dagung | ☆ TDM: SEPTEMBER

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☆ TDM: SEPTEMBER

Test Drive: September

All threads can be considered game canon,

the prompts and test drive itself will be

• Reserves Open Today! If you're interested in securing a spot, put one in! We accept applications without reserves too, of course. Reserves will expire three days before the end of the application period, on the 27th.
• Applications Open The 24th! These will last until the end of the month, the 30th, with the intro log going on up October 1st. The application page can be found here.
• If you have any questions about the game or the world, please refer to the FAQ page; if you still have questions, feel free to ask them! For questions specific to the test drive, please ask them on the appropriate thread.
• For the purposes of the test drive, your character will have access to all magics taught by the Coven if they're a Witch, and as much of their shifted form as you'd like if they're a Monster. Feel free to play around and experiment with each!
• Test drive threads can be used as samples for your applications!

You feel like you're floating. Around you, colors and sounds and smells swirl as if trapped in a whirlpool, vibrancy and hue ever shifting. The more you watch them, the less solid they are; they only become clear out of the corner of your eye. The area around you begins to feel more solid as well, until your feet are on the ground, the wind brushes playfully against your face -

and you know one thing, and one thing alone: this is a dream, and an incredibly realistic one at that.

The Wilde

For once, the forest that comes to view isn’t flecked with autumnal colors, with leaves that fall without the touch of wind. Each branch blossoms with life, flowers of all shades dotting their surfaces as spring rears its head, and you’re tugged from the edge, through a worn path, and deeper than ever before. The gentle laughter and chatter of living creatures filters in through petals that you brush past, hanging from flowering vines winding downward like delicate curtains.

There’s something new to this though, eyes that see and a growing excitement among the forests’ inhabitants: You’re more known to them than you might guess, it would seem.

Outskirts
The meadow where you find yourself is fresh and green, an explosion of color and the sweet scents of flowers and rain. Wildflowers dot the grass, all beginning to open, in sprays of purple and pink and orange. To one end, the stream flows clear over smooth river rocks into a small pond dotted with vibrant blue fish and turtle-shelled ducks floating without a care in the world. To the other, the forest begins with tall, white-barked trees and saplings in various stages of new growth, pushing out tender green leaves. It's pleasant, but strange, because... There is next to no sign of the Cwyld here in this idyllic patch of the Wilde, no blackened foliage or shadows hiding white-eyed Cwyldtid.

The wildlife seem similarly unaffected, even thriving - watch out for the mama petalwolves with their brilliantly-colored floral coverings. Most of them camouflaging themselves in the thickets of wildflowers are followed by bushy, green-leafed cubs, and they're widely known to be aggressive when threatened.

The most inspiring sight, however, is one not seen in the Wilde of Geardagas for many years, due to the wide spread of the Cwyld. A silvery, equine creature emerges from the treeline, trotting slowly toward the pond on iridescent hooves. A single white horn protrudes from its head, and its mane shimmers pearlescent in the morning sunlight. Following it is a smaller, clumsier unicorn with a gold-tinged coat, happy to be out and about. Unicorns are known to be exceedingly rare - to spot a foal in the Wilde is unheard of. You're all very lucky to see the way the forest is healing.

While some may know that the Coven itself has a unicorn in its stables, this wild one is unused to the hands of humans and may hold her ground in protection of her baby, threatening with her horn and performing small feats of magic to that end -- illusion and physical enhancements are its more core offensives, though it can do healing and shields on the other side. The foal, for the most part, doesn’t seem to have a lick of self-preservation (perhaps it’s been living in safety for too long) and won’t mind bounding up to something, or someone, new and interesting, nickering in asking to play.

The Path Through
Onward and inward, traveler. The healing forest is vast, but a particular route is clearly outlined to lead toward something. As you head past the treeline, more saplings of varying heights and ages shoot forth from the ground between the large-trunked trees that survived. Warm sunlight dapples the ground in an irregular pattern of light and shade, and shines off a series of mirrors, each about the size of a large hardcover book, hanging from the tree trunks to either side to form a path.

