TEST DRIVE MEME ( 017 )

[lifeaftr_mods]

Test Drive Meme #17

Hello, and welcome to LifeAftr! We’re pleased that you’re expressing an interest in the game. Here, you can test the waters, gauge how your character may fare in the world of LifeAftr, and even gain some in-game incentives, if you so choose.

Remember that Reserves will open on November 17th, and Applications on November 24th!

Two important notes:

1. LifeAftr's test drives take place on the island of Mu, which exists apart from the real world and possesses a dream-like quality that characters are innately aware of from the moment they appear on its shores. No need to panic or fret. Dreams are odd things, after all - and anything can happen in them. Why would anyone question where their mind chooses to wander in its sleep?

2. Due to the nature of Mu, threads in our test drive can not only be accepted as thread samples in your application, but can be accepted as game canon as well. In fact, certain choices your character makes in Mu have the potential to bear in-game consequences, largely in the form of test drive reward items.

Is Anyone There?
What initially promises to be a relaxing island getaway is anything but. The tropical backdrop is all there - swaying palms, crystalline shores, white sand beaches, the whole hog. It's as idyllic as Ensō ever gets in the real world, the waters sparkling just that much more with a polish of dream-shine.

The real problem here is that you're not alone.

While they might be little more than a misted, formless shape at first, they'll rapidly take a more solid form as time goes on: a specter of a single person of great emotional significance. Whoever you might be seeing, they're here to rouse some aspect of your life that was not fully resolved. Someone you did not mourn, someone you did not grieve, someone you loved, someone you cut ties with unkindly, someone who represents a chapter in your life that you have thus far sought to repress. Tailing you relentlessly, refusing to be ignored or brushed aside or forgotten, this specter is hungry for your attention to the exclusion of all else. They will bring every painful association to light and rub those wounds raw, to a terrifyingly parasitic extent. They crave your attention, your love, your devotion, your fear. They are tethered to you, and cannot tolerate the thought that you might pay attention to anyone or anything else.

However they might have been in life, however fondly or not you may remember them, this shadow of them is merely that: a shadow. Desperate for your attention, and likely to grow jealous if you dare direct it anywhere else. They can't live without you. Why should you get to live without them?

In fact...why should you get to live at all? If you don't give them the attention they crave, they might start to demand it a shade more vigorously. They're only going to grow more solid as time wears on - and while no one but you can see them, they have the power to affect you very physically if they so choose.

Choose Your Own Adventure
What you have before you, dear traveler, is a very linear path forward. Deep, tropical woodland, jungle-like in texture and evening-dark, and a well-trodden path that stretches onward in a seemingly infinite, winding road. There is no way to go but backwards or forwards. Or, for the particularly brave...well, you could try moving off the beaten path, but we wouldn't recommend it. As it happens, the surrounding vegetation in this area is mostly comprised of a very irritating sort of foe.

As it happens, most traditional mimics take the form of wooden chests to befuddle and then snack upon any intrepid explorers foolish enough to open a container without checking for teeth first. Such is not always the case, however! Mimicries are what we will tentatively dub...distant cousins of your more conventional mimic. In the waking world, most of them prefer to assume the form of bushes, waiting for an unsuspecting traveler to tread upon the roots that will then snap around their ankles and reel them in, leaves parting to reveal a row of very nasty, very pointed jaws. Tonight, on Mu, their aptitude at blending into the vegetation to prey on the absent-minded explorer is out in full force.

While mimicries are very skilled at impersonating their surroundings, there are plenty of holes in their disguise for those keen of eye. An alert enough traveler may glimpse a pair of yellow, reptilian eyes blinking out from the vegetation before they fade just as fast. Mimicries are highly hostile, prone to attacking once they feel you've drawn close enough for them to take a good chomp, and don't tend to let go of their prey until either it is dead or they are. Armed with spiny teeth and a terrier-like refusal of relinquish their grip under any circumstances, mimicries can vary from genuine danger to outright irritant.

The good news is that, despite their number, mimicries are terribly vulnerable to fire. Happy hunting!

Caught in the Rainbow Current
On the more peaceful side of things, you're also liable to wake on a much quieter island destination - and this time, neither ghosts from your past nor RPG-styled foes will be there to spoil your stay!

Instead, you can take heart in the drifting, multicolored lights that shimmer off the seafoam and flotsam. A bale of kaleidoshells are passing through this region, and they're certainly taking their time in doing so. Resembling a cross between turtles and dugongs, kaleidoshells are so named for their distinctive radiance. Their scales and rainbow-colored shells can get as large as six feet across. The shifting colors on their backs are both bright and reflective. A vast enough number of kaleidoshells can allow for the illusion of an underwater aurora borealis, which is precisely what is occurring now. Kaleidoshells are placid and peaceable creatures by nature in addition to being unfailingly pretty to look at. As they are largely sea-dwelling, their presence in the archipelago is usually seasonal. However, despite the autumn season, Mu has elected to make an exception. Kaleidoshells are particularly slow and unwieldy on land, and thus not much of a threat, but you're probably better off not trying to poach their eggs. They do, however, make a very fine sight around the waters of Mu, especially in this artificial evening. Luminescent, their rainbow patterns glow underwater with the dim pulse of drifting mood lights.

