June-July 2025 Test Drive Meme

[folkie]

June-July 2025 TDM

Introduction

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This Test Drive meme is open to all.
Welcome to Folkmore's monthly Test Drive Meme! Please feel free to test drive any and all characters regardless of your intent to apply or whether you have an invite or not.

All TDMs are game canon and work like "mini-events". For new players and characters, you can choose to have your TDM thread be your introduction thread upon acceptance or start fresh. Current players are also allowed to have in-game characters post to the TDM so long as they mark their top levels ‘Current Character.’

TDM threads can be used for spoon spending at any time by characters accepted into the game.

Playing and interacting with the TDMs will allow characters to immediately obtain a canon item from home, especially weapons or other things they may have had on their person when they were pulled from their worlds! There will always be a prompt that provides some sort of "reward" to characters who complete certain tasks.

Current players are always encouraged to tag new people on the TDM!

🦊 New Star Children meet the Fox still in their worlds, and she brings them into the new realm of Folkmore. As you follow her, your body begins to change and new characteristics emerge. These may stay for a while, or perhaps they will hide away after. And during all of this, the Fox explains to you where you will be going: to Folkmore.

and then... you fall like a shooting star, falling to the land in a burst of starlight.

🦊 Experienced Star Children are already familiar with this time of the month. There are shooting stars all across the sky, and some fall to the land, which means the Fox has brought new arrivals. These newly arrived Star Children will face some tests, but Thirteen wants the more seasoned residents to participate as well.

Perhaps you follow the falling stars on your own, or perhaps the Fox simply teleports you there, but it appears you too will be part of this.

[ Prompt One ★ Prompt Two]

Pirates of the Loreibbean . ★

Content Warnings:

Old wood creaks and groans, barely audible over a howl of wind. Wet droplets of rain hit faces and soak into clothing. Clouds overhead are a murky gray, blocking out the sun. Though summer weather is often somewhat temperamental, a true storm has now hit. Both newly arrived Star Children and veterans may find themselves in the midst of this situation quite abruptly, standing on the unsteady deck of an old, grand ship. Those who run to the nearest rail and peer overboard may be shocked to discover a stark absence of water below. Instead, the view just goes down… and down… The land of Folkmore lies far below, as this ship is flying through the storm, its sails struggling to hold under the force of whipping winds. There is no captain, there is no helmsman- there is no crew at all to be found, only fellow Star Children. And yet… the ship is still moving full speed ahead through the storm, as if it has a destination in mind.

A resounding boom echoes, and those with a keen gaze may just spot something whizzing past, missing the ship by a hair. Was that… a cannonball?

Just like that, a second vessel weaves its way out of a deck of gray clouds, pulling up side by side to the ship the Star Children are on. Lightning flashes, illuminating a whole bunch of sneers across the way, along with some eye patches, bandanas and goggles. Sky pirates are attacking! It's clear from their animalistic features that they're local spirits, but they're hardly as benevolent as those typically seen in Folkmore.

Ready yourselves, Star Children!

Those who wish to return fire will find several cannons lined along the ship's deck, ready to be used. These don't work just like any old artillery, though. In place of those unwieldy metal balls, one must load magic into these cannons. Lore, to be precise! It even says so on a small metal plaque, attached near the firing mechanism: "Connection is one's true ammunition." Find a fellow Star Child and start chatting! The more meaningful the conversation, the grander the magic ball one may blast at the pirates with the cannons.

Unfortunately, the cannons alone are not enough to fight off the pirates, as several of them swing their way aboard with ropes. (Or just fly, if they're bird spirits.) Star Children can head down into the armory below deck to grab a weapon. Yes, even weapons from home (or items that can be improvised weapons) are available, and may be kept after the fight is over. Star Children capable of flight may even be daring enough to make their way to the enemy's ship and deal some real damage over there.

The ship continues to shake and creak and bob in the storm, which may complicate the fight, but not all is lost. There, in the distance, up ahead… A beacon of light flickers, struggling to be seen through the thick clouds. What is that?

