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Welcome to the Test Drive Meme for

escordvi! Anyone can participate in the test drive, regardless of invite eligibility. Just keep in mind that only those who have secured invites from players or mods can actually reserve on October 25th and apply on November 1st. Our EMP/ATP can be found here. We do require TDM threads for samples for our application, but toplevels are not required. Tagging out is fine!

For your toplevel, please include the following: Character Name | Canon | Armada Choice | TDM (IF TDMING). Current players can use the same header, just without the "TDM" label. We do require those who are TDMin'g to include the label so other players can distinguish between others.

For everyone's convenience, TDM threads can be carried over in game if you wish! If you are still unsure which armada to place your character, you can play it a bit loose and vague in the TDM and make retroactive changes if you carry over the threads. The log itself is set to cover starting from October 13th until the end of the month. Characters will appear at random intervals during this time rather than all at once, so players have some more flexibility on how much more adjusted they are for someone else.

If you have any question about the TDM, comment here. If you have questions about the game in general, please comment to the Game Info.

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated October 31)

GETTING STARTED

This section can be timed for any time after October 13 until the end of the month, which includes during the current event. These prompts are to benefit those TDMing, but this portion can be handwaved instead and be served as a reference for players to know what their character will have experienced and learned on arrival.

STARTER SHIPS

There are two ships that serve as starting ships for each armada: Stormbringer for the Corsairs, and Royal Fortune for the Paladins. There are various ways new arrivals—or riftfarers as they will be called, among other creative names—will appear on or by these ships.

🚪 Random room. It could be empty, filled with crates or supplies; down in the hull where the livestock are kept; have the luck to awaken in a bed...or the misfortune of that bed already occupied; somewhere in the kitchens; in the bathroom—any room! Now let's hope the doors can open or someone may have to try and ask for help. Or jump through the porthole if there is one and it's above water.
⛵ On deck. If not in the ship itself, another possible spot to wake up to is somewhere on the maindeck. If they're lucky, they're on the deck itself. More unfortunate souls may find themselves caught in the sails or netting, the crow's nest, or on the top of the masts. Someone should be able to help, right? Or catch.
🌊 In the water. The most unlucky sods will find themselves appearing in mid-air just past the ship and plummeting straight into the water. Good news, there's always someone on the look out for such a thing and calls for help to throw a lifesaver get the rowboat will be made. Are there sharks? Well... ...Are there?

However the new riftfarers arrive, they will be poorly clothed, practically rags or loose uniforms depending on the ship. Fortunately, veteran crewmates will guide them, escorting them to a room with a strange typewriter in it. After typing their name, the typewriter will magically continue and type by itself at a fast pace until it dings and rolls out the paper. This paper will have the following information:

• Name and Shellphone ID (journalname)
• Armada (Corsair or Paladin, will match the starter ship)
• Cabin Number for their personal cabin on the starter ship
• Apartment Address for their personal address at their base armada location
• A basic map of the starting locations in Eltrut, including written directions (continued in the Eltrut section)
• A basic map of where they can find a chest with their original clothes and belongings (this will be different for every person and will be anywhere either on the starter ship or on Eltrut—players can be creative here).

After that, the crewmate will do their best to explain the basics of how they got here, what's going on, and what they'll need to do to live in Escordvi while they are here, giving them a small leather pouch with money. They will be reaching Eltrut soon, so the crewmate will suggest they look around, meet the others who have arrived. Even from their distance, they will be able to see the giant sea turtle that serves as Eltrut's leviathan.

ON ELTRUT

Once in Eltrut, the new riftfarers will be greeted by several birdfolk who will be happy to give tours to those who may need them. Otherwise, anyone is free to roam as they please and will have a map for the following main places they should visit.

🐚 Microshell. The first stop that is encouraged will be Microshell, the main store to acquire their own personal Shellphone. The paper they received on their starter ship will have their ID and the staff at the store will set them up, explaining how the device and the network works.
✒️ Inkwave, Tattoo Parlor. The next stop is Inkwave, a tattoo parlor run by a very burly but friendly octopus, Knistej. Here everyone receives their own unique magic tattoo, allowing anyone to cast specific single element spells and other magic. Note: tattoos are required before anyone will be able to use their original magical abilities.
📜 MANTA office. The final stop is the MANTA office, where all the request, mission, and task notices are posted. Each armada has their own branch office for armada specific notices as well. A great place to find jobs to earn some cash so they don't stay a hobo forever.

