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test drive

Test Drive Meme (June + July)

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!

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[OOC: Still researching the setting info, apologies for any discrepancies!]

#3: IT'S A ZUBAAAAT-- *explosions* *Gundam Wing music*

With sundown, the stifling summer heat was softened by cool evening breezes. It was the time of day that Elaine enjoyed the most, and the fading rays of the sun lit the gold highlights of her wheat brown hair. Her jeans and sandals bore dusty patches from the long journey down the winding road, as did the lower edge and cuffs of the flannel tied around her waist. Her long hair was loosely pinned up in a (French?) twist, a few loose strands trailing down the nape of her neck and brushing the high cheekbones of her angular face.

Elaine made for a pleasant enough travel companion. Her manner was easy and free, her smiles were frequent and natural, and it was clear to those who traveled with her that she possessed a fairly sharp wit to boot.

Uncapping her water bottle, she tipped her head back and took several deep swallows before dribbling a little on her hands before rubbing them briskly together. The long journey seems to have left dust even in the most unlikely of places, and she was looking forward to reaching Refuge to treat herself to a long soak in the bath.

And then there were Zubats.

The first swooped low, clipping the crown of Elaine's hair with its wing. Her head jerked forward as her jaw dropped in silent surprise. She barely had a chance to look back and see what hit her before another swooped in. Elaine ducked, instinctively covering her head, and before she knew it, she and her travel companion were racing for the caves for shelter.

Once they were safe, Elaine's back dragged against the stony wall as she slid to sit, laughing breathlessly as she stretcher her long, coltish legs in front of her. "Correct me if I'm wrong," she smiled, green eyes twinkling in the dim light, "but don't Zubats typically make their homes in a cave?" If so, this wasn't going to be the best place in the world to avoid them. Still, it was cool and quiet, and a pleasant respite for the time being. She had no objections to setting up camp here for the night.

-----------------------

Wildcard: Healing Touch

[Whether it's the trainer or the Pokemon in need of a massage, Elaine is a master at administrating her skills to all. The patient is allowed to rest in her lap if it's a Pokemon, or to make themselves comfortable on some sort of flat surface. Her cool fingertips work slow, firm circles into the patient's temples, then brush soothingly down the sides of the throat. She's gentle, applying just the right amount of pressure to be felt, neither so light as to be ticklish nor so firm to cause discomfort.]

[Her breathing is deep and even as she works, the light scent of the forest clinging to her warmth. Once the patient seems to relax, Elaine's generous mouth curves into a smile.]

How is it? Better?

[She's studied reiki techniques for years, familiarizing herself with the pressure points of the body and transferring her own energy through her expert touch.]

Jolt!

[ Elaine has a happy Jolteon propped up in her lap. A very, very happy Jolteon. Who grins a big doggy smile up, sparking slightly.

Off to one side, his Trainer forces back a slight wince from where she's just hanging out, trying not to get in the way. ] He gets charged up pretty easily. Is that something this can help?

[ ...without electrocuting the massage therapist? ]

Possibly.

[Elaine draws both hands over the cheerful Pokemon's cheeks, fingertips curved below the sharply defined jaw as she feels for the currents and anything that might be blocking or diverting his energy.]

If there's underlying stress, or anxiety, that can disrupt the natural output. Or perhaps he's merely in need of more exercise that allows him to discharge.

[She smooths her fingertips down Jolteon's ribs and up to the stiff spikes of its bright fur. Elaine doesn't seem to be one bit afraid of any potential risks of electrocution, the very picture of serenity and calm. Either she knows what she's doing, or she's good at pretending she knows.]

How long have you two been together?

A few years. [ Haruka sends Gold a mental nudge to remind him to stay still - he likes being "petted" so much that his bottom half, despite not having much to call a "tail", has started wiggling. Gold makes a valiant attempt.

Emphasis on "attempt." ] He might need to get out more...

[ Which is on Haruka, as every time she tries to take Gold anywhere he, uh. Trips over himself. He doesn't seem particularly stressed or deprived as he lies here grinning away, but his fur is starting to fluff up. This is nice! ] Eee!

[Elaine chuffs quietly in amusement, her generous smile widening at the creature's antics. It would take some time to coax Gold into settling down and relaxing, particularly if he already had a great deal of energy pent up. She draws a finger lightly from the point above his nose to the base of the not-tail, drawing the energy toward herself. If she can drain the excess, regulating the rest should be simple.]

I can feel sincere affection between the two of you. It's always nice to see this level of cooperation.

[Her slim hands coast over the fluffed fur in a valiant attempt to help it lie flat again.]

You're a cute little devil, aren't you? Relax. I'm not going anywhere for a long while.

[Which means the attention will continue until he's satisfied.]

Jolteon! [ Relax? Is that how he can help? Gold enjoys helping. He concentrates very hard on relaxing.

Which does not actually lead to relaxation - more to his eyes crossing as he focuses very very hard - so Elaine's attentions will likely be not only welcome, but necessary. Haruka watches carefully, curious (and a bit wary. She really doesn't want to electrocute the masseuse.) ]

How long have you been doing this?

