repeter | MARCH TEST DRIVE

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MARCH TEST DRIVE

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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Just barely. [ He can believe it, given the fact that Leo can easily get swept up by a lot of things around him. Sometimes literally. But he also enjoys throwing himself into situations? And Kuro has experienced both of these things before, so, yeah. There's a little skepticism that comes with it.

... until Leo throws his arms around his neck. It makes him heave a sigh, setting his free hand in the small of his back and leaning down so that he doesn't dangle as freely. ]

Maybe just make sure you don't get thrown back in instead, Leo.

Mmhmm~. I'll make sure I'm safely away from anyone that's a little too excited~.

[he'll drop off now, patting kuro's arm.]

Now go show that bull who's boss! The people want a show and I know you've got the balls to do it!

[besides he needs to film it for his Good Friend nazu.]

[ Right, well. What is he getting himself into now? Kuro sighs heavily, his entire body moving with it, as he eyeballs Leo for a brief second.

And then he takes the cape, ignoring anyone's protest as he rips strips off of it instead of using it for its intended purpose. Once he gets a decent amount of them in his possession, he starts to wrap them around his hands in a familiar, practiced motion. ]

So much for things being quiet in March. [ Hup. He hops the ring, because - well, if he can get this dealt with, maybe nobody else will have to do it. ]

[ah

yeah that's right, kuro's hot especially when he's ready to throwdown. leo leans against the walling and takes out his phone, setting it to record as he shouts his support.]

Kick its ass, Kuro! Make steak out of it! March might come in like a lion, but they say it goes out like a lamb, you know~!

[so it'll get quiet again, surely, don't worry.]

[ Despite the fact there is a gigantic fiery bull in the ring still, probably irked that its original target was taken from him, Kuro looks over his shoulder to give Leo a bit of a Look at his cheers. And for the rest of the crowd's cheering, honestly.

But he refocuses, stalking forward. ] Why are you always gettin' into trouble like this?

[ And as the bull charges, he rolls right out of the way, no problem, popping back up to his feet as he watches it slam into the border of the ring. ]

'Cause it's fun and I'll die at some point of my life, so why not have fun until then~?

[even if it means almost dying in the process. leo smirks down at the bull, giving it a brief, condescending pat on the head before jerking his hand back to safety. go go kuro..~]

Y'know, you're gonna die eventually, but maybe think about saving that for later in life.

[ Not, you know, at twenty? Like an idiot? By doing really idiot things?

Though, he guesses irritating the bull more is probably both stupid and beneficial. Kuro's got a strategy for this, because it's a little too big for him to handle outright, but if he can wear it down... ] And maybe not 'cause you're gonna get plowed over by a bull?

[ - ah, he hops out of the way as it gets its wits after missing out on probably eating Leo's hand, and tries to plow him over again. ]

[how dangerous, how amazing..! nazuna's gonna have a heart attack!]

But I like getting plowed! Especially by bulls! Not the animal itself, of course, but big guys that can break me in two? Whoo! Sign me up!

[there's some people coloring at his words nearby, good lord.]

[ Nazuna's heart attack will increase when Kuro gets clipped by the bull when Leo says that JESUS CHRIST. ]

Suzakura!

[ Why are you like this!!

... but also yeah that's sure nostalgic ain't it. ]

That's Tsukinaga now! Forget that old name of my past! I won't hear it!

[even if he'll still respond to it just from kuro, who's known him since then..! it's hella nostalgic though and leo's all for it, clambering more onto the wall to cheer. if he falls it's his own fault, but he's got good balance.]

You're gonna hear a whole hell of a lot more than that -

[ At least he didn't get hit by any horns, but yeah, the bull is on fire. That was not a fun run-in, and he pats at his sleeve to make sure it's not on fire. And then he moves out of the way again as it goes to ram him once more, satisfied when it hits the wall opposite of Leo instead of directly under him. Please do not fall off, you stressful little gremlin. ]

[he'll try not to?! even if it's sort of tempting to join kuro now, blood boiling like it used to with their fights. the ones leo'd start, the ones that kuro finished. still does.]

Yeah, yeah, I'll hear it from Mama and I'll hear it from Papa, Leo's a bad boy who worries his friends wa~y too much! More importantly, bring that bad boy over here, I wanna ride it for real!

