crystalclods | TEST DRIVE MEME

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test drive

TEST DRIVE MEME

Hello and welcome to the COSMOGRAPHIA TEST DRIVE MEME! This is a place where you can get a feel for your character(s) in the game's setting! A couple quick points before we get down to business:

☆ Please take a look at our Premise, World Information, and our FAQ to get a feel for the rules and setting. This is great if you want to see what the game is about before jumping in!

☆ Test Drive threads are certainly allowed to be used for samples for your application, should you choose to submit one!

SAMPLE SCENARIOS:

A: By whatever means, you've tumbled through a hole into a cavernous temple. Gems suspended in bubbles float about the ceiling, and a large Heartlike gem looms before you. Touching it, whether out of curiosity or frustration, will give you some basic information, but then again, there's no guarantee you're just going to walk up to a giant weird thing in the middle of a giant weird room and touch it, right? Why not take a look around and see for yourself what kind of place this is? Perhaps you'll run into someone in the same predicament as you, or perhaps you'll run into someone who can help explain why there's a weird rock now affixed to your body?

B: It's Thursday in Waverly Bay, and that can mean only one thing: the weekly Farmer's Market is here again! Stalls not only from farmers on the outskirts of town but from crafty residents with interesting homemade items to sell, and businesses looking to attract the Market's crowd are all here! Are you shopping for a good deal on vegetables for dinner? Or perhaps you're getting a feel for the residents, having recently arrived? Or, perhaps, are you an industrious gem who's looking to set up shop? Either way, you're bound to run into somebody in this bustling, busy place.

C: Uh-oh! Looks like you've run into a monster! Apparently, from what little you've heard, you can shapeshift into things and pull a weapon from your gem, and you have some sort of special power, but maybe you don't know what it is yet, or you're still not used to using it? Guess you're going to have to learn on the job. Don't leave your fellow gems hanging if you see them fighting one of these little guys either! You're going to need each other to take 'em down!

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[Jaune had managed to get on his feet before anyone else entered the chamber. He didn't notice them come in at first. He was too busy peering up into the floating rocks, trying to see a hole that wasn't there. It wasn't until he heard his name that he even registered that someone had joined him. Whether it's the strange location or the fall that has him distracted, at first he didn't connect the voice with someone familiar (let alone someone important to him).

And then he turned around.

Jaune's eyes widened. He's never been good at hiding his emotions, especially when caught off guard. He's an honest one after all and in this case the shock was written all over his face. His face paled and for a moment all he could do was gape. It...it can't be. It felt like the floor was about to fall out from under him or maybe it already had. He managed not to stumble, at least not over his feet. His words, however...]

I can't...P-Pyrrha?

[His voice came out a lot softer than he meant for it to, tripping over his tongue as he brain tried to catch up. He's surprised he could even say her name. He couldn't move. He couldn't speak again until he understood what was happening. How she was even here and alive.]

[Tears were already beginning to fill her eyes, and a tremble passed through her body as she stared. Despite already experiencing something of a miracle being brought back to life by returning to Waverly Bay, and despite being able to spend time with Ruby and the others while she was here, she had resigned to thinking she would never see her own teammates again...never see him again. And yet this world has proven her wrong one more.

And though she started to take a step towards him, she found herself hesitating. Because how could she? How could she talk to him now, after everything that's happened? After what she must have put him through? She didn't even know if he had experienced what she had - if he knew what ends up happening to her. But he must have, for him to react that way to seeing her.

And what right did she have...to seek comfort from him now, after all she had done?

Her breath hitched softly, and she couldn't stop as a few tears rolled down her cheeks as she drew back some, as if getting ready to leave.

She wouldn't run. Not this time. But she was prepared to go...if only because, truthfully, she was scared of what he would even say.]

[God Pyrrha, don't cry. The tears speak volumes to Jaune, but so does her body language. She was his teammate, his partner. And while he'd been a complete idiot before on several matters, he felt pretty confident in his ability to gauge a situation like this. This moment was going to decide a lot of things and, unfortunately, he was at a complete loss.

He did know one thing though and that was that he had been given his partner back.

