archishellago | Test Drive Meme #004

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Test Drive Meme #004

KHU IODUAN; TEST DRIVE MEME #004

I. THE OPARA CORE - May I Borrow That?

The engineers of the Opara Core facility are always on the lookout for new technology they can adapt into the ever-growing web that provides communications across the archipelago and beyond. Their staff are assembled represent a wide swath of the native races in Konryu whose skills are mechanically-inclined, and of Dreamfolk who've arrived and want to pitch in. Part of their standard operating procedure is to take an interest in tech coming in with the newly arrived Dreamfolk. An excitable female Muin, her bright shock of electrically pink hair and matching, jewel-like eyes alight with a madcap glee, is wheedling for whatever gadget you have on your person. "Please?" she asks for the third time, blinking at you hopefully. "I'll put it back exactly how it was when I'm done. I promise..."

II. KIRIN RODEO - Place Your Bets!

At the end of every month, the Mounted Division of the Sentry holds their skills competition. When they're not on the field, their steeds are often the subject of much admiration from children and more than a few adults. Astride many breeds of kirin, some lithe and fleet, some stockier and stronger, these off-duty officers demonstrate their control and bond over the notoriously strong-willed and intelligent creatures with complicated maneuvers. There's a surprisingly in-depth system for betting on one's favourite to win the various matches, and just about everyone's willing to explain the odds to newcomers. There's only one rule: all proceeds go to funding of the city's charities. (Bragging rights on winning are still yours to keep.) Two bells ring loudly over the crowd - last call for wagers!

III. WE HAVE REGULATIONS ABOUT THIS - Munga on the Loose!

Munga are ill-tempered, rat-sized spiky lizards with a gift for camouflage, and whose venom in their spines and teeth is also highly hallucinogenic. And... they're on the loose. Fortunately, keeping them is highly regulated, and pretty much everyone in Aifaran knows about them, but loose Munga are uncommon enough that the reaction is more likely to be startled flailing at a hint of spines and skittering. Today someone's exotic pet has slipped out of their hands, and it's trailing a harness and lead as it zigzags away, prickling and hissing and going for the ankles. It's given a wide berth, except by those who don't notice until it's too late or those too preoccupied by something else. Hopefully the proper authorities have been notified to catch and return the creature, but maybe someone helpful can keep it from getting too far away?

IV. KNOWLEDGE IS PRECIOUS - Accosted By Monks

The Tariken monks are out in full force today, their orange and green robes making them easy to spot in a crowd, and there's a high chance you might be approached by one. Their sect values knowledge above everything else, so recording information from Dreamfolk, who are transient to Konryu, is something they see as imperative. Some of the questions are standard ("what's the name of your world? is it anything like Konryu? do have have any special position there?") but sometimes they move into stranger territory, like what's your favourite bath soap scent and how many times you wear your socks before washing them -- all of which are asked with the most studious attentiveness, just in case your answer holds the secret to the multiverse.

V. INTO THE UNKNOWN - Watch Your Back Out There

The sea patrol discovered the new irregularity a few days ago, reporting that it looks like a series of tall and jagged stone towers rising up from the ocean. It's incomplete as these planar-shunted locations often are, as if something massive had taken a bite of some mysterious city and then spat it whole into the seas of Konryu. Having been chosen as part of the exploration team, you've been working your way through the complicated labyrinth of stone tunnels and dead ends, searching for what the Opara engineers had enthusiastically described as a potential new power source. "Trace the green glowing power lines," was their (sort of helpful) instruction. However the lean, dark and toothy thing you've just glimpsed should probably be a more pressing concern... warn others? Take it on yourself? Pray it hasn't spotted you?

VI. WILDCARD - Because You're Not The Boss Of Me

Anything else that doesn't fit the above prompts is welcome, just keep it within the game setting please!

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III.

[Thor wonders just how much more he can take before he may falter. Normally, being strong is something that has not bothered him that much. With all the slings and arrows that get thrown at him, he remembers how he was raised and what his father taught him. No matter how much is lost, there is always a strength that needs to be held inside. He would still have his vengeance on Thanos after all that the monster had taken from him. Family. Friends. People that he cared for and fought with side by side were now gone. He had to do something. He had to speak with Captain Rogers. Steve always seemed to have a plan.

Before he could do anything, he found himself in another realm, one foreign even to him. The realm had the beauty of Asgard and the inhabitants seemed friendly enough, but they did not listen to him when he spoke. As much as he claimed that he needed to go home, none of them seemed to be able to help him leave. The anger inside him grows, feeling like a caged animal with nowhere to go. He needed a plan, an exit strategy of some kind. He’d been able to escape Sakaar, so this had to be easy, right?

