Test Drive Meme - March & April

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Tristan Taylor | Yu-Gi-Oh! | OTA | Action or Prose is fine, I'll switch to match!

[duelingexpert]

I. New Bark Town

You know, just once, I wouldn't mind if this supernatural stuff would send a postcard or something to let me know when it's coming.

[Said a brunette with a distinctive hairdo that was taking this waayyyy too casually given the situation he was now in. All he had on his person were the few items that had been conveyed to him, and the clothes on his back.

He sighed, and ran a free hand over his face as he debated what he should do first.]

If I'm here, chances are Yugi and the others are too.

[In the past they always were.]

Didn't mom say something about a communication device..?

[With that, he found a shady, out of the way place to step out of the road and search through his bag]

II. Network

So, I'm not sure who is out there reading this but this is Tristan Taylor and I'm looking for my friends.

Have any of you seen anyone answering by any of these names: Yugi Mutou, Joey Wheeler, or Téa Gardner? Yugi's a short little guy with tricolored hair, kind of looks star-shaped. Joey is well.. he's blondish, kind of scruffy looking, has an accent? And Téa is well.. Téa.

[Descriptions are so difficult, apparently.]

Anyway, if you guys are reading this- give me a buzz and then let's figure out what's going on here.

III. Route 29 - Of course it's a Monkey

[Strangely, this isn't the first time Tristan has been thrown into an alternate dimension or virtual one and been made to battle his way out of it. So the idea that he now had to rely on "real" monsters just takes him back to the fateful trip to India. So which ancient dead guy would ultimately end up being behind this one?

Wanting to ensure that his first meeting with his new pokémon didn't lead to any collateral damage, he moved off a ways from the nearest town and extracted the pokéball from his bag.]

It's kind of like one of those capsule monsters, huh?

[With that said, to no one specifically he gave the button a press and tossed it into the open field. As the light faded a chimchar stood in it's place. Almost as soon as he noticed what the species reminded him of, his expression fell.]

You gotta be kidding me, is that a monkey?!

[A flashback to being trapped inside a robot monkey flashed through his mind. What he should have been doing was paying more attention to the tall grass. Having startled the local fauna, he didn't realize he was about to get jumped]

route 29

[oncewasblind]

( serenity is minding her own business and meandering around the routes to try and acclimate herself with this new "world" she's found herself in when a familiar voice reaches her ears. ) Huh? Could it be...

( picking up the pace, she hurries along the path until she sees him and lights up! she opens her mouth to call to him but spots the shaking grass and instead just boldly rushes over to him to yank him away from the grass as an applin leaps out in an attempt to attack...! )

Tristan, be careful!

[duelingexpert]

[The rustling behind him finally catches his attention enough for him to look back over his shoulder. He's still not all that concerned until the mutant-bug-eyed apple emerges and lunges for him. Emitting the most undignified cry of alarm, Tristan is stunned a second time when he feels someone tugging him out of the direct trajectory of the creature.]

Thanks, I owe you one. [As he turns to look at his rescuer it dawns on him that this person not only knew his name, but he recognized her voice] Serenity?!

[The reunion had to be put on hold for a little longer as the applin geared up for another pass. Tristan angled himself between it and Serenity, then called to his own pokémon.]

Hey ape! A little help here?!

[The chimchar is a little slow to react, unsure if it's the one being addressed, but who else could his trainer have meant? So it leaps into action making a chattering noise of challenge, as it viciously swipes at the offending wild pokémon]

It... it actually worked? [Then remembered who he was with] Just like we practiced! [This teenage boy is so full of it, please be impressed by him]

[oncewasblind]

( at first, he doesn't seem to realize who "rescued" him and it causes a giggle to pass her lips when he does a double-take, veering to face her. she lifts a hand in greeting but the pleasantries are cut short because the applin has plans to lunge again. this time she's a bit worried herself about the attempted attack. ) Ack! Oh no, it's coming back!

( tristan is, however, very much on it! as he steps between herself and the offending pokemon, she feels a slight bit of heat rise to her cheeks and watches as he orders his adorable monkey-mon to defend them. she raises her brows, though, when he mentions that they've been practicing. not one to not be totally impressed by tristan's level of skill dueling expert, eh? she brightens up and feels less threatened! ) Tristan to the rescue! I'm so glad you've trained somewhat, I'm still learning with Eevee...

( when chimchar swipes at the applin, the grass-type frets and soon scurries off, afraid of being inflicted with a burn, or worse, fainting. ) You made it go away! Great job, Tristan!

[duelingexpert]

[The pleased expression on her face coupled with that melodic giggle is usually all it takes to unleash butterflies in his stomach. Had he the opportunity he would have told her that she was a sight for sore eyes but if they were going to get out of this unscathed then it was going to have to come later.] Don't worry, Serenity, I'll protect you!

[How he would manage that was anybody's guess at this point. Sure, he called out to his unfortunately-yet-unnamed pokémon, but he had zero clue if it would understand him or leap to action. The only backup plan he could fall back on was his fists, and he had a bad feeling the offending monster likely came with a wicked set of teeth.]

