TDM: SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

[ryslighelpers]

TDM: SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

Welcome to the Ryslig Test Drive Meme! Below are a few prompts to get you started, but you may make up any prompt you desire! Please take a look at the navigation page for rules, setting information, and links to reserves and apps. Have fun!

SCENARIO ONE

(CW: Human remains)

When you awaken, you are hit with an immediate feeling of motion. A bobbing, if you will, or perhaps more of a rocking. You take a deep breath through your nose and take note of salt, along with the pungent scent of rotting wood. Creaking sounds echo all around you. Sitting up, you find yourself locking eyes with a skull.

An entire human skeleton is positioned across from you, resting limply against a pillar. Surveying the rest of your surroundings, you soon realize that you're below deck on an old, dilapidated ship. A ship that's on the move. The crew must have suffered a terrible fate, strewn as they all are across the floor. With their ripped poofy shirts, sheathed cutlasses and jaunty feathered hats, they seem to scream one word at you. "Pirates". ...Ooh, is that an abandoned bottle of rum? And a treasure chest? Surely they won't mind if you help yourself. They're dead, after all!

Once you've ascended the creaky steps, you find yourself on the deck of this vast, once proud vessel. A tattered Jolly Roger flaps overhead. Thick fog obscures most of the ocean surrounding you, but what's that straight ahead? Land ho! The ship's about to make port, and a crowd of curious onlookers has already gathered on the docks to stare up at this spooky new arrival. They appear apprehensive, perhaps even fearful, as if they haven't seen a ship come in for a long time. Will they hold you accountable for what happened to the skeleton crew? Will they praise you for 'ridding' them of pirates and allow you to keep the booty? There's no way to know just yet. Perhaps you'd best hide and find a way to disembark without being seen. Or perhaps there's someone else to be found here on this ship who suffered the same fate; someone who has a better idea of what to do.

SCENARIO TWO

You've stumbled your way into a city, and you're promptly besieged by the overwhelming sights and sounds. Cars honk at you to get out of the street, and strangers try not to look in your direction for too long. They see your lost expression and your clothes- so different from their own- and pretend to busy themselves with something else. Rarely, a look of pity is cast your way.

But some people try to reach out. Enterprising citizens and those that hope to curry favor with the newcomers pass out new clothes and bundles of food, asking if you have a place to stay the night, wondering about the details of the world you came from. A hefty laptop may be handed to you, with words of a ‘network’ used for communication. Wonder what that’s about? Then there’s the very confusing pamphlet stuffed within: "What To Expect When You're Expecting (To Turn Into A Monster)”. They may direct you to an organisation known as the Lighthouse, their members most prominently found at the 38-8 apartments and the Lighthouse Church. Or perhaps, if you're injured, they'll refer you to the Crowe Clinic instead. Unfortunately, the directions you're given are so very complicated that you lose your way in the streets after two left turns, a right and a left at the soup kitchen.

Take care when asking for more help. There are the people who aren't happy to see you at all. Glares and silent, judging stares if you're lucky, torches and pitchforks attempting to drive you out of the town if you're not. You may need a friend to help you.

SCENARIO THREE

Now that you've found a moment of peace, you open up the mysterious device that's been handed to you. Perhaps you'll recognize it as some sort of laptop, albeit an old and clunky one. Or perhaps you'll be astounded by this curious feat of technology, which is unlike anything you've ever seen before. Regardless, the moment the lid is propped open to reveal the screen and the keyboard within, you gain your first glimpse of the network.

Perhaps you'll want to choose a username and write your very first message, posing the pressing question that's on your mind at this very moment. The lettered buttons click and clack awkwardly beneath your fingertips as you type.

However, you may instead want to respond to today's most popular message.

WELCOME TO RSDOS. PRESS F1 TO COMPOSE POST. *** TODAY’S TOP POST *** 018.07.154.55 <JUSTSOMEGUY> Let's play Two Truths, One Lie! It's real easy! You just post three statements about yourself, and the rest of us have to guess the lie. It'll be fun! And you get to be a liar liar without your pants catching fire for a bit.

SCENARIO FOUR

The time has come and you've found yourself becoming a monster. Is the change instant, or gradual? Are you familiar enough with monsters to know what's happening, or is it a complete shock? Does it fit you, or does it feel incongruous with your nature? Feel free to pick any monster type for this prompt, but note that you may not get the same one in game.

