august catch-all!

[letmewin]

🧙 WHO: Asriel and your character!
⚔️️ WHAT: It's a catch all for the month + one quest prompt.
🕒 WHEN: Through August.
🗺️ WHERE: Around Camelot.
⚠️ WARNINGS: None! Will edit if any content warnings come up.

a. new magic, new curse

( Things were.... a lot emotionally-wise for the Monster Child last month, and that's putting things lightly. He's been keeping to himself a bit more since the incident at the Hall of Mirrors, but it seems like this world tends to continue to throw things his way that he isn't expecting.

Not only does he wake up with different ears, but it definitely looks bizarre. He's well-aware now that some people think that he resembles a goat, but what now that he has white, cat-like ears? He quickly misses how they once were, but he's gone through more dramatic changes at home. He knows about the rumor going around that Animal Mages were the ones who had done things like this to others, but at the least – it seemed to be harmless beyond the weird animal parts.

It isn't just that, but... it seems like his animal magic is just gone. He can be found at the beach, sitting next to the shore – attempting to talk to the mossatees that he had helped last month. He hugs his knees, a hint of defeat in the way he looks to the water. )

Gee, I can't understand them anymore.

b. practicing

( It almost feels like routine for Asriel to practice his elemental magic at this point in time. Monsters like himself were made of magic, so at home his magic would have come naturally to him in time. However, while they were here he had to work for it to become stronger. He's focused mostly on his fire magic, so it was time to try something else entirely.

His familiar is closely behind him, making chattering noises as Asriel tries to figure out how to really go about furthering his abilities.

He raises a hand up, brows furrowing. It takes a moment, but a small shard of ice eventually forms, floating inches above his paw-like palm.

His fur bristles in surprise at that before his face lights up. )

Almond, we did it! Heheh, that's so great! Thank you...!

c. (QUEST) don't treep, man

( Asriel decides to try to pitch in and try to help. He's not all too sure about how much he can do, but he wants to do his best at what he's capable of doing! After everything that happened at home, he's doing whatever he can to make up for what had happened.

It's only a little after he arrives that his familiar is urging him to help with the crops, causing Asriel to hesitate. He doesn't really have green magic – or... at least, he doesn't think so. He has yet to figure out what his new magic is. But, the way that the smaller creature is urging him to try is a bit telling.

He closes his eyes then, taking in a breath before he tries to concentrate on the field before him – and slowly, but surely – some of the crops begin to regrow.

When he opens his eyes, he freezes, a hand moving to his other wrist before looking away. )

…. O-Oh.

( To say that he's unhappy about this turn of events would be putting it lightly. )

d. stargazing

( Considering that Asiel has never really lived anywhere except underground, it's his first time not only experiencing sunlight, but seeing the stars as well. He's been glued to his sibling quite a bit since he first arrived. However, one evening he decides to do something different.

He finds a hill a bit away from others, leaning on the palm of his hands as he looks upwards. There's nothing but amazement in his expression – green-colored eyes practically sparkling as he does he best to memorize them all. )

Golly, they're even prettier than what we had in Waterfall...

Comments

closed to ochako

[letmewin]

( As soon as the field of flowers comes into view is the very moment Asriel begins to run. He really can't help it -- he's never seen anything quite like this! While he's here primarily for Chara, he can't help but want to memorize it all for himself.

There were places of the Underground that were indeed beautiful, but nothing could really compared to the surface. It felt like there were countless things that he had yet to see, and this was an entirely new world. Who knew what could be found at home?

Not just that-- it was something that Asriel would see for himself. Before coming here, he was prepared to spend the rest of his life in the Underground. That was only part of why he wanted to enjoy his time here to the fullest. And how could it be any better to do so than to do it with a new friend? )

Golly, there's so many! Where do we start?

[floatsaway]

[Ochako doesn't follow after Asriel, but she does call out to him to be careful and not trip, or run over the grass too much and ruin the work of the farmers and gardeners. Once he's far enough, her expression falls just a little bit - the tension she's been carrying in her shoulders, and the shadows lingering at the corners of her too sweet smiles sort of fade a little bit. It took a lot to come out here today, if she had to be honest. Ochako's not been in much of a mood to socialize lately, but she promised to take Asriel to see a flower field if she ever found one, and the farmlands did indeed have some really nice fields. There was even a sunflower patch like she hoped for - the farmers harvested the seeds and oil for commercial use to sell. After asking, and probably looking like she herself needed the pick-me-up, the farmers agreed to let them tour the fields for a few hours, just made them promise not to damage anything. Ochako would take full responsibility for that, if it did happen.

