MARCH TEST DRIVE

[recollecters]

TEST DRIVE

MARCH TEST DRIVE The city of Recollé... To infinity...and beyond! I. Wake up, get up, get out there, Retrospecters! Today's a new day and with the roads in place thanks to the efforts of Retrospec users, several locations may be explored. With Pesgare three hours south by boat, Respatrum an hour east and underground, Bosuma two hours west through the Recollé Woods and Magatus seven hours north from the city, visitors may come and go to explore the regions and their points of interest. The travel may take some time and the scenery will change around you as you go. Those same monsters from before continue to lurk just outside of the city and on the path to these locations and wild flora sprawls over various pathways. Take some time to study them if you'd like. And speaking of study, along the way you'll find various road signs and warnings along the way including giant man-eating frogs, fire-breathing horses, severe flood warnings and more. In addition you will find large directories in the middle of the road pointing you in the directions of the four locations. However, you'll also find these helpful guys who just want to do a good job and will get to work on these new roads! But wait, shouldn't they be working on some of the unfinished pathways and not the main ones? How do you stop these crazy things anyway? You may have to find a way to subdue the jackhammers or direct them to a new location. Good luck getting them to listen over the noise. II. Then again, with these pathways open now you may find yourself already in one of these new districts and very, very far away from your home. One minute maybe you're driving along, listening to your favorite road trip playlist as you prepare for Spring Break and the next you'll realize a wrong turn has lead you straight into the heart of a snowy mountain. Has this forest always been here? This seaside village is way too crowded! No matter which of the areas you end up in, it will be up to you to find your way out and back without a map on-hand. There's a good chance you can find strangers or maybe even some friends in these regions to fill you in, but there's always something going on to distract from your main goal. In Pesgare, you may find yourself in the midst of a heavy rain shower. While some of you may be prepared and have an umbrella on hand, others will notice that the rain is an iridescent color that falls and curves in arcs. Getting soaked by the rain may invoke a strange desire to cause a scene and yell dramatically at whoever is close by (and perhaps even belt it out if you're unfortunately unlucky.) In Respatrum, the sound of loud cheering and applause draws your attention to a large stadium. In the center of the ring is a man with a red cape, waving it in front of a burning, burly bull. A final flourish sends the bull back into its pen, raring and ready to go the next round. But wait! Without warning, the organizer of the bull fights grabs you by the shoulders and hands you a cape, shoving you straight into the ring with the crowd roaring above you and the bull bursting out of its cage. What a rush! In Bosuma, the creatures of the forest appear to be out and around including rabbits, squirrels, giant woodpeckers and rainbow-colored deer that aren't afraid to approach people. In fact, all of the creatures appear content to welcome these newcomers and show them around the forest. At night, several large, blooming flowers begin to glow in various neon colors. Colored pollen also appears to be falling from the flowers, leaving a mist over you that sweeps over you like a soft waterfall. Depending on the color though, you may find yourself feeling a little different... And finally, what's going in Magatus? Why it's sports! A winter sports competition is going on at the mountain looming above the Magatus ski lodge and the snow is fresh and perfect! However, landing on the slope is probably a bad idea, isn't it? Hope you're ready for a slippery ride down the mountain! III. Back in the city itself, life goes back to normal and several citizens are preparing for spring. The Recollé Community Center has gathered together to start cleaning up the local parks and community areas to plant brand new flowers to brighten up the city. Are you good with a shovel? Come join them in rehousing potted plants, picking up garbage and dead shrubbery from winter's harsh temperatures and more. If planting's not your style, over at Recollé High School several citizens are working together to prepare for the musical production Villainous, as put on by the high school's drama club! Sets still need to be built, costumes need to be finished and advertisements need to be distributed! For you artistic types out there, the drama club would love your support and time to get them ready as the premiere draws closer and closer. IV. Those of you who have lived here for years know that Mayor Mayer loves holidays. He does his best to never miss a celebration of any kind and while sometimes his efforts are smaller and more personal, this year he seizes the opportunity to celebrate an entire weekend dedicated to St. Patrick's Day! Though the holiday is on 3/17, festivities extend to 3/18 for two days of fun. What does this mean? It means that everywhere you go you'll find discounted prices for anyone wearing green, carts selling corned beef sandwiches and cabbage salads, and for those of legal age bars are specializing in green beer and green mixed drinks for miles. Seabiscuit the chocobo rides proudly through the city with the mayor dressed as a leprechaun, encouraging citizens to hunt for his pot of gold that he's hidden somewhere in the city! A series of clues will lead players onward and spreading out through locations such as Expressive, the Towers, Freshens and more. With luck, citizens playing along will find small golden coins emblazoned with a chocobo portrait! Unfortunately, something seems to be in the air and surrounding these coins. Unknown to the mayor, those who pick up these coins will find themselves hit with the overwhelming urge to find someone not wearing green and pinch them as tradition. Whether you're doing the pinching or you're a walking target, the coins' power over you will only wear off when the deed is done. As for the mayor? Anyone who collects more than 10 coins will find that they're eligible for a prize of $50 which can be collected at city hall. Happy pinching hunting! BONUS. The nice thing is that if you're in the city or if you're in one of the new regions, your phone works. Where would we be without technology? It's nice to be in constant connection with your friends and loved ones with the ability to check emails, social updates, maps and more. However, the internet can sometimes be a strange place and you will find yourself receiving a message from a Retrospec user named Zee Carlisle. Hey newbies, how's it going? You're probably pretty confused, aren't you? I think I can fix that. It's all the text says before you find yourself redirected to a private chat with another Retrospec user. Don't be shy now! Say hi and ask all of the questions you need! Welcome to the recolle test drive meme! All characters will be begin in-game AU'd as Recollé residents. You may use any of the above prompts for ideas or make up your own depicting your Recollé AU! Prompts do not have to be set in the districts listed above. You can review our list of locations for what's available. Please note that TDM threads can be used as samples, can be kept as game canon, and can also be used for bonus points for future item regains. Share a few minor details of your AU, tag around, and have fun! For current players, please remember that TDM threads can only be used for bonus points, not regains. Please note: you will need a reserve to apply, and current characters must have full AC posted at the time of their reservation. Your March TDM directory is here, and your AU workshop is here! Our mod questions thread for this TDM is over here!