[Not one to be honest about his skill level when it came to trying to impress his best friend's sister... Tristan continued to feign his proficiency. That exuberant cheer made it all worth it] Well, you know how it is.. I always like to be prepared for anything. [What is he, a boy scout?]

I guess I did, didn't I? [Grinning from ear to ear as he cupped his chin and nodded approvingly. The chimchar, to it's credit, didn't immediately try to light his trainer on fire with it's tail. It dutifully scurried back over to Tristan's side after the battle ended.] .. but wow! What are the odds that we'd both end up here at the same place and the same time, huh? It's almost like it was meant to be. [That as bold as he dared to be, forever leaving his emotions a tad ambiguous.]

[oncewasblind]

( serenity has always been impressed with tristan's level of skill-- especially since she's gullible to a fault and still, somehow, believes he's an expert duelist. so he must also be an expert trainer, right? it certainly seems that way when the applin scuttles off as though it's been properly spanked into submission. )

You did great, Tristan! But, I should've known you would because you always do!

( praising him came naturally to the younger wheeler because she always thought that he was a pretty darn cool guy. she crouches down and offers her hand to the chimchar for a high-five. ) And you did awesome, too!

( supposing the chimchar responded to the gesture, she rises back up to her full tiny height and smiles brightly to her friend. )

Tristan! You're right, it's like we were meant to meet up here! It's wonderful, though, because it's nice to see a familiar face.

Network

[ladyharpist]

well, well. look who just turned up. i happen to have information about your pals. some, at least. but i wonder what i should ask in return if i tell you about them...

[duelingexpert]

That's great, now how about starting with who you are and then maybe we'll talk.

[Not having saved her number into his pokegear yet, he hadn't been automatically given her name. If only Tristan had known to do that. He was dubious of the initial message since it claimed to have some information but at a cost. It could totally be a scamming opportunist.]

[ladyharpist]

ugh, leave it to you to not know who i am.

[ it's a joke but it might not be conveyed so well in text form. ]

mai valentine, at you're so-called service. now, can we get back to the matter at hand?

[duelingexpert]

What's that supposed to mean?

[It definitely didn't come across like it was intended, until the identity of the person he was talking to was revealed, then he lightened up]

Mai?! You're here too!? What are the odds? Oh, uh sure. You said some information about the others?

[ladyharpist]

pretty coincidental.

well, i do have some info but nothing too intensely amazing. i know for certain that joey is here, kaiba as well. bakura i spoke with and was informed that a certain insane duelist from battle city is around.

II

[crystalmaster]

[Radley is amazed to see this message come through. He recognizes most of the names from his Duel Monsters tournament DVDs!]

Oh hey! Joey's here; he's a friend of mine! And there's somebody named Atem who looks like Yugi. He told me Yugi is his partner. I haven't seen Yugi himself, though, or Tea. Ryou Bakura and Seto Kaiba and Marik Ishtar are here. I'm Radley. I'm uh ... from the future of your world.

[duelingexpert]

[Hey, at least some of that merchandise was coming in handy! When Tristan reads the message it's almost too good to be true. Maybe this was going to be easier than he thought. The fact that the sender offered up more names than Tristan originally asked for it lent credence to the statements.

Someone who looks like Yugi? Could he mean the pharaoh? Ah, yes. Someone might be a little before the time of that whole name reveal.]

That's quite a list you have there. You mean all of those guys are got here before me? [They would have had to, for someone to already be so familiar with them.] You wouldn't happen to have their numbers on you, would you?

[Then something dawned on him...]

What do you mean 'you're from the future'?

[crystalmaster]

Sure! I'll send you the list of their usernames.

... Uh ... well, I mean just that. I'm from several decades after your time.

[duelingexpert]

Hey, thanks man! You're alright.

What, did they invent time travel in the future? Why would you want to come back here?

[Not sure what to think, he poses a few questions]

[crystalmaster]

[Radley sends the list and then pauses, blinking at this message.]

... Do you think we're still in your time? I'm afraid we're in a completely different world. They're pulling in people from all times and places.

Re: III. Route 29

[infernofireblast]

[Oh snap is that Tristan?! Joey knew there had to be some more of the gang floating around. Finding da second of the two amigos is just perfection, but definitely gets Joey wondering how long he's been here if he hadn't been able to run into him prior to this.

Sneaking up behind him, Joey would try his best to jump onto Tristan's back and give his bud a proper scare.]

Tristan! How da hell long you been in here ya crazy coot!

[duelingexpert]

[With his attention currently focused on his chimchar, Joey had a higher probability of success. Tristan definitely wasn't expecting any of the other trainers to be the ones to jump him.

When the figure came leaping out of the foliage, the pokémon was the first to react as it flailed it's limbs and shrieked loudly to warn it's trainer.]

Huh? What's got your tail in a tw-hihist?!

[The question crescendoing into something incomprehensible when Tristan felt the sudden increase in weight threatening to topple him over. Reacting first, he reached up to grapple with whoever it was regardless of what he heard. If successful, he was going to shrug this guy off and catch him in a tight headlock. Either way, he'd realize it was Joey soon after. Although pleased to have met up with one of his friends so quickly, that didn't stop him from shouting at Joey for nearly giving him a heart attack.]

