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

Alan Humphries | Kuroshitsuji - The Most Beautiful Death In the World | God

[amongthethorns]

Ubiquitous U-turns

[Alan isn't even going to hide his delight at being able to help children. The smile on his face is huge and those green eyes bright. In the interest of blending in he's dressed in jeans, a button down shirt with a sweater vest and over that a bright yellow and orange safety vest. He's bringing his fingers to his mouth and letting out a sharp whistle to get the kids attention.]

Alright, kiddos! You can call me Mister Alan. I'll be seeing to it you all get home safely. Everyone form a neat little line and take hold of the rope. Then you're going to follow after me. Don't worry you won't get lost with me to guide you.

[That "rope" isn't quiet a rope. It's a twist of vines that have weaved their way from Alan before being gripped by little hands and in turn gripping them in return. And they're off looking very much a mama duck and her ducklings.]

Violet Veranda

[If anyone knows Alan they would know he would be drawn to this for two reasons - children and flowers. So it's no surprise that the god is kneeling near the flower bed looking it over with a critical eye behind his glasses.]

There you are. You nasty, annoying little buggers certainly like to go everywhere, don't you?

[It's a pity that no one is here to appreciate his humor - or so he thinks. Standing, he's brushing dirt from his slacks.] But this just won't do.

Wildcard!

[Hit me up with a prompt of your own.]

violets~

[death_glare]

[ William may not have reacted to Alan's little pun verbally, but by this point, all of his coworkers can probably just sense when their boss is silently shaking his head behind them. ]

[amongthethorns]

[There's that odd yet familiar feeling and he's glancing over his shoulder before laughing softly to himself.]

Senior Spears, are you here because of the ayakashi as well?

[Of course he is, Alan knows this. But respectful, polite small talk has always been his go to when it came to William.]

u-turns!

[casbutt]

[ And taking up the very end of that rope is a grown man in a trench coat. Stubbly chin, tie askew, looking very serious about the venture ahead. Quietly staring ahead, he's seemingly oblivious to the stares of the small children in front of him.

Are you a' English teacher?, one blurts out, nearly stumbling because she hasn't been watching her feet.

Nu-uh, he's gotta be someone's dad, a boy replies needlessly loud, sticking a finger into his nose for a thoughtless scratch. ]

You shouldn't do that.

[ Finally, Castiel's eyes shift - to the little boy, whose finger is wedged inside his nostril. ]

Your hands harbor up to 150 difference species of bacteria, and there are five arteries within your nasal cavity, of which could then carry them through your blood steam and up to your brain.

[amongthethorns]

[Castiel is perhaps the best Shinki Alan could have asked for. Oh certainly he's a bit odd but it is in an endearing way. A way that makes Alan want to watch over him as best he can and take care of him. Similar to how he feels about Ronald. He's chuckling softly at the children's comments - even if that one about being someone's dad sends a faint pang of longing through his chest; oh how he would love that - before giving a little shake of his head.]

I suppose you could consider me both. After all I do have a family to look after and I do teach things they need to know.

[Hearing Castiel he glances back, only to snort and huff out a breathless laugh.]

He is right you shouldn't. It's rude and there are germs that could make you sick. However, - [He pauses adjusting his glasses.] We needn't terrify our charges, Castiel. They're just little ones after all.

[Though Alan's definition of little ones has shifted and includes Ronald and Cas so...]

[casbutt]

[ To Alan's scolding, however gentle, Castiel will lower his gaze repentantly. ]

Yes. My apologies.

[ There's something that catches his eye, then - and he can't help but look, curiously.

It's the little boy, and he's turned to smugly stick his tongue out at the shinki with a, Nyaaah!

Well, he's never seen that gesture before. A confounded blink leads to a tilt of the head, eyes squinted and lips apart with question.

Little shit. ]

[amongthethorns]

[Cas is a good boy. Alan knows this. Also the irony of him considering Castiel a little one and a boy isn't lost on him since he's knows with certainly that Castiel is older than him. No older than death or gods but older than Alan himself absolutely. Therefore it easily falls from his lips; those soft words of forgiveness.]

It's fine I know you didn't mean anything bad by it. You're not a mean or cruel person.

[A soft click of his tongue comes after that tongue gets stuck out then a gentle tut like any parent would give. He's the mom-dad.. person he knows without knowing exactly.]

How disappointingly rude, young man. You really should mind your manners, my dear boy.

[casbutt]

Thank you, Alan. That relieves me of any guilt I may have experienced.

[ Which is openly acknowledging that he had felt a pang of it, just in case.

Of course, his regrets were lessened further by the child's behavior - though, the little boy has settled down, at least. Turned to face forward, one hand on the rope, and the other balled at his side. A mighty pout on his lips.

