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bopbay2025-05-10 10:00 am
bayhelpers) wrote in bopbay2025-05-10 10:00 am
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003 ⟡ MAY TEST DRIVE
⋆✩ test drive 03 ✩⋆
The day begins like any other.
Routines, eventful scenes, and boring errands — no matter what you were in the middle of, there's a moment where everything begins to feel wrong. A searing pain tears through your body, so intense that it feels like every nerve has been struck at once. Muscles spasm, joints scream in protest, and as you double over, you find yourself clawing or clinging at anything within your reach. As your attempts to maintain composure fail you, your bones begin to twist with an agonizing force, the pain rising in a crescendo until it becomes unbearable to even breathe. Then, as quickly as it began, everything stops.
For a single, terrifying moment, there's nothing. No sight, no sound, no touch, no taste, no smell — just the weight of nothingness swallowing you whole. The absence of sensation might even be worse than the pain, leaving you adrift in a void you can't escape. Hopelessness threatens every fiber of your existence, and try as you might to fight it, your darkest thoughts begin to surface, flooding your mind in an onslaught of suffocating feelings and ideas.
In the darkness, you hear a voice.
It's faint, a gentle flashing of something warm along the edges of your mind, like sunlight itself. It's a voice, but you can't identify who or what it comes from, how it sounds, or what it means — still, you know it's directed at you. Something tugs at your heart, a powerful ache that throbs once and ripples outwards. You can feel the aches again, like fresh sores throughout your body. You feel off, like something isn't quite right, like you're not where you should be, or who you should be. But the voice continues, whispered just beyond your understanding. The sound is warm like hope, and it wraps around you, distant yet intent, before you wake up.
i. arrivals
FROM TUNNELS DEEP
The scent of must meets your nostrils, perhaps more strongly than it normally would. To open your eyes is to meet the dark — though if you're fortunate it could be that something about this new body, or perhaps the body of another, leaves some faint illumination to see by. Either way it soon becomes clear that where you are is somewhere underground. They are deep and sprawling tunnels, with corners of some unknown civilization storied away in their many carvings and ruined pottery. Portions of the cavern walls even bear the appearance of old structures and dwellings, as if the earth itself swallowed a city whole.
Trickling through the tunnels in quiet streams are tendrils of fog. It's difficult to see, but not in the least hard to feel. The mist is damp and cloying, clinging to every inch it finds on you to the point that it seems to grasp at the very soul; and the longer one lets it have its way, the worst it feels. You begin to question your body. Your mind. Your very memories — are they really yours?
Staying underground may be unwise anyway. Diglett and Dugtrio soon make themselves known to the weary arrivals here, and unlike these newcomers they have had far too long to succumb to the mist. They will attack without hesitation, and the only options are to fight or flee above ground.
The forest above unfortunately is not much better. The fog here is thick, even if some light somehow makes its way through the canopy above. What could have once been helpful landmarks become sources of dizzying misunderstanding, and the gnarled trees seem to move when no one watches. Rescuers from the city will have their work cut out for them once it becomes clear how many could be stranded out there, and time will be of the essence. The sooner that these wanderers can be brought to the clinic to be treated, the better!
ii. under the weather
RAIN RAIN, GO AWAY
The first thing anyone will notice as the month of May truly sets in, is the rain. Light or heavy, sunny or cloudy, a near constant rain pours down upon Bottlecap Bay and its surrounding areas. There's no escaping it; it pours, and it pours, and it pours ever long, until it becomes impossible to do even basic tasks outside one's dwelling without getting soaked to the bone.
While it's not unusual to receive rain at this time of the year, the amount of rain is unnatural according to the Guild Leaders. To ensure no one suffers any more than they already have, all three are quick to open their doors to these new Pokemon in their midst. Or at least, they're quick to offer other foreigner's doors. Pokemon who originated from other worlds soon find themselves with new bunkmates and housemates, and with the rain as bad as it is there’s no good way to refuse.
It's best to remain in similar company after all, and until there’s time to sort out who fits where, it’s all these newcomers have.
While it's not unusual to receive rain at this time of the year, the amount of rain is unnatural according to the Guild Leaders. To ensure no one suffers any more than they already have, all three are quick to open their doors to these new Pokemon in their midst. Or at least, they're quick to offer other foreigner's doors. Pokemon who originated from other worlds soon find themselves with new bunkmates and housemates, and with the rain as bad as it is there’s no good way to refuse.
It's best to remain in similar company after all, and until there’s time to sort out who fits where, it’s all these newcomers have.
