Test Drive Meme #5

[spoofer]

Test Drive Meme #5

You wouldn’t wake; i couldn’t sleep for years.

INTRODUCTION ⇄ FAQ ⇄ APPLICATIONS

CRASH LANDING

Exit one dimension, enter the next. It was chaos: pressure against your ears, light bending in an impossible, unimaginable way. The very molecules of your body vibrating against one another. If you have windows, the view outside makes no sense. Even if not, your hands, your face, your feet seem like an uncertain thing. It's the feel of reality itself tearing apart, reshaping, reconnecting, thread by thread.

And suddenly, there's a beach— or ocean, whichever you land in. Smoke. Fire. Salt water churning up, fizzing around.


Maybe you crash, in a ship wrecking into sand. Maybe you merely stumble out of a portal, a ragged wormhole in space. Or maybe you fall off the back of an incredible steed, some creature that carried you into this place. Either way, there's pandemonium around you. Incredibly, severe injuries are far and few between— nobody's screaming about the dead. But you might have to help pull someone free of wreckage, or move quickly to salvage burning belongings from the landing craft. Maybe it's the crafts themselves, that you're trying to salvage.

Likely, you don't know them, these other strangers who arrived here^[1]. Maybe you don't trust them— you just came out of a dying world, after all. But you all have one thing in common: you're here now.

When you get a second to breathe, maybe you'll see it. The brilliant green forest across the sand. Beyond that, the glint of a faraway city.

THE RAIN

Here comes the rain. Trickling down the rafters and tinkling down the trees, it starts as a drizzle and steadily increases to a downpour. Maybe it catches you by surprise, chasing you indoors or to share the umbrella of a friendly stranger. There's something oddly elaborate about the gutters of Xistentia's city-- it clearly carries the water toward the temple in the East, a storm system that causes the lamps to pulsate without threatening to shut down.


You'll notice too that you're prone to nostalgia which even infiltrate your dreams, memories sad or happy. This is easily a private experience, but you might find yourself wandering the city to get away from old ghosts or feeling invincible in the glow of memories. More oddly, whether or not you're an artist, you might be inspired to draw on the windows with your finger in the condensation.

Personal symbols, detailed illustrations, these inextricably lead back to the nostalgia. Whatever it is, it might pull someone to ask.

NETWORK

By now, the city of Xistentia has a population of over 400 people. Shops line the streets of downtown, and increasingly well-trodden paths will take you into the agricultural zones nearer to the forest or even down to the beach. There are still distinctive animal presences around— careful with that— but the most common critters you'll see are birds crapping on your stuff outside and tiny winged hairless people creeping your food.

One afternoon, you are taken from whatever you’re doing - taking a walk through the city, sunning yourself on the beach, running around in the forest shoring up defenses - by a message, appearing on your Daemon’s network screen. It’s a simple line of text, that reads:

PHOTO SENT

It would appear that your daemon accidentally sent a picture, perhaps one from your photo roll or instagram, or a random shot of you or your surroundings. Wait. Was that a public network post? Wait—

IMAGE CODE TEMPLATE
<center><img src="URL HERE"></center>

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

hells yeah

Footnotes

1. Some of these can be nameless, plot-device NPCs to facilitate interactions! But even in this case, please avoid gore in describing their current state of being. Anyone dead or catastrophically injured will have disappeared by the time your characters make it to Xistentia. There are no corpses or dying here.
   
   
2. But like OOCly ask permission ofc.

Comments

sidon 🐟 breath of the wild (mostly ota)

[jawsitivity]

crash landing (closed to link);

[ Despite being spared Calamity Ganon's wrath, it seemed Hyrule was not immune to natural catastrophes. It started as a sprinkling of comets across the sky that grew progressively more redhot and dangerous as they careened towards the planet. He had been home, in Zora's Domain, alongside Link who had so graciously offered to help them restore the Zora monuments when the first ones collided.

