Entry tags:

test drive

Test Drive Meme (February + March)

TEST DRIVE MEME: FEBRUARY + MARCH EDITION

Welcome to

bravenewworld's test drive meme! This post is designed to help players test out their characters within the setting, as well as give them an opportunity to collect samples for their future application. The prompts below are all optional, and can be used to get a feel for the game, but we encourage players to get creative and use this post however best suits their needs. Players are welcome to use either prose or brackets for their threads.

When creating a thread, it is advised that players give their prospective thread partners a bit of information in the subject line, such as the characters name and canon, or a possible typing and Enlightened ability (if this is applicable). These are not required, but will make it easier for any prospective players to thread with you. While not required, we also encourage you to take a look at the most recent AU Planning post.

THIS CYCLE'S PROMPTS
#1 After the events in Union, the settlement of Refuge has decided to make the Shattering a more public affair. People who were impacted by the tragedies that befell the city, or those who wish to pay respects to a lost family member are encouraged to either send a Litwick off into the caves, or go off to find one. Who knows, you may find something out about yourself--or about the others around you.

#2 The Medical Center in Union is in need of volunteers, and has sent out a call. But it's not because of what you might think. The weather has been surprisingly warm this time of year, and because of it, a number of Pokémon have decided to, um, fix the population discrepancy that the Elite Four's attack has caused. Baby 'mon have overrun the Breeding Center, and many have found their way at the Medical Center for overflow. There are going to be a lot of diapers that need changing...

#3 With the warm weather hinting at a full return, flocks of Pokémon have begun their northern migration back into the Verdant Forest and beyond. Unfortunately, a few of the wild Flying-type breeds are less than respectful of old monuments, and the Lake and Forest Shrine have received a few unwanted guests making a mess. Shooing them off only seems to anger them, and the Shrines are filthy as a result of their visit. Ugh, will these rude Pokémon ever leave?!

#4 After the attack from the Elite Four, help has been filtering in from all parts of the known world. As a result, a number of temporary food carts have opened up in the business district of Union. Workers have to eat, right? This is a perfect time to expand your palette, but be warned, some of the delicacies can be a bit... eclectic, we'll say. Eat at your own risk.

#5 Wildcard! Come up with your own prompt!

If you have any setting questions, or want to do some reading before posting a thread, you can find the setting directory here! Happy tagging!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Oh no, she's adorable. Haruka grins even harder, hefting her bowl of food. ] Did you help make this?

[ Kanade can't help but feel suddenly very small, and her once lively gesturing turns into her with her hands clasped at her front, fidgeting with the hem of her apron. ]

Mhm. Before today, my father and I — we were in Caldera. [ She steals a glance up is this person eating yet and why are they so dazzling still. ] I learned all about making things like this, so I thought...

[ No worries, miss. As soon as Haruka'd heard you were involved in the creation of this dish, she is sampling a bite.

And beaming. ] Delicious. Your love for your country's cooking really shines through.

[ She puts her utensil down to better focus on the chef, however. ] Welcome to Union, Skitty.

[ Oh, smiles. Kanade likes smiles, especially when they're from her cooking. So much that she still can't force the flush from her face, proud as she is for a second. ]

Thank you very much. [ She pauses. ] Would you believe me if I said I'm not from Caldera?

Why would I doubt someone like you?

[ Spring is coming early. That is the only explanation for how sunny it is in this one particular spot in Union right now. Seriously, get some Cherrim in here, they need the light. ]

A-Aah, I didn't mean that you would! [ Uncurling her hands from her apron, she waves them apologetically. Not only is it sure bright around here, but warm. A Cherrim or two might mistake her face for the sun, and then things would get really awkward. ] I've just been doing a little bit of traveling, you see.

[ Granted, traveling attire wasn't very indicative of Union. ]

To learn how to make things [ point to bowl ] like that.

Then this is a homecoming. [ Haruka stirs her meal. ] Welcome back.

[ It would likely be a happier occasion if there weren't giant holes in the city, but... ]

[ She perks up some. ]

That has a much better ring to it. [ She smiles. ] I'm home, then.

[ And as if she discerns meaning from the simple statement, she seems to calm a little, nodding. ]

You know, I wondered. What it'd look like here when I heard the news.

Was everything okay?

[ You didn't still have family here, did you? Haruka at least was able to stand and defend the things that mattered to her. She looks concerned. ]

[ Oh, oh no. She can't be worrying a stranger! ]

My mother. She's okay! So is our bakery. See, riiight — [ Turning on her heel, she points to her side. Beyond some of the more destroyed sections, a wide, squat building is still standing. Gold and red, with an ornate sign reading The Lucky Spoon. ] ...there!

