tabularasa_memes | July Test Drive Meme

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July Test Drive Meme

Test Drive Meme #3 Welcome to Tabula Rasa's Test Drive Meme! Our upcoming August app cycle will be for current players only. However, anyone is welcome to use this meme as a way to try out the setting, test out a character for future app cycles, or just for fun. You may also borrow ideas from this meme’s prompts for use in the main game.

Threads from the TDM may be used as samples on your application. TDM samples must be 2 threads with different characters, each with at least 5 comments from your character. You may include your top-level comment if it is a thread you started.

Current players in the game may also claim an AC bonus by tagging other characters on the TDM. Please see the Activity Check page for details.

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Scenario A: This One Blows
With so many winged creatures starting to fill up the world, it was only a matter of time before someone asked: how does flight work? Aerodynamics is a complicated subject, but one cannot hope to fly at all in a world with no air or wind. What, then, would be the point of having wings at all if they can't be used?

All at once the sky becomes filled with air, and the winds begin to move. However, there doesn't seem to be much logic to where and how hard they blow - all the wind knows is that it does blow, and that winged creatures may use it to fly up and away. Unfortunately, the result is something of a chaotic windstorm, and with an infinite supply of snow falling from the mountaintop the world is suddenly whited out in a raging blizzard.

If you're outside when the wind strikes, you'd best grab onto something before you get blown away yourself. If you're indoors at the time you'd think that would be lucky, but the wind hasn't quite figured out where it's coming from, either... so maybe stay away from anything sharp or heavy, in case a sudden indoor tornado starts whipping things around.

Scenario B: Let There Be...?
Light is another tricky subject. Where does it come from? The sky seems like a reasonable answer, but not all places are exposed to it. What of caves and buildings? How does light get there, and what happens when it can't?

The change may come slowly or suddenly as the world itself seems to experiment with the idea. Anything with a roof over it is left in total darkness, while everything outside remains brightly lit. It's as if a bright spotlight were pointing down at the world from above - even windows won't do much to let the light in, as it can only illuminate what it touches. Reflecting light may still be too difficult of a concept for this world.

The idea of there being other light sources is also, unfortunately, a difficult subject. Nothing seems to be able to penetrate this new darkness. Navigating indoors may be difficult for awhile, especially if you're also battling a hurricane.

Scenario C: How To Train Your Dragon
Dragons are dangerous and powerful creatures, but the fluffier, feathery breed has quickly grown in popularity among the people of the new world. Many find the small dragons cute, and some have even adopted them as pets. They're only as big as a house-cat, so what's the harm?

Well, the winged dragons have noticed that people are much more forgiving around them if they play up their cuteness. They've grown more fearless around strangers, and with that they can be quite a nuisance. It's more common now to see them swooping down on people, stealing shiny things, or just getting in the way to beg for food scraps and attention. Though not actively malicious, their claws and beaks are also quite sharp if you're unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end.

Persistence is another strong trait among dragons, as evident from their fishier dragon brethren, so these bad habits might be tough to break.

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A knife and a model gun... That doesn't work.

(Obviously.

He sighs a little, but the smile is back at the face not long after and he offers her a hand to stand up.

Time to walk Sparkles!)

Well... at least we're not completely unarmed, right?

[ Not that it. Seems like there's a whole lot of a threat around here, right now at least. Other than the threat of potentially dying from dehydration because of no rain barring snow.

Smiling at him in return, she shifts Sparkles up into the crook of her arm, using her free hand to take Ren's so that she can properly stand. ]

Thanks. So, where to?

Let Sparkles decide?

(He shrugs, because honestly, he isn't sure exactly where to take Ann...! It's not like the environment is booming with trendy restaurants and sweet shops, unfortunately.

:( Treat us well, Sparkles. )

Okay!

[ She settles Sparkles down onto the ground, and in turn, he is not prepared. He staggers and whines as he just sort of limply drops down dramatically onto her feet. This lasts for a good few seconds, before he pushes himself up and shakes himself off. ]

Okay, cutie. Go on, we'll follow you.

[ Sparkles tilts his head, and then peers up at Ren, as if to say, 'seriously?' before he spreads his tiny, majestic wings. They flap mightily and he hovers in the air for a few moments before... sort of crashing back down and deciding to walk.

He's going left, people. Follow him! Ann does follow after him, sighing. ]

So, what do you usually do around here for fun?

[ Because it's Ren, and Ren is fun. He has good ideas, usually! ]

(Ren just shrugs and shows his hands to Sparkles! Aren't you the native here??

Ren does end up laughing when Sparkles ends up accepting it and Ren offers his arm to Ann if she so wishes, feet following their son Dragon.

To the question, he hums.)

There's not much to do here... I usually stay at the bar and talk to people.

(Which is fun in its own way!)

I also made a shogi board!

[ Sparkles HUFFS. Is he? IS HE? He doesn't know man. He's like... two weeks old okay. D:<

As Sparkles saunters off, Ann is happy to gently take Ren's offered arm, giving it an affectionate squeeze as they walk together. ]

So, we have to make our own fun then, huh?

