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countryclub2022-09-25 09:57 pm
reddosmod) wrote in countryclub2022-09-25 09:57 pm
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SEPTEMBER TEST DRIVE MEME!
SEPTEMBER 2022 TDM
STANDARD ARRIVAL
A FADED MEMORY
FRIEND OR FOE
CODING
Another month, another test drive meme! Our test drive memes are open to anyone interested - regardless of whether or not you join our game!
All Test Drive Memes are game canon. Players can choose to keep their TDM threads canon or not. TDM threads can be used for AC and can be used as your writing sample for your application.
Our TDMs serve as a way to build into the actual lore and worldbuilding of Deer Country and we strongly encourage everyone to enjoy and participate! Current players are always welcome to pull prompts from the TDM to reference on the Network or bring into logs as well as tag out to new characters top-leveling on the TDM itself.
Characters will always be able to actively die during TDMs as this is an extremely dangerous world. You can still have this be game canon! Check out how character death in Deer Country works here.
If you have any questions about the TDM, please ask down below!
IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Prompt One
[Image One: Bread Cornucopia filled with fruits and veggies]
[Image Two: Creepy glass eye embedded in sand]
Prompt Two
[Image One: A Lone Lighthouse by night]
[Image Two: Ghost Ship in dilapidated condition]
Prompt Three
[Image One: Wasps, Wasp Nest made from human Mask screaming terror, swirling eddies in wasp Nest]
[Image Two: Horribly mutilated Cenobite in Latex gear with exposed teeth]
All Test Drive Memes are game canon. Players can choose to keep their TDM threads canon or not. TDM threads can be used for AC and can be used as your writing sample for your application.
Our TDMs serve as a way to build into the actual lore and worldbuilding of Deer Country and we strongly encourage everyone to enjoy and participate! Current players are always welcome to pull prompts from the TDM to reference on the Network or bring into logs as well as tag out to new characters top-leveling on the TDM itself.
Characters will always be able to actively die during TDMs as this is an extremely dangerous world. You can still have this be game canon! Check out how character death in Deer Country works here.
If you have any questions about the TDM, please ask down below!
Prompt One
[Image One: Bread Cornucopia filled with fruits and veggies]
[Image Two: Creepy glass eye embedded in sand]
Prompt Two
[Image One: A Lone Lighthouse by night]
[Image Two: Ghost Ship in dilapidated condition]
Prompt Three
[Image One: Wasps, Wasp Nest made from human Mask screaming terror, swirling eddies in wasp Nest]
[Image Two: Horribly mutilated Cenobite in Latex gear with exposed teeth]
WHEN: First Week of September
WHERE: The Farther Shores/The Boardwalk, Koz's Orphanage
CONTENT WARNINGS: Creepy Prosthetics buried in the sand
WHERE: The Farther Shores/The Boardwalk, Koz's Orphanage
CONTENT WARNINGS: Creepy Prosthetics buried in the sand
On some level, you are one of the fortunate ones. The storms of August are now a distant memory. It is the waning of the Blood Moon and the tempestuous state of the Beast Moon this year is fading finally while the harvest is being collected. Sleepers arriving find no particular difficulty in actually reaching the shores for the most part, and transformations back into their natural state of being are relatively easy.
They are met by happy Trenchies and fellow Sleepers with robes of white and their bags as normal, and motioned towards the waiting tents set up along the
What is strange, however, is that when Sleepers arrive, they may find their eyes drawn to something disturbing amongst the sand. Water washes with the waves and tide, and reveals a body part! They are always prosthetics of some variety, and many are glass eyes that eerily stare at the person. They can be retrieved with some ease, though they're in bad need of cleaning. Perhaps they belong to someone in town? If not, however, asking around will get a suggestion to bring those to Koz's Orphange in Crenshaw. They have a Lost and Found there, and it is the season of finding what and who is lost. If they do, they might catch a glimpse of Koz floating mournfully through the area, and one of the children will gratefully take the item, saying that they will add it to the rest of the Lost and Found, before coming back with a photo in hand. "Here, I found this, and I think it might be yours?" The photo is, indeed, of the giver and someone from their past. Perhaps it is an actual photo taken, or one they cannot remember having been taken. Regardless, it is offered to them in a cheap wooden frame. How it got there, the orphan does not know. It was probably there when they arrived.
