Test Drive Meme (August + September)

[bravenewmods]

TEST DRIVE MEME: AUGUST + SEPTEMBER 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 It’s a fishing expedition! For a limited time only, this boat full of expert Pokémon anglers will lend interested parties a Super Rod - and provide instructions free of charge. What sort of Pokémon will you reel in? Or will you end up “catching” one of your companions during casting practice?

#2 In a show of goodwill, Gigas has donated a vehicle called a “jeep” to the medics of Union to expedite their arrival on crisis scenes. But a curious young Audino has taken it for a spin - and it’s headed right for the Flower Grove! Look out!

#3 Not to be outdone by Sanctuary’s sporting events, Caldera has invented a sport called Volley-the-Ball! It’s best played on sand, while shirtless. It is hot here in the desert, after all! Pokémon are encouraged to compete on teams alongside their Trainers.

#4 The Warp Bands are experimenting with a new feature that lets you track Pokémon just by keeping an eye on the screen. This is causing traffic jams in town as everybody wanders around looking at their Warp Bands instead of where they’re going. And into the middle of the chaos ambles a little old lady with a Furfrou, trying to find the Growlithe her Warp Band claims is nearby so it can make a friend….

#5 A local restaurant has debuted an “all you can eat” buffet of PokéPuffs and Poffins, which has attracted the notice of a rogue Snorlax. It’s promptly fallen asleep, and is blocking the door to the kitchen with only 15 minutes left till closing. If somebody doesn’t wake it up soon, none of the Pokémon waiting will get to have any treats!

#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

[twinkletwinklesuperstar]

Eh? [She doesn't really get it, but she's all out of ideas so it looks like she doesn't have any choice but to be everything on this mysterious stranger's plan. Grabbing her bag, she steps back out of the way and blinks when Haruka reveals the berry. Even as a blushing waitress make her way over to offer a knife.]

What's a berry going to do? It's sleeping, not eating. [Admittedly, her knowledge about Pokemon outside of what moves are best used in a Contest. She can't help but check the time again, horrified to see that another whole minute has passed! Hurry, Haruka!]

[actsmagnificent]

[ Haruka just grins. She's in no particular hurry, from the smooth and easy motions she's making, but when she accepts that knife with a smile she immediately begins peeling the skin off the Berry. It spirals off in an unbroken strip; once she has it peeled, she slices the Berry neatly in half. Juice slips out.

So does the smell of fresh Berry.

Leaning on the crutch that's supporting her non-broken side, Haruka leans up and wafts that fresh, delicious-smelling, perfectly-prepared Berry in front of Snorlax's face. Guess what, buddy. There's food here. Fresh food. Good food.

Food....for you. ] Naptime's over.

[twinkletwinklesuperstar]

[Haruka's lack of rush is pretty apparent, and seriously contrasting Kirara who looks like she's nearly about to jump out of her positively adorable shoes. This is ridiculous, she's late and this person is peeling a berry! No matter how good-looking somebody is, this can't stand.]

Okay, look, I don't know what you're trying to do but-- yee! [She jumps with a startled squeak as the massive bulk of the Snorlax behind her suddenly bolts straight upright, snapping from deep sleep to alertness in a flash. All she can do is stare as the huge Pokemon reaches its arms out and lumbers toward that sweet berry goodness with a "Snooooooooooor!"]

[actsmagnificent]

[ Heh. Mission accomplished. Backing towards the door one-crutched is going to be a chore, but Haruka doesn't let any effort (gasp, effort) this might take show. Back we go, big guy. Back we go.

She talks to the Snorlax, perfectly pleasant. ] Sorry. Snacks are for takeout only today.

[ And she flashes a wink at Kirara really quickly. Now's your chance. ]

[twinkletwinklesuperstar]

[Kirara edges back another step out of the way, watching the Snorlax go by, more than happy to stay out of the way of its pursuit of the berry. Her eyes catch Haruka's wink and narrow in determination. She nods. It's now or never.

Wheeling quickly while the bystanders are distracted by Haruka's Snorlax wrangling, she rushes to the counter. The workers behind it are snapped to attention by a handful of bills thudding down onto it.]