• Star Children (new and old) find themselves aboard a grand wooden ship, flying through a storm. Yes, literally flying!
• Sky pirates attack! They're just the local spirits, but a rowdy bunch nonetheless.
• Use conversation to load up a cannon with Lore energy, then blast it at the pirate ship.
• Alternatively, grab a weapon (possibly from home) from your ship's armory and start swashbuckling.
• Star Children can keep one (1) weapon/item from home and other basic weapons.

So Said the Lighthouse Keeper. ★

Content Warnings:

Other Star Children, both new and old, may find themselves drawn to the floating island of Never Fade. Up here, in the clouds, the storm rages just as fierce, and the native spirits all share the same worry: the lighthouse is broken. Indeed, up on the highest hill of Never Fade stands a towering white spire, its beacon dimmed. 'A ship is coming in at any moment', the spirits all whisper. 'And there's reports of pirates in the area, too. What will we do?'

The goats which are quite common in Never Fade join forces to guide Star Children up the hill towards the lighthouse. And if not guiding, then dragging, chompers clenched around the fabric of sleeves or pant legs as they pull. The rain does not slow, but the wind thankfully blows uphill. Best to just go along with it, so you can go take shelter from the storm inside the enormous spire building, because the goats won't leave you alone otherwise.

Just outside the lighthouse stands a very curious cat. It's so large, it's almost the size of a pony, and its fur is black. No, white. … No, it's black, isn't it? (It really depends on what mood it's in.) Karma the cat peers up at any approaching Star Children with knowing eyes. It dashes inside the lighthouse for a second, then reappears with an envelope in its mouth, holding it out for the newcomer to take. Careful- the paper might get wet in the rain! Come stand under the awning or inside the house as you read:

"The lighthouse keeper is on vacation. Please help! The beacon needs to be charged. We need positive energy to power the light, and negative energy to rotate the lens. Be nice or be mean, both are good! :)"

Are you up for the task, Star Children? Then stay in the lighthouse's near vicinity, or go right on up to the beacon, and do as Karma asked: Either compliment your fellows, or insult them. Share fond memories with one another, or commiserate on how terrible this situation is. Both pleasant conversation and nasty confrontation will do the job. Before long, the light springs to life and the great glass lens begins to rotate around it, a majestic beam of light revolving outward from the spire, piercing the dark clouds.

Those who wait around will see it: that great big wooden ship which comes flying towards Never Fade's docks to make port there. … Is that a hole in its side? And a cutlass sticking out of the mast? Confusion may make way for relief, as all the Star Children aboard disembark, surely bursting with a great tale to tell. Elated spirits bring out the hot soup, bread and all other hearty comfort foods to celebrate the successful arrival. Time to celebrate! Or raid the armory for a free weapon from home, if you haven't gotten one yet- with an emphasis on one, because Karma the cat will attack anyone who got greedy, be it now or during the earlier voyage.

• Star Children who weren't taken to the ship may instead have been drawn to Never Fade, where the storm rages just as fiercely.
• Goats guide Star Children towards the lighthouse, which is broken. Karma the cat awaits them there.
• In order to get the lighthouse beacon working again, it must be charged with both positive and negative energy. Engage in either pleasant or hostile conversation with a fellow Star Child to help out!
• Once the lighthouse is up and running, the ship from the first prompt will dock at Never Fade, uniting all the Star Children for a great celebration.
• The ship's armory is still available for a free weapon (possibly from home), but anyone who got greedy and tried to take more than one will be confronted by Karma. Literally. (And lose the additional items).

Comments

[apuckalypse]

[The relief and awe on Master Leonardo's expression makes it dawn on Casey, finally: this is not the same Leonardo whose spirit they found in the spoon shrine, the one that heard Casey's letter, possessed him just long enough to share love and say goodbye. He doesn't remember that day. (And that's one more change that is obvious at a glance, his old threadbare cloak has been traded for a softer Leo-ninpo blue.)

It doesn't matter, ultimately. This is good, amazing, this means he can actually talk to sensei rather than experience only his emotions or vibes. At the time it had been wonderful and heartbreaking, just what he'd needed. While he may not need this to thrive or survive, so deep into his grief and recovery, he wants it. He's always wanted it.

