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pixieledmemes2025-05-15 12:28 am
Test Drive Meme #3
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You wake up at a party.
You're not sure how, exactly, you got here. You may have just been walking in the woods or at a meeting for work or doing any other normal activity for you. But you know you weren't supposed to be at this party, you're fairly certain.
Anyone you ask about it will say the party is for you. You and the others also waking up and looking confused. Further questions will lead to the partygoers insisting you have something to eat. You're starving and others are eating the food without repercussion, so you figure there's no harm in a bite. You finish your portion.
It's another garden party near a large hedge maze in the middle of the night. With his penchant for games the Ruler of the Spring Court decided it would be nice to hold an actual game for all the Adopted present. None of that dreidel game a couple of parties ago. This time, he wants more spectacle with higher stakes. Forced to participate and host aspects of this gathering as well, the Ruler of the Dark Court wanted nothing to do with this, so he figured his participation in itself is for the party to happen at night, during his rule, when his mood is at its most pleasant.
Of course, there is no shortage of light sources such as candles and torches, much to the Earl's chagrin, as well as no shortage of food. This time, the fae decided to try their hand on some pasta. They heard it's a good delicacy from the mortal plane. Thing is, sauces look and smell bizarre. One's purple, while another's bright pink, and they taste fruity, as well as flowery, much like the cookies from the last gathering.
As the party winds down and everyone's eaten, a tall, stately woman stands up and speaks. You feel her voice more than hear it.
I am the Lawspeaker of the Fae, elected by Seelie and Unseelie alike, and you are all, now, subjects of Faerie. You cannot leave this realm once you have eaten our food, and even if you could, there is no saying how much time has passed back where you're from. Your loved ones are likely dead, your problems have likely played out. We require assistance in various matters, and each of you has been chosen for your talent and skill. You will be adopted by one of the Seelie or Unseelie Courts based on your strengths and personality. Your Court will decide what to do with you from there.
As suddenly as she stood, she sits back down.
So, what about this hedge maze that seems to have appeared out of nowhere and looming quite eerily beside this night's gathering? For one, peculiar noises can be heard whenever one's near its entrance. From the rustling of leaves to a woman crying, everything seems to be coming from inside.
Of course, the Adopted's participation is required and paramount. Anyone who refuses will be met with harsh penalties and consequences, whatever those may be. They also hint of a prize to anyone who comes out victorious on the other side. It's unclear what it is, though.
The fae know that while the Adopted have been very useful so far, they are also vulnerable and susceptible to fear, so to mitigate that, they have some colorful shots on a table marked LIQUID COURAGE near the entrance to the maze with such effects:
- Gold: Essentially a strong drink that gives you profound energy for 24 hours.
- Red: Downing this will make you feel warm like an aphrodisiac.
- Blue: Basically functions like a normal tequila shot. Or three. Comes with a little bag of salt.
These shots are not compulsory for the Adopted to take, but they will be highly encouraged to do so before entering. Once inside, the rustling of leaves and the sounds of someone crying become louder and even more evident. There are also a few key things that seem to be very clear the longer an Adopted is within the maze's walls:
- The maze is moving. How it's doing it, nobody knows. But it appears to be alive somehow, much like the castle grounds, so finding a clear pathway is almost impossible.
- Whenever an Adopted turns right two consecutive times, they will see a more positive outcome from a terrible event in their lives. Lost someone? They're now here and alive. Gave up on a dream? You find yourself currently living it.
- If an Adopted turns left two consecutive times, they will see someone, a family member or a friend who's still alive and had a deep impact on their lives, bleeding and dead on the ground.
It would be great if no one else can see an Adopted during their most vulnerable, but since the maze moves constantly, another Adopted or two might be able to see them trying to parse out what they're seeing, even if their fellow Adopted can't see it themselves.
CW: dismemberment, body horror, forced body transformations, mild gore, asphyxiation, drowning of children, death
The Spring King only wanted some good-natured fun within the maze, but unbeknownst to him, some Unseelie creatures and Unseelie magic have appeared inside, threatening the safety of the Adopted traversing every nook and cranny. Surely this will not have any lasting consequences between the relationship of the Seelie and Unseelie court rulers. Not at all.
