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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 received invitations from the mods can actually reserve on December 25 and apply on January 1st. Our EMP/ATP can be found here.

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 December 14 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 December 18)

GETTING STARTED

This section can be timed for any time after December 1st 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 serve 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. The crews for both ships will also seem a bit odd to some, as it is a mix of humans and various animal folk, non-humans that look more animal than human. Some just look like large versions of their smaller counterparts. From birds, to seals, to even bears, there is no shortage of interesting faces and people on 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 lookout 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.

FESTIVAL

To celebrate Winterstide, the leviathans have all moved towards a northern point where snow will fall regularly all over. A huge feast has been put together for all to come and enjoy. From fully roasted pigs and turkeys with all the fixings to fruit cheesecake, mince pies, savoury meat pies, coffee cake, peach rum bars, shortbread cookies, freshly baked bread, scalloped potatoes and more. Participants are also encouraged to bring a dish to add to the massive feast to show off their culinary mastery or their own creative creations. Including someone who’s brought a horrible gelatinous jello that’s stuffed with ham, peas and … sweet berries.

Let's not forget the plethora of drinks available to anyone of age. From spiked eggnog, to crab apple cider, spiced beers, frothy grog and frosty ice wines, everything is on the table. Similar to the food dishes, there are some contests for people to try and mix their best "Winterstide" drink, and both non-alcoholic and alcoholic variations are allowed. There's even a special drink called the Winter Snowzie that's made of shaved ice and flavored syrup. Drinking one of these will make one feel warm for a little while before they get hit by a blast of cold at the end.

A special meal for Eltrut is also underway, with giant hotpot cauldrons scattered around the main port for everyone to throw in ingredients. Because the poor turtle doesn't like the cold, only super hot and warm ingredients that would suit a giant turtle's belly should be used. These giant cauldrons will be periodically offered for the leviathan, and really Eltrut can stomach a lot of things, even the spiciest pepper! If Eltrut eats something warm enough, his body may even become warm enough to raise the temperatures around for a little while.

There are many different activities and traditions to do this Winterstide, and it's lasting until the end of the month. Plenty of time to get any last minute gifts and exchange with friends and loved ones.

💝 Decorating. All the leviathans have moved to a chilly spot for Winterstide. Because they are all close together this year, the locals thought it might be a nice touch to decorate the leviathans with some festive Winterstide adornments. Use giant ribbons, long strips of garland and tinsel and other large winter-y decorations and spruce up each leviathan. Nogard might look adorable with a massive bow on its bony dragon head, and Elah might enjoy having a necklace of sparkling green, red and gold ribbon.

👑 Holly crowns. To get in the festive cheer, fancy crowns made out of holly leaves, pine twigs, berries, mistletoe and pine cones can be made. Use ribbons and string to tie them together carefully and make crowns that can be worn or gifted. Very pretty!

🐔 Chicken toss. It’s the festive season and that means Eltrut wants to celebrate too. He’s worked up a big appetite, so make sure our giant turtle gets a piece of the feast. On several large ships, huge honey roasted rotisserie chickens the size of small houses have been prepared for him to eat. The only way to get them to Eltrut is to use special magitech catapults built to accommodate their size and launch them in. It does take a bit of aiming and a boost of magic to make sure they get all the way up into Eltrut's mouth!

🦇 Mistlebats. While there may be some sprigs of holly hanging around doorways, there is a special species of bats with wings of mistletoe leaves and cute little red heads. They will fly around and bite people, making the bitten want to either kiss or fight others. How severe the effect is up to the player. Some might want to "kiss" to the cheek (either by mouth or fist) or some might want a full "passionate" session.

🐸 Mistletoads. A new edition to this year's mischievous little creatures running about are the little festive frogs that are making everyone’s lives very interesting. These frogs (that are wearing little red ribbons and hats) will do their best to kiss you and change you into a ribbiting, hoppy-go-lucky frog. And the only way to turn back is to go get a kiss from another person willing to kiss a frog right on the lips.

🔥 Burning logs. Some say that taking a decorated log of wood, sharing stories with someone about your past, and then setting the log on fire during Winterstide will chase away any negative vibes for the new year. Take a log and pretty it up to your heart's desire with ribbons and tinsel before setting it on fire to symbolically burn away any dark thoughts and nasty spirits. And share a story with a new friend while you’re at it. Just be careful not to set anything else on fire.

