dagung | ☆ TDM: SEPTEMBER

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* tdm

☆ 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[His expression unfolds into one a bit more ... devious, and he chuckles before reaching out to rest a hand atop Atsushi's shoulder.]

You can help by forming a bond with Akutagawa-kun! [Yep, he's trying that again, even knowing full well that it Will Not Work.]

No.

[ A quick, flat, immediate response, eyes narrowing. ]

I outright refuse.

[Is he disappointed at all by that reaction?

No.

It's what he'd expected, after all! After a brief moment in silence, he'll stretch both arms out in front of his face, taking in a deep breath and subsequentially coughing for a few moments -- since his new(ish) vampire body just can't handle the outdoors for long. Unless it's night time, obviously.]

Well, you can't say I didn't try.

[He pauses.]

Atsushi-kun, would you like to get something to eat? [He's just going to hang around as company, since food is not on his good side any longer, but he wants to spend some more time with his protege.]

[ He hears the coughing and glances over at Dazai with a little bit of worry; he's a vampire after all -- that means that being out in the sun might be pretty bad. He's just a little grateful that some of the trees are tall enough to cover the sunlight, however.

He does pause at the question, however, giving him a skeptical look.

A raise of a brow. ]

I wouldn't mind, but. . . where exactly are we going to get food in the middle of a forest?

[He's fine, really.

Once he starts passing out, however -- he won't be fine and probably will have to stop for the day and rest. He has yet to do so, at least, so he has some time to spend being 'active.']

Well, there are Fae about, I've seen them and even stopped one from harassing a fellow vampire! They must eat something, right? [Terrible, terrible logic there.] I believe there could be some restaurant or cafe around if we just look for it.

But if not, I'll hold you to spending some time with me at a cafe when we awaken. [Assuming Atsushi will be around when they awaken. Dazai still doesn't understand as much as he'd like about this world and the dreams, but considering how Oda was around after the first dream -- there's a chance Atsushi will, too.]

[ Let's not get to the point where he passes out...

But if it gets to that point, he'll have to be the one that will deal with it. ]

That's true, but do they even the same things that we do-- I mean. I do, I guess.

[ How is Atsushi the one with the decent logic here, he has absolutely no idea right now. ]

But a restaurant or cafe? In the middle of all this?

[ He just gestures all around them. ]

[Is Dazai a bit ... loopy due to not feeding for several hours? Perhaps. It's also possible that after being in this world for two months, he's come to terms with how the unusual can be and is usual.

In other words, he believes that there could be a cafe in the forest.]

In a tree! A very large, imposing tree. Think about it. The Fae could have a restaurant inside of a tree that anyone can visit. [Well, when said out loud, it actually seems really implausible, and Dazai frowns.]

Or perhaps not.

[With a shrug:]

Well, I don't know how long I can trek the forest with you, but I'm willing to go for a bit.

. . . Maybe we should find some sort of shade for you instead?

[ Instead of getting food. Because that's how this vampire thing works, right? He's not too sure. He only knows the stories -- is it any different in reality? ]

[That would be the smart thing to do, yes, but --

Dazai is slightly concerned that the other man hadn't eaten in some time. He's most likely used to going for far too long without food, but --

That doesn't mean the older man wants him to do so ever again, if he can help it.]

I'm fine, Atsushi-kun. Just fine. Besides --

[He'll simply shrug off his trench coat and drape it over his head, the back dangling behind him just like a cape.]

I can improvise shade.

Are you sure?

[ He has his doubts, honestly. Of course he hadn't eaten in quite a while, but do you really need to eat in a dream? He's not sure. Most of his dreams have been nightmares, after all, and while this one is looking to be quite different. . .

Atsushi still can't help but fret even more over Dazai than himself.

That's his priority, anyway. ]

I don't want you harming yourself because of me, Dazai-san.

[The first time Dazai had fed from someone else, the first time he'd consumed blood -- was his first dream. He's not entirely sure if everyone has to eat during them, but he certainly does. The clock ticks for him just as it always does, but with a strong, ravenous desire for blood.

He'd never ask Atsushi for his, though. But if it were offered, he'd take it.]

Even if I didn't run into you, I'd feel the same. Don't worry if I collapse! [He knows Atsushi will worry.

He worried when the older man was sniped and sent to the hospital, for instance.]

Even if you say it, I. . . am going to worry about you, Dazai-san. If you collapse because you were out in the sun too much or because you pushed yourself too hard.

[ And even more so if it was his fault. But now he's curious-- ]

Speaking of food though, you said you can't eat normally. . . does that mean you really eat blood now, like in the stories?

[Oh, if Atsushi awakens from this dream just like Dazai imagines he will --

He'll have at least three individuals concerned about him. Does that mean he'll actually proceed with his normal activities with caution? No.]

Yes. No more crab for me! Though, I was recently introduced to a nice vampire-centric cafe where I can at least have a blood-sake cocktail if I so choose.

[Gross.]

I'd suggest against the blood sandwiches, though.

[ Well, at least he has that confirmed. Which means that, maybe-- ]

Then, Dazai-san, if you ever want to. . . I wouldn't mind offering my blood.

[...]

Although I don't know if mine would actually taste any good, or if you have preferences.

[ He doesn't know! ]

[Nope.

He shakes his head and raises a hand.]

