

... has anyone else from your world arrived with you, then?

Edited 2021-04-09 15:43 (UTC)

[He thinks about that title thing and nods. Likewise, he supposes. It was the biggest takeaway from Luis Frois and the other missionaries and Portuguese merchants. They were baffled at how a land could have so many lords, and it overall made the titles meaningless to them.]

[Despite her concerns however, this relieves Nobunaga. Being a Lord is a burden he never wanted, and it's why he refused to be a shogun or Emperor. He only accepted the title of Lord because it was that, or let his family assassinate him! It's why he likes Demon King, because it's a kind of nonsense title that serves better as a warning than something commanding respect! Most people saw it and assumed the worst, and it saved accidentally betraying their expectations. He hardly minds when they hear it and think he's an idiot either. After all, he didn't go around slaughtering people who called him the Fool of Owari; that truly would have been stupid.]

I'll exhaust myself? [More haughty laughs!] You truly are sheltered! It will take much more than this to drain me of energy. [Especially when he's all hyped up about NEW WORLD EEEEE!]

I wouldn't know. Upon hitting shore I sought to try my strength against an invincible oni, and you stopped that.

[To the Shit Box!]

[He's basically finding it out of sheer instinct, because without his gun, he'll go insane.]

[Err... more insane.]

If kitsune are common enough here, then I expect Akechi Mitsuhide shouldn't be far behind my heels. And I've never been able to escape Hideyoshi very long. [His loyalty is legendary. And occasionally stifling, truth told.] Ranmaru... [A head shake, well whatever.] Date Masamune is always late however, so it could be years before he finds his way. [Mitsunari would only follow Ieyasu, and Ieyasu was better off at home governing the country, as it were.]

[Oda gives a head tilt.] Do wormholes commonly take more than one person at a time? [Wasn't there something about Mai knowing someone else...? From before she rescued him and (forcibly) joined Azuchi Castle? Or had he imagined that?]

[ He's amusing, she'll give him that. Though she quietly listens until he's done talking, not remarking on herself being sheltered— she doesn't like to speak of her time being held in her palace, and though her fathers must be worried, she also is aware time does not move the same way here.

For now, she's willing to enjoy her freedom... until she inevitably gets sent back and is faced with her curse again. But that isn't for anyone else to know, or worry about.

Keeping in step with him, she tilts her head thoughtfully— ]

I can't speak of these "wormholes", but you likely wouldn't be the only one to arrive in this land. I came here some months ago, and many others have likely arrived in the same manner you did. The Lady of the Lake brings people so.

[ As they reach the end of the staircase, she reaches into the pouch in her belt and removes a folded handkerchief to give to him. ]

Here, if you need it.

[ Now that they're here, though... ]

I haven't seen many other kitsune here. But no one has their own power that they know of... your familiar will help you with your own magic you've been gifted here, so call them back when you can to learn them, my Lord. It will be useful.

[ Her gaze softens. ]

You are the first I've seen in this land who resembles what I've known. Everything is strange and wonderful, and there's much to learn... but it is also very confusing. Perhaps you will have an easier time of it.

[ And he might even be fortunate enough to have those from his world around too. Though that reminds her... ]

Are you wed as well?

[... He literally has no idea what the handkerchief is for.]

Magic's not real.

[He says... in spite of everything. He meets her eyes, but at the final question, he turns back around. NOT ANSWERING THAT EVER.]

Ah! Haguro! [His falcon is patiently waiting for him on top of the box, and he holds out his arm for the bird to perch.]

Tell me, what have you enjoyed here? [That's to Kitsuno, not the bird, not that he turns back around to face her.]

[ He's not very good at being subtle, is he? She looks even more amused as she lowers her hand, and watches him with his falcon.

Back home, had she her magic still, she'd have been able to talk to the bird he has— but she doesn't have anything that most mortals do any more. It's a relief, though for some reason, her body's natural fragrance remains.

She sighs and looks up at Nobunaga. ]

I hope you won't be surprised when you witness it, then.

[ He'll figure it out— though at his question, she blinks and looks thoughtful. ]

Over here... the music, and all the new dances. There are so many to learn... and the food, though I've yet to try much. And they have tournaments with wonderful performers that catch your eye...

[ For the first time since meeting him, she brightens when speaking of music and dancing. It's where she feels free after all, so she loves dancing. She catches herself though, and looks aside. ]

... that's a pretty friend you have there. I suppose someone did follow you here, just like my Mitsu.