🎁 Regifting. Once again, the Corsairs are on a mission to "regift" items, targeting the wealthy and distributing to those more in need. Of course, not everyone has such "charitable" intentions, preferring to line their own pockets or working for another. In response the Paladins are upping security while working on their own endeavors to wrap and deliver goods.

🍭 Candycane dare. A special challenge targeted towards couples, but can be played by anyone. Each person takes one side of the candy cane and starts biting off a piece each turn. Will they meet in the middle? Or will someone break away before?

🎀 Ribbon dance. Little birds will randomly attach a colored ribbon to an individual and should they decide to participate, they must find a partner with the same colored ribbon. Multiple individuals will be in a color "group" so there will be more than one option. Once partnered off, they must bind their wrists with the matching colored ribbon and dance together until the ribbon falls off. For those who may be shy, the magic ribbon may just choose the partners for them.

🐇 Jackalopes. The Frostsinger’s helpers are fluffy, horned rabbits called Jackalopes that run about the festival making festive cheer. This year, they’ve made it a game for everyone to try and catch these feisty and fast little creatures and return them to a giant wicker basket in the centre of Eltrut’s main square. Be careful, they are swift and agile things and will do anything to stay out of anyone’s hands for long. But a good pirate doesn’t back down from a good challenge.

❄️ Snowball war. Where there is new snow, there are snowball fights. Roll up as many snowballs as possible and take down anyone from the opposite armada. A full-blown competition has broken out, pitting corsairs against paladins to see how many points the other armada can score with each snowball hit! Everywhere is a battlefield! No mercy!

☃️ Snow pirates. Everyone is encouraged to build snowpirates! Using the freshly fallen snow, roll up and create the best rendition of the corsairs and paladins (or other people) you know in your life. Dress them up in stolen clothing and hats, give them carrot stick noses and watch them come to life and dance.

There are some other activities that are happening all over. The Frostsinger has created giant snowflakes that anyone can either hop around like a jumping puzzle, or take one for a ride if one can stand the cold. Special small boats can be found around the piers armed with hand snow cannons. Riders can either work as pairs or go solo to try and blast their opponents with snowballs. With all the snow covering the leviathans, they all have special slopes formed from their fins, spines, and shell that are perfect for any winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. Finally, some may receive a special guest from an entity called Mari Lwyd. Despite her appearance, she is a friendly spirit and just wishes to indulge in alcohol. She'll challenge anyone to a drinking contest and will give good tidings and blessings to those who can beat her!

Special markets, performances in the plazas, parades—there is a lot to do as everyday is a celebration.

TOY CHAOS

Threads in this section are worth 4pts.

While everyone is enjoying the Winterstide festivities, an evil is lurking, ready to strike and try to ruin it all. In seeking vengeance for his thwarted plans to take over Yostelsia last year, towards the last week of the month the Pirat King will cast a spell on the toys that are sent out as gifts. At a random time, the toy will come to life and start behaving strangely and move on their own. Fortunately, due to their small size and materials, they aren't too threatening…however, there is more to these cursed toys than meets the eye.

Especially when that "toy curse" spreads to other toys. The original cursed toys will affect other toys that were originally safe, increasing their numbers and making it more difficult to attack as children start to cry about losing their favorite toy. Uh oh. Is Winterstide ruined!?

(The following prompts can be set anywhere.)

🎁 Boxed up. Whether it's after opening a gift or around a toy that popped out of one, beware! Even the boxes have been cursed to enlarge before ribbons fly out to try and tie up people to shove them inside. Although those trapped can move around and try to escape, making the bounce box around, unless they have something sharp with them they'll need help from someone on the outside.

🔫 Toy soldier shootout. Some are small while others are giant nutcrackers that are about knee high. Although only armed with plastic cork guns and rubber swords, at some point the toys will load their weapons with rocks and hard candy which will hurt. Defeat the troops before it's true toy anarchy!

🪄 Counter spells. While there is no spell that can completely lift the curse from the Pirat King, spells and enchantments that can temporarily stop a toy's movements will be effective in capturing them and locking them in a box. However, care must be taken that the toy is not damaged when doing so.

🔧 Build a resistance! As terrifying as toys attacking can be, it can be doubly traumatizing if a child's precious toy that was victim to the curse is destroyed. Anyone who can build or do crafts will be of great help to build toys that can be used to fight back against the toys, either by their design or through special spells and enchantments.

