justhugalready | Test Drive

Entry tags:

*test drive meme

Test Drive - July Edition

The July Test Drive!
Trying to see if a character will fit or work in the setting? Need some interaction samples? Well this meme is for you!

Make a post, tag around, and most importantly, have fun! Here's the setting page for those who want to learn a little more about the city itself.

~~And don't forget to go reserve your character, GO GO GO.......~~

Here's some prompts to help you get started, if you need it:

Option 1

[ It looks like there are preparations underway for some sort of festival or fair. There are various stands and booths being erected along sectioned-off streets and the riverbank, and decorations are slowly but surely being hanged. Fireflies seem to be appearing all along the riverbank as the sun sets, with a few stands set up with mason jars of various sizes as well as paper lanterns, possibly as further decorations. Whatever the case, it looks like those setting up could use some help! ]

Option 2

[ Though most of the stands are being set up, that doesn't mean that there aren't a few vendors looking to help those out and about beat the heat in some fashion. There are some selling shaved ice with various flavors, and others that appear to be handing out water-filled balloons or squirt guns. However, like in the market district, there's a catch – the items are free, so long as you arrive at the stall in pairs or groups larger than two. ]

Option 3

[ Whoops. Looks like you haven't taken the cautionary words of the other NPCs to heart, or maybe you just wanted to take your chances. Either way, the withdrawal symptoms have started and you need to find someone to hug quickly before you get even more sick.]

Option 4

[If there's something else you wanted to play with, that you didn't see here, then have fun with that. You've just arrived in a strange city, after all. There's got to be plenty to explore out and about, not to mention people to meet.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Speaking of the river, there is an odd little blue creature floating down it. He seems harmless enough. Every so often he stops and splashes around in the water, almost like a little kid would really. He just about floats by the newcomer without even noticing him, but a firefly catches his attention, and he looks up, making a happy squeaking noise when he sees the boy.

Lir likes boys. His owner is a boy. Maybe this one will play with him?

The horsea swims over closer to the bank and blows a bubble at him to see if he can get his attention.]

[ He's snapped out of his grumbling by a bubble popping right in his face, shoulders jerking up in surprise as he looks around for the source, on edge.

Left: clear.

Right: clear.

Up: clear.

Down--

--what the hell is that.

Damian stares at the creature bobbing next to the river bank, automatically taking one large, defensive step back in case of attack. It's - it looks like a seahorse. A large, mutated seahorse. Alien fauna. ]

And what chemical spill did you spawn out of?

Edited 2014-07-13 00:35 (UTC)

[Lir doesn't answer, though the curious tilting of his head makes it seem like he understands what the boy is saying. He bobs around in a circle several times, before stopping and looking back up at the boy, almost as if he thinks he should understand what he means. However, before the boy has any time to respond, a young voice calls out of the darkness.]

There you are, Lir! You wandered off! Did the fireworks scare you?

[The owner of the voice is a small boy who runs without fear over to the edge of the river. He scoops the creature out of the water and gives him a hug. It's only when Lir blows another bubble in the other boy's direction, that Diarmuid notices him.]

Oh! Hello! Are you new? You can see things better from the other side of the river! There is a bridge just over there!

[ So it was the creature blowing bubbles. Damian waves off the second bubble, popping it against his scuffed glove, and frowns at the newcomer from beneath the shadow of his hood. From what he's gathered, the indigenous population doesn't have any children, and so children as young as this one are fairly rare to find in the city - taken from their own planets, same as he.

He glances around, automatically, for the boy's guardian, but it seems he's walking alone; the area on this side, at least, is clear. ]

Yes. And I'm not interested in a better look. [ Clipped, short. Damian has no use for frivolous things like festivals. He's fine with staying on this side of the river, away from the crowds. ]

That creature is yours, then?

[Diarmuid nods, not put off by the boy's clipped words or disinterest in the festival. He's seen enough people come and go now to realize not everyone enjoys the same things or reacts well to being brought here.]