[ Though that gives her a thought. ]

Were you...?

[ You know. Caught in that mess. ]

[ Haruka chuckles and shrugs, then digs a flyer out of one pocket. She's supposed to be distributing these, but, eh. Mostly she's just giving them to people she likes. ] Your mother must be as brave as her daughter.

[ The flyer is for the Union Divine Theater, which is currently undergoing "retrofitting and improvements", whatever that means. It seems some of the staff have made raffle baskets of materials signed by the actors and actresses, and are selling tickets to help with the repairs. One can also gain a ticket by volunteering in the medic tents, which....goes against the whole "fundraising" thing....but Haruka isn't about to admit that this whole project was spearheaded by a bunch of Pokémon so she doesn't point it out.

What is unavoidable, however, is the fact that a stylized drawing of Haruka, embracing a beautiful green-haired woman in historical costuming, takes up like about a third of this poster. The rest is filled by former radio idol "Risette" (now Rise) and a bunch of other names, all fairly new actors. ] Bring the family sometime.

[ Yup. Haruka is a Celebrity Headliner. ]

[ Curious, Kanade peers over and gingerly taking the flyer. Holding it in front of her with both hands, she spends a long moment studying the dreamy image presented. It's beautiful. So much that it's likely she's not even actually reading it, if her increasingly starstruck expression is anything to go by. She may be letting off a bit of a shimmer of her own. That's funny. ]

Th-This... you're...

[ Give her a moment.

She squeals, flipping the flyer around and pointing, as if Haruka isn't aware that it's her own face on there. ]

You're from this theater?!

[ Haruka is used to people knowing the theater, but she wasn't expecting it in this case, so she takes a step back, surprised. ]

....I am.

[ So. A fan, huh...? ]

[ Kanade whirls on her heels, raising the heels of her palms to her cheeks in a flurry of happy noises. A real, live (and momentarily forgotten, handsome as heck) celebrity right in front of her. ]

How wonderful! Aah, I've always wanted to go. I've heard so much about it... the production value, the heart-rending performances! Every line a masterpiece, artfully delivered, enough to just make your heart pound!

[ Feel free to... stop her... at any time... ]

[ ...It's technically their job to encourage this sort of behavior since that's what brings the organization revenue, though. ] It's nice to know word has spread.

...we're a little indisposed right now, though.

[ Which answers your earlier question about how things went down for her. But yeah, no tours or tickets at present. Sorry. ]

[ All at once, her glimmering dies down, and her shoulders sink a little. Turning around again, concern creases her features. ]

Indisposed... so you were affected after all?

[ Well, she supposes she can handle a wait time. ]

[ Sweet girl. Haruka sighs. ] Nobody was hurt.

[ Who didn't launch themselves at the dragon of their own volition or spend the attack stuck in a landslide in the mountains or something. She reaches to put a hand on Kanade's shoulder. ] Think of it this way. You'll be able to attend a very special grand opening.

[ Does this smile reassure you? ]

[ Ah yes, silly her. She'd forgotten she was about to go into maximum overdoki. Give her a moment to clutch that flyer with such resolution it'd put shounen heroes to shame. ]

Yes! [ ...had that been too loud... ] I'll remember that. Is there anything I can do to help?

[ Everyone keeps asking her that. Why is Union so very....Union.

Well, it's not a bad trait. Smiling, Haruka squeezes that shoulder before letting it go. ] Keep on cooking. You'll cheer the whole city with food this good.

[ Kanade could faint if she had an ounce less resolution. A real live star complimenting her cooking...! Beam magnitude: sunny day. ]

Of course! Union needs smiles now more than ever, so I'll do my best!

[ Clasping her hands again, she bows as if she's working front of the house. ]

Please, feel free to come by any time.

Will do.

[ Haruka had better actually eat this now, huh? Before it goes cold... ]

[ Don't mind her, she'll just be gently creeping on any and all visible reactions. That is, until she starts forward a bit. ]

U-Um!

[ ...aaaand then loses steam for a fraction of a second. ]

If you wouldn't mind telling me, maybe... do you have a favorite dessert? That way, if you ever stop by...

[ She can have it on point. Skittish perfectionism, go. ]

[ Haruka swallows while she takes in that request. Then she's laughing. ] As long as you've made it yourself, I'm sure it'll be delicious.

[ Is it a laugh or is it angels singing. ]

Oh? Are you sure? Everyone has something they prefer, I think...

You want to know more about me that much?

[ She's looking at Kanade like this is just the most precious thing she's ever heard. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Test Drive Meme (February + March)

TEST DRIVE MEME: FEBRUARY + MARCH EDITION

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject