archishellago | Test Drive Meme #006

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Test Drive Meme #006

KHU IODUAN; TEST DRIVE MEME #006

I. AROUND AIFARAN - Getting The Perfect Shot!

This month in Aifaran, there's a contest being held on the popular social site Xa Xa, which Earth-based Dreamfolk may recognize as vaguely Instagram-like -- it's all about the pretty pictures! With a top (and substantial) prize of 500 hhinn per category, lots of people are getting into the game. Prizes will be handed out for awards like Best Composition, Most Creative Angle, Best Use of Lighting, etc, and this means that it won't be uncommon to see people in unusual places (even some risky ones) trying to score the perfect shot. Maybe they're bumping accidentally into you on the street, or slipping off the edge of a rooftop, or not paying attention to that train heading their way??

II. TALENT IS A MISNOMER - You Didn't Need That Wall Right?

There are a lot of Dreamfolk in the city, and all of them are dealing with their own newly gifted Talents in their own ways. Some, especially those who are used to extraordinary abilities from their own worlds, have some idea of how to train on them safely, learning the ins and outs of their new gift. And then you have some whose only exposure to "magic" is through stories, fairy tales, or really entertaining TV, and pointing a finger-gun at a target and saying "boom!" has never actually worked... until now.

"Uh," the other Dreamfolk says, staring dumbly at the car-sized hole in the wall, and then glances at you who just happened to be the closest person. "That's... new. Yikes. Should we run? Wait, I've got a better idea--" Cue loud voice and frantic pointing in your direction. "IT WAS THIS ONE! THEY DID IT!"

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. A SURPRISE WINDFALL - Officer, This Isn't Mine...

There was a loud thud as someone tosses a heavy bag from the window of a dilapidated building. Five seconds later there’s smoke pouring out the windows and your holding what seems to be someone else’s luggage. Opening it, you find carefully wrapped bricks of some very illegal drugs, and someone down the side alley is pointing at you and yelling. A mounted Sentry officer is giving you a rather peculiar look as well while he calls in the fire brigade. And among the people fleeing the building, there are five Kin’nal looking at you, wide-eyed, as it suddenly dawns on them that they messed up. Take your new prize and split before reinforcements arrive? Try to explain the mistake? Take note that the building is still on fire?

V. 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.

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!

Applications • Reservations • Taken List • Game Navigation

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[Diamond has yet to really understand the concept of a "selfie" or what that entails, exactly -- and they also aren't quite sure what is "normal" behavior for these other creatures they've discovered to be quite unlike them in many ways.

But still, they can't help but try and dash to the rescue when they see someone starting to fall off the balcony of a building above, rushing below them to catch them just before they fall on the ground.

... unfortunately, although the catch was perfect, they bump into the wall from behind them and their arm cracks, dropping to the ground with a clatter. ]

... Oh, dear.

III

[ Fortunately for Diamond, they don't exactly have skin or veins with which to inject venom or cause pain by biting. They do notice something taking a nibble at their ankle, though, and they move to pick the munga up gently. ]

What a cute fellow you are!

[ They don't seem to notice the people looking on in horror, nor do they seem to be too terribly bothered -- a little surprised, maybe, but nothing more -- by how grumpy and squirmy it is. ]

My, my, you diamonds are as brittle as ever.

[Padparadscha apparently picked a good time to happen upon this scene, arms halfway to a stretch above their head. As usual, their shirt is wide open, revealing the filled holes in their torso that mercifully haven't had to be redone since they came here.

They crouch down to pick up Diamond's arm, somewhere around the elbow. Even though Diamond wouldn't have much to fear from Padparadscha's hardness, it's a bit habitual to avoid touching anywhere that might be easily damaged on another gem.]

Hopefully Rutile found a substitute for the glue we used back home, huh? [Neither Padparadscha nor Rutile have broken yet, so it hasn't been an issue...until now.]

[ Diamond beams with excitement to see their sibling who they've missed so dearly, the Instagram-worthy sunlight lending a beautiful rainbow sparkle to their hair. ]

I have to say, I'm a little embarrassed someone as cool as you has caught me in such a pinch ... but it is very good to see you.