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

The Ghoul's Moon Festival is founded on an ancient tradition where in late October when the moon turns red, so red that it makes the ocean waters look as if it is filled with blood, undead and ghostly creatures go on a rampage and attack the living. Festivals were found to appease the angered spirits, and while such attacks haven't been seen in centuries, the festival remains. Thus throughout the month, Eltrut has been hard at work in getting the main port town, Shellton, and leviathan ready. On October 25th, when the sun sets, and the full blood red moon rises in the night sky, the giant leviathan will shake a little before revealing its festive form. Eltrut's entire shell will be a pumpkin which can later be "harvested" to help return it to normal, but that's for later. For now, the leviathan is in happy spirits and will crane its neck on occasion to watch everyone.

Although not required, costumes are available for anyone who may want to join in on the fun, along with silly prank weapons. Most of the festivities will be found starting from the docks up to the main plaza and down some side streets where various booths and stalls have been set up. From traditional booth games like candy ring toss, darts, water gun targets to more unique games such as bobbing for apple skulls, mask decoration, and catching the anglerfish.

👻 Ghost Piñatas. In a designated square, there is a game where cardboard ghosts are filled with candy and small toys, and with blindfolds and plastic mallets, the "ghost hunters" must run around and try to hit the ghost with the aid of people directing. Someone else is controlling the ghost with magic, moving it around to up the difficulty. It's meant for fun, but some people are messing around. Those not helping out or participating should stop them!
🛢️ Build-A-Barrel Boat. Out by the docks, a special "boat" competition is being held. Decorate a special barrel tubs large enough to fit two people into the spookiest "boat" possible. Afterwards, they must put it in the water and try to "race" against others to the finish line with oars. Don't worry, there are people waiting to help fish them out should their boat sink.
😜 Pranked. It's up to the Corsairs to try and throw their best pranks on unsuspecting festival goers. But there are of course those who are trying to prank them, so it's a bit chaotic out there, with unwitting victims getting caught in the crossfire.

Along with the usual street foods like paella, taiyaki, or khachapuri, there are plenty of special offerings for the holiday:

🥮 Moon Cakes. With a shiny red crust, these special cakes will make one's skin shine red like the Ghoul's Moon itself.
🍡 Fruit and Pumpkin Skewers. Skewers of fresh fruit and pumpkin glazed in hard red candy or dusted with chili powder will have that bit of spice that will give one a more energetic temper than usual.
🥐 Skull Buns. Sweet bread buns topped with skulls and crossbones that will sometimes make someone break into dance.
🦑 Hornswaggle's Vengeance. Hornswaggle has returned, upgrading their ghost pepper squid stir-fry with ghoul peppers, guaranteed to make you breathe actual flames!
🍬 Sour Candy. There are reports of candy making people sick and the Paladins are in charge of the investigation. Unfortunately, descriptions of the suspects are completely random with many innocent people becoming accused. In the meantime, replacing the candy is a high priority, and anyone can assist the Paladins trying to find and replace the ruined candy.

After the harrowing events with the Ghost Ship, on the night of October 31st, everyone will gather to witness the special fireworks display. The original crew even managed to adjust the performance to include a brief rendition of the battle against the undead, as well as something to honor Eltrut and Naughtilust for their brave efforts to help defend.

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

On the evening of the 30th, the Naughtilust will steadily make its way over towards Eltrut and stop within ferryboat distance of Shellton. The two leviathans will greet each other with friendly accord, the Naughtilust presenting its friend with a large floating shell filled with delicious treats for it to enjoy. All the shops, taverns, inns, brothels, and all entertainment services will be open all night long, and while the main target audience are adults, they do provide some "safe," family friendly entertainment for the younger crowd. Special dancers, musicians, and other entertainers line the streets on the Naughtilust to provide all kinds of delight.

However, the main highlight is the grand masquerade which is held at the Helice Palace, one of the largest and grandest buildings on the leviathan. As its name suggests, it is designed to fit the image of royalty, with large gardens, multiple ballrooms, grand halls, private and public terraces, and enough rooms to house any guest who may wish to spend the night (with a partner). Normally one would have to pay a hefty fee, but for the Ghoul's Moon, the sirens are opening it up for one grand fee of attending the masquerade and dressing one's best. They will even provide gowns, suits, and masks for those who need them. The masquerade itself is open to all, young and old, however what happens beyond the ballroom may require some adult supervision.