Comments

Chiaki Morisawa || Ensemble Stars!

[sundays]

[ II - A PESGARE : GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME ]

[There's a red minivan parked on the outskirts of Pesgare, right by the docks.

Somewhere in actual Pesgare, there's Chiaki. He's asking the townspeople for a map, for directions, and giving softly confused smiles and laughs when he doesn't seem to quite understand what they're saying. How could he be so far away from home? He was just driving to get back to Recollé....

That's when the downpour starts. He helps some of the townspeople bring their wares inside so they don't get soaked, but that leaves him out in the rain, soaked in the bone even with his vague attempt at staying dry with his jacket covering over his head.

When he's left without anyone else to help, he falls dramatically to his knees, hand clutching the front of his shirt over his heart, an anguished cry escaping him.]

All the deeds that I do, all the smiles that people share with me... they're my strength! I can't be defeated here. But the frustration that I feel can't be contained....

I just want to go home....!

[A DRAMATIC TURN TO WHEREVER HIS MINIVAN WAITS.]

Riseeeee! Hinataaaaaa! Mizukiiiiiiiiii! Your aniki is coming home!! Wait for me!

[is this the rain

or

is this just Chiaki]

[ II - B RESPATRUM : YOU CAN BET ON ME ]

[There's a minivan in the middle of the bullfighting stadium.

The organizer tells Chiaki in order to win it back, he has to take the cape and face down the bull. Chiaki looks between the organizer, the van, the bull, the giant teddy bear that's buckled in the passenger's seat of the car innocently thrown into the fray.

He takes the cape.]

I understand.

[He turns to whoever is standing nearby with a serious gaze - ]

Will you deliver a message for me, should I be defeated here?

[NO.]

[ II - C MAGATUS : SCREAM ]

[There's a minivan skidding down the slopes.