The sunflowers were huge, towering even over Ochako's head entirely by several feet. Th-Though that's not a huge feat, since the tiny thing really is only about 5'2". But!! It's still pretty cool and the bright flowers are a sight to behold, but it's mostly Asriel's joy and excitement that actually puts an honest smile on her face. She's been a bit forced during the trip here - the boy reminds her a little too much or Eri right now, and Ochako wonders if she should have invited her along...or if she could face the child again. Or if Eri even wanted to speak to or talk to her anymore. Stupid thoughts, but fears and insecurities nonetheless. Ochako's had herwell of those the past few weeks, and the troubles with the mirrors didn't help in the slightest, just broke the dam. Now she has to wade through the flooded grounds of her stupid emotions until she reaches dry land again.

It'll be a wile yet, for that, but right now feels something akin to a life raft. A small fix, but a welcome one nonetheless.]

Ehehe, I'm not really sure. I think we're allowed to go into the sunflower patch, but try not to get lost - these things are really, really big!! Oh, after I heard they have sweets made from sunflower seeds and cocoa inside... Maybe we can try some!

[letmewin]

( Asriel is the kind of person who's empathetic, and while he's still young he could tell something was off with Ochako. To Asriel, that was all the more reason to do something that might make her happy. He knows that when he's sad, doing something with a friend always cheered him up. Or, at least... Chara was always really good at cheering him up. He just hopes he can have the same affect on her.

He turns to look at her, stopping in his tracks - his tiny tail wagging back and forth in happiness. )

Gosh, they're not usually this big? Maybe it's magic from this world that's helped them grow.

( Ah, sweets! That makes this trip even better...! )

Sweets! ( He bounces a bit on his feet at the thought. ) I wonder if they'll be okay with us bringing some home with us? I bet your friends would be happy to try them.

[floatsaway]

[And he is. Ochako can usually pull herself out of her rut enough to not worry others - put on enough of a mask to force herself to be her usual, chipper self. Internalize. Compartmentalize. Put it away for later. It's fine. It's been hard to do even that, but Asriel's presence really is helping a lot. It's focusing Ochako's attention on a task, and instead of on wallowing.

Also the wagging tail is really, really cute. ♥ It's impossible not to smile when she sees it twitch like that, giggling just so.]

Mm, I actually don't think so. Sunflowers usually grow this big all on their own, without magic. [Some variants can grow up to 3 meters, after all. A few of the ones here were already up to that - maybe seven or eight feet.] It doesn't take magic to raise something up to be really, really big...just a lot of attention, care, and love.

[She reaches out and pats his head gently. It's kind of like raising a, no pun intended, little kid. They start small, then grow up big and strong with attention, care, and a lot of love. Ochako's hand drifts away as she takes in a deep breath, feeling a tiny pang of guilt in her chest ache, but pushes it back again.]

Oh, I know they will! We can probably buy any that they sell. It'll be my treat, so don't worry, okay? If your sibling likes sweets, we can get as many as they might like, too.

[letmewin]

( Asriel's face lights up at her words. It's so familiar -- but, a good kind of familiar. He can't help but think of home. He never got to learn much about flowers from his Dad, but what he had to tell Asriel spoke volumes for him. Asgore may have been incredibly strong, but he was also gentle enough to make flowers grow even in a dark place like the Underground. )

Dad told me that, too. He was always really good at taking care of flowers...

( It was his strength that Asriel always admired -- but... it was how gentle he was that helped influence Asriel to be the person he was. )

Gosh, Ochako - you know a whole lot about flowers, huh? I never knew that flowers could get this big.

( She reaches to pat his head, and his face lights up - offering a warm smile in response. )

O-Oh, no -- uhm... I can pay for them. It's the least I can do after you took me here.

[floatsaway]

[Ochako actually laughs a little sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck with a slight blush. Oh gosh, she really hopes Asriel doesn't think she's some sort of master gardener or something...she's really, really not. Her parents couldn't keep flowers because of how busy they were (and living in an apartment complex), and the only plants she's managed to keep alive were small, potted succulents that don't require as much watering.]

Eh? Ah, w-well...I-I only know so much from reading about them!! I actually only ever had little cacti and succulents before in my room! I bet if I tried to keep any actual flowers...I'd never get it right, ehehe.

But I do really like learning about things like that - even if I can't do it well myself. It's kind of fun.

[She blinks, tilting her head to one side as her hand is extended to Asriel to start leading him through those big ol' rows of towering flowers. Hopefully the phones here can take videos and pictures - Ochako definitely wants to keep a few memories from this time.]

I really don't mind!! I want to! Um...and it sort of feels weird asking someone younger than me to pay for themselves. B-But if you're sure, um...I suppose it's okay.

[letmewin]

Oh, uhm -- Mom had those, too! They're supposed to be really easy to take care of... That sounds a little better to have if you have a lot to do.

Gosh, maybe I can tell you about what I've heard from Dad... If you wanted to. But, the flowers here and at home are probably pretty different from each other.

( He does agree that reading can be fun... He passed the time a lot as Flowey by reading, but even then there wasn't a lot of books to choose from. It may have been out of boredom then -- but now that he can feel things like love again, he can't help but think they were interesting. )

It's really okay. We get money for going to school, so... I'd really like to treat you.

