interstellar404 | TEST DRIVE MEME: SECOND STAGE

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test drive

TEST DRIVE MEME: SECOND STAGE

☆WELCOME TO INTERSTELLAR

And welcome to our second TDM! We've got two types of prompts to use this time around: the first takes place while your character is in the process of being captured, and the second is during their first brainwashed rockstar networking gig. The former is designed to be considered 100% game canon if you make it in officially, while the later is more speculative and will only work if you get lucky during label and band selection.

☆THE TALENT SEARCH
These prompts are design to be kept as game canon after acceptance, and can be used as the official story of how your character was captured. Importantly, the kidnappers entering your timeline causes massive time distortions, which means that the outcome of this scenario will stagger and replay itself multiple times before settling on an outcome. This means that after the fact, you character may remember being captured multiple ways, or going in more than one direction, before the timeline settled on a final path. Or at least, they'll remember this until their memories are wiped shortly afterwards, but that's okay! That's what memory regains are for. Read this page for more specifics on this situation. Any powers the characters have will be weakened and prone to malfunction to the point of uselessness.

►A1) THE SEARCH: It always starts out this way, doesn't it? At some point in your life, you were just doing your thing, wherever you call home. Then, all at once, it's like you've been torn from your dimension by the roots. Time and space displace, and it's like you've been shifted one layer of reality to the left - like some kind of subspace where you can see your reality through it, like a rainbow surrealist image of your home. Even if you can see this ghost image of where you were, you can't interact with it meaningfully. Any friends or family are somewhere else. As you begin to wander, without any other options, you'll find that the scenery gradually shifts to ghost images of other places, other worlds. If you wander long enough, you'll even find other people, lost just like you are. But you probably won't have much time - you've been brought here for a reason, after all.

►A2) THE HUNT: It could happen almost immediately, or it could happen hours later - but, at some point, your dimensional kidnappers start to do their sweep. Space Men in black body suits and gas masks pursue you on foot and in small spaceships, trying to sweep you and the other displaced up like fish in a net. Their guns contain a weird pink gas that will knock out most with only a single breath - and for those more enduring, they have the heavy artillery, like electrical nets and guns. The fallen will be sealed up into stasis pods for transport and loaded onto the ships, which seem like the only way to get out of this place by choice. This is where it ends, but are you going to put up a fight?

NOTE: Characters already in game can't really tag into these sections, so try to tag around to other first time character tests if you can!

☆WELCOME HOME
By default, these prompts aren't considered canon, but if after you are accepted and sorted they can be tweaked into working for you, it'll be totally okay to keep them as a part of your rockstar's personal history. This occurrence is something that will be happening around November 15th game time, but of course, what remains canon and what doesn't will be subject to who is accepted and where they are placed. This takes place after being kidnapped and brainwashed, as your character is first joining their new label. As usual, this is celebrated with a party.

►B1) PLAY IT STRAIGHT: It just another large scale soiree, something typical to the high music society of Vista City - but maybe it's not yet typical to you. For a number of the freshly signed on newbies, this is their first real taste of what their new label has to offer - either Virgo or Pride - and the sheer glamour of it may be intoxicating. Industry big wigs scatter the floor, as do performers of all the tops labels and bands. Maybe you feel intimidated. Maybe you want to make your mark. Or maybe you're not quite as new as some, and are just trying to get through the evening. Either way, they is plenty of booze available if you need some liquid courage. And is that a hookah pipe corner over there? Probably.

►B2) TOTALLY NORMAL: The signs of it are small, at first. Glasses you set down seeming out of place, stuff that almost looks like words written in the condensation on your glass. These little hauntings only get more and more persistent as the night continues, almost like some otherworldly presence is following you. You can feel them lurking nearby at times, like an unusual spot of cold or warmth in the air. None of the higher ups seem to notice but...to some of your new peers, this feels like old news. Eventually the signs become bolder, and at some point in the evening you'll hear it whispered in your ear or written on the bathroom mirror: "Remember."