Comments

[luckless]

[The last person Komaeda expects to see when he turns away from his dusting is Ryou. After their last interaction, when both of their bodies had been overcome by flowers, he hadn't even thought about facing the guy again... but here he stands now, shocked and speechless in the doorway of the arcade.

Komaeda climbs down from his stepladder and sets aside his duster with a smile.]

Ryou-kun! It's been awhile.

[He laughs with the nonchalance of someone who hadn't simply disappeared without a word—especially when he's not just anyone. That's right... all of their interactions had been so strained before, he doubts he's the person Ryou wants to see.]

Nanami-san is out on an errand. I assume you came by to see her?

[recuttal]

[Was it really that disappointing? It was entirely possible that Komaeda was taking the piss outta him as usual. Which was simply what Hinata was going to believe, in order to spare himself from his own further embarrassment.

Though that didn't do much good, when Komaeda decided to take the matter into his own hands, and while he wasn't that much taller than Hinata, it was still like he was suddenly drowning in gangly fish arms, and his own jacket.] I-I'm the stubborn one...?!

[He grumbles to himself; but despite his initial moment of surprise, eventually Hinata eases up. He tucks his arms under Komaeda's, wrapping them around his middle and returning the hug. It's not behavior that's usually very typical of him, but having lost him once-- no, twice, now-- and the last few months... they've been just a little bit. Stressful.]

...I missed you. [Stating the obvious, maybe, but he mumbles it, almost grumpily, barely audible.] Leaving again when you said you wouldn't.... you're the worst.

<JOJO>

[standless]

Or to make some career in entertainment, yes.

Oh- you misunderstand, I do apologize.

It was an active warzone; with very much frequent combat, skirmishes, and so on so forth. As you have no doubt observed for yourself within Ryslig, that is far from the case most times. While there are certainly fights, they are far more personally driven. Those within the country for that matter, are yet able to remain apart from such things, to make their own life as best they may manage.

What I speak of as occurring within Felfri was matters such as shooting, bombing, and so forth. War executions, and further.

The difference as you can see is stark- though indeed, this representation of the 4th, be he the same being or otherwise, held an incredibly restrictive hold when compared to the rather simple demands the Fog places.

Most especially given that it's impossible by nature to refuse the latter's demands to begin with. By strict definition, I'm not entirely certain one can refer to the Fog as a 'dictator' actually.

[dratelier]

[It wouldn't be surprising to know that. Concerning, but...not surprising.]

Right then. I will send you their addresses shortly.

In the meantime, I do hope you aren't pushing yourself too hard, Larry. It isn't as if your work followed you from home here, you know.

[luckless]

[Ah, he's being led away now. Walking towards the mall is a good enough distraction, at least, initially.

He gets where Atem is coming from. To feel like nothing good can ever come from the situation you're caught in, to feel like your back is up against the wall that no one else seems to see. He understands it so viscerally, it almost makes him sad that Atem is too jaded to commiserate with him in that feeling properly.

But there's only so many times he can tell Atem that he understands before giving up altogether, because Atem is determined to mire in the resolution that Komaeda couldn't possibly understand. His words aren't getting through but... he's not panicked about it. He's expected death for years now, both in his own world and this one. Perhaps if anything, it just hurts knowing that it will come at the hands of someone who should care about him.

No, this is protection in its own way isn't it? And yet, he can't help thinking that this is what Hinata must've felt like, when Komaeda conspired to do the very same. The him from back then, he saw that plan of destruction as protection, too.]

It's not settling, [he finally says, as his pace matches Atem's,] I've wanted this for a long time... so I'm happy that I finally get to have you!

Even if you're despaired, you're still the you I fell in love with.

[As if to give reassurance, his hand gives Atem's a little squeeze.]

At least this time I can date the one I care about before I die.

[knifemonopoly]

[He's going to kill Komaeda because he loves him.

If Atem didn't care, then...

...he'd just pull the plug on the Monster's Pearl as soon as he had a ship he thought he could trust, and left everyone to sacrifice parts of themselves to stop it up again, re-trapping themselves in the machine, committing to living out their days in pain and misery here.

But he does care.

So, he's taking down the whole thing.

He feels that little squeeze, and hears what's said -- huh, so there's still enough of who he used to be for Komaeda to recognize, is there...? That's almost surprising to him. And, it's true, that this time, they can date...

Atem brings Komaeda's hand up to his chest, but this time, he doesn't kiss it. He brings his other hand up, and squeezes Komaeda's in both of his -- a more wholesome expression of affection, one less pointed, less calculated for effect.]

