Recollé Mods (
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repeter2017-06-16 08:40 pm
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JUNE TDM
JUNE TEST DRIVE The city of Recollé. The kids are out for the summer and the weather's just fine. The sun's shining brightly, not a cloud in the clear gray sky. Everything seems at peace and citizens are out and about, smiling to one another and enjoying each other's company. Oh, and this thing (complete with cardboard cut-out) has currently taken the place of the founders' statues in Recollé Square. But that's probably not a big deal. What will you do today? I. What is this thing? Why is this thing here? For those of you in Tribunal Terrace today you may wish to investigate the five-foot-tall spinning wheel. How did it even get here? And where did the statues of the founders go? Even if you cannot answer those questions, it's hard to ignore the urge to give it a spin. Check out those colors go 'round and 'round. Depending on what number you land on, you will find a notification pop up on your phone with a short list of…words. Are these supposed to be qualifications? Weird. That was a waste of time. However, the moment you walk away you will find yourself accosted by various recruiters wherever you go, congratulating you on your impressive resumé and leading you to an office in Chata. Their offices have been equipped with tabletop-sized spinning wheels much like the one in Recollé Square that will spin 'round and 'round, determining the position you qualify for. Are you ready to show how these traits make you the perfect applicant? It looks like you have time to consult with your fellow candidates before your turn comes. Or perhaps you've managed to resist spinning that wheel. The recruiters absolutely love your willpower and determination and want you to join their team! For those who can resist, they will still find themselves whisked away by recruiters to the same office and thrown straight into training to prepare for interviewing their neighbors. Recruiters will set up pairs of interviewers and applicants, leaving them alone to ask the hard-hitting questions and pick the most qualified candidate. Do your best and beat out the rest! It's your time to shine. II. Just because school is out for the summer doesn't mean Apparassage is quiet. Students and faculty alike are bustling about already preparing for the next school year. Campus tours of Recollé University run every two hours, and there are open house tours of the local elementary, middle and high school. Perhaps you're a future student exploring the campus and getting to know your future classmates. Maybe you're faculty or a student guide wrangling the kids and keeping them in line. Or you just might be one of the unfortunate ones who have found yourself with six weeks of summer school. However, no matter where you find yourself in this district things get a little tricky when you're ready to leave for the day. The sidewalks outside of the buildings have all disintegrated, revealing a large void leading to nowhere beneath your feet. Without a clear path it seems impossible to escape, but stacked at the entrances of every doorway are large tiles with the letters of the alphabet carefully printed on them. When you look across the devoid path, you may notice you have a partner in a similar position with their own stack of letters. Get ready to expand your vocabulary. Building a bridge of connecting words may be your only chance of getting home before sunset. Strangely, as the letters are laid out they seem to suspend mid-air enough to hold your weight as you make your way carefully across this pit. Balance and precision are key in this game. The stack floats along behind you as you cross the void, letters seemingly adding to the pile to provide more materials to build. But like all games, there can be only one winner. Those who clear their letters first will arrive outside of the district safely, free now to come and go as they please. For those who do not clear their stack in time, you might have luck jumping from word to word to cross the finish line. Try as you might, if this is the method you follow, the moment you land on the winning word to leave the district the letters will glitch out, sending you plummeting into the void and landing on a long slope down to the bottom. Upon landing, you will see a series of chutes and ladders one can use to climb back up. Some ladders lead back to Apparassage. Some lead straight into Tisse, and some even lead to unexpected places. Where will you end up? The journey is up to you now. III. The days are longer, the nights are shorter, the sun is shining and it's noticeably warmer. Isn't it a perfect time for a summer potluck? The citizens of Recollé seem to think so and have all gathered today in Hollingberry Field with friends and loved ones to share food and fun. Kids chase after each other in friendly games of tag and hide-and-seek