[ She motions to her Fox, who circles around in front of him and observes him curiously. ]

What is it that you enjoy then, my Lord?

[Not even a little!]

Good. Sounds like it's less war-stricken then. [So maybe North-Eastern Europe, after all?]

[And he nearly flinches again at the name of her fox. MITSUHIDE -- Well Mitsunari isn't fox-like... BUT STILL!]

[He loads up his Tanegashima the second he reaches it, and to answer her question, points it just over her shoulder.] Guns.

[Sorry, did you think he wasn't demonic????]

[But it's not a full answer, and whether it's his Kitsuno or not, it's too obvious for her not to see through him on this.]

And konpeito. [Confetti candy from Portugal.] And seeing anything new. [He is going to pet a sheep as soon as he can find one. His DREAM!!!!]

[He's quiet for a little bit. There's a little lump in his throat again of guilt.] Games of Go. [His voice is dry at that, and he looks around for konpeito to suck on, but figures. He can't find any!]

[Whatever. He just glances away from her again, setting the gun comfortably at his hip next to the sword.]

Tell me more about the dancing, and music. [Since she seemed to enjoy that. And he has the strangest urge to perform Atsumori for her, but like hell...]

Do you know what your Nobunaga's ambition was?

[Because if Kitsuno knows that Oda just wanted to conquer the lands to stop the infighting and then adventure about the world once he could entrust its safety to Hideyoshi & Ieyasu, then he doesn't need to hide it. But it doesn't seem like she got that intimate with him.]

[ Considering her father is the Spirit Fox Mitsunari, who the mortal warlord Ishida Mitsunari— and her father's vessel, adopts the name of and titles himself as, he wouldn't be wrong. Mitsu was created by her fathers, after all— to protect her.

She doesn't flinch when he aims his gun at her, though. She's seen mortal weapons but she doubts this man would hurt her that easily— composure is a facet of her role as princess, and she tries her best to maintain it where she can.

But she pays attention, moving her hands before her as she listens to him talk, before her eyes brighten a bit. ]

I know what konpeito is... Mitsu loves it, but we've the same thing back home. It's a favourite of fox guardians. I wouldn't have imagined you liking them too... it's sweet.

[ In more ways than one! Though she does notice how he gets when he mentions go, and she recalls Yaheji showing her how to play it back when she traveled with him. Her own expression softens, but she shakes her head and looks up at Nobunaga as she watches him set his gun aside. ]

They've an intimate form of dancing here— the ladies are lead by their partners, with their bodies pressed close, and step in rhythm together. It's a bit bold and not what I'm used to, but I still hope to dance with more people someday if I'm to learn them.

[ Her gaze softens as she meets his— ]

The Demon King used to reign the spirit realms of the mists and the shadows— but he chose to defeat the demons of the underworld, thus becoming their ruler and forfeiting his right to lead the Mists. He takes on human hosts that call on his power now— the name Nobunaga is his own, that he blessed the warlord in the mortal realm with. All know of his intention to bring the lands of earth and sky under his command— but he...

[ Her expression falters. ]

He's pursued me for a while, as the princess guarding the Mists. My family had to conceal me from him and his enemies. He's said to be evil, but when I was in danger from one of his enemies and my own adopted brother, he rescued me...

[ It was odd to her, but. She sighs and looks up at him. ]

We're bound by a curse that his enemy placed on us. He believes if we wed, we can find a way to break it— but I don't think that's necessary. I've still so much I desire to do, now that I'm free... and I don't wish to be held captive again.

[ She finally admits it, though there's no shame there. Maybe this eccentric man may understand why she doesn't intend to back off from what she desires to do, now that she's free to do it all. ]

Will you tell me your own story, then?

[Oda would just be so confused by that! His own Ishida Mitsunari is just a ridiculous mess who, while the only person to present anything resembling a challenge at Go, is a bookworm, total clutz, and seems determined to mirror (or parallel?) Hideyoshi, but with hilarious dedication to Ieyasu who doesn't want it, instead. Mitsuhide is the kitsune, and even has a pet fox! So much so that they even call him on it to his face! Well that, and snake-like. But definitely kitsune-y!]

I'd share it with him, if I had any on me. I'll have to see where I can get some here.

[Oi! ODA IS NOT SWEET?!]

[Don't go thinking just because he loves candy it means anything!]

I see.

[Her story makes a lot of sense, and he can't argue it. It's a little... fanciful, in a word, but it rings true all the same, so he definitely can't argue it.]

