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pedalbike2020-10-16 08:19 pm
upcyclingmod) wrote in pedalbike2020-10-16 08:19 pm
Entry tags:
Third TDM: Don't Turn Around
Welcome to the Test Drive Meme.
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Not all characters (known as Wickie, singular or Wickies, plural) arrive at the same time, surprisingly enough! That’s life for you. Some Wickies find their way to the island at a pivotal (or very mundane) point in their life, or even after or during their death.
Wickies who were standing or walking often find themselves entering the town South Sister, located on Lighthouse Isle, through an open doorway. Those that were laying down, or sleeping, tend to be found lying prone in beds, bathtubs, showers, couches, and similar places within the cottages on Cottage Row. There’s no rhyme or reason to it all! To Wickies familiar with the era, they will realize that everything looks as if it’s come from the ‘90s.
The house which a Wickie finds themselves within could already be occupied. This includes walking into a fellow Wicke, waking up in the same location, or accidentally scaring a room full of people with their sudden appearance.
Oops.
Braving the Trail
A new trail has opened up in the woods today! Funny, that there’s never been a real path before, but this one promises a spectacular view for all Wickies who brave it.
However, the view has to be earned with one stipulation: until the Wickie reaches the trail’s end, they are forbidden to turn around. At all. There’s no mention of what may happen if the Wickie does glance back, but the scripted text on the sign marking the trail hints that the consequences just might be dire.
The hike itself is fairly easy. It even feels peaceful with the sounds of bird calls echoing in the distance. But for Wickies who are known for past procrastination, the walk will prove to be difficult. These individuals will experience an itching urge to turn around and leave the trail, and the itch worsens with every pause of their footsteps.
If a Wickie does turn around, they will find themselves staring up at a blank masked figure, slightly taller than themselves. And as wisps of fog cover the packed-dirt path, the figure hisses out a sigh, their voice barely audible as they issue their reprimand:
“I’m disappointed.”
Why, it’s not clear at all.
But with those words, the Wickie will find their body locked into place, unable to scream as their limbs become paralyzed, their eyes remaining fixed upon the masked figure. Somehow, the figure moves without walking, inching closer and closer until their mask and the Wickie’s face are close enough to touch.
The only way to become unlocked from this position is to have someone come and cover the Wickie’s eyes before leading them back to the trail’s start, somehow breaking their vision of the masked figure, or by speaking of a past regret outloud.
Otherwise, the Wickie has a good chance of dying from exposure.
Currently residing
It’s been nearly three months since the first arrivals started off on the island. It’s had its ups and downs, but with the previous quiet month, it’s been easy to relax in the cottages and houses, and even feel safe.
But not everything stays as it should. Whether a Wickie is just scoping the houses out, or returning to sleep in one of those comfy beds during the night, they will find that things are just a little..off. It’s as if someone has moved everything just a little, by no more than an inch or two. Sometimes, it even looks as if someone hurried away from the middle of a task. For example, mugs left in the sink will be washed; unslept in beds have been stripped, and their sheets are found in the laundry.
It’s only after sitting down with a fellow Wickie, that what’s going on will slowly become apparent.
People, looking more like blue tinted holographic designs, appear within the house. Slowly they become more visible, going through the motions of daily life. People with their significant others, children playing, even pets can be seen, playing with their owners or doing things that pets do.
These residentials don’t seem to notice the newcomers in their surroundings. But they do notice objects are moved, particularly if it’s furnishings. They frown, confused, before talking to one another and seeing the items returned to where they believe it should be. And curious too, that while the residentials appear to speak to one another, there’s not a sound that’s uttered when their mouths move.
It’s not possible to interact with them, unless the Wickie has the spiritual power to speak with spirits. Even then they’re quite confused, and do not believe themselves dead- it’s as if they think the Wickie is the ghost instead.
It is possible to deter the residentials manifesting by lighting a candlek. Upon the candle being lit, they recoil, some of them violently, and with great upset, before fading.
But they weren’t causing any harm.
Are they?
