January Catch-All (Open)

[phoenixwiz]

🧙 WHO: Harry, Rose the Pygmy Puff, and YOU!
⚔️️ WHAT: Quests and Mirror Mirror
🕒 WHEN: The whole of January
🗺️ WHERE: Various
⚠️ WARNINGS: Angst and character death/harm mentions in Shadlin Showdown and Mirror Mirror


After the Storm
(The storm from the previous month has turned Camelot into a walking disaster zone and debris and snow were all over the place. Harry does volunteer to help in the clean up: shoveling snow from the roads, clearing up stuff all around, and checking if anyone lost anything valuable during the storm. It is a thankless job, but he is more than willing to assist the locals in any way he can.

With the help of his kinetic magic, Harry does his best to lift several pieces of debris up from the ground with Rose assisting him on his left shoulder. Anyone who wants to help out can find him guiding several debris into separate piles or shoveling up snow.)

A Knocking We Will Go
(Harry, like many others, have heard of brownies and dust bunnies making a ruckus in various homes and living quarters for days, so of course he wants to jump to settle the matter with whoever he teams up with. Not that he was ignorant about them after hearing tales about these creatures from the cafe customers and his co-workers by this point, but he didn’t expect dust bunnies and brownies to go a little buck wild with their tricks right now though.

Now he is there to assist in the containment task at one of the homes affected by the infestation: he’s willing to combine his magic with yours to find and catch them and contain the mess as well.)

Shadlin Showdown (Closed to Ken Amada, text -> action)
(Word of something eerie lurking all around Avalon spreads across the land and into Harry’s ears (he has been listening from customers in the cafe and his co-workers alike) and he eventually sees a flyer about looking into the woods near Camelot, and he is shocked to hear that there are darker parts within Avalon that he has never heard before. Nevertheless, he decides to go investigate the edge of Dusklight Woods to find out more of these Shadlins people are talking about.

However, he was told that he can’t just go there on his own during the night time, that means he needs to team up with someone else. He remembers having to take the Black Knight’s Sword with Ken the month prior, so they might go together to in looking into the matter themselves. The first he needed to do was to send a text to Ken if he wants to join him in checking out the woods.)

Hi Ken, want to join me in searching around the Edge of Dusklight Woods later tonight?

Mirror, Mirror (Note: this part combines both the Brave of Soul and Pure of Heart TDM prompts)
(Traveling far to the cave near the White Cliffs at the dawn is the least of Harry’s problems: in fact, the early travel is nothing compared to seeing what is in front of his eyes: the illusions of the caves is playing with his mind and his worst fears, fears that he doesn’t want to deal with with a heavy heart.

In front of him are images reliving his parents’ death by Voldemort, Cedric getting killed off at the cemetery, Bellatrix gleefully murdering Sirius, her cousin and his godfather, Snape giving Dumbledore a mercy kill after his mishap with the Gaunt Ring, and many more lives dying during the Battle: especially with Remus, Tonks, and Fred among the dead. Then there are illusions of Ron and Hermione being harmed in various ways he can’t imagine.

All of these would have been enough to break his heart and soul, but Harry isn’t going to let a bunch of illusions mess with his head any more, he has enough of people and things messing with him and his mind for far too long. But to make matters worse, he is also lost inside the caves. Anyone present in the cave can join him in facing their fears together and find the crystals and the exit where their next challenge lies ahead.)

Wildcard
Got any scenarios to play with? Comment down below. Find me at mariscorner or DM me on Discord (Mariposa21 #4257). I can match your tagging style: prose or brackets, whichever works for you.

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Shadlin Showdown

[whatsamada]

[Ken was starting to get use to life at Avalon. Between trying to manage school, work, quests, and now living with a couple of other people? It was a lot of handle within a short period of time. However, he was just more thankful he had a new support system who was willing to help him out whenever he needed it.

So much so, when he received a text message from Harry, he didn't raise an eyebrow at the offer. He had been curious about the quest himself and now with someone to help him out? It seemed like he couldn't refuse.]

That's fine by me. Where do you want to meet up?

[phoenixwiz]

At the entrance of the Edge of Dusklight Woods itself. If you see me with Rose sitting either on my head or on my shoulder or riding inside the pocket of my jacket there, you know where to find me. I also happen to have a scar on the right side of my forehead too if that also helps.

(It wasn’t much by any means but at least he gave out clues of how to spot easily him.)

