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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!
from tunnels deep
[Ingo has been patrolling the edges of the fog. It's a compromise, with himself and with Emmet; they were both shaken by what happened in their last forest mission, but Ingo can't just stay in the safety of town forever. He has to help, especially when there are lost passengers!
The Typhlosion's collar is bright with ghostly purple flames, lighting his way as he follows the Sunkern's voice. He's never seen one in person before; it's far too cold for them in Hisui.]
Hello! My name is Ingo! I am part of the guilds, back in the town here - I can help. Are you alright?
[His face is set in a severe-looking frown, but he sounds friendly!]
no subject
[It seems he's still on edge from being chased around by Digletts and Dugtrios. Despite his strong words, he sounds rather... juvenile. His voice is like a child's.]
... What are you waiting for? J-just get it over with!
no subject
[Ingo knows what he looks like, and how he's often speaking louder than he realizes. This isn't exactly the first time something like this has happened - even if it's the first time eating people has been suggested. He's never quite had to deal with it in this shape, though. After a moment, he lays carefully down onto his belly, resting his chin on his forepaws.]
I apologize. I would only like to help you out of this place. It is dangerous here!
[Neither his face nor voice really changes at all. He may just look like that.]
no subject
[He looks at Ingo, then at himself.] ... What are you, anyway? What are we, for that matter? [This is all definitely new to him.]
no subject
[He's genuinely a bit distressed to have frightened someone quite that much! But, yes, some information would likely help.]
We are Pokemon! My species is Typhlosion, and you are a Sunkern! I am from another world, like you, and we are all transformed when we are brought here! I was a human being, before this - I suppose one might say I still am in many ways! Ah, but that is philosophical. Shall we go? This place is truly not safe.
no subject
... Yeah, let's get out of here. And, uh. Thanks.
[If Ingo begins to escort Flowey away, then Flowey will hop after him. His mobility options are rather limited.]
So! A human turned into a monster, huh? I bet that's been a rough adjustment.
no subject
[He'll start to lead the way, walking quite slowly to compensate. He's become quite used to doing that, considering how much larger he is than many Pokemon here.]
A monster...? [Not a term he would use, but he thinks he gets the idea?] Well, yes, I suppose so! I am fortunate in that Pokemon exist in my world, so at the very least I knew what I was and what abilities I had! That isn't the case for most people here! Though it did not make learning to move about with such a different body any easier...and when I arrived, it was by falling directly into the ocean!
[So, you know, better learn how to swim with your new weird form really fast!]
no subject
[And he thought he had it bad. He wouldn't want to figure out how to swim now, especially with no limbs.]
What were Pokemon like in your world, then? Did you humans and Pokemon get along?
no subject
[Not having to spend your days scrabbling for resources helps a lot! Besides which, there are techniques that wild Pokemon don't just magically learn, and having a coach is always helpful for training and strategizing.]
My brother says that everyone gets along even better, in the future. He is - there was time travel, he is from the future. I know that sounds strange.
[Faintly apologetic. It always feels like dropping some kind of conversational bomb, turning it entirely towards his own life, but at the same time it is rather difficult to simply not mention it.]
no subject
... You've got me curious, though. Your brother's from the future? How did that happen? Does that make you from the past?
[He turns all of this information over in his mind, so far. These monsters- 'Pokemon'- and humans are at odds, but the Pokemon enjoy battling. It's... so similar, but so different from his world.]
no subject
[And, well, if Flowey is interested, Ingo supposes there's no reason to be vague about it.]
I evidently lived in that time with him, and then something happened that caused me to travel into the past! But whatever it was caused amnesia as well - at least, I assume they were connected - so I do not actually know what happened. He does not either...as far as he knew, I simply disappeared one day.
no subject
Actually... Say, buddy. You ever heard of something called 'determination'?
no subject
[Even if he were returned to Hisui, he's not really sure what he would do about it at this point? He already searched the area he was found. If there was any evidence of what happened to him, it's long gone by now. But, it's certainly true that they should probably take it one mystery at a time.]
I have heard of the word? If it has a greater meaning than that, no, I do not know it.
no subject
... 'Determination' is the power to change fate. At least where I come from!
A human with significant determination can hold on for a bit after death... and sometimes, even, go back. Can you ever remember feeling like you just can't give up? Or, has a particular moment ever felt like a tether, like you could just go back if you reached for it? [It sounds like he's speaking from experience.]
Probably a slim chance! Sounds like humans and monsters- Pokemon, that is- didn't work the same way in your world. But, who knows?
no subject
Oh...well, I feel as though I have been determined in the past, but certainly nothing like that! Strong enough to overcome death itself? That is something quite special indeed! I do not know that I could, even if it did exist in my world - though, in any case, I've never heard of such a thing happening.
[But maybe he wouldn't? It probably wouldn't be common.]
no subject
[His face twitches. He looks out into the fog as if remembering something.] Yeah... don't take that for granted.
no subject
[But there is a little hesitation. Things are...fine? He thinks? Things are fine with Emmet.]
I had not known I had a brother at all before arriving here. And we are twins, at that! Very strange.
no subject
... Truthfully, he wants to escape this conversation as fast as possible, but just wandering off by himself sounds like an easy way to die. Maybe he can change the subject.]
Well, you seem really capable. The guilds you mentioned sure are lucky to have you!
no subject
[Ingo isn't exactly sorry to brush past that topic himself!]
I am not sure it's fair to compare, when I know so much more about what Pokemon I am and how things work here to begin with! The other new arrivals have certainly made great strides as they have settled in! I imagine someone will have our first evolution soon - some Pokemon can evolve into new and more powerful forms, though not all. I cannot go any farther myself.
no subject
no subject
[He'd rather have that than nothing at all! Though, it seems rude to say so to someone who currently has nothing at all.]
You will need to find a special stone to achieve it, though. A Sun Stone!
no subject
Well, anything's better than nothing.]
Hah. How ironic. [He doesn't elaborate on this.] Thanks, big guy! You've been super helpful! Maybe once we get back to town, we'll stay in touch? [He tries to sound casual about it. Having at least one person who doesn't hate him is also better