while other attendants mingle with one another, piling plates of food and sharing with their neighbor. Why, even Mayor Mayer is out today for this summer kickoff with his lovely red Chocobo, Seabiscuit. As the evening begins to wind down, however, there's a startled cry from the Mayor as he realizes someone has kidnapped his beloved pet from right under his nose. Was it you? How about you? Everyone has become a suspect and it's up to you to solve whodunnit. The Mayor provides everyone with a pen and a pad of paper divided into three sections for a suspect, a method, and a location. Grab a friend (or even a group of strangers) and get ready to interrogate each other to crack this case. (With a little looking, however, it's easy to see that Seabiscuit's merely wandered down the hill away from the park. But maybe it's better not to tell the Mayor. He seems very adamant about this game.) For anyone who manages to solve the case, the Mayor will be immensely grateful and reward you with a valuable prize! Congratulations! However, for anyone who fails to solve the puzzle, or even anyone found guilty of this heinous crime, by order of the Mayor you will be subjected to jail time for a full half an hour. (The Mayor can't stay too mad at his citizens. He loves them all.) IV. A nice, leisurely stroll through the entertainment district of Tisse seems to be in order. Summer sales are aplenty and now's the perfect time to shop 'til you drop. On the other hand, that doesn't seem to be the only thing dropping in Tisse. Do you hear that? Perhaps it is easy to ignore the sounds of stone crashing to the ground. Construction isn't unusual in this district. You think maybe you passed an ongoing demolition on your way inside a shop. But the crash happens again, and again, and again, a loud string of booms growing closer and closer. Are those buildings tipping into one another? Or is it your imagination? You may not have time to answer while the string of events is put into motion. A crane swings overhead, knocking into a well-placed boulder that begins to roll down the street. Cranes, pulleys and wires move in sync as the ball rolls right toward you. Will you run? Will you collide right into the next set of traps? You may recall learning about this type of experiment once upon a time, coming to realize the elaborately planned Rube Goldberg machine spans the entirety of the city. Maybe you're one of the lucky ones and you find a safe shop to dive into to escape. Or perhaps your sole focus is to run and get as far as you can, failing to notice that the large boulder herds you right to the end of the district and into a caged-in area. Make yourself comfortable. Someone from the outside will have to free you. But hey, maybe you aren't alone in this trap. Misery loves company, doesn't it? BONUS. The Retrospec app is at it again, just as useless as it's always been. After downloading to your device and allowing you to upload a profile picture, the app seems to take over your phone. Any time you open your phone to use it, a splash screen appears prompting you to pick one of the brightly colored wedges (or one of the two grayed out ones.) It's time to exercise your brain and buff your trivia stats. Answering a question from your selected category will allow you to use your phone once again, but if you get it wrong? Retrospec will encourage you not to give up and try again. ...or, you know, you could ask someone to help figure out the answer. Hey, that person looks like they're bursting with knowledge! Perhaps it's best to see if they can help you stop this madness. As usual, any attempt to get the company to reply are futile. Once a question has been answered correctly, phones will return to their usual functionality until the next time it settles into idle mode. Welcome to the ![]() Your June TDM directory is here, and your AU workshop is here! |
<3 (also i'm sorry if i'm a bit slow)
It surprises him a little, as it should.]
What do you mean, you don't remember?
[Ah, but he forces a grin, trying to not let concern show too readily on his face. For Noctis' sake, funnily enough.]
Are you saying your professor hasn't left an impression? You'd be the first.
[Noctis...?]
i'm a bit slow too apparently I'M SORRY
His lips purse, hand reaching to the back of his head and rubbing at his neck. He's going to have to explain himself one way or another. ]
It's... Not you.
I just got over a pretty rough illness that caused some brain damage. Memory loss, actually.
I wasn't even aware I'd gone to school yet.
LET'S BOTH BE SLOW
After all, what does one even say to that? Not even a man like Ardyn -- so used to effortlessly sidestepping bits of a conversation that he'd rather do without -- cannot dance around the awkwardness that ensues. Though, more poignantly, he feels a bit guilty for making Noctis feel what he assumes is... regret. As if him not remembering his old professor was his fault, or something equally ridiculous.
