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pedalbike2020-11-24 06:53 pm
upcyclingmod) wrote in pedalbike2020-11-24 06:53 pm
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Fourth TDM: Winter's breath
Welcome to the Test Drive Meme.
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As a quick note: This will be the last TDM and Application Round of the year! Have fun everyone!
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.
Start of Winter
Thankfully things have more or less dried out, for the seasons are already changing. Or at least, the weather is, and with it...comes snow.
The grass on the island is covered, various trees lose the last of their leaves, the sand becomes crunchy, and even a portion of the ocean water becomes frozen solid. (Take THAT, water!). And with it, Wickies wake up at their feet (or suddenly in their hands if they don’t sleep) warm clothing and various ways to keep warm- or at least keep the cold from messing with their joints!
And with it, there are snow shovels and boots that are set out neatly by the door. It seems more snowk is expected, and foot protection is more important than ever. While it is possible for some (those who are not infected by the Silence at least) to use the teleporter to get from town to their homes, there are pathways that need to be cleared for everyone.
It might be a good time to offer a helping hand! Especially with some Wickies who are snowed into their homes.
Or it could be a good time to use the shovels to gather snow for snow ball fights, snow forts, and similar winter activities. The nice thing about the winter shovels is that they’ll have them for a few months.
Too bad the ground is nearly frozen solid, and these particular shovels are not good for digging into the ground.
Frosty Protections
While there may be the snow and the quiet that’s coming in, there are other things that are coming into the island too. There are tables that linger day or night, which have tangyuan. Some in the shape of various animals, and some of them that are simply balls of colored dough. They are edible, and thankfully they don’t have a negative consequence to eating them (unlike the mooncakes from before) but there are written instructions, which also proclaim outloud to a Wickie if they linger for awhile:
“For the use of protective talismans! Stick it on your chair, your door, your window!”
Interestingly enough, they do seem to work. Wickies who are Silence infected are repelled by them, feeling uneasy and nauseous around them and touching the tangyuan even with covered hands will cause a burning sensation.
Infected Wickies who eat the treats...they’re in for a rough time. Really rough.
There are also little tables with various drinks, some being fruit juice, sparkling fruit juice, champagne and of similar ilk- but not ever with water. That’s just bad luck after everything.
The inscription for this table, which is again read out loud, “Toast to others health”
Picking up the cups, they will be unable to drop it, and the fluid will refill in the Wickie’s cup until they find someone to toast to- whether it’s in humor or in earnestness.
For the next twelve hours after the toast is made, even if the drink is not drunk after, the Wickie toasted will find they will have better luck in that subject, whether it is in health, love, or friendship, or just in general.
The same applies if Wickies toast together to a group of people as well.
Of hooves and horns
The strangest thing of all isn't the sweet rice balls, nor is it the smell of evergreens heavy in the air. Instead, it's the masks set to everyone, and the ruckus music that thrums through the air, deep into the night.
The masks are of a haggard old woman, well worn and aged, and that of a man with horns and facial hair similar to a goat.
There are different effects when it comes to the masks, both happening at night with the music starts.
Wickies wearing the devilish mask find themselves wearing a ragged fur suit, prancing in the streets, ready to whip other Wickies whose behavior has been suspect or bad as of late. Finding the wicked and punishing them is an impulse, neigh impossible to ignore. And, too, there is a sense of wicked glee when they do punish someone with their reeds and whips. Krampus masked Wickies thankfully can be pacified with rum or brandy. They'll need the help of another to pull of the mask. But once it's off, the costume vanishes, and the chagrin of what happened ( or the satisfaction) follows.
Wickies wearing the woman’s mask will find that they’re not trying to scare people, but instead, they find themselves loping in and out of the crowds, searching, scanning, for certain people, all the while wearing ragged clothing, and often a scarf on their now ratty, graying hair.
It’s with a sickening horror that Wickies will realize there is something in the mask that is watching through the mask itself, and is nodding to itself far away and writing their names on a list.
And it’s not Santa Claus.