[Padparadscha just gives a slight smile at that, offering their arm back by the non-hand end. It's hardly uncommon to see gems in such a state, though it's usually ones of a lower hardness than Diamond that Padparadscha has watched break.]

Same goes for you. Though it's a shame it's not at home. [From their point of view, they'd disappeared before anyone but Phos had the chance to see them recovered by the techniques of the Lunarians.]

[ Perhaps more noticeable are the cries of offense and slight bruising as Rutile elbows their way through the crowd, drawn by both the activity and the strange gleaming of light refracting on the surrounding city. ] Pardon me, excuse me - well, I wouldn't have hurt you if you'd stood aside the first time, would I have? - oh, send for the Sentry if you're that upset...

[ Then they break through the crowd, emerging into the clearing that has formed around ... Diamond, of all people, holding a squirming munga in their arms. They stop short for a moment, eyes narrowing, but then close the distance between them and reach into their pocket. ]

Hold it still if you please, Dia. I want a sample of its venom before we're accosted for aiding and abetting.

[ Oh, what a coincidence! It's Rutile!

Dia compliantly holds the little sucker still for them, but they do look a little confused. ]

Accosted? What are we aiding and abetting, exactly?

Yes ... though, this place is quite interesting, isn't it? It's very lively!

[ Of course Dia wants to be with all their siblings, but it's nice to look on the bright side, isn't it? Being here still accomplishes the goal they sought by going to the Moon, too ...

They gratefully take their arm back from Padparadscha, gingerly trying to slot it back in place on their own, just to hold it in place and make sure no fragments chipped off to keep it from going back into place properly. ]

I hope Rutile has something ... oh, I'm so clumsy!

It has more people than we've ever seen before, so of course it seems that way.

[Some parts of the city are quieter, some are indeed lively, but ultimately it's the change in numbers that has the effect of making it overwhelming. Coming from their place where there's only around thirty of them around at any given time, a city this size, or a city at all, would be unthinkable.

Padparadscha laughs a little at Diamond's fuss over their arm.] Well, much as they may not like to hear it, Rutile isn't the only scientist here. But that's only for if you get desperate.

[ Rutile might say the same. Of everyone they might have anticipated seeing in Konryu - well, while Diamond hadn't been at the bottom at the list, they certainly weren't at the top.

They slip a delicate file from their lab coat and scrape some of the gooey toxin from the munga's spines into a glass vial. ]

This tiny fellow is on a city-wide rampage. The citizens are at a loss trying to capture it, partially because it secretes a venom that is highly hallucinogenic to organic beings. We, of course, are fine. It's quite fortunate that you happened upon it.

[ The vial goes in their pocket, and Rutile bends forward to get a better look at the munga squirming in Diamond's arms. A gleam runs through their eyes, and they tap their scalpel with a gloved finger. ]

I volunteered to help catch the creature, but I can't say I'm not curious about its anatomy.

[ Yes, maybe that was what it was ... but beyond that, so many here seemed so young and full of energy, still. Maybe that was just because they were all organic beings ... ]

Other scientists? Is that true?

[ ... Diamond leans in, as though Rutile might appear any moment to hear them talking shit. ]

So they are upset about it, hm ...

[ ... Oh dear. Diamond has seen that specific sparkle in Rutile's eyes more than once ...

They move to hold the creature just a little closer, almost protectively. Despite its hissing and spitting and squirming ... ]

But ... is it really okay for you to, you know ...

[ Dissect it? Experiment on it? ]

[ Rutile rolls their eyes at Diamond's trepidation. They reach for the garish lead dangling from the munga's harness and wave it before Dia's face. ]

Of course it isn't. There are strange laws here about personal property and pets, and even if there weren't, I would have to be affiliated with the Academy, which I am not.

[ They hand the lead over to Dia, a slight scowl twisting their lips. Rutile has already had plenty of run-ins with the Sentry and can't afford - literally - to worsen their reputation. The munga is safe. For now. ]

It all takes a great deal of getting used to, but this little thing belongs to somebody who will likely be very upset not to get it back.