His eyes are dark with frustration as he gazes along the path, walking with no clear purpose other than exploration. People smiled, polite but mostly giving him a wide berth and staying out of his way. Just as he was about to ask another person to help him, he heard a noise from behind him down the street.]

What the...

[The creature comes out of nowhere, startling people as it tears down the street. Thor watches as the people run, wanting to get as far away from the creature as he can. Despite everything, he has an innate need to help people, even despite his pain. His grip on his weapon tightens as he takes off in a run down the street after the creature, attempting to catch up to the harness and grab it.]

You will not escape, foul creature! Halt or you shall be dealt with!

Edited 2018-05-06 00:23 (UTC)

Thor isn't the only one whose attention is caught by the ruckus. Tony's flying home from some errands across the city (hey, it's faster than public transit) when he spots an unusual eddy in the crowds below. A zoom in with his cameras reveals a small commotion caused by a loose munga, and, kind of hilariously, a very large and handsome man running after it and shouting.

Out of pity for Shouting Handsome Man, who seems very upset by the whole situation, Tony swoops down to the rescue. He grabs the ugly little critter's harness and lands, holding it out at arm's length. (Obviously it can't do anything to him in the suit, but it's instinct. The venomous lizard is very angry.)

"I don't think it speaks English, big guy. Is this little dude yours, or are you aiming to take out a personal grudge against reptiles? I gotta be honest, that ax might be overkill."

Edited 2018-05-06 22:16 (UTC)

To see a familiar face does seem to ease a small bit of Thor's burden. While there is still an anger inside of him and a feeling of frustration at the lack of information he seeks, Tony's appearance does seem to help him feel a little bit more relaxed, if only for a moment.

"The creature does not belong to me. I was but trying to help assist others away from a feeling of fear. No creature should run so freely and frighten women and children from their sanctuary. Thank you, Stark. Your visage is a welcome sight to behold."

Thor gazes around, not sure what to do with the creature. In his realm, the creature would be killed and mounted as a trophy on his wall at home in Asgard. This was not Asgard. This wasn't even Sakaar. He was at a loss.

"Does someone own this thing? Shall we return it or make a trophy of it?"

"It's just a little lizard, dude, I think we can give it a stay of execution." A little lizard that is writhing furiously in his grasp, practically bursting with tiny reptilian rage. "It belongs to somebody. I don't want to have to hand over... Biscuit," it has a custom tag on its harness, how cute, "in two pieces."

Biscuit is unimpressed by Tony's magnanimity, and continues to wriggle and hiss with impressive malevolence.

"Anyway, uh, hi. Good to see you too, I guess. Do I know you?"

He's pretty sure he doesn't know you, Shouting Handsome Man. He would definitely remember those magnificent muscles.

"A pet." Thor steps forward so that he can move a little closer. Making sure the lizard still can't reach him for a bite, he reads the tag and chuckles a little. "A pet worthy of... something?" He could not deny that he had seen pets that size among others in some of the nine realms. "Biscuit. A... fine name, I suppose. He doesn't seem to like you. We should return him as soon as we can, should we not? The owner may be frantic..."

His head tilted to the side and it's then that his smile starts to fade. A shiver runs through him when he realizes that Tony does not know him. "You... You do not recognize me, man of iron?" His brow furrows and he takes a step back.

"Who are you and what have you done with Sir Stark? You are not an Avenger."

"These guys don't like anybody. Kind of makes you wonder why anyone would keep them as pets. And you're right about not being an Avenger, because that's a totally goofy name. Who came up with that?" What are they avenging, their dignity?

"But I am Tony Stark. Unless you're looking for a different Stark in power armor." Please don't say Andros, please don't say Andros, please don't say Andros... "And you still haven't told me who you are."

Unfortunately, all Tony did was confuse and scare Thor more. He takes a step back, raising his weapon in self defense as he is not really sure what is going on here. "What is this trickery," he yells loudly. They begin to get the attention of others surrounding them, more than before with just the animal.

Thor's not sure if he should attack or run, because who is Tony Stark if he's not an Avenger? Who is this man if he's not Tony Stark? Of course, he won't run. He doesn't run from challenges at all. Thor just really doesn't want to attack a man he called a friend.

"I am Thor! God of Thunder. Son of Odin. Prince of Asgard!" His voice echoes and little sparks start to flutter from his fingers. "What do you mean, a different Stark? There are two of you? Has Loki cloned you? I do not want your trickery, false Tony."