You should be free.

Haguro, see what you can find that is new to us both. [Sets the falcon off!]

[And then he looks point blank straight back at her.] That is my ambition. For people not to tie each other down. To let them achieve greater heights unrestricted. Without castes or bandits or monks promising and delivering nothing holding them back.

Japan is ruled by many fake oni, fake demons, fake spirits, men claiming to speak for gods, warlords who think themselves above judgement of the people, and it holds everyone captive.

[He shifts his jaw. It's weird to try to put it all to words. Usually he just lives it.] To free its people. So that they aren't forced to toil under weaker men with no vision. They're like crabs in a bucket. Everyone could escape to a much larger world, larger everything, if they just cooperated or stopped preventing others from leaving. But instead, out of fear, they tug each other back down and try to enforce silence, try to make sure no one draws attention to them. "The nail that sticks out gets hammered," as it were. They could be great, but are forced to settle for so much less.

Being here is enough for me. I don't need to conquer this place. If there's no need for it. [He can't mention the learning thing, or adventure, but he did say he likes seeing new things so... good enough? And if it is like NorthEastern Europe, which from the sounds of the dances sounds similar(?) then he definitely won't need to conquer it. Even if the idea of being strong enough to conquer the whole WORLD to improve it tickles him, he'd be starting from scratch without his armies anyway.] I assume from all you've said, there's much less holding people back.

Is anyone who wants it able to have konpeito? [An amused grin.] Or is it only for fox guardians?

Edited 2021-04-09 19:00 (UTC)

[ She will have to encounter his Mitsuhide as well— the one she knows of is a rather rigid spiritkind, one who willingly serves the Demon King and is said to be frightfully cunning and perhaps a little unhinged. She hasn't met him herself, though her fathers just respectfully keep their distance. No need to tempt fate as it were.

They've got enough to worry about and she suddenly feels like she might have said too much... she hasn't really spoken to anyone about herself, preferring to hear mortals tell her their stories. She's spent far too long in isolation to want to focus on her troubles— she wants to enjoy what the world has to offer, now that she's not confined.

So she listens until he's done, wondering if he really just wants to experience the world like she wants to. It's not so bad, at least, and she can only nod in understanding at his words. Perhaps... she ought to consider giving her own Nobunaga's ideas a thought, too, if this one is like this.

She smiles a bit as she watches him until he asks his question and ends up making her chuckle. ]

I think there ought to be more than enough konpeito for certain Demon Kings, too.

[ It's offered with a gentle smile, slightly teasing, before she looks over at where Archimedes is. ]

I oughtn't keep you too long— you should collect your communication device there as well. It's a fascinating piece of technology.

[ With a nod, she adds: ]

That carriage will take you to the Red Spring— and to Camelot after. That's the city here. If you need anything else, I may be able to guide you if no one else has, my Lord.

[ The phoenix familiar finally flutters down, looking simply like a red plumed bird before she lets it settle on her shoulder and watches Nobunaga. ]

Are you hungry at all? I may be able to make you something if you need.

Edited 2021-04-09 19:27 (UTC)

[That's not inaccurate of (this) Oda's Mitsuhide either, honestly. Well, he's far from rigid. He teases everyone, even Oda Nobunaga.]

Not just me... I want anyone who wants to, to be able to enjoy it. The priests say such things are not worth pursuing. That such a luxury is enough to prevent someone from ascending. [And so he became the Demon King...]

[No, really.]

[No, REALLY. That's his origin story. FOR REAL!]

[And he looks at the communicator. So that's what Mai's smart phone was for. But he simply hides it away for now, he's more interested in Kitsuno, for now.]

Can you make konpeito? [Sly smirk.] I might actually believe in your magic then. [Because it normally takes two weeks to make!!]

[But since magic isn't real:] Anything sweet you wish to share with me I would be honored by.

[ALTHOUGH THERE ARE ALSO ALARM BELLS SCREAMING IN HIS HEAD. Poison, POISSSSOOOOON. She has no reason to NOT poison him, and he must NOT let his guard down just because of how she is, if anything, he should be warier! Kitsune aren't real, Kitsuno is dead, and he doesn't want to follow into her grave without finishing his dream.... But if she shares it with her fox, he'll be willing to take the chance! He all but sold his soul for konpeito after all...]

[And he sold the rights to Japan to Christian missionaries in exchange for konpeito. Yes, it was still also to combat the influence of the other religions in Japan, and also because they were doing infrastructure things, but still...]