It Arrives
The pumpkins have vanished (finally!) there’s no more costumes in the various drawers in town; the apple bobbing is done, and there’s no more bonfires. Pity that means the food is gone too.
But something else has arrived. Something...small, white, and with webbed feet.
You’ll know it by its sound. It’s unknown what has brought this particular goose to the island; it might have been a laden desire, or it had flown here over miles. Or who knows, maybe the Admin has set this goose out as some kind of petty revenge.
All that is known as that this goose likes to wreak havoc. It likes going into the flower and vegetable gardens, looking for seeds, vegetables, and flowers to pull up; it likes to grab keys and toss them just out of reach.
It’s also clever enough that it figured out how to get into Fruits Basket, into homes, and even...sometimes...onto roofs.
Thankfully, while the goose likes to startle people, its mischief is rather harmless, and even, at times, enjoyable to watch. Just be sure not to leave anything electrical it can throw into a body of water by accident- or any bells it can keep in its temporary home by the woods.
For those who are curious, yes it will accept all sorts of snacks, and it is a wild, ordinary goose. (So yes, it is as harmless as a normal goose and yes it is edible).
Confession network
Yet again, the phone goes off. Doesn’t look like it’s anybody in town, but it’s that weird, cheesy app called The Heart Game. And it’s persistent, too: it doesn’t want to be ignored, making a series of beeps and chirps, much like a pet that wants attention.
The message that pops up is as follows:
We’re back! It’s the time for everyone's favorite game- Confession! So beloved users, our question is:
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why? Tell us everything!
no subject
It's no trouble.
[ He's not the type to force anything upon a child, but it just doesn't sit well with him to know a young teen's wandering around with a kitchen knife out in the open. ]
And it won't take long. [ A soft laugh as he turns the knife over in his hands. ] I'm no craftsman, so it won't be terribly flattering to look at. But I'm sure you wouldn't want to accidentally hurt yourself or anyone else.
no subject
truth be told, he wants to tell this person no. frankly he's not sure if he cares much about hurting himself or others, considering what he is and where he was before coming here, and he expects that, if he's asking to do something for him, then he'll eventually be asking russell to do something for him in the future. because that is how adults are.
but he figures that it would cause more discussion if he keeps refusing, so he'll nod. ]
Thank you...[ he looks away, a bit unsure. ] I don't mind how it looks.
no subject
For now, he nods and reaches behind his belt, pulling out a hardcover book. When he lets go of it, it hovers beside him, falling open to a page full of foreign writing and emitting a soft, green glow. As Vangeance touches his hand back to the knifeblade, small vines and roots begin circling the metal, forming a rough sheath. ]
You're quite brave. Most people would be unnerved, ending up in a strange place like this.
[ He doesn't look at Russell, mostly looking at the knife as he speaks. ]
But I hope this place doesn't keep demanding such bravery from you. It would wear anyone out.
no subject
russell watches the magic happen without much change in his expression. he figures that it's similar to his recent dreams and the video games he used to play in the past--is that why they were like that? he's not sure and he doesn't really want to think about it. it's probably useless to do so anyways.
but when vangeance calls him brave...well, he might as well have stabbed russell with that knife himself. if he's not looking at him, then maybe he'll miss that apprehensive expression on his face as he turns away.
as if someone like him could be brave. he doesn't really even know what bravery is in the first place. are his lack of emotions a proof of bravery? russell can't help but think that such a thing doesn't really make much sense at all.
but if that pang in his chest was a sign that he was wearing out, then he had to agree with vangeance--he hoped this place wouldn't ask too much of anything from him. ]
Um... [ uhhhh how does he respond to this. what is people complimenting him. ] I'm just...used to this, I guess.
no subject
He's not very good at this. No doubt Master Julius would have been able to handle this situation with a bit more finesse. ]
These aren't the sort of circumstances many would willingly grow used to.
[ There's a note of worry to his voice. But it's not in his nature to be open about these things, and it's unfortunately faint.