[That's a valid enough concern with Rutile, so Padparadscha smiles slightly as they lean in to listen to Dia's comment.]

I think it's making them a little bit restless. There are a lot of different branches of science here that Rutile couldn't have known about in our world, so compared to that, they may feel like they're just like one of us again.

[Rutile had always been very proud in their knowledge and in their work, even if Padparadscha lay at the core of why they did it. It stands to reason that exposure to a variety of new things they have less understanding of would drive them to work harder.]

Oh!

[ Dia seems quite excited to lead this thing around with a leash. It bites at their ankle before it seems to almost resign itself to a growly sulk, upset that its biting and thrashing about has done nothing to keep these gems from doing what they will. ]

All right. It seems to have settled down a bit. So, how shall we find them to return it?

I see ...

[ Dia holds their chin in their hand, thoughtful as they decide what the best course of action in this case might be.

And then, their face lights up with an idea! ]

Perhaps we should try to bring Rutile as many books and journals as we can, so that they can catch up as soon as possible!

[Amusement touches the side of Padparadscha's mouth at that comment.] I'm sure they're making more than enough progress on that by themselves. There are plenty of libraries here, and even ones made just for things like science and research that Rutile is far too interested in.

[They even have proper places of learning here rather than just a specific room where newborns are taught by their leader. More people requires something more impersonal, Padparadscha supposes.]

[ The biting of Diamond's ankle is really unremarkable; rather than pay it mind, Rutile raises a finger to their chin, considering the situation with the utmost solemnity. With Diamond being new, of course they don't know the proper protocol in such a situation.

Truthfully, Rutile doesn't quite know, either. ]

I suppose we might find... [ their expression takes on an air of disgust, ] a member of the Sentry to take custody of it. And then, failing that, a local pet store. Actually, on further consideration, reverse that. We can start with a pet store.

I. Around Aifaran

This is the first time that they have ever seen the lush green grasses of a tropical summer, or felt the warmth of the sun at its seasonal zenith. Antarcticite still doesn't truly understand how it is that they are able to withstand this heat without melting--this can't be possible!--but the assistants at the Dreaming Bridge had been quick to assure them that no, this is perfectly normal, the Dreaming is capable of performing wonderful feats for the Dreamfolk who are drawn here. And, very gradually, Antarcticite had allowed themselves to believe them... once they were convinced that this was not some elaborate ploy cooked up by the Lunarians.

But why would the Lunarians reconstruct a shattered gem in the first place? And surely the Lunarians did not look nearly so complex and varied as the flesh creatures that wandered Aifaran.

It is the latter of these thoughts that they are mulling over as they await the arrival of the skytrain on the platform... and notice someone on the tracks, posing with one of those silly talking media devices on the end of a long stick. Antarcticite scowls at their frivolity--then turns their head sharply when they catch a glimpse of the train's oncoming headlights.

Quickly, they rush to the end of the platform. "Get out of there, you idiot!" A split second for deliberations, and then they leap down onto the tracks to yank the moron in question out of the way.

(Are you the moron, or are you a spectator?)

II. Talent Is A Misnomer

There's a giant hole in the side of a building that now has smoke pouring out its windows, and all it takes is one false accusation from a particularly belligerent criminal for Antarcticite to find themselves the centre of the Sentry's attention.

"Explain yourself!" an angry Bresilykian is demanding of them, advancing forward with several of her fellows at her side.

Startled and outraged, but keenly aware of the solid-looking batons that the officers wield, Antarcticite takes several swift steps backward.

"What explanation do you want from me!" they demand in response, gesticulating backwards at the massive hole in the wall in disbelief. "This was not my doing, you have the wrong person!"

V. Knowledge Is Precious

Antarcticite was not expecting to lapse into a spell of melancholy after their time answering the questions of the Tariken monks, but they suppose such a thing would be inevitable after passing an hour or two discussing nothing but their memories of home; the land, covered first in a soft fine down of snow that would only grow thicker, more dense, as the cold of winter encroached upon it. The halls of the school, quiet and orderly as the rest of their companions hibernated through the coldest season. Of the good and sensible work found in cleaving the ice floes, of making Sensei proud--and of Phos.