I need a dozen poffins! Dry, sweet and spicy! Quick!

[She pauses for a second before lifting her head and calling back with a smile.]

Hey, is your Rhyhorn having anything? It's my treat as thanks for helping me out of a jam!

[actsmagnificent]

[ Kirara gets a peace sign sticking salute-like out from around the Snorlax as a response: she's good, but thanks. Bit busy not getting a hand eaten, here. Be with you in a sec.

Brilliance the Rhyhorn, however, upon hearing the words "Rhyhorn" and "treat" in the same sentence, stamps her front feet in place and tosses her head. Food! Food! Treat means food! ]

[twinkletwinklesuperstar]

[Well, even if she says that, catching the Rhyhorn's reaction makes up Kirara's mind and she adds a few puffs to pass off to her savior once all this is done. She can't just let a favor go unpaid!

Finally, the transaction is done and Kirara's Pokemon food is secured! Not nearly as catastrophically behind schedule as it could have been too. Tucking the poffins and puffs into her bag, she hurries back to the door and leans around the Snorlax, poking her head out to check on Haruka's progress.]

How's it going? It's not going to swallow you whole or fall asleep and squash you, is it?

[actsmagnificent]

[ Ah, you're done. Good: this Snorlax wasn't going to be kept waiting forever. ] Could you let them know to lock up fast?

[ And she flicks the Berry into the air, already drawing another one out of her pocket (don't question this). Snorlax, seeing FOOOD, jumps.

The Berry is its. And the ground, as Snorlax lands, shakes; Haruka, expecting this, hangs onto her crutches. ]

[twinkletwinklesuperstar]

I think they're already doing it.

[She glances back as she steps around the Snorlax. Indeed, it doesn't look like any of the employees are eager to let the big guy back into the place after just securing a behemoth-free environment. It's a mad dash in there as they scramble to shut the doors and get treats out to the waiting Pokemon.]

Anyway, I really should-- whoah! [And, wow, that thing can JUMP. And set off small earthquakes on the way down. Kirara's balance is normally top notch but these shoes of hers are for looking crazy adorable, not standing at the epicenters of earthquakes and she wobbles a couple of steps, clutching at her bag. Those poffins are in danger of scattering everywhere!]

[actsmagnificent]

Skitty!

[ It's reflex. Dropping a crutch, Haruka reaches out to save those poffins.

By steadying Kirara. And pulling her closer to Haruka.

Much, much closer to Haruka.

Reflex. ]

[twinkletwinklesuperstar]

[Those are some reflexes!

Some quick thinking and grabbing saves the poffins from spilling all over the ground. Now if she can just think fast enough to regain her balance and--

it doesn't seem to matter, as a crutch clatters to the ground and she feels her Mysterious Stranger catch her with a strong arm and pull her close. Very close.]

Oh-!

[She blinks as she lifts her head and finds herself looking up into a pair of piercing green eyes. In her mind's eye, she can practically see the sparkles filling the air around the scene and maybe a stray rose petal or three. Like something straight off the cover of a romance novel.

She feels her heart beat through a second of wide-eyed staring, then another, before she grins.]

Nice catch.

[She's not actually pulling free of Haruka's grasp though. What, she doesn't want her Stranger with the broken leg to fall over thanks to her! Well, that and she might be just a little shameless herself.]

[actsmagnificent]

[ Kirara's mysterious stranger sees no point in letting go just yet, it seems: the danger is not over. Snorlax has finished its Berry, is looking around -

HEY!

A VEGGIE PIE VENDOR DOWN THE STREET!

Little tremors beat through the ground as it stamps off in search of a proper dinner. This particular restaurant is saved. Haruka exhales, then smiles at Kirara. To try all that for your Pokémon... ] You're a good provider.

[ How much pride do you have in your smile, Kirara? Here's someone who's a natural. ]

[twinkletwinklesuperstar]

[Oh, the Snorlax is moving on, that's good. She's got her food, her day is saved and she can move on from here...

... except this stranger's dazzling smile has caught her attention. They really are something else.

But Kirara is very proud of her own smile, and she's never one to turn down a challenge!]

Of course. That's a trainer's responsibility, isn't it?

