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test drive

August-September Testo Doraivu!

TEST DRIVE MEME

➞ Post with a character you wish to test drive in this game's setting.
➞ Tag other people's starters and thread out shenanigans!
➞ Invite your friends! Try out new characters! Come play with us!
➞ Have fun!

NOT SURE WHERE TO BEGIN YOUR TEST-DRIVE JOURNEY?
CHECK OUT ALL THE LOCATIONS WE HAVE AVAILABLE IN:

JOHTO | and | KANTO

ALSO, AS PROMPTS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION: Last month's mini-events!

Effect: Friday, July 8: Flower Gift - All day, despite the season, flowers drift down from the sky. They’re harmless, beautiful, and smell lovely, but if trainers aren’t careful, they might end up trudging through rosedrifts up to their knees before long.
Swarm: Tuesday, July 12: Spinda
Effect: Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 17: Worry Seed - Affected characters won’t be able to get any sleep. Does that make your character cranky? Does it damage their brain-to-mouth filter? The effects can last as little or as long as you’d like over this weekend.
Effect/Swarm Double Duty: Friday, July 22: Surf - Large waves appear in all bodies of water, including things like bathtubs and your Sawsbucks drinks (it’s just bean water, you know). Be careful on the ocean, but also, hang ten, dudes! The waves won’t destroy anything, but trainers are going to get wet on this ride. Also, oh god, small jellyfish Pokemon (Tentacool, Frillish, Inkay) happen to be swarming randomly in these bodies of water. GANBATTE, VICTORY ROAD.
Effect: Friday, July 29: Haze - The forecast is misty inside and out on this oddly cool July day. Affected trainers will find it difficult to remember things, whether those happened long ago or just five minutes past. The memories aren’t gone, of course, it’s just…foggy.
Swarm: Sunday, July 31: Illumise and Volbeat

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OTHER USEFUL LINKS:
NAVIGATION | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Angel noted the shake in feed she had stumbled across. She wanted to tell herself that was what stopped her, that she was looking out for someone who was just as lost as she had been once.]

[But in all honesty, it was the cat that stopped her.]

I believe that's a skitty! She is indeed native to a faraway land, this faraway land to be exact.

[Angel paused. With her initial excitement out of the way, it was time to proceed with some amount of delicacy.]

I know it must be strange, to be here. I was very unnerved at first. Can I help you at all?

"Skitty." Odd name for a cat. Honest, I suppose.

[He's hesitant to turn the device around and look at who he's speaking with. By now, he knows enough that she can't see him as long as he can't see her, and he isn't eager to announce himself to any templars -- or anyone, really, at this point -- in the area.

Her voice sounds kind, though that would probably change if she saw him, so he'll keep the view on his Skitty.]

Please don't think me ungrateful, but I doubt there's much help left for me.

You said "at first." Were you taken, as well?

Names here are incredibly odd. I have a sheep pokemon named Mareep. It sounds like the Bo-Peep and Mary, from Mary had a little lamb. And my friend has a pokemon called a Torchic. Torch and chicken. Very silly.

[Angel's lips twitched into a frown. Once she had settled into her new home, people had begun to stop asking that sort of question. Those who needed to know about where she had come from had their answers, and by now it seemed that, for better or worse, her original warning had ebbed from the minds of her fellow citizens.]

[It was easier for her to not think about where she came from. There were reminders enough in the form of her father, after all. But the man on the other end of the line certainly hadn't meant any harm, and he seemed distressed enough without her snapping at him.]

I was. I think you will find that most people here were taken from their homes and lives. For some it is distressing. For others... For myself... this place is a welcome respite.

[Her expression became somewhat bitter, enough for her to be grateful that the man didn't appear to be looking at her.]

I think you will also find that even the most undeserving people have found their help, even if... others... say differently. [She cleared her throat.] Make no mistake, of course. I am not saying that you are undeserving.

[This place only gets more confusing by the second. But at least it's an adequate distraction from his ordeal, for the time being.]

I'm afraid I don't know any shepherdesses named Mary, or what a Bo-Peep is.

[He crouches to take a seat on the ground and coaxes the Skitty over, scratching the top of her head as she curls up by his feet.]

I still haven't decided whether my being here is a blessing or a curse. Perhaps a bit of both.