The Wickie’s wearing the old woman’s mask can be distracted by scattering seeds or threads in front of them- one inducing a true distraction to count and pick up the seeds, and a rage that comes over that of wasted thread.
Seeds make it easier to pull off the mask, and thankfully popcorn counts as a seed! But thread...well, it is a distraction too, but one that can lead to violent consequences. It might mean some rounds of bait and switching until the mask is taken off.
And that’s when the Wickie who had been wearing the mask realizing the list is of ‘bad’ Wickies, But…
how bad could they be?
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:
What do you love about winter? Is it the nip on your nose? The hot drinks? Playing in the snow? Tell us!
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So when Yuuji still waffles, seemingly unsure of himself, Vangeance just blinks, then laughs. Brief and warm and reassuring, petering off into an indulgent smile. ]
It's definitely interesting.
[ Punctuated by a small nod. Yuuji should have more confidence in himself. ]
There are plenty of Knights who would be capable of a similar feat, but only with the help of enhancement magic. Without it ... hm. [ A tilt of the head as he ponders the roof. ] Only a small handful of Knights I know would be able to mimic what you just did. And only because they've trained with great diligence. Most of us rely on magic more than physical abilities, so strength and agility of your level would be rare.
[ That calm assessment finished, he gives Yuuji a little smile. ]
I may have to count on you if I've ever a need for such physical strength. [ Kind of a lie. He doesn't depend on others easily. But it lets him ease more gently into his next point: ] But please do be careful in the meantime. I wouldn't wish for you to strain yourself.
[ Yuuji doesn't necessarily seem the type to brashly overestimate himself or jump into things, but ... this place has a habit of catching people off-guard. ]
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he runs his index finger under his nose, all triumphant. )
Eh heh... Of course! You can count on me anytime!
( but ah, vangeance really is such a good guy. the proud face turns to something a little more gentle as he salutes at the man. )
Yessir! I'll be careful!
( despite the lighthearted nature of his words, he means it! even if... the idea of being careful in yuuji's books may not always line up with others'. he at least won't go and die... maybe. vangeance doesn't need to know of that yet. just like how he himself has yet to pick up on the mild distance vangeance puts, still thinking that he's a passionate cosplayer and all.
though, as someone who's got more physical strengths than magical (or more like 'cursed energy', as it is in the jujutsu terms), he finds the story about the knights way more fascinating than his gorilla powers. )
So, since you're a knight yourself, do you do tons of cool magic stuff, Vangeance-san?
( as yuuji says that, he directs his sparkly eyes vangeance's way, as if saying 'show me! show me!' without verbalising it. )
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So Vangeance gives a small nod, moving on from the matter.
Besides, it might be hard to dispense any more sensible warnings when Yuuji is so clearly distracted by other subjects. ]
'Cool magic stuff.' [ He laughs softly, briefly as he echoes the phrase. There's really something quite endearing about Yuuji's unbridled enthusiasm. ] I'm not sure about that, but I do enough to carry out my missions.
[ And while he's not one to show off too much, how can he possibly turn down those big sparkly shiba-dog eyes? Vangeance smiles before pulling a book out of the pouch at the back of his belt, flipping it open. Then he holds a hand out over the ground beside him. Very cool, very cosplayer-ready-for-a-photo, complete with an unintentional flourish of his cloak.
Except there's a faint green glow of light from beneath the blanket of snow, followed by a flurry of movement as a little sapling comes bursting out of the ground, up to about waist-height. Leaves sprout off those thin branches, giving off faint motes of light, and Vangeance gestures for Yuuji to come closer. ]
If you'd hold out your hands near it.
[ Yuuji's hands must be cold and a little chapped from handling the snow. This sapling is a very rudimentary spell, but it should be able to heal that much. ]
1/? im sorry
yuuji's honestly expecting something simple like a sleight of hand, and even then he'd be amazed enough.
but no. )
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no subject
and it keeps growing... and growing... and growing!!!
what? is this jock and the beanstalk?! it's not even that tall but tall enough that if you plant something right now it will never grow that tall???