[She returns Haruka's smile with her own, glittering right back at her just as shiny and bright.

It's a glitter battle now.]

[actsmagnificent]

How mature. [ What is this weird prickle on the back of her neck? It can't be feeling challenged. Nothing is ever a challenge for Haruka Tenoh.

...that doesn't involve angry gods, anyway.

Anyway, the sparkling increases. For reasons Haruka doesn't quite understand. But she glitters regardless. ]

[twinkletwinklesuperstar]

Thank you.

[If the Snorlax hadn't run off for more food, it would surely be blinded by the glow overtaking the street.

A formidable as Haruka is, Kirara isn't about to back down. She tilts her head a little, glimmering away in gratitude.]

I never would have managed it if you hadn't come along though. You really saved me.

[actsmagnificent]

Did you need a ride?

[ Haruka is joined by her actual literal shiny Rhyhorn. Its name even is "Brilliance". Pastel flowers fill the air. Or seem to, anyway. ] I wouldn't want someone in such a hurry to be late.

[ She remembered you had a time limit! The crowd sighs, dreamily.

Well, except for the Pokémon. The Pokémon are happily eating their snacks. ]

[twinkletwinklesuperstar]

[Pastel flowers are joined by twinkling starlight, shimmering in the sky in the middle of day somehow. Such is the power of their combined brilliance.]

Oh, could you? [Score! She didn't even have to bring up the idea herself. Outwardly, the hope and gratitude in her eyes shine bright.] I was worried I'd have to run all the way just to make it.

[actsmagnificent]

Where are you headed? [ Haruka mounts her Rhyhorn. She has to pull herself up more than usual - usually she just swings a leg over - but she's ignored enough of her nurses ridden around enough with the cast by now to have the hang of it. ]

[twinkletwinklesuperstar]

[Kirara's quick to hop up onto the Rhyhorn's back, taking her seat behind Haruka. Once she's settled in, she digs around for her phone in her bag for a moment before coming up with it.]

The Entertainment District. I'm looking for some place called the High Roost.

[actsmagnificent]

[ That's a weird-looking gadget. To each their own. Haruka can't keep up with all this newfangled technology. (Well, the newfangled technology without wheels, anyway.) ] A showman, huh?

[ That seems to amuse her. Off they go. ] I should've known you were a star.

[twinkletwinklesuperstar]

[She's going to have to pick up one of those Warp Bands while she's here, they're slowly coming into style in Gigas and she doesn't want to be left behind on any current trends. She wonders if she can get them personalized....]

Heheh. [She grins, putting her phone away to flick a hand through her hair while holding onto the Rhyhorn with the other to keep her balance. (Sitting sidesaddle, naturally, like a lady and all.)]

Weell, I'm working on it. [The "sincere" humility in her tone is palpable.] I'm a Pokemon Coordinator, actually.

[actsmagnificent]

Coordinator?

[ Give Haruka a second. Showbiz isn't really something she's interested in, despite her face being plastered on the sides of buildings whenever the Union Divine Theater has a show coming up.

It's been kind of nice not having a show coming up. She's getting soft. Drat. ] The Pokémon performances?

[twinkletwinklesuperstar]

[It's unlikely that Kirara's been in Union quite long enough to see Haruka's face on any of those posters. All the same though, she is detecting a certain flair to her, some theatricality. If she had to guess, she'd say that this person isn't a stranger to the spotlight in some capacity either.]

Yeah, that's right. [She leans forward, trying to get a view of Haruka's face.] Did you ever get to see one?

[She knows some people from Union were able to visit Gigas a couple of times before things went... a little south for awhile there.]

[actsmagnificent]

I'm saving that pleasure for watching you.

[ Yeah. Nobody not in showbiz would say that instead of just "no".

Or maybe it's a Haruka thing. ]

[twinkletwinklesuperstar]

[No, they almost definitely wouldn't. Kirara blinks once before lifting a hand to her lips and laughing lightly. Showbiz thing or Haruka thing, it's both charming and stroking her ego and that is definitely a way to this girl's heart.]

I made that much of an impression so quickly, huh? [She winks.] In that case, I'll make sure to reserve a front row seat for you.