No two mirrors are alike. Similar to the mirrors within the Looking-Glass House, each is framed in different decorations and different materials, with different engravings or embossings, but unlike the Looking-Glass House, all the mirrors' decorations are visible to passersby. They're well-cared for out here, polished to a shine and picked clean of leaf-litter and outdoor debris; distant, happy voices reveal that the area is far from abandoned.

Each of these mirrors is placed in honor of a Mirrorbound, and all contain an enchantment that, when the surface of the glass is touched, causes it to display short, silent 'moving pictures' of that Mirrorbound's heroic deeds, in Aefenglom, in Dorchacht, or maybe even from the character's home, whatever they may have done to earn this high regard. Whether the retellings are true to life, or completely dramatized, it's clear that much care was put into remembering their individual stories and personalizing the frames of their mirrors.

The path between the mirrors serves the dual purpose of memorializing, and leading the way deeper into the forest...

Within the Wilde
... Where the sound of creatures grow louder and more plentiful, shaping into actual words as characters step into a clearing, more familiar to those who’d dreamed the first dream than most: There may be no long tables set up with food and drink, but the sight of Fae flitting about and gossiping is certainly something all its own. They, along with Dryads, seem to be plentiful in comparison to the waking world, and once they’ve taken notice of the new faces... immediately begin to ask questions. From whence did they come? Were they filled with new magic power, or had they already begun to change? It’s exciting -- they haven’t had new connections to the world in some time, most of the old Bound having returned beyond their glass some time ago, and while it could mean there was trouble on the horizon they don’t seem too bothered by that fact. “Most” returned, it’s said, because there’s plenty of creatures who claim to have been descended from those who helped to restore the balance of the world, proudly claiming so to any who spend half a minute with them.

While they can be spoken to in a sense, characters won’t get anything too crazy out of them -- they’re willing to speak on present happenings (or what’d be present for characters in game) and how that played out, such as how Dorchacht was far more free than it had been centuries hence in example. Anything more pressing, such as how it may have come about, is unable to be understood despite everything else being able to. They tease new dreamers that those of old were brought here, as far as the stories go, to help cleanse the world and return it to what it once was, and joke that they’d better prepare for the same trouble -- what a laugh, their Wilde as it is now, desecrated once more.

But the Fae in particular are tricksy and prefer pranks to actual conversation, picking on anyone in sight to see how true it was that Mirrorbound -- you, apparently -- had powerful magic and amazing abilities as Monsters: Give it a shot, cast a spell or two, show off your more Monstrous talents, they’ll find it a genuine hoot.

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[That's something Dazai would love to find out, but unfortunately, he has yet to. But with Atsushi here, he can certainly use the help he'll provide to discover some relevant information about the 'powers that be'.

Dazai spots the bench from his memory and sits down on it, pleased that Atsushi chose to walk alongside him, as opposed to behind.]

I suppose I should begin by telling you who else is here. Akutagawa is, and he's living in the same house as me. [What a wonderful way to start this, Dazai.]

But there's also someone here who has always been very dear to me, and -- I'm grateful to be with him again. His name is Oda -- saku. Odasaku.

[ If Dazai told him to jump, the likelihood of him doing so is high. And if Atsushi was asked to help find out the truth -- he'd do it without question. But then he just says that and there's a mental record scratch.

And he grimaces. ]

You're living. With Akutagawa.

[ Top ten anime betrayals.

This dream has slowly devolved into a nightmare. Thankfully, Dazai quickly moves on to talking about someone else. ]

So this Odasaku... -san? Did you meet him before—

[ —before you joined the Armed Detective Agency? ]

[He sees that grimace and starts to open his mouth to speak again, to say that it wasn't even his choice to let Akutagawa live in the house, but --

He's asked about Oda, so he opts to answer that instead.]

Yes. He was -- is -- my closest friend. [More than that, but he really doesn't need to bring that up. Not now, anyway.] He'd died four years ago. [This is always tremendously difficult for him to talk about, but it's necessary. Back home, he wouldn't tell Atsushi so much about his past, but here -- here, things are different. Information is important.]

His death is the reason I joined the Agency.