He could be upset later and, honestly, he'd always been angrier at himself than he'd ever been with Pyrrha. He'd played the scene over and over and while a part of him felt betrayed, the majority of him had just felt an overwhelming sense of guilt. But none of that mattered right now. She was there in front of him and she looked like she was about to run out of his life again.

He wasn't going to let her do this to him again. He wasn't going to let her run away...if he could help it. Wasn't this what he and the others had set out on a quest for anyway? To find answers...and instead he'd found her.

Where she draws back, Jaune surges forward. He's not bold enough to kiss her, not like last time, and that wasn't going to help matters anyway. Besides, the kiss had been all her ~~he tells himself it was probably only for distraction and desperation anyway~~. He does, however, attempt to pull her into a hug--if she doesn't manage to pull away first.]

Pyrrha.

[Truthfully, he didn't know what to say yet, but he wasn't willing to let her flee until he'd figured it out either.]

[She doesn't move when he comes closer, but she can't help but stiffen when he embraces her. Her heart pounds in her chest, and she places her hands on his shoulders, ready to push him away.

Because she can't...she doesn't deserve this...She doesn't...

The tears are flowing more freely now as her body shudders with a silent sob, her arms circling around him as she returns the embrace. And she knows...she knows she doesn't deserve any comfort. But she's too afraid to let go now.]

[She's real. She's solid and in his arms. It's impossible and yet she's there. It's not a dream, not like the one's he'd been having for so long now. This is real.

Jaune's throat tightens. He can't stand seeing her like this. This was Pyrrha. She wasn't supposed to be like this...so...so vulnerable. He holds her for a moment, buying himself a little more time. She's shaking against him, but at least she's returned the embrace. He let's the moment last, but he knows it can't be forever.

He takes a shaky breath and brings his hands up to lightly grip her arms as he pulls back. Partly to continue his own reassurance that she is there and partly to stop her from getting away from him. He's not sure he can stop her, but he's going to try his hardest to ensure that his friends are never able to get away from him like that again.

He wants to look at her more clearly now. He's still close, he wants to wipe away her tears but he's afraid to let go of her arms. He's afraid this will turn into one of those nightmares where she crumbles before him...turning to dust like Ruby had described to him. His voice is soft when he speaks again. He's almost surprised he can speak.]

Pyrrha...I...I'm so glad you're safe. You're here. I...I thought you were gone and I couldn't help you. Why---why wouldn't you let me help you?

[Even as he asks the question he knows it's not fair. He would have been so useless in that fight it wouldn't have even been funny. That still doesn't make him feel any less responsible for the loss of his teammate. It was his responsibility. He was the leader and he had been unable to do anything to support his team as it had fallen apart. He hadn't even been there to SEE it fall apart.]

Pyrrha...I'm so sorry. I couldn't save you. I couldn't...I couldn't do anything.

[There is guilt all over his face.]

[She shudders a bit as he pulls away, and for a moment the fear comes rushing back. She's worried and scared that he'll hate her, and maybe she deserved that.

But the look on his face, the one of sorrow and guilt, hurts so much worse than his anger would have.

With a trembling breath, she shakes her head, and after a moment of hesitation, she reaches a hand up to his face to stroke his cheek, if he would let her.]

J-Jaune...don't. Please.

[More tears were streaming down her face, but she forced herself to steady her voice.]

It wasn't your fault. None of it was. I...I didn't want you to. I didn't want you to get hurt.

[Her hand on his cheek is a gesture he had missed. It was comforting, familiar, and warm.]

I can't help it. I was supposed to be there, Pyrrha. We're partners, remember? I just wanted to protect you. I know that situation was impossible. I know you saved my life that night...but I didn't get to save yours.

[He draws in a breath and lets it out]

I was useless...again.

[She had taken the choice away from him...not that it would have been much of a choice. He knew that's why she'd done it. She knew that Jaune would never had left her willingly. It didn't make it any better or easier to accept.]

Stop it. Don't say that, Jaune. You're not useless.

[How could she make him see that?]

You're so much stronger than you think you are. And you're meant for amazing things. That's why I didn't...why I wanted to make sure you survived.

I didn't want you to die before you were able to do all the things you're capable of.

Pyrrha! That's what I should be saying to you!

[He quickly lowers his voice. He hadn't meant to shout like that. He sighs, taking a step back and looking to the floor.]

Sorry...I shouldn't have shouted. You're just...you are really important to me. I never would have lasted as long at Beacon if it hadn't been for you. I can't even imagine what would have happened if we hadn't been made partners or a team. You've helped me so much Pyrrha and it feels like whenever I try to return the favor it blows up in my face.

[He glances back up at her.]

But...maybe this is a second chance? I mean...you're alive.

[It sinks in again and this makes his eyes widen and he turns back to Pyrrha, reaching to take her hand.]

Pyrrha how are you alive? How are you here?

[Jaune blinks and looks around, he's starting to come back to the present and he looks around at the cavern they are in.]

And....uh...where is here?

Edited 2016-03-20 01:31 (UTC)

[Despite the tears still in her eyes, she manages a small smile.]

You're very improtant to me too, Jaune. That's why I wanted to make sure you'd be all right. But I never...meant to make you feel like you couldn't do anything. I just wanted you to be safe.

[She met his eyes with a sad expression in hers, sighing softly.]

I'm...only alive while I'm here.

[She gently squeezes his hand, and when she does he might feel a small lump in her palm before she pulls it away and begins taking off her glove.]

It...has something to do with being in this place. People are taken from different worlds...different realities...even different times...and brought here, a place called Waverly Bay, to be turned into beings called Magical Gems.

[Once her glove was completely removed, she held up her palm so he could see the black gem embedded in the center of it.]

O-oh.

[He knew this was too good to be true. Jaune deflates a bit. Just when he got her back...but, maybe it's best not to dwell on that. He has her here now, right? He tells himself to focus on the present and he can sort out THAT particular problem later. Mostly because he'd rather not even think about the idea of losing her again

Instead, he focuses on what she is telling him, absorbing it all. He knows this is probably pretty important, but wow is that a lot to take in after finding out your partner is not-quite-dead. He blinks and leans closer to look at her hand.]

Well that's...new. And a lot to process.

Wait...you mean I have one of those gems, too?

[He doesn't wait for her response but almost frantically starts to pat himself down like that's going to reveal something, but stops almost immediately and looks at his own hand. Frowning slightly, Jaune rubs at his palm with his other hand before also pulling the glove off revealing a brassy, yellow stone.]

Woah. That is...really weird. [He holds up his hand and points at it with the non-gem one] Soooo...what does this mean exactly?

[She watches him for a moment, and when he locates his own gem she offers a small smile.]

It means we're not quite human anymore. We're not like those who have been Gems since the beginning...and we still have some aspects that make us seem human, like needing to eat and how we get hurt.

But from my understanding, everything that makes us who we are is now contained in our gem. And the magic in our gems allows us different abilities that we might not have back home.

[Her gem begins to glow a little, just for emphasis.]

Injuries also tend to heal faster than normal. And even the most serious injuries would simply result in retreating into our gems for a time before being able to...reform.

[Jaune wasn't sure how he felt about this new information. However, if it meant he could be with Pyrrha...well, maybe he could accept that. There was a strange feeling of belonging here. Even if in the back of his mind he thought about how this would put a major hitch in his plan to help Ruby, Nora, and Ren.

However, something else occurs to him and he groans loudly in exasperation and frustration.]

Oh man you mean I have to start learning a new magical ability when I haven't even figured out how my aura and semblance work?

[She gave a small, understanding smile.]

I...suppose. Although these powers seem to manifest in their own time, so they might come a bit easier.

Yeah...sure.

[He'll believe THAT when he sees it. Aura and semblance were supposed to be like that too and look where that had gotten him.

Still, maybe with it being different it might be easier? He can be optimistic about it. He rubs at his palm before shrugging and pulling his glove back on.

He could worry about powers later, he was used to not having those anyway. He needed to figure out more about this place and what was going on.]

Okay, so, we're in a strange place with new powers that merged us with rocks. You're alive. Alternate realities and timelines may be involved...so, uh, who else is here? And do we know why we're here?