So relax, take in the sights...or wade in to swim alongside them, if you like. They won't mind the company, and there's something singularly enchanting about getting to swim in the tide of a rainbow.

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LOGS ● OOC ● STORIES ● MAIN NAVIGATION

Comments

[warpstriking]

[None of what happened is what they signed up for when they left the capital. At least they saved chocobos; especially the tiny little black chick. Also, he may have left a photo in that camera of Ignis when his glasses got stolen by one. Just saying.

He sits down beside him, raising an eyebrow. While he doubts it'll work, he shrugs.] Why not?

[want_to_belong]

[He doubts Noct'll remember anything, but if nothing else it could help him understand where they were. Prompto had pics of the people and areas, and even had an overhead view of Enso, and he hoped showing him all of it would help him get his footing on the islands. He quietly started flipping from the start, showing him people who had come and gone, as well as Iggy, back when he was so recently hurt. And... himself. So there was no denying that he'd been there before.

There were different landscapes and he explained which island each of them were, tried to give him a basic overview. Eventually he got to pictures of a speckled egg. Maybe a few too many pictures of an egg, but once pictures of a muddy brown baby chocobo started showing up it became pretty obvious why. The first ones were all in the darkness, but as time went on the chocobo showed up in the pics bigger and bigger. At some point Gladio suddenly started appearing in the pics. And, if he thought about it, Noctis would probably notice a sudden lack of himself in any pictures. Towards the end he got to two more eggs, followed by more colorful chocobos.

There were also some pics of Ardyn in there. Why? Because he was cockblocking the black chocobo, which Prompto eventually managed to get pics of anyway.]

So much has happened... But I've been trying to document it all, and take useful pics when I have the chance.

[warpstriking]

[His doubts are proven correct; he doesn't remember a thing, though he still listens intently and not at all expecting he would remember something about it. Even so, it's fascinating. Even though his stomach twists at seeing the facial wounds on Specs be so fresh again. Though his gaze briefly lingers on himself, and the lack thereof after a certain point.

His eyes narrow slightly at the sight of Ardyn in some of the pictures, but otherwise he says nothing. (Nice job getting pics of the black chocobo, Prompto.)]

Sounds like it. [And looks like it, but that's obvious. Almost as much as the hint of pride in his voice. That's their photog nerd.] How many chocobos does that make now?

[want_to_belong]

Ardyn has Fressy, I have Coco, and Gladio and Iggy both have young chicks now, too. Fressy is already an adult and Coco is almost there, so... Maybe more soon?

[Which would mean talking to Ardyn. About mating. There was no way that could go wrong.

He hoped his pics could at least help get Noctis settled. He'd at least have seen their home, and some previous versions. He let the camera hang loosely between his knees as he got to the end of the pics.]

Noct...?

[warpstriking]

Damn. Few more and you could open your own ranch.

[A faint hint of amusement glimmers in his gaze, before they reach the end of the pics and he he looks out over the ocean. Rest in fucking pieces, Prompto. There are so many ways that can go wrong.

He leans forward, resting his forearms on his legs and shakes his head.]

Sorry, didn't ring any bells. But, thanks.

[want_to_belong]

Yeah, I kinda thought it wouldn't... We can't be sure what that means exactly, but...

[Prompto might not have been the best student, but he wasn't some sort of idiot. He knew what all this other world stuff could mean. This was probably someone other than who he knew before.

And even still, Noct was important to him.]

You'll try to join us, right? On the islands.

[He fidgeted in his spot and bit his lip.]

I mean, I know. I know you have important stuff you have to do. But we... kinda miss you here.

[warpstriking]

Well, this place is a dream, right? Maybe like most dreams, I forgot upon waking for a while.

[It's a terrible thought, and it leaves a bitter taste in his mouth as he says it.It's obvious in his eyes, though: he desperately wants to be wrong. The second was even worse: that he could be from a slightly different version of events, and he sighs. None of the options are that great.

Thank the Astrals Prompto thinks to ask the question. He raises an eyebrow before answering:]

'Course I will. Sure beats taking a long crystal nap. [No matter what happens, it's not even a contest. His tone takes on a slightly amused note as he asks:] So, aside for a room overtaken by chocobos, what can I expect over there?

[want_to_belong]

[That immediately brightened Prompto's mood and it was clear on his face. He wasn't sure if Noctis would - or, rather, if he even thought he could - so he went in with no expectations. Even now, it's not like he remembered any 'choice' that he had in coming to the island. Maybe he had a choice and forgot, he didn't know, but there were no guarantees. He could at least know if there was a way, he would see Noct again.

He straightened up and turned towards Noct.]

