Test Drive #20

[godsoffortune]

TEST DRIVE # 20



Whether you're trying to figure out how your character would fare in this setting, trying to get some samples together, or just dipping your toes in the water, you've come to the right place! The Test Drive is here to make your life easy by letting you see what the game is like without actually joining it first. So here is how it works:

1: Post a starter with your character, including whether they are a god or shinki in the subject line.
2: Act like your character is established enough in the setting to allow your thread to go places.
3: Take on any god/shinki of your choosing, as long as they're not already in the game!
4: Comment around to the other people on the meme.
5: Have lots of fun!

To get you started, here are some ideas for thread-starters! Feel free to come up with your own ideas if these don't strike your fancy, though.



Rope bridge Rumble

An adventure park that features several scary-exciting climbs and crossings between trees using only ropes has a huge problem. The ropes are getting unexpectedly tangled up. Even worse, it sometimes happens when a customer is trying to make a crossing, tripping them up in the midst of their course! While the safety ropes have been doing their job at keeping customers uninjured, the employees are fervently praying that whatever is doing this will go away, before something worse happens.

Steady Shave

It's the height of summer, and even men that treasure their beards, mustaches and sideburns dearly are driven to get it shaved off in the name of heat reduction. Small barbershops are being overrun with customers who want it all shaved off- some even going so far as to want their head shaved bare.
Answer the barber's pleas for a couple extra hands. May they be steady.

Toil and Trouble

A performance of Macbeth is being haunted by an ayakashi causing bad luck. Props getting misplaced or needing repairs, color gels for the lights getting torn, the microphones keep kicking up feedback- The customary wish of 'break a leg' feels dangerously close to becoming real. Rescue the Scottish Play from its curse before the curtain rises!

Ubiquitous U-turns

Elementary school children go home in groups for safety. However that measure isn't helping against some children getting home very late. And none of the kids can bring themselves to say why they end up taking so many wrong turns on the way. Take up a traffic flag and your best teacher voice, and help the children find their proper way home, keeping an eye out for anything - mundane or supernatural - that might be leading the kids astray.

Violet Veranda

Cheerful violets grew unusually well this year on the college dorm veranda, to the point where the whole perimeter of the veranda is full of containers holding them. But now the flowers are nearing the end of their life, and something strange is happening to the students at the same time. As the flowers wilt and fade, so does the energy of the students living in the dorm. While it would normally be impossible to draw a connection between the two, residents of the Far Shore can see the truth- tiny ladybug-like energy-hungry ayakashi are moving from flowers to students. Take care of this however you can before the last petal falls!



If you're uncertain about anything, feel free to check out the Premise, Rules, and FAQ posts. And don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have on the FAQ!
When and if you're ready to join the game, check out the Taken Characters before throwing in a Reserve and starting on your Application
Have fun!

Comments

[demonsheath]

[ It seems that the alternative, where he did not have to turn back, was more appealing. However, as hard as Ciel may look, her shinki mark was nowhere in sight. Even if she were in more scant clothing, it would have been difficult.

Still, she is standing properly and calm. There's at least no predatory desire in her eyes, nor a cruel amusement. ]

That's correct. You should have been told the spell for naming a shinki, as well as the one for rend, before you had left for this Shore.

I'm always willing to assist a god in need, after all.

[amongthethorns]

[He knows that look. He's worn it himself. But he's calm when Ciel places his hand in his.]

Is that so? I'll keep that in mind. I'll guide you all the same. However, I have to see these children home first. You're stuck along for the adventure.

[demonsheath]

[ Sir is what Hannah seemed to call most of the men that were around as gods. As a note of her awareness to their position, compared to hers as a shinki. At least that's how it most likely was. With a small bow of her head, Hannah let Alan return to the children as she used her ability to jump back to one of the roof buildings. Whether that was the ability as a demon or one as a shinki, with their lightness in body, did not matter.

He had someone with more than enough ability to keep them all safe. If nothing else, the light from borderlines would be enough of a display of Hannah's diligence.

Later, when the sound of a medium machine gun echoes through the air, that was the display of her teeth as well. ]

[cieled]

(He does not hesitate - he does not falter or seem unsure of himself - as he steps up to her. The spell is uttered as a command - an order for Hannah to align herself with him in the pursuit of exterminating the pests. "Ciel" Phantomhive does nothing halfway and the light that follows the spell is blinding.

Hannah is also given a temporary name, etched onto her skin.)

I order you to exterminate the ayakashi in this building!