The aftershock and tremors of one's impact caused (the usually magnificently coordinated) Link to lose his footing, to stumble back off one of the many cliffsides leading up to Zora's Domain. He felt his heart drop in his chest at the sight. His feet carried him before his mind actually did into leaping immediately after Link without a second's hesitation. The last thing he remembers is reaching out to the other man, trying to wrap his arms around one of the people nearest and dearest to him before they hit the water, and then-

A splash, a disorienting shift. He bobbed up above the surface and didn't recognize the area. But that didn't matter, what mattered was- ] Link! [ he called out, upon realizing that he didn't have the Hylian in hand. Sidon set to searching immediately to find the blond-haired man in the waves, among the wreckage of some kind of mechanism. ]

rain;

[ Well, this weather pattern certainly seems familiar. Sidon doesn't mind the rain in the slightest. But in excess like this, it does definitely call home to mind. At least, home before Link had saved them all from the Divine Beat. Had he reminded him how thankful he was for that today? If not, he'd have to be sure to do it later...

For now, he's tracing said Divine Beast on the panel of a fogged up window. Maybe it's the cute little elephant doodle that pulls someone in. Maybe it's the fact the artist is a fucking red ten-foot tall fish-man drawing it on the bottom of the second-story window. Who knows! Either way, he'll grin brightly despite the gloom at whoever happens to come near. ] Hello there!

Would you like to try your hand at drawing something? Please, go ahead! This window is free. [ Tap taps on the first floor window just below and to the side of him. ]

network;

daemon: mipha'd

network;

[ex_lineal264]

Mipha!?

[jawsitivity]

Yes!
That is the one and only Mipha! My beautiful, courageous sister!

[ BUT WAIT. ]

If you knew that, you must be someone from home!

[ex_lineal264]

Oh.

For a moment, I thought... but is that you, Sidon? It's Zelda.

[jawsitivity]

Princess Zelda!!!
Yes, it is Sidon!
I'm so happy that you're safe! I'm sure Link will be relieved as well!

[ex_lineal264]

Link's here too? I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to find him somewhere saving the world.

[jawsitivity]

He is!
And that does seem to be what he does best!
With his help - and yours - I'm sure we'll have our home back in no time!

okay to hop into this thread with a separate message from Link? 8D

[linny]

I'm here, Zelda!

[ Of course he had to message her when Sidon told him she was there! ]

Where are you??? How did you get here???

rain.

[lacquers]

[ It's totally the doodle that does the trick, totally. ] Hello indeed!

Is there a theme? [ To the drawings. The sparkly, mysteriously not-sodden, stylishly dressed man would like to know. If he's fazed by any part of this, he's not showing it. Just doing what you do, wandering around, stopping to draw on windows with giant fishmen.

This is just a day ending in y! ]

[jawsitivity]

A theme?

[ He seems to contemplate this seriously for a moment. It wasn't something he'd considered until now. This man likely didn't know about the Divine Beasts - he was learning that many people here weren't from his world - so, maybe... ]

Animals! You should draw your favorite one! I'd love to know what it is.

[lacquers]

[ Oh, there's a good question. Magnus taps forefinger to chin. ] My favorite animal, hm? I guess it has to be--

[ And here he sets about drawing something on the window. In the end, it is a rather childlike rendering of a cat's face. ] Meow.

Are you familiar? [ One assumes he meowed because he couldn't count on his cartoonish drawing being recognized as what it's intended to be. It's not that bad though... ]

there are apparently no cats in botw yeti.jpg

[jawsitivity]

[ Sidon bends down a little to peer at the drawing curiously. He's quiet for a moment, then- ]

What a wonderful drawing! [ he complements suddenly, glancing at Magnus and giving a flex of his large arm along with a winning smile. If he saw a small sparkle of his teeth, don't worry. That's totally normal. Still. What a friendly fish.

