Test Drive Meme (February + March)

[bravenewmods]

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!

Comments

kanade minamino | suite precure♪ | normal/fairy kindred soul

[duette]

#4 (a) — OH CUPCAKE, YOU'RE SO SWEET | FOOD!

[ To say that Union is in a state is something of an understatement. And understatements are just not Kanade's style. Nothing really needs to be said for the city's condition, of course, which is why she's letting action speak louder than words. Or rather, she's letting food speak louder than words. Because if there's one universal language, it's all the talking a stomach does when it's empty.

Which is why the Lucky Spoon baking and tea wares empire has shed all its trusses for the time being and joined the numerous rows of food carts available for the hungry masses. Union natives or long-time citygoers may recognize the soft pink and gold emblem of the Minamino family business on the awning, or its sugary aroma, now with a kick of spice. Whatever brings patrons swinging by, recognition or curiosity, Kanade is sure not to let them go without a few words of, ahem, encouragement. The Minamino daughter is fluttering about like she has inexhaustible energy, hair swept back and a bright pink apron tied at her waist. ]

Ah! You there! [ Yes, you! ] You look famished — wait, don't go that way! [ If you let her, she might be snagging you by the elbow, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. ] There's some... weird things that way, like a tentacle bowl, and I think something was on fire, probably.

Why don't you try this?

[ Being presented: not a dessert! It's actually a hearty looking stew of some kind, with a spicy Calderan look to it, despite Kanade looking decidedly not Calderan. ]

Go on, it's on the house! Just don't forget to tell me how it tastes, alright?

#4 (b) — YOU GIVE MY HEART A CAVITY | FOOD PT II!

[ Perhaps you didn't want real food. Maybe you just wanted to indiscriminately stuff your face with sugar — the Lucky Spoon is most famous for its sweets, after all. Don't worry, this girl has you covered. As does her Cleffa companion, who is dutifully decorating little no-fuss dessert cups with sprinkles. She also sports her own tiny matching apron, and is very dedicated to her task. They may not have time to prep much, but she's sure this'll do just fine. ]

Thank you, Stella. They look great. Now...

[ Did you venture close to take a look? ...Are you just in the general vicinity?

CLOSE ENOUGH. ]

Welcome, don't be shy. Pick any one you want! Sweets are the perfect pick-me-up when you've been working hard, don't you think? Do you need me to explain the flavors?

[ SAY YES AT YOUR OWN RISK. ]

#4 (c) — ANOTHER FAIRYTALE DOWN THE DRAIN | FOOD PT III!

[ After seeing to much of the food stand's face-to-face interactions throughout the day, Kanade can be found sitting on a nearby wooden crate. Off-duty, she looks a bit sullen. Her apron is draped over her lap, and she has a bowl of food in her lap, though it doesn't look like it's been touched. Her bubbly demeanor has a definite chip in it, now that she's not on the job. So maybe it was a little tiring, having been traveling to gather new food experiences to bring back to Union, only to hear news of the attack and everything that followed. Right down to hopping in to the food cart effort.

Every so often, she'll glance down the street towards a large pile of rubble and dirt. It looks like an entire building had been curbstomped by a dragon, likely because that's exactly what had happened.

That entire building being the one her family was going to turn into a restaurant for Union's travelers.

Kanade sighs, fixated on that plot of upturned earth and stone. ]

So much for that...

(ooc. feel free to wildcard her or assume union-based cr!!)

4C

[guitar_case_vagabond]

[Another day, another pile of rubble dragged around. Seems like that's all she's been doing since she got to this city and it's starting to get a little frustrating. Yeah, yeah, Union is Caldera's ally and being Calderan it's her responsibility to lend her aid however she can, but she'd come here for a reason, damnit, and everything just leads to another dead end.

It's frustrating and discouraging and she's starting to feel like she's just being jerked around by this whole thing. Glancing down, she kicks at the rubble filling the lot she's cutting through, shoulders slouched sullenly as she vents a little irritation by kicking some rocks out onto the street ahead of her. She walks right out and it's then that she becomes aware of somebody there looking in her direction. She lifts her head, blinks and straightens, eyes going wide.]

.... [Is that-?] Kanade?

[duette]

[ In truth, she'd sort of let her own semi-defeatist reverie get the better of her. So the fact that a person has walked into her line of sight is lost on her for a moment or two. All she hears is the shifting rocks — but she's gotten used to that sound today.

Then comes the sound of someone saying her name. ]

Huh? [ Kanade blinks, as if to clear her vision. ] You're... Ryuko?

[ There's no mistaking it, even if her tone is disbelieving. ]

Ryuko. We met in Caldera.