SEASONAL DETAILS ON THE BOARDWALK
The Boardwalk is quite the spectacle this time of year, and those who were here the prior year will remember many of the decorations and festivities. Pumpkins have been stacked on spikes lining the Boardwalk with grotesquely realistic carvings of faces decorated on them. Massive white linen has been hung in the air to look like ghosts floating back and forth against the ocean wind.
Delicious smells waft from the Boardwalk as fresh donuts, candied apples, and hot apple cider are sold at every other booth, along with complementary cornucopias given to each new Sleeper made out of bread that has fruits of all varieties but always seems to have a small jar of the favorite fruit, seed, vegetable (or even meat) of the person receiving it. If asked where it is from, the Sleepers shrug and say "The Orphans took up a collection to give a welcoming gift to new arrivals." If what is in the jar is eaten by the person given it, it will help to ease their mind and give them a calm that can last up to a week as they acclimate.
Preparations are in order for this year's Black Parade. An annual celebration, it is promoted among the excited locals as something that people can participate in. Face Painting booths and costumes are available to those who wish them, with the statement by the Trenchies, "We do it to disguise ourselves from roaming spirits and hungry beasts."
What is strange, however, is that when Sleepers arrive, they may find their eyes drawn to something disturbing amongst the sand. Water washes with the waves and tide, and reveals a body part! They are always prosthetics of some variety, and many are glass eyes that eerily stare at the person. They can be retrieved with some ease, though they're in bad need of cleaning. Perhaps they belong to someone in town? If not, however, asking around will get a suggestion to bring those to Koz's Orphange in Crenshaw. They have a Lost and Found there, and it is the season of finding what and who is lost. If they do, they might catch a glimpse of Koz floating mournfully through the area, and one of the children will gratefully take the item, saying that they will add it to the rest of the Lost and Found, before coming back with a photo in hand. "Here, I found this, and I think it might be yours?" The photo is, indeed, of the giver and someone from their past. Perhaps it is an actual photo taken, or one they cannot remember having been taken. Regardless, it is offered to them in a cheap wooden frame. How it got there, the orphan does not know. It was probably there when they arrived.
The Boardwalk is quite the spectacle this time of year, and those who were here the prior year will remember many of the decorations and festivities. Pumpkins have been stacked on spikes lining the Boardwalk with grotesquely realistic carvings of faces decorated on them. Massive white linen has been hung in the air to look like ghosts floating back and forth against the ocean wind.
Delicious smells waft from the Boardwalk as fresh donuts, candied apples, and hot apple cider are sold at every other booth, along with complementary cornucopias given to each new Sleeper made out of bread that has fruits of all varieties but always seems to have a small jar of the favorite fruit, seed, vegetable (or even meat) of the person receiving it. If asked where it is from, the Sleepers shrug and say "The Orphans took up a collection to give a welcoming gift to new arrivals." If what is in the jar is eaten by the person given it, it will help to ease their mind and give them a calm that can last up to a week as they acclimate.
Preparations are in order for this year's Black Parade. An annual celebration, it is promoted among the excited locals as something that people can participate in. Face Painting booths and costumes are available to those who wish them, with the statement by the Trenchies, "We do it to disguise ourselves from roaming spirits and hungry beasts."
WHEN: Mid October
WHERE: In Swimming distance (Barely) of the Farther Shores
CONTENT WARNINGS: Ghostly Ship & Lighthouse, Threat of Corruption, Remains of Ghastly Murder and Dismembered Corpse
WHERE: In Swimming distance (Barely) of the Farther Shores
CONTENT WARNINGS: Ghostly Ship & Lighthouse, Threat of Corruption, Remains of Ghastly Murder and Dismembered Corpse
It is by accident that your eyes chance to look towards the Farther Shores. There, you happen to see a lighthouse, but you know for certain that it cannot be the lighthouse that is normally there and manned by the fishermen. You can't usually see that from this angle. The moment that you see it, a feeling of mounting dread falls upon you, and you realize that there is no light in the lighthouse. Though the compulsion to investigate can be resisted, there is an almost overwhelming urge to go, to investigate, to re-ignite the flame before it is too late!