►B3) REMEMBER: And you do. It strikes you suddenly, a feeling like a foreign presence straying through your mind. You remember something of your past, pertaining to the emotional affinity Love, Duty, Passion, or Hope - whichever feeling describes the person you used to be best. Except you know nothing of that life now, nothing except this single, strange thought in a room full strangers.

NOTE: Current characters definitely go to this party on November 15th, but it isn't required play. Besides the haunting and meeting new characters, it is considered business as usual.

☆HELPFUL INFO
► Follow the mod plurk for updates: interstellar5555
► Check out the game NAVIGATION
► Reserves open on November 6th at 12:01AM EDT
► Applications open on November 11th at 12:01AM EDT

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

► A1:

[Wolfram had just grabbed onto Greta to pull her out of the way of Yuuri's magic, to keep her safe. He'd had his adopted daughter in his arms. Then suddenly, she wasn't. Suddenly there wasn't even the comfortable weight of his sword in its sheath at his waist. There was an empty feeling within him, the loss of his fire maryoku. And he does try to call upon it, immediately. Nothing happens. There's no flame lighting up in his palm and green eyes go wide.

There's the faint image still of the castle, of the attacking fake bearbees, of Yuuri, of Gwendal, of Greta. Until he moves, and their image shifts, and if everything hadn't seemed wrong a second before it definitely does now.

He screams. It's a scream of anger, not fright or surprise. He tries to grab onto the little girl again, but another shift and even those after-images are gone. He stands up finally, from the kneeling position he'd been in when holding Greta, and turns in a full circle, looking around wildly. There are flames in his eyes, even if he can no longer call upon them.]

WHO DID THIS?! WHAT DID YOU DO TO THEM?! GIVE THEM BACK TO ME!

► A2:

[This delicate-looking, couldn't-be-older-than-16 (though he's actually 82) year old boy, short in stature though with a fair amount of lean muscle from consistent use of a sword, is fighting tooth and nail against these Space Men. Literally, tooth and nail. He bites, claws, punches and kicks, flails. Runs and rolls and dodges. He looks furious. In the beginning, he's still yelling a lot, things like "Bring them back!" and "Where are they?" but somehow never "Where am I?"

As this goes on for some time, he will wear himself out. To the point where there's no voice left, only angry tears and desperate kicks, stumbles. It will take a while, but in the end, he'll be caught like everyone else.]

► B1

[This angelic-looking blonde is dressed in what could be considered odd attire, almost historical? There are frilled sleeves, a frilled cravat. There are frills. But it's all in elegant black and white, with a green jewel in the center of his cravat that matches his eyes. Eyes which are currently watching everyone, and silently judging. Your outfit, your behavior, whatever he feels like judging.

He doesn't seem to be intimidated by anyone or anything, but rather looks at the whole world as if it has personally offended him in some way. Possibly by breathing. There may be an instant when he's actually examining his nails, or a little later when he can actually be seen with an entire bottle of red wine at hand. And no, you can't have any. This one's his. An inexpensive brand, a dull year, but at least it's wine.]

► B3

[Later in the night, there's a quite loud shatter of glass as a bottle of wine slips from Wolfram's grip to the floor. Thankfully there was hardly anything left in it, so the only mess is glass, but still.

When this happens, Wolfram freezes, his eyes go wide, he grabs on to the nearest solid object. -- All he sees for a moment is a boy his age with dark eyes and dark hair. Wolfram's holding onto him with one arm, and the boy's dangling over the edge of a cliff. He has to pull him back up. There's a chance he could go down himself, it would be so easy. But it doesn't matter. This boy is important, he's so important, he can't let anything happen to him, he loves--]

...You can't leave me yet. [It's spoken in a small voice, sadness instead of anger, uncharacteristic of any who knew him or had been watching him all night. Except he snaps out of it quickly, just like that, and he's pulling himself away from whoever he'd grabbed onto and glaring at them like everything is their fault.]