[Jaune could be an idiot about a lot of things, but he's pretty quick about assessing a given situation, but in order to do that he has to know the situation.]

Well, it's hard to say exactly why. Some people have found their own purpose for being here. But the general idea seems to be to help protect the people of this town from Gem Monsters.

And there are quite a lot of people here...but from our world, there's the entirety of Team RWBY.

[And that has her hesitating for a moment. She knew she had to tell him this.]

They all...arrived here before I did. And they're from a point earlier in time than I am. The last thing they remember from home is fighting the invasion of Grimm before the Vytal Festival.

I guess that's not much different from what we were training to do anyway.

[He's a little upset that it takes away from his own mission -- but if time travel is involved then maybe he doesn't have to worry about time lost at least.]

Wow...that was months ago!

[Pause as he realizes what that might mean.]

Uh...do they...you know, know?

[How he was going to keep that from them if they didn't, he wasn't sure. Jaune wasn't exactly the best secret keeper and usually it was beyond easy to read him. How did you tell someone that?]

[She hesitates, glancing away a little.]

...Yang does, but...only because she...found out about it.

[Fusions was another thing she would have to tell Jaune about, but now didn't seem like the best time.]

I haven't...told the others. And I really don't...want them to find out.

[Jaune puts a hand on her shoulder.]

Then we won't tell them.

[And it's that simple for Jaune. He couldn't protect Pyrrha before, but he can protect her from this. It'll be hard for him, but he'll manage all the same. Or try. Definitely try.

Still, something bothers him.]

But...Yang knows? And after what happened to her--[Jaune winces. He realizes that he and Pyrrha would have been busy with Cinder so there was no way she could know about what happened to Yang. He'd only found out after the evacuation.] Wait. You wouldn't know about that. Ugh, this is going to be difficult.

[She manages a faint smile.]

Thank you, Jaune.

[Her expression turns a bit curious at his words, though, and she frowns a little.]

Know about what? Did something else happen?

[The hypocrisy wasn't lost on her, asking for information when she was withholding her own from the others. But she could at least understand how it happened, and it wouldn't come as much of a shock to her as it would the others.]

[Jaune hesitates. It doesn't feel like his place to say what happened to Yang. Doesn't Pyrrha have enough to worry about? Jaune rubs at the back of his head in consideration. It does seem weird to hide Pyrrha's secret while talking about something that happens to Yang. On the other hand, Pyrrha's going to be the only one who knows what went down where he came from -- if the rest of Team RWBY is from so far back.

Jaune resigns himself. He'll trust Pyrrha with this.]

Y-yeah. I don't have all the details about how it happened, I mean, the pieces got put together for me later. During the grimm invasion Yang got...injured. It was really bad.

[There's a significant pause as Jaune hesitates again. Should he? Jaune lowers his voice and continues.]

She...she lost an arm. She was still recovering when Ruby, Ren, Nora, and I decided to head for Haven.

[He looks up.] I think it goes without saying...but I don't think we should share this information either.

[Her eyes widen, and she gasps softly.]

Oh no...!

[Poor Yang!

She doesn't ask how it happens. After all Jaune had been with her when it likely happened, so he might not know all the details. But she nods a little, glancing around to make sure none of them were nearby while they were talking.]

Right.

[She was used to keeping secrets by now.]

[What's there to say? A lot of bad things happened that night and it didn't even seem like the end of what they might face. Jaune merely nods at her reaction, what else is there to talk about now? He's kind of ready to move on from the heavy subjects...at least for the moment.]

So, where is Team RWBY anyway? I'm guessing this place is more than just this room.

They're...either out in town, or in their rooms.

[She wanted to ask more about what happened back home, but she didn't want to overwhelm him too much. After all, he'd just arrived, and it would be the best to get him settled in.]

We should...probably find your room as well.

[Well, all she has to do is ask. But Jaune telling it on his own is a bit of a problem since he wouldn't know where to start.]

We get our own rooms? Everyone? How big is this place?

[Not that he really knows how many people are here -- but having your own room is a luxury in his mind so the idea that they can afford for someone to have their own room is kind of crazy.]

aaaah

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