It leaves them bemused, how often their thoughts turn towards that good-for-nothing little pebble. ...No, that isn't right anymore, is it?

They remain seated on one of the park benches long after the monks have gone off to pester one of the other newly arrived Dreamfolk for details of their homeland. Antarcticite sits still with their hands resting still on their knees, frowning determinedly at nothing. No, this won't do at all.

VI. Wildcard!

(hit me with anything else you have in mind!)

By chance or by fate, or perhaps both, Rutile is a frequent patron of the Skyway, and glances up from their yimo when they hear the tell-tale clatter and grind of stone landing on gravel. What they startles them such that the yimo slips out from their hand, and there is a delicate moment where they are frozen with surprise. It is Antarcticite of all people, here, in Aifaran, who has jumped down onto the tracks to rescue some hapless bystander, in front of an oncoming skytrain.

Fucking kids, is Rutile's clearest thought as they dash to the edge and crouch by the side. "Antarc!" they shout, and reach down as far as they can. "Give them to me, Antarc; you need to get out!"

With the train coming at this speed, the matter of hardness is a moot point; neither of them will make it through a collision unscathed.

There is a wide-eyed looking Castian now clutching at Antarcticite's arms and torso, her initial exclamations of indignation now replaced by shrieks of terror as she becomes aware of her circumstances. "Get me out, get me out, help me!" she yells, often and repeatedly, while Antarcticite struggles desperately to sort out an escape plan in the fleeting moments they have left.

Reckless, impulsive--but what else could they have done, they could not have simply stood by and done nothing--

"Antarc!"

Startled, they whip their head around to stare up in shock at--"Rutile..!"

"Give them to me, Antarc; you need to get out!"

That command is enough to snap them out of it, and with a grunt of effort they toss--yes, toss--the shrieking Castian up into Rutile's waiting arms. (They'd better be waiting, at any rate.) That leaves Antarcticite just enough time to leap for the edge of the platform and scrabble desperately above the ledge before the oncoming skytrain comes roaring past, squealing breaks and all.

They make it, barely, though their hasty escape leaves a hairline crack along the side of one leg.

"...did you see that? I can't believe it, that lady nearly died..."

There's an explosion of sound around them as rubberneckers and gawkers crowd around them on the platform, some leaning in to see if the three of them are okay while others simply have their yimos up to liveblog the whole experience on Xa Xa. Antarcticite's wide-eyed shock at the experience is quickly transforming into indignation, though they wobble a little as they push themselves up to their feet.

That's quite unnecessary, don't you think?

[It's close enough to the shore for Ventricosus to have retained their form onto land, and their tentacles grip and press at the ground as they make their way over to investigate the ridiculous situation. They don't know Antarcticite, but they can tell immediately what it is they are, and their tentacles extend to one side slightly to form a barrier of sorts between Antarc and the batons.

The Sentry seem a little perturbed at the appearance of a large, fleshy sea-dweller, and Ventricosus bends down, pressing their flesh bags together with their arms to make them look more appealing.]

Can we call this a misunderstanding and move on?

Rutile catches the Castian but it's a pleasant experience for neither of them: they roll back onto the platform and Rutile's head glances off the stone tiles with a sickening crack; and of course, Rutile's arms are not exactly welcoming. The skytrain rushes into the station with a loud rattle and a shriek of the breaks, the lights blinking in time to warn of its arrival.

Much good that did, Rutile thinks.

After a second of getting their bearings - they're still awake, so the crack must not have gone all the way through - Rutile pries the Castian's webbed fingers from their clothing and pushes them aside. "Look at that, you're still alive," they observe, sitting up. "A few bruises. You'll be alright." Even as they murmur words of comfort, their attention is preoccupied by the surrounding activity. Rutile's gaze slips over each bystander in turn until they see -

- Antarcticite.