He turns a bit thoughtful right after, however, hand to his chin as he takes in the doodle. Hm. Hhhmmm. ] I'm afraid I'm not familiar with that animal though! What is it called?

whaaaa and again i say whaaaa

[lacquers]

[ Oh, that's so nice! What a kind thing to say about Magnus'...

Doodle. ] Thank you, but-- no cats? [ He puts a hand to his chest like he's been struck. ] You'll have to pardon me, but that seems a little tragic. Cats are wonderful creatures. [ Fluttering somewhere just out of sight until now, Anned makes an appearance this juncture. ]

Don't you think you're being over-dramatic? [ says giant butterfly, from where it hovers under the eaves. ]

No, I do not. It's a shame if our new friend here doesn't have any felines where they're from. [ He turns, as if to make a proper greeting, looking up without acting like this is at all odd. Four foot height difference? No big. Or, well. It is big. But not a big deal. ] I'm Magnus and this is Anne. [ Mechanical butterfly voice: ] Anned. [ Magnus gestures benevolently and nods, as if conceding the point. ]

ikr apparently it only has dogs, which. cool but where's the kitty love

[jawsitivity]

I'll have to take your word for it! [ Since he wouldn't know. But he has no reason to believe Magnus would be lying to him! Perhaps a bit naive that way, dear prince Sidon, but there are certainly worse things to be. ]

Maybe I can meet one here? [ He'd like to, if it's possible. The Zora turns his attention to Anned now, giving the butterfly a big toothy smile. A beautiful daemon to complement such a fine-looking, uh. Hylian? Magnus doesn't have pointed ears though so Sidon isn't entirely sure what he is he suddenly realizes. ]

A pleasure to meet you both! [ He turns towards Magnus now, crossing his arm over his waist and giving a bow. ] I am Sidon, prince of the Zoras.

And I'm Mipha'd, [ comes a woman's soft voice. Suddenly, the silver bangle on his wrist unwraps itself and floats in-between the two. ]

crash, obv

[linny]

[ He was falling.

Well, that was nothing new, Falling had become a part of his life ever since he'd woken up in the Shrine of Resurrection, the new aspect was the fact that Sidon dove after him. Why was his friend so concerned? Oh, it was because he didn't know he had a paraglider and could get away from this situation with ease.

But as Link began to pull it out it was torn from his grasp due to the chaotic winds. His eyes widened as he saw the cause for the powerful shift in nature, more meteors had appeared in the sky and were headed straight for them. He opened his mouth as if to yell to Sidon to look behind him but--

SPLASH

All went black.

He was floating. Odd, he could smell the salt of the sea and waves of the ocean, which couldn't be right because they should've landed in the river. He wasn't able to open his eyes yet and every muscle in his body ached- it would've been nice to have a fairy right about now.

He could hear Sidon's voice. Slowly, he tried to raise his left hand to indicate where he was. ]

[jawsitivity]

[ It only takes another second for Sidon to spot that glint of golden hair and the arm raised above the water. He's dashing that way through the water in a flash. ] I've got you, not to worry! [ he declares soon as he's close enough.

The Zora dips just barely under the water now and rises up where Link is floating so the Hylian comes to rest on his back. Isn't this familiar? Though he feels a lot more frantic in this moment than he ever had facing Ruta.

He swims to the shore then past all the debris. His pace is slower than before just in case Link doesn't have the strength to hold onto him. The last thing he wants is for his friend to go tumbling back into the sea. So while it takes just a little bit longer, they're on solid land soon enough. ]

Link! [ Sidon exclaims, still just a touch worried. Only a little. Okay, so, like. Maybe a lot. ] Are you injured, do you need me to get help-?

[linny]

[ Link summoned up every ounce of strength he had left to hold onto Sidon, not that he had much in that moment. Unbeknownst to him it wasn't just the crash that has sapped his energy, but also the fact that he was no longer connected to the land of Hyrule. The place they currently were wasn't blessed by the goddesses, after all.