[He mulls over her words for a moment, almost certain she would change her tune if she knew his name or his face. Some lonely part of him wants to take that chance, but he restrains himself -- impressively, considering the past decade. But still, he is curious...] If you don't mind my asking, where did you come from that being spirited away is... well, better?

[As bad as she felt for laughing at him, when an amused giggle manages to burst from her lips, it brings a sense of relief. At least this conversation wasn't going to be completely dour, even if it did take a turn back to the negative.]

Never mind. They are characters in children's stories where I come from.

[Angel's amusement continues as Anders pets the small cat-creature. The smile on her face is wide and entirely pure. She'd have to try and figure out where she could get a skitty for herself, it seemed.]

[Of course, the light-hearted chatter and underlying mirth quickly faded as the conversation twists back to the subjects she'd be better off avoiding. The only reason she even considered speaking was the off-chance that it might help the man feel a little better himself.]

[Always the self-sacrificing one, she noted.]

I come from a place where it is perfectly reasonable for a father to lock up his daughter. Where having a one of a kind ability is punished and treated as a curse, rather than a gift.

I never knew freedom until I came here. It has come with its own costs, but I'd like to think they are worth it.

[His hand stills (mostly; its trembling resumes for a few seconds) on the Pokemon's head, and her tail twitches at the change. Only after she nudges him does he resume his ministrations.

As far as he's concerned, he doesn't need to ask what the stranger hinting at.]

It seems we have something in common. I am sorry you suffered that. [In a way, he can see how being taken here could be good for those like him, but not guilty of his crimes. At least, if the danger of the Order is truly absent.] Then, there are none who would oppress you here?

[Loath as she had been to discuss other matters, this particular issue is one of importance. As amicable as her relationship with Jack had been of late, she wasn't about to let her guard down. And if it was as the man said, if they once had something in common... It was better that he knew, just in case.]

There is only one person. My father, the man who kept me locked away, is here too. [Angel shook off a shiver.] But you shouldn't let that change your opinion of this place. His oppression is of a personal nature. On the whole, this is a peaceable place.

[The poor girl. It isn't his business to inquire further into her personal matters, but the least he can do is offer something in return for her help.] Should you ever need to elude him, I would be honored to help. [He does have a lot of experience hiding, after all.]

But this place; peaceable, you say... For all? Truly? [It sounds far too good to be true, but he's gathered that he must be a great distance from all the lands he's familiar with. They could very well be out of the Chantry's grasp.]

You are not the first to offer that. And he certainly won't be the last, she thought. It was a comforting thought in a way, knowing that so many people were willing to watch out for her.

I... hope that does not make me sound ungrateful. It is good to know that there are more good people here than the bad ones that followed me.

For the first time since their conversation started, Angel found herself wishing that the other man could see her. She wanted to offer him a comforting smile, to show that she meant well, just as everyone else did.

I admit that I am new to this world, and so there is much I do not know. I have no doubts that there is some amount of malevolence in this place, but nothing so... oppressive, it would seem. [Her expression turned thoughtful.] That being said, I would like to extend the same courtesy to you. Should you ever find anyone pursuing you, tell me. I... am still weak from my previous life but... I know many strong people that have spent their lives helping others. I have no doubts that they would extend the courtesies they've granted me to you.

[Now she paused, interrupted only by a short giggle.] All this and we do not know each other's names. You can call me Angel.

Not at all. It's good to hear that you're not facing trouble alone.

[For better or worse, he's comfortable -- or is it desperate? -- enough now to turn the device away from the Skitty and toward himself. The angle is somewhat awkward thanks to his lack of complete understanding of how the camera works, but his face is visible.]

I've had quite a bit of practice finding my own way, but I thank you. [He simply can't accept her offer; he isn't a good man like she thinks, and he would feel horribly guilty asking her to harbor someone of his standing. Besides, he may not need it after all.]

"Angel." That's lovely. I'm called Anders.

[Angel was quiet for a moment, taking in the appearance of the man, Anders she reminded herself, in front of her. She had seen a great deal of curious apparel in her "adventures" back home (nothing quite beat the skin masks), but this certainly took the cake. It suddenly made sense why he might not know about her bedtime stories — he looked as if he had come from one himself.]

You have quite the name yourself. It is wonderful to meet you, so to speak.

[Even in the face of his denial, her reassuring smile did not fade. She simply nodded once, not quite convinced to back off.]