It's still the Naughtilust, after all.

Set in one of the largest ballrooms, guests are ushered in with the sound of a orchestra playing classical music, though some may notice more "modern" songs adapted to the classic style. For those who may want a little more privacy, there are several small terraces and balconies that can be used. Just be sure to lower the curtains and lock the doors if they want true privacy.

🕶 Blind Dancing. The sirens will randomly cast an enchantment on various people's masks to make them unable to see. They will then be forcibly paired with another "blinded" partner and only after the dance will the enchantment wear off. During this time, the pair will feel very friendly towards each other. Perhaps even attracted…?
💎 Gems. The sirens will also randomly stick special gems that will increase that particular personality trait of the wearer: white = coy; blue = wistful; green = jealousy; pink = flirty; red = lustful; purple = friendly; yellow = bold; orange = mischievous. The strength of the effect varies and multiple can be applied at once.
🥂 Refreshments. For those feeling peckish, long cream-filled doughnuts and oysters in the half shell line the buffet tables, along with indulgent foods like chocolate-covered bacon and deep-fried duck eggs drizzled with tamarind sauce—all of which will cause anyone who eats them to feel a bit more flirtatious. There is a variety of cocktails, but the champagne may also make one feel a bit more "bubbly."

Outside in the gardens, many can take a romantic stroll under the blood red moon. The gardens boast a number of different flora, small hedge mazes, gazebos, and fine statues for those to enjoy. There are also many shaded corners and little hideaways that couples can hide in should they wish to enjoy something else.

💐 Flower Arrangements. Out in one of the courtyards, there are several tables set up for anyone to make their own special bouquet of flowers. Unfortunately, some of the flowers have been changed to have special pollen that upon inhaling will induce unintended effects: sleepiness, amorous, giggly, boisterous, etc. The strength of the effect can vary and fortunately will only last for up to ten minutes. Multiple effects can take place at once and will "refresh" with every sniff.
🏮 Firefly Lanterns. The gardens are filled with special fireflies whose light can ward off malicious spirits and ghouls. Guests are welcome to try and catch a few to create their own paper lanterns and decorate them for the holiday. The fireflies are quick and hard to catch, but a little song (even humming) may lull them to be still.
🍷 Fountain Bump. Further out in the gardens at the Fontana Del Vino, red wine is pouring out and a few…bold guests have started a game where one must stand at the top of the statue and try to "bump" each other off using vigorous hip checks. Fortunately the height isn't too far and the fountain deep enough for those who fall through…just hope someone is sober enough to pull them out.

Even after the events of the Ghost Ship, the Naughtilust will remain so that the masquerade can be held again on the following night. The terraces will provide a great view of the fireworks.

GHOST SHIP

Late night on the 30th, when the clock strikes midnight to turn to October 31st, the blood red moon will seem to glow and a thick fog will suddenly roll in, a large, ghastly looking ship appearing in the distance. By this time, many may have started to turn if they are not still up partying. Regardless, everyone will get a rude awakening when screams fill the docks as all manner of undead climb up onto the piers and shores of Eltrut—ghosts, ghouls, zombies, skeletons. Realizing that these are the real thing and not drunk sailors in costumes, the call to arms is made, bells ringing and sirens blaring as those who are able rush in to defend.

Eltrut and Naughtilust won't remain still, the two leviathans using their abilities to fend off the undead. Eltrut causes the water to boil around it, temporarily halting further invasion. Naughtilust, meanwhile, will reach out with one of its tentacles and grab the ship, lifting it into the air before slamming it into the ocean. At first it looks as if the two leviathans could handle this on their own, but there's a bright flash of red light from the ship and the two groan in distress, flinching back and both retreating to their shells. Whatever it was, it was enough to inflict enough pain to force them to momentarily retreat.

With the leviathans out, cannons and trebuchets armed with large holy pumpkins are quickly maneuvered to launch long range attacks from both Eltrut and Naughtilust and everyone must fight the undead from the initial wave. Those who have divinity magic will bless everyone and their weapons to deal with the undead. Silver will also be effective, and that includes silverware. Finally, shoving candy in their mouths and playing music will be highly effective in at least stunning the undead, and may even placate the attacker. Perhaps there really is something to the old tales.