Yes! This is Lir! He's my partner! I don't know if you have pokemon on your world, but that is what he is. He's a horsea! That is a kind of water pokemon.

[Lir bobs his head and trumpets as if he is confirming Diarmuid's words.]

My name is Diarmuid. Diarmuid Ua Duibhne! What is your name?

Pokemon?

[ Confusion, his face scrunching as his stare snaps to Lir. Oh, they have Pokemon. Pokemon, the video game. ]

Pokemon aren't real. [ Except, squinting now, that -- that looks like the creature. That looks like what a horsea might look like in real life rather than as pixels on a screen. It's not Lir's fault, but Damian now looks incredibly affronted by the horsea's existence, because things just suddenly got much more complicated. ] Or at least, they shouldn't be.

[ But he will deal with that in a moment. Rolling his shoulders, he tips his chin up, haughty and serious. It's a harder gesture to pull off when the move strikes him with nausea, but that's easy enough to ignore. It lifts the shadows from his face, so Diarmuid can see him a little more clearly. ]

I'm Robin, partner to Batman, co-leader of the Justice League.

[ The name rings a bell, from one of his studies. ]

Your name, that's old Irish - are you from Earth, too?

[ Presumptuous of the boy's parents, to name him after a legendary hero, but he can't blame them for having high hopes for their child. ]

[When the boy introduces himself, Diarmuid bows to him as well has he can with Lir in his arms.]

It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Robin!

[He doesn't know who Batman or the Justice League are, but they sound important, so that means that Robin is important too!]

I'm from Ériu's most beautiful isle! I think you guys call it Ireland now! Is that on Earth? If so, yes, I am from Earth too!

[Oh dear...there is something not right here. Could it be he wasn't named for a certain hero, but is that certain hero instead?]

Everyone says I am from far in the past, so there is still a lot I am learning, but I do know that Lir is real! There were some kids who called themselves Pokemon Trainers here for a while and they gave him to me! They have gone home now..."

[He seems sad about this.]

...but the Pokemon they gave me and the others are still here. Professor Oak is here too! And his Dragonite.

[Diarmuid really liked meeting the Dragonite...]

[ Lord Robin. He likes the sound of that.

And no. No, he can't be. That'd be ridiculous. There's no way. No way. ]

From the past?

[ A slow, measured blink. His face is like stone, neutral, impassive; but his mind is ticking behind the mask, trying to connect the dots as rapidly as possible, to keep the upper hand. ]

Ua Duibhne. Your sire's name - is it Donn?

[ Damian's shakier on European mythologies than he is on his more local mythologies (local, of course, being the range from the Gulf to Eastern China), so most of what he knows only comes from his lessons in art history. But Donn, and Diarmuid ua Duibhne, were some of the more significant characters in Irish legend and featured prominently in cultural allusions. ]

And...Pokemon trainers. Were here. As is Professor Oak. With a -- dragonite?

[ He's skeptical at best, but he's - seen a lot. Already.

(Large, sentient robot aliens.)

So he may be more inclined to accept that, somehow, the boy is telling the truth. And if he is? His brow furrows; he narrows his eyes, taking a slow breath in and out through his nose, and tries to keep his bearings straight here as he restructures his understanding of this planet. Timelines, at the least, are involved, as is the possibility of alternate dimensions and his head is spinning.

His control cracks for a brief moment, eyes screwing shut while disorientation and discomfort flicker across his face, before his lips thin and he recomposes himself again. ]

Great. Maybe I am still dead after all. [ More to himself than anything else. ]

[Perhaps it is because of how young and innocent Diarmuid is, it is easy to see the darkness that flashes across his eyes for a moment at the mention of Donn.]

My father's name is Aengus! That...that man is just a troublemaker! I am glad he finally stopped visiting us!

[The boy looks away for a moment, body tense, but then the emotion drains out of him and his good mood seems to return.]