[ The job, she means. It's an interesting career path. ~~Thinks someone who wanted to race Rhyhorn for a living, but ah well.~~ ]

[The corner of Elaine's mouth quirks upward into an amused smile. This is part of the reason why she enjoys being with Pokemon so much. They're almost like guileless children, innocent and well-meaning. She rewards Gold's earnest efforts by placing her thumbs just in front of his ears, massaging small, gentle circles into his fur. Almost all Pokemon enjoy having their ears rubbed from Elaine's previous experience, particularly those in the Eevee evolution chain.]

Hmmmm... Since I was eighteen or so.

[She lifts her green eyes with a cryptic little smile; she's not about to flaunt her age openly if she can avoid it.

Probably about your age, if I had to guess. I found I had a knack for it, and it was fulfilling work. There's a deep sense of trust that forms from a simple touch. What about you, what career are you pursuing?

Currently?

[ Haruka runs a hand through her own hair (no sparks here, though a trick of the light does let loose a few sparkles). Currently, she's part of a secret organization with a theater as their cover story. Currently, she ends up with her face on the sides of buildings.

None of which is what she says. ] I act, sometimes.

Jooooolllll. [ Don't believe Trainer. Trainer is great. At acting. At everything. Ear scritches are also great. He's on his way to becoming a fuzzy puddle. ]

[Elaine tips her head, as though listening intently to the Jolteon's protest. (In fact, that's exactly what she's doing, but she doesn't always broadcast her Enlightened talents to people she just met.)]

Oh? You don't say! That's very interesting.

[She smiles, her attention returning to the young trainer.]

Your friend seems to think you're far too modest for your own good and says you've got plenty of talent. Isn't that right, Mister Gold?

[Now that he's starting to sink down and relax, she can work on aligning the energy flow of his muscles, and make sure none of his excess energy is accumulating anywhere it shouldn't.]

[ She understood! Gold's head perks up again. (The rest of him is a rug.) ] Jolt!

[ And there, indeed, goes, well, a jolt. Sudden happiness releases bursts of electricity from his fur. Haruka starts but keeps herself from grabbing him - it's not bad enough to need somebody to absorb it just yet. ] That's his opinion.

[ She relaxes back into a grin again. ]

[OOC: Taking liberties because I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing the shock doesn't do much of anything against Electric types? Elaine is Electric/Fairy.]

[Elaine's fingers still for a moment as the discharge races right up her bones. If she didn't have a tie to the Electric type herself, it might have hurt. It does cause a little discomfort, but not enough that she jerks her hands back, or visibly flinches...though there's a faint flicker in her brow.]

Now now, calm yourself. There will be plenty of time later to show off what you can do.

[Her chiding is gentle and playful, and hey, she's smiling. She must not be all that upset.]

What kind of acting do you do? It's been some time since I've had a chance to go see a play.

Musical theater. [ Haruka sounds mildly sheepish about that, but her tone clears when she shrugs. ] We won't be taking home awards anytime soon, but. If we can make the city smile...

[ She smiles herself (it's very charming). What a ridiculous sort of line to have to feed somebody, but it's what's expected of actors, so the facade stays up. They can't let anyone know the Union Divine Theater's true objectives.

Gold has forgotten he isn't a Skitty and is attempting to purr. It isn't going so well. ] I guess we have that in common.

Hm hm~

[Elaine chuckles quietly. She certainly wouldn't describe herself as being nearly that altruistic. She does what she does for the money, and granted a large portion of her earnings go towards the benefit of Borealis, a human's needs tend to be more expensive than a Pokemon's, at least until Elaine gives up on society altogether and runs around in her birthday suit like every Pokemon ever.]

[But sure, she doesn't mind one little bit if her services are viewed positively. After all, she does enjoy this quite a bit, especially when a client is as good-natured as this comically adorable Jolteon.]

Where do you perform? I know a few friends who'd love an excuse to have a night out, a musical might be just the thing.

[More butts in seats equals better proceeds for future productions, right?]

Eee. [ Elaine's fingers have found a tickle spot. Gold's leg jerks of its own accord until the massage takes effect and he relaxes again.

Haruka keeps an eye on him out of the corner of her vision, but is mostly focused on chatting with Elaine. ] Union Divine Theater. We're under renovations right now - [ an angry god rampaging down the street will do that ] - but it's in the entertainment district.

[ She smiles. ] If your friends are half as charming as you, you're always welcome.

Edited 2016-06-27 15:38 (UTC)

[This is the only truly difficult part of a reiki massage: sticking to the guidelines of the treatment instead of just giving up and petting the Jolteon. He's darling, and very affectionate. Elaine's won over.]

You don't know the half of it.

[Fairy Pokemon do nothing BUT charm the pants off of people, sometimes literally. But she'll make sure she brings only those who are the most well-behaved, so as not to cause any trouble for the theater troupe. ~~Because that won't happen ever, right?~~]

There we go. Almost everything is in alignment. Let me check the front.