His body turned so he could press his cheek against Sidon's skin. Cool and strong, Zora flesh was famously resilient so it wasn't any wonder to Link that he seemed perfectly healthy. His thighs straddled his waist to prevent him from falling one way or the other, but the moment they were out of the water he realized how heavy he felt.

Was he injured? He didn't know. Slowly, he attempted to find his footing but he wobbled and steadied himself with his hands on Sidon's hips. Drenched, boots filled with water, he shuddered from the chill in the air. Help? He finally lifted his head to look around, his voice soft as he finally spoke. ]

Sidon... Where are we?

[ Even if they'd somehow been swept by the river all the way into the Lanayru Sea, he didn't recognize anything. ]

[jawsitivity]

[ Where-? Why, Zora's Domain of course! Or perhaps the Lanaryu Sea. They'd just fallen quite a ways and-

Wait. Sidon looks at the foreign shore, smells the salty breeze, and he's pretty sure there wasn't a downed aircraft (remnants of a Guardian, maybe?) anywhere around his home. He was so in a tizzy over saving Link that he actually hadn't registered their change in environment. Even now, he still has most of his focus on his Hylian friend as the man steadies himself. Sidon offers a strong arm to support him in addition to the grip on his hips, which he practically welcomes.

Where are they? That's a very good question. ] I'm not sure!

[ Blunt as ever. ]

Though there has to be someone around here who can tell us. [ And still just as optimistic. ] I'm just glad that you're alright, Link. I must admit, I. I was quite worried for a moment there!

[ He knows that Link is nothing if not capable and strong and brave and true. But still, a fall from that height, if he'd hit the rocks instead of the water, would have killed even the most courageous of men among them. Sidon's chest tightened at the thought alone of what could have been. So while they might be somewhere both of them are unfamiliar with and have no idea of what happened at home, at least Link is still alive and (will be) well. ]

[linny]

[ Link's lips parted as if he was going to say something else, but instead his knees buckled and his entire body threatened to collapse into the sand. The support of Sidon's arms helped quite a bit, as his grip on his hips weakened and began to slide down his strong legs.

His vision momentarily faded, went dark, then came back blurred. He felt as though he'd just faced down several guardians and he just ran out of healing potions. Exhausted, worn, even his ears drooped, but he trembled as he continued to try to stand. Ever the determined warrior, Link didn't bend easily.

Yeah, he was alright. Or at least he was trying to be, and his heavy, deep breaths were continued evidence of his struggle. At least he wasn't wounded, or at the very least he didn't have any outward appearance of blood.

He nodded, though he wasn't entirely sure why he did- as if he was trying to assure Sidon he was fine when he clearly wasn't?

Oh, Link. ]

powerprosing a little bit

[jawsitivity]

Link-! [ the Zora starts as his friend suddenly sways. The Hylian didn't appear injured; still, he was obviously exhausted from the ordeal that they'd both gone through. Sidon himself is still a little disoriented, a bit weary... But he can't give up now! Not when Link needs him!

Despite that nod, he clearly isn't any kind of shape to trek towards the city on the horizon. That was where Sidon was assuming they were going next, anyway, since it was the only sign of true civilization nearby. That's where there'd find people who could maybe answer their questions, help them piece together all that happened. (He's unaware of the fact that they have devices to do that in this moment but in due time they'll likely realize.)

Without thinking, he's scooping the Hylian up into his arms. ]

I hope that you don't mind, Link, but I think this might be easier for the time being. Hopefully, we can find a place to cook you a nice meal and get you back into top form!

rain;

[shadowblends]

[Okay, so, Kurt's used to seeing peculiar things, what with being from a world that's full of beings that are called 'mutants,' but the sight of an extremely tall, red fish-man is even something that surprises him.