Well, I have a room, and Gladio and Iggy have a room, and then we have kind of a living room? I guess that's what it'd be. Oh, and Gladio and Iggy are, uh... dating now? Did you know Gladio had a thing for Iggy?

[More a surprise to Prompto than anything upsetting, he was just curious if Noct had known.]

[warpstriking]

[This is implying that he wouldn't do it through sheer will at this point. How many rogue axemen and daemons did he fight with just the Ring to find him? He lost count, and Astrals, it'd be nice to at least spend time with those he cares about rather than-

Nope. Not going there right now. Especially with that info brought to his attention.]

Wait, huh? [That would be a solid "no"... No, he did not. Though it's more of a pleasant surprise than anything that is written all over his face when he turns to look Prompto in the eye.] N-no, I didn't.

[Though considering the banter they'd throw at one another, and how snippy Gladio got at even the inkling Noctis would leave a recently injured Ignis behind in Cartanica? It kind of all starts to fall into place. Well, aside from his ideal of a perfect king.]

Good for them. They deserve some happiness. [Especially after all the shit they've gone through since they left the Crown City.] So do you, Prom.

[want_to_belong]

[He let out a small 'phew'.]

At least I'm not the only one who totally missed it.

[And he was kind of excited because now he had someone to talk to who seemed to be more at the same point he was at.]

I had no idea. I was so surprised! But it's cool.

[Like Noct, he was fine with it. He was just glad he wasn't the odd man out who didn't realize something that everyone else knew.

But then Noct says the last line and another concern came to mind.]

Ah, umm... Like, about that? As far as you, uh, remember...

[It was clear from the awkward and slightly high-pitched way he was talking that this was more than a little awkward for him, though he tried to keep speaking at a casual pace. He waved a finger back and forth between the two of them.]

Were we a thing?

[warpstriking]

[Noctis shrugs. Yep, at least they're on the same page for that.]

Ditto, and I've known 'em most of my life. [He knew Ignis swung that way for the most part, but he never thought.... Ah well, so long as they're happy; that's all that matters.

Noctis pauses. Well, Prompto took that the wrong way.]

No? Though I remember trying to help you talk to a certain "garage goddess" before leaving for Altissia...

[want_to_belong]

[He let out another sigh of relief.]

Oh man, good. Gladio thought that we had something going on, and Iggy said he had suspicions sometimes too, and I was starting to worry that after I'd missed that Gladio and Iggy liked each other maybe I missed something else, too. Was starting to worry that you'd show back up and we'd be hanging out and you'd like, try to kiss me or something, and we'd have to have an awkward talk.

[All of which he could say openly because... this was Noct. He could just say what he was thinking, even if it was weird.

He laughed softly and lightly jabbed Noct's arm.]

No offense, bud. There's probably worse fates out there than being kissed by you.

[warpstriking]

[As Prompto keeps speaking, one eyebrow keeps raising closer to his hairline - and out of sight thanks to his bangs. The other soon follows, until suddenly-

He laughs, batting the offending appendage away.] Probably, still. [So rude, Prompto. Besides, it's pretty obvious who still owns his heart despite, well...]

[want_to_belong]

[In the end, his major concern had always been hurt feelings and holding onto his friendship. Had Noct kissed him, he could get over that pretty easily. But now, knowing that they were on the same page, he could laugh it all off.]

Yeah, was gonna be super weird if we were out fishing and everything was normal then suddenly you were all like, "Hey, wanna make out?"

[He laughed again.]

Almost makes me want to prank Gladio for making me worry.

[warpstriking]

[It's a good feeling; being on the same page. Still, he can't help but be a little amused. Like he'd go after someone else - especially a friend - so soon after his fiancee's death. (And if he did, it would have been months later- and likely Iris, if he ever got the Hint(tm). Also if Gladio wouldn't kill him. There's a lot of factors going into that.)

And it really, really sounds like someone could use a taste of payback.]

Really. He get you that worried? [eyebrow raise. What's keeping you?

[Because if he's gonna do the thing, then he'll be tempted to join him in getting back at the big guy.]

[want_to_belong]

Well. It wasn't like it would've been the end of the world or anything.

[He awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, digging his fingers into some of the strands there. The boy definitely hadn't been able to find the proper amount of hair care products in a while.]

I haven't done anything yet because I didn't know if he was right or not. But...

[He let his hand slip out and leaned back to look up at the sky.]

I wonder what a good prank would be.

[warpstriking]

[Y i k e s. They should fix that somehow. Not having good hair care products? In this group? That's just bad.]

Hm... [He thinks about it a sec, crossing his arms.] May want to start small, but noticeable. Something that'll get under his skin but he can't quite put a finger on it. Or you could go big and get him with something obvious.

[Like he won't help with it if he wakes up on Enso.]

[want_to_belong]

Dude, what if we just went way over the top with the flirting in front of him?

[He snickered and reached over to pinch Noct's cheek.]

Like, 'Honeymuffin, you're home!'