Are you waiting at the bottom? Are you somehow in the backseat via retrospec magic? Are your ears blinding from how loudly Chiaki is screaming as he tries to navigate this ski course in a fucking minivan?

Well.

Sorry in advance.

ALTERNATIVELY -

Find him after he's somehow navigated the slopes, opening the driver's door and stumbling out a step only to collapse into the snow, wheezing.

Still alive but he's barely breathing.]

[ III - THE BOYS ARE IS BACK ]

[SUPPOSEDLY CHIAKI MAKES IT BACK TO THE CITY.

And he's right back up to his old ways!! Short of family, there's just a chance that he forgot to text you that he's returned. Yet here he is, running around to help plant the garden flowers. He's got dirt all over him, but he laughs happily as he pulls up the hem of his shirt to wipe at his sweat like the gross teenaged boy that he is. ]

It's nice to look at, isn't it?! I like the red flowers the most.... ☆ Which are your favorite?

[Or he's helping out with the school play too! In general you can probably hear people calling his name and he runs over - he might even almost bowl you over on accident!!

Or if it looks like you've got a task like you're struggling with - or just generally might be taking a second to think, haha who does that - then he'll wander over to you like an excited puppy whether he knows you or not.]

Are you alright? Let me know if I can help you at all...!

[ WILDCARD ME UP ]

[ plotting comment is here!! feel free to still hit me up or come up with a different prompt to thread! ]

III

[rhapsodist]

[Ew, Chiaki, stop being such a gross teenaged boy. There's a light rap on his head with his cast and Genesis clicks his tongue and scrunches his nose at Chiaki.]

Red flowers are very nice, yes, but you, mate, look awful. Please go clean yourself up.

[sundays]

[CAST. Chiaki blinks at the sudden thump and stands up ramrod straight, looking back to Gensis with wide, confused eyes - before his expression switches to recognition.]

Ah - soon, soon!! There's still more work to be done!

[there's dirt on your face, chak]

Are you sure you should be out here? You shouldn't strain yourself...!

[it's a cast, chiaki. not the flu.]

ii c

[servileness]

[ Because the thought that she finds out her new co is that idiot that went down the mountains in a van is hilarious to me.

Of the new regions, Magatus is Clover's favorite. It gives her an odd sense of deja vu that she doesn't exactly dislike. Seeing that van careen down a slope is highly worrisome and extremely concerning. She makes her way towards it as quickly as she can, as soon as she sees it stop.

She leans over his collapsed for, brows drawn together. Nothing seems broken or bleeding, but... ]

Should I call you an ambulance?

[sundays]

[WHEEZE.

He's not broken or bleeding, it just feels like - ]

My heart... won't stop racing....

[and he'll turn over in the snow, pressing his hand to his chest even as one arm still falls over his eyes to shield them from the sun. he's still in the middle of that adrenaline rush... and crash....]

I - I think I'm alive...!

[so

no need for an ambulance then??]

ii a

[espansivo]

[what the actual fuck,]

You're gonna catch a cold before you get back to those kids of yours~.

[as if he can resist calling out from under an awning, nice and dry in total contrast to the guy screaming to the clouds. that's interesting? fun to watch anyway.]

Seriously though, what the hell're you on about? You sound like someone from a manga.

[sundays]

[ALWAYS HAPPY TO ENTERTAIN - but Chiaki will turn to Leo even as the rain totally continues to drench him to the bone, his soul laid bare to the world.]

My precious family - I haven't seen them in too long...!! Not a word was able to make it through. No letter, no call, and smoke signals don't carry over such distances! No one would entertain the idea of carrier pigeons!

[he thought about it.]

I even missed my little brother's birthday.... I'm a scoundrel! A fiend!

II B

[floret]

[ With great sincerity: ]

I will!

[ Then there's a pause, and he leans closer and says in a voice just low enough so that the organizer can't hear. ]

But if you like, I'll also help you get out of it. I saw where they put your car keys earlier.

[sundays]

[ . . . . that's a nice offer and all but Chiaki blinks, confused.]