Yes! That's all right. Lots of different people come here. Have you met the C-Cyber-tron...

[His voice drops off and he looks frustrated. Someday, he will be able to say the word. Someday.]

The giant robots! Some of them are really nice, but others are mean...

[Diarmuid's mood shifts toward the unhappy again, but he shakes his head to push it away. He shakes his head even harder when he hears the soft words that slip from Robin's mouth.]

But you aren't dead! You are here with me and we are all alive!

[ The boy's mood takes a turn for the worse, and Damian observes the outburst, coolly. ]

A sire is not necessarily a father.

[ He's not going to mention anything about it beyond that; he asked only to confirm his suspicion.

(Fantastic. Timelines are involved. He hated this the last time and he dislikes it just as much now. Perhaps more so.)

His stare flicks to the side and back, double-checking his surroundings. ]

No. I've only seen them. You're the first person I've talked to since being released.

[ Released, he says, but what he really means is 'since he escaped the Guest Help Center to take to safety in the dark spaces of the city.' Damian, when he wants to, can do a very thorough job of avoiding interaction with others.

His mouth twitches into a dubious frown. ]

Well, I was dead. Killed. [ Brows drawing down in irritation as he brushes the tips of his fingers along the raggedly-sewn edges of the hole in his tunic. It's still a bitter pill to swallow, that he was crushed so fast, so easy. Those cowards had shot at him while he battled the Heretic, riddled him with arrows in his back. ] By my -- brother. At my mother's command. And I woke up here.

[ Isolated, alone. Lightyears from help. And now, evidently, with timelines and dimensions involved? ]

It's all very Purgatorio. And the hugging thing is ridiculous.

He's nothing. He's not even a knight now...

[Diarmuid doesn't know if Donn is still alive, and he finds that he doesn't even care. That is a surprisingly strong negative feeling toward someone for a child as loving and trusting as this one is.]

Oh! I didn't realize you were that new to the city! Are there any questions I can help you with? I came here with the first group of people. That was over a year ago! I know a lot of things even though I am just a little knight!

[Of course, when Robin mentions that he is dead and how it happened, all the color drains out of Diarmuid's face and he steps forward ready to wrap the older boy in a hug. The only thing that stops him is the fact that he has Lir in his arms, and he would have to drop the pokemon to do it.]

Why? Why would your family do that to you?

[And why does the idea of one family member killing another cause Diarmuid's head to hurt so much?]

That's not right! Not right at all! It's good you are here now. It's safe here! You can be happy and help people here! You won't have to worry about...that anymore!

[He means being dead, but it's hard for him to say it so he doesn't.]

I don't know what Pur-gat-or-i-o is, but if you don't like hugging, there are other things you can do! You can shake someone's hand or spar with them! I spar with people sometimes and that is all the contact they need.

[ Damian's not unfamiliar with negative feelings, though it is puzzling - even concerning - to the young vigilante. It's similar to some of some of the cases they've looked into, at Gordon's office; some of the children they've watched being questioned. It makes him pay a little more attention, because heroic legend or not, Diarmuid is a child, and Damian is Robin. ]

I chose my father over her. [ --is his only answer. Succinct, matter of fact, but really, that's what it boiled down to in the end. Petty greed, unbending pride. When the boy steps forward Damian watches him, sharp-eyed and wary, confused over Diarmuid's reaction. ] And safe? We've been kidnapped.

[ Diarmuid has been thoroughly tricked by their ploy. You drank the Kool-Aid, kid.

Not to mention he can't stay here. If he's alive, he has to get back. ]

Are they actually serious about the physical affection requirement?

[ The grumpiest frown, crossing his arms. Damian, obviously, has not participated. ]

I made a new family without him.

[The words slip out before Diarmuid knows it, and he actually looks a little confused about them. Where did that come from? Is it something to do with that night he can't remember? It's been a while since he tried to push himself to remember, but he does now. However, he quickly stops because there is that by now very familiar headache setting in.