[She curls her fingers just below Gold's throat, kneading at the chest and front legs. The more of an electric puddle he becomes, the more she knows she did her job correctly.]

Do you need any assistance with the repairs?

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[In some ways, Arachne still couldn't believe she had willingly agreed to something like this, but after the day she had, she couldn't deny that there was some comfort to be found in essentially spa-like recreation.

Lying across the stone on her stomach while Elaine worked, she had mostly been quiet so far, having been tense and recovering from a headache.]

... yes, actually.

[Her tone is a little reluctant, quietly surprised, but she couldn't deny the benefits of it.]

[Elaine quirks a smile at the begrudging honesty. She tries not to talk too much while performing her services, but she does need a little feedback to know where her attention is most needed. She can definitely feel the pent-up tension in Arachne's tight shoulders, and by the same extension, her neck and back, so she works there, kneading firm circles to coax the muscles to loosen. Some masseuses really like to dig in to the point where it causes pain and discomfort to the patient, but this isn't Elaine's way. In fact, she finds it counterproductive when smoothing out the flow of someone's life energy and restoring balance.]

Are you feeling any pain anywhere in particular?

[Not helping her tenseness was her unease with being in such a potentially vulnerable situation with a stranger.

Especially with such a direct question.]

No. [Said too quickly at first, but then a twinge causes her to grit her teeth and rethink that.] ... My back. Lower.

Let's take a look.

[Elaine's palms skim downward along the curve of Arachne's spine, probing lightly at the low dip. Yes, there's definitely a lot of pent up tension there too. She presses firmly downward with the heels of her palms, kneading slowly and rhythmically as she coaxes the flow of her patient's chi to continue circulating, as it seems to be building up in a heavy concentration in that area. People carry their stress in different parts of their body, so it's nothing too unusual.]

[A tiny Cleffa toddles into the room, holding up a trio of scented and unlit candles up to Arachne for her inspection.]

Cleffa? Cleffa? Cleffa!

[One smells of vanilla and tropical fruit, the second has a light floral fragrance, and the last is slightly musky and fresh, like sanded wood and fresh cut grass. Clearly she is supposed to choose one. Or none.]

[The suffering of people with pent up emotional issues. She's carried the stress for a long time, so it's a little alarming for her to feel it being worked on in this way. Elaine was good at what she was doing, no doubt about that.

The arrival of the Cleffa thankfully provides a distraction, even if a mildly irritating interruption, as she lifts her head slightly from where it had been resting on her arms. Being a shifter allowed her to easily grasp the young pokemon's intent, even if it was fairly clear. And it was nice to be able to make a choice.]

Hmm?

[The first scent was pleasing, but... too soft? Sweet? Frowning, she inspected the others in turn, before finally settling to the third one. There was something much more calming about an outdoor scent. At least that was one she could easily identify.]

That third one should do.

Cleffaaaaaaaaa~

[Annalise nods sagely, as if to imply that she favors that one too and that a good decision has been made. She skip bounces over to the cupboard, opens it up, and carelessly chucks the other two candles inside with a noisy clatter.]

[Elaine winces, while trying not to snicker indulgently. The Cleffa has much to learn if she truly wants to be Elaine's assistant.]

Quietly please, Annalise.

[The Cleffa turns, blinking. Then whispers.]

Cleffaaaaaaaaa~

[Okay. Well. Not quite what Elaine was getting at, but she'll have to do a little training later. She shakes her head, never stopping or slowing her movements since she can feel the natural balance beginning to take shape. Cleffa gathers a bundle of the woodsy candles, setting them around the room and lighting them one by one.]

[Arachne outright grimaces at the clattering sounds, tensing up all over again. Luckily, she manages to refrain from scolding the Cleffa when Elaine comments on the behavior instead, though she can't help a sulky murmur once the smaller pokemon has moved further away.]

Not very experienced, is she?

[Perhaps with some credit for trying. The scent from the lit candles were starting to drift in already, putting her more at ease for her choice.]

Ha, no.

[Elaine smiles, placing the palm of her hand between Arachne's shoulderblades and sweeping downward with a slow, firm motion.]

She's young for her kind. But she's willing to learn.

[Elaine kneads deeply into the muscle tissue just above the rear.]

I'll give you an extra fifteen minutes to make up for it, free of charge.

... What? [The offer caught her off guard. Genuine offers out of kindness were confusing to her when she couldn't tell what the motivation was.

For being tolerant of the little one's mistakes, perhaps, and it was hard to deny the benefits of the massage.

She exhales, slowly, as she turns the thought over in her mind, and as Elaine reaches the troublesome area.]

There isn't a catch?

Nope.

[She splays her fingers wide apart, spreading a slow, kneading rub that moves up the middle of Arachne's back.]

You were just starting to relax and got interrupted. So that's time I need to make up for, as an apology for the inconvenience. Plus a few bonus minutes since the interruption happened at all.

[She pulls back before choosing a small vial of unscented oil, working a few drops into her hands and rubbing briskly together.]

It's just good customer service, don't worry about it.

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