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

[imaginex]

[Holding her hand while effortlessly switching to Japanese in order to please her?

She... she needs a moment. Not only to remember that this is just how Chiaki always was, forever seeking tactile reinforcement and wanting to put smiles on people's faces, but to cool her face and look elsewhere as she shyly continues on in Japanese]

Oh no, you don't have to! I mean, I do miss talking in Japanese sometimes...

[More than a little, most days]

And yes, Nee-san's often busy since we're both at Recollé U and we work, too. But I'm sure she'd make time for you since you're back from...

[squint]

Back from where...? Did you go to visit someone?

[sundays]

[She's so cute....

Sakura's really cute! Chiaki accepts this fact now as if it's like the sky is blue. His expression turns impossibly fonder just because he's happy to see her doing well. He'll squeeze her hand in reassurance.]

Ah, I actually left the city for a bit to go to college somewhere else... but I'm back now! I'm glad - if I didn't, then I might've missed the chance to see you again!

[neeeeeeeerd]

We can ask her then. If she's so busy, doesn't that sound a little lonely for you...? Though I guess Rin's always up to something. And I'm back now, so that won't be a problem anymore! ☆ If there's anything you ever want, even if it's just talking in Japanese, call for me and I'll come running!

[overconfident fool]

[imaginex]

Oh no, I'm not lonely!

[Really, she isn't... if a bit starved for her sister's company. But Chiaki doesn't need to know that, no. Never.]

Nee-san's just busy like always. She works so hard, so I just check up on her now and then. [She pairs the words with a smile, tucking back more of her hair with the hand not clasped in the other's.]

Hehe, that's so sweet of you. As much a gentleman as you are handsome.

[She says, smiling demurely.]

[sundays]

[the noise he makes is just

a splutter.

he opens his mouth to respond, and then finds that he can't. looking... away now...]

A... Ah!

[help him]

Well... I - just mean it! We can both check on Rin, then. And I want to know everything that I've missed out on since I left...!

[imaginex]

[Sorry Chiaki, Sakura banters with the resident Angry Grape Boy. You are easy mode.

Though again, she'll have mercy and not bring his sputtering under scrutiny, continuing on like she didn't purposely try to make him blush.]

Well, there's not much to talk about...

[Or nothing she thinks she can tell him, she realizes, and steals a glance at his face. Mmm... no, she won't press it for now.]

I came here a few months ago to find Nee-san, but we, um... had trouble finding each other. [Siiiide glance] But I have a job here! And I'm going to school for traditional art.

Hehe, can you believe it? Me on my own in another country. It's been crazy.

[sundays]

[chiaki is 100% easy mode. at least he recovers easily enough when she does, fighting down the blush and - ]

Oh - you needed more flowers, right? Let's go get some! Tell me as we walk!

[Because he thinks that makes sense! So it's with a gentle little tug on her hand that he'll start leading the way back to where all the flowers that still need to be planted are located. That's a little nostalgic too, but he otherwise remains laser focused on what she's saying.]

What do you mean there's not much to talk about - that's amazing! You're doing fantastic! Will you show me your art? Where do you work?

[HE'S INVESTED IN YOUR HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS, SAKURA]

[imaginex]

Haha... I don't mind showing it to you, but you might be surprised.

[Her days with Chiaki were before she started immersing herself into the spooky and terrifying, after all - and there's a hiccup of silence on her end, a moment's worry that her hobbies will seem even stranger to him having known the girl she use to be, but she hides it with a smile and carries on]

I work at a place called the Leviathan's Claw. It's a shop where we sell cursed artifacts.

[-- HAHA WHOOPS GUESS SHE OUTED HERSELF ANYWAY]

[sundays]

[you know chiaki is canonly super scared of occult things, but he has yet to regain that memory in here so he's just going to blink in surprise for a moment before laughing


one day this will come back to haunt him]

I wasn't expecting that... but if you like it, then I'm sure it's a wonderful place! Do I get to visit you?

[imaginex]

[RIP CHIAKI

Your day of reckoning will soon be upon you]

You don't need to ask to visit me. [It'd be rude, for one, and it's not like she minds Chiaki's company. The two of them are still hand in hand as they make their way to the flowers in need of planting]

If you like to come by, I'll make sure to get you something cool~

[sundays]

Will you? Then now I definitely have to! I want to know what Sakura thinks would suit me. ☆

[OVERCONFIDENT - but hey look, flowers.]

Pick which ones you want and I'll bring them back over! Is your favorite color still the same?

[imaginex]

Pink?

[Honestly, what else would be her favorite? Some days Sakura laments that Recolle didn't saddle her with pink hair instead of purple, but it is what it is. To no one's surprise, she'll point to the pastel-colored flowers, or anything a deep, deep purple -- like irises, if they happen to be about]

Honestly, I'm surprised you remember. Though I should've recognized you the moment you said your favorite was red.

[sundays]

So it is!! Just the same as my siblings...

[ - in all honesty, which might be more of what he remembered? He'll let go of her hand only when he absolutely has to, moving to pick up the crate of flowers in his arms. He's already all dirty and whatnot, so. What's a bit more. It shows that he's been working hard...!]

Ahaha, I don't know if I've changed that much since we were younger... Maybe I'm cooler now? Or is that wishful thinking...

[it's

wishful thinking]

[imaginex]

Oh, I'm sure you're every bit as cool as you were when we were younger.

[No teasing this time, she means it, and would gently nudge his shoulder (or what she can reach of it) if not for him holding the crate]

Are your siblings in Recolle, too?

[1/2]

[sundays]

[SHE'S NOT TEASING AND YET - ]

Sakuraaaaaaaaaaa.

[whiiiiiiine

(he doesn't think his younger self was all that cool)]

[sundays]

[ - BUT THEN

SHE ASKS ABOUT HIS FAVORITE THING IN THE WHOLE WORLD

His eyes totally light up?! He gets even more eager for life and the world, if at all possible?!]

They are, they are!! You'll have to properly meet them now - Hinata and Rise have both grown really well! They're really cute! And smart! And talented..!!

[doting idiot older brother]

[imaginex]

[That was some whiplash she just witnessed, wow. A hand covers her mouth to smother the laughter as she nods along]

Rise... I feel I met a Rise over Retrospec. Maybe that was her?

[sundays]

[He doesn't really know what Retrospec is but - ]

Brown hair? Super sweet but a little shy? If you two could get along, I'd be really happy.

[imaginex]

[... Hand automatically going to fiddle with her hair at the word "brown", but otherwise Sakura's smile remains in place]

Of course! I think that might've been the girl I talked to, but I'd love to meet her properly, in person.

[sundays]

[He notices - but honestly he's still distracted at the moment, happy to talk about his siblings instead. Oops.]

Do you want to? Then I'll see when we're all free - do you want to come over for dinner when we all have time?

[imaginex]

... I mean, if your siblings wouldn't mind.

[This seems like such a leap, and Sakura isn't sure if she has the right to be invited to a family dinner. Goodness, what if his siblings don't like her?

She's also much too shy to voice the concern; some things never change.]

[sundays]

Why would they mind? You're my friend, so you'll definitely be their friend too.

[WITH SO MUCH CONFIDENCE]

[imaginex]

[With almost too much confidence, in her opinion. Sakura's grown up in a household where she and her sister weren't always on the same page.

... But it's Chiaki, so the girl's doubt doesn't last for long.]

Mmkay, I believe you.