( It just feels... sort of odd that people are so nice to him after everything he's done. Even if they don't know, or if they haven't experienced what he did firsthand. He can't help but feel a little awkward receiving gifts just because. )

b

[sighsheavily]

[it's irritatingly rare to find anyone actually doing their due diligence and practicing, Cecelia's found. but then, given how she likes to keep herself busy, it's not like she goes out of her way to look.

that's the case right now, as she's been busy buying miscellaneous supplies that she's got bagged up and dangling from one arm as she rounds the corner and finds herself a surprise spectator to the tiniest little ice show from the fuzziest little showman. she stops short of bustling right on through, arching a brow and observing both that and the little celebration.

such a humble sight. gods, when was the last time she'd actually felt untainted delight at doing such a simple act? back when learning magic was still a joy and not a job...

her mouth quirks, and she feels compelled to speak up.]

...Well done. I take it that's a new feat for you?

[letmewin]

( Asriel turns towards the sound of the voice, offering a bright smile. He wasn't aware that someone had been watching him, but he doesn't mind the company at all. He's found that the humans here were kind. It's something he wasn't shown often at home, but they had a good reason for not doing so. )

Oh -- howdy, stranger!

( He nods a little at the question. )

Mm, Mom and Dad were really good with fire magic -- so it's really cool that I can use magic different from them.

[sighsheavily]

You come from a magical background? [that's heartening; the number of people who have just suddenly fallen into great fonts of power with no sense of restraint or responsibility is too damn high.] That's fortunate. It means you've got something of a foundation for managing and cultivating your skills, I gather.

[letmewin]

Mmhm. Monsters are made of magic, so a lot of it comes naturally to us! ... A-At least, that's what Mom and Dad told me. I wasn't really old enough to find out.

( And now he'll never really know, but... he's sort of accepted that fact. )

[sighsheavily]

['monsters'? a title? a species?]

...Mm. How old are you then, little one?

[letmewin]

Uhm... ( He has to think about that for a moment. He isn't... sure anymore. ) I'm 10.

C

[doctorintern]

[ Fenton himself is watering some of the other crops nearby when he notices what seems to be a young boy, who was looking a little upset. With a frown, he walks over. ]

Hey, uh...everything okay?

[letmewin]

( Ah, this person looks a lot like Drake! Asriel can't help but wonder if they were related -- or... at least from the same world.

The last thing Asriel wants to do is upset a stranger, so he'll nod his head. No need to bring up something heavy. The plant magic just brings back some unpleasant memories. )

Hi there, stranger. ( He shuffles his feet a bit. ) I... I didn't think I had plant magic.

[doctorintern]

[ He offers a little smile, not wanting to upset him any further. ] Hi. Is...that a bad thing? Having plant magic?

[letmewin]

( It's... a sensitive subject for him. But, that's a heavy topic he doesn't exactly want to bring up. He appreciates this stranger checking in on him. )

Uhm... n-no... it means I can help make them grow, right?

[doctorintern]

[ Fenton doesn't feel entirely reassured by the kid's answer, but he also doesn't want to push him into talking about something that he's not comfortable with. So he drops it for now. ]

From my understanding, yes. I think there are also other tricks you could do with that kind of magic, but for now it'll probably be better to take it slow.

[letmewin]

Really?

( He looks to Fenton curiously, and a bit hopeful. )

Do you have plant magic, too?

A

[friendsallover]

[It takes Din a moment to recognize Asriel with the different ears. He'd ask, but the answer is likely magic and that's still something that's a little beyond his pay grade. But he recognizes the boy's posture. Alone on the beach, hugging his knees, Din's been there.

And well, with all this buzz about animal mages, kids just shouldn't be wandering around on their own.

He stops a few few feet away, giving the kid some space.]

Everything alright, kid?

[letmewin]

( Asriel looks up at those words, offering a smile for a moment. He remembers him -- he helped him out a lot not too long ago. He can't help but feel guilty for worrying him again. )

Oh -- howdy, Mr. Mando.

Has your magic ever just... disappeared before?

[friendsallover]

[Magic can do that? That's...worrisome, he supposes. Not that he necessarily wanted it in the first place.]

I, uh, can't say that it has. Granted I've never had magic until I showed up here.

Did something happen?

[letmewin]

I guess magic didn't exist for everyone back at your home, huh...?

( It's different in every world -- or, that's what he's learning. )

I used to be able to understand all the animals here, but... now I can't talk to them like I used to.

[friendsallover]

No, it didn't. Or at least, I didn't have it.

[He's not entirely sure what the Force is, but Luke suggested that it's not entirely magic. This is new territory that we are still figuring out.]

Was it your magic that let you do that?

[letmewin]

Yeah.

Mmm, the teachers are school said it was animal magic. It was-- really fun being able to talk to everyone like that.

( Now he just misses it... things feel a lot more quiet. )