Test Drive Meme (June + July)

[bravenewmods]

TEST DRIVE MEME: JUNE + JULY 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 Summer means it's time for a vacation! You and your Pokémon have hit the beach only to discover that not only has everyone else had the exact same idea, there's a bullying Raichu and Snubbull wandering around stepping on people's sandcastles! Will you stand up to them or let the squabble pass you by?

#2 A Noctowl has delivered you a message inviting you to enroll in Sanctuary's "Spoinkwarts School of Magecraft". How will you respond? If you say yes, you'd better head there for your supplies....it's doubtful you're able to buy cauldrons and Swellow-feather quills in Union.

#3 Perhaps it's time to beat the heat by heading to Refuge. But you've ventured there as evening is falling, and that can only mean one things: Zubats. Zubats everywhere. All at once. Suddenly. There is no escape, there is no release. There is only Zubat, and this cave.

#4 Aggron from the northern mountains have discovered Glacier music and are trying it out for themselves! Unfortunately, the only parts they've mastered are the grunting, yelling, and whipping their heads (and tails) around violently. Enjoy the concert!

#5 The Verdant Forest is full of pollen this time of year! And it looks like this Petilil that won't stop following you is allergic to....itself. It's also giving off pollen. Everywhere. Seriously, even if you don't have allergies, you're in trouble.

#6 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

[ryujin_no_ken]

[Well, maybe Haruka should be a little more aware of her surroundings. It isn't as if he was trying to be subtle or sneaky about it.]

I am, but not intentionally. [He turns his gaze back to Bulbusaur.] However, if she does not wish to be frightened, perhaps Blossom should more carefully choose who she spies on.

[There's a faint hint of amusement somewhere in the mechanical voice, and he keeps a fair distance back, sensing the apprehension in both human and Pokemon, and makes no move or gesture that could be seen as aggressive.]

[hananoprincess]

She's... she's really protective of me! But she's also very kind...

[For some reason, Haruka is quicker to defend her Pokemon than show fear. She's apprehensive, at the very least, as she looks the cloaked man over.]

She just wants to make sure there's nothing too dangerous around. But I don't want her to behave that way towards someone who doesn't deserve it, either.

[ryujin_no_ken]

[The cyborg's head tilts just slightly as Haruka comes to Blossom's defense. Frightened and uncertain, she still chooses to stand up for her friend. Courageous, for one so young.]

She cares a great deal for you, I can see it in her eyes. [He regards the Bulbusaur for a moment before nodding to Haruka.] And I can see in yours that that care is returned equally.

[Turning back to Blossom, he shifts forward half a step and then crouches down to her level, resting one arm across a knee.]

I mean no harm to you or your friend. You have my word.

[hananoprincess]

[When Genji knelt down in front of them, Haruka and Blossom both blinked. The Bulbasaur immediately looked ashamed, and lowered her head. Meanwhile, Haruka blushed a bit as the man's compliment sunk in.

Nevertheless, she knelt down herself besides Blossom, lightly petting the Grass-Type by her bulb.]

Thank you. And... I think I speak for Blossom when I say we're both sorry if we misjudged you.

[Finally, Haruka smiled.] My name is Haruka Haruno! What's yours?

[ryujin_no_ken]

[Seeing the shame on the Bulbusaur's face and hearing Haruka's apology, Genji is quick to raise a hand and wave both off.]

It is in our nature to be wary of the unfamiliar. I take no offense.

[And it seems the time has come for introductions at last. Better late than never.]

My name is Genji. But there are some who call me--! [his voice raises and he casts one arm outward dramatically, before slowly lowering it in front of himself with two fingers pointed upward before his face.] Green Cyborg Ninja Dude.

[He'd already caused enough bad feelings. Perhaps, he could at least make the two laugh a little.]

[hananoprincess]

[For a moment, Haruka and Blossom just stare. They're both surprised, but between them, Haruka is the one who's more... well, let's let her response speak for itself.]

Oh wow! You're a cyborg and a ninja? That's amazing...!

[That kind of thing seems like something out of a story, and Haruka has always grown up hearing stories about heroes. Blossom, meanwhile, stares back at her partner before smiling softly, and nodding at Haruka's response.]

[ryujin_no_ken]

[Were he still capable of it, he would have smiled at her excitement, and at the innocence in her eyes. To find such wonder in something he'd considered to be a curse for so long....]