The boy sighs and shifts his attention to a different topic.]

I know they took us without asking, but they are giving us a lot of chances to do things we never would have gotten to otherwise. I got to meet my hero here, and I am getting to learn about all kinds of modern stuff. Like refrigerators and electricity!

[How could he have drunk the Kool-Aid? Diarmuid doesn't even know what Kool-Aid is!]

Time isn't moving back home if that helps. Besides, you said you died back home. If you leave here...

[He wants to say 'you will die again,' but he can't bring himself to do it, so Diarmuid shifts topics once more.]

They do! You don't need a lot of contact each day, but if you go longer than a week without it, any special powers you have will go crazy and you will get really sick!

The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb. [ A quote, and one that tastes twice as sour on the tongue of a boy who was grown in a tube and killed at his mother's words. ] In other words, it's the family you choose, not the family you were dealt, that is the stronger relationship.

[ Some strange method of reassurance, perhaps, to calm Diarmuid. ]

I already know about modern amenities. [ His eyebrows raise, unimpressed with the so-called pros of this place. He's thankful, at least, that he has his smart phone patched into the system; the comm unit, on the other hand, can't be compromised - it's a private channel limited to their tech, useful only if Batman somehow makes his way here to this planet.

What Diarmuid says next catches him by surprise, eyes widening before they narrow, lips thinning in displeasure. ]

A planet, removed from time. Probably space. Its own, isolated dimension.

[ The conclusions are immediate: 1) If he escapes and returns, he will be dead. 2) His father won't be coming. Nobody will be coming.

His gloves creak when his hands ball into fists, grief and fury breaking in a wave across his face, jaw setting in a grimace. ]

So it is Purgatory, after all. But I have to go back. Death won't stop me.

[ He's determined, all iron will and damn-the-consequences stubbornness. ]

I don't have special powers, so that's no issue. Daily contact--

[ Is asking too much. Damian's only ever really been free with physical contact when it comes to his father: leaning back against him on the bench while pulling his boots off; Damian's fingers wandering into Bruce's space to annoy the older vigilante; his father's hand, huge, cupping the back of his skull and dragging him into a welcome hug, or weighing, heavy and reassuring, on his shoulder, his back. ]

--that won't work. Not unless I can find a sparring partner who can hold their own against me.

[ One that isn't a giant alien robot. Damian prefers human-sized adversaries in the training ring. ]

I keep telling people that this is kind of like a fairy realm, but no one listens to me.

[Diarmuid isn't really sure to what to make of Robin's reassurance and continuing to talk about it is just making his head hurt worse, so he stops for now, instead focusing on something that won't make his head pound.]

They say the idea it too old-fashioned or that it's too magical or it's stupid because there are no fairies here. I still think they are wrong...

[He can't understand why Robin wants to go back home when it means dying, but Diarmuid also doesn't know much about the boy's situation. Maybe the Batman he speaks of is a god and can bring people back from the dead? Or maybe the great Justice League has gods who can do that in it. In that case, he should probably go back and wait for them, but does he really have to right away? Why not help people who need it first and then go back?]

I like helping others and if the people here need help so badly they couldn't ask before taking us, I want to help them! Since time isn't moving back home, I don't see why I can't take time to do so either. Helping people is what knights do!

[Even if he is just a bitty knight right now.]

Lots of people like to spar around here including me and my brother! I don't know if I am good enough to spar with you, though. I just got my real swords before coming back here and my brother is still using a practice sword. I'm going to get him a real one soon! Just don't tell him. I want it to be a surprise!

[Not that Robin knows who Diarmuid's brother is, but...]

A fairy realm?

[ He knows only a little bit about fairies. Step into the mushroom ring, dance until you die. Something like that. ]

Well, however it happens, magic or technology, it's the same effect. I'm hoping the isolation is done through technology, however. Easier to break out that way.