His book thumps closed the next moment as he finishes the task at hand, and he studies his handiwork for a moment before holding it forth. Russell's knife is now encased in a rough scabbard made of woven branches, complete with a long tassel of woven vines he could use as a belt or shoulder strap. ]
Here. I hope I didn't take up too much of your time.
no subject
[ but it's not like his life was very usual either. he knows his classmates that led more blessed lives than him, the two at the church who had loving parents, and those who would give kindness like it was natural to them.
russell never had any of that.
he glances at the scabbard as it finishes forming, and he can't help but be slightly shocked at how it looks when he takes it in his hands. with clumsy hands, he tries to tie it to his belt hook. ]
Thanks... I, um-- [ he knows he doesn't have anything in his pockets, but russell tries to look anyway. ] I don't really have anything to pay you with, though. Sorry.
no subject
There's no need to apologize. I'm not seeking payment. But ...
[ Sorry if that 'but' sets off any flutters of dread for Russell, but at least he follows it up quickly. ]
... I serve as a knight back where I'm from. And while this place isn't my homeland, it's still my duty to protect. So if you come across anything truly dangerous -- would you let me know instead of trying to tackle it yourself?
[ He's phrased it like a favor, but honestly, he's more just worried for Russell. This weird, quiet kid who's concerned about self-defense and says he's used to being thrown into strange places, who he senses something a little familiar in. ]
no subject
[ he's more surprised than he is confused. of course he's heard of knights. he's seen them in video games and he's read about them in countless books. he knows that, ages ago, people protected their lands with the help of knights that rode on horses (that he hates hates hates so much) and wore bright shining armor to protect themselves. of course, the knights he read about didn't have magic...although, well, wasn't excalibur a magic sword?
not that he looks like a king arthur either. ]
Why do you want to protect this place? No one's watching you to make sure you do your duty.
[ it's a genuine question. can someone be so devoted that they'd continue to maintain their oath even in an entirely new place? it reminds him a bit of dogma, who was so pious. always so pious.
he never did get to ask him why he believes so much in god...and while this isn't the same situation, russell figures that it's close enough. ]
no subject
[ That's a whole long story of its own, though. For now, Vangeance ponders Russell's question, making a soft noise in thought as he dips his gaze. ]
... that's quite a difficult question.
[ He looks as calm as ever, even as he says it, but it's not a lie. He's sure Julius would have been able to answer this question in a heartbeat with characteristic ease and warmth, but for him, it's a little harder to respond to. He needs a moment to consider his words before he speaks again. ]
It's not this place, but the people. You're correct -- I'm not duty-bound to protect the people of another country. But pain and suffering are the same for everyone. And just as I wouldn't wish for my Kingdom's people to be in danger, I don't want anyone here to be in danger, either. Not if I'm capable of stopping it.
[ Does that sound hollow? He's not sure. But it's sincere, at least. It's just always been in his nature to protect others. ]
1/2
it's not like he ever had a knight in his life. every adult that "helped" him had only done so for their own gains or perhaps to cover up the ugliness in their heart. and the only one that didn't, well--
he killed her too, didn't he? she couldn't stop his suffering either, so she had died just like all the rest. maybe not at his hand, but russell might as well have been the culprit.
what good is a knight for if the person's suffering can't be healed? if that's the case, then this good-for-nothing knight has already failed at his mission. and weren't knights beheaded when they failed their missions? ]
2/3 i lied
it's not that he isn't sufficiently angry. he can feel that jealousy and bloodlust boiling in his stomach like an ugly concoction, urging him to kill that which confuses him, that which scares him...
but it's that strange feeling in his chest that makes him stop. it's not so much like being doused with cold water but more like being electrocuted. it's painful, but not in a physical sense. it leaves him breathless, but not because his lungs don't work.
this person was so nice to him, and yet he was going to kill him? like most of his other victims, was he going to kill those that did not deserve it and cause grief for his own self-satisfaction?
how disgusting. ]
3/3
russell's face is as pale as a ghost, and his breath is quick but shallow. it's that strange oppressive feeling again, the same one that he had begun feeling in the past couple dreams when the villagers would continue treating him so kindly.
guilt? is this guilt?
russell takes a couple steps back, hands pressed against his chest. ]
I...I should go.
no subject
[ Gentle but firm, with a quiet authority. It should probably be enough to stop Russell in his tracks.