I suppose that it is. [He stood slowly with the slightest whirr of mechanical components, letting his cloak drop around him again, and raised his head to look around himself.] But I am surprised you even know the word. It seems the world above ground has changed a great deal since I last walked upon it.

[hananoprincess]

Ah, well... [She rubs the back of her head.] Well, the world is changing, like you said? Even Union is so different now that we've managed to make contact with so many different people. So you hear about all these different stories and things that used to be something you could only dream about!

... It's really kind of exciting, you know?

[ryujin_no_ken]

[He nods, turning his attention upwards.]

The world is vast and filled with many different people and places. The people of Union have only just begun their journey to discover it all.

[He pauses, tilting his head thoughtfully before turning back to the girl.]

But if it is stories you like, I know of a very old one that you have likely never heard. Have you ever heard The Tale of the Dragon Brothers?

[hananoprincess]

[Haruka's eyes widened in surprise and interest.]

No...! I never have! It sounds really interesting...! I'd love to hear it...!

[ryujin_no_ken]

[Well, it seems he was correct about her love for stories. He takes a moment, trying to remember how best to tell it then gives a nod and kneels down again.]

It is a very old story passed down through my family, my father would tell it to my brother and me when we were children. It is said that long ago, when man had only taken their first steps into the world and even the Gods were young, the world was ruled by two great dragon brothers. The Dragon of the South Wind and the Dragon of the North Wind, and that together they upheld balance and harmony in the Heavens.

[He reached forward, drawing a rudimentary image in the sand of two serpentine creatures moving together in a circle.]

But... the two brothers began to argue over who best could watch over the world. [He moves on from his first picture, drawing the two creatures locked together in combat.] Their quarrel soon turned to rage and their struggle blackened the skies. Until the Dragon of the South Wind struck down his brother, who fell to the Earth and shattered the land.

[A third picture them. Of only one great dragon coiled around itself, alone in the skies.]

The Dragon of the South Wind had triumphed... but... as time passed and he realized his solitude, the taste of victory turned to ash on his tongue. For years, the Dragon's grief cast the world into discord and he knew only bitterness and sorrow....

[His voice goes low and he adds to his third drawing, creating the shape of a broken landscape beneath the dragon and letting it hang for a moment before carrying on....]

[hananoprincess]

[Haruka and Blossom stood there in rapt attention, eyes wide as Genji told his story. It was different from the stories they'd heard about the creation of the world, about the savior, about heroes and legendary princesses, and everything else.

... However, by the time he came to a pause, both the girl and her Pokemon were wearing distressed looks on their faces, albeit while still looking just as engrossed as before.]

That's... that's not the end of it, is it?! That's so... so sad... If something like that happened to me and my little sister, and made us fight...

[ryujin_no_ken]

[Genji shook his head slowly, wiping away the images he'd drawn in the sand to begin anew. Drawing out a mountain with a lone figure standing upon it with the remaining dragon up above.]

No, it is not. For you see, after many years had passed a stranger appeared at the top of the tallest mountain and called up to the skies. 'O, great dragon, why are you so distraught?'

The dragon told him, 'Seeking power, I killed my brother but now... I am lost without him.'

The stranger replied, 'You have inflicted deep wounds upon yourself, but now it is time to heal. Come and follow me down from the sky, walk the Earth on two feet as I do. Find value in humility, and then you will know peace.'

[A new picture began to take form, of the great dragon setting foot on the ground before the stranger.] The dragon agreed and so, he left his home in the skies, and knelt upon the ground. For the first time in his life, he clearly saw the world around him and he became human himself.

[He completed his final drawing. The dragon's tail coiling away before slowly resolving itself into a rudimentary human shape, standing side by side with another.]

It was then that he recognized the stranger as well, who revealed himself to be his fallen brother. Reunited at long last, the two brothers set out together, to rebuild the world they had once destroyed....

[He put the finishing touches on his drawing with that final statement, resting his arm across his knee and looking up at Haruka again.]

And that is how the story of the Two Dragon Brothers ends. With the beginning of a new one.

[hananoprincess]

[This time, once Genji finished, Haruka had a look of fascination and happiness on her face.]

That's... that's so wonderful! I'm so glad the two brothers could make peace with each other! I love stories about forgiveness...!