[ That's not going to end well for any of them, probably, now that Ann is here. She's already getting all sorts of ideas... ]

Did you? Ahh, you're so talented! We should play sometime! Spoiler alert: you're gonna win because I suck at shogi.

[ At least she's honest...... ]

(NO EXCUSES SOME OF US DON'T HAVE WINGS, SPARKLES.

It's nice to just walk around, like they were just hanging out and nothing was wrong. Not that it will last for long, but to just enjoy things while they wait for something to happen was nice.

Also, don't celebrate so fast, Ann... The board doesn't look so good!)

I can teach you, you know.

[ MAYBE YOU SHOULD GET SOME THEN, DAD.

This is almost like a normal day at home. Well... MORE normal, because there's no Palaces to infiltrate here or crazy Metaverse shenanigans. She feels a little selfish to admit that she's glad that they're here together, at least. Mostly, she's just glad to be reunited with someone who means the world to her.

She's sure that the board is going to be AMAZING!! ]

Really? You wouldn't mind?

(WHERE DO I BUY SOME

Well, have they ever met normal? The only time it has been normal was for a minute or two, at the station, before she got into the car. Everything after that was not normal... But it does feel good at the end of the day. The gentle smile is not fading anytime soon!

Of course, he definitely is eager to go back home, but while they can't...)

Not at all.

[ NO YOU DO NOT BUY THEM YOU GROW THEM IT'S VERY SIMPLE FATHER

This is true... don't remind her about the Kamoshida incident, though. Those few, brief moments before he'd rolled up had been so peaceful, too. But if he hadn't... they may not have been as close as they are now. They've got an undeniable bond, having lived through and seen things that most people their age couldn't even dream of.

She gives his arm another gentle, affectionate squeeze. ]

Promise you won't get mad if I mess up?

(EASY FOR YOU TO SAY

He gives Ann a bright smile when he shakes his head 'no'. Of course he wouldn't be mad. It's only natural when learning, isn't it?)

Promise.

(Sparkles halts in the way, looking around. Which way, which way...)

Have you found Akechi yet, by the way?

[ LOOK MAN. JUST BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, SPROUT THOSE WINGS OUT OF YOUR BACK YOU CAN DO IT

Ren will be a good teacher, because he is patient and kind and she's very... VERY fortunate in that regard. ]

You're the best, thank you~! I promise to pay close attention.

[ She nearly trips over Sparkles, blinking and staring down at the little creature who is quite literally tilting his head back and forth in his attempt to decide which direction in which to lead his parental units. AROUND THE CORNER THEY SHALL GO. ]

Oh. Yeah, he found me, actually. Sort of.

(YOU DO IT FIRST ANN)

I will write the rules for you just in case.

(Round, and around, and around and around we go!!

He does have a good idea though, to get her more familiarized with the surroundings.)

Let's climb a tree and see what's around here.

(IQ POINTS -183713716

Regardless, he does perk up a little to listen about the encounter.)

How was it?

[ I CAN'T, YOU'RE THE LEADER, ISN'T THIS YOUR JOB? ]

I would very much appreciate that.

[ Following this little dragon was probably a bad idea, because he's just sort of leading them in random directions and he's getting sidetracked... ]

Oooh, I haven't done that since I was a kid. Okay, let's do it!

[ She's in her school uniform so it's probably okay..... not that she's really thinking much about being ladylike right now. ]

Oh. It went... the wind kicked up and blew me smack into him.

[ HE NEVER SAW IT COMIIIIIING..... ]

(THE WORLD DOESN'T CARE ABOUT HIS LEADERSHIP SKILLS)

(At least climbing isn't that hard for him, after gymnastics and being hanging from his ceiling for exercise purposes... He will give her a hand if needed, and when they go to the highest they could, he frowned. The distance is... Weird. Seemed off that the bar was so far when they had just left... Or is it the lack of time perception that's ruining it?

Fine, world. Ren sits on one of the branches, laughing at the image.)

What do you think?

(Regarding him, he means.)

[ SHE CARES ]

[ After all of their Metaverse adventures, it's definitely not the hardest thing she's ever had to do, either. Though, she wishes he had his grappling hook... she will take that help, though, thanks.

As she gets comfy on the branch next to Ren, Sparkles awkwardly clambers up after them, whining. EXCUSE YOU, Ya'll FORGOT SOMETHING-- ]

He's the same as ever. I don't trust him. [ Blunt, and to the point! ] I met someone else, too. Kind of a dick, reminded me of Akechi-kun, actually. I kind of wanted to fight him.

(SPARKLES YOU HAVE WINGS........

Ren knows he can trust Ann to be honest with him and she doesn't disappoint. He gets it - it's not something easy or even possible for him to ask of her or of any of the thieves, considering the circumstances.)

I can't ask you to.

(To the point as well.)

... I don't have a reason not to at the moment.