That's true...

...I'm glad about that, too.

[He lets their hands fall back between them, and, when they reach the mall doors, Atem pulls them open. It's not a gentlemanly thing, it's a practical one: he doesn't want to stop holding hands long enough for Komaeda to get the door for him. Komaeda's hand is occupied, thanks!

As they step inside, Atem sweeps the atrium in front of them with his eyes.]

Ah...I really can put you in anything I want...

[He sounds pleased about it, and thoughtful. Mostly to himself, he murmurs as they go along:]

Now, what would look good with your colors...? Nothing too formal, nothing black and white. That'd be amateurish...we want to show them off, not fight them! A suit would say, "I don't know what I'm doing!" And, it wouldn't be comfortable, where we're going next...

[heididol]

You said your existence wasn't worth that much. [ Emma looks down, splaying her hands and pressing her fingertips together. ]

I don't know how to put it, and maybe I'm overstepping, but....

[ Okay, time to try to words this. ] I think everybody has worth just by existing. So please don't put yourself down.

[luckless]

[Ah... where has he heard this before? Was it Yukizome-sensei first? Usami, or... maybe Nanami?

Komaeda stares at her for a moment longer before his head tilts one way, then the next.]

You know, I don't really get that way of thinking... What makes the weight of one life more than another?

[It seems like a landmine has been stepped on. Are we getting into philosophy, now? Oops.]

You say I have worth because I exist... and several annoying, nosy people would argue that my worth in this world is in the relationships I've formed. But what about the humans we eat? What about their worth? They exist, and they have their own complex lives and relationships. What about their hopes? Is my despairing situation worth more than theirs?

Do I deserve to take their lives, just to further my own pathetic existence?

[heididol]

"Deserve" doesn't have anything to do with it.

[ Emma gives this another moment's thought. Then, seeing her drink set aside, she grabs it and sucks on the straw with all her might! Until the cup is bending inward and it's making that gargling "hey you're outta liquid" sound!

This is a very important topic, and to be sure she does a good job, she will FORTIFY herself! ]

[luckless]

[Any argument that could've continued between them is put to an immediate halt with that over-enthusiastic slurping on an empty plastic cup. Komaeda's expression falls, his smile looking a little strained as the words die out on his tongue.

Is this girl always like this, he wonders? A fool not only in her world view, but in mannerisms, too.]

Ah, Verde-san, was it? [He asks while exhaling a long sigh, and gestures one thumb over his shoulder.] Would you like to refill your water at our snack bar?

[It seems that, despite his mood and his opinions, being a good host matters more.]

[luckless]

[Ah, did he make a mistake? It's hard to tell if Souda is really upset or not, but he had only meant it in a harmless way. Komaeda's smile softens, as he leans onto his elbows on the counter.]

Maybe it's because you're more confident like this? [He suggests,] I mean, you were always so confident before, Souda-kun. But I think you've really grown since our first meeting.

It just feels like that look suits you best?

[He's not messing around when he says it, nor is it just lip-service. After knowing Souda all of these years, he feels confident in his own understanding of his friend to know when the guy is happy or not. And it just feels like, more than a human, he was always meant to be this gargoyle standing before Komaeda.]

Oh, by the way! [Sudden diversion!] Do you happen to have my prosthetic arm again, or...?

[luckless]

[Komaeda doesn't expect to be hugged back, and yet, as Hinata's arms encircle him, he feels decidedly comforted by them. It feels good to be back, even if he knows what sort of world this is, and what sort of despair awaits him. Hinata too, seems to have fallen into his own rhythm here—and for once, that thought doesn't seem to make Komaeda feel too lonely.]

Hm... yeah, I am the worst!

[He laughs, bright and cheerful, before softening just a bit.]

...I'm sorry for leaving you again. [His voice is quiet as his face tucks against Hinata's gooey, tentacle-hair.] But I'm home, now.

[He knows he can't make promises about not leaving again, it's not like returning to the Sea of Stars is really something he can avoid. All of their lives are at the whims of the gods here, but... for better or worse, the good always seems to outweigh the bad in little ways like these.

Just having the opportunity to hug Hinata like this, to hear those tender words, he would be overstepping to ask for more than what he's always wanted.]

So Nanami-san is here too now, [he starts as he begins to pull away from that hug, just enough to look Hinata in the eye, but definitely not enough to stop touching,] I'm glad that you had her here while I was gone... It couldn't have been too lonely without me, right?

<MrBrightside>

[luckless]

[Ah... so just like his own world, huh?]