[guitar_case_vagabond]

[For the moment, she's finding herself a little lost and more than a little caught off guard by the girl she finds herself suddenly staring across at. A familiar face she hasn't seen in a long time, one she'd only known for a brief time and then never expected to see again only to find... here just around some random corner sitting on a random box in a random street.

She's stopped dead in her tracks, the disbelief more than a little mutual. For some reason her usual standoffish bluster escapes her completely and she's left blinking at her across the suddenly very short distance separating them.]

Yeah. I, uh, helped you with those guys. [Stupid, but it's all she can think to say.]

[duette]

[ Normally, she might act a bit more lively at meeting an old acquaintance. But Ryuko had been a little different all together. When travel became more frequent between Union and its allies, her family had been right there in the interest of supporting those who likewise came to Union. When they'd met, it'd been one of Kanade's first trips to Caldera.

When they'd met, Ryuko also took on a couple of guys who got a little too rough with her in one of the fiery city's markets. One had met an unfortunate end to his day — face-first in a garbage bin.

Kanade remembers, and starts laughing to break the spell. ]

You look like you saw a ghost. I'm the one who lives here, remember?

4b

[sleepingvalkyrie]

[ YESYESYESYESYES

Such is the very enthusiastic request of a Lillipup, dashing up to the stall very eagerly. It's been tracking those sweet scents since its trainer arrived in the market, and once he's certain he has Kanade's attention, he bounces around in a circle, butt wiggling that puff of tail with enough energy to go into orbit.

..In case it wasn't clear: someone would like to try a cupcake, please. ]

[duette]

[ While the sweets cart is certainly bustling, it's very difficult to miss the handsome display being put on by the Lillipup gracing her presence. Just look at the little tail go! Like a marshmallow! Kanade immediately zeroes in on him, hands rising to her cheeks. ]

You're so cute!

[ Don't worry, she'll bring the counter to you. Picking up a tray decorated in a lace runner, she trots out from behind the stall and goes to kneel. ]

Hello there, I see we have a very valued customer here today. I know just the thing!

[ Balancing on the tips of her toes, she holds out an orange cupcake, all done up with wafers. ]

Tada! Here we are.

4a

[actsmagnificent]

[ Haruka blinks for exactly three seconds after being 1) corralled and then 2) presented with lunch. That's as long as it takes for confusion to be replaced by a little laugh and then a smile so bright, one can almost see the frost Kyurem had left in its wake melting around her. There are sparkles dancing in the air.

That charming. ] What if I'd rather have the waitress?

[duette]

[ It's probably easy to pinpoint the exact moment that Kanade's sunny wealth of energy turns into a mental ten-car pileup of Oh my god and Is this real life. She'd honestly just been raking people in left and right, so she'd stopped paying attention to just who was on the other end of her efforts.

Like impossibly handsome strangers.

The sheer force of the blush on her face may have caused her to leap back an inch or two. ]

Wh — [ Was that a word or a puff of air? That charming, indeed. ] ...um, the waitress? I'd say we aren'treallyservingthose, exactly...

[actsmagnificent]

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

4B

[nyan_nyan]

[ Ranka looks positively haggard as she approaches, and her Azurill is not half as bouncy as one would expect of the little fairy type. Ranka's definitely looking for something to eat, and the mention of sweets perks her up a bit. ]

O-oh! ...I guess that couldn't hurt.

[ A lot of them look unfamiliar to her. ]

Who knew baby Pokemon were so exhausting.

[duette]

Baby Pokémon? [ Kanade remarks on that peculiar statement before her expression lights up. ] Oh! You must've been at the Breeding Center!

[ Her face immediately falls. She'd heard of that fiasco.

Up to your ears in babies. ]

You poor thing. You must be really tired. Luckily, you came to the right place! We only have one baby Pokémon, and that's Stella. [ She winks down at the Azurill. ] And you there, of course.

[ Without further ado, she stands aside to let Ranka get the full effect of a virtual legion of sweets, all perfectly lined up behind her on her family's cart. Everything from shaved chocolate to marshmallow chunks to fruits to wafers decorate the tops. ]

I can begin anywhere you'd like!

[nyan_nyan]

They were calling for volunteers and I'm not bad with the little ones but... hoo boy.

[ Her Azurill puffs up at being called a baby; he was helping with the babies who were even younger! He's tough and cool. Ranka just laughs softly, bending over to pick him up and place him on her shoulder. ]

He's almost as worn out as I am.

[ Although the two of them look a lot more energetic when faced with a wall of sweets, smiles growing. ]

...what's that one with the marshmallows?