When the little one tries to take a peek at Castiel, to see if he's going to get teased right back, he'll raise his chin to glance away. But, there is a touch of smugness to him, with the way his mouth draws tight, and brows raise. ]

[amongthethorns]

You're welcome.

[Ah, so that's what that tiny little twinge of tightening in his chest was. It was just a subtle catch and hitch, like when Alan had the Thorn's early stages. For an instant he thought it was... No. He won't think of that.

Leading his charges and Castiel -who he maybe or may not consider a merely bigger yet useful charge - he's humming softly to himself before snapping the fingers of his left hand a sly little grin tugging at his lips.]

How would you all like to play a game? I'll pick something along the way and answer questions about what it is and whoever guesses it will get a treat from me when we deliver them safely home.

[Because he's well aware he has children - children get bored and wander about getting in to trouble without stimulation. Best keep little minds, little hands and eyes busy.]

violets jfc mum - also please assume first meeting already happened!

[diehardreaper]

[ He can't help but chuckle at the pun, stopping and stepping off his scythe. ]

Could use a shinki that takes the form a trowel now, eh? Can't do bugger all with our scythes... apropos as they are.

[ His would totally mutilate the flowers... ]

You knew this was going to happen he's the mom friend and has dad jokes

[amongthethorns]

[He's know that sound anyplace and he's not even remotely surprised to find Ronald near by. They always have each others back it's nice to see that hasn't changed.]

I certainly could.

[He gives an amused laugh before his small smile falls. Nope. Just nope. It's time for a lecture but this is Ronnie so he keeps it gentle.]

It's not the flowers fault these little pests are drawn to them. You don't destroy what is good simply because it is touched by what is corrupt.

dad jokes are dad jokes no matter how much they're missedd.

[diehardreaper]

[ Talk about a mass department promotion. Almost all of them here. What are the odds? But he does nod at the 'lesson', resting his arm over the handle of his scythe. ]

Yeah... course if you'd wrecked the flowers, fat lot that'll do you if you don't take out the ayakashi, eh? They'll come back, anyroad, flowers or no.

[ And have a grin back. ]

Have to nip it in the bud, s'what I think.

[ He can do bad puns too. ]

Yeah, yeah your mom missed you too son

[amongthethorns]

[A shake of his head.]

Wasn't exactly what I meant, Ronnie. What's the point of destroying something pure that can be saved is what I'm getting at.

[Smiling with a little laugh he ruffles Ronald's hair with bare fingers. That's his rookie right there.]

Smart boy. Want to help your old senior out then come have a cup of tea once we're done? I've got some of those Viennese Whirls you like. Or shortbread.

;;;;;;; yes he haaaaaaaaaaas

[diehardreaper]

Right! That!

[ No matter how long he's been doing this god thing, even if he's been doing it the longest, nothing quite beats his seniors' experience. ]

Can Noel come? He needs s'much of a break as we both do, I wager.

It'll be okay. Mama Alan is here

[amongthethorns]

Mhm.

[It's okay, Rookie. You'll get there. Alan believes in you, you know.

A tilt of his head then a nod.]

I don't see why not. Is he your Shinki? I wouldn't mind the extra company.

U-turns

[demonsheath]

[ There's one other child being herded back into the group, hiding behind and clinging to the woman's skirt. It seems that the light-haired woman hasn't gone with fitting in, and has joined the efforts of helping in the maid outfit she originally arrived in. Hannah's hand is gently resting to guide the child along and bring him forward, but he seems to be a little stubborn. As the man was bringing all of the children back, it seemed smarter to just have them together. However... ]

See? Now you can go back with your... classmates.

'No! They're mean and they stink. They can just die.'

[ Hannah goes very still as her right eye turns from blue to a dark red- though it wasn't taking that glow. She looks over to the god, as if waiting on his decision on how to handle this when carefully chiding the child. ]

That's a rather serious wish to have...

[amongthethorns]

[The sound of footsteps is what alerts him that and something else. Something that holds over from before, the usual sense of being watched is there yes; but, that's human - that's normal. This is a faint awareness of power that is present, a rather strong power at that. It's enough to make him turn and stop his actions going as still as a statue.

The clothes. He knows the cut and the style even the era. And it's not some modern attempt at replication he knows hand stitching on sight once she's close enough. A wave of nostalgia ripples through him. He has embraced the more modern things, some of them are wondrous and useful but ah the old things were just as good, the reminder of home is nice yet bittersweet.]

What cruel things to say. Come now, surely you wouldn't truly wish death on anyone let alone everyone in your class.

[His words are calm and gentle though the god is moving swiftly, placing himself between this distressed child and strange woman. As her eye changes it slams into Alan what she is as well as possibly who. A faint frown settles on his face, even if she is William's shinki somethings are just very deeply engrained. He's giving her a pointed look before stepping forward extending his hand out to the child; casting that frown away and easing his express, affixing a small smile in place with a bit of effort.]