A few of these Unseelie beings and Unseelie magic roaming around the hedge maze that the Adopted will have a chance to meet are as follows:
- Manananggal: Capable of severing its torso from its legs, this vampiric creature usually preys on sleeping pregnant women and unborn babies. But not anymore. Due to magic put on it, this manananggal will strike anyone it comes across. Better pour salt on its severed lower torso once you find it, or else.
- La Llorona: Remember that woman crying? Well, somewhere in the maze alongside the eerie sounds of water flowing, you'll come across a weeping woman cloaked in white with her back turned against you. Be careful not to approach her because once you do, she'll try to choke you to death, reminiscent of how she drowned her own children.
- Jersey Devil: The first thing you'll hear once you turn is a high-pitched, blood-curdling scream then the sound of bat wings flapping. You better run as fast as you can to the other direction because this devil is out to attack anyone it sees on its path.
- A fountain: How odd. Running from the jersey devil or the manananggal might have made you thirsty so perhaps there's no harm in drinking from it. But just coming in contact with its water will make any Adopted soon realize they have transformed into an Unseelie creature.
Fighting off these creatures might be best with a fellow Adopted. After all, there's power in numbers. Just be careful not to die within the hedge maze. There might be some dire consequences.
You feel a vibration in your pocket sometime after the Lawspeaker addresses everyone. When you search for the source, you will pull out your Leaf, the device the Fae use to stay in touch with each other. Anyone who's used a smart phone will easily recognize how it works.
Greetings, Adopted. This is your Lawspeaker.
To be on theme with our festivities for tonight, we want to know a time in your life when you felt lost and wandering about. Perhaps the most compelling story will receive a reward from us.
Hedge maze! (YAY!!!!)
[Spike is exploring the maze himself, paying attention to the turns now. The familiar scent hits him and makes him blink, then the voice. Her voice. Turning Her.]
Not another bloody hallucination.
[Except this one wasn't acting right. Or at least, not like the last hallucination he'd had of Buffy in this damned maze did. She looked like she was...happy. Content. Like she felt safe.
It burned inside him. A nasty little knot of emotions all bleeding into each other. Jealousy, desire, pleasure, happiness, relief, anger... Spike wasn't sure what was strongest then.]
Oi! Slayer! You here to play more kick the Spike?
Re: Hedge maze! (whoo!)
Buffy, I know you must be a lot happier now that I'm gone.
[Buffy frowns, shaking her head.] No, not even a little bit, Spike.
[Then she hears the second Spike and sighs.] I know I've used violence in the past between us but ... I want to stop that. I wanted to stop that before too but... I cried...I cried every night... Is this a gift from those faeries?
[She turns toward the other sound, blinking. Then she looked at the second Spike. The hallucination.] Why are there two of you?
no subject
Are you high or something? What do you mean tw--!
[Then he stopped short, his whole posture changing in some ways as he felt like he'd been struck. Disbelief and confusion. Spike desperately looking around now because he didn't dare to hope.]
You're...you're really here? Buffy?
[The naked emotion in his voice of hope and fear and longing all mixed together.]
no subject
I miss Dru. She was a dark light of insanity in a world full of sane people.
Um...Okay. [Buffy said, looking away from the second Spike and looking toward the first Spike.] High? When have you known me to get high? [Okay. She was confused, two Spikes, one is singing and the other looks ... confused as she feels.]
Of course, I'm here. I've been here for the past half a day. I can't seem to leave and I want to leave. How did you get in here? A girl told me earlier I might see people I used to know or knew.
[She covers her hands over her ears, telling the hallucination.] Could you just shut up? You sound like a crazy person. Which one of you is real?
[the other spike chuckles.] Crazy? You're the one seeing two of us, love.
no subject
Which meant quick strides over to her and then Spike wrapped his arms around her. Pulling her close and tight and like he was afraid she would vanish. A deep breath in, oh god she smelled right, and out. Bending his head and concentrating, he could hear her heartbeat. Spike was clearly not going to be letting go of her anytime soon either.
His blood was singing to him, thoughts filled with her, drowning in her; and he loved it.]
no subject
She pulls back, looking up at him.] You're real. Right? You're not in my imagination. Right? [She's confused, why would the fae give her Spike? It's one thing she's dreamed of since getting to Cleveland, seeing Spike again. His peroxide blonde hair, his big blue eyes and his ability to see things in a different light but... why are they being awarded? Is she going to see her mom next?]
no subject
I'm real. Kind of scared you're not.
