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!

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[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.]

[ 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. ]

[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!

[ As busy as she's been all day, between the early debut of their restaurant's cuisine and manning the actual Minamino family fare, Kanade suddenly feels as though it's all been worth it from this one encounter. Sure, plenty of dishes and desserts have left her hands today. Dozens, maybe even more than hundred.. But seeing the real, live effect of good food on someone who needed it — well, that was worth all the effort and more.

Without realizing it, Kanade is beaming. ]

It's my signature dish! I created it precisely for this reason, you know. [ Leaning forward, Kanade points gently at this girl's face. ] That expression.

[ Straightening, she gives a thoughtful glance to the sketchbook she'd set down, and then the Eevee still hovering at her side. ]

Of course, there's something for everyone.

[ Kanade pulls a few green poffins from her apron pocket, kneeling down and holding her hand out to the Pokémon. ]

Here.

[Pardon her a moment, Yui is practically glowing at the heavenly strawberry deliciousness she's taking in. She shivers at the cold sensation from the ice cream, but all in all, she feels more awake and fired up than she has in several hours. She happily munches for a second, until she feels something in front of her move, and she brings her attention back to find herself being used as an object example. For a moment, she blinks, a blank look on her face. Then she breaks back into a big smile.]

It's a good reason, to be sure. And you're good at it. I'm not sure I should keep eating this, I'll get addicted. [A tiny beat.] On second thought, it's too tasty. I'm doomed. [With a happy grin to punctuate her meaning, and the clink of her spoon as she takes another bite.

Her Eevee, on the other hand, is dutifully hanging out where she can't be in her companion's way, but Kanade getting her attention is notable, and she stops and looks in interest, and then in pleased appreciation. After a tentative moment, she leans forward and pops a poffin into her mouth whole, chewing thoughtfully for a second, before running in a small circle and looking up happily, before darting forward for another. Yui's clearly still working on manners with this one, and she notices after a moment, frowning down but not able to complain with her own mouth full. She settles for a soft sound of scolding. If that's even recognizable as what it was.]

[ For as headstrong and overbearing as Kanade can sometimes be when it comes to her livelihood, it's moments like these where that veneer melts away just a bit. Knowing she has the ability to affect someone's day for the better, give anyone a reason to smile despite the odds they face... well, it's more than worth the time and effort spent in the kitchen, perfecting it down to the last dollop of cream. ]

I can't rightly tell you not to get addicted, can I? That's just bad for business and morale. I can't stand for that!

[ It's a gentle tease, punctuated with a giggle, as she watches the Eevee accept her offering. Kanade leans back, wiping her hands on her apron. ]

There. Now that's two deserving tummies taken care of.

[ Patting her knees with a satisfied noise, she climbs back to her feet. ]

[Before she can scold her partner properly, the girl draws Yui's attention again, and she can't help but giggle herself.] It'd be terrible. I'll have to manage, I suppose. I could think of worse fates than coming in for a sugar rush a few times a week.

[After a second, though, she crouches back down herself, looking Eevee right in the eye, sternly but without a lot of force behind it.] Eve. We've talked about being nice to people when they give you treats. Please thank Miss... [Yui blinks, before looking back up to Kanade, a bit chagrined.] Actually, I don't know her name yet. But thank her anyway! Both of us should, for that matter. [She stands back up, carefully making sure her small remaining portion of cake stays where it is.]

I apologize for my rudeness... more like my exhaustion, but that doesn't really excuse it. This is just what I needed! Thank you, really.

[ In watching her speak to her bondmate, Kanade immediately gets the impression of a person who was perhaps a bit too honest, and even more kind. When she addresses her again, she finds her suspicions confirmed. One brow quirking, Kanade smiles a little incredulously and waves a hand. ]

If that's what you consider rude, you must not have dealt with all the Calderans!

[ This girl is practically a saint in comparison. ]

And it's Kanade. Kanade Minamino. You're welcome at any time!

I don't exactly do well working with people, a lot of the time. I'm kind of introverted. [Said with minimal shame.] I'm getting better, though! [Honey, it's not fast enough.]

But, ah. I'm Yui Nanase. It's nice to meet you, Kanade! Oh, and this is Eve. [Her tone is steady with cheer as she introduces herself, and belatedly remembers to add in her friend a moment later, gesturing down at her; when she hears her name, Eve yips softly and darts a brief ring around Kanade's feet before sitting down next to Yui and looking up at her new friend.]

Um, has it been busy today? You seemed kind of... I don't know. Like you'd already rehearsed the words, when I came in. [A soft question, genuine but with a certain something that communicates her uncertainty - is it a little overreaching?]

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Test Drive Meme (February + March)

TEST DRIVE MEME: FEBRUARY + MARCH EDITION

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