[ And that's when the realization hits him. He finally understands a lot more completely now and it makes Atsushi's lips tug into a frown, sudden regret in asking twisting in his chest.

His heart aches.

Maybe he shouldn't have asked...

But at the same time, he wanted to know so desperately. ]

I. . . see. So he's really important to you, Dazai-san.

[ He knows that much. Maybe he should move away from this topic. It might be too sad. ]

Is there anything else I should know?

[Atsushi is smart to drop the subject for now, since Dazai would rather save continuing discussion of it at a later time. If at all, really, since it is perhaps the most personal memory of his, one that he hasn't shared with anyone else. Save for a few newly-made friends here, but they didn't know him previously. They're all new beginnings, in a sense. Exciting and safe.]

Well.

[He smiles again, shifting to face his protege completely.]

There's a very nice young man living in the house, too. He reminds me of you, Atsushi-kun. Possibly far too much, but -- I think you'll get along just fine. His name is Emil. [And Dazai hasn't seen him very recently, so for a moment, he wonders if he's doing well.]

I should inform you that in this world, bonds are important. Encouraged heavily soon after arrival. But, it's advised that you only bond with three individuals, and I'm at my limit. [A pause, to study Atsushi's face and expression.]

I think you should try to bond with Akutagawa-kun. It'll be a learning experience for you! [Oh no.] But if you don't want to, I'm positive Odasaku will be happy to help you out.

[ He knows all too well the dangerous of digging too deeply into somebody's background like that. And he doesn't want to be the one to pull the switch that sets Dazai off. If he did, Atsushi would never forgive himself.

But someone that reminds Dazai of him?

He says they'll get along, but-- ]

Don't you think you're assuming too much, Dazai-san?

[ Far more importantly, Atsushi actually despises himself, so someone that reminds Dazai of him isn't a good sign of him getting along with them.

And then he gets to bonds.

And then.

Immediately triggers Atsushi's own switch, which causes him to grimace yet again, making a face that clearly screams disgust. ]

I'm not bonding with Akutagawa. In fact-- I'm not teaming up with him ever again. I'd rather bond with a frog if I have to!

[ They went over this a while back, he's fairly certain. They're not going down this path. Nope. He doesn't want it. Nuh-uh. ]

I know Odasaku-san is your friend. . . but are you sure? And Dazai-san, you haven't exactly explained what 'bonds' are to begin with. [ He hasn't exactly gotten the proper Introduction to Bonds For Dummies handbook, after all. ] Why only three, anyway?

[Oh, Emil seems to not be a fan of himself, so far; at least, Dazai has picked up on that from their interactions. He seems sad, deep down, and starved for affection. In other words, he's Atsushi Jr and Atsushi Sr will meet him and they'll be friends.

Dazai has decided this already.]

Figured you'd respond like that.

[He clicks his tongue to the roof of his mouth, but he doesn't appear upset. He's still smiling, in fact.]

Odasaku is a wonderful man, who has an incredibly soft spot for orphans and former orphans. Besides, if you bond with him, you can legally live in my house! [But do you want to live with Dazai, Atsushi?]

Bonds are -- well, I'm still trying to unearth exactly what they are, but so far I've gathered that they're a connection fueled by magic.

If you form more than three, there's a chance the magic within you will build up too strongly, and -- [He waves his hands dramatically:] BOOM! You'll explode!

I don't mind bonding with Odasaku-san, but. . . if you expect me to live in your house with Akutagawa in it.

[ It's not happening. Not in a million years. ] It'd be better if you kick him out if you're going to let me stay there.

[ There are going to be so many proverbial cat fights happening in the event that Akutagawa and Atsushi stay in the same house. ]

I'll figure out another living arrangement.

[ If Dazai can find a place of residence on his own in a new place, surely he can too, right? Not that he's exactly familiar with the paperwork that goes into that, or even how such things work. It isn't as if the detective agency specialized in that sort of thing.

But... ]

A 'connection fueled by magic'? You mean that this place actually has magic?

[ Is that part of the reason why Dazai's like that?

And why-- ]

Is that the reason my ability is gone, too?