[whatsamada]

Don't worry, I'm sure I know where to find you. If it helps too, look for someone with brown hair and a snowman. I don't think Jack Frost will be that hard to spot.

I'll see you soon!

[Because the giant snowman sure likes to make himself noticed.]

[And just like that, off the boy went to find him. As he made his way to the entrance of the woods, it didn't take him too long to see the familiar looking person from a distance. Although, he had to admit, the woods sure did remind him of when he and his teammate ventured into the Dark Hour. He had to be prepared.]

Harry-san, is that you?

[phoenixwiz]

Yep, it is definitely me, Ken.

(Rose squeaks to greet Ken and Jack Frost from her perching spot on his right shoulder, though she could sense something eerie about Dusklight Woods. In his left hand at the moment is a torch/flashlight, already lit for the night time.)

Okay, it is getting really dark, allowing us to get through these woods and find whatever is haunting this place. Are you ready for this?

(The woods also reminds him of the times he visited the Forbidden Forest in Hogwarts back home, only it is more solemn and spookier in here.)

[whatsamada]

[As Ken looked back at Harry and his familiar, he gave a small nod. Gripping his spear, it was a sure sign he was ready.]

I'm pretty sure I am. We just need to be careful though so you better be on your guard.

[Although, he just hoped he didn't have to his magic too much. However, if he had to, then he must.]

Let me know when you're ready to go.

[phoenixwiz]

(Dealing with dangers and magical creatures and being in a constant guard is nothing new to Harry, but who knows what is waiting for them in the dark forest?)

Okay, I will keep that in mind as well. Anyway, let’s go in and see what is hiding in the forest.

(The two of them begin their walk around the forest, constantly checking for anything that could be dangerous and/or the ‘Shadlins’ they are looking for, Harry’s torch being the only source of light they had on hand.

It wasn’t long before he notices something eerie early on when he spots a pair of glowing violet eyes spying at him and Ken and their familiars from a distance.)

Hey, Ken: I think I saw glowing violet eyes staring back at us.

[whatsamada]

[Keeping his guard up, he kept an eye on anything suspicious. While nothing seemed off so far, he knew it was only a matter of time before something would show up.

However, he just didn't intend on it to happen so soon when he heard Harry.]

That was fast, you ready for it to attack us? [He said before placing his spear in front of him. As nervous as he was, he looked around to see if there were any creatures nearby. He really hoped he didn't have to talk to any of them...]

[phoenixwiz]

Sure, I do, wasn’t expecting it to come for us so soon.

(The thing he recalls next is the creatures whose he and Ken had seen pops out of its hiding spot and begins to charge towards them.

Harry deflects the Shadlin’s attacks by sending a couple of rocks to pelt it with and scare it away, though its appearance makes him more nervous than actually fighting it. It reminds him a little too much of something back home he is probably scared of the most besides loved ones being harmed: not as ragged but still terrifying to look at.)

[whatsamada]

[It was a good thing he hadn't lost his touch from all the fighting he done as he was attempting to attack it with his spear. Lunging forward, he hoped the long range attacks would allow some more distance between the two of them.

However, he had to think carefully at how to protect Harry too. Looking back, he wanted to make sure the wizard was safe before he did anything else. And yet, the Shadlin's eyes were making Ken worried. They sure reminded him a lot of certain shadowy beings he fought at home too.]

Harry-san, are you okay? We need to keep fighting!

mirror, mirror

[fooligans]

Harry?

[ Perhaps it shouldn't be so unexpected to meet someone familiar in the cave after everyone was asked to help with fixing the mirror. Akira himself has been struggling with the visions of the interrogation room. The cave itself made him feel uneasy, actually—small, confined spaces aren't really his forte. ]

Have you found the crystal yet? [ Akira shows him empty hands to prove that he's still searching for it himself. ] We picked a really terrible place to hang out.

[ Cracking a joke won't help much, but it might make the atmosphere a bit less heavy at the very least. ]

[phoenixwiz]

No luck so far, Akira. I can’t get over how scary accurate these illusions are making our fears to come to life. Probably not the best place to relax, but it could’ve been much worse.

(Making matters worse fo Harry, the illusions of hurt and dying loved ones and allies keep playing on repeat, it was getting out of hand and heartbreaking for him to relive these moments, but a part of him is screaming at him mentally to overcome them and find the crystal for the mirror.)