Ardyn raises a hand, making a vague gesture, as if an attempt to wipe clean their conversation and start over again.]
Forgive me, I hadn't realized. I don't mean to make this terribly awkward for you.
[Well, an introduction then?]
My name is Ardyn Izunia, and I was your law professor for a while.
I CAN BE FASTER NOW. I'm not as much of a sloth today.
Noctis raises his hand at the request for forgiveness, speaking rather abruptly. ]
It's fine, don't--
[ Ardyn. That name rings a bell only because Prompto's spoken it before. Same with his title as a law professor. But it's the "I was" part that confuses him. He'd decided to go with law after having a chat with Prompto over it, but never did the blonde explicitly say he'd already gone through courses. ]
"Was" my law professor?
[ Noctis sighs, putting his hand to his forehead. ]
Could've brought that part up, Prompto.
[ That part is murmured to himself. But he gets it. Prompto probably didn't want to overload him with his past. It was already painful enough going through pictures and texts. Noctis' hand lowers, expression now a bit exasperated. ]
I've heard your name before. I've got a friend who recommended you when I was going over my options.
Just didn't know I'd already exercised that option.
I'M STILL A SLOTH but imma tag u rn
But, you know, maybe he'll not bring that up right now.]
Right, your friend, Mr. Argentum. I know him.
[A hand running through his hair, briefly.]
Ah, well, he probably didn't want to unload everything on you at once. Can you truly blame him? But the truth of the matter is, yes, you were once my student. Of that, I'm certain; you sat in the front. You dozed off quite often.
[Ok, no, he will bring that up.]
tagging sloths unite!
Maybe.
At the mention of not being overloaded, Noctis nods in agreement. He can't deny that. Prompto's been pretty accommodating and careful since he'd woken up in the hospital. He can't entirely blame him.
The remark about his habits, however, garners a shrug. ]
Sounds like me. Now I've just beaten my record... I guess.
[ Okay, no. Making a a joke about his coma didn't make him feel any better. ]
I'm uh... Sorry for my absence, then. Pretty sure I've flunked out by now, huh?
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Extenuating circumstances, Noctis. You were withdrawn from the class, of course, but you weren't failed for being ill.
[Ardyn wants to ask if he plans on returning to the university soon; if he plans on re-taking his law courses. But Ardyn is also sensitive to the boy's situation, and much like Prompto, doesn't want to overload him with questions immediately. Besides, that's not why they're here, are they?
He motions at the pocket that Noctis had slipped the piece of paper into.] We can walk and talk if you like. I can help you find a few of those locations, if you're determined to solve the mystery of the mayor's missing chocobo.
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Well, he just didn't want to deal with the confrontation. But it's over. ]
Uh, yeah. Good idea, actually.
[ He wrinkles his nose, looking around. ]
So... What's a chocobo and why's the mayor all up in arms about it?
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Speaking of that task, Ardyn extends a hand, as if asking for Noctis to hand him the paper.]
A chocobo would be... [With his other hand, he jerks a thumb at the mayor's chocobo, which is very clearly and hilariously just down a hill not that far away.] ...one of those.
[He still intends on showing Noctis around, though, however he can't help but look amused.]
It belongs to the mayor, you see. His loyal steed. His loving pet.
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Well that's that, I guess.
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[ A little lingering staring... Mostly because he's never seen a chocobo before in his life. The "horse" quality is definitely there, but it reminds him a lot of an ostrich, or an emu... Still, to what he recalls? This is a first. ]
Must be native to the country. Don't have them where I came from.
[ But, regardless, he shrugs. ]
At least that's done with.
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[He knits his brows together, remembering.] Napoleon Crossing the Alps, I believe. Anyway, Google it sometime.