Ships with able bodied crew are sent out to approach the ship and find the source that is powering it to destroy it.

The large galleon was damaged and lodged in a reef from Naughtilust's attack, but despite the notable damage their ghostly cannons still fire and the ship shows no signs of sinking. There are several levels below deck, and undead sailors and monsters fill the ship. The strange red light will pulse periodically from the bottom, indicating they need to fight through to get to it.

🪓 Axing Skeletons. On the main deck, giant skeletons wielding large axes will be stationed to defend against those boarding the ship. With a wide sweep of their ax, they can cut through anything in their way—including their own. But their large size does hinder their movements, and a well aimed attack to their shins can knock them down.
🎃 Pumpkin Bombs. Watch out for these monsters! Appearing like large pumpkins, these monsters will grow in size the longer they are agitated until their eyes burst into flames, the only warning before they explode in hot pumpkin chunks to cause significant damage. Destroy them before they burst.
🎯 Traps. Besides the questionable integrity of the ship itself, there are many traps that can be triggered by one wrong step or misplaced hand. Trap doors, revolving walls, giant cobwebs with ghoulish spiders, living chains attempting to bind victims, locked rooms with shrinking walls.

Hidden deep within the hull of the ship is the relic that unleashed the devastating attack and empowered the undead. It's a very large black tombstone with unreadable script and symbols carved into it and what looks like fresh blood poured into each groove. So large it reaches the ceiling. Perhaps the more academic inclined will want to take some pictures before smashing it, and it will take a number of people to physically destroy it. But it won't be easy as undead sailors will rush in to defend it.

When dawn breaks, the ghost ship will have been destroyed and fade away into the sun. Any remaining undead will also burn away and disappear. Although things are a bit of a mess and many injuries sustained, with the victory bolstering spirits, most things are repaired and salvaged for the final night of the Ghoul's Moon festival. The festival will go on, as will the fireworks.

QUESTS

The current MANTA Board is available, but we have a couple of additional quests that are specific for the event! Teaming up is of course encouraged, no matter what the affiliation. You can assume they acquired some kind of ship for the quests out at sea, either the starter ship or some other ship heading out there. All quests will be worth 4 points.

Corpse-a-Corps

Eltrut Island

A man is trying to create a walking living man out of dead body parts. He is convinced that he can bring the creature to life using a powerful lightning bolt of some kind. Because of this he has been stealing body parts from local graves.

Find this man and stop him before he can create his abomination. And burn down his controversial laboratory before anyone else can get a hold of these wild ideas. Help put the families and loved ones at ease by returning their lost ones and their parts to their graves, proper.

Hungry-la Island

???

A very curious type of tree has recently been discovered on a small walkable island. It seems to be trees that have the ability to magically grow fried chicken legs that hang like pears or apples. And some look like they’re decorated with fully cooked honey-glazed hams. The bark looks curiously like crispy bacon and the leaves like perfectly tenderized pork tenderloins. That’s right, it’s growing meat. Somehow. And boy, does it look delicious.

Since this is a new discovery no one knows if any of these trees are actually delicious or not. Care to try a bite or two? After a long voyage at sea with only lemons and oranges it might be a treat to have some savory things to eat instead.

Guileful Grimalkin

All Islands

Strange black creatures have appeared and are sneaking around various ports to steal people’s wallets and valuables. When they’re confronted or caught they seem to emit high pitched screeches and will scratch and bite and do whatever they can to escape!

Keep your wallet and shiny things secure and catch any of these little demons before they cause too much ruckus!

Conch Shells Stories

All Islands

Pretty conch shells have been washing up on various shores all over the islands. When they are held up to your ear they seem to whisper stories from someone far, far away.

These stories can be from people from your own home worlds, or they can be stories from long-lost friends, loved ones or even the deceased. These magical conch shells will repeat the same story if listened to again. Sometimes it's nice to carry old memories…

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ she had been trying to find more candy, honestly. her stash was running low, and it wasn't like she had a lot to give out to begin with. all the same, searching entailed a lot of prodding and poking; what did that get her? a fat load of nothing, it seems. aerith's been stuck here for a hot minute, now, banging on the walls, trying to get out by someone else's grace. instead, when the wall swings open, it spits another person inside, and with them, a gaggle of problems. great.

wait a minute— those gloves, that skirt... tifa?!