[With a shaky laugh and a smile.]
I've already hallucinated once because of the bloody fae. Saw you alive... It felt real--so does this.
[Spike is looking at her as if she's a miracle though. Which she is.]
You...said you've been here half-a-day, yeah? There was a party, outside of this hedge maze right? What year are you from? How are you alive?
[Because he still can't get over that. This is the closest to babbling he's come in a long long while.]
no subject
Loosen up some. You're starting to hurt me. [She whispered, trying to pull back again.]
[When he smiles, she smiles a little too. She remembers what happened, but it seems to pale in comparison to him being alive.] I'm hallucinating because of those faerie people? Weird. I thought ...I thought they wanted me to be happy or whatever.
[She laughs suddenly, it's a giggle. She hates when she giggles, it sounds childish.] Yes, there was a party. 2002 about? That's where I was last anyway. Willow did a spell, brought me back and I didn't feel right for about six months but now I do?
no subject
Hallucinations are either the bloody fae or their damned hedge maze. The Fae likely do want you to be happy--but they also want to play with us all. We're trapped here as pets, prisoners--or more likely both.
[The giggle just makes him smile, and one hand comes up to brush her hair softly.]
Doesn't surprise me that Willow did that. I'm...from 2001. You were still dead, after the portal opened. After Glory.
[Nope, that hug is tightening again. Resting his head against hers.]
I'm going to blame the fae for you being so glad to see me. Also expecting you to start beating me up any moment now for daring to hug you.
[Spike is at once entirely serious and does not care that he'll be getting beaten up.]
no subject
What's the point of bringing us here? I have... family to take care of back home. I can't stay here.
[Buffy is not surprised by the act of tenderness that Spike displays. She looks up with a small smile and sighs.] I've dreamed of this, you know. I dreamed of it so many nights, I was so sure you would come back to life. I was positive.
Oh wow...you're pre-soul. [She stiffens suddenly. She doesn't like that at all but she's reminded that as long as she isn't defiant against him, she gets tenderness.]
[As the hug tightens, she giggles again. Spike. Good ol Spike. She leans up and kisses him on the lips gently.] Don't blame the Fae. a lot happened in the two years you missed. You gained your soul and it made me appreciate you. It couldn't be helped. I will only beat you up if you attempt something you missed in those two years as well. Something I really don't want to talk about yet.
no subject
Woah. Wait...what?
[Now the hold loosens, to arms length with his hands on her shoulders. Because he is still not letting her go.]
Last I checked, you tolerated me because you knew I'd protect Dawn. You only kissed me once, and that was...I don't know what that was and I didn't know then either. Now you're telling me it's been two bloody years? And what's this about me gaining a soul? Was I cursed? And wait a minute I was dead-dead?
[Spike was trying to figure out the words even as he said all of that. Trying to make sense of it, confusion written all over his face and posture. Before he gathered some calm to him, or resolve, or something.]
Slay...Buffy. You know how I feel. I knew you'd never love me, but you've treated me like a man and that was enough. I am so glad to see you alive here. Every...every night, in my dreams. I saved you. Somehow. So it is not that I'm not absolutely thrilled you're here. I'm just...very confused right now? Are you sure you're okay?
[Because that was his chief concern. Was she alright? Of course she had things to do back home. She was THE Slayer. Just like he had things he needed to do too. A promise to keep. Not that he didn't know the Fae played with timelines and all, but here was more proof of that in a way that directly affected him. Give him a minute to wrap his brain around it all.]
no subject
You went through trials to gain your soul. You weren't cursed, it was what you wanted. Yes, you were dead-dead. You were gone. Last I heard Angel was dealing with your ghost.
[Buffy sighed, running a hand over her hair in the cramped space. She tried to pull back again and this time stomped on his boot with her high heeled boot in order to get his attention.] Let me go, Spike! I need room to breathe! and yes, I'm fine. I'm perfectly fine. I just want to leave.
no subject
[Okay, that had hurt and got his attention and his hold to loosen again. Back to arms length as he studied her. His emotions were clearly seen in his eyes, a slight working of his jaw, as Spike did what he could to make sense of everything.
