acatalepsy_ooc | TEST DRIVE MEME #5.

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TEST DRIVE MEME #5.

I ▫ main	IV ▫ premise			XI ▫ applications	XIV ▫ activity
II ▫ logs	V ▫ rules	VII ▫ bestiary	IX ▫ canon updates	XII ▫ taken	XV ▫ drop/hiatus
III ▫ ooc	VI ▫ faq	VIII ▫ setting	X ▫ mods	XIII ▫ reserves	XVI ▫ players

test drive meme #5

It happens in the blink of an eye.

One moment, you are home. Perhaps you are with your family, perhaps you are at work. It's a completely normal day . . . and then, suddenly, your stomach drops. You are overcome with a sudden sense of vertigo. You cannot see up, or down, or where you are.

You fall flat on your face. It's bright, warm, and humid . . . for now. Weirdly, the weather seems to be entirely in flux. One moment, it is warm and humid, and within the next handful of hours, it is starting to snow. Whatever is going on with Astoria seems to be messing with the atmosphere of the Temple, and as a result, you are having something of a wild entrance to Acatalepsy.

It takes a few seconds for you to gain composure and catch your breath. You are surrounded by ancient stone buildings, with carvings you do not recognize etched into the stone. There's a sense of nausea, overwhelming and sudden, when you realize you aren't in Kansas anymore.

Indeed, it seems as if you have fallen down the rabbit hole. A weird, mysterious, snowing-yet-humid rabbit hole.

THE TEMPLE OF BEGINNINGS.

Welcome to the "Home Base" of Astoria's Circle. What the actual name of the base is called is lost to the ages, and there's no sense of where you could find it, unless you started asking around.

At any rate, this is a central hub of the Circle, a place of powerful magic and mysterious energy. It is a scattering of ancient stone buildings and for the most part, it looks abandoned . . . except for what seems to be a few items, some rooms taken, items moved or organized, even a small garden planted. These are just the smallest hints that there are people here that have been here before you arrived.

Overall, it's fairly beautiful. However, it is definitely not modern.

Upon exploration, you find that the buildings are kept up by some kind of magic. Some of the rooms have items, things from other Circle members already settled, and others appear to be unclaimed. Pick your rooms, explore the grounds, see the beauty and wonder all around you in such a magical place. However, be careful -- there is some additional movement around the Temple that seems specific to the time of year.

HAPPY UN-BIRTHDAY.

The kitchen has become overtaken with a flurry of activity. Vines have woven their way into the area of the Temple typically reserved for food, and there is a massive tea party! What a splendiferous thing -- surely this can't be all that bad.

There is such a massive array of food here that it almost seems impossible to know where to start . . . tea and cookies set out with messages that read “EAT/DRINK ME." Well, if you insist. However . . . certain foods and drinks have certain effects upon your person that are wholly unexpected. Well, drat.

If you taste the rosehip tea, you are suddenly infatuated with the first individual you lay eyes on. They are everything to you. You think you may even want to propose, immediately, right now. Weddings, I love weddings!

Tasting the ladyfingers will cause you to spill your deepest secrets to whoever is nearby. Have a secret crush? Not anymore! The entire room has to know about it, and you somehow can't seem to shut up about whatever you've been trying to keep quiet.

A sip of the chamomile tea will cause you to become ridiculously sleepy. That corner looks like a particularly delightful place to take a nap, doesn't it? Maybe someone else wants to nap too.

The Madeline cakes cause a ridiculously high spike in happiness. Nothing can get you down, not even the grumpiest of people. Smile, smile, smile! You need to spread this joy to everyone in your reach.

A nibble of the scones will prevent you from lying. . . and, in addition, you will be brutally honest on whatever question you're asked. Maybe now is a bad time to give an opinion on your friend's outfit or new haircut, hm?

And, finally, the Earl Grey tea will cause an enhancement of your Astoria given powers. Make sure you have that under control, or you may accidentally blow out a window, depending on what it is.

YOU'RE LATE, YOU'RE LATE.

The Unseen Servants will be a little, well, mad. Not that anyone will be able to see them, but there will seem to be things moving around the Temple at random, whether they be sheets, clothing, food, furniture, etc. with very little if any logical reason to it. It almost appears like the sheets and the like are moving throughout the air without any rhyme or reason to it . . . someone certainly isn't happy that the Temple is all astray.

In addition, the Unseen Servants may also be attempting to steal things off of you. After all, you are also new to their world, and they want to make sure everything is put into their proper place, so beware any silent mischievous Unseen Servants dipping hands into pockets.

Also . . . some of the rooms in the Temple are shifting around. Certain entryways could lead you to a select location at random. You may have thought you were entering your room, but it appears you’ve wound up in someone else’s. Or the bathhouse. Or the forest. Either way, you may find yourself lost for a bit...until the Temple decides to stop playing tricks on you. Keep track of your location, or you may wind up in the Forest of the Fey by mistake.

OFF WITH YOUR HEAD.

Should you approach the fighting ring, you’ll find that isn’t quite what you’d expect — there are no training dummies to be found, the rusted gates are colored a lavish gold, and the dirt ground has been replaced with a red and black checkered flooring. More notably, the ring itself seems to have expanded to make way for seating so that it’s become more of an arena than anything. There is an audience of spectators: many of them are typically known as the bestiary of this Temple. They are a bit more, er, refined and chatty today.

When you enter, the gates will shut behind you. They will not budge. You have now entered a makeshift Royal Court. Suddenly, a playing card manifests in your hand. It might be…

A Heart: A princess-like figure is displayed on this card. She appears to be singing.
A Diamond: A gallant knight-like figure is displayed on this card. He appears to be fighting.
A Queen: A refined queen-like figure is displayed on this card. She sits atop a throne, her finger pointed right at you.
A King: A triumphant-king like figure is displayed on this card. He stands on a podium for all to see.
A Joker: A jester-like figure is displayed on this card. He is dancing, laughing, and making a general fool of himself.

On the back reads a message that states “This card withholds your role. You’ll be permitted to leave once we are thoroughly entertained. Best of luck!” No further instruction is given. Those who have entered with you are in the same predicament. How will you interpret your card? Who are you stuck with and how will you satisfy the audience? Or are you a member of the audience instead? Either way, good luck getting out — it’s up to you!

COMMUNICATIONS.

Upon arriving, you will notice on whichever is your non-dominant hand, you will have a fairly simply screen. A smart watch, if you will. Upon exploration, you will find that it has a directory of all those here with you at the Temple of Beginnings- names, and access to a direct message to them. The watch also has video, audio, and text capabilities, as well as what looks like a collection of messages sent to everyone who wishes to open them. This is your 'network', and also how Astoria can reach out and communicate with you.

There is nothing keeping you from removing and/or losing your watch! But remember that you will not have access to this network without it.

OOC: Also feel free to join us and other possible players on our discord server!

enjoy! ♥

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It can't be ...

[ More mumbled to himself than anything else, but for right now, finding a secure location was higher on the priority list to him than much else. Find a safe zone, then get right on to properly reacting to this reunion. He just can't get himself to do it when things have shifted around so very suddenly for them both.

Still, even if she's just stating the obvious, he still nods along to it. It's more like hearing someone read off a checklist, but still useful. ... Mention of him possibly needing supplies makes him frown. ]

... Maybe we should. We'll need to look around more, but this already feels like a downgrade. It's not gonna be easy here ...

[ Well. First things first. ]

Let's move to a safer spot than this first. We've got a lot to figure out ...

[Off they go! Thankfully it's not much of a walk or else Nei would have started to shiver due to the sudden snowfall. The long hallways seem maze-like when they first enter the larger of the buildings. Despite the presence of the wisps of unseen servants, it doesn't seem like a dangerous place. Maybe it's due to the lack of people around for such a big place. Nei's caution tapers off a little as they explore, her gaze becoming more curious than wary. That doesn't last very long when Astoria phases through the wall, dumps a quick explanation, and leaves them in front of some empty rooms for them to move into.

Nei's was quiet for the whole ushering process, but that doesn't mean the message of becoming a "darling warrior" didn't hit her hard. The moment they're alone again, her expression is distant as she murmurs to herself:]

This again...? [A new role to take on? At least they're not in an underground jail, but...]

[ Anyone phasing through the wall puts Zero on high alert, but at least this Astoria person is being useful. He doesn't like that they've apparently been dragged her to fight for someone without much to go on, but fine - he'll talk with someone who's been around to get a better idea.

Once she's gone, Zero goes silent, trying to put things together in his mind, when he hears Nei's words. ... Of course. While he's of the opinion of "I go to where I'm needed", it's extremely different for Nei.

He moves his hand to hers, giving it a light squeeze as he laces their fingers together. ]

... I'm with you.

[ There's no need to take on a role. He'll stay at her side to ensure that. ]

[It takes a moment for Nei to pull herself out of her head and respond to him. She squeezes back then looks up at him with a tearful smile.]

Right...I don't know what I would've done if you weren't.

[After rubbing at her eyes with her free hand, she lets out a tired sigh. All the crying and overwhelming emotions has sapped her energy.]

It's funny, we were just at home and now we're not. This isn't a dream, but...I don't know. I feel so tired. [She shifts closer and rests her cheek on his shoulder.] At least we're not without a place to stay.

[ He watches her quietly, mostly to make sure she'll be okay. Not having that connection anymore means he has to pay more attention, and really, that's for the best in some ways.

Eventually, he looks toward the door to their new room and nods. ]

There's still too much we don't know ... but this is better than nothing.

[ Though speaking of being "just at home" before, there's a lot that needs to be talked about. And ... well, he just wants to stay close to her again. It's only been a few months, but it feels like ages, and he was so sure that was the end of that ...

Either way, there's more off here than just the change in location. He tilts his head toward the door. ]

... We both need some time to rest and talk. Let's see what the "accommodations" look like.

[ He's not expecting this to be a 5-star experience, but it's something. ]

[For someone who was unsure about synchronizing before, it's odd now to only be receiving comforting words and actions without direct thoughts. It's kind of lonely, but that's an issue that can be set aside for the sudden life changing switch that comes with world hopping. Nei finds herself nodding along with Zero's comments and moves towards the door he motioned towards. The room appropriately matches the buildings, and she doesn't really mind that it's a very simple layout. All the essentials are around too. There's a tiny, pleased thought that Astoria guessed right in dropping them off in front of a room with a large bed for two. Of course they're going to be together!

Nei's able to leave Zero's side as she looks around the room before finally flopping down onto the bed. She's quiet for a few seconds as she stares up the ceiling, then...]

I really think I'd be much more upset if you weren't here, Zero. [It's a daunting experience, but just his presence is keeping her from being overwhelmed with the reality of entering a third world. She can take one step at a time and know that he'll be there to hold her up if she were to fall.]

[ Yep, this room is exactly what he would've expected based on the outside. Spartan, and even lower-tech than Empatheias was. The large bed clearly meant for two to share at least is a nice touch, even if somewhere in the back of his mind he's not so sure he likes the idea that this weird lady knows about their relationship.

... He'll just keep an eye on things. Just in case.

When Nei flops on the bed, Zero takes a few moments to look around the room. Definitely not the kind of place he expects to see an outlet in. He's going to need to be more careful than usual here, isn't he ...? Nei's voice pulls him away from his thoughts. ]

No one could blame you for it, if that did happen. I'm glad I managed to follow you here ...

[ Even if that means having left the others behind, who likely think he's dead and gone for good now ... Though there was something else he wants to bring up. Zero walks over, laying next to Nei gently. ~~Just in case this bed doesn't take well to something as heavy as he is suddenly bodyslamming the damn thing.~~ ]

... Nei. What's the last thing you remember from our time on Empatheias? The date, or anything like that ...

[The only reason why she's not worried about Astoria knowing is because she assumes they simply look like a couple. That's a great thing in her book! ...So, Zero can basically be paranoid for her sake ~~as usual~~.

That sort of question puts up red flags in Nei's mind. If the time for her is so questionable, this could be a case of her being crystallized. How long did she leave him alone this time?

Nei turns over onto her side to face Zero. There's a worried frown on her face already has her eyes search his for answers.]

December 10th...was just yesterday. [She partially sits up with some urgency ~~in order to be ready for launching herself at him for intense comfort-cuddling~~.] D-did I become a crystal again?

[ Someone's gotta be outwardly distrustful around here! ~~Even if he'll shrug it off eventually down the line.~~

But that was the answer he was expecting to hear. In the end, it didn't matter terribly - they're still together no matter what, and that's the most important thing to him here - but ... ]

... No. For me ... yesterday was the start of February. [ It's obvious, but he can't help stating it anyway. He closes his eyes with a soft sigh. ] You've been gone for several months.

I-...I wasn't aware...Uuu... [Zero may not seem too phased, but there's immediate tears in her eyes again when Nei simply imagines how lonely that must have been for him. At least if she was in crystal form there would've been some hope, but completely gone? She wouldn't have been able to handle it if Zero was the one to disappear instead.

Probably not the best time for Zero to close his eyes because Nei decides the best option is to launch herself at him. It's frenzied display of anxious concern as she wraps her arms around the android and presses kisses to his face. Tangled limbs or not, she wishes she could hold on tight and never let go, never be separated.]

I'm sorry, Zero. I'd have never wanted you to go through that...I love you so much, I wouldn't have left you on purpose! I'm here now. [Okay, so maybe she's rambling more for herself than him...]