Any toys that are damaged will be collected to hopefully be repaired, with priority on toys that were already in possession of a child or considered a treasured item.

But it's not just toys that are being cursed. Toys will curse people and transform them into toys. The victim will transform into some toy form and will need to be saved from their new plight. Fortunately, such curses are not new, so there is a remedy available: magic gumdrops. The problem is while there is supply, there will not be enough as more people are affected until the Pirat King is defeated, so the herbalists and candy makers will need help to create them. Volunteers will be given a list of ingredients that can be found on all three of the leviathans, and those who can cook will be instructed on how to create the candies. After that, it's quickly finding those who are cursed and feeding them the gumdrop. One should do, but two might be needed.

Of course, the only way to rid the curse completely is to defeat the Pirat King again. This will require volunteers to sail to Yotelsia where the Pirat King is hiding away again. This time, however, the battle will be a different kind.

About Yotelsia

For those unfamiliar with the island, Yotelsia is an island made of only toys—including the island itself:

A strange island seen during Winterstide, this massive place is a mysteriously magical island covered in all sorts of toys. This is an island known to belong to the Frostsinger a powerful winter spirit, and every year during Winterstide she allows access for those to harvest toys and other materials for the winter season.

Those who venture out and near the island will notice the magic surrounding this island almost immediately. The once fluid water becomes choppier and blocky to the point where most ships must either use equipment similar to ice breakers to get through or stop completely before risking damage from the strange green and blue blocks that now float and fill the waters surrounding the island. Sailors will find their bodies changing to match the island’s power as well— they may find themselves turning into toys themselves.

The island itself is made completely out of "toy materials"—fabrics, felt, wood, metal, cotton. There is nothing "living" here, including the plants. Felt trees, plastic bushes, popsicle stick cliffs, building block hills. It's a mishmash of everything with no rhyme or reason. And usually, nothing is living here, just plain toys.

In addition to the plethora of toys and plants, the Frostsinger’s familiars can be found frolicking all over the island. These speedy jackalopes are friendly for the most part but often get into trouble and need to be rescued. But when they are not getting into mischief they are known to guide and help wayward travelers across the island.

(The following prompts are set only in Yotelsia.)

⛵ Sink their battleship. The moment ships near Yotelsia's shores, both ship and crew will turn into a toy form, shrinking down to considerable size. They will find that the "water" has turned into "squares" with "pegs" on them and a misty wall has appeared to obscure their view of the opposing side. Rather than a direct fight, they must try and guess their opponent's position to launch giant gumdrop cannonballs. Only once they manage to hit the ship once will the fog clear and direct combat can be engaged.

💃 Dance Dance Doom. After making it to the shore and moving further in, people find themselves grouped up on a platform with arrows and symbols on it. It will rise up and take them over a giant chasm of sticky, melted marshmallows. Music will play from somewhere and arrow combinations will be seen flying towards them. These are actually (toy) missiles and they must hit the proper combo and sequence to destroy the flying arrows and to advance the platform. Should they fail, the platform will take damage and fall until it crashes into the marshmallow pit. Those who fall can escape and be rescued, but it will take a while. Groups (pairs) can work together to coordinate combination hits, which could prove useful for any fast or insane combinations.

🦛 Hungry Hungry Hippo. Past that is a swamp filled with toy hippos, and they are hungry. Capable of stretching their necks out a considerable length, whack the large gumballs that are scattered throughout the swap to appease them. If fed well, they will help them cross the swamp.

👟 Whack a Rat. Beyond the swamp is a field littered with holes. Every so often, a toy version of the Pirat King appears out of the hole to taunt them. Here the Frostsinger will appear and give them all ballet slippers to use. Wearing them will turn them large enough to stomp on the holes. Otherwise, one could try and run and smack them with the slipper, or throw it. A new slipper will appear. Destroy as many of the rats as possible.

After getting through the challenges, the Pirat King will be angered enough to finally reveal itself. Now it's up to the lady luck to determine how fighter's fare. Use a 20-sided die and note the number in the subject line to be referenced later (we'll ask for all the rolls used for AC submissions). If the roll is 10, then whatever action will likely fail. If it's 10 then it's likely to succeed. You can opt to roll for the Pirat King or not.

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.