[Short. Blond. Looks like some sort of fairytale prince. The kid reminds him of someone... in the back of his head he can hear a laugh. Shishishi. He shakes his head a little but he's distracted enough that the boy latches onto his arm.

It's quite the arm too. Xanxus is by no means a small man. He looks down at the blond and the other's words stop him from punching the kid as hard as he can for grabbing onto him. ...what did he mean by that?

Then the kid is pulling away leaving Pride's bad boy confused. But not for long because no way in hell is he letting blondie glare at him like that.]

The fuck you looking at like that? You're the one that grabbed me, you little punk.

[Wolfram is noticeably shaken by whatever the hell just happened to him, frazzled though he tries to hide it with the feigned anger behind his glare... Though it's kind of transparent given that he may also be a little drunk. That bottle of wine had been mostly empty, by the time he'd dropped it.]

I didn't grab you on purpose, I tripped and it's your own fault you were so close by... [He huffs, attempting to straighten out his attire and pretend like he's not embarrassed, though the color on his face says differently. Then again, could be the wine.] ...Thought you were a column. [Well, Xanxus is tall.]

Of course you didn't. [Because no one would actually want to grab onto him if they were sober. He notes the empty wine bottle. So that's probably it. Blondie is a lightweight... (compared to the functional alcoholic here).] Though how the hell is it my fault you can't hold your booze, princess.

You should probably go sit down before you fall down since I sure as hell ain't some column. [Even if he's solid like one too]

[Normally she would yell and scream and cheer on the boy, maybe even help the child out but there's only so many men she can outsmart before they all gang up on her. Cue a older, smaller woman running smack into Wolfram.

Looks like they have run together, no matter what objections there are.]

[Trying to pay attention to all sides of him, to be vigilant about who and what is in every direction, still somehow being ran smack into comes as a bit of a shock. But Wolfram manages to keep his balance all the same, not quite worn out yet.

He turns to look at her and without a second thought, he grabs hold of her arm, as gently as possible in his urgency, but his intentions here are to shield her. To not just keep her running, but also to protect her from any of their pursuers who get too close. A team of two has a better chance than one alone, so he's silently grateful she's shown up, even if the gentlemanly inclination he has to protect her means paying even more attention, more stress.]

Keep going!

[In hindsight, it could be this was the only way to help him, even if Aramat doesn't mean it at first. He shields her, she shields him. She merely gives a nod to him, following his back and covering him from the attacks.

She'll learn the boys name later.]

[Battle this way isn't entirely unfamiliar to him, though Wolfram is used to having his fire maryoku or his sword at hand. But sometimes you had to be resourceful. He's learning as he goes, with the moves he has to do. There is, at least, the fact that he's fairly graceful at it.

And he keeps an eye on Aramat as best he can, also more concerned with keeping them both free, uncaught and unharmed, than with learning her name yet.]

I hope you're planning on sharing that, Wolfie.

[Of course, Tooru knows that Wolfram won't, but he has to just has to bother the other musician. There's a reason why Tooru Oikawa, the Grand King of the Piano, has a reputation of having a horrible personality, after all]

Look at you, is this a cosplay event and no one told me? You look adorable, but so out of place. Like a pup abandoned by his mommy.

I hope you're not addressing me with that name.

[The bite in his tone has a clear sting to it, as he eyes Tooru with disdain. Sure, he may respect his abilities at the piano, but that doesn't mean he has to be civil to someone patronizing him.]

So what? You felt sorry for me and felt you must grace me with your presence? I'm so honored. [He takes a very large sip out of that wine bottle, yet still somehow seems to look graceful about it.] It amuses me you think I'd actually care what your opinion on my attire is.

Of course I'm addressing you by that name. Who else would I call Wolfie, Wolfie?

[He gives Wolfram a smile as sweet as poisoned honey.]

That doesn't sound like me at all, now does it? Though you should feel grateful I am gracing you with my presence. I am, after all, the most interesting man here.