[ He does have a sense that something has somehow replaced his ability, but he hasn't exactly figured out entirely what that something is. Just that it's there. ]

But it's just 'a chance', right? Have people actually exploded before, Dazai-san?

[ Please tell him no, please tell him that he hasn't actually seen a person explode. ]

Odasaku was the one to invite Akutagawa-kun to live with me. So, I don't have the ability or the right to kick him out.

[This is going about as well as he'd expected, so he doesn't sigh or change his expression. He wouldn't have complained if Atsushi would have agreed to the arrangement he'd concocted in his mind, but --

Good things don't come easily.]

It does.

[His expression finally changes slightly, here, and he looks to be in thought.]

And I believe that could be why our abilities are gone. [He misses his own. With it, he could have tried to cure Emil.]

I've never witnessed someone explode, but it's always a possibility. Every bond you take past the third will up your chances, Atsushi-kun. Please be careful.

[ He's honestly glad that the topic is immediately dropped right after Dazai tells him that it was Odasaku's idea to invite Akutagawa and he immediately...

... thinks that Odasaku gets a -1 point for that in his mind.

While Atsushi might understand the reasoning behind it, he just can't stand Akutagawa, and that's honestly on him and his bitter personality.

But since Odasaku met Akutagawa first...

It's possible that in spite of what Dazai says, on how he has a soft spot for orphans -- former or otherwise --

He might not get along with Odasaku. With Dazai's best friend. The thought of that clenches his chest, but...

He's tried to kill Akutagawa before. Anyone who was kind to that man might despise him for that sole reason. And that's why there's a relief as his shoulders, a little tense, relax when the subject changes. But it's just for a moment. ]

And it's replaced with these new weird things, right? Like how you're like this now, Dazai-san. But I seem to look the same as always...

[ Which he thinks is strange, to say the least, in his eyes. But then again, he didn't get the explanation of witches and monsters just yet. ]

I'll be careful, but...

[ But if he sees somebody in dire need of a bond, he'll want to help them. Three bonds or not be damned. ]

Edited 2019-09-17 16:10 (UTC)

[If only Dazai could read minds; then, he'd have an inkling of an idea of what Atsushi was thinking in terms of getting along with his friend, but since he can't -- he's assuming that they'll be just fine. Besides, if they don't get along, then perhaps Atsushi could bond with Emil!

Dazai will have a plan for this, no matter what.

But for now, it's best to just talk about magic and the removal of their abilities, as that's far more pressing.]

Well, that would make sense. I think that you look the same because you may be a Witch, Atsushi-kun. That's fortunate, since that means you won't undergo harsh changes like I have.

[He says this with a grin on his face, as if he's somewhat content with his changes. He's not, really -- they're a pain. But he is glad that Atsushi won't have to deal with them.]

I'm sure it feels strange to no longer have your ability. Truth be told, it's a strange feeling to me, too.

Me? A witch? But I don't even know any—

[ There's a pause, for a moment as if trying to think a little bit, but then he suddenly realizes that he somehow does know magic, and even the incantations. Is it because it's a dream? He isn't sure. ]

Oh. E-Even if it's fortunate, you're still...

[ "suffering", he doesn't finish his sentence, instead just looking a little downcast, feeling it unfair that he doesn't have to deal with the same issues Dazai has to. ]

Magic?

Spells?

[He feels the need to finish that statement with an obvious answer, wondering exactly what sorts of spells Atsushi may already know. He recalls his own arrival here, meeting a few new people -- one was a witch, and had picked up on a simple conjuring spell almost immediately.]

Hold out your hand. Palm up.

[He does this too, as if he'll conjure anything. He can't. Most he can do is transform into a hideously oversized bat, and even then -- that's not a willing transformation at all. It happens when he's very upset or emotional.]

Can you conjure a small flame, perhaps?

[He's too focused on seeing what his protege can do to even give another moment's energy to his own unfortunate changes.]

Yeah. Apparently there's something that I can do, but it's a little. . .

[ The first thing that apparently popped into his head was a bit embarrassing to say the least, and he finds himself questioning why that was the first magic spell that he could think of doing, much less being capable of doing.

But he'll hold his palm out for Dazai to see what he plans on doing. ]

[What?