The question is getting out there. The fishermen, when the lighthouse is mentioned, will make warding gestures and look terrified. All will resolutely refuse to sail out, muttering incomprehensible curses and lashing their boats securely to the shore. There will be no fishing tonight. The lighthouse, from the docks and shores, is out in the water on a rocky outcrop that nobody remembers being there, though any Trenchy asked will pale at the mention. The only way to get out there is to swim. It is a hard, dangerous swim, but the tide is coming in, rather than going out, so the riptide is not pulling down. It can be done, or a raft can be hastily made. When clambering up the stone steps to the lone lighthouse, it is apparent its door is ajar. And within? Horror awaits.
The insides of the tower are caked in viscuous, green blood. The Lighthouse itself is barely standing. It looks as if a thunderous, colossal fist has battered it repeatedly, the building nearly collapsing at every step. It does not actually break apart, but those who ascend the steps find themselves fighting not to slip on old, caked and thick blood that smells of roses. The contact with the blood isn't doing anything good to the person's sanity and hallucinations of the screams of the dying can be heard, along with shrieks of "What is it?" at the top of someone's voice. An increase in corruption is possible here, though not required. The more one contacts the blood, the greater the risk is. In the top of the lighthouse, dismembered, skeletal remains lay in gobs of what may once have been flesh. One of them holds desperately a torch in their hand, and there is a lighter present. One look out into the night will see a great vessel approaching, broken, its sails tattered and ruined. there is little time, and hopefully the lighter works!
The moment the torch lights the lamp in the lighthouse, the ship veers away from a collision course that would have destroyed the lighthouse and likely the flimsy rock outcropping on which it stood. Shades of dead sailors stare in horror at those who man the lighthouse today, the ship sailing away into the night. All are pointing beyond, and if you look over your shoulder, you can barely see a collosal figure in shadow walking into the town beyond, seemingly confused and wailing. Nothing further happens, and when the people in the lighthouse reach shore again, they will find upon turning back that it is gone, as is the outcropping, though a close inspection does see the remains of a shallow of stone there where the island once stood.
Note: The Ghost ship cannot be interacted with. If someone has the ability to reach it, they will pass through it only to realize it is nothing more than a memory in the land. Fragments of rotted wood and broken masonry can be found in the water below, covered in countless barnacles. Nothing within them shows any proof of what once transpired. There is a risk of corruption from blood exposure, though this is very much up to the players if they wish to incorporate it.
No Trenchy will willingly speak of what transpired, though a careful investigation at the Pale Sanctuary may find a tome among the sacred texts associated with Cloverfield. Reading from it, one might find a forgotten marking that the first sighting of Cloverfield, long ago, saw the collapse of the original lighthouse. No Disciple recalls the incident, and none will speak of it.
The question is getting out there. The fishermen, when the lighthouse is mentioned, will make warding gestures and look terrified. All will resolutely refuse to sail out, muttering incomprehensible curses and lashing their boats securely to the shore. There will be no fishing tonight. The lighthouse, from the docks and shores, is out in the water on a rocky outcrop that nobody remembers being there, though any Trenchy asked will pale at the mention. The only way to get out there is to swim. It is a hard, dangerous swim, but the tide is coming in, rather than going out, so the riptide is not pulling down. It can be done, or a raft can be hastily made. When clambering up the stone steps to the lone lighthouse, it is apparent its door is ajar. And within? Horror awaits.
The insides of the tower are caked in viscuous, green blood. The Lighthouse itself is barely standing. It looks as if a thunderous, colossal fist has battered it repeatedly, the building nearly collapsing at every step. It does not actually break apart, but those who ascend the steps find themselves fighting not to slip on old, caked and thick blood that smells of roses. The contact with the blood isn't doing anything good to the person's sanity and hallucinations of the screams of the dying can be heard, along with shrieks of "What is it?" at the top of someone's voice. An increase in corruption is possible here, though not required. The more one contacts the blood, the greater the risk is. In the top of the lighthouse, dismembered, skeletal remains lay in gobs of what may once have been flesh. One of them holds desperately a torch in their hand, and there is a lighter present. One look out into the night will see a great vessel approaching, broken, its sails tattered and ruined. there is little time, and hopefully the lighter works!
The moment the torch lights the lamp in the lighthouse, the ship veers away from a collision course that would have destroyed the lighthouse and likely the flimsy rock outcropping on which it stood. Shades of dead sailors stare in horror at those who man the lighthouse today, the ship sailing away into the night. All are pointing beyond, and if you look over your shoulder, you can barely see a collosal figure in shadow walking into the town beyond, seemingly confused and wailing. Nothing further happens, and when the people in the lighthouse reach shore again, they will find upon turning back that it is gone, as is the outcropping, though a close inspection does see the remains of a shallow of stone there where the island once stood.