[cieled]

(The inconvenience is not lost on him and Ciel gives the children a look of impatience. Then again, why is he in a hurry? No one awaits him and perhaps he can learn a thing or two on the journey.)

Alan Humphries. That is your name, is it not? I thank you for coming to my aid twice.

[amongthethorns]

[That look isn't missed but Alan wisely holds his tongue carrying on in his task of leading wayward little ones home even if he's added Ciel to his charge.]

It is. And you are the Earl Phantomhive. There's not need to thank me. It was merely the right thing to do. I couldn't let Er- Senior Slingby murder you. As for this - this is nothing.

[cieled]

(Being around relatively normal kids is an uncomfortable experience. Ciel keeps his distance from them, choosing instead to stay closer to Alan.)

I have not known your kind to care overmuch with what is "right". I take it you did not want your...Senior...to end up in trouble like Sutcliff?

[waitingforhope]

Of course.

[That wasn't even a question. In fact, Mai smiled warmly at the younger girl's initiative, indicating upwards with a small jerk of her head.]

It'll still take me about half a minute to reach him. You can fly faster than I can pull, so you should go to him first. Make sure he knows you mean him know harm and are there to help. Explain as best you can what you're doing to keep him from panicking. I'll be up as soon as I can.

Think you can manage all that?

[Her tone implied she was certain Nanako could.]

[waitingforhope]

[...well...]

Maybe from some of the twigs that fell from higher branches. The animals up there could have had some on their fur, transferring it to the twigs, which then fell down from the weight.

[It was weak, but maybe just enough that it could pass for an excuse. Better that than to explain what she noticed Trunks heading towards. A flicker of tail, and the shimmer of wet sap on a certain object in its hand, glinting under the light from above.]

[amongthethorns]

[Alan is pausing every so often to see a child to their abode making certain they cross into the house before picking up on his walk as they left off.]

Your definition of what is right and the truth are different. People must pass, life must end. I've never made any exceptions to that rule for anyone. You weren't meant to be taken from the world yet and yes you're correct. Even if he would already be in trouble for the souls he wrongfully took before you.

[A frown settles on Alan's features. Eric had lied to him more than once. Had broken rules and promises. Even if saving Alan was his intention; Alan couldn't let that go. He'd been lied to and betrayed as much as he... cared for Eric.]

It's a complicated matter but I wouldn't let a child die so I could live. Not even one that doesn't think he's a child.

[demonsheath]

[ After Ciel does his part of the spell, there's the effects which happen after the name brands itself onto Hannah's body. Her entire being turns to light, quickly reforming into the shape of a pistol in the boy's hand as he received the vision of Hannah's death.

She would not be worth her salt as a shinki, however, if she was unable to maintain a borderline in this entire transaction.

She really does need to guide the boy, doesn't she? With a hint of amusement and patience, Hannah's voice goes through his head. ]

Of course, my lord. You simply need to cast the rend spell now, and strike the creature. Your spell will act through me and permanently remove the ayakashi from this existence.

[cieled]

(Color climbs high on his cheeks and he takes the brief pauses to collect himself. For the most part. Kindness is foreign to him and it strikes him hard each time it is given without a desire for repayment. He can't understand anything or anyone in the world being...selfless. Not anymore.)

He will never be held accountable. (He can tell there might be more than simple friendship between the two Reapers (ex Reapers?) but it doesn't concern him.) I am thirteen and I am a full noble in the eyes of Her Majesty, the Queen and my country. There is no room for me to be a child, though -

I do like my games.

[cieled]

(This is entirely too odd and tiresome. When he gives Sebastian an order, it is done without him needing to lift a finger! Usually. Sometimes his dear demonic butler makes a situation difficult for him on purpose or, forgive the irony, for the hell of it.)

...very well. (He grasps the pistol, focusing on the nearest ayakashi. "Rend" in this case is a bullet that pierces a vital part of the foul spirit. He has remarkable aim - for a human - and he seems to enjoy himself as he hunts down first one ayakashi...and then another...)

[amongthethorns]

Besides I'm old I've lived much longer than you. I wasn't meant to survive my sickness. It was truly never an option.

[His free hand rests against his chest where those scares are. He doesn't like to think about it the helpless, breathless hell that the Thorns of Death are. As if that thought wasn't enough Ciel next words send an icy cold chill down Alan's spine. A sharp breath sucked harshly into his lungs.]

I see.

[It's flat and his eyes close for a brief moment.]

That's actually something of a comfort. A thousand souls is a very steep crime. That doesn't mean you don't need someone to look out for you, Earl Phantomhive.