[Nope he came over here to tease Wolfram because it was fun, duh. Keep up Wolfie]

Hell if I know. Sounds like the name of a stuffed animal to me.

[His voice remains laced with disinterest, and that smile is met with a look of... well, rather casual judgment. Casual for Wolfram, anyway.]

I don't really care what "sounds like you" or doesn't. Believe it or not, I don't spend my spare moments pondering over what you're like.

[He tosses his head slightly to push the bangs from his eyes, then idly begins adjusting the frills of his sleeves.] ...only if your definition of "interesting" is synonymous with "dull."

You wound me!

[Tooru puts a hand over his heart in mock pain, there is, however, a slight twitch in his jaw. He doesn't like being called dull. Obviously, he's anything but]

But, when you put it like that, Wolfie is the prefect nickname for you! You're cute as a button and utterly harmless.

[And as easy as it was for Wolfram to at least find a weak spot (though he hasn't noticed it yet), it's apparently just as easy for Tooru to find one of his. Wolfram's gaze snaps to him quickly, and there's a lot more anger there than there was before. One of his nicely manicured hands has curled into a fist at his side.]

Harmless! Oh, if this bottle of wine didn't mean far more to me than your worthless self... [He doesn't finish the threat, but doesn't feel like he needs to either. It's heavy and made of glass. It would make an excellent weapon were Wolfram actually inclined to part with it. And he isn't, yet.]

[A roll of the eyes and grin] Please, Wolfie. You talk big, but the worst you would do is slap me across the face. Maybe claw me across the face.

[A waiter walks by and Tooru plucks a champagne flute and sips at it delicately, looking over rim at Wolfram, eyes dangerous now. He's taking in everything about the other musician. That's what he does, observe, and then destroy with the weaknesses he finds. Really, he should be lawyer, except being a musician is so much more enjoyable. When he speaks though, his tone is still light] And you'd end up regretting that very, very, quickly.

[He lowers the glass, feigning thoughtfulness] What instrument do you play again? I can't recall.

I'm not sure how you think you know this about me, are you judging me by my appearance? I knew you were dumb, but I didn't think you were that dumb!

[He's seething. And trying not to appear as mad as he actually is. But throwing something at Tooru is very sorely tempting right now. However, he straightens out with this next question, seeming disinterested again.]

Why should I tell you? If you're that damn forgetful, I don't think you deserve to know anything about me. Go ahead, keep calling me that ridiculous, childish name. I wouldn't want to hear my real name coming from the likes of you anyway.

[At this point, he casts his eyes away from Tooru, like he can't stand to look at him anymore, and moves to walk past him to find a place where he can drink in peace.]

[Tooru is obviously enjoying himself. Yeah, this is a win for him. He knows his risking more than a slap, but it's just so much fun to rile the boy up.]

Hmm, I wouldn't say that I forgot, Wolfie. More like I couldn't be bothered to remember. Anyways, time and place. Would you really risk your career by throwing shit that could hit a CEO? You're smarter than that. Or maybe not.

[he steps aside, as if allowing Wolfram to leave]

Bye bye Wolfram [of course now is the time Tooru chooses to use his name. Don't tell Tooru Oikawa what to do. ]

Edited (html fail) 2015-11-11 23:29 (UTC)

[Stopping mid-stride, Wolfram stands still to give Tooru a look of increasing suspicion. He's not a fool, and he doesn't trust him enough to walk that closely to him. Turning on his heel, he heads the complete opposite direction, and throws the other musician a few angry parting words over his shoulder before heading into the crowd.]

From now on, make sure you can't be bothered to remember my name then, either, as I've already forgotten yours!

[Oh, those are fighting words. But he calls out cheerfully]

That's a lie and you know it~ There's no way you could ever forget me~

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TEST DRIVE MEME: SECOND STAGE

Wolfram von Bielefeld | Kyo Kara Maoh! | prose or brackets fine

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