My Lord... I think you ought to have something more filling before konpeito.

[ Even if it's a gently reprimanding tone, she sounds and looks amused. Oh, Nobunaga, she's going to have to learn a lot more about him— if just to give herself perspective on the Demon King she knows.

She figures there would be no harm in accompanying him for now, and she motions to the carriage. ]

The magic here doesn't work that way... and even if I could use my own, my own isn't the kind to do that. I make everything by hand.

[ She gestures to him to follow as she approaches the carriage, and looks over her shoulder at him. ]

... come, my Lord. You can see the sights of the world you're in now, as we travel.

Why this box? Why aren't we just riding horses?

[AND HE IS TOTALLY POUTING ABOUT THE KONPEITO!!! She really IS acting like his own Kitsuno now! Completely with mothering him, which his own mother did not do, and Kitsuno did a lot of for some reason.]

[As bad as Hideyoshi...]

How does your magic work?

[Not that he believes it's real, but he's still checking the carriage for traps, because there is no way he trusts it's not a trap. It's DEFINITELY a trap. But asking about the magic seems the best way to pretend to go along with things, and suss out information better.]

It's a carriage, my Lord. We don't need horses when this transport can take us where we need to.

[ She's used to looking after people— as their princess, but also as an older sister to her younger brothers. Who were very well behaved with her, usually! It comes easily with him, especially when he seems to be so enthusiastic and wild— and she certainly won't encourage bad eating habits!

But just to let him see that nothing is wrong, she takes a seat within the carriage and waits for him to join. There are others on here already, and Mitsu jumps into her lap. ]

We need our familiars to help use our magic. Mine isn't particularly different than what I could do as Oracle... but if you'd like me to prove it, then please give me permission to read your immediate thoughts. I will tell you what you've thought of very recently.

[ The carriage hasn't moved yet so he has time! ]

Horses are better.

[He's tense, especially at the offer.]

[A LOT of monks have claimed to be able to read his thoughts, and if this is all his own brain, then sure, she would be able to easily enough.]

[He fidgets a bit.]

There might be other people still arriving, yeah?

[He still doesn't want to leave her or stop talking though... so all right. So what if it's a figment of his imagination or a dream? So what if it's an enemy 'reading' him and probing his emotional responses about Kitsuno. He must show he is fearless then!]

[He climbs in (reluctantly) and offers his hand (because it's usually done through reading pulse, whatever they claim of palm lines!!!) with a nod.]

[And purposely thinks intently on his most recent Go match and likewise claiming Mai's hand!]

[It's probably an easy read, given he did mention it, along with sake cup incident. But her reaction will provide clues, if it's real, or if it's a dream. Especially if it's hallucinations borne out of his own guilt!]

[ Her cognitive magic, blessed to her here is so similar to what she already does as oracle, that she's taken to it with ease. She watches Nobunaga enter and seat himself, so she turns a bit towards him, nodding to his question about more people coming in. For now, since they're here, she looks up at him and accepts the offered hand with a gentle touch of her own.

One hand goes beneath his, and the other touches his palm with the tips of her fingers— she's gentle throughout but now she needs to focus.

And focus she does, falling silent as she urges her familiar to assist her into traveling into this man's immediate memories and..

She stills, her eyes going wholly golden as she sees the memories at the forefront of his mind— they come to her quickly, which means he must have been thinking of these just nowZ though he did mention them, but— she looks surprised as she sees the presence of a young woman in his memories, one who seems to be talking back to him and yet, allows him to treat her with the same aggressiveness her own Nobunaga attempted to treat her with.

She's still in a brief trance as she murmurs a name— ]

Mai... you teased her relentlessly, but you're concerned for her...

She's losing to you, but you wanted this. To kiss her hand, and use her lips as a drinking cup. An act she both liked and disliked...

[ She can make out some other things, and she continues: ]

You've guilt and worry in your thoughts... hurt that lingers from loss. I can see...

[ A sharp pain in her head makes her stop— and she quickly clutches her head, releasing his hand and hunching over in pain, though she only gasps. Perhaps it was too much in one go, and she holds out her free hand to indicate she's fine. ]

... don't worry about me, my Lord. That was... what I saw.

[ Give her a moment to compose herself! ]

You care for this young woman, don't you?

[He's mentally on fire, just from her touch. Such a small thing! And yet...]