4A; aka not the blond you were looking for

[platinumlucifer]

[ Excellen had a nasty habit of forgetting to eat when she was particularly busy. Being an Engineer with a ridiculous work ethic likely had something to do with it. After putting in a day's worth of work, the blond lumbered down the street toward her flat, not relishing the idea of a fridge without much in the way of food in it. Maybe she should stock less alcohol.

Nah.

She also wasn't looking forward to Ryuko kvetching about how they needed to get this and that and why are your clothes draped on the chair and god would it kill you to--Excellen never realized how much of a nag the younger girl could be. Maybe she would just come home with take out, and try to appease the fury of the pint-sized punching machine with Calderan food. ]

Huh?

[ Who, her? Excellen stopped, turning toward the sound. Good lord, where did you keep that energy? Without time to react, she felt the younger girl grip her arm and pull her in, saying something about bad food at other places. ]

Tentacles huh? That sounds fun. And what if I want something on fire?

[ Not elaborating. Also it's not clear if the grin on her face was in response to the first comment, the second, or the combined terribleness that the hungry, exhausted Engineer spewed from her mouth.

Whoa, wait, food is suddenly being shoved at her, give her a mo--...is that spice? Is that a bit of home being shoved in her face, for free? Um, yes please. A bit befuddled by the sudden MOVEMENTS and EAT THIS NOT THAT, Excellen blinked a few times, then looked at the shorter blond. ]

You sure?

ANOTHER BLONDE FOR THE COLLECTIVE

[duette]

What in the world — if tentacles sound fun to you, I don't want to know about it. And if you light anything on fire, don't ruin my cookware.

[ Despite her chiding, there's a very plain smile in Kanade's voice, conversationally pleasant. Oh, does she recognize that look.

Again, she lifts the bowl, fragrant steam rising off the top. ]

And! Of course I'm sure. Let me guess.

[ She leans curiously. ]

Calderan?

BUT WHO IS COLLECTING WHO???

[platinumlucifer]

[ Oh good, she has a sense of humor. Between that and her adorable taste in aprons, this girl will go far. Excellen grins. ]

Born and bred! How could you tell?

4C - Psychic Egg Master(y), Union Native

[summerorange]

[Natsumi's just passing by, camera in hand, when she spots that building. She stops to look it over with a disappointed look on her face. She loves the Lucky Spoon line of goods personally, and she had hoped to be among the first natives to visit that promised restaurant.]

So this place also...? I--Ah! Chiaki! Get back here!

[That latter half's shouted to a Happiny that's now scurrying towards Kanade. FoodFoodFoodFoodFooooood!]

[duette]

[ Kanade starts where she's sitting, reverie broken at the nearby exclamation. It's then she catches sight of the Happiny making a beeline towards her, followed by who she can only assume is her trainer. Well, she welcomes the distraction. And doesn't this girl look familiar? ]

Hello, welcome. Sorry, that the view from here is so dreary...

[summerorange]

[If Kanade has been by the Hikaru Photo Studio the past 5 or six years, then there might be a familiarity about Natsumi. Then again, the same might be said if they had gone to the same school. As it is, though, she's busy focusing on running over to pick up her bouncy little Pokemon.]

I-It's okay! Really! And I apologize if Chiaki's bothering you, Miss...

[She pauses as she blinks in confusion. Where had she seen this young woman before? She looks so familiar...]

4B

[drawntodream]

[Yui's been helping with physical labor where she can, but she's not particularly strong, so it's not been going terribly well. Errands, helping spot people as they put things up, emotional support, those are things within her power. She hadn't been on the right side of town to be helping with the food stands, though, so she hasn't really seen a lot of what's over there.

By this time of day, though? She's tired, and she needs a break, her similarly tired Eevee padding along behind her. She should probably look into lunch - would it be dinner, by now? - but she doesn't even have the energy for that. No, she's just letting her feet carry her...

...she knows that sign. She knows that motif. She's pretty sure she even knows that Cleffa and that girl, not that they've ever talked any meaningful amount. She's been content before to just melt into the background and let a large confection melt in her mouth. And at this precise moment, that sounds perfect. Drifting toward the stand more or less on autopilot, small sketchbook under one arm because she can't leave the house without one, she lets her eyes lock onto sweet after sweet, before she comes to rest in front of Kanade, partner dutifully hanging out not far from her ankles. The invitation mostly washes over her - it's sugar. A sugar rush is exactly what she needs right now.]

A-ah... yes. That does sound very good right now. Um, rather than all of them, though, can I ask which one you like? [Cheery, with only a hint of the tiredness visible in her posture. Gotta work harder if you're trying to hide that exhaustion, dear.]

[duette]

[ Kanade had been about to launch into her very informative and emotional assessment of the quality and taste of the Lucky Spoon's sweets repertoire when this girl's question stops her dead in her tracks. She blinks once, as if this is truly the first time she's been asked. And not in the way that alludes to wanting a professional suggestion — but one she simply liked.