Note: The Ghost ship cannot be interacted with. If someone has the ability to reach it, they will pass through it only to realize it is nothing more than a memory in the land. Fragments of rotted wood and broken masonry can be found in the water below, covered in countless barnacles. Nothing within them shows any proof of what once transpired. There is a risk of corruption from blood exposure, though this is very much up to the players if they wish to incorporate it.
No Trenchy will willingly speak of what transpired, though a careful investigation at the Pale Sanctuary may find a tome among the sacred texts associated with Cloverfield. Reading from it, one might find a forgotten marking that the first sighting of Cloverfield, long ago, saw the collapse of the original lighthouse. No Disciple recalls the incident, and none will speak of it.
WHEN: Anytime in October
WHERE: At the frindges of the main districts
CONTENT WARNINGS: demonic bugs, Bug Horror, Grotesque death, Self mutilation, Bug Infestation
WHERE: At the frindges of the main districts
CONTENT WARNINGS: demonic bugs, Bug Horror, Grotesque death, Self mutilation, Bug Infestation
The first thing that alerts you to the danger is the screams. They are agonizing, gut-wrenching and full of naked horror. When traveling near the edge of any of the districts, particularly the Crenshaw district, it is possible at times to witness a truly horrifying sight. The screams, if investigated, come upon the grisly attack of a horde of not exactly wasps but closer to demonic insects swarming over a person. They shriek, their whole form shrouded by the terrible creatures as they're being stun and the things seem to be extruding some sort of substance to cocoon them while still alive to one of the trees. There is no cry for help, as the person is clearly unaware of who is there, but do you reach out to save them?
If you do not, the scene is horrific and grisly beyond reckoning. The wasps trap the hapless victim against a tree, grafting the extruded paper all over their screaming visage to form a new wasp nest before they ultimately begin crawling inside of them, devouring them from the inside out and implanting their eggs in the new 'home' created for them. It is at this time that the palpable danger may dawn upon you. The infernal bugs have not yet seen you, but they seem to be aware that there is other life around. Do you take this moment to try and beat a hasty retreat, or do you fight it out with the bugs? They can be destroyed, but only by means of abilities and powers that destroy multiples at once, such as great gouts of flame. Hopefully you have a coldblood present! Fleeing them is easier, but can you leave this person to their fate? Still, if instead you observe and take no action, eventually the bugs seem to notice you, and though they swarm near, as long as they are not attacked, they seem to do nothing.
Strange.
If, however, you try to save the victim, a very different scene plays out. The same rules apply to fight the swarm, and if you stop them short of killing their victim, you will see just who it is that you have saved. There, mutilated through self scarification and brutally altered in horrible ways that seem almost fetishistic, is one of the blood crazed zealots. Despite being weakened and badly injured, they lash out at you, their defender. The power that they wield with their blood is incredible, and they demonstrate an ability to wield it that is well documented. The only note is that no Cold-blooded Zealots are present, and so their powers are not represented this time. However, they are drained and though they pose a threat to your life, they can be killed here with a bit of care, can be resisted with great difficulty and certainly be escaped. Either way, there is no true reward for having killed them other than knowing that you have done so. Why are they here? Alone?
It is almost as if they were an advance scout, and the wasps were someone's defense against them, someone's early warning.
If you do not, the scene is horrific and grisly beyond reckoning. The wasps trap the hapless victim against a tree, grafting the extruded paper all over their screaming visage to form a new wasp nest before they ultimately begin crawling inside of them, devouring them from the inside out and implanting their eggs in the new 'home' created for them. It is at this time that the palpable danger may dawn upon you. The infernal bugs have not yet seen you, but they seem to be aware that there is other life around. Do you take this moment to try and beat a hasty retreat, or do you fight it out with the bugs? They can be destroyed, but only by means of abilities and powers that destroy multiples at once, such as great gouts of flame. Hopefully you have a coldblood present! Fleeing them is easier, but can you leave this person to their fate? Still, if instead you observe and take no action, eventually the bugs seem to notice you, and though they swarm near, as long as they are not attacked, they seem to do nothing.
Strange.
If, however, you try to save the victim, a very different scene plays out. The same rules apply to fight the swarm, and if you stop them short of killing their victim, you will see just who it is that you have saved. There, mutilated through self scarification and brutally altered in horrible ways that seem almost fetishistic, is one of the blood crazed zealots. Despite being weakened and badly injured, they lash out at you, their defender. The power that they wield with their blood is incredible, and they demonstrate an ability to wield it that is well documented. The only note is that no Cold-blooded Zealots are present, and so their powers are not represented this time. However, they are drained and though they pose a threat to your life, they can be killed here with a bit of care, can be resisted with great difficulty and certainly be escaped. Either way, there is no true reward for having killed them other than knowing that you have done so. Why are they here? Alone?
It is almost as if they were an advance scout, and the wasps were someone's defense against them, someone's early warning.
1
Granted, the familiar faces he was thinking were very, very different from the one he finds out there standing on the beach - and for a moment Daniel isn't sure whether this is real. After all, he knows by now that Trench loves messing with people, dangling their greatest fears in front of their noses. And it's true that if Trench would digs its claws into Daniel and rip his deepest fear right out of him, it would take the exact shape of the man standing there.
But that would be too coincidental for the time, or the location. This is no fear given flesh by this place. It's the man himself. All the relief brought on by the times people mentioned Terry had been here but had left is wiped clean off the table in an instant.
A tiny part of Daniel wants to turn and walk away. To get away from here as quickly as possible, not wanting to face this. But it's a part of him he doesn't give in to. After all, if Terry fucking Silver is here, then it's Daniel's personal responsibility to make sure that psychopath doesn't hurt even a single person here. If he doesn't do that, then who would?
So he steels himself. Daniel forces himself to walk over in the other's direction. Keeping his shoulders straight, his head high. Don't show fear. That's exactly what he'd want. ]
I suppose it's too late to push you right back into the ocean.
[ Such a friendly greeting. ]
no subject
Just think of all the fun they can have, here in this warped hell-hole where Terry has very little to lose.
He steps closer to Daniel (always a little too close, mirroring any steps he might take to maintain the uncomfortably short distance that exists between them) and leans in over him. ]
Is that any way to greet an old friend, Danny boy? [ He shakes his head, clicking his tongue in a scolding manner. Tsk tsk. ] Awfully uncharitable of you to be antagonizing the newcomers.
no subject
Daniel isn't planning on letting him. His face doesn't do as much as twitch (for now, anyway), no matter how much effort it takes to keep it in the exact same position as he stands there, forced to look up at the other. ]
Newcomers. [ The venom in the way he nearly spits out that word is clear as day though, followed up by a shake of the man's head. ] You and I both know you're more like one of the monsters that occasionally crawls out of the sea here.
[ No, even worse. At least those monsters don't play mind games. ]
I'm just here to tell you that you better not be thinking of messing with people in this place. Just go quietly back into.. retirement, or whatever the hell you were doing with your life. [ Especially when shoving Terry back into the sea and being rid of him truly just isn't an option.
If only. ]
no subject
[ He doesn't know how much Daniel remembers, and he can't flat-out ask it because that would make his gambit too obvious, but he's hoping his little trip home put him far enough ahead that no one can call his bluff.
And if he's wrong, well, there are other ways to deal with annoyances. ]
After everything that's happened, I thought you'd know well enough to leave me alone.
no subject
Shit.
Daniel was so caught up in the idea of Terry Silver being here at all that he didn't quite consider this part yet. Terry could be from absolutely any time. Johnny only remembering things from about nine months ago proves as much. Which means that what the other is refering to here could be anything, from maybe just their past, to the tournament, to maybe even something Daniel doesn't know about yet in the future.
It's a card Daniel absolutely can't read. He stares at the other man like he might find a sign of something there, but it seems like they're both holding their cards extra close to their chest here. Daniel realises that - if not for a moment - he has the advantage of Terry also not knowing what Daniel knows.
Like the most messed up game of poker. ]
When has leaving you alone ever helped anything or anyone?
[ It's why he fires off the more vague statement first, trying to desperately ignore the way his heart is racing with anxiety. Trying to buy time. To think. ]
Besides, I think you need to be a little more clear. [ It feels like he's fumbling with every word, but Daniel keeps his best to stay strong, keep his face in check. Don't give too much away.