(There's nothing to separate them ideologically and it doesn't benefit Akechi to hurt Ren or her in any way as of now. Instead, it accomplishes nothing and he loses allies...

And really, he has to credit Akechi. He has been, as strange as it sounds, a grounding presence and a good partner, even helping him in their attempts to find the others, without complaint over his insistence when the chances seemed bleak.

Really, no complaints.)

Who? There aren't many, from my experience.

Edited (what is english) 2020-08-06 10:59 (UTC)

[ uGH UGH HELP HIM DAD WHINE HE WANTS TO CLIMB LIKE U ]

I'm glad that you're able to forgive and forget. I wish I could be like you, Ren.

[ But she's not, and she can't be. It's true, she thinks that Akechi had redeeming qualities, he's not all bad, but she also recognizes what he is: a murderer, who would have killed the very young man sitting next to her, had they not all had some quick thinking. ]

I can't trust that easily. I'm always going to wonder when he's going to snap. [ She reaches down to finally help tug their whining dragon son up onto the branch, and as she does, Sparkles is content to curl himself up between them. ] ...But I do trust you and your judgment. So, I'll give him a chance. For you.

[ For Ren and only Ren. She pets Sparkles, glancing off to the side. ]

Fair warning, though. If he does something I don't like, or if I feel like he's a threat to you, the claws are coming out.

[ Because there's no Metaverse versions of themselves to sacrifice here, and she's not taking that chance. Oh. Right, the other guy-- ]

He said his name was Seto Kaiba, something about a card game? And being a CEO and I should remember his name.

(Of course, Ren helps Sparkles get up as well, a hand on him, but also the lingering question in his head to why didn't he fly there... He does get pets though, gentle between the bunny ears as he hums.

He can't blame her. He can't imagine how it was for the Thieves to deal with Ren's absence, unsure of their success when their failure meant Ren wouldn't be here, talking to her as they are. No thanks to Akechi.

He can't forget the damage he has done to others, but strangely enough, he can when it comes to himself. Like it was simply a means to an end from a distorted, manipulated heart...)

I don't think he will snap. It's... Very different now. Thanks for trying, though. I'm in no position to ask you that myself.

(He does laugh with "the claws come out", though! Alright, Panther!)

Ah. I've met him briefly. Bold of him to assume it means anything in a world that has no corporations.

(Or money, for that matter.)

[ Sparkles purrs and curls up between his two new favorite people, clearly very pleased. A winner he is.

Ann is extremely skeptical about the whole... Akechi thing. Ren's been here longer, been here with Akechi, and so he's got better grounds to trust him. Besides, out of all of them? Ren is the one who would understand him best in general.

She looks sharply off to the side. ]

He'd better not. I mean it, Ren... I don't think anyone would be able to stop me if he were to do something to you. Not you, not anyone. But for you, I'll do my best to try.

[ It's the least she can do. The subject is back to Kaiba for the moment, at least, though that particular subject doesn't exactly lighten her mood, either. ]

He seems like someone who could do with a change of heart... too bad that's not possible here. Ah... that's not nice of me to say, though. Sorry. He just doesn't seem like a team player.

[ That's. An understatement... ]

(There isn't much for him to do but to concede. The chances of that seemed slim with how much he has seen Akechi try his hardest to mantain his Prince image around the others here, but either way, this is a conversation they can pick up further down the line.

Now, the subject was Kaiba - someone he doesn't know well yet.)

Palace situation or Mementos situation?

(It's fine. It's not like they'd be rushing to do it, even if they could. Ren only asks to get a feel for the Level of DistortedTM...)

[ Poor Ren. She doesn't mean to be so pushy, but she can't help but be a little... protective of him, after everything that went down. It's not a big secret how much Ann loves and adores her friends, after all. Ren's gone to great lengths to keep them safe, and she wants to return the favor the best she can.

She hums. ]

Palace. He doesn't really seem like a bad guy, he's just kind of a jerk. Very full of himself. But he does sound very accomplished...

[ She wants to be accomplished, too. Except she can't because there's no need for models here WHY DOES THIS PLACE SUCK SO MUCH? ]

I think Akechi has met him more than I have.

(From how he addressed him when Kaiba eavesdropped on them, that is.

Ren tilts his head up - they surely can climb more, can't they? A better view of this very... Uncanny place. )

I can attest most of the people here are nice, though.

...Really? Hm....

[ S U S P I C I O U S. Not really. Now she's going to have to grill Akechi later. Great. Look at what you've done now.

She follows his gaze, and so does Sparkles. The little dragon whines at Ren and paws at his leg. Papa plz.... ]

I don't think he's bad, though. So, I've decided that I have a goal: I'm gonna make this guy my friend whether it kills me or not. Or kills him. Or both of us. Either way, this is a thing that's happening now.

[ And now Ren and Akechi are going to get pulled into her bullshit, congratulations! ]

(Eh-

Fine, they won't go further up... He gently picks up Sparkles to put on his lap, occupying the hands by petting him.

Why would you want that, Ann...)

Maybe he loosens up when he gets to know you.

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