THE WATER CYCLE
While Pokemon begin to settle into their new lives at Bottlecap Bay, the rain continues to fall. On some days it’s harder — hard enough to bring sheets thick enough to blot vision, sharp enough to leave unprotected pelts stinging for minutes after retreating inside. Thunder booms, and lightning flashes, a clear message to all within the city when they see it. These storms are bad. Dangerous. And the danger is in more than just the weather itself.
At first the signs are subtle. Those same symptoms from the forest can be felt, lasting only as long as a Pokemon is damp from the downpour outside. Even the gentle drizzle causes absent thoughts, an empty mind staring into the distant grey skies as you forget.
Staring longer still, as you remember. But is what you're remembering actually yours? Something about the concentration of forest mist in the form of raindrops changes the effects as the days go by. The body and mind rebel against what it knows doesn't belong, and it finally comes bursting out with a shout! Those memories you've seen, they aren't yours! They're someone else's!
And the world needs to hear it!
At first the signs are subtle. Those same symptoms from the forest can be felt, lasting only as long as a Pokemon is damp from the downpour outside. Even the gentle drizzle causes absent thoughts, an empty mind staring into the distant grey skies as you forget.
Staring longer still, as you remember. But is what you're remembering actually yours? Something about the concentration of forest mist in the form of raindrops changes the effects as the days go by. The body and mind rebel against what it knows doesn't belong, and it finally comes bursting out with a shout! Those memories you've seen, they aren't yours! They're someone else's!
And the world needs to hear it!
iii. the archives
RECORDS KEEPING
The longer the rainfall persists, the more clear it is that staying outside is unwise. Not only is it dangerous to non-water type Pokemon's health for the most part, but the full scope of side effects only increase the risks. After one too many shouting matches caused by vitriolic memories, Polteageist offers a simple but beneficial solution. The doors of the archives are opened up, as senior members in the Lum Guild offer up their time as temporary librarians.
Polteageist's solution is as follows; instead of training their bodies out in the rain, everyone will be training their brains. There have been many questions raised over the last number of weeks, and now is the time for everyone to investigate the mysteries. Entering the Archives means entering a building of clear splendor, filled with couches and beanbags for sitting and beautiful flowers and plants to accentuate the green hues within the halls. The shelves are well stocked with records kept on stone tablets, and the additional guides within the guild are eager to help everyone find what they're looking for.
The illustrious leader of the Lum Berries is well aware however, that not everyone is willing to spend all their time reading. As it would be counterproductive to expect anyone to sit twiddling their thumbs (or tails, or ears) he has thus arranged for a few of the archive meeting rooms to host additional activities. They are simple things; there's classes on recording writings properly in clay before firing, minor history lessons where newly arrived Pokemon can share in what many others already know, and even community building exercises. They're nothing like the escape rooms organized during the last two months, but they're good for passing the time.
And eventually, the rain will hopefully calm down. A few skilled Psychic Pokemon are offering their services to keep others dry until then however, at least so that everyone can get home safely.
Polteageist's solution is as follows; instead of training their bodies out in the rain, everyone will be training their brains. There have been many questions raised over the last number of weeks, and now is the time for everyone to investigate the mysteries. Entering the Archives means entering a building of clear splendor, filled with couches and beanbags for sitting and beautiful flowers and plants to accentuate the green hues within the halls. The shelves are well stocked with records kept on stone tablets, and the additional guides within the guild are eager to help everyone find what they're looking for.
The illustrious leader of the Lum Berries is well aware however, that not everyone is willing to spend all their time reading. As it would be counterproductive to expect anyone to sit twiddling their thumbs (or tails, or ears) he has thus arranged for a few of the archive meeting rooms to host additional activities. They are simple things; there's classes on recording writings properly in clay before firing, minor history lessons where newly arrived Pokemon can share in what many others already know, and even community building exercises. They're nothing like the escape rooms organized during the last two months, but they're good for passing the time.
And eventually, the rain will hopefully calm down. A few skilled Psychic Pokemon are offering their services to keep others dry until then however, at least so that everyone can get home safely.
✩ OOC NOTES.
⟡ TDM CWS: body horror, disorientation, hallucinations, dysphoria
⟡ TDMs are game canon and act as events for the month they are posted.
⟡ New characters can link to their top level beneath the NEWBIE DIRECTORY
⟡ All new arrivals are not assigned to any one guild. However, if they participate in the Archive's bonding activities, they may receive a unique reward.
⟡ Remember that at least one thread for your application must come from the TDM! There is no comment minimum, but we will be looking for engagement, as well as for players and characters who take the time to delve into things like character thoughts, emotions, morality, and other deep themes. Take this time to engage with the setting as you would in game!
⟡ As a reminder, reserves and applications are permanently opened. Please see their respective pages for details on processing time.