[ No, definitely not the best time for him to be closing his eyes. When she flings herself at him, his eyes are wide open again from the sudden impact, but ... really, he knows he shouldn't be surprised. This was just like her to do this after hearing news like that.

But with her this close to him again, he can't help wrapping his arms around her again in whatever way he can managed to make it make sense, keeping her close. ]

I know ... I know you wouldn't. You'd never do that. I ... [ But it hurt. It hurt and he had no villain to point the blame at. He knew she was alive, but it wasn't as much of a comfort as he wanted it to be. All he could do was his damnedest to be strong until it stopped stinging, and hope she'd maybe come back.

And in a way, she did.

Maybe he shouldn't have brought this up. He lets out an uncharacteristically shaky breath, then shuts his eyes again. ]

I'm just ... glad we're together now. I love you too much to lose you again like that ...

[Despite the worry and regret she feels about his prior situation, Nei also finds herself touched by such a rare moment of expression from Zero. Not that that she enjoys his suffering, but there's a lot that can be said about their relationship in that exhale and his words. She'd do anything to keep them together, if she could...]

I understand. [There's a soft smile on her face as she bumps the tips of their noses together. It must have been really hard for him. Nei's ability to calm down only because she wants to give him strength and reassurance in return.] It probably felt horrible...but I'm right by your side again. I'm with you, Zero.

[She's not sure whether she could find better words but being snuggled close is probably the best option for comforting Zero.]

[ He hates being openly emotional. Or really ... he kind of assumed he was no longer capable of some aspects of it, after everything he's been through in life. Even that shaky exhale was a surprise to him. But since it's in front of Nei, it's fine. He wants to be as strong as he can appear to be for her, especially with this sudden turn of events, but--

Just for now, it's okay. And besides, she's keeping so close to him in response ... So, definitely okay. Even if he's still looking a bit overwhelmed, he manages a small smirk, followed by a quick kiss. ]

I know ... And I won't let anything separate us so easily again.

[They can be overwhelmed together in different ways, if that helps. Nei returns the kiss easily enough, and she rubs circles against his back in return. She's grateful that it doesn't seem like the alternations to his sensitivity setting haven't reset since they lost their connection. That would be a downer on top of everything else. Though she is a little curious--]

Anything interesting happen while I was away from you? [~~Did Kor and Sora crash the airship yet?~~]

Anything interesting ...

[ Nei gets some slow, gentle pets on the head while he thinks. Did anything notable happen? ]

Selenium wasn't as bad as I was expecting it to be ... The memories I saw that day were tame, for once. Rokurou wasn't too annoying with his questions afterward, either. [ Because that's who he decided to go with to see said memories. Beggars, choosers, etc. ] I'd been taking care of the airship as well. ... Hopefully it'll stay in one piece now ... I guess there's no way for us to check.

[ ... ... ... ]

... And I tried ice cream for the first time. Not that I could taste it ... but it was a first. [ Sigh. ] I mostly kept to myself.

[Yaaaasssss good headpets. That gets a pleased hum for her in return.]

If I ever come across the materials, I'll try building a new airship again. [SHE SAYS THAT LIKE IT'S EASY. Nei's happy to hear that he tried his best with the airship and that Selenium wasn't horrible to him.]

...Maybe we'll see Rokurou again, along with our little family. Despite being annoying [with ruining their night cuddling] it was fun being his friend.

[ He can't help a short, quiet laugh at that. She makes it sound like throwing an airship together in a place as low-tech as this is nothing. Really now ... ]

Good luck.

[ She'll need it. Though on the top of the others ... ]

... I'm not certain if I want them to show up here. Staying together would be best, but ... Empatheias is safe. I don't know about this place, not yet.

You're right... [There's a lopsided smile at the idea of not being able to see her precious companions. Sadly, it's not a new feeling, and she doesn't want to ruin the mood.]

One day, when I get my hands on the right supplies, I'll build a door or something that can take us anywhere, to any world, that we want to go to. Or maybe like a gummy ship that Sora used to go to different worlds with.

A door ...?

[ He doesn't know if some sort of teleporter-esque device like that is even possible here, or at all for that matter, but Nei really does make it sound like could be done. ]

... I don't know anything about that stuff. A door or something similar sounds more possible than that weird ship Sora used to use. [ ... ] If there's anything I can do to help you out, tell me. I may not understand these things, but I can follow directions ...

[ Unless it's cooking. Then directions may not be enough. ]

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TEST DRIVE MEME #5.

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a million years and 1 con later

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