AUGUST TDM

[recollecters]

TEST DRIVE

AUGUST TEST DRIVE The city of Recollé. ...yeah. Yeah, it's just sort of a mess... What will you do today? I. What the hell happened here? Perhaps you're new to the city, or perhaps you've finally started to notice just how bad the damage is to the beloved city of Recollé. The convention center is still crumbled in pieces and several local shops have boarded up windows and doors to prepare for reconstruction. Vendors on the street try to urge residents to purchase monster insurance for all of their home and vehicle needs. But the moment you step outside, you'll find yourself greeted by a member of the Recollé Restoration Committee as they thrust a hardhat into your hands and eagerly chatter about your new assignment. Whether you find yourself in Tisse and assigned to haul pieces of stone around or you're placed over in Apprassage to pour cement, you'll find you aren't alone in these tasks. It's nice to meet your coworkers, isn't it? II. But really, what caused all of this? This is completely insane and while some of you may be willing to help rebuild the city, others might wish to solve the mystery. Poking around the various districts, NPCs will explain that monster attacks "sometimes just happen" which seems pretty strange in and of itself. Monsters shouldn't "just happen", should they? And where are these alleged monsters anyway? Careful what you wish for, though. Exploring too much and straying off-task will lead to finding some things you may not want. These creatures will immediately hone in on new Retrospec users and begin to chase them, though they won't outright attack. While the smaller ones may be destroyed with a bit of effort, it might be wise to either cut your losses or find someone with a bit more experience to take on the larger creatures. Don't worry; there's bound to be someone to help. III. By now, you may have heard the rumors from some of your fellow Retrospec users that several members of the network have disappeared. You may even hear the rumors that those members are lost in "unreality" and that the city itself is a bit...unstable. But they're just rumors, right? Everything seems fine as you go about your day (monsters notwithstanding.) However, any time you pass from one district to another suddenly a list of names scrolls past your line of vision . As the list comes to a halt and lands on one name, you may recognize it as a friend or a stranger. If you're lucky, you may get a holographic video connecting you to someone still in the city. If you're even luckier, you may find someone speaking up inside your head due to a telepathic connection. Go ahead and say hi. You just might get some answers from those who have been lost and those you haven't met yet. IV. As the night begins to set upon the city, a warm sleepy feeling rolls through. Whatever you're doing, it's hard to fight off the urge to curl up under a shaded tree and take a nap. After some time it's nearly impossible to ignore any longer and no matter where you are, you'll instantly fall asleep. Strangely, even The place that you wake up, however, may look very familiar to you. You've seen this place before. In fact, you've lived through this very scene before. Maybe it's the little league game you scored your first home run, or maybe it's your high school prom. These are your memories played back to you, and glancing back you may find that again you aren't alone. Any Retrospec user has the ability to pass through these pockets of time and can stumble right into your memories. The memory pockets can appear no matter where a person is, and they'll be able to view and interact with the memories they see. Take a walk through your childhood neighborhood. Sit through the nightmare of your college entrance exams. These memories are yours as you've lived them. However, try not to change anything about the past. Memories can be quite tricky if meddled with too much. BONUS. While the makers of Retrospec are a bit scattered and busy at the moment, it seems as though they have failsafes to keep their systems up and running. The latest update push operates on its own and begins to download to your device. Your profile remains the same as always (your name and your photo), but it appears you won't have access to it until you apply one of the brand new filters to your picture. Seems easy, right? Maybe you should have given this a second thought. As soon as the filter's applied to your photo, you might find that people are stopping and staring at you as you go about your day. They may or may not comment, but what's evident is that something's going on that you're unaware of. A quick glance in your phone's camera, a storefront window or a mirror will reveal all. That fun filter's now applied itself to your face with no hope of coming off for a while. Have fun! 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 continuity's sake, for the first time we will be stating that the TDM is dated IC 8/17! This is all in one day. Potential applicants/characters on the TDM will revert back to NPC status on 8/18 and will not remember the events of the TDM until the mod-posted Retrospec post goes up 9/1. Members of Group 2, since the TDM can be considered game-canon, prompts III and IV are open for you to tag around to new players while stuck in your locations outside of the city! For Prompt III, members of Group 2 may telepathically connect to someone even if there's a video option, but their faces and surroundings will be obscured! Other members of the game + potential applicants may use video if they wish. For Prompt IV, please remember these are memories from your AU and not your canon! Should characters deviate from these "memories" too much, they will find themselves thrown back to the beginning of the memory to start over! And finally, the filters provided in the bonus are just examples and you can swap in any others you want. Your August TDM directory is here, and your AU workshop is here! Our mod questions thread for this TDM is over here!

Comments

Sakura Matou | Fate/Stay Night

[imaginex]

II

[That... that sure is a giant elephant she sees parading down the street on her way to work in the Tisse district, trunk twisted in the sky while it toots out a battle cry. As she stares wide-eyed and dumbfounded, Sakura considers the social faux pas of calling out on her fifth day of work, if this would be considered a state of emergency or if her employer would tell her to get her lazy Japanese ass over to the shop--

She turns, mystified, a question stumbling out of her mouth and at the first random person she sees:]

Um, is this normal?