⟡ Have any questions related to the TDM? Ask here! If your question is more general for the game, please make sure to direct it to the FAQ page instead. Thank you, and happy threading!
⟡ TDMs are game canon and act as events for the month they are posted.
⟡ New characters can link to their top level beneath the NEWBIE DIRECTORY
⟡ All new arrivals are not assigned to any one guild. However, if they participate in the Archive's bonding activities, they may receive a unique reward.
⟡ Remember that at least one thread for your application must come from the TDM! There is no comment minimum, but we will be looking for engagement, as well as for players and characters who take the time to delve into things like character thoughts, emotions, morality, and other deep themes. Take this time to engage with the setting as you would in game!
⟡ As a reminder, reserves and applications are permanently opened. Please see their respective pages for details on processing time.
⟡ Have any questions related to the TDM? Ask here! If your question is more general for the game, please make sure to direct it to the FAQ page instead. Thank you, and happy threading!
no subject
When Sanji touches his paw onto Flowey's head, he very nearly snaps and tells him to keep the damn memory, but he restrains himself. Despite everything, he doesn't want to forget Chara.]
Just call me Flowey. Nice to meetcha.
[And, besides, Sanji's paw is warm. He would sooner die than admit it, but it feels kind of nice. This world has been nothing but beasts attacking him in the tunnels and a 'greatest hits' tape of his- and everyone else's- worst moments. To top it all off, he's soaking wet. So.]
I haven't had arms for a while, so I'm used to it. If you used to be bipedal, you've got a steep learning curve ahead of you, bud. You can do a lot with a wooden spoon handle in your mouth if it's not a recipe that needs precision... but, I'm a photosynthesizing kind of guy. I had to get real bored before I started cooking.
[In one timeline, Papyrus and Undyne- Sanji might get a glimpse of a skeleton and a fish-person in his mind's eye- tried to teach him how to make spaghetti. Despite the chaos that ensued, it's a more pleasant memory than Flowey's other ones.]
Ugh, did you see that, too? A guy can't think one thing... whatever.
Sorry for the delay, work sure was. Work
The mental disorientation does settle down when he makes physical contact with Flowey. Good to know. Wait. Flowey? As in a flower?
…he can’t judge. Being a pirate, Sanji’s been exposed to all sorts of wild names and titles. Also, more importantly…] Likewise. Now were you gonna do anything about being sopping wet?
[ The vulpix ‘tsks’ softly, pulling away to track down…something. Cloth. A big leaf will do, anything that can be used to dry the little guy off. It’s no wonder his memories are spilling over, sitting there wet and miserable as he is?? Damn. Sanji is just a little damp himself; maybe the memory crap really did have to do with the rain.
It would be easier to warm up with some hot drinks. But frankly, Sanji doesn’t know how to make them in this form, and he’s. Not even sure Flowey can drink them. (A faint memory slips over to Flowey, of preparing two mugs of hot chocolate in the pre-dawn hours, one drink absolutely smothered in whipped cream. He’d advise against this much sugar, but the way Chopper’s sleepy eyes light up at the sight…well, their doctor needed all the energy he could get-)]
Wha-huh? Haven’t had arms for awhile? How’s that work?? Shit, no wonder you’re just waiting to dry off like that. [Sanji does, in fact, locate something that looks like a blanket. He drags it over and tosses it at Flowey, then coming over to try and get it to wrap more securely around the seedling.] Ugh, don’t remind me. Not only was I bipedal, I was a chef. A damn good one too. Fat lot of good that does for me now that I’m stuck with paws. [Which is making the blanket situation interesting. But if he hooks his claw on this part here…there. Flowey burrito. Not covering the face of course, but should be warmer. He doesn’t quite realize it, but just being a fire type nearby offers its own ambient warmth.
He does, in fact, see the memory, and a gentle smirk plays across his muzzle. The skeleton reminds him of Brook, and Papyrus may end up with an Afro in a weird flickering crossover memory. Just for a second. And a fishman…woman.
And she’s not a mermaid…shame…Quite the pair. ] Yeah. Rain’s making privacy a luxury here, huh? It was interesting, though. I think the time my captain tried to make food, the spaghetti distinctly ended up splattered all over the wall. [(Such an image flickers by, accompanied by shouting from multiple people involved, a lot of smoke, and Luffy just giggling through it all. Can’t stay mad at that idiot. He was trying to help, since Sanji was sick…)He huffs, exasperated and amused, stretching out beside his companion.] Not bad for someone with no arms, though, I gotta say. Any particular reason a fishwoman and a skeleton wanted to teach a photosynthesizing guy like you how to make spaghetti?
no problem! i totally get it
And then Sanji actually does find some cloth. Flowey fusses a little as Sanji wraps him up, but soon, he's all bundled up and not shivering anymore.] You sure you just wanna give this to me? You're gonna wind up no better than I was. [That said, he's not going to ask this stranger to share with him. Too embarrassing. Sanji can figure out his own situation.