What he wanted? Why would he tell her she was lying? Several blinks but hazel eyes were still full of easily read feelings. Confusion, hope, longing, worry, sadness, a bit of anger. All focused on her. ]
When you say 'leave', you mean the hedge maze yeah? Or this whole being captured by the fae?
[Because as confused as he was, Spike didn't want her to go. Part of him was realizing that he'd clearly been doing some growing between where they were both from. Buffy loved that him. Was it insane to feel jealous of a possible future version of you? Could he become the man she loved?
Did he wantHe wanted to be. A man she loved. She was worth it.]no subject
[She crossed her arms, reaching in her coat for a stake but realized she had none. Not that she would have used it on Spike but being called slayer, made her reach for her natural instincts.]
Oh, I don't know. I don't want to stay here. In the hedge maze or wherever this place is in general that the Fae have put together.
[She wasn't sure what was going on.] So you aren't the souled version?
no subject
[Spike made himself let her go. He really didn't want to though.]
But...I've been trying. It's a bit different here. Until now, it was just me. Before I was brought here, I was also keeping my promise. Helping out the scoobies, keeping Dawn safe as I could. Here--here I've been trying to help others. I'm not always good at it, but I've been trying.
[Reaching up, Spike raked a hand through his hair.]
I've been here a few months now. I'll get to that in a bit. But I want to be a man you can love.
[He meant it. Which meant now he had to find a way to get his soul back, at the very least.]
no subject
Gee, clingy much? [She nods, listening to him. He sounds sincere, genuine... it's kinda surprising but it's not the first time he's surprised her. She wants to move in again, give him a hug something but she stays back.]
So, you've been trying. I believe you. Willow and even Xander said you kept Dawn safe.
[She crosses her arms and keeps him at arms length.]
I... You act like soulful you. Just, I don't know. It's something to think about.
no subject
He's not fond of her stepping back though, or keeping him at arm's length. Not even a minute ago she'd been thrilled to see him! And now she's unsure? Spike was irrationally angry at some version of himself, and annoyed with her.
She could see it, the emotions working through his expression as he tried to stay calm despite the intensity. Intense due to joy of seeing her, being with her, annoyance, anger, worry, it was all a jumble.]
It's...bloody hell. Is that what it takes? What it actually takes? You finally give me crumbs and hope, and then are upset I'm not some future version of me I didn't even know about?
[Oh yes, Spike is annoyed. Tossing his head slightly in frustration as he stomps a bit to the side. Huffing a sigh to himself, turning his back to her for a moment. His whole body bristled like a cat as he wrestled with his emotions for a few moments.
Before there was another sigh, and he gathered himself, and looked at her. Determined. Resolute.]
That's what it takes, then I'll find a way. Because I love you, Buffy. So while we're stuck here, I'll find a way to prove it and get my soul back.
no subject
Well, he was a much better version of you if that helps. Stand up guy too, let himself be killed to save the world. [She knew she was rubbing it in, but she couldn't help it. She was actually disappointed he wasn't souled!Spike.]
That's up to you. I'm not forcing the issue that you get a soul. Long as you don't try hurting me again. [She flinched at the memory.]
no subject
What do you mean by that?
[Because he caught that flinch. This was already going so wrong, and she didn't seem to care (again) that he loved her. Hell, he was jealous (again) of some future version of himself that he not 10 minutes ago hadn't known existed. He knew she was rubbing it in, too--her disappointment. But it didn't matter because he loved her and he'd become the man she loved somehow.
And then it all went out the window when she said that.]
Buffy,
[His voice soft, Spike trying to keep a rein on his emotions.]
We've hurt each other before, plenty of times trying to kill each other. You know I can't with this chip in my head too. So what are you talking about?
[Because this was clearly not their usual ways of hurting each other and it bothered him. Something settled in the pit of his gut and sat there uncomfortably.]
tw: mentions of attempted rape
You know exactly what I mean by that, William the Bloody. Why don't you write a poem about it, huh?
[She's surprised by the softness of his voice. It's almost like he really does have a soul.]
You...you... [She swallows, tears pricking her eyes but she refuses to cry in front of him.] Before you got your soul...you attempted to hurt me. You tried raping me.
[She didn't want to tell him, incase it gave him ideas but she wanted him to be aware of why she preferred souled Spike. Why they got along so much better and why she fought tooth and nail to protect him and his precious buttercup self all the time.]