it's not particularly surprising that tifa's here, actually. why would it be? something seemed to have whispered it to aerith, she thinks, or maybe it's just that helping prevent utter chaos and tifa go hand in hand in her mind. it's hard to separate, sometimes, what part of her is sick with the flowers' speech, and which is present and in the moment. but aerith knows they are both here, through the thick fog that clings to the ship resolutely, in the same way that her mother's stews stick to the back of a spoon.

her staff is retrieved quickly, sooner than she knows that she's doing it. like hell she's going to going to let anything happen to tifa— she knows that the other woman would do the same for her. using the staff as leverage, aerith propels herself to the front, between tifa and the ghouls, the bomb seemingly slowing down as aerith revs up for her next move.

there isn't a lot of time to think, so she doesn't. aerith just moves: her staff is positioned, her arms raised, and she goes to bat. using her staff, she smacks the bomb back at them, the implosion imminent— with all her might, she hits it hard, and the soles of her boots squeak against the flooring...

the world goes orange with pumpkin guts and seeds. the scent of burned pumpkin hangs in the air, now. the ghouls are knocked back, giving aerith just enough time to toss a glance over her shoulder and down to tifa. toothsome as it is, there's genuine relief in it. ]

Miss me?

[ not too much, she hopes. ]

[There is absolutely no time for Tifa to register what's going on. One second, she's panicking and the next, Aerith is there in the room with her, and it feels like the walls are still spinning as the magic fires from Aerith's staff. Honestly, she's just glad to have someone with her, but it does take her a moment to clear her head long enough to figure out who it is...

And boy, is it a relief when she finally does, as she's sprayed with pumpkin guts almost head to toe despite her seeking refuge from the ghosts behind her friend.]

Aerith!?

[She flinches when she hears the scream of a ghoul from the other side, and then she, herself, cries out in fear when its face suddenly pops through the wall and sends a small flame whizzing past Aerith's ear to take it out.]

I...

[Did. She did miss her, but now is not the time when there's a loud THUMP on the door that makes her instinctively reach for Aerith's free hand.]

Let's find a way out of here.

[ the fire sails past her, but not before singeing a few tufts of deep brown strands away. the scent of burning hair quickly feels the room, but it is nowhere near the oppressive and all-consuming presence of the monsters. despite this, a grin and twinkle lights up aerith's face.

once, tifa had held her hand out while pulling aerith out of her own fear-sickened panic. it was the first time someone ever came back for her, and though aerith cannot offer her the same thing, she can take her friend's hand into her own, pull her to her feet, and do her best to make her feel like this is just one bump in the road to getting this all figure out. ]

We will. [ where tifa seems terrified and ready to just get out of here, aerith keeps her head firmly on her shoulders. she takes short stock of the other woman, checking her for injuries, before nodding with understanding. ] How many are there? Let's see...

[ dusting off a few pumpkin seeds and strand strands of gourd guts from her pink dress, she looks around the small, enclosed room. it has the perfect configuration for giving cover, but just enough room to make this all the more difficult. the ghouls on the other side of the wall are sure to figure out how to get to the other side (pun possibly intended?) which means they've got moments to figure this out. ]

Three between us two. [ not the best odds, dealing with the undead. she hums, and pulls closer to tifa, as a duo of monsters gets ready to join them again— which means... ] Say, Tifa, I've never been bowling before. What about you?

[ at her feet, she'll feel it: a pumpkin bomb, ready to get used for battle. ]

[She has no idea what is on Aerith's mind, though she always has been a bit of a mystery, speaking so coyly like this. She might have figured it out right away if she had her head on straight like she usually does when she isn't completely surrounded by ghosts...]

Bowling?

[But there's just something about her that helps to bring her back down, to calm her nerves enough that she can at least register that there's a pumpkin bomb at her feet. She doesn't dare glance down at it, and instead remains as still as she can be, barely breathing, as she meets Aerith's gaze, trying to read her thoughts that way.]

Can't say I have, but I wouldn't mind giving it a go.

[Whatever Aerith's plan is, she's in.]

[ if tifa's going to keep her gaze on the skeletons, then aerith will take it upon herself to get to them started. she traces her friend's line of vision, then nods with a confident smile; sure, they might be surrounded by ghouls and ghosts and goblins, but who said they couldn't make it fun and quick?

bending her knees to dip down, she plucks up the bomb, and pulls the stem off. whoops. now they're on a timer, and she's holding it out for tifa to take. ]

Better get bowling, then.