Hell no! [ That response is immediate, and that's the very thing that has him realizing he needs to deal with this thing sooner rather than later. If given the chance, Leo will dive in on his own, and find more trouble. This is bad enough as it is.

So he doesn't move out of the way as the bull turns, a little slower from disorientation, and makes to charge at him.

Instead, Kuro digs his heels in, braces, and literally grabs the thing by the horns. ]

[oooooooh.

that's hot. eat up, nazu..!]

Go go go! Gooooo Kuro! Flip it! Flip, flip!

[ He gets pushed back, back, back...

And then he uses the bull's momentum and weight and disorientation to grapple it, pivoting to slam it into the ground. It's not a full flip, but close enough. ]

[god he wishes that were him.

the crowd cheers loudly at the downing of the bull, even if the animal's struggles say that it's not quite a defeat, and leo traipses his way around the railing to kuro's side to look down on the bull... with his phone, yes, nazuna is also going to Die and leo casually balancing like this.]

Give up, give up~. You've met your better~. Be grateful you've been taken down by this guy, he's a one of a kind stud!

[ Maybe later.

There's a pointed moment where Kuro lifts the bull's head up and hits it into the ground, mostly aiming to knock it the hell out so that it doesn't get back up again. Especially since he isn't in the least bit surprised that Leo makes his way around the railing. He keeps an eye on him out of habit as he gets the makeshift bandages off his hands so they don't burn him. ]

You sound like you're about to auction me off.

Hahaha, really~? When I-- Ah, hold on, fight's over so there's no need for this...

[he's turning his recording off now, there we go.]

When I just wanna take you back myself~? Man, Kuro, you're as cool as ever! Somehow, I knew you'd swoop in and take care of things like usual~.

[he knows their song and dance. he wasn't entirely expecting it to apply to a bullfight, but. it did. the person that originally dragged leo into it comes over to give kuro his prize, which is a small brass trophy with a bull on it. the bull's got small red gems encrusted into it, looking like the fire on the real thing.

leo is so jealous.]

[ Kuro gives him the continuing bland look as he keeps going, even after the recording has stopped. He even levels the person with the same look, even as he accepts the trophy. He could probably break it off the little stand its on, it's that unimpressive in quality. (Besides, he has plenty of karate competition trophies. This is nothing, even if he literally downed a bull.) ]

Where are you taking me back to, huh? My place? Real romantic, Leo. [ There's amusement in his voice, though. He's just bantering back. He heads over to the railing with the trophy, before giving it an underhand toss up to the ginger terror. ]

Here, this was your trouble to begin with. [ Of course he would swoop in? Leo starts a fight, Kuro finishes it. It's the rule of the universe.

Just wait until Nazuna rolls up to nag them both. Then the circle will be complete. ]

[alley oop!! that's his now, hello you sweet little nugget that's going to a pawn shop near you..♪ leo'll drop onto kuro's front comfortably, koalaing like it's nothing. hand idly playing with the other's hair.]

Thank you~. And fine, I'm not taking you anywhere, but let me pretend like I am so I can be your trouble instead of some lucky bull this time.

[he's mostly teasing, but it goes as it goes. kuro is his best friend who he's always down to bed. or at least cuddle.]

[ Yeah, that's about where he'd expect it to go. But he doesn't miss a beat, going to heft Leo up his body higher by the back of his thigh. This is incredibly familiar, for a variety of reasons, and he doesn't complain, let alone even bat an eye. Another rule of the universe is Leo's state of being as a koala. ]

You wanna be the lucky bull? [ Almost dry. No matter how intensive the bedding is, he knows exactly where this is going to wind up. ] C'mon, then. We'd better get you home before you combust just like him.

[ He reaches, giving a little tug to his hair. You know, it looks awfully similar to that Tsukasa kid's... ]

[don't... without his piercings he looks exactly like his little brother, it's these that keep them just different enough. leo laughs at the remarks, cuddling closer.]

I'm already on fire after watching you pin him down, though? I'd pay for that sight. Let's just take a room here and fan the flames of whatever the hell this place is called~.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

MARCH TEST DRIVE

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