Frosty Finesse

Eltrut

A large pad of ice has appeared in the center of Eltrut. No one is sure where this pad of ice came from, but a challenge has appeared to see who can traverse across it the fastest. Using all manners of skills or magic, whoever can get to the other side without crashing might just get a nice reward. Race your comrades, challenge someone from the opposite armada, or just enjoy a leisurely skate across the pretty glossy ice. If you can make it across the fastest you will be rewarded with a scarf and pair of mittens that always stay toasty warm even in the coldest of nights.

Mischievous Minis

Everywhere

Tiny creatures have appeared and have been annoying the locals, always wisping around their heads while trying to get them to do something. There has been a demand for travelers to get rid of these pesky and nosy things before someone loses their patience. The tiny creatures themselves seem to be trying to whisper something in people’s ears. Maybe if you listen you’ll hear something good. Or maybe they’ll tell others your deepest desires. All anyone knows is that they’re known to lie. Get rid of them by capturing them with nets, shooing them away with your hand or … burning them with fire. You do you.

An Order for Jadis

Atnam

A local bakery is requesting help in creating a large batch of turkish delight as fast as possible for a client who claims that she is a witch. So long as you can lift heavy bags of sugar or work with your hands, you’re more than welcome to help. Team up with someone to get as many batches of this squishy sweet delight made as possible and as fast as possible. Just beware that making turkish delight can be a little messy. The sweet dessert is sticky and goopy. It requires boiling, mixing, cooling and shaping. So it won’t be an easy task!

Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’

Eltrut

A small travelling merchant ship has docked on Eltrut and is offering a little challenge. They have several painted wooden targets set up and are challenging dock-goers to shooting the targets with a simple handheld pistol. It’s a challenge of precision and speed as the little wooden targets move and shift around quickly and it can be tricky to get them. If a challenger can shoot down a good score of targets, they will be rewarded with a discount on the ship’s stock of fancy handmade pistols that they have for sale. Nice marketing technique?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Oh, okay...

[Kieran listens carefully as Turo and Dojima explain just what Mariposa is, and to other things around them as they walk. He follows them to the apartment, entering it after Dojima and is visibly surprised at the little creatures approaching him.]

Woah! These're creatures??

[He bends down a bit to get a better look at them, before looking up in surprise at Bundle as it walks in.]

Hey, I remember these! The weird Delibird-lookin' creatures from Area Zero!

[But after his surprise and gaping he's brought to sit down, where he watches Turo pull out that lunch box... and pull out a large selection of food from said lunch box.]

W-Wowzers..! A-Are you sure? That's a lotta food..!

[He was taught to have some manners, but he's still gaping at all this tasty food...]

Yeah. Ichigo is a 'Strabby', while Chip--Or Chipotle, is a particular variant of 'Bunger'. ...The names are taken from the fact that's... most of what they say, if they talk.

Bunger bunger bunger bunger--

Turo here basically made an entire 'SnaxDex' all on his own when that island was discovered, and these two stowed away in our stuff.

[Was that pride in Dojima's voice? Yeah. Of course he was impressed with how damn smart his partner was. Guy was a genius.]

--So you've gone to Area Zero yourself?

[Just going to grab them some glasses. Did... they have anything sweet to drink for the kid...?]

I am very sure, and it is a lot of food as the pokémon will be joining us for some of it. Take whatever you would like and enjoy.

You are more than welcome to look through the SnaxDex after eating to see the variety of Bugsnax that inhabit the island of Snaxburg.

[Spoken as he sat down, smiling a little as he watched Ichigo and Chip meet Kieran- and Bundle waddled over with that long look it had. A sudden smile in those LED eyes and waving flipper-like arms in greeting.

There would be orange juice to be found at least.

So he had indeed heard correctly.]

Iron Bundle is one of several Pokémon here with me from Area Zero, such as Miraidon. If you do not mind my asking, along with Dojima's question- why was it you ended up going to Area Zero?

Wow... they look so... weird! Like those Vanilluxe that Crispin showed me...

[Pokemon that look like food are uncommon, but they exist. Honestly, this 'Strabby' and 'Bunger' look more like Pokemon than half the 'animals' here did. It's weirdly familiar, in an odd way.]

[He perks up as both men offer the Snaxdex, and he nods.]

Ah, sure! I'll take a look after! I wouldn't mind learnin' about 'em! [At least that way it'll feel like back home... sort of.]