This could be a trick. It could be one of Thirteen's trials. But if it is, then he can't make himself care. He'll be tricked, he'll be trapped. He wants to believe this is real. At those simple words - his hope, it's what he'd meant all along, is that how sensei viewed him? it shouldn't be a surprise at this point, but his heart is made full to bursting, aching - he surges forward, throwing his arms around Leonardo's waist and burying his face against the big turtle's plastron.]

Sensei, you-! [Why is he always like this? Just take the credit! He just opened a door, but all Casey did was close one. He doesn't want to argue about that, though, so rather than protest further he manages in a muffled voice,] I missed you...!

[grabaslice]

[The hug startles a surprised laugh from the turtle. There isn't hesitation as he hugs the teenager back. The longer he has time to see Casey, the more differences he can pick out. Time has been kind to the boy.

That's all Leonardo really wanted.

He just tucks Casey close. His hold is a bit tighter than he means it to be. A little protective even now. The surrounding fighting haven't ceased, or slowed. Leonardo shifts enough to try and take any passing blows or bumbles from fighters. To keep himself between danger and Casey. He briefly rests his chin against the top of the boy's head. He lets his eyes close for a moment, biting the inside of his cheek to try and stifle the threat of his own tears.

The array of emotions he's drowning in now, just make a halo slowly blossom behind his head. A familiar family mon, the Hamato clan crest, forms behind his head. Glowing softly. It pulsates and spins.]

I missed you too. God, did I miss you. [Even if it wasn't long, even if it wasn't more than maybe a few minutes at most- he had missed the boy.

The realization he would never see Casey again, never see a future for him, had been a heavy anchor around his heart. Something he accepted for the greater good.]

[apuckalypse]

[Casey clings as long as he dares, holding tightly, eyes clenching to try and keep from collapsing entirely in tears. They're on the battlefield still, Leonardo was just wounded, they can't slack off. He's still a soldier at heart, he can't relax with the sound of danger and fighting around them.

He needs just a moment. Just this one brief, beautiful moment, where he can hold sensei, feel his chest move as he breathes, the steady warmth and strength of arms around him. Just a moment. Sensei's here. He's here! He's back and he's alive and they're together again and things are almost, almost right in the world. He can have this one thing from home, no matter how long it lasts.

And quietly, secretly, just for now: Dad's here.]

We have so much to talk about. [He's pretty sure he could go on about everything that happened for literal hours. But they have work to do, a fight to finish, and as the moment passes he pushes back, shoulders lifting, confidence rising. Catching sight of the appearance of that halo cements it, making him think this surely isn't a trick. Thirteen's never made her illusions have roles before, has she? So this is real. It's real.] So let's hurry up and finish off these jerks, so I can tell you everything!

[grabaslice]

[It was inevitable the hug would end, but... it wouldn't be the last hug they've had. That thought is enough solace to help Leonardo feel better.

He steps back from the hug as well, exhaling slowly. He adjusts his hold on his katana as he looks over the fight. The wound on his arm hurts, it is bleeding, but- it isn't the first wound he's ignored in favor of a fight.

He speaks with easy enough confidence as he smiles at the teenager.]

Should be easy, we've fought tougher than this. [The exhaustion that has been haunting him feels distant, just for a while.] Show me what you can do, Case.

[apuckalypse]

[Nothing makes him feel strong quite like sensei does. His grin broadens, visible for only a moment (and revealing a curiously Raph-like snaggletooth on one side) before the mask drops back down over his face, his chainstick lifting.]

You got it!

[And what a show it is. Leonardo raised and trained this kid along with the rest of his brothers, so he knows most of his talents in and out. It becomes quickly apparent that however long Casey's been away from their time, he's used at least some of it to refine his skills. His movements carry less waste or hesitation, his swings carry more weight and intention. His acrobatic skills and grapple aim have improved, and he's good as ever at staying close to Leonardo's orbit without getting in the way of the turtle's attacks. He's also sticking closer to Leonardo's wounded side, keeping an eye out for any indication that he needs support, trusting his sensei to watch his own back, too. He might've even adopted a bit of unusual flare, thanks to the younger turtles being more whimsical in their fighting style than their apocalypse counterparts. There are moments where he almost seems like he's having... fun? It doesn't interfere with his abilities, but he's allowed himself to take this somewhat less seriously than the usual life-or-death (frequently the latter) war he's used to.