For a long moment, the azure-skinned boy simply stands there, trying to comprehend what he's seeing exactly. He blinks once, twice, flutters some raindrops loose then finally decides to speak. (The guy seems friendly enough, so why not?)] Hi, [he answers tentatively, eyes flicking to where Sidon is rapping at the window.] Oh, uhm, thank you.

[Before he approaches, a fabric-wrapped hand raises to adjust the scarf around his face, making sure his hood is also secured as he steps toward the building. Most of his get-up is wet, but beneath the layers he's using to both protect and somewhat hide himself, he's warm enough.

With the same hand he'd used earlier to cover himself, Kurt reaches to drag a digit through the condensation, tracing nothing in particular for the moment.] I'd ask if you were cold, but something tells me the rain isn't bothering you much.

[jawsitivity]

[ Zora aren't uncommon in Hyrule. Sidon isn't used to standing out so much, though... He really isn't acting like he stands out at all. Even now, when the boy pauses to regard him so, the prince only smiles kindly in response.

His garb doesn't seem to put Sidon off though he admits he's curious. He makes the comment about the chill, however, and- ] Not at all! I'd grown rather used to the rain back home, honestly... This is very similar.

[ Even the strange sense of things being dire should it not stop. How about that. ]

Are you cold? You look like you'd be rather snug with all that covering!

[shadowblends]

['Hyrule' isn't a place he's heard of, though, if given the chance to explore it, there's no way he would hesitate.]

So, it rains a lot in your homeworld, then? [From beneath the hood and his blue-streaked bangs, Kurt peeks up at Sidon, hand suddenly falling limp (he's messed up his little flower, but oh freaking well--) when he notices just how large this person really is. He barely reaches the fish-man's hip, which makes him well over six feet and honestly, the teleporter's pretty sure he could give Apocalypse a run for his money height-wise.

The mention of his clothes makes him look down, teeth momentarily sinking down on the inside of his cheek.] It's warm and dry, that's for sure, but I'm also using it to— [he stops, brow furrowing with frustration at his hesitance. Finally, in a lowered voice,] To hide.

[He raises his unoccupied hand, flipping the hood back off his head first then removing the scarf to reveal an intricately scarred blue face, wild iridescent eyes and canine teeth that are far too pointy for 'normal' standards. A smile lifts his lips, masking the nervousness he feels about the revelation.] I imagine you might understand what it's like to be different, though.

[jawsitivity]

[ Who wouldn't, honestly? It's a pretty great place, in Sidon's opinion! ]

Zora's Domain was plagued by an unusual amount of heavy rain due the Divine Beast Ruta's influence. Thankfully, Link was able to assist and prevent it from causing any lasting damage. He's quite incredible!

[ While Kurt is dwarfed by the Zora, he hardly seems to notice. Most Hylians only come up to waist-high. The children are lucky if they reach his knees! They're rather cute, honestly, though he's only met a handful of them.

When Kurt reveals his azure skin, Sidon regards him with a little surprise. But not for the reason he thinks, which should be obvious when he says, ] My, what a beautiful shade of blue your skin is! Why is that anything you'd want to hide?

[shadowblends]

'Zora's Domain?' That's an interesting name. [He has no idea what a 'Divine Beast Ruta' is or who this 'Link' guy might be, but he's hooked rather easily by the story.] He sure sounds like an amazing person!

[Okay, that word wasn't at all what he'd been expecting the fish-man to reply with. In fact, Kurt is caught off guard enough that when he plants his hand against the slippery window to turn away in an attempt to hide his blushing face, his palm slides across the spanse of the window, one heated cheek landing smack against the wet surface.

How graceful.] I, uhm— It's just— [Annnd now, he's stuttering. Yes, things seem to be going swimmingly. (Pun intended.)

He clears his throat, pushes himself off the window and dries off with the scarf, focusing his attention on the ground beneath his feet.] Where I come from, people like me aren't treated the best sometimes. I prefer to be cautious in a new place and avoid as much conflict as I can.