[ Imagine, a land in an unreachable pocket dimension that is maintained by magic. That would be the worst. ]

My role is to help people as well, but to be smart about it. [ He tilts his head, frowning and critical. ] If they need help so badly, why don't they say how? [ Give Damian an action to take and he will complete it if he's inclined to (flawlessly, of course), but this was shady.

The offer, surprisingly, is the first thing to draw a reaction a little more positive out of the ~~darkest thing in this city~~ boy, something close to a smirk curling the corner of his mouth.

~~Oh, Diarmuid, you sweet summer child.~~

He's a little past the just started with real swords stage. His chin tilts up, haughty and self-assured, but even the arrogance is a brighter fit on his dour face. ]

I was trained under the League of Assassins. I'm a master of hand-to-hand combat and extremely proficient in sword-fighting techniques.

[ In other words, he would wipe the floor with the boy. A pause, as he considers his options, lips pursing in thought. ]

I suppose I could train you.

[Well, if a person can only know a few things about fairies, that is a good thing to know, but there is so much more than that...]

If you say so. I don't know much about technology. Magic would be easier to break for me or, instead of breaking it, you could just talk to the fairies and work out a deal so that they break it!

[Speaking of magic, do you see that Robin? There is a little blue and green butterfly crawling out of the boy's hair like it lives there or something. Wonder what that's about...]

But they did say how! Not only does touching help keep us healthy, it generates power for the city! We have generated enough power since I got here to reopen several parts of the city we couldn't go into before. The shopping district and the entertainment district and the park...

[He points in different directions as he speaks.]

We charged up some generators once too. The progress is slow, but it is there. Hopefully, someday we will know the full story about how things got this way. I don't know if the people here know all of it themselves.

[Or, they just aren't sharing. That could be too...]

Would you train me?

[His expression grows excited.]

I don't know what a 'League of Assassins' is, but it sounds important, so that means you must be strong. I am not bad, but I have a lot to learn yet, and I like having lots of teachers to teach me!

I refuse to believe a city is powered by hugs.

[ SO SMALL BUT SO GRUMP ]

It's a ruse they're selling, a sham. A cover-up. No, they have to have some other reason for bringing us he-r-e-- [ He trails off, peering at the butterfly like he doesn't know what to do with this absurdity. ] You've got something, there. In your hair.

[ What even is this kid. ]

I'm the best of the Robins. If I train you, and if you work hard, you can shape up to be something worthy of legend.

[ He smirks - private in-joke. Damian alone enjoys his ~~less than~~ clever little quip. ]

But I have seen it work! Lots of times! If you let me hug you, you will see!

[But somehow, Diarmuid doubts the boy is going to let him do that. He is probably going to end up like so many others who have to get sick before they realize that the touch rule is true.

When Robin mentions that there is something in Diarmuid's hair, he giggles and the butterfly leaps into the air, fluttering between them.]

That is Little Dia! My father made him for me as a pet, so I never have to be alone. He does what I tell him and sometimes even does it before I know I want him too! Isn't he neat?

[Magic, Robin. Magic.]

I know I am going to be a legend!

[Diarmuid giggles, rocking back and forth on his feet.]

Lots of people have told me I will be when I get big. That is why I am going to work so hard to learn things. I don't want to let anyone down!

[ Diarmuid's doubts are accurate. The vigilante is a wall, with 'don't touch me' scrawled stonily across the front, arms crossed, tight, over his chest; all skepticism. He's powered by violence, not affection.

There's only one person he'd want a hug from right now, but his father isn't here. ]

I'll pass. Your friendliness may be contagious.

[ Diarmuid might have cooties.

He watches the butterfly flutter around, squinting. A magical, vapid insect. Not the strangest bit of conjuring he's heard of, but a mildly inane one. ]

But can it really do anything?