With a bit of bluster taken out of her, Kanade looks over at the rows of desserts. ]

Hmm, well. [ Now Kanade's gaze flicks up with a smile that doesn't seem half as much like a performance art. ] You seem a little tired. You were helping out all day, right?

[ This girl seemed honest. ]

Try this one.

[ As if on cue, Stella hoists up a little plate, decorated with a doily, a napkin, and a silver spoon. The spoon's handle is elaborately crafted into a heart and a swirl of ribbons. Kanade plucks a cup dessert from the pile and sets it on the plate. ]

This is a strawberry cake parfait, one of my favorites. Not only does the softness of the cream pair perfectly with the tanginess of the strawberries, but the cake gives it an airy texture too. It's a perfect pair energy boost! See for yourself!

[ Tada! One plate to one hungry citizen. ]

[drawntodream]

[Even as tired as she is, she can sense Kanade stop when she asks her question, and she recognizes the impulse for what it is - surprise. Had nobody really ever asked that before? It would stand to reason that whatever she liked would be one of the best things, right?

What she notices more is that, somehow, the young woman seems more genuine, and she appreciates that. Smiling, Yui nods to the question.] As much as I can. There's still a lot to be done.

[The tag-team putting together the dessert plate, on the other hand, is enough to make her mouth water. That sounds...]

That sounds amazing! I think I'll try one, then.

[Gingerly, she accepts the plate with a soft word of thanks, looking at it with eyes suddenly in full focus once more. She reaches over to set her sketchbook down before picking up the ornate spoon, and carefully scooping up a small first bite. With only a second's hesitation, she gives it a taste... and her eyes light up, some of her fatigue melting away almost instantly. To have this much of an effect so quickly... what an amazing dish. An amazing person, to have made this.]

Oh, this is lovely! I can see why you'd like it!

4b

[youscream]

[There's all sorts of people out on the streets tonight, from different regions all looking for different things. Real food, a good dose of sugar, everything's on the menu today. Nobody, however, is quite the sight of the person Kanade just flagged down with her wares.

A tiny girl dressed in rather unique clothing and with even more unique hair color comes to a stop, glancing Kanade's way, idly twirling the frilly parasol resting across her shoulder and shielding her from the sun. The Vanillite on her shoulder looks up curiously, but the little Pokemon is nowhere near as imposing as the rest of her company.

Namely the two rather large men in black suits and sunglasses flanking her on either side, following just a step behind her. One of them throws a harsh scowl Kanade's way and opens his mouth as if to say something before shutting up immediately when the strange girl steps forward toward the Lucky Spoon's cart, inspecting the offerings with a scrutinizing gaze.

After a second she looks up, fixing Kanade with mismatched eyes and a crooked little smile before gesturing for her to go on with her explaining.]

[duette]

[ Kanade takes a good long moment to size up this current bunch who've taken interest in her cart. Head cocked, one brow raised. Very appraising, for the staredowns she's receiving. Hmm. Weird. Definitely weird. Then again, what wasn't weird with Union lately?

She's got a business to run here! If she balked at every shady entourage, her spirit would suffer! Then her recipes would sure suffer! Oh, no. Not today.

Seeming to puff a little life and confidence back into herself, Kanade clears her throat. ]

O-Of course! Where was I — ah! Here.

This one is a darling mix of a pink lemonade and ice cream, all in an easy-to-eat sandwich form! Next to it are mini bundts with just the right amount of orange glaze and floss garnish! The tarts come in any flavor you'd like! The Lucky Spoon can mix any flavor for you! Chocolate, mocha, mint, citrus, tea, honey... unless you prefer the truffles, dusted with imported rock salt from the Archipelago! Mousse cups are perfect for the lady on the go, being just the right size, and leaving a delicate but rich taste on your tongue, and here...

[ Well, I did say at your own risk. ]

[youscream]

[Oh. Well, now, that's certainly interesting. Even if most people don't know enough to fear the very sight of her (yet) mostly everyone had balked at seeing the girl wandering about with a rather imposing pair of toughs behind her. At least the girl's initial reaction had been expected but seeing her perk right back up and go right into her spiel is a bit of a surprise. Quite a spirit she has!

As Kanade goes on, Neo just leans on the cart. Her cheek resting on one hand and the toe of one foot idly while she listens and considers. Then, all of a sudden, she snaps her fingers sharply and turns her head toward one of her grunts, making a few odd gestures with her hand. The stone-faced man nods once and walks up beside her.]

Miss Neo'll take a sample of the ice cream and one of the mousse cups.

[That in no way... sounds like a request. Neo smiles ever so sweetly.]