Mm... but I already agreed! To go back on my word.... I can't!

[sweet summer child]

ii-c

[escardos]

[ it’s difficult to be deafened by chiaki’s screams when you’re being deafened by your own screams.

because, yes, flat escardos is in the back seat and, for the first time in his friendship with chiaki, he is not having a good time. he seriously sees his life flash before his eyes and all those other things that he thought only happened in movies! god forbid you ask him what those other things are because not even he has any ideas.

but when the car skids to a stop, flat is gasping for air, letting his nerves take the better of him. ]

W-We survived! I think! M-Maybe!!

[sundays]

[AN ATTEMPT MIGHT'VE BEEN MADE HERE.

That said, their car is skidding to a stop. Sliding to a stop. Snowboarders and skiers give them a thumbs up as they continue to glide past. Nicely done, guys. Especially when it went off that slope? Wow. Chiaki wheezes as he collapses against the driver's seat, gaze drifting to the ceiling of the car.

Praise every single god. Every superhero. Every Kam*n Rid*r.]

If my heart gives out now.... it'll all be for nothing!

a; im laughign im just imagining him as that one tetora card

[adoringpast]

[ GEH

that... sure is his name being yelled in the rain?! and it just so happens that sena's exploring pesgare today so what are the odds ]

Chiaki...?

[ it's hard to tell if that's one of his classmates from high school in the rain, so give him a moment to take out his glasses and put them on while holding his umbrella. squiiiiiints ]

[sundays]

[now if you pardon my personal error of mixing up which name miyamura and sena shared and pretend that the original tag said "izumi" like it should've - iT ALL STILL MAKES SENSE BUT I'M STILL A FOOL WHO CAN NO LONGER EDIT, SO

Chiaki's head perks up at the familiar name, blinking in confusion as he's snapped out of his dramatic monologue for a second.

He rises to his feet in case it's someone in need - and instead finds—]

Oh - mm... Mizuki Sena?

[and here's chiaki, still drenched. but definitely still chiaki. he's not wearing his glasses like he used to in class but he's the same old clueless jock]

II - B

[ingodswelove]

[Ashura gives a small blink when the question is pointed at him. Oh, wait, he gets it! A love letter to a precious one, perhaps? Some exciting gossip to deliver in the light of a fateful demise? Oh, that would be amazing!]

Yes, absolutely! You can trust me with this quest! What is the message?

[He looks a little too happy to be trusted with this message. He shouldn't be trusted with it at all, really. In all actuality, this feels like a play to him, and he is but "The Noble Courier of the Fallen Hero!"]

[sundays]

[ - well to be honest that puts them on the same page. Chiaki gives a smile at that, reassured by the energy that he's being met with? He holds onto the cape clutched in his hand, coupled along with a resolute nod.]

Should I find myself at a loss here, I need you to find Rise Aoi and Hinata Aoi! They need to know that their eldest brother will continue to do his best in order to make it home to them. Just be patient for a bit longer, and don't worry too much.

I'll be coming home soon.

ii b!

[sharplydressed]

[HE'S HERE TO BE THE MESSAGE BOY.

Just kidding, he's here to try being the screaming voice of reason that Chiaki so clearly needs in this moment. In all moments, probably?? Why is it that he, a fellow red, has to be the straight man and babysitter 99% of the time...

But really, he's just planting both hands on Chiaki's shoulders.]

There's no way in hell you're gonna go fight that bull!

[sundays]

[ARE YOU REALLY A RED IF YOU'RE NOT CAUSING CONCERN FOR EVERYONE AROUND YOU

Chiaki blinks in surprise - because oh???? What's up, Kashuu. He didn't quite realize that you were the one he was speaking to - ]

Kiyomitsu, is that you? Did something happen to your eyes? Is it a new fashion trend...?! It looks excellent!

[focus please]

ii-c

[promisedyou]

I can, yes, but... what is it?

[ She's asking because there is definite concern about him trying to fight a bull in the first place. ]

[sundays]

It's for my family!