[ Besides flutter around uselessly. A butterfly isn't even strong enough to carry a peanut, let alone be practical in its helpfulness. Not like Titus. ]

Hm, already been spoiled about your future, then? [ As if it isn't bizarre, talking to a legendary figure from the past. ] Not a bad way to view it. Others might slack off if they thought their future was set in stone.

But friendlessness is a good thing to catch!

[Too bad for Robin, Diarmuid doesn't really pick up on those 'don't touch' cues as well as he should. He's getting better, but...

The boy shifts Lir in his arms and then wiggles the fingers of his free hand at the other boy.]

Look out! I will infect you! I'm evil like that!

[He then drops his hand and giggles.]

Little Dia can do lots of things! He can go get people for me or find missing things and come back to lead me to where they are. He might not be able to speak, but he's good at getting people's attention!

[So, yes, the butterfly does more than flutter and look pretty.]

No, no, nothing is set in stone! If I don't earn becoming a hero, I won't be a hero! I am not afraid of working hard to get something I want. And I really want to be a good knight! I won't ever give up on it!

You're a loon.

[ He sniffs, haughty, clicking his tongue and turning his head away from the wiggling fingers in distaste. He's not sure how this--

(a mental gesture, to the entirety of Diarmuid)

--will become one of the more famous figures in Irish legend, and honestly, he has his doubts. He expected something closer to himself, maybe; proficient, excellent, already untouchable even in his youth. Instead, he's faced with a smiling, happy, carefree child, who will go on to do great things.

~~It's not fair.~~ ]

So you, essentially, have a magical homing butterfly. [ He thinks on that, considering. ] Well, it's something. It would be even better if it were poisonous.

[ Assassin butterfly. ]

Calm down, I believe you. [ God, this child is far too exuberant. ]

I'm not a loon! I'm a boy!

[Diarmuid giggles, unaware that Damian means something besides the bird that is called a 'loon.'

To be honest, if Damian saw the boy Diarmuid was when he first came back to the city after being home for a year, he would see a completely different boy. One who was a lot more like him. One overly-focused on becoming the best knight he could be and still hurting from losing whatever it was he couldn't remember.

Months in the city with his friends have helped him to return to being more child-like again, though when he is training that far too serious boy comes back.]

Does it help that he can't be killed? Well, he can be, but he will always come back! Then he can go get someone who has poison!

[Not really the point, but...]

I'm sorry. I just get really excited when I talk about becoming a knight. I can't wait to be able to help everyone!

You're both.

[ What is he supposed to do with this? Damian is unprepared for dealing with well-adjusted children beyond swooping in, saving them, and dropping them off in the arms of their guardians in disgust.

He's mildly tempted to toss this boy into the water and make a quick getaway. ]

The immortality is a little better. The average species of Papilionoidea lives less than two weeks. Not a long-lasting pet.

[ Immortality for Titus and Alfred the Cat, now that's a thought. Perhaps Zatanna might be able to--

The thought, as quick as it comes, is dismissed. It's foolish. He's dead, and his father would never compromise his own ideals in using the Lazarus Pit to bring him back. No, unless Damian can somehow claw himself back into the land of the living from whatever afterlife he will find himself in (or has found himself in), there's no going back.

The longer he thinks on this, the sicker he feels. ]

It'll come, in time. [ Best not to think on it at all, for the moment. ] No need to rush it. I hear childhood is something to be enjoyed.

It's both! Things like that are more fun when shared with others!

[Diarmuid is only truly happy when those around him are happy. That is why, despite how closed off Robin is being, the boy reaches out and tries to take his hand to pull him toward the festival.]

Won't you come and try to have a little fun? You can worry about going home and all that other stuff later. Right now, just relax and try to balance yourself so you can figure out what you need to tomorrow!

[He pause, giving Robin a curious look.]

What is a Pap-ill-whatever?

[Big words. Oh, he can't wait for the day when he is big enough to defeat them easier...]

Test Drive - July Edition

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)