I understand. Just know that should you ever need it, I am willing to help. I spent many years lending a hand where I could. Old habits die hard, it seems.

And you, as well.

I appreciate the offer. More traits we share, it would seem.

[There's a stark contrast to how he sees her, however. He wouldn't have considered her as young as she looks based on her voice, and certainly not so scrawny and sickly.]

Are you alright? I mean no offense, but you look like you could use a healer. I could --

[His expression changes quickly as the state of things falls back onto him with a crushing weight. The hollow feeling continues digging its way into his chest. As he tries to gather himself, his throat dries and his hands shake once more.

It takes a moment before he swallows the pain and rights himself.]

I... suppose I don't know anyone who could help at the moment. I'm sorry to be so rude.

[Taken aback as she was, Angel's first response was not one of annoyance or frustration, but one of concern. His immediate shift in demeanor, the almost familiar shake of the video feed. Whatever he was getting at, and she thought she had a somewhat clear idea of what it was, it had obviously upset him.]

When I woke up, I struggled for awhile too. There were many things I had once done that I could no longer do. Even though my powers brought me nothing but difficulties, there were still some things that I missed deeply.

[For a moment, she found herself wishing that she could reach through the screen, to take his hands into hers and comfort him. Familiar as it was to be unable to comfort someone in person, it felt a lot more frustrating when it was only distance, and not her physical health, separating them.]

It gets easier. Not all that quickly, I still feel a little empty but... I am certain that with time, it will ebb.

Regardless, you did not offend me. Like I said, my home was not particularly kind to me. Recovery from years of damages can only happens so quickly.

Edited 2016-09-24 06:48 (UTC)

[Of course, he's had his own suspicions about her, but for her to be so understanding...]

Ah... How did you know? I'd hoped to be inconspicuous, whether or not it seems to matter here...

[He takes the opportunity to resume stroking at the cat Pokemon, and finds it still somewhat comforting, though it seems to be losing its full effectiveness.]

I can't imagine living like this any longer. It feels like a nightmare I can't wake from. Is there no way to regain your powers? To go back, even? I am glad you for one escaped your bonds, but... I would rather live in fear with my magic than peacefully without it.

[Her smile shifted, becoming rather sheepish as she considered his words. Even if he had been forthcoming about his own background, she felt an inkling of guilt at his response. As he fell quiet, her smile faded entirely, her expression becoming serious.]

It is... obvious that you are shaken up. It wasn't difficult to put the pieces together. You can trust that your secret is safe with me. Threat or no it is... difficult to let go of fears.

[Angel drew a solemn breath. She had been here a month, with no sign of being able to return. Others had been there even longer.]

[But there was one thing she had picked up on...]

A woman I met... she said that powers do return from time to time. It is not permanent but... perhaps it's something to look forward to.

I am sorry I can't offer any other form of solace. And I am sorry if I am being too pushy about my own experiences. While I cannot imagine feeling fondly toward my powers, it is like I said. I understand how it feels to not have them.

[That isn't much comfort, but his talk has been negative enough without outright stating that nothing short of going home or regaining his magic would make him feel any better.]

Please, don't worry yourself over it. I am grateful for your kind words, and I'm sorry I haven't been so generous.

[He gives a small nod of acknowledgement.]

Thank you for your discretion. It would appear I am in no immediate danger here, but... Better to be on the safe side.

Hm. Would you mind telling me where here is, exactly? I've never seen any of these creatures before, and I certainly don't recognize the names of these towns.

You have been generous enough, Anders.

[His question is a difficult one to answer. She had troubled herself over her location in her free time, coming up with few answers. Even now, her lips pursed in thought, trying to decipher what little information she had.]

The short, unhelpful answer is that you are in a place called Johto, which is connected to Kanto by a nearby sound. That is about all I have been able to manage from locals. Ordinarily, I would conclude that I had stumbled upon a primitive planet but...

[And here was the troublesome part, the one she barely could comprehend despite the evidence staring her in the face.]

My powers hinge around accessing and manipulating the phase, another dimension. Now, it could be that there is something that is dampening my powers entirely but that is... Unheard of.

So, wherever we are. It is a place completely cut-off from my powersource. Another dimension, perhaps?

[She glanced at Anders, before laughing to herself. He seemed to barely understand a communicator; how could he understand her babblings?]