HELLO???
PLEASE YUUJI.EXE HAS STOPPED WORKING????
IT'S WINTER??!??!!
what is this sorcery )
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what,
he thought you're a cosplayer?!?! )
Ah, uh.
( only dumb noises come out of yuuji as he robot dances his way towards the sudden appearance of the green, hands rigidly motioning as told. obedient despite everything... a shibe. )
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( it's. it's warm. and moist. and?? his calloused hands and the hardened skins around it are... huh. he rubs his hands against each other. they're smooth as baby again?! )
He...?
( he turns to look at vangeance, then his hands, then the plants, then vangeance again. then vangeance again. triple take. )
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stare..........
stare.................. )
7/7 sRY
( fucking finally. )
1/2 ilu yuuji you sweet, sweet lad
His first thought is that maybe Yuuji ... dislikes plants? Plausible, if unlikely. But no, that doesn't seem quite right. The spell seems to have worked without issue, so it's not any sort of averse reaction to healing magic, either. And considering how enthusiastically Yuuji had gone along with the conversation so far, he can't imagine it's a distaste for magic in general. Probably?
So as Yuuji does a double-, then a triple-take and stares at him, Vangeance gives a slightly concerned tilt of the head, brow lowered as he makes to ask ]
Are you alr --
[ And then Yuuji gives that little outburst, and
... aah. ]
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'The real thing.' I see. I see ...
[ That explains a lot. The first mention of something-play, the way he'd walked it back, then the inquisitive questions. And now, his flabbergasted reaction. Vangeance exhales softly before giving Yuuji a smile. Still genial, but also very gently teasing, his eyes ever so slightly narrowed. ]
I know many here come from worlds where magic, or Knights, or both, are rare or nonexistent. Most believe me a little faster than that, though. It won't do if I've lost my touch.
[ He knows he hasn't, though. His gaze is bright and focused, and that quiet confidence in his voice remains unwavering. Even the mild tone of his voice carries clearly in the cold air. ]
Since I am, indeed, 'the real thing.' [ His smile warms, even as he maintains that quiet, commanding presence. ] I swear to you, Yuuji Itadori, upon my honor as a Magic Knight of the Golden Dawn brigade, serving the Clover Kingdom -- I will do everything within my power to ensure your safety.
[ A pause before he adds more lightly: ]
Was that more believable?
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like just. whoa. )
... Vangeance-san, you must be real popular, aren't you?
( too... cool. his mouth stays ajar as he processes the statement in his head. never once did he doubt how legit of a knight vangeance could be, should he not have the preconceived notion that the man's a cosplayer. everything now makes a lot more sense. even when he's laughing more openly like that, there's still something... high-class about it?! yuuji wants to imitate it, but maybe not now, not when all he can do is just stare at vangeance in a daze. this almost feels like, after getting whacked with a chain of 10 combos, the opponent finishes the battle with their special move. yuuji is completely destroyed. (not that he's ever gonna compete with vangeance... he doesn't think he'll ever be able to achieve that level of coolness ever.) )
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I have some admirers. [ A gross understatement, actually, but it's said so mildly that maybe Yuuji will believe it. ] But the same can be said of most Knights. Many people simply idolize Knights.
[ As he says it, since Yuuji is apparently still frozen in awe, Vangeance takes the chance to lean in a little and take a look at his still-outstretched hands. Good, any chafing or redness has faded, which means that simple spell was enough. He runs his fingers along one of the sapling's branches before waving his hand, and it sinks slowly back into the ground, leaving behind only that warm, tingly feeling in Yuuji's hands.
A pause before he gives Yuuji a very light pat to the shoulder, to ensure he's snapped out of that daze. His tone of voice is gentle and easy once more. ]
I'm am a Knight, but I don't say it to demand respect. Only to clarify that I'd truly like to ensure everyone's safety. I hope you'll remember it if you're ever in need of assistance. But otherwise, please be at ease.