Flowey lets the memories wash over him. Chopper is interesting-- he's almost like a monster that he would've seen back in the underground. And the spaghetti incident almost perfectly overlaps with how his actual cooking sessions with Papyrus and Undyne ended. The afro is new, though.
Hey, it's like you said, pal, people must come up with some creative way to cook around here. And if not, just figure it out yourself and show 'em all. Isn't that what a 'damn good' chef would do? Heh... what you lost in arms, you made up for in tails, anyhow.
[He takes a moment to think of how he wants to respond to the question. Maybe it's better just to come out with it on his own terms than have Sanji learn through the rain. He hates talking about it, though.] About your question-- you want the long version or the short version? The short version is that I could eat, but didn't need to. The cooking was just because I was bored. Those two you saw were monsters, and they were my... "friends". [Notably, he says it with nearly audible quotation marks.]
And the long version is... [This memory isn't something he actually experienced so much as what he read in a book-- humans fear monsters, humans seal monsters underground, the king and queen of monsters have a son who was born without ever seeing the sky. A human falls underground...
... and then it's cut short by Sanji's memory from earlier of the tiny fists. Mercifully, the memory ends before it really begins.]
... the long version is really long. If you saw that just now, that was only the beginning.
mcthank you
The vulpix huffs, looking around for...hmmmm. Fireplace would be nice, but a lantern...that works. He drags it over with the handle in his teeth, then lights it with some coughed up embers. ] S’true. Asked around at the bakeries and restaurants before the rain got too bad. There are some pokémon that are more...well suited for cooking than this. Long knife-like claws, thumbs…but I got some ideas. [He stretches out, then settles down next to Flowey. Not so close to be considered “cuddling”, because hell no. Just keeping an eye on the flame next to the clearly flammable critter…he sighs.] Yeah, the tails. I dunno why any animal would need this many, they’re not even opposable!! [They’re a helpful tool that will come in handy later, Sanji, calm down.]
Hm. Well, not like we’re in a hurry. Not like the psychic rain stuff lets us choose anyway, huh? [Still, he quietly notes the fact that Flowey can eat. Even without needing to, there was joy in the action. Brook was proof enough of that, sobbing and happy to eat with people again, after surviving for 80 years on a deathly silent boat, surrounded by his dead crew. How did the skeleton eat or cry? Don’t think too hard about it. Sanji wonders if the boredom Flowey claims is like that isolation. But putting verbal quotations around ‘friends’…] Well it’s certainly a way to fight the boredom. Heh.
[And the long version seems damn complicated. Sounds like “monster” is a more literal sense in these stories he’s seeing. Not like what Chopper feared he was, what he became to protect them all.
It’s probably for the best that the memory is more in storybook form, as being sealed, imprisoned, underground is kind of still...it makes him nervous, to say the least. But on such a massive scale...a whole group of people, monsters? It’s crazy to imagine...he twitches when the memory of fists and cruelty and pain cuts back in. Was...that on a mass scale too?] So it’s like a whole history thing? That does seem long. And complicated. But it's not like we got anywhere to be anywhere fast.
[His eyes flick over to Flowey, before looking back to the fire.] I imagine you’re maybe kinda glad the humans aren’t really human here, huh? [He can relate a little. His own brothers looked pretty terrifying jeering at him from the other side of the prison bars. Human in shape, but monstrous in everything else. And not the good kind, like Chopper, or Luffy...]
no subject
I used to hate humans, but it was more Chara's thing than mine. [He mentions this 'Chara' with a somewhat forlorn familiarity.] I don't really care anymore. Some of them suck. Some don't suck...
[A memory of sharing cinnamon-butterscotch pie. Chara steals a bite from his plate. He reaches over to steal some of theirs.]
... as much. Heh.
Back where I came from, monsters and humans once lived together. Humans were way stronger, but with one exception: if a monster takes a human soul, it becomes super powerful, so they locked 'em all up underground.
Look, I'm not a history book. The short of it is that I... Chara and I... [He doesn't blame himself anymore. Not entirely, at least.] ... we tried to fix it, and we screwed up. And we both paid the price.
[Gunshots. Dust leaking from his body. Chara is in his mind, begging him to fight back, fight back, fight back--
Making it back home, past the barrier, and then it all goes white.]
Don't worry about it. I got better! Mostly. But after that... I had a lot of time on my hands. In a manner of speaking.
Anyway, there. You know my stupid sob story now. Tell me about you, or literally anything else.