Having absolutely no clue as to what Atsushi could possibly be talking about, Dazai blinks and says nothing for a good few seconds. It's obvious that whatever he can do is embarrassing, but what could it even be?

Dazai is intrigued, but he's also curious about conjuring fire.]

I'm not able to conjure fire, but I'm curious if you can.

[Louis could with ease, so by that logic -- Atsushi should, too.]

Think of a small flame, much like what you'd see soon after lighting a match.

I'll try, but no guarantees on anything, Dazai-san.

[ Which is to say that he tries to put his focus all on his palm and on thinking solely about a small flame and--

Eventually there's blue sparks of one but.

Isn't that too small? ]

. . .Ah.

[His lips part into a curious shape, akin to what a very fascinated, excited child in a candy store may have as he watches Atsushi attempt to conjure up something. And he does, even though it's -- well, it's admittedly a bit disappointing. But it's a start.]

More than I can do.

[Dazai feels motivated to go full on teacher mode now, even though he has no clue as to how these magic spells work here; he'd been too preoccupied with researching the changes both he and Oda would be going through during the next few full moons to even consider reading up on magic. He'd also assumed that, since he's a vampire, he can't take advantage of any information he'd find.]

Try again! The sparks will fuel the flame if you keep at it.

[ He makes another attempt, focusing hard and even narrowing his eyes to the point where he's squinting but the fire does not grow in size in the slightest bit. ]

Maybe this just isn't the kind of magic I'm good at, Dazai-san.

[Quitters never win! Or, something of that effect. Dazai can't help but shake his head and tsk softly before reaching for his protege's hand, leaning forward as if to peer directly into the skin.

It's not as if he'll see anything there; he has no way of even sensing magic here, but he's confident that Atsushi has to know how to do something.]

No sense in giving up that quickly. Though, if you do think a different type of magic might be more suited to you, you could try to think of something else! Perhaps -- ice! [He releases Atsushi's hand and nods, as if he'd come up with a great idea.]

That's what I've been trying to tell you, Dazai-san... I think the kind of magic that I'm good at isn't dealing with the elements, but rather something else entirely different.

[ He just answers so blandly that he sounds already exhausted in spite of barely having done anything yet. ]

It's an embarrassing spell, though.

[ Just a little. ]

[Excuse Dazai while he sits in silence for a good ... twenty seconds or so.]

Can you shrink things, then? Or enlarge them? Is that your specialty? [He can see how that'd be embarrassing, but --

Only used in certain ways. It's possible his guess is far off the mark, though.]

. . . no. It's-

[ He's not going to lie to Dazai because he definitely deserves to know the truth. ]

I know how to turn into a cat.

[ Yep. That's the embarrassing thing Atsushi knows how to do. ]

[His eyes widen almost instantly upon hearing those words, and his lips stretch out to form the widest smile he's given anyone in some time.

Akutagawa's a domesticated dog, and Atsushi can turn into a cat! Dazai assumes a house cat of some variety, since transforming into a tiger would be too similar to his ability.

Leaning uncomfortably close:]

That's it? [He chuckles.] Atsushi-kun, I thought you were going to say you could transform into a woman or shrink yourself. This -- this isn't embarrassing at all! In fact -- [He plants a cool hand atop Atsushi's head, ruffling his hair.] It'll be quite cute to see.

If witches somehow have the ability to do that, I'd rather not. . .

[ He will absolutely perish the very second he learns the 'transform into a female version of himself' spell. If that even exists. ]

But that's the point, Dazai-san! I don't want to be considered as cute--

[ WHY IS THIS GOING TO BE HIS SPECIALTY.

He doesn't want it. ]

[Ignoring that first part, since he's too busy imagining his protege with the cutest little cat ears --]

But, Atsushi-kun, you already are! [He says this as if it's no big deal, even though Atsushi clearly doesn't want to be thought of as cute at all.]

Besides, you already have a specialization in having a feline form, so this shouldn't pose much of a challenge to you. It's as if this world knew what your destiny was!

Meanwhile, I'm an undead. I consider the powers that be here to have an interesting sense of humor.

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