[ A small tilt of the head and a smile, as if say, 'Okay?' Because while Yuuji's frank awe is certainly endearing, he doesn't want to overwhelm him, either; Yuuji seems like the honest and straightforward sort, so hopefully he'll take it to heart once he's told not to worry about formalities. ]
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the pat on his shoulder sure did the job, he's now back to the ground after floating a few metres off the ground thanks to vangeance's wingardizoom levibossa. flex your physical capabilities and yuuji won't bat an eyelash, but flex your cool magic stuff and he's gonna be all over it like a kid with his birthday present ✨ plus damn, look at vangeance dispensing wise words all gentle and sweet after all that. if only the adults in jujutsu kaisen anything like this... )
Mm-mm, I know! You don't look like someone who'd do that. ( still, he'd likely show more respect to vangeance than (maybe) most others because hey, he's super cool?! and reliable! yuuji salutes at him with a vigour, all smiley while doing so. ) Got it! You too, tell me when you need anything, and I'll come running!
( or more like zooming... tbh at this point vangeance can just summon him and he'll slide over like a dog, haha.
he watches vangeance a few seconds too long, before finally recalling what the man said about his admirers. a weird noise escapes his mouth then. )
By the way, did you say you only have 'some' admirers earlier?! Nahhhh... ( yuuji shakes his head. Do Not Trust! well, he guesses this is also the recipe of being The Popular Guy. not only cool and charismatic, but also: incredibly modest. ) I think you're just unaware, Vangeance-san. I'm sure you've got many secret admirers too! They're just too shy to approach you 'cuz you're so cool! ( yuuji rubs his chin, eyes closed, nodding contently to himself. that sounds more like it. ) Your locker must be full of chocos every Valentine's Day...!
( such a cliche imagination... but he can see picture it perfectly in his head. )
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[ A mildly startled blink. Mostly because he's surprised to learn Valentine's Day, of all days, is apparently a holiday that's consistent across worlds? But well, he can't be too surprised that that's what comes to mind for Yuuji if his Valentine's Day is the same as Clover's. Young hearts do tend to gravitate towards thoughts of romance and affection, don't they?
Vangeance laughs softly as he gives a small shake of the head. ]
I do receive some gifts from my brigade members. But the respect shown towards a Knight is probably a little different from the sort of 'admiration' you're thinking of. I'm grateful for it, and would like to repay it through hard work and dedication, but ... [ Romance is something that he always has been, and always will be completely divorced from, after all. There's a small pause before he adds, light and airy, accompanied by a warm smile. ] I daresay that sort of 'admiration' is more easily won through sincerity and a friendly attitude. By being someone approachable. Kindness doesn't hurt, either.
[ It's basically a pat to the back saying, 'don't worry about it, you'll be fine.' Given how friendly and bright Yuuji has been so far, he'd guess Yuuji probably has at least one or two admirers of his own, at the very least. Sunny people like him have a unique sort of magnetism, after all, and he has great respect for that sort of optimistic energy.
He's been tucking his grimoire back into its pouch as he spoke, and he smooths down the folds of his cloak as he gives Yuuji a little nod. ]
-- aah, but I'm afraid I kept you from your work [ the snowman, he means ] for a little longer than I planned. Thank you for indulging me. [ Vangeance offers Yuuji one last smile as he starts to turn away. He'd been on his own ways elsewhere too, after all. But -- ] Given the nature of this place, I imagine I'll be seeing you again eventually. Take care until then.
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Hooh... I guess you're right!
( wise words to go by... and it really shows the kind of strength and discipline within vangeance's character. ah, he's really cool...! all the more yuuji admires him! here goes another one beelining for your fanclub member application, vangeance, if someone already made one in fogtown. )
Eh, you're going already? ( but-- that's right, vangeance must be busy! he's not someone that yuuji can just strap here for idle chitchat! so he doesn't push that, shuffling behind the snowman to wave the hand made out of wooden stick. ) Mm-mm! I'm learning a lot from you, Vangeance-san! I'll see you around!! Be careful on your way!