The fight lasts a while longer, though not nearly as long as many battles with the Krang and their ilk, so it might almost seem relaxing in comparison. Finally the pirate spirits are either defeated, captured, or forced to retreat, and the offending ship flees the area, disappearing into the storm. It could be temporary or long term, hard to tell, but at last things are quiet around them, and they have time to breathe.]

[grabaslice]

[It is hard not to notice the changes as they fight. The time apart becomes more and more apparent. He can pick out elements of his brother's influence on the teenager. The flair in his movements, the confidence that comes with comfort and security. Casey has grown. It is what Leonardo wanted. Even then, it is strange to take in.

Casey had grown without him. He would continue to grow without him, even if he was somehow gone after this moment. There is a comfort in the thought.

The fate of the pirates don't linger on Leonardo's mind long, as they're left to their own devices. This isn't the Krang, this isn't a fight he needs to be in charge of. The ship they're on sails onwards, now at peace.]

Now that things are calmer, we can probably sit down somewhere. [It isn't a direct request, but... he is running on fumes.]

[apuckalypse]

[Once things settle, Casey lifts his mask again and scans their surroundings, taking in Leonardo's status at the same time. They've found each other at the end of a harsh battle enough times that he can read the older turtle's body language. He's exhausted. And if he was taken from those final moments, he was taken from his death- something that followed an even harder and longer battle with foes much worse than some silly spirit pirates. He hasn't died before, but he's seen the aftermath of deaths within Folkmore, and he knows it isn't easy.

He scoots forward, tucking himself underneath Leonardo's arm and supporting his weight, just like he'd done on that final day. He's stronger than he was back then, sturdier, healthier. He can handle it.]

Over there- [He jerks his head towards the bow, a good vantage point next to the rail.] We can sit down there and keep watch in case they come back.

[Or, more ideally, let sensei rest while he keeps watch. He's definitely had more sleep between the two of them at this point, even if he's also a little weary from the fight.]

[grabaslice]

[Casey stepping in to support his weight earns a chuckle from the turtle, not surprised when the teenager can just tell what he's feeling. Fight together long enough, you know each other's tells. He can pick out Casey is tired, but not in a way that a brief rest won't fix.

The fact Casey can take on more of his weight is a passing surprise, but one Leonardo doesn't comment on. He just walks with the teenager, trusting Casey readily.]

Good choice, means we can keep on watch fairly well. [Once they've walked over, he moves to sit down. Leonardo tries to not sit too heavily, or all that obviously tired. He can't relax completely.] After that fight, they shouldn't come back if they know what's good for them.

[apuckalypse]

Seriously. They probably will anyway, but they're in worse state than us, so we've got time.

[Once Master Leonardo is settled, Casey takes just a moment to lean on the railing of the bow and watch while the opposing ship vanishes completely, not even a silhouette in the storm remaining. Only then do his shoulders relax, and he drops down next to his sensei, on the side of his wounded arm, assessing the damage and fishing through his side pouch for supplies. He's going to force himself to get the work that needs doing done before he really lets himself embrace what's happening here. If nothing else he's still a pro at compartmentalizing.]

What's your status? Are you hurt anywhere else?

[Like. His side?? He'd been bleeding to death before being vapourized the last time Casey saw him, so excuse him if he's a little paranoid.]

[grabaslice]

Not often we have time. [He muses absently, trying to get comfortable. Well, as comfortable as he can manage.] You've fought these bozos before, or is this place just like this?

[He relents easily enough to the fussing, his lip quirking into another amused kind of smile. He makes sure to hold his arm out obligingly for Casey to look it over.]

The worse was healed when I woke up here. Not sure how, but, I'm not bleeding out. [He uses his metal hands to tap at the area of his last wound for Casey's benefit to glance over.]