These illusions are not real, these illusions are not real, these illusions are not real...

[fooligans]

We know they're illusions but it's still easier said than done to overcome them.

[ Akira toys with a strand of his hair, looking away. It doesn't feel right to witness someone's fears like this, but on the other hand, he'd rather not have anyone go through this alone. Himself included, actually. ]

The illusions aren't real but our fears are. I'm not even sure if I can get over things I'm scared of just like that.

[ It's way more than he usually lets on, honestly. Akira takes a deep breath and tries to muster up a smile, even if it's going to be a bit forced. ]

We're...not alone in this, you know.

[ Here comes the power of friendship. ]

[phoenixwiz]

You know, Akira, there were times where I tried to do things on my own because I didn’t want to be a burden to everyone around me back home, carrying on so much weight on my shoulders for so long before I could crack under pressure. It turns out that mentality did got me in trouble my friends many times back home.

(Clearly, he might have deserved the Saint Potter title from Malfoy sometimes. Still, there is no way he can’t let those illusions mess with him no more, so he eventually gets back on his feet and readies himself to face the illusions head on.)

Anyway, you do have a point, Akira: let’s face those illusions and our fears as one.

[fooligans]

I think I know where you are coming from.

[ While Akira doesn't know the details, carrying way too much responsibility is something he can relate to. ]

If you don't want me to look at something, I won't. But we're getting these crystals together.

[phoenixwiz]

Thanks Akira. Let’s confront these illusions as a group.

(Akira’s words have managed to get Harry to regain his confidence to face this quest with courage and a friend in hand.

Then the illusions appear before Harry and Akira again, the ones he is facing replaying pain and loss of people he knows from home. But this time, Harry is fully through with these illusions messing with him any more that he stares back at the illusions and begins to tell them off.)

I am not afraid of you: you’re not even real and I am done with you messing with me and my friend, so get out of my sight, you fake images in the cave!

(And lo and behold, the illusions begin to change shape much to his surprise and a light spirit appears before him, giving him an approving smile as they give him a crystal for the mirror. He is quite surprised yet relieved at the same time.)

[fooligans]

Whoa.

[ Truly impressed, Akira blinks a few times before a soft smile tugs at his lips. It looks like the illusions are really gone and the light spirit is the proof of that. ]

That was really cool. Pretty sure my illusions are too scared to reappear after what you've said—

[ He doesn't even get to finish the sentence when two men in suits appear. The third illusion is just an image of him lying on the ground. ]

Even if this happens again along the way, I won't be alone anymore!

[ Since yelling at illusions proved to be cathartic and helpful, Akira tries this as well. The men dissolve into thin air quickly, but the illusion of him sticks around for a few moments longer before it disappears as well. ]

Whew.

[ He notices a light spirit pretty similar to Harry's where his illusions were just a while ago. ]

The King owes us one.

[phoenixwiz]

Well, it does take a lot of bravery not to let fear get the best of me. I didn’t expect it to be much easier than one might think.

(It appears that the light spirit who appeared before him must be the one who is conducting the test of his and Akira’s courage. This is beginning to look much easier than taking his O.W.L.s back in his world.

He too sees the men in suits and an unconscious illusion version of Akira that initially got him concerned, but thankfully he is able to confront them and another light spirit appears before them.)

Wow! That was a lot faster than expected too. I definitely agree too, he really does owe us, Akira. Now where is the exit to the next part of the test?

A Knocking We Will Go (Nyuu)

[scarredhorns]

[No matter how much cleaning Lucy and Nyuu did, the dust bunnies just kept coming. Then there was all that noise made by both the dust bunnies and brownies. It didn't just annoy the girls, but their dogs too, making them bark at where they could hear the noise the most. However, that gave Nyuu an idea, and after seeing the notice on Questboard regarding the infestation, she decided to join in the effort, bringing her two dogs with her (three if one counted her hainu familiar, Setsuko).

Thankfully, they are nothing like Aunt Marge's dogs. Tobias, although he's a pit bull and looks mean, hasn't growled at all. Setsuko merely pants happily like a normal dog. Milly the corgi, although hyper, hasn't made any aggressive moves toward Harry. She only wiggles her butt excitedly, barking playfully, and trying to jump at Harry to lick his hands, only restrained by her leash. With Nyuu having animal magic, she can hear Milly's cheerful voice saying, "A new human! I want to play with him!" She smiles apologetically at Harry.]