Vangeance doesn't step any closer, though. He regards Russell in silence for a few moments from where he's standing; he's not smiling any more, and at this distance the mask erases any nuance to his expression, leaving only his focused gaze.
He doesn't know what Russell is thinking, of course. But he'd noticed the twitch of a hand, the jolt of shoulders, the faint shudder. The pallor to his face is painfully obvious, as is the way he breathes in quick rasps. Vangeance finally dips his gaze aside, speaking softly. ]
I'm sorry. It seems I've said something that upset you.
[ His grimoire flips back open at his side, and the pavement beside Russell glows a soft green. A sapling emerges from the ground the next moment, rapidly growing until it's just taller than Russell is, rustling as its branches spread into a protective canopy.
It ... smells really nice. Soothing. And Russell might feel an unnatural warmth radiating from it. Healing magic won't do anything for his trauma, of course, but it should at least lessen the physical strain he's feeling, and allow him a sense of comfort. It's the least Vangeance can do in this situation. ]
You shouldn't move if you're feeling unwell. [ Vangeance quietly shuts his grimoire and returns it to its pouch. His characteristic smile is back, but the mask hides the way he can't look directly at Russell, not at this moment. ] That spell will last as long as you're around it. Please stay as long as you'd like.
I'll be taking my leave.
[ He knows when his presence isn't wanted, and he doesn't begrudge Russell for it, not at all. But it wouldn't do to turn a blind eye to his obvious distress, either. So this is the best compromise he could think of. He'll return a little while later to make sure Russell has safely departed. ]
no subject
he even jolts when he sees the plant growing next to him. did he notice? what he was going to do? was he going to kill him in retaliation for what he almost did? russell did not see a reason why that would not be the case--not until the moment it became all too clear what was happening.
why was he apologizing?
under the canopy of those nice smelling leaves, russell realized that his--his fear?-- was slowly ebbing away. but...why? why would he use his magic again on him after what he almost did? why does he continue being so kind to russell?
he wants to know. ]
W-wait!
[ russell's voice sounds timid and brittle, like it's beginning to break at the seams under the pressure of that strange, foreign emotion in his chest. ]
I was... I was just about to kill you. Y-you knew, right? [ of course he had to know. he's a knight, and knights fight all the time. ] So...why are you... being this nice?
no subject
... I think everyone deserves kindness. [ Maybe that's hypocritical coming from a knight who's prepared to fight and kill if necessary. But at his core, he truly believes it. ] Anger and fear can make people want to do terrible things. But that doesn't make them inherently undeserving of kindness.
[ Vangeance pauses to let that sink in before continuing gently. ]
Even if you were considering killing me, you held back. That's something you should be proud of.
[ He hopes some positive reinforcement will help. And he doesn't say that he won't be killed by something as trivial as a kitchen knife; he can't and won't die that easily. ]
If you're upset with me, I understand. I'll do what I can to fix it. But I'd appreciate it if you tried your best not to hurt other people. If you held back, like you did just now. Do you think you could try?
no subject
[ he doesn't know how to feel about that. about anything that comes from the knights mouth. it sounds honest, sure, but it all feels like a pipe dream; an idealist's lullaby. once again, a part of russell is irked at hearing the words.
but a bigger part of him only shrinks back further, taking another step back. his blue eyes break from vangeance's gaze, pained and confused. he's just so absolutely confused. what would he say if he knew about all he had done before coming here? about all the lives he took?
...
he sighs. this person doesn't have to know if he's not going to ask. so instead of telling him how useless of an endeavor that will probably be, russell nods, still looking away. ]
no subject
But Russell does respond, and gives him a gentle smile in return. ]
Thank you.
[ His cloak flutters behind him as he starts to turn away. ]
My other request still stands -- please let me know if you find anything truly dangerous. My name is Vangeance. [ He pauses briefly, but he doesn't want such a wary child to feel obligated to give a name in return. So instead, he settles for, ] I'm glad to have met you. Take care.