[apuckalypse]

Those guys are a new thing, but there's always weird things happening in this world. You get used to it. And... good. Just wanted to be sure. [He'd seen it already, the lack of bleeding. One perk of Leonardo (or any of them really) not usually wearing shirts is that injuries tended to be more visible, which is good because every single one of them liked to keep quiet about their injuries until there was time to breathe, and there so rarely was, just like sensei said. He's not bleeding out and he's not on the edge of collapsing or dying, so Casey can at last breathe more easily.

He's got a roll of bandages and some antiseptic out of his pouch before he pauses, his gloved fingers curling around a folded sheet of paper instead.]

...Hey. I've learned some new stuff here. Can I try something?

[grabaslice]

Have you been here long enough to get used to it? [He has to ask, given Casey's apparent comfort level. If it was still new to Casey, the teenager would still be masked and on alert.] If I held out on you, I'm sure you'd never let me hear the end of it.

[He arches an eye ridge curiously.] Sure? What do you have in mind?

[apuckalypse]

[Casey hesitates at the question, then deftly ignores it, only because he'd rather focus on getting sensei properly mended before he really approaches what's happened in this world, mostly because there's so much. One thing at a time. Just thinking about it has him overwhelmed. He doesn't know what Leonardo's going to think of it all.]

Might be fun for me to give you the lecture for once.

[Not that he'd been shy about giving Leonardo what for if he felt it was necessary, but it was certainly more rare than the opposite. With permission given, Casey unfolds that paper, and Leonardo might catch a brief glimpse of several drawn sigils, not unlike the sort of alchemic circles Draxum and Mikey might've created together over the years. He presses the paper sigil-down on Leonardo's wound, and the paper flashes a soft brightness for a moment and begins to burn away. As it does, underneath the page, the wound starts to heal. When the paper is gone and Casey draws his hand back, it isn't fully healed, but it's mostly scabbed over, like it'd happened hours ago instead of the actual time since the wound was inflicted.

Casey's brows furrow at the result.]

Still not there yet, huh...

[It's not strong enough! But it's progress, anyway.]

[grabaslice]

You earned the right, hero. I got a lot to catch up on. [He teases gently back, though he notes the hesitation. There is a lot to talk about. Leonardo could easily nudge and prod, but, this isn't a mission. He doesn't need everything right this minute.

Leonardo is quiet as he watches Casey. He is naturally curious, wondering what the teenager has gotten up to with magic. He could never make head or tails of what Mikey or Draxum got up to, but there is some familiarity there.]

Huh. [He stares at the scabbed over wound, clearly surprised, but intrigued all the same.] Still a hell of a start if you ask me.

[apuckalypse]

[It is a start, and it's one Casey will take gladly. Even if the healing glyph is still a work in progress, it's baby steps and much better than nothing. That - and the hero comment, still feeling undeserved but he'll accept if sensei says it - is enough to drag a real smile out of him, and at last, the glee of having Master Leonardo here bubbling to the surface. He tries to go back to work (he'll be using that antiseptic and bandage after all) but he's beaming stupidly as he does.]

Right? My boyfriend taught me magic.

[Cheerfully leads with a bombshell.]

[grabaslice]

[The 'Boyfriend' thing just makes the turtle pause, trying to work out a response. The idea of Casey dating had never occurred to him. Not even once. In his mind Casey is still forever the little boy who trailed after him around base.

His expression is surprised, to say the very least. He recovers enough to not be too wildly thrown off as he speaks.]

Did he now? He must be pretty good at magic to work with healing like that.

[apuckalypse]

[Mental note to text Hunter a warning that Leonardo knows (and that his sensei is here aaaaaa his sensei is here aaaaaa) in case he gets the third-degree or yet another shovel talk later. For now, though, his bright expression persists. He didn't think Leonardo would mind - certainly not the "boy" part of the equation - but it makes him happy to get to share it, for sure.]

He's amazing! He invented the glyph combination I just used, and a bunch of others too. He's super smart, and really creative with it! I know you'll like him.

[grabaslice]

I'm sure I will like him. [Some of the uncertainty of Casey dating eases up as he watches the boy's reaction. He huffs a little.]