Whatever the reason, there are powerful forces at work here. Forces strong enough to raise the dead and kidnap the living. In my experience, they are benevolent but... Who can say for sure?

The "Phase?" Don't you mean the Fade?

[The talk of dimensions he understands well, but "planet" confuses him greatly.]

How does one "stumble" upon a planet? Other than by tripping, I mean. And what do you mean by primitive? Everyone I've met has been intelligent, if unforthcoming.

Raising the dead? What sort of benevolent force would raise the dead and cut mages off from the Fade and kidnap them? It's cruel and unnatural, what's happening here. No being should get to decide that fate for anyone.

[Shit. Are they dead? This place is definitely not the Fade, but he has little explanation for this otherwise. Even if there are creatures here who could transport him to another plane, why would that automatically mean he loses his magic while they clearly still have use of theirs?]

Err... no? I am referring to...

[She frowned. Given their obvious differences, it would be impossible to explain just what the phase was. At times, even she barely understood what it was, and she had been connected to it for nearly a decade.]

[As it is, she was quickly distracted by Anders's outburst. The effect was almost immediate, a shadow falling over her face. Confused as she was about his statement (he wasn't exactly dispelling her bedtime-story prince theory with the way he spoke), the only thing she could actually feel was the sharp pang in her chest]

The likes of which gives tormented women a second chance at life, I suppose. [She gave him a small shrug.] I cannot say I understand everything else it is that you are getting at, however.

[Guilt sets in almost immediately following her reaction. As much as he can't understand why anyone would be glad to be rid of their magic (rather than the stigma associated with it, at least), he isn't driven to pursue it any further at the moment. That would be just as cruel.]

I'm sorry. I am being... inconsiderate. They cannot be completely malevolent, I suppose, if they have made you happier.

What don't you understand? I'm happy to explain, if you'd like. [He's still confused about much of what she's said, too, but he's pressed her plenty on the matter.]

No, no... That's okay. It is jarring, I know that.

[Angel nodded to herself. Abrupt as he had been, he was willing to talk about his side of things. And she had always been a curious soul. If he was willing to talk to her about it, then she would gladly take the opportunity. At the very least, they could reach some amount of understand. At best, Anders might forget about his earlier distress.]

[But maybe she was just optimistic...]
You said something about the "fade." I... suppose we could have two names for one thing but... for me, I draw power from the phase. Women like myself are able to manipulate this dimension. Some of us can compress it, holding targets in place. Others can move through it...

I could alter things around me. I could make people see things that were not there.

What was it for you?

[Some of that, he can relate to. Other ideas only add to his uncertainty -- particularly the bit implying gender exclusivity.]

It sounds too similar to be a coincidence, but... The Fade is another realm, where humans dream and spirits and demons reside. Mages draw their power from it, as you draw from this "Phase." There are many schools of magic one can learn to use, regardless of anything except whether or not one was born a mage.

I don't know that there are many spirits there but... you are right. There are a great deal of similarities. [A curious amount, she noted. It was clear that, at the very least, they weren't from the same period of time. But it was interesting, the similarities. Perhaps at another time, she might sit down and drill him for more information.]

[It might be nice, exchanging stories with one another.]

So, that is what you are — a mage? And you mentioned healing. Is that one of the schools of magic?

I am. Or I was, I suppose. It's all very... [distressing.] confusing. But... yes. I'm practiced in other schools as well, but I've always favored healing.

[He isn't sure how much more needs to be said, or should be. But maybe a question for her wouldn't be very rude.]

Pardon my curiosity if it is inappropriate -- you said only your women can access the Phase, which grants you unique magical ability, but you don't consider yourself mages. Why is that?

That's wonderful. I... I used to love helping people myself. There was only so much I could do but... [But she always did more harm than good, was operating not of her own freewill. What little good she did couldn't even begin to make up for the damage she had caused.] But it isn't the same as actually healing someone. My friend could though...

Different classes and schools, I suppose.

[Angel's lips came together in a firm line. She supposed that the title of mage was fitting, but she had always been a siren, and she had always known it as such.]

You are not being impolite by any stretch of the imagination. It is just... I don't know, honestly. I was born being told I was a siren — that is what we call it. That is what we always have called it. It is... just how it is.

August-September Testo Doraivu!

TEST DRIVE MEME

Anders | Dragon Age

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