[After making sure it's okay, Kieran lets out Hydrapple again so the Pokemon could eat. While initially wary of the men, it turns out that a full plate of gyoza is enough to make all prior offences forgiven, given the way each head comes out of that apple to chirr happily and begin guzzling down the food. The Bundle gets a chuckle from Kieran at its antics; he very much likes this one here over the dangerous wild ones he'd seen.]

[Though, given both men's reaction, he's suddenly wondering if he was supposed to even say anything. He fidgets where he sits, tugging on his hair anxiously.]

Ah... yeah, with my sister an' friend. I uh... technically Ms. Briar an' the Paldean League said not to tell anyone what happened down there, but...

[After a pause, he decides that if the Professor already knows, and Dojima already knows, it's probably fine? So he takes a breath and continues.]

My teacher, Ms. Briar, she's been doin' research on the Terastallization phenomenon. So we went with her down into th' Underdepths to do some research, and...

[And here he pauses again, not out of wariness, but instead to center himself from those frightening memories.]

She... wanted us t'find a Legendary Pokemon down there...

There are few pokémon that resemble foods; all Bugsnax resemble some sort of food- or drink in some cases.

[Of course after eating he would get his own copy of the SnaxDex out, but for now- well. Something more pressing was in mind.

Even as Turo set out separate plates and bowls for his own pokémon to take and eat, even while listening to Kieran-]

The 'Hidden Treasure' of Area Zero, correct? A dormant pokémon down in those underdepths, that is likely connect to tera crystals and the phenomenon with them itself. Left alone given.. well, difficult to get down to each and every time, and the research I worked on drifted away from it being down there. [The Time Machine had become the sole focus, rather than anything else down there that should have been studied.] The Indigo disk- I imagine that must have been on hand for you all to have accessed the underdepths, given I had sent it to the League.

... That likely means you heard of what happened in Area Zero itself. Why you were surprised to see me one you realized who I was. Correct?

[The way Kieran visibly jolts in recognition -- and possibly fear -- at the phrase "Hidden Treasure of Area Zero" should be telling enough for Turo. For a moment, while the older man talks, he doesn't look at him; rather, he looks like his mind is far, far away from this conversation. Far away back in Paldea, deep in the depths of Area Zero, at the bottom of a crater in a cave of shimmering crystals, staring down a monster of rainbow light and stardust, seeing a beam of pure Terastal energy heading his way--]

[It's his Hydrapple that snaps him back to attention, one of the lesser heads nosing at his knee and chirring in concern. Kieran blinks in surprise for a moment, then forces himself to take a breath, reaching over to give the head a grateful petting before turning back to Turo.]

Y-Yeah. My friend had the Indigo Disk, an' used it to get into the lab. We saw a buncha notes, and my friend mentioned how the Professor... er, you weren't around anymore, so...

[Hydrapple seems to fully notice his trainer's distress and shuffles closer, the main head nosing its way against Kieran's chest while two other lesser heads coil around Kieran's back protectively. He clears his throat, keeping his hand on the two heads that are now resting on his knees while he continues.]

A-Anyway, we used the elevator to go down into the Underdepths, which my friend never went to. We went deeper, an... we found... [Another pause, another breath.] ...We found it. Terapagos.

[He had been in the kitchen getting drinks and starting to make coffee, but still listening to the conversation. Ah, so this was how the kid knew about Turo and the Lab but never met him face to face before. He wasn't one of the kids that went down into Area Zero with Arven and [redacted], but another time, later on. Possibly still with [redacted] though...

And this Briar lady. Who the hell was she, trying to get down there? Turo didn't react to the name earlier, so he didn't know about it, which felt odd, but... maybe he didn't have permission to look at the Professor's emails? ... Had he asked Turo that before? Couldn't recall.

Coffee done, he came out with a tray- water, orange juice, and two mugs of coffee. Assuming the kid didn't drink it but... well, he'd be forgiven for that, right?]

[... Wait. Kieran looked like--

He remembered Souji having that look. Especially when they talked about how he had gone after Adachi--

He-- doesn't really think, before his hand is reaching out, giving the kid's shoulder a squeeze.]

...You being down there was dubious enough as is. Why did your Teacher drag you down there with her, when she could've gotten other adults? And...

[A glance back to Turo, confusion on his face.]