[Noctis will find that instead of Napoleon on his horse, it'll be Napoleon on his chocobo.]
Now then... this list. Maple Valley, Garden Gate Farmer's Market, Recollé Animal Shelter, Freshens, Churchill Downs, or... the Recollé Public Library. Any strike your fancy?
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I'm not much of a history guy.
[ To the list, he straightens. Noctis peers over Ardyn's shoulder, looking things over. ]
Farmer's Market. I'm actually kinda starving.
[ He pats his stomach, which seems to growl simultaneously. ]
Haven't had a decent meal in a long time. They should consider higher quality food at hospitals.
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Farmer's Market it is.
[You can pick out some nice veggies for yourself, Noctis! Maybe carrots. Or tomatoes. Maybe beans.]
As long as you don't mind a short walk, it shouldn't take us terribly long to get there. [Ardyn folds up the paper and slips it into his coat pocket, smiling.] Let's see-- [A short glance at their surroundings, allowing himself to get his bearings. Then he waves at the young man to follow him.]
This way.
[The weather's nice, at least; the warmth of the season isn't too oppressive (though it's still amazing Ardyn seems to be wearing so many layers this time of year), and the breeze feels nice as they walk.]
You said you're not much of a "history guy". What sort of "guy" are you, then?
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gramps, bruh. ]Eh.
[ That's all he has to offer in terms of the idea towards walking. He's not about it. Not much of the type to go out for a stroll, but he supposes he isn't against it. Noctis follows Ardyn's lead without question or discomfort, figuring it's better he follow along someone who 1. knows Prompto and 2. can show him around safely.
He has no reason to feel otherwise.
Where Ardyn prefers his layers, Noctis prefers his black. The sunlight may make him a touch warmer, but it's a godsend when he recalls how cold his hospital suite had been. This is the first he's experienced fresh air from footsteps, rather than the breeze from being pushed in a wheelchair, in his current memory.
At his question, he shrugs. ]
Computers. Tech in general, I guess.
[ Noctis' demeanor is casual, almost careless when he talks about his interests. While there's a glimmer in his eye at the next part, it's hidden behind the gesture of him fussing with his bangs. ]
Criminal justice. When you don't get out much, you have a never-ending supply of time. I read a lot.
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Ardyn’s gait is casual as well (though his strides are long — he’s a tall man), and he listens as Noctis speaks. Computers and technology is good answer in its sincerity, yet not entirely surprising. He has a feeling most young men and women Noctis’ age hold a vested interest in the ever-changing technologies that surround them.
Criminal justice, though.
Something sparks in Ardyn, and while they walk down a particularly long sidewalk, he spins on his heel. He walks backwards, grinning wide at Noctis, all flourish and dramatics.]
Crim law! Ah, so your initial placement in my class wasn’t just a passing fancy, hm?
[An interest in law, Noctis? Will you be his student once more?]
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As Ardyn slides before him, his head tilts. It's not a surprise that his interests in criminal justice are known from others. He did maintain an education path prior to his incident, hadn't he?
Noctis exhales a lazy sort of chuckle, lips curled in an ever-so-slight grin. It's almost unnoticable. ]
I lost some of my shorter-term memories. Doesn't mean my interests changed.
[ A pause. ]
Guess... It's a relief that the damage hasn't run deep enough to change them.
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Yes, well. Silver linings are to be found in everything, Noctis, if you look hard enough for them.
[He nearly shrugs and turns back around, walking forward properly again, only a pace or two ahead of his ex-student, considering that he's still leading the way. But as Ardyn is wont to do, he gestures with his hands as he speaks. He's had his share of students who take one law class out of novelty and nothing more, only to never be seen again. It's always nice to know which students show a true interest. Which students, perhaps, he can be a little harder on for their own sakes.]
Maybe your memories will return in time. And though I can't say I relate to your situation, might I at least suggest that you don't linger on what you've forgotten, and instead focus on settling into a sense of normalcy again? Life has a way of working its own way out; you need only be patient.
[A block or two in the distance lies the Farmer's Market. It seems bustling, but that's nothing new.]
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He can't say he disagrees entirely with that. He is alive. And he recalls very clearly the doctors being surprised that's the case. Hell, he was just a few days from being put on life-support. But Noctis has noticed that often times in his life. Stories of it being so likely he wouldn't make it, suffering until the very last breath until somehow a miracle hits and he's back to just hanging by a thread. Rather than a footstep from the grave.
It's because of this that Ardyn's advice falls a bit flat in terms of its motivational purposes. But he can at least know right from wrong, and lingering on what little he remembers will only slow his progress down. If he's alive for it, he's better off chasing the best chances possible. ]
Takin' it day by day and all that.
[ Noctis' words, as usual, seem as if they are breathed out. Forced to sound cool and aloof, careless despite the fact that he's lost nearly a year of his life within just a few months. The doctors always urge against going outdoors and doing overly strenuous activities, but these are the same people who can't pinpoint what his disease is either.
So, whatever, they're a bunch of quacks. Noctis acts calm and casual because what else is he supposed to be?
Ah, well, the focus goes immediately on the smell of cooking meat in the distance. Fresh produce creating a colorful swirl of hues in the distance which bring promise of his first non-microwaved or feeding tube-administered meal in weeks. ]
Crowded.
[ But there's that quality that makes him internally cringe. ]
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Concern or no, he doesn't know Noctis quite that well.]
It is.
[Crowded, he means. But Ardyn doesn't hesitate one bit, he continues moving towards the crowd. It buzzes with energy, with the hum of people talking and buying and laughing.
He turns to look at Noctis from over his shoulder, and one hand makes a sweeping motion to gesture at their surroundings.]
Insert fanfare here. The Farmer's Market. What sounds good to you?
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His eyes stumble upon a merchant who's table is absolutely covered in jars upon jars of preserves and fruits. Not a single one he'd try, but the colors are pleasing to the eye and they look sweet. Well, he supposes if they're sugary enough...
At the question, he takes the time to focus. That smell perks his senses again, the smell of cooking meat. Seasoned. It smells delightful, and he's sure it's... ]
Burgers?
[ Those sure smell like burgers on a grill. ]
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You smell it, don't you?
[It's hard to miss. Burgers on a grill, wafting through the air, catching in nostrils, tempting many towards the smell. Even Ardyn would admit that it kickstarts his appetite, though he's usually more inclined to gravitate towards the more eccentric, stranger things being sold here.]
Play the part of bloodhound and follow your nose, then. We'll find it soon enough.
[He chuckles a bit, obviously at ease in this environment. Ardyn comes from a rather filthy rich family, as well, but that felt like a life long detached from now. He'll always prefer the openness of the market over a stiff, formal dinner.]
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Yeah.
[ He sounds incredibly enthusiastic in his tone when he answers Ardyn's question, speaking not another word as he starts to take the lead in this case. It's a decent distraction from the discomfort of the crowd. His stomach takes far more priority over this.
Eventually, he finds it. A cart, smoke billowing from a rounded, charcoal-burning grill. He turns to Ardyn with a modest, yet sharp grin as he points back towards it with his thumb. ]
The nose knows. Let's chow down before I die.
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They settle next to the cart, and the smell is nothing short of amazing. He can't imagine how Noctis feels, who had actually been hungry before this trek started.]
Let's get in line, then. I wouldn't want you to go and do something as dramatic as die.
[And in line they go, as Ardyn digs around in his pocket for his wallet. When it's their turn to place their orders, the law professor will be kind enough to pay for the both of them -- it was his idea, after all, to have Noctis choose a place to familiarize himself with.
The burgers they end up with are rather impressive, towering things. They look appetizing, but also like indigestion hell. Yet that's something to be worried about late, he assumes, as they attempt to find a place to sit.]
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