Are you out of your mind?! I could have actually hurt you, you knucklehead!

[The chimchar just canted it's head to one side in bewilderment.]

[infernofireblast]

[Ending up in a headlock wasn't what Joey had expected when literally jumping his friend, but he couldn't say it was surprising either given how the two interact with each other on a regular basis. Catching his feet under him at least Joey does his best to stabilize himself, all the while wearing the most shit-eating of grins.]

Easy der' Cyber Commander! It's just me!

[Assuming Tristan released him before chewing him out, Joey would turn and face him... all the while still wearing his shit-eating grin.]

What are ya all jumpy for Tristan? Mosta da things you'd encounter out here ya can knock out in one good hit. Believe me. I did it myself!

[He gives a comedic flex.]

But how da heck did'ja end up here?! And how long ya been here for?!

[duelingexpert]

[Lbr, if roles had been reversed, Joey likely would have ended up in a headlock anyway. Clearly, the headlock is the superior way to issue either a greeting or challenge. Very versatile.

Hearing the reference to that specific monster, drew a smirk to his lips. Shaking his head, he tried to conceal his amusement. His grip loosened allowing his bff to slip free.]

Okay, you got me. Now wipe that expression off your face before I decide to rearrange it for you.

[The threat was empty, as they tended to be when it came to the back and forth teasing the pair often engaged in.]

The only thing I've run into out here is you. And I'm not jumpy, I.. was just showing my pokémon what to do in an ambush. Yeah, that's it.

[He's so full of it and no one is fooled. Also, it didn't surprise him in the slightest that at some point in time Joey had just been out here fist-fighting monsters.]

If I knew that, then I wouldn't still be here. Maybe a few days. What about you?

No worries on the spelling. I use a mobile keyboard on workdays and it makes for the same issues.

[infernofireblast]

[OOC: Anytime Tristan goes for a headlock it will always make me think of that "Drooling Monsters?" "Duel Monstahs ya nimrod!" from Episode 1. Good old Beta Test-era Tristan. Nothing quite like that ol' "The Sun will come up in a few hours." xD]

[At Tristan's "threat" Joey feigns being hurt.]

Aww what? I can't be happy to see my best bud? Ya wound me Tristan.

[He puts his hand to his chest in the best "clutches at pearls" type of gesture he can muster/]

Wait, you're trainin' ya Poké-

[Joey suddenly realizes exactly what kind of Pokémon Tristan was given and immediately begins to crack-up.]

Hold up, what?! You got given a friggin' Monkey!

Ahahahaha!

Holy crap dat's amazin'!

[Laughing harder and harder, it eventually robs him of breath to the point he has to bend over from sheer laughter. By the time the laughter reaches the silently-rocking-back-and-forth point Joey is just tearing-up and slapping the ground in amusement.]

Oh boy! Oh gosh! Dat's too friggin' good! Be careful not ta end up swappin' bodies with dis one ok Tristan?

Network...

[rolltoavoidpossession]

Tristan??? You made it here too?

It's me, Bakura!

[Give him a moment to type up the second message about who's here and who isn't.]

Yugi and Téa aren't here, but Joey, Kaiba, and Marik are. I got here a few months ago, after Marik and Kaiba, but before Joey did.

[duelingexpert]

Oh hey! I was wondering when I might hear from you!

[At least two other people had tipped Tristan off to Bakura's being here by now.]

In fact, I was getting ready to send you a message myself.

[They could use all the friends they could gather in a completely alternate timeline/videogame/thing. Still hadn't decided on a theory himself.]

Man, when you start talking in months I have a hard time wrapping my head around it.

[Even though it had been a while since he'd seen Bakura, it was so hard to believe that he could have been missing for a few whole months. Joey and Kaiba being here was even less fathomable because of that whole Grand Championship at Kaibaland.]

So how have you been? What have you been up to all this time?

Ryou is post DSOD so do what you will with that-

[rolltoavoidpossession]

[Don't worry about him being missing Tristan, the running logic is that time just freezes for everyone's worlds and that everyone is from different timelines.]

I've been fine! I've been trying at the gym challenge!

Actually, hang on. I'm switching to video mode.

[Once he gets the video going, it'll show a (slightly older, clearly from further down the timeline) Ryou with a Meowstic hanging off one shoulder.]

Are you getting this, Tristan?

Perfect! I need more reasons to break my muse's brain

[duelingexpert]

[That still would sound like a big headache for this guy]

The gym challenge? I somehow never really pictured that as something you'd be into.

[Someone hasn't been doing his homework, so he's definitely thinking of the wrong sort of gym and how Bakura would be so ill-suited for the physical endurance that would come along with it. At least with this being text, he doesn't have to explain the look that shot across his features.]

Is there some kind of button for that I need to press on my end too?

[Once the picture appears, Tristan is a bit taken aback.]

Yeah I'm getting it, but I'm not sure what I'm getting. You look so.... so....different. [He tilted his head to one side and scrutinized the feed further] Maybe you have been hitting the gym... [Though you'd still think the guy would have more definition in his muscles.]