[He has to mentally steady his breathing, and how long has it been since that?? His father's funeral? That long?]

[As her own thoughts enter his brain, his eyes widen, partially alarmed, and then as she gasps, he jerks his hand back, and has to avoid gasping himself.]

[That was playing with fire all right. So he can't exactly be mad at for getting burned. He glances away.]

She saved my life. I dragged her into battle again after that. She rushed into a burning building to save me, when even Ranmaru couldn't find me, and Hideyoshi was at war. I didn't think she'd be scared of battle, but somehow, she's still so naive. Sheltered. She seemed so internally fraught after it, I thought to distract her with something else.

[But yes. The guilt and worry. Less over Mai. A lot over his own past. Whatever little left remains of his future. 2 more years according to the Atsumori. His own Kitsuno might just tell him to just enjoy it. Would probably be puzzled how he could be so childish about wanting everyone to enjoy candy, and then suddenly worried about himself being allowed to enjoy anything else.]

Kitsuno was... my Kitsuno... she was very ill before she died. [There wasn't more he could have done. But maybe if he'd been less hard of a man. Less stressful. Less demanding? His whole life. Hers. Moving forward...]

[He looks back at the kitsune Kitsuno finally!]

Does it only go the one way or can you show me something too? [A headshake.] Not with my magic, with yours.

[ She steadies her breathing, trying to will the headache away, though it's so overwhelming to look into someone's memories. She listens to his explanation, finding it almost sweet that he worried for Mai that way (but that method definitely wouldn't fly normally... shouldn't he have at least tried something that wasn't so handsy, first?)

Still, as he speaks— mentions his Kitsuno too, she lifts her gaze to meet his. She's aware of what a handsome man he is— it's no wonder his own Mai in his memories didn't seem to protest his attention all that much.

Maybe a few months ago, she wouldn't have either— but time helps one learn. ]

I'm sorry to hear that... [ She looks a bit guilty herself. ] You still love her, but she's in your past, isn't she? You... probably shouldn't feel too guilty. If it were me, I would want my beloved to be able to find happiness again.

[ She's already done that for Wen, who she did love when she was younger. Her childhood sweetheart before she met the Demon King... but she lets that be for now, and focuses on his question. ]

There is a way— were I to have had my magic from home, I'd be able to cast an illusion for you. But since that isn't possible...

[ This time, when she speaks, it's in Nobunaga's head. He won't be able to reply non-verbally, but she'll be able to send him a message without saying anything aloud. ]

( “This is the best I can show you, short of hypnotizing you for a bit, my Lord. I am speaking into your mind... if you can hear me, then please say konpeito out loud.” )

[ It's a start, even if she wishes she could show him what her glamor magic could do back home. ]

[He IS the Demon King, after all!]

I don't know that she'd have called me that. She was gentle, and mostly handled me so everyone else didn't have to. Like I said, I am the Demon King of the Sixth Heaven.

Konpeito.

[Small grin. That's cute. And it's a good word. Probably his favorite.]

If Mitsuhide comes, he'll probably make good use of that. [(Mitsuhide has cognitive magic too, if he can get over the same "Magic ain't real" thing as Oda.)]

[ As she withdraws her thoughts from him, she breathes out and smiles when he says the word aloud. There's a lot to process, but once she's calmed herself, she chuckles a bit quietly at his words. ]

I doubt there's a person out there who would put up with so much if they didn't love who they were putting up with, my Lord.

[ Short of being held at gunpoint, but humans and demons have that in common— most will be quicker to threaten than reason.

She lifts a hand to her forehead to try and ease the tension there, before the carriage shifts and— it looks like they're going to move. She also takes note of the ponchos, given there to them, and at the dreary weather outside. It does look like it'll rain, but it shouldn't be so bad once they're on their way.

As the announcements start, she gestures to Nobunaga to listen to Archimedes— he gives pretty much the same explanation she gave. Time is frozen back home, they need to use their magic to help Camelot— once they're done, they'll be getting ready to move.

She's feeling better with the headache subsiding, and she turns to look back at Nobunaga. ]

Do you trust your Mitsuhide a lot? It's fascinating to hear so many familiar names...

[ She also pauses, before smiling. ]

Let me show you something— with the technology here.

[ She learnt it when she first arrived but— she presses a button on the console by her seat that opens up a mini-bar, a candy snack and some drinks within. She smiles and shows him how it just pops up. ]

Interesting, isn't it? The technology in Camelot is even better.

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