Try to peel the information out of his hands before showing him any of his own. ]
You do know people come here from different points in time, right? And it's not like we've been through just one or two things. You could be talking about anything.
no subject
[ The fact that he knows about Chozen is enough to make him look legit, he hopes. He refrains from mentioning Mike Barnes for now, because Terry's not even sure how the fuck those two got on better terms again other than that Barnes became soft after one loss. ]
You're alright - well, physically anyway - but them? [ He shakes his head. ] Anything that happened after they broke into my house was self-defense.
[ He leans in even closer, still grinning wildly. ]
Of course, you know that. You're the expert on defense, aren't you Danny boy?
no subject
But it also immediately strikes a chord within him. He has no idea about context here. He can't imagine sending Chozen and Johnny somewhere without him being there alongside them, let alone straight into a house invasion. But even without context, the more important part is the way Terry makes it sound like he did something. And Chozen-- he's Daniel's responsibility, he was the one who dragged the other man into this. Even the thought of something happening to Johnny, despite their difficulties-- ]
What?
[ Daniel's advantage is gone, dropped in an instant. Maybe he was a fool for thinking that he could keep his cool in the face of the man standing in front of him, even just on the outside, when it were Terry's hands that partially formed Daniel into what he is today.
When he can feel a fire starting to burn in the pit of his stomach, his weight shifting from his heels to the balls of his feet, just so he can lean upward a little more, moving closer rather than backing off, agitation growing.
His tone drops, his voice tighter. ]
What did you do?
no subject
[ He feigns offense, but Daniel's reaction is enough to keep him happy on the inside. At last he can make him squirm like he always wanted to. ]
What did they do? Aren't you wondering that? Well, they assaulted an old man.
[ He shrugs, and starts pacing, circling around Daniel like they're predator and prey. And in a way, they are, aren't they? And Terry's been so much kinder to his little mouse than most snakes would be. ]
An old man who happened to be a master swordsman, something you might have known if you ever bothered to me what I've been up to all these years. [ A short chuckle. ] You can appreciate a little samurai justice, can't you?
no subject
And then there's the fact that if he was going to lie, surely he would think up a more believable story than this one. ]
How do you expect me to believe even one bit of a story like that?
[ Yet Daniel is still tense. Because he can't dismiss the possibility either. Not fully. It shows in how every single inch of his body seems tense as he stands there, trying to keep his eyes on the other man as he moves around Daniel. ]
You're lying, Silver. [ There's an extra edge to Daniel's voice as he says it. Because this is what it always comes down to between them, doesn't it? The very crux of all of their interactions, of what the man did to Daniel decades ago.
Maybe Terry thinks he's still that teenager. That nothing has changed. That he can fool Daniel, over and over and over again, bend him to his will. ] You always lie to me.
no subject
[ Or who aren't rich enough to buy whatever they want, take whatever lessons they want, and go wherever they want. He's a billionaire; he can have a room full of cool swords if he wants to. ]
Your friend brought his sai. It was only fair that I have a weapon of my own. [ And Chozen put up a good fight with them, a little detail that Terry leaves out to spare his own pride.
He adjusts the bundled gi he's been holding at his side, that this world was kind enough to return to him. At a glance it's just a rolled up gi, upon closer inspection it looks like it might be rolled around something. ]
Would you like to see it, Danny? I ought to let it rest after a good fight, but I'd always pull it out for you.
no subject
[ Daniel scoffs. Apparently just bright enough to catch onto that part of those words specifically, yet dumb enough for at least three layers of this to go right over his head. ]
Look. I don't know what kind of-- insane mind games you plan on playing this time. [ Because Terry does. He always does, and this is the exact moment where Daniel fiercely wishes he could be one step ahead of the other, rather than feeling like he's trailing behind, desperately trying to catch up. ] But there is absolutely no way you could have defeated Chozen.
[ He can't help but defend the other, despite Chozen not even being here. Maybe it's since something about what Terry said earlier still creeps right underneath Daniel's skin. Chozen fighting Terry, without him, weren't they supposed to work together on this-- ]
He is a man of honor. You're just a psychopath with-- [ His eyes fall on the bundle.
It does look like there could be something in there. Who knows if it's a sword. Does it matter if that part of it is real?