[The smile that comes back to his lips is smaller than the one before it but it's still there all the same.]

I'm rather fond of games myself.

[priforprince]

A genius never disappoints.

[ Hibiki pulls the trigger. A stream of water, glittering in the air, arcs out of the pistol and splatters all over the ayakashi. It writhes, its grip on Ciel loosening.

Hibiki smirks and keeps up the pressure. Let it henceforth be known: squirt guns, as a pastime, are silly and beneath her.

But holy water pistols, for when one's shinki isn't at hand and inconveniences present themselves? Why, such an object is not only dashing, but necessary. ]

[demonsheath]

[ The arrangement has changed, young lord. For a shinki is a tool instead of a butler that can take all the actions on your part. What Hannah is capable of doing, however, is recasting the borderlines to keep the young god safe from other preying creatures. ]

You're doing very well, my lord. It seems you may be a natural for this aspect of acting as a god.

[ You could almost hear the warmth and smile as she says that, aware as they manage to destroy ayakashi after ayakashi. Until- and it's weird that her senses still worked here- ]

I believe you have finished clearing the inside of the building. The people will be able to continue their shows without supernatural problems.

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki depresses the trigger and a stream of...water....issues from the pistol instead of a bullet. She waves the gun over the violets, simultaneously watering the plants and cleansing them with holy water.

The ayakashi scatter, driven from their nest by this purification. Hibiki waits until they're all gone, then lets up on the trigger. The water dribbles, then concludes. ] Hm.

[ Now totally nonchalant about the whole thing. Sigh. She was made to work.

What pests those ayakashi are, truly. ]

[amongthethorns]

[Alan glances to her briefly. Watching her go fleetingly. Ah. She'd be fine. They'd be fine. He knows a kindred spirit when he sees one demon or not. She may deny it but she'll help keep the children safe.

And Alan is content to let Hannah do her job. She does a much better ob than he could without his shinki. So he's walking the children to their homes, staying to watch them safely get inside before moving to the next.

Once he's got most of them home. He's on to his last two, the vines Alan controls retreating taking the children's hands instead. He's personally walking the last two home before dusting his hands off.]

[snowlillie]

Ah, looks like the plants are doing better now. That's good to see.

[Leaning down, Lilie poked a flower and smiled at how healthy it looked again.] That's good for you, the water isn't it?

[priforprince]

They're appreciating the favor.

[ Shikyoin Hibiki personally took action to save them, you see. That same Shikyoin Hibiki whose time you now get to monopolize!!

Isn't that amazing?? ]

Well, this much is expected.

[demonsheath]

[ Through most of them, Hannah was out of sight in keeping the 'wolves' at bay with spells and bullets. When it came to the last two, however, Alan would have been able to spot her at a distant roof if he had looked around.

It's not until the job is finished that she returns to his direct line of sight. She's not quite in the same condition as before, but with a demon's sturdiness and pride, and the coverage her clothes offered, there was no seeing any damages. She wouldn't even allow herself to show signs of injury and weakness. ]

They've all been returned without incident, then? You'll need to return to the area with a shinki, or call for someone else to clean the ayakashi out. I've only delayed them.

[snowlillie]

Indeed. So, um, when should I meet you, or are we going together right now?

[Because Lilie had no idea how this worked.]

[cieled]

Sebastian dispatched him on my orders. (And because of Eric's begging, but he will let the Reaper's pride remain somewhat intact. For all the deaths he has caused, Ciel feels the least remorseful over that one. He knows well the look of someone who has completely given up on life - even if it is an afterlife.)

Steep, yet I commend him for pursuing a goal of that magnitude. It wasn't even for himself. (Love is dangerous and curious.) I had those to help me, but I have been sundered from them.

(So he must begin again.)

Do you like chess?

[cieled]

(The entire display - speech included - leaves Ciel disgruntled. He breaks free of the ayakashi the moment the grip loosens and falls the short distance to the floor. Landing as gracefully as he can manage, he brushes off his sleeves.)

What sort of water is in that pistol?

[cieled]

(It will do, he supposes. There is something empowering about this method too, though he will never admit it. He can, in part, rely on himself and settle into the role of 'god'. Interesting.)

I do enjoy hunting! (Her voice is pleasing and he feels...encouraged. Of course his first reaction to said warm feeling is to immediately feel suspicious. He puts down the pistol once the last ayakashi diminishes, watching.)

We have our victory. I am Earl Ciel Phantomhive; forgive me for not introducing myself sooner.