That isn't the proper wish for a darling boy like you to have. Why you needn't make any wish at all! Come tell me how they are mean to you and we will sort everything out without involving something so dire as death.

[demonsheath]

'I do! They should get lost forever. They're the worst.'

If they were dead, you'd be very lonely.

[ Of course, it's hard to get a child out of their tantrum when it's the result of them being fed up with being singled out. If that even was the case. After all, misunderstandings happen at all ages. This one just had a small child clinging to the dark blue skirt until the adult man came between them.

Hannah, on the other hand, didn't make any movements to act on this wish or set up a contract, and the red eye stayed dim. Which was a good sign that she wasn't doing anything with those demonic abilities. She wasn't even aware of the change, what with her instincts and nature coming out. With Alan's position and that look she's seen from others on the Far Shore, it was certainly for the best that she used her hand on the child to gently guide him towards the god. ]

Go on, then. Won't you tell him why you think they're the worst?

[ Being pushed along into it, when the boy takes Alan's hand, he looks ready to be in tears. More than ready, even, as he starts aggressively rubbing at his eyes with his other hand. ]

'T-they kept going. All of them left without me. I just- I just wanted to fix my shoe...'

[amongthethorns]

[Such conviction in a tiny little thing but Alan knows he doesn't mean it - not in a true I understand the full weight and consequence of my words way. Children often say these things because small upsets to them are the end of the world, but that's because their world is so small.]

She's right you know.

[Never did he ever expect himself to agree with a demon. And she's nudging the child to him. Surprising but only just considering who her god is. If there's one person one would never want to anger it would be William. He'll have to report this to his senior later, William would be pleased to hear it and it might ease the elder's worry just a pinch.

Taking that small hand Alan is kneeling down one one knee, drawing the child to him, a hand resting on dark hair. He's speaking softly kindly. His manner is motherly and caring. The expression on his face morphing into one of understanding. It's clear he can relate.]

I'm sure they didn't mean to. It doesn't mean they don't like you. They likely thought you'd be more than able to catch up after you fixed your shoe's laces. I'm certain no one truly wished to leave you behind. They're all right here now and they won't leave you. Why don't we all walk together? You, your classmates, Miss Annafellows, and I - we can all go together so no one gets lost of left behind. Wouldn't that be good?

[demonsheath]

[ For what Reapers knew of demons, it was no surprise if he had expected the woman to be feasting on all of the lost souls. Even as a shinki, without memories, it was easy to fear that those instincts would take over. However Hannah was understanding of the situation, and how she had managed to bring the upset child here, much less get him to cling to her before, would be between them. With him crying and no longer insisting on the other children's deaths, the single red eye turned back to blue.

She can read the situation, and it was more important that she start maintaining a 'proper' distance, no matter how warm she seemed to be to the children. It was a soft spot that she couldn't deny, but she had to demonstrate care around someone that had the same 'scent' as her god. ]

'It's not fair. They should-'

Shhh, I'm sure they'll get a stern talking to. It's time for you all to go home. Go and grab the rope with them, and keep holding on tight, no matter what.

[ It is a demon's skill to manipulate their targets, though she was using with better purpose. For while she had said those things, and the boy was nodding and ready to join his schoolmates, her attention was elsewhere. ]

Ubiquitous U-turns

[cieled]

(There is a "child" amongst the flock that doesn't quite...belong. He looks quite put out about it, too.)

You must be joking.

[amongthethorns]

[Alan knows this boy on sight. It's kind of hard to not remember the child you died for. The question is what is he doing here?]

Not at all.

[But unlike the other children Alan is offering this one his hand, treating him slightly different. He isn't sure of Ciel's circumstance so he's wisely keeping himself as neutral as he can to the boy's presence.]

Come with me.

[cieled]

(A Reaper. Ciel had not looked at him closely, but now the signs are impossible to miss. Furthermore, this is a Reaper he has seen before.)

You?

(Alan's death had been tragic and the Earl knows well that repercussions - revenge, rather - can be painful (if not deadly). He glances at the hand, wary.)

Why would you help me?

[amongthethorns]

[The recognition that washes over Ciel's face is both a relief and something else he can't quite put his finger on.]

You remember me. Good.

[And there's a faint flare of his temper at that. Rather than lash out he laughs bitterly.]

You're honestly asking that after I died for you?

[cieled]

You are difficult to forget. (He remembers everyone that has died in his presence or because of him. They weigh heavily on him and haunt his waking and sleeping unless Sebastian is near. There is simply no turning off his conscience completely - though he has tried.)

Precisely. Haven't you done enough for me?