"Wait, you're Thor?" Tony dismisses the helmet of the armor, revealing a delighted grin. "No way. Hey, relax, big guy, don't freak out. Sorry— I'm Tony, I just haven't met you yet in my timeline. Alternate universes. This place is kind of a nexus for them. I thought you had long hair? That's a good look for you, though. Does your brother really clone people just to mess with you? That's hilarious. It's so cool to meet you, man. I'm a big fan."

Thor!! God of Thunder!! In the flesh, not just in grainy tabloid photos eating swedish meatballs! Awesome! Maybe you should let him get a word in edgewise, though, Tony. You're babbling a little bit.

"Stark? Why are you so less aged?"

Upon reflection, he can see some of the same similar traits in young Tony's face, hints of the man yet to come. And yet, he's suddenly feeling very off kilter. Had he gone through time as well as space to end up so far into this realm? Slowly, Thor lowers his weapon and sighs, wondering just what had happened to him to bring him to this world.

Seeing Stark ramble so incessantly about him did make him smile a little wider. He reminded Thor of some of the people of Asgard who had approached him, those who wanted favor with him, even if just for a few brief moments. "Tony, please, yes it is I. I am Thor, but we... The time I come from has us as friends and allies who fight side by side."

Thor shook his head, holding a hand up to Tony. "The hair is gone, sadly, but it will grow back in time. My brother is... Well, he's Loki. Tricks are in his nature." He extends his hand out to Tony so that the younger Stark may shake it. "I shall answer all in time, but you must help me. What is this place? Why have I been brought here?"

"Because I'm the smartest one and I invented the armor the youngest," Tony jokes, amused by Thor's confusion. Yeah, Thor, he gets that reaction a lot.

He shakes the offered hand with his non-lizard hand, still looking pleased as punch about the whole situation. "Right, sorry, I skipped the intro. We're on a planet called Konryu. The way dimensions or planes of existence work here is kind of weird, and I think it makes it easier for this universe to cross over with others. Someone created a spell a long time ago to draw warriors from other worlds to fight a chaos god – that's all been over for five hundred years, but whatever they did to the planes to make that happen, it looks like it was permanent. So people keep popping in and out from all over the multiverse. I've been here almost four years."

Okay, Thor, your turn now. "So, the Avengers, huh? Who's on the team in your universe?"

Thor nods his head and listens to Tony intently. He understands the explanation, the words making sense to him even if the idea of it troubles him. Taking Tony's hand in his,he gives it a very firm shake, smiling in spite of the situation. He smiles, but not as widely as Tony had.

Not only had he been brought to this realm accidentally, there was no chaos god to fight either? What would Thor do with himself? Suddenly, he would have loved a large glass of ale. "A reprieve might not go amiss. A chance to rest and prepare for the next battle, I presume," he murmured softly.

Thor blinks, looking back up at Tony as if realizing he had to pay better attention to the kid in front of him. "The Avengers Initiative. A group of us, all assembled so that Earth could be protected. You and I, Captain Rogers, Doctor Banner, Agents Romanoff and Barton. A mighty team to be heroes together. Captain Rhodes, Captain Wilson, Lady Wanda and Vision. A... A large group of us." His voice trailed off as he looked at Tony.

"They're gone... I am here and they are gone and I... I cannot help them if I am here."

Tony nods at the list. "I haven't heard of those last three, and Cap is still frozen in my world, but I know everybody else." The only notable absences on the roster are T'Challa (who presumably has more important duties than jumping to Fury's orders) and Pepper (??).

"You don't have to worry about your team, though. When you go back to your world, you return to the same point in time that you left. They'll never miss you."

But, back to that lineup... "What about Pepper? Why is she not on this 'Avengers' squad?"

"Miss Pepper is alive and well, Stark. She helps you run your company." He doesn't actually know that is the answer. He had heard of Pepper, met her occasionally among their travels and trials together.

He blinks, staring at Tony with a look of confusion. "Lady Pepper is not gifted or enhanced as you or I. She cannot fight, her safety is too important. That would be if Lady Jane Foster were to battle and I could never allow that."

But the truth was, even if they didn't miss Thor, Thor would miss them.

Tony squints, opens his mouth to say something, and finds himself at a loss. He needs a second to process that. Pepper? Running SI? "...Actually, you know what, I can totally see that." Like snooping, hacking, and bargain hunting, business is apparently something else that Pepper can be terrifyingly good at when she puts her mind to it.

"I don't think you know Pepper very well if you think I can keep her from doing something she wants to do, though." Tony chuckles. "I'm not going to tell her she's not 'allowed' to do something unless I want to spend the next week on the moon. Anyway, Rhodey's not enhanced either, and he's still on the team. I can't see Pepper giving up her suit, even if it means she gets to be the boss of me at my own company."