Hm... I think I would've been fine with it, but that would certainly be troubling for people who weren't used to that sort of setting! To be forced to fight in a war you have no interest in... it's as if the Fourth god is wanting to make more enemies than allies, huh?

But I see where you're coming from. From what you've told me, the Fog god truly does look more like a god than a ruler, doesn't she? A god that controls our lives without any input provides the illusion of freedom of choice, but it's still less restrictive than whatever was happening in Felfri.

...Thank you JOJO-san, I understand now! I appreciate you taking the time to inform me about what I missed. I'm curious... what was your personal experience with all of this? Were you on team Fog, or Fourth?

cw: mentions of cannibalism because she's got no chill

[snaptwice]

[The girl takes the paper when it is handed over, looking down at it and smoothing the tear out with her fingers. It HAD been a pamphlet about 'Lycanthropy and YOU.' Good thing she is already very well informed on the subject.

She pockets the useless paper, looking around - until BJ brings her attention right back with the remark about eating a man. Those dark eyes widen a fraction. She's interested.]

...And you have? Eaten a man whole?

[bugbeverage]

Well of course!

_{[He makes a showy little gesture before patting his gut.]}

But take it from me, if you get Naga, do not and I repeat, do NOT eat somebody who still has their shoes on. Take 'em off first, those bad boys do NOT digest well. Hooh.

< ViperDeLaMuerte >

[snaptwice]

Incorrect. There was an electric chair in my childhood playroom for years.

[snaptwice]

I'm fine.

[Blearily, the girl slits her eyes open to look towards the small voice - and before they can adjust, briefly, she wonders if she's looking at some sort of will o' the wisp.

But no. Looks like some kind of...faerie? Right. That's probably what she is now, too.

Her expression levels a fraction - still twisted with pain at the edges, but unblinking, sharp.]

...Yes. I'm new. I think...I am starting to heal. But I can't see my own back. Look back there, tell me how it looks?

Don't spare the details.

< ViperDeLaMuerte >

[snaptwice]

Interesting theory.

But incorrect. I realize the expulsions were quick. None of those places could contain me.

the world's most monochrome moment

[snaptwice]

[This man isn't lively, no. But that's how she prefers it, anyhow.]

Did you wake up below, too? With the dead?

< ViperDeLaMuerte >

[snaptwice]

If only.

But no. That one is true.

< SPEAKING.IN.TONGUES. > gently sets my face in my hands

[seacub]

Haha, well, I was thinking about the enrollment part actually.

I heard that public schools can take a pretty long time to process paperwork. That's probably just anything government funded though...other than something like the military maybe.

If it isn't that one though...The pain resistance then?

If you live in a certain place, helping with an autopsy isn't surprising I think.

[creamsouda]

[Part of Souda wants immediately to ask more about that— about this suiting him. About him seeming more confident. It isn't entirely unlike everything that Giorno had said about him— and yet, Souda feels so divorced from his form that he just can't seem to understand why Giorno and Komaeda both would say the same thing.

...But he's also easily lead from one subject to the other, and his attention is dragged away by the more interesting one.]

Oh dude. No. Somebody else has the one you were using.

[He puts his claws up immediately to prevent a response, adding;]

But I got you covered. I figured, hey, dude's come back before, might come back again, may as well keep workin' on the end product, right?

[as if it isn't just another project to keep him entertained... and farm approval.]

You're gonna be mad impressed with what I got. You're not even gonna want the original anymore.

[snaptwice]

Useful advice.

[There is another moment where she is quiet, studying him up and down, thinking. Maybe this needn't be a useless conversation. Maybe she can learn some practical things.]

Did changing hurt?

< ViperDeLaMuerte >

[snaptwice]

My family has money. You'd be surprised how fast that makes the sordid wheels of bureaucracy spin.

And no. Wrong again. The first one is the lie.

I was six when I performed my first autopsy. By myself.

< SPEAKING.IN.TONGUES. > - delays list bc Hey how ok w SO spoils are you-

[seacub]

With money...no, that definitely makes sense now. Especially if we're talking about America.

Oh- that's definitely a technicality, but I guess since I used those for mine I can't complain.

[If he's supposed to be surprised, he is doing a poor job of it.]

It sounds like it would've been neat though. What was the cause of death? Was it something subtle and hard to find out, or more obvious?

I should send my own list shouldn't I.

I have to think of it, one second.

[If Wednesday wants, she can answer abouy the autopsy for now though.]