Terapagos?

[He'd gone through Turo's Pokedex several times out of curiousity, but that name didn't ring a bell...]

Edited 2025-02-03 14:58 (UTC)

I imagine things will either be left, or collecting in time...

[He didn't miss the look, no, and was glad that Dojima had made his way back- that haunted look. Something had happened and it had definitely left a mark; there were reasons only certain people were allowed down into such a restricted and dangerous zone.

.. why the path to the underdepths had such a key that made it impossible to get down there without it.]

Terapagos is essentially the terastal pokémon, mentioned so barely in the published copy of the Violet Book it took quite some digging to come to the name. Work on it hidden separately simply because of it's slumbering state and the dangers down there. Notes about it in the research station underneath the time machine, the deepest depths-

[Turo leaned forwards.]

You do not have to tell us what happened, Kieran. Your teacher must have gotten Geeta's permission to go down there.

[One of Hydrapple’s lesser heads had been resting on Kieran’s shoulder, but when Dojima moves to rest his hand on it, the head lifts up briefly, sniffs Dojima’s hand, then rests its scaly head on the man’s hand as well. Some form of approval there, for what it’s worth.]

[Kieran, meanwhile, looks down sadly, his free hand moving to pet Hydrapple’s main head. Idly, one of his fingers trace a faint scar on the Hydrapple’s main neck, one he knows came from a barrage of falling stars.]

Yeah, Ms. Briar got permission from the Paldean League to go explore. Plus, my friend’s a Paldean Champion, an’ went down there before. My sister’n I went because she’s Ms. Briar’s research assistant and I’m the school Champion… er, used to be. Besides, I… asked to go down there. I wanted to find Terapagos, but…

[Now there’s something mingling with his expression, more than fear; palpable guilt. He trails, glancing up at Dojima and Turo, before nodding slowly. Truly, he’s grateful for them giving him this out, even if it feels a little cowardly. All of this… it’s a lot. He’s not sure he can handle a confession of guilt on top of everything right now.]

[He blinks and looks up at the orange juice before him. When did that get there? He was really out of it, wasn’t he? He’d reach for it, but Hydrapple is kinda keeping him pinned by its noodly hug. Oh well, he can wait.]

‘Sides, Ms. Briar’s a descendant of that guy who wrote the Violet Book, so she wanted to prove he was right. She ended up writin’ a book of her own after…

[Listening to both of them, mulling over it all-- Terapogos, Violet Book, barely in the--

When something clicked.]

--Hang on. I'll be right back.

[He got up, heading into the bedroom, though leaving the door open in case Turo needed him. Wasn't very long before he was back with a familiar book, opening it to a particular page... And setting it down on the table. A little... tilted towards Turo since it seemed like the kid was spooked by the Pokemon...]

This one, right?

[Kieran looks up at Dojima as he leaves the room, and takes a moment to pet Hydrapple and quietly assure the Pokemon that he's fine. However, when Dojima returns with that book in hand, Kieran's eyes widen. And then, seeing that image from the book...]

...!!

[Kieran visibly tenses, his breath hitching as he stares at that image. It's an artist's rendering, so it isn't entirely accurate to the real thing. For one, the crown on its back was larger, and made of brilliant crystals. The cracked dome was more crystalline than the image, with the floating hexagonal symbols circling around it. Its eyes were more brilliant than the ones shown, like glittering gems of illuminated starlight... starlight and bright light, cascading around them all, threatening to destroy the entire cave if it didn't strike them all down where they stood...]

[Kieran doesn't even realize he's started trembling, or that he's suddenly gripping onto Hydrapple like a lifeline. He's just staring at that image in the Violet Book, his gaze on the image but his vision far, far away.]

[Turo nodded as his attention was on Dojima long enough to answer—-

Yes, that is the one—

[-but he caught Kieran's reaction from the corner of an eye, and there was realization within eve less than the split of a second. Mariposa already on the move; not to get in between Hydrapple and Kieran, but instead working with them both, supporting the pokémon while also giving that arm comfort to the boy as well.

Turo's hand moved over Dojima's to close the book, resting on top of the cover and the other man's hand to keep it there and cover the book partly as well. Just firmly enough to try and make it clear to his partner that he hadn't done anything wrong, per-se. He was fine- and Kieran would be as well.]

Kieran? You are alright, take a moment. It is not here.

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