He can almost see it. Almost. But she really loves her Rescue armor.

Before he can say anything else, their conversation is interrupted by a sheepish 'ahem,' and Tony turns to see that a young, embarrassed-looking muin man has sidled up to them. He's holding a small carrying crate that is obviously meant for an animal.

"So I'm guessing this little murder dinosaur is yours, then, huh?" Tony says, holding out the munga. It hisses and thrashes in his hand again.

The young man blushes and nods. Tony stuffs the uncooperative lizard into the open door of the offered crate. As soon as the door shuts, the man latches it closed and Tony finally dismisses his armor.

"I don't think Biscuit is ready for harness walks yet, pal. Maybe next time you should just hire a petsitter." Biscuit gurgles resentfully, bristling its toxic spines at Tony. "...a really motivated petsitter."

Biscuit favors Tony with one last hiss, then turns a circle like a cat and settles down, satisfied to cast its baleful gaze upon the world from the comfort of its crate. The man nods again, mumbles an apology, and slinks away.

[ Loki's last memories of Thor aren't exactly of them prancing through flowers and sunshine, holding hands. Not that they usually are. It doesn't change the fact that throughout their time together, he'd never seen an expression like that from his brother. He always held out for him, chased after him, ended up seeking out his help, and could at the very least acknowledge a connection between them that was frustratingly difficult to sever. Until that look, clenched fists, and "This was your doing", not a question, a statement. He hadn't been able to get a word in, Hela arrived soon after that to destroy every physical trace of their history, finish the job he'd started of ending everything. Loki had still hesitated, held his silence for too long, possibly hadn't had a reply to give with or without Hela's swift approach.

Loki would crow to anyone that he was elated to have his freedom. And he'd try to avoid lingering on steps that couldn't be taken back. But that didn't mean his attempts were successful, and it certainly didn't mean that classic, volatile mix of emotions that consisted of equal urge to strangle something and start crying like a lost child that only family could bring about weren't still storming in his chest and thoughts. Storming like a familiar face.

Loki needed fresh air, but it wasn't helping him. Despite being surrounded by people, interesting beautiful people, charming sights and the smell of fresh street food, all of which usually entertained his senses enough to push aside repugnant thoughts, he was-- hearing his brother's voice. Vividly. Shouting like an uncultured thug. How realistic. Loki loathed to wonder if he needed a therapist, and believed he'd sooner analyze them. Despite better judgement, curiosity won him over easily. Loki wandered closer to the noise and, quite suddenly, it was pandemonium. Loki dropped his expensive smoothie and squealed when a lizard zoomed past. He had exactly five seconds to think, because a small distance away, his real, in the flesh brother appeared to be chasing it.

He shifted to a feminine form, dressed like a perky tourist and with heavy designer sunglasses to distract from a perhaps too-snakelike face and too-green eyes, and pretty much threw herself on the lizard. She got hold of the harness, but she was stabbed by the spines, too, and she'd heard in passing what came next. Fan-fucking-tastic. She clutched the stupid lizard and stood unsteadily, grinning wide. ] Thankyousomuch Mister-- mister... who? [ Raises eyebrows, expectant. Loki tried to lean on a wall casually, only to find there wasn't a wall to lean on, stumbling. ] My pet would've surely never been seen again without a big, threatening man to intimidate it into submission! Hooray you! You're my savior. Speaking of never-been-seen, you're new, aren't you? Since you were picking a fight with an innocent pea-brained animal. [ Pets the munga. ] ...Ahem, that I love with all my heart. But it's simply a pet, hardly a foul creature worth all this fuss. Calm down now, sir, breathe. It's been halted and dealt with.

Edited 2018-05-07 22:40 (UTC)

[Before Thor could save the day like he always did, he suddenly found himself face to face with a beautiful woman. He blinked, stopping short just enough to not hit her with his new weapon. Slowly, he lowered the axe, much different than his hammer.]

The pet is yours? It’s… It’s very fluffy. [Thor tilted his head to the side, watching the woman as she tried to relax and remain calm. In truth, she seemed nervous and anxious. His smile widened a little, as most women do seem to have that reaction around him.] I am Thor. God of Thunder. Son of Odin. Prince of Asgard. [And yet, even as he was trying to smile for Loki, there was something missing. His smile wasn’t as wide as it might have been in the past. His boast wasn’t as loud or as bold. While he tried very hard to put on a good front, Loki was one of the few people who could probably see right through him.]