[ her end of her staff hits the wall, the same one a monster had been pounding upon, and there's a moan on the other side this time, further away. maybe it recoiled...? they'll have to deal with this guy soon enough, but in the mean time—

aerith stands with her staff held overhead like, like spear, and he aim, while not fantastic, should be enough to shatter the (already broken) window that a few skeletons are trying to use to their advantages. it soars, then hits the mark awkwardly, at an angle that sends glass crashing inward, and the staff rolling to the floor... ]

I hear the first time is a mind-shattering experience!

Edited 2023-10-25 01:16 (UTC)

[Tifa has no idea what's about to happen, or what Aerith intends to do once the bomb goes off, but she accepts it into her hands without question. Well, alright, maybe a little because she's never had to throw a pumpkin bomb before...]

Then I guess it's time to shatter some minds...!

[Tifa would be a terrible bowler because rather than throw it like she would a ball down a lane to knock over a few pins, she instead punts it like a volleyball, giving it a light toss and following it up with a not-so-light slam with a fist to send the gourd careening towards the skeletons that are not tumbling in through the window, their bones all askew with the ghouls trying to shove their way past.

And now—]

Duck?

[It's her turn to protect Aerith now as she grabs her and pulls her close, taking her under her arm to shield from what she expects will be another explosion of orange guts and seeds...!]

[ how can someone not adore tifa lockhart? aerith tells her to go bowling and she bring the pain, mopping the floor with these skele-dweebs like it's nothing. the impact of her fist on the gourd is enough to get the ball rolling, and the skeletons toppling over. she's brilliant. aerith turns her head away from the congregations of ghouls menacing their way towards them, just in time to dazzle at the form and precision she sees.

but just as quickly as the display comes tifa's arms around her, and aerith is quick to let it happen, pulling closer. she's spared the explosion, guts and seeds splattering the walls and sending bones flying quickly afterward. ]

Tifa— [ there's delight in her voice. ] That was great!

[ it wasn't bowling, but it was so cool. they'll talk about that later, though.

like this, shielded, her gaze strays closer to the floor... and she sees— a trick or treat basket full of candy. it tells a story: who was here before them? what happened to them? can they find that person? aerith's mind is twisting these thoughts all around and together, but they are quickly put aside. ] We've got everything we need to kick their butts, then...

[Her clothes and hair are covered in all manner of pumpkin guts now, but she's looking over Aerith all the same, making sure that she isn't suffering the same fate, but her praise does not fall on deaf ears, and for a moment, Tifa feels her cheeks growing warm with embarrassment.]

... Thanks.

[It's uttered under her breath with a smile, short-lived as it is, because now they are in a small, cramped space with a bunch of scattered bones and angry ghouls coming for them. And maybe it was just the thing that she needed to get herself going—to get the adrenaline pumping enough that she doesn't feel like running away from the ghosts.

It helps that Aerith's everything is so infectious, too.]

I guess we do.

[She straightens, a hand pulling Aerith along with her before she's whirling around to face their enemies.]

Let's make the best of it while we can?

[Flames light up around her fists, and Tifa doesn't wait to toss them forward, setting the floor of the room ablaze to keep the ghouls at bay, and they stop to screech at the bright light. She'd run in and punch her worst fears right in the face if she could be sure they would actually land, but it allows Aerith the chance to whip out whatever spell she may have in her arsenal to finish them off.]

[ Where Tifa uses her fists to brawl, Aerith is far more detached from the action. She's kneeling to the ground, knees bent grasp round the loop of the plastic trick or treat pail, when Tifa reaches over and takes hold of Aerith's hand. With a gasp, she's back on her feet, standing straight and ready to get back into the thick of the things. It's lucky for Tifa that her back was turned when her cheeks when pink; as it is, they're getting ready for their next onslaught, and the monsters encroaching them have no idea what's coming.

It's not a far cry from the woman she knows, but there's a liquidy thrum of relief to hear the— not quite boat in Tifa's voice, but confidence, perhaps... ]

You got it! [ Letting the pail loop around her elbow, she passes the staff to her now free hand, raises it up, and casts Arcane Ward— she might not have Fire materia equipped, but with this? A double whammy of Tifa's magic is more than enough. With the fire dancing openly, it comes to catch on the wood, and the ghouls, equally powerless in the face of such destruction. ]

That'll work, right? [ Could be worse. Waving her face in front of her hand to stave off the smoke, Aerith turns her head, looking for an escape route— ]

Wait, Tifa, look! The fire caught, it's burning through the wall!