.. does it? Daniel hates the way Terry Silver's very presence seems to make him second guess everything. ]
-- with maybe a new toy.
no subject
Then call my bluff. Tell me you want to see it. Maybe you're right, and I'm lying. [ He's not lying, but he doesn't just want to take his prized possession out and flaunt it. He likes to make Daniel beg a little first. ]
But I'm not showing you unless you ask.
no subject
Because he needs a moment here. Daniel refuses to break eye contact - like the only thing he has to fall back on here are mister Miyagi's words, always look them in the eye - even if it means craning his neck up to properly be able to do so. But even as he isn't saying a thing, Daniel's brain is working overtime.
There's some sort of power play going on here, after all. He's not stupid, not that young boy anymore, he can tell.
And he intensely dislikes it. Instinctively dislikes it. It makes a part of him immediately want to tell Terry to screw off.
But then you won't know, a voice tells him in the back of his head. Doesn't he have to wring all possible information out of the other? To know how to deal with Terry, both here and back home. To make sure he doesn't hurt anyone. It feels like Daniel's personal responsibility. ]
... show me.
[ He finally says. ]
no subject
[ He smiles warmly, unwrapping the gi and showing off the sheathed katana inside. ] This sword once belonged to Uesugi Kenshin. I'm glad it's still in good hands. [ He grasps it on both hands, pulling it halfway out of the saya. Just enough to reveal that there's still some blood on the blade itself. ]
Ah, it wasn't cleaned on the way in. I'll have to do that when I settle down. It's bad for the steel, you know.
[ And with that, he snaps it shut again, rolling it back up in the gi. He's no threat right now, not unless Daniel strikes first. ]
no subject
But then there's said blade. And the actual blood on the blade. It could be fake, some trick or trap, but when this is Terry Daniel is dealing with, him just cutting a person with a sword like some maniac feels somehow like just as likely of a possibility.
(But what then? What if it really is Chozen's? Did Terry just hurt him, or did he kill him, is Chozen okay--)
Daniel feels his heart racing inside of his chest with worry, hating how easily the other can still make him feel clueless and small, even though he's a grown adult. ]
"Settle down".. [ Daniel repeats the words with a scoff. Everything about him, from his body language to his voice to his expression, making it so clear that there's so much energy right there, just bubbling underneath his skin, barely contained. ] You think that's it? That you can just waltz in here and live here like any normal person? Like you're not a monster?
[ Not that Terry wasn't already one in Daniel's eyes, but if he really did something even more manic back home than before-- ]
If you really did back home what you claim to have done, then you should've gone to jail like your buddy Kreese!
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[ He tucks the gi back under his arm, laughing when Daniel mentions Kreese. If it were Johnny he's smack him upside the head for that, but Kreese never cared for Daniel. There's no jealousy there. ]
Do you really think John would be in prison if I didn't want him there? [ He shakes his head. ] I've done worse. I'll get a slap on the wrist. Money talks, you should know that by now.
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He doesn't want this place to be like that too. Not again.
But in the face of having very little ammo there, the only thing he can metaphorically dig his foot into is-- ]
What, is there suddenly something wrong between the two of you? [ They had seemed fine at the tournament, Daniel thinks. From what he could see, anyway. ] Got trouble in paradise?
[ Not that Daniel has even the tiniest inch of an idea that he's a little closer to reality with that 'trouble in paradise' thing than he might imagine. ]
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[ In other words, Terry needed to swing the power dynamic back in his direction, although the fact that he needed to do all that just to humble Kreese when he himself could be torn down with some harsh words says a lot about who still has the power. ]
John is worth more to me than anyone, and I still sent him to prison. What do you think I'd be willing to do to you and your friends if you're making my life difficult?
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It doesn't make it more sense that he'd let Kreese be in prison, or even send him there - framed? -, but then again, Daniel knows Terry is just a psychopath. Someone who would very well be capable of stabbing Chozen with a fucking samurai sword, like he's claiming.
That thought still threatens to make him nauseous. And sure, Chozen isn't here, but there are tons of innocent people here. Robby and Tory are here. Johnny's here - and for all the awkwardness between them, Daniel wouldn't want him to suffer at the hands of this maniac either.
Chozen got hurt because Daniel called him over. If even more people get hurt because of him, or because he didn't do enough, then— ]
Listen, Silver.
[ It's hard to look intimidating when the person you're talking to absolutely towers over you, but the least he can do is not back down. Crane his neck, if he has to. Stare Terry right in the eyes, refusing to break eye contact. His tone dropping until it's deadly serious. ]
If there's anyone who's going to make your life difficult, it's me. You're my problem.
[ (derogatory) ]
Don't go around making yourself someone else's.