I'm sorry about Milly. She's a sociable girl. And I hope you don't mind me bringing my dogs around. I thought they might be able to help with their hearing, and I have animal magic, so I can directly communicate with them now.

[There's more she'd like to say about how her animal magic might help, but gives Harry a chance to get used to her dogs.]

[phoenixwiz]

Oh hello there. It looks like one of your dogs want to play with me, I think. No worries, they can join us in dealing with the dust bunnies shenanigans in here. That’s great to hear, hopefully they can be willing to cooperate with us and your dogs.

(He looks at the girls and her dogs with a smile and an approving nod.)

I suppose we could introduce ourselves before we can begin. My name is Harry and I can do kinetic magic: I could help in moving things around in this house we’re in.

[scarredhorns]

[Since he's given his approval, Nyuu loosens her grip on Milly's leash so the corgi can finally reach Harry. Milly jumps on his legs, and if he tries petting her, she licks his hand. Tobias is still quiet, but he wags his tail.]

Nice to meet you, Harry-san. I'm Nyuu. You've met Milly. This is Tobias, and the winged dog is my familiar, Setsuko.

[Setsuko opens her mouth and speaks like a human, giving Harry a polite "hello," with a bow of her head.]

I know I could have just turned into a dog myself, but I figured that four noses are better than one. Would you be able to move some of the furniture? Maybe there's a hole somewhere that the brownies and dust bunnies have been using.

[phoenixwiz]

Sure, I could do that, Nyuu. Let’s hope there are some holes on the walls behind some of the furniture here. (He gets Milly’s licking of approval on the hand as he is about to pet her.) Oh hey, that tickles, hahaha!

(Harry then starts checking around, moving furniture around for any holes that the dust bunnies and brownies might have left around on the walls so Nyuu and her dogs can get in. Luckily, there are a couple of dog sized holes hidden behind the sofa he pulls aside, he will definitely keep his eyes open for more holes as he looks around the area.)

[scarredhorns]

Oh my, I didn't think they made such large holes. Hmm, but it might be better if I turned into a smaller animal such as a mouse, just because a dog is bigger and can be seen coming more easily.

[But there are a couple of holes scattered around, some smaller than others.]

The question is, which one would be closest to where they are now? But I have something that could help us.

[She brandishes a plain red cloth.]

This is the cloth I placed some cakes on to try and appease the brownies. The sweets would be gone in the morning, but the creatures didn't leave. Since they had to have walked on this cloth to reach the sweets, I thought the dogs might be able to sniff them out with this. Y'know, tell us which hole would be the best.

[phoenixwiz]

I will be honest, I was also expecting mouse sized holes as well, I didn’t expect them to make some of these holes a little larger than usual. That’s good, let’s see which hole your dogs are able to track down from the smell of the cakes.

(Harry takes the cloth from Nyuu and lets her dogs to sniff out the scent to locate the hole the brownies and dust bunnies are hiding in.)

Alright, guys, can you show us which hole those brownies and dust bunnies are hiding in based on the scent of the cakes on the cloth?

[scarredhorns]

And try to be quiet. We want to catch them by surprise so they'll be easier to catch.

[The words are directed at her dogs as Nyuu removes the leashes from Milly and Tobias. They both sniff at the cloth, as does her familiar.]

I might as well join in now.

[She's still getting used to her new magic, so Nyuu has to close her eyes and breathe deeply to concentrate. Her body gradually shrinks down until there's a pink dachshund in her place. She makes a disappointed sound at her color, not quite experienced enough just yet to give herself normal colors. But, she has a job to do, and so takes a whiff of the cloth.

All four dogs spread out to cover more of the room. Ultimately, it is Tobias who finds a hot trail, and he tells Nyuu from which hole the scent is strongest while also staring at it intently. Nyuu returns to her original form so she can talk to Harry, pointing at the hole Tobias picked out.]

Tobias says it's that one. Should I chase them out? And then you can catch them? Or did you have another idea?

[phoenixwiz]

You and your dogs can chase after them and I’ll try to catch them as quickly as I can. I will be here waiting on standby until I can see the first dusty bunny I can find, then I’ll try to catch them as well.

(While they may need to change gears if the dust bunnies and brownies are not being cooperative, the plan does sound like a good idea for Harry as he sees the hole Tobias is able to sniff out: he is hoping that the task is going to be going according as planned.)