[ Who needs to trigger a mechanism when you can just punch it, honestly? ]

What? [She turns around and immediately, her expression droops.] Oh, no.

[Did she just set a whole wall of this ship on fire? Well, she's an always an opportunist, so she isn't about to turn away from a perfectly fine exit.]

Think we can make it through? I have no idea where it leads, but...

[Looking back over her shoulder and the way that the ghouls are clambering to try and climb through the burning hot flames, they don't really have much of a choice. She's going to throw out another one for good measure, not at all surprised when the ward doubles what the throws, and she's thankful for it...

Aerith will feel a squeeze around her hand, and Tifa's steady gaze meets hers, her own panic and fear managing to subside just enough. Aerith tends to have that effect on people...]

You ready?

[ Tifa's fire spits back out at the monsters that are encroaching on them. Honestly, they're doing well for a couple of people not well equipped for this situation, and it might be better just to let the whole place go up in flames at this point. A twinge of thoughtfulness keeps her gaze trained on the ghouls— only to be interrupted by the soft touch of skin and leather. Tifa's gloved hand is holding her's.

Aerith's head rises immediately, and she clamors to get closer, and speaks, smilingly. ]

Hey, no worries, okay? We got this. We're together. [ With an equally tight squeeze, Aerith swings their joined arms back— ] One! [ — forth— ] Two! [ —and back again! ] Three! Gooooo! [ Hopefully Tifa's jumping over with her, because Aerith's all in, self-sure and ready for the flames. ]

["We're together."

If only Aerith knew just how much those words meant to Tifa right about now, but she doesn't have the time nor the strength to say as much. Not when they're about to leap through this giant wall of flames! This wouldn't be the first time she's had to do something like this, and she shuts her eyes, blocks out all the bad memories, and focuses on the squeeze of Aerith's hand in hers...]

Go!

[At the same time, she jumps through, and she can hear the sound of a ghoul screeching when it tries to make a grab for them, but she doesn't dare look back as she continues to run with Aerith in tow.]

Now let's find a way out of here.

[She's not even going to bother waiting this time. With one foot digging firmly into the floor, she uses it to pivot and bring her other boot around, kicking down the rotting, spinning wall that tries to get in their way. It shatters, the impact sending splinters of wood flying all across the corridor, but she isn't going to stop until they're out of there.

And as she continues, she glances to Aerith.]

Are you alright?

[ The world goes orange and red: the colors of the twilight; the heat is scalding in the same way a stove is when you're too young to know the dangers of getting too close to one. Fire is daring to lick at their clothes, to take to their earthly forms in the same way the ocean swallows up divers into it's darkest parts. Instead, Tifa is an anchor, a bird, flying through the danger easily. Aerith feels the tell-tale prickle of a memory, and she throws up her free hand, still holding the rod, to try and shield her face. Tifa's hand in her's, however, is a good luck charm. This time, she doesn't pass out. This time, she's ready for the disaster.

It never comes. ]

Woah! [ With a yelp and a cry of surprise, they're through onto the other side, and the jerks are pinned away from them. The smell of burning wood and smoke is filling up the ship, but surely the water will kill it before it spreads too far. Aerith doesn't have to look back to get an idea of what the world they left behind looks like, because now Tifa's only got the embers of the fire on her face, a distant cry to Aerith's wide eyes.

But yes, now they've leapt across and through the hoop of the flames, into the horizon, where navy starlight and silvery slats of the moonglow are making Tifa look so, so wonderfully strong and warm. The smile that left Aerith's face returns quickly, and she nods before squeezing Tifa's hand tighter. ]

Yeah! Thanks to you! [ There's precious little time: She dwell for a moment too long on the fact they're together and they can do this before her head raises to the back of the room— where stairs wait to be climbed. This time, it's her pulling. ] C'mon, we gotta warn everyone to get off the ship as quick a possible. There's gotta be something we can do.

[ And like that, they disappear into the evening— somehow, Tifa and Aerith always manage to find their way out of the thickest fog of danger, dragging the rest with them. ]

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« october: ghoul's moon (test sail) »

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST SHIP

QUESTS

it's perfect, why do you insist on spoiling me!!!

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