Sure enough, it's them, alive and solid as ever. The sight of them whole surrounded by warmth and greenery is unnerving at best, and leaves Rutile's relief at their well-being tempered by apprehension. What did it mean if first Padparadscha, who had never been whole, was in Aifaran, and now there was Antarcticite who should no longer exist at all?

Rutile swallows these fears; Antarcticite doesn't deserve to carry them. As they get to their feet, they announce to the crowd, "Alright, yes, you've seen quite enough. Put those things away before the same fate befalls you!"

Then they turn to Antarcticite. "Not how I would have greeted the skytrain, I have to say. Are you injured?"

Edited 2018-08-09 01:55 (UTC)

[The Bresilykian and a few of the other Sentry are suitably distracted by appealing display put on by the interloper. Another Sentry gives his eyes a roll. Antarcticite, meanwhile, is regarding Ventricosus with very large, nearly colourless eyes, jaw slack. They were clearly not anticipating rescue by such a strange-looking person, particularly not one that nevertheless bears some resemblance to the other gems of the Land.

After a pause, the Bresilykian at the fore appears to return to her senses, clearing her throat.] There's, ah, there's still the matter of the damage to public property, [she points out, gesturing to the large hole in the side of a nearby building. No one appears to have been injured by the accident, though there are still flames coming out of one of the windows.]

[Antarcticite folds their arms over their chest and juts out their chin stubbornly.] Damage that was not inflicted by me, [they insist crossly.] If you Sentry paid any attention at all to what was going on around you, you'd know that your culprit fled that way-- [helpfully, they point in the appropriate direction,]--after implicating me!

[From the sidelines, someone else chimes in blithely,] It's true, that other guy did it.

[to which Antarcticite can only scowl, further exasperated.] See?

[Suitably sheepish, the Sentry now shift awkwardly where they stand. One eventually peels off from the rest of the group to go trotting haplessly after the other Dreamfolk who had so quickly fled the scene.]

Rutile's admonishment seems to be sufficient to coax the crowd into dispersing, though several eyes do look back at the pair of gems to ogle at them. But before too long all the hangers on have either boarded the train to depart the station or ventured down the stairs leading to the street and the rest of the city.

Now Antarcticite has no choice but to confront the recklessness of their actions.

"Not how I would have greeted the skytrain, I have to say. Are you injured?"

They colour, chagrined, at the comment, then look down with some dismay to the slender crack that has appeared along the side of their thigh; near the knee joint, the crack has spidered some. "Ah, yes," they admit, and quickly scour the ground near the edge of the platform in search of any stray shards that may have come loose in the chaos. "I'm sorry, Rutile. I should have been more cautious--I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't shown up."

Then they look up, confusion evident on their features, and admit, "I still don't even know how it's possible that I'm here at all."

While Antarcticite is busy being embarrassed, Rutile has already spied the crack and is crouching down to examine it, prodding at some of the more delicate areas with a gloved finger. Nothing seems prone to falling out, and when satisfied that Antarcticite is no worse the wear for it, they stand up and let their hands settle on their hips for a lecture.

And then, their gaze lands on Antarcticite's confused face. They recall what arriving in Aifaran for the first time was like all too well, and here is Antarc, thrown into a situation which doesn't even make sense. There is not much Rutile can do to explain this, though they could talk until the wind wears away their features.

Rutile softens - figuratively, of course - and their hands fall away. "There is a force here called the Dreaming," they say. "It does... strange things. Things I would not have thought possible. We could ascribe this to that, or..."

They trail off. They're not certain, yet, how appropriate it is to ask how much Antarcticite remembers. The revelation that Phos is responsible for their shattering could be too much to take at this point, and if they already know, it's likely a topic they won't want to dredge up.

"And, you would have been lost without me," they change topics. "That leg should hold, but take care; we'll need to find something that will suitably glue it, and it's a long walk back to the Bridge."

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Test Drive Meme #006

diamond / land of the lustrous

slides in here, I

OH HELLO <333

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hi I just woke up | III

HELLOOOO

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Antarcticite | Land of the Lustrous

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