Atsushi-kun, I will not take your blood. I appreciate the offer, but Odasaku is always willing to assist me. [Akutagawa, as well, but he has yet to ask him for blood. Not even once.

He's stubborn about this.

As he shifts and starts to stand, however, he leans forward far, far too much and then --

Falls on the grass.]

Ugh -- [He'll roll over to face the other man.]

I'm too weak to move, it seems.

Not even in an emer--

[ He's cut off the moment that Dazai falls onto the grass and he just winds up sighing heavily, slumping his shoulders. ]

M- Maybe we should just. . . should I carry you?

[ Does he have to? ]

[This is, without a doubt, an emergency. Even though Dazai would prefer to remain stubborn about who he'll take blood from, it's clear that he isn't going to be able to do much of anything without the sustenance. In other words, he might burn to death from the sun's rays sooner rather than later.

With a groan,]

No, just --

Atsushi-kun, if I take blood from you, this will be the only time.

[ Conflict settles in his expression, his gaze not meeting Dazai's when his eyes lower ever so slightly. There's a mixture of emotions that whirl inside of him like a hurricane and the fact that Dazai is so stubborn like this makes him feel a little frustrated, really.

When he speaks up again, it's with a soft-spoken voice that cracks ever so slightly. ]

Dazai-san.

Please. . . if you need to rely on me in cases like this, I want you to.

[ He doesn't want to feel useless.

And even more than that, he doesn't want to feel like he's been potentially discarded by Dazai of all people. ]

[Used to reading other's expressions and the meaning behind them, Dazai can almost instantly pick up on how Atsushi feels about this situation. This admittedly awkward, messy situation.

He'll attempt to sit up, though it's difficult due to his lack of energy and strength. He does, at least, manage to hold out one hand toward his protege.]

Atsushi-kun ... [A sigh.] I'd been warned that feeding too often from one person can cause them to become addicted. [He's genuinely worried about Oda, on that front, but seeing as how he'd been feeding from him for about two months now, addiction would have happened if it were in the stars.

Even if addiction is a myth, he doesn't want to risk it with Atsushi.]

Dazai-san.

[ There's a more terse tone to the way that Atsushi seems to say the name of the older man that he's come to know and care for. As the man that saved him. But even though he was saved by him, that doesn't mean that he's going to agree all the time.

He puts his arm out for Dazai, but he continues with a bit of a sigh. ]

That doesn't mean that you should risk putting your life in danger in situations like this.

[As soon as Atsushi puts out his arm, Dazai will use it to pull himself forward and upright, almost barreling right into the younger man. Thankfully, as if by some miracle, he's able to avoid doing so.

He's still very close to Atsushi, however.]

I've theorized that the addiction is less likely to occur if feedings are spaced out.

[It's not a guarantee, but it's something. Something that makes sense.]

So, as long as it's at least a week or two before I take your blood again, you should -- be fine. [Hesitancy rings in his voice, there, but it's faint, subtle.]

[ And what a relief that is, for sure. But he can hear the how Dazai seems to hesitate; it's a strange thing, to be able to actually read and understand Dazai for once when he's so usually on guard with his emotions. ]

I'm not a child, Dazai-san. You don't have to protect me —

[ That's what this is all about, isn't it? It seems a little unfair, to him, that he's perfectly fine in taking the blood of someone he cares so deeply about to the point where he'd be fine with being addicted over... ]

I don't want to force you, but I want to be able to help you.

[ He can see the face that always haunts his dreams standing right behind Dazai. That man hasn't said a single word ever since he's died, but the expression in the Headmaster's face is clear:

"How can you consider this man your mentor if you cannot save him? You are usless as always; typical of someone who was thrown away along with the trash."

He presses his lips together, again, and then speaks up, serious: ]

I trust in you. That you wouldn't let it get that far. I might be repeating myself, but if it's an emergency and you can't get to anybody else. . . please rely on me, Dazai-san.

And if, somehow, you did get addicted, I'll figure something out. You have to trust me, too.

[Truth be told, Dazai isn't even sure why, specifically, he's so dead-set on protecting his protege. Atsushi is certainly capable enough, as he'd proven time and time again, with the most recent in Dazai's memory being when he and Akutagawa worked together -- even combining their abilities in a way that rivaled Double Black.

He knew that would happen, given time.

So, there's no reason for him to be so protective and concerned over Atsushi now, even with how unpredictable and dangerous this new world is. Not to say their world, their Yokohama, wasn't dangerous, of course.

With a smile:]

You're right. I'm sorry. [He'll carefully move to sit back down on that bench from earlier.] I think I do need some blood right now. I won't take much.

[ Atsushi's shoulders finally relax once again as he mirrors that smile with one of his own, relieved that Dazai actually heard him. That much was definitely a relief, to say the least.

Rolling up his sleeve and putting his arm out for Dazai once they're both situated, he speaks up again, a little calmer now. ]

Take as much as you need to. Don't force yourself to take too little because of me. I can handle it.

[He nods and lets out a very soft hum of approval, wasting no time at all to simply bare his two elongated fangs and just pierce the skin at the wrist.

There's no reason to dawdle or delay the inevitable, after all, though he does find himself glancing upward to catch a glimpse of the other man's face. Just to see if he's faring well before any blood is actually consumed.]

☆ TDM: SEPTEMBER

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okay how tf did dw hit submit before i finished writing the tag

i saw the deleted comment notif and was confused!

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cw child abuse/hallucination mentions

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