Your creature, pet or not, should not be allowed to run rampant. May I help you return it to it’s home? [His eyes widened.] You are bleeding. Did your pet sting you? [He moved forward, one hand reaching out to brush against the female’s body, fingers trailing down her side.] Your tunic is starting to stain with the crimson of your blood. We should get you tended to before the damage could be fatal, my lady.

[Thor used the concern to mask anything he might have been feeling internally. Now wasn’t the time to dwell on his emotions or mourn all that he had lost just before arriving. Now was the time to try to help someone else. Taking solace in the comfort of another, doing the good deeds that he was known so well for doing. At least in that moment, he could find some joy in the people and the task. At least until he can try to find his way back home. And he would. The vengeance he wanted for Loki would be his. His brother would be avenged.]

[ Loki looked at the axe. It shifted, in rainbow bridge colors, from hammer to axe and back again, and made her wonder again if any of this was real. It was a dangerous time to be clutching a munga and next to someone who seemed strikingly like her brother. She watched, head tilted, as sparks drifted around the man's head, but it didn't take enough attention away from his stupid smile. She missed that. Notes, with a snort, ] I've never heard a more accurate assessment of my little darling. You're spot on. It's like a soft cushion, keeps me warm at night, and has the personality of a doting mother.

[ How dare this maybe-Thor-stranger... remind her. She remembered Thor had one of the biggest, most honest smiles she'd seen on anyone, but it didn't seem quite the same. She was almost ready to use it to believe this was happening again, then, he said his name, and several titles, a real mouthful only royalty could give. Loki made a choked sound, then quickly tried to save it by forcing a laugh. Between the lost-brother and the hallucinations, this wasn't her best acting. ] Are you kidding...? Ah. You aren't. I've never met a prince! Nor both a god and a prince! That sounds a hundred times more important. Is chasing lizards part of your godly duties? Are you worshiped for that, o Thunderous Bane of Reptiles? [ Thor was one of the most unsubtle people in existence. He sometimes raised his voice even in tiny rooms. This was subdued, and it made Loki want to provoke him. ]

[ Loki's stress and curiosity built in equal measure. Where had he been, before this? Was his... eye... She nearly tipped her sunglasses up to try and look closer, which would've been a bad move, but jumped when Thor pointed out she was bleeding. Too late to put an illusion over that. Damn, damn, damn. ] I promise you, Mr. Thunder, that I did not wake up in the morning and think "I cannot dream of a better way to spend my day than to unleash my exotic monster upon the commonfolk". I can handle-- [ Thor touched her, and made Loki think both of how she longed for familial touch, had nothing here, and Shit, that hurts. She hissed and tried to plan this out. Thor was the worst person to be around, if she was going to start anew, but she had to find out more about him, and him running around talking about her may be worse. ]

[ Her tone switched from rebellious to simply tired, ] I'm not about to be murdered by a lizard, you silly man. But... I would appreciate if you would assist with my journey home. I am not looking forward to stumbling along like a jester and falling into roadside puddles. And if the world continues to warp, I may walk into someone else's home entirely. I'll give you directions-- I live at the Dreaming Bridge. I do not wish to have medical care, this will be temporary. [ Swallows, and says something nice, followed by something snippy to play it cool, ] Thank you, ridiculous prince-with-shining-axe.

You are lucky to have such a creature…

[The more he spoke, the more evident it became. He was trying to overcompensate. He didn’t want anyone else to see how broken he was inside. Loki’s death was especially harsh to him. They finally had found their way to a good place. Thanos had taken that away from him before he had a chance to truly talk to Loki, just talking. He grins a little wider, shaking his head at the lady in front of him.] I am the god of Thunder. I control the weather. I’m not worshipped, I just control the elements to save the realms.

[Reaching up, he rubbed at his patch where his eye was in fact missing. Something grave had happened to him to lose that eye, a tale he would tell if a beautiful woman asked it of him. He chuckled and moved closer to her.]

Beautiful lady, I would be remiss in my duties not to escort you. Take my arm, for I am strong and will happily protect you. I must see you home, it is the least I can do.[He moved closer, smiling warmly at the woman who’s name he still did not receive..] Alas I don’t’ know where this bridge is that you speak of. I shall escort you back to your home now.

Leaning down, he winked at the lady Loki was pretending to be.]

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Test Drive Meme #004

Thor | Marvel Cinematic Universe

WELL HELLO THERE

HELLO :D

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also I JUST noticed your username and I'm laughing

HAHAHA I got very lucky and was surprised it was not taken

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Re: Thor | Marvel Cinematic Universe

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