Since you like him this much, guess I'll have to go easy on him. [He has to tease a little. He's not sure how to approach this. Leonardo needs time to strategize properly. To plot, or at least plan out questions to grill this kid with.] Tell me about him.

[apuckalypse]

Oh please go easy. [Casey claps his hands together in a praying gesture.] He'll take you so seriously, and he'll want to impress you, because you're my- [dad] my sensei, and he'll definitely panic if he thinks you don't like him.

[But oh, he can absolutely tell Leonardo about Hunter. That's one of his favourite things to talk about. He'll get back to bandaging as he does.]

His name is Hunter! He's a witch- kinda like the people from Witch Town, in the old Hidden City? Pointy ears and magic- he's tall, blond hair, really handsome. He's technically an emperor, but his world's kinda ended up like ours... invasion from space, really dangerous, so we ended up bonding a lot over that sort of thing.

[He can go on and on.]

[grabaslice]

Promise, I'll go easy. [He mimes crossing his heart absently.] Just gotta make sure he makes you happy, is all.

[Leonardo goes quiet as Casey talks, just glad to hear the teenager talk at all. He will keep marveling over the fact he can be here with the teenager for a good while.]

An emperor, huh? Dating up in the world, kiddo. [Joking comes easy enough with no looming threats in sight.] I can see why you two clicked.

[apuckalypse]

[Casey laughs at that.]

It's crazy, right? He once said he could make me, uh. What was it. Prince Consort? I don't even know what that means, but it sounds so fancy. I still barely understand silverware and he wants to give me a title. It's crazy how alike we are, once I started noticing. We both wore masks, always training and not knowing what real food is, even have the same tooth gap.

[He points at his own with another grin.]

Oh, he's a Myth here, so he's got these pretty horns, kinda like tree branches? And there's flowers in his hair. At first he haaated humans, all we did was grumble at each other. But once I heard about the invasion he came from, I couldn't be mad anymore.

[grabaslice]

[Leo is still happy to just, listen. Basking in Casey's happiness. Given the misery he and defeat he had to face earlier in the day, this is a gift he's going to hold onto.]

Prince Consort is a fancy title. Reminds me of some of those telenovelas I watched as a kid, thankfully, you two had an easier time than what happened in those shows.

I'm going to take a guess and assume the invasion was caused by humans...?

[apuckalypse]

That's what he said, yeah. They were trying to stop something they thought was worse, is my understanding. And it was still pretty bad, don't get me wrong. Just.. not worse. And it didn't go so good. I don't blame him for blaming, well, us.

[The best of intentions hardly count when things go that badly. And it was humans that caused the invasion in their timeline, too; for all the blame Leo wanted to place on his own shoulders in the aftermath, it was the Foot Clan that stole the key and opened the portal to start with. Casey doesn't know everything about that happened with Hunter's humans, but then again, without the Luz (or one of the others) from Hunter's timeline, they might never know all the details. Either way it's kind of Hunter's story to tell, so he leaves it at that for now.

Leonardo's unspoken question from before circles back into his mind, and as he gently ties off the bandage and sits back a little, a softer, almost shy smile crosses his lips, his eyes focusing on sensei's arm rather than his eyes.]

I'm- really happy. He makes me happy...

[grabaslice]

It's a complicated situation from what you're telling me. So, hard feelings are well, hard to avoid.

Good. [The turtle shifts, just enough to ruffle Casey's hair playfully.] You deserve to be happy. If he didn't make you happy, then I'd have some words for him.

[Words being a fun new phrase for katana!]

[apuckalypse]

[Casey doesn't even duck his head out from under the hair ruffle like he might have usually, in typical "don't mess up my hair" teen fashion. (Not that apocalypse ever allowed for nice hair. It is admittedly much nicer here, a cute lil bob-ponytail in the back, silky-smooth now that he has real fancy shampoo.) He just sits and happily endures it. It's been so long since Master Leonardo mussed up his hair.]

Are you gonna give him a shovel talk? Because like four different people beat you to it.

[Maybe a Dad shovel talk is special. Maybe it's extra scary.]