CW: Hints around potential sexual assault/attempted rape.
That...he... At the last major party, those damn corsages had induced visions. He'd been certain he couldn't betray Buffy like that, in the vision he'd seen--but here she was confirming it. Spike couldn't say he wasn't capable--he'd been a monster for most of his undead existence and done far worse things.
But the idea that he could betray Buffy like that still sickened him. It was clear in his posture and expression. Distress in hazel-blue eyes that stared at her.]
...I'm not gonna say I'm not capable of it. Because clearly it's happened or will happen or I don't know. I can and will say that I'm sickened by the thought that I'd do that to you. That I'd betray you like that, when I know how fragile your trust in me is.
[Again his voice was soft, but held conviction. The emotions were clear for her to hear and see.]
Re: CW: Hints around potential sexual assault/attempted rape.
She watches him, he seems sincere. He probably is sincere, but she still has to watch him. She still has to make sure.] I don't know why you did it or what was going through your mind at the time. All I know is that you did. Yeah, well, ... you've done worse in the past. Can't say I'm surprised that you're capable.
[His voice sends a small shock wave through her body. The softness, the tone, she craves a softer, more good Spike but it's not something she'll admit.]
Re: CW: Hints around potential sexual assault/attempted rape.
I can't tell you, because it hasn't happened. Where...WHEN I'm from, you're dead in the ground. Bloody hell, at the last party the Fae threw they had these flowers we all had to wear right? Different ones did different things. I had a vision of what you describe and I was horrified then too. Thought, and hoped, it was them messing with my mind.
Because even if I don't have a soul, I--as I am now--won't do that to you. Again, I know how fragile your trust in me is. Besides that it'd be wrong, okay?
[Intellectually he was perfectly capable of telling 'right' and 'wrong'. Its just as a vampire, he didn't care so much about doing 'wrong' or the consequences thereof. And with all of this? Yes, Spike had done worse. He and Dru had been monsters. Angelus had made him into a monster. But Spike had been trying to do better. To be better, here while he was kidnapped. No one expected him to the be the Big Bad, and while he kind of missed that--he knew he could make a bad-ass rep on his own without being outright evil.]
Re: CW: Hints around potential sexual assault/attempted rape.
Yeah? [She pauses for a moment, then sighs.] I'll try to give you a little more trust. I don't know how much, but it'll be some.
[She's aware that's what he wants, but she doesn't know if she could ever fully trust him.] Tell me more about this place.
no subject
Buffy, and yes I am using your actual name for this. Did I not just SAY that I'm horrified, and sickened? That I KNOW how fragile your trust in me is?
[A deliberate breath in and out. He wanted to step closer to her, but didn't dare.]
I don't know how to make you believe me. And because I'm from a different point in time, I don't know why it happens or what causes it. But because I am from a different point in time--believe my reactions now. Please.
[Another breath, and he closed his eyes, expression hurt now. Then opening them.]
I may not have a soul, but I love you Buffy. I don't expect you to love me back. Never have. Even though I want it, with everything I am. Bear with me a bit since you've given me a lot of information that's hard to deal with. I'm the Spike you used to know, but this is also not Sunnydale.
[Spike fidgeted a bit, then pulled out a cigarette and his lighter. Gave him something to focus on. Taking a soothing drag, before he spoke again.]
Give me a chance to be a man you could love. Get to know me, here and now.
[That was all he was asking. Really. Entirely sincere, and entirely open. Vulnerable, almost.
Then he's looking around them, reminded of where they are.]
Alright, so, basically you've been kidnapped by the actual bloody fae. The fair folk. Not demons pretending to be 'em, but actual sodding Faeries. They bring us here, keep a bunch of us and adopt us into one of their courts. It's a form of protection, since otherwise we're considered beasts. Yes, even humans. Frankly we're pets, prisoners, or both. No one knows why we've been brought here, or how. Or how to get back home.
They feed us some line about time moving on back where we were from and all our loved ones being dead and stuff. Didn't believe 'em, and I'm not the only one who had shit to do back home--like watch over Dawn. Meanwhile I've been here since February and it's...May now? Almost June? Been doing what I can to get along.
[Another drag of his cigarette.]
They've been providing blood in the kitchen. I've been feeding that way.