[He has no issues sharing this with a complete stranger, apparently.]

My dearest mother and father, not to mention my cute little sister and littler brother. Oh - and my cousin too! There are a lot of words I still have for them, after all!

Just in case I won't be able to deliver them myself right away.

iii.park

[compendiem]

[ Spring needs to stop being a thing. There's pollen everywhere, the bugs come back to life, and there's just something about warmer weather that's so loud.

It's a voice that Minato recognizes. Surprisingly deeper, but familiar in the way you can be apart from somebody for a decade and still recognize them immediately on sight. Chiaki going around chatting up everybody near him is a familiar sight too, and Minato contemplates for a second simply walking around the park instead of through it. He tugs at his bangs a little anxiously— he's been in desperate need of a haircut for the last several months, but he'd never noticed how bad it's gotten without somebody to care about that sort of stuff like when he was little. His hands travel down to the face mask he's wearing for his cough, and then drops to his side. ]

Trees.

[ Not a color. Not a flower. ]

[sundays]

[For some reason, his eyes still light up at the answer even if Minato doesn't name a color or a flower. His gaze falls over to the nearest tree even as he raises his hands high up as if to try to touch its branches - ]

Right? Trees are incredibly important - I can't imagine taking breath without them!

[He'll roll with it. Easily.

Yet as he glances back at the person that he ran up to, he blinks once. Twice. Hm. The voice was soft, but familiar. Chiaki's met a lot of people in the past year - that's what happens when you go away for school - but he likes to think that he remembers the people who are important. He blinks a few times more, not realizing that the silence has stretched on too long before he asks.]

Mm.... I know you? [Just with the slightest lilt at the end.] No... I'm sure I do!

[Even if his hair's a bit more unkempt, even if he's wearing a face mask, there's something in the way that he carries himself that jogs Chiaki's memory in a way that tells him pay close attention and for once, he'll listen.]

IIA... who made you this way

[pronounces]

[ nazuna's plan for his trip to pesgare: a quick stop in the curio shop he'd help stock on his first trip here to buy something cool to hang in his classroom, visiting with the sweet old ladies who were so sweet to him in the inn, grabbing one of the delicious bowls of chowder from the inn itself and then heading home. just now, the chowder's sounding amazing, and so a nazuna dressed in his rainboots and with an umbrella is humming a little song to himself (hmm, hmm, everyone's reliable nii~chan ~) and practically singing in the rain until.

...well until aoi chiaki, apparently.

he starts yelling for his family right as nazuna walks by, and he startles with an -- ] Unya!! [ and nearly drops his umbrella, fumbling it uselessly before he manages to right it over his head, jumping back a solid foot. ] H-hey, dun jusht shcream in the middle of sha--

[ wait. nazuna knows this face. ] Ch--Chiakichin?!

[ maybe the shock of recognizing someone will startle him out of that damned stutter. ] Yew almosht gave me a heart attack--!! [ ok not likely ]

II-a 1/2

[pseudonyms]

[They sure picked a shitty weekend to come to Pesgare. Like really shitty? They were exploring the market and everything seemed fine until the downpour started. Rise had probably shrieked in surprise and Hinata probably laughed but the two of them ducked under a building's awning to wait out the rain.

While they're waiting though, eventually soon Rise hears the sound of one idiot screaming through the rain and she squints a bit.]

...did you hear that? [Their names?]

II

[strayknight]

[This fool...is loud, really loud. Ritsu just stares at him really wondering what is wrong with him. Then he hears a few familiar names.]

...You know Secchan and Hina-chan?

III

[imaginex]

[There's a purple-haired girl settled near a patch of dirt when Chiaki approaches, hair tucked over her shoulder (really, she should've tied it up) and slowly building up a pile over a circle of flowers she's been fussing over. Yes, she does pause -- likely to critique her placement and technique -- but all the more reason she startles upon the other's ... excited entrance.]

-- Um.

[boi who are u]

Yes, I'm okay.

[... and seeing as she's far too polite to send him away, looks back to the flowers to see if there's something he can help with] I'll likely need more flowers soon.