[But regardless of the answer she gets, Sakura's attention gives a subtle shift behind you, stranger, at a ghostly figure streaking through the air with its tongue hanging out like a dog's. Pay no mind to the the girl immediately gasping and reaching for her phone camera, smiling like she just saw a puppy wagging its tail. THIS CANNOT GO WRONG AT ALL. ]

III

[Okay, okay, don't lose your head, Sakura. Getting distracted by adorable but potentially life-threatening monsters is a valid reason to be late for work, but seeing a scollbar of names and then hearing voices is grounds for getting checked into the hospital.

The stress of moving to the city must be wearing on her]

H-hello? [Unwise as it is to be standing two feet away from a busy street intersection, that's exactly where Sakura stops when a hologram pops up in front of her.]

Wildcard

[Throw anything at me, I'll roll with it.]

III

[feistytrader]

[The hologram is of a pretty exhausted looking teenager with unnaturally bright red hair. His arms are bandaged, parts of his hair and outfit are singed, but for the most part he looks like he's in one piece, if a little exasperated.

More than that, when Sakura speaks up, he looks around, behind him, up- anything to find the source of the noise. While Sakura can see him, he can't see her at all, and holds his head a little, as if that will solve the mysteries of the universe or somehow make things make sense.]

No, there's no one else in here, there's no way, and besides- well, if I could get psychic energy blades, maybe this is just another part of the psychic package? Or maybe I'm just losing it, and-

Wait a minute, if I'm not losing it, then-

[He starts darting his head back and forth again and tries to focus his thoughts, to varying degrees of success.]

Uh, hello? Are you an actual person? ...You're not some vengeful temple god, are you?

[imaginex]

[... Okay first off what the actual hell]

Are you alright?

[Strikeout for that vengeful god part. She sounds timid and worried, not much older than the boy, if he can tell. Her concern is two-fold: he can't see her, for one, and she can't keep her eyes off those bandages without the corner of her mouth pulling into a frown]

I mean-- Yes, I'm a person. My name's Sakura?

[...] Please tell me this isn't normal for this city.

[feistytrader]

Don't worry, this is a little weirder than... Wait, wait, are you in Recolle?

[Holy shit, maybe he is losing it. You know what? This is a welcome form of losing it. Yeah.]

I'm Silver. I uh, usually live in Recolle, but a bunch of monsters poured out of Recon, and before I knew it I was in a jungle. We found some old temple, though, and I found a pretty cool crown...

[He idly holds up a golden crown, then quickly shakes his head and moves on.]

But uh, what about you? I haven't talked to anyone in the city in weeks. Come on, tell me anything. Are you new here?

[imaginex]

Yes, I'm new... [And extremely weirded out by how everyone is taking these mishaps in stride. Sakura feels like the odd girl out being fearful for her life]

And there are monsters in the city, still, but most of the people don't seem alarmed. I saw an elephant parading down the street...!

[In hindsight, that's kinda normal. Huh.]

-- Wait, but you're in a jungle, Silver-san? Recolle doesn't have any jungles surrounding it, I thought...

II

[matchbreaker]

... What, did you just get one Retrospec or something?

[ For her to ask if it's normal or not... all of the people not on the app sure think it's normal. Elda frowns a little bit, an oar slung over her shoulder like a spear or some giant sort of something with one arm, and then the other used to push up her sunglasses, studying the girl.

... New users? deputized people, maybe? ]

[imaginex]

Yes, I did... though, um... what does that have to do with this?

[She speaks politely to this stranger, though manners won't save her from glancing at that oar with some level of trepidation. What in the actual hell is she going to do with that?]

[matchbreaker]

Because that changes everything. What did they automate the introductions only for Halloway to not be able to tease everyone because they broke everything?

[ Ugh She pinches her nose and shakes her head.

None of the monsters are attacking yet, at least. She plants the base of the oar on the ground and sighs. ]

... Whatever. Yes, this is the new normal and everyone else thinks it's too normal.

[imaginex]

[Aah... grumpy ladies. Sakura's least favorite. Escape isn't an option (or more she's too curious to make an awkward retreat), so instead Sakura smiles and nods a little, hands fiddling against each other.]

A-ah... the new normal. [That is not encouraging]

But that's dangerous, right...? Shouldn't the police be doing something about this?

ii.

[penalizing]

[ The weird thing is, even a day ago, she probably would've said yes. But that's clearly not the case, so... ]

I don't think any of this is normal. It's like the whole city's gone crazy...

[ Or, more accurately, they've just now realized how crazy it's become. ]

[imaginex]

I recently arrived so I wasn't sure... I thought perhaps an elephant escaped from the zoo?

[But doesn't explain the ghost hovering around the girls, practically giggling as its tongue wags out]

Do you suppose this would be a good reason to miss work...?

[Sakura, do you really need to ask.]

[penalizing]

[ Kotone shrugs. ]

I'd say so? But it seems like half the people here don't think it's a big deal, so it really depends on what your boss...

[ Trailing off a bit as she finally notices that ghost. UH. That's definitely out of the realm of normal... ]

...says....

[imaginex]

[CLICK

Oh god Sakura you didn't -- no, she absolutely did take a picture of the ghost with her phone, face lighting up with glee all the while]

Look! Isn't it cute?

[The ghost seems to share the sentiment, seeing as it immediately stops mid-air for a pose. Gotta get the good side, yes. This would potentially have a happy ending if not for three more ghosts realizing one of them is getting the majority of the attention... and so they literally dive bomb at the two girls with wild cackles]

-- Sorry, sorry!

II

[falsepretentious]

Define 'normal'. [The stranger replies curtly, addressing her with his arms closed. All of this unusual stuff may be bothering him, but he's still trying to maintain his cool. And his cold demeanor on top of that.

He frowns as he notices her reaching for her camera, glancing quickly between her and the ghostly creature.]

I wouldn't do that if I were you.

[imaginex]

[Wow okay party pooper. Sure, maybe it saves Sakura's life in some mild way, but she does look equally disappointed and chastised when she lowers her phone.

... For now.]

Mm, I suppose the flash would startle it.

[...]

And... I'm not sure -- but "normal" for me doesn't really include... this... [GESTURING AT EVERYTHING because seriously, did you see that elephant?]

[falsepretentious]

[He is here to poop all the parties. Byakuya isn't fazed by her reaction and keeps carrying on with a serious demeanor.]

It's a distinct possibility, especially when we don't know what that thing is capable of.

As for normality... You're right. It normally doesn't include 'this'. [He says flatly with a mimic of her gesture.] And yet, before today, you wouldn't have seen this as anything out of the ordinary. Am I right?

[He's realized it about himself as well as his cousin: that all of the things that seem ridiculous today seemed like a normal part of life in before today. Now it's time to see if this hypothesis applies to another outside party...]

[imaginex]

... Mm.

[This is not the first person who shared this sentiment - the idea that Sakura would've found monsters a reasonable occurrence had it happened a couple of days prior. Her eyebrows set into disbelief, and she gives a shake of her head]

Someone told me the citizens here wouldn't find all of this strange, but I just moved here.

[And let her tell ya, they don't have monsters in Japan, no matter what Godzilla fanatics might think. Thus she's an outliner wondering what the hell is wrong with this city]

iii

[appraiser]

[ The boy in the hologram jumps and backpedals into darkness— there's nothing else to be seen behind him aside from black static, as if he's in a place she's not meant to see. He doesn't look like he wants to be in this place either, staring at her with weary eyes, silent for a moment, then tentative- ]

Are you a ghost...?

[imaginex]

No, I'm not.

[Said rather assertively because she can't afford to die anytime soon, though her expression remains mild and starting to fold into worry.]

And you? I assume you're not... [Mmm glancing behind him into that black static.]

You just appeared in front of me, like a hologram.

[appraiser]

No, I'm— [ alive? human? he can't truthfully say either of those things. ] ...not a ghost. Nor a hologram, although I wouldn't be very surprised if everything here were recorded.

[ It wouldn't be the weirdest thing Retrospec has done, having already proven that nobody escapes their eyes. If they're seeing each other like a hologram, though... Ryoji lifts and extends his arm, hand reaching out to her to touch and see for herself whether he's real or just an image or who knows what will happen? ]

[imaginex]

[Sakura is a girl of delicate sensibilities -- by which I mean she's born and raised Japanese, and strangers (even hologram-like ones) reaching out to touch her earn a stiffened spine and a cautious glance. But despite this, she doesn't move, and Ryoji's outstretched hand will hover by her shoulder before it's clear that wherever he is, it's not in the same plane of existence as she.

She's a little disappointed, actually, offering an apologetic smile]

Mm... but you're from the city, right?

Where exactly are you right now?

III

[scythegun]

[The hologram Sakura's getting should actually look pretty familiar, although his appearance is a little unkempt and he's wearing a stupid outfit as opposed to his normal suits. Still, Jaeger seems remarkably cheerful despite the situation and the fact that his outfit is covered in sand.]

My, my, aren't you a sight for sore eyes! Good afternoon, Sakura!

[When exactly did he go missing?? Don't ask questions.]

[imaginex]

... Jaeger... san....?

[Those drawn out pauses are filled with the questions Sakura doesn't dare ask yet, and her eyes flicker over the hologram in confusion until she suddenly jumps, straightens, like a child who been called on during class]

Oh-- good afternoon! I was just heading to the shop, and...

[And you're not there, are you, don't lie to her]

[scythegun]

I'm glad to see you're still such a dutiful worker despite the chaos! My other employees could learn a thing or two from you!

[He pauses for a moment before continuing.]

Unfortunately - as I'm sure you can tell - I won't be there! I'm a bit lost at the moment, you see.

[He sounds totally calm but he's doing a lot of that "smiling with his eyes closed" thing he does when he's trying really hard to sell a pricey item.]

[imaginex]

[She's still learning how to Jaeger, but there are cues Sakura feels halfway confident in interpreting. Besides, squinty eyes are very rarely a good sign. The girl hides a wince and glances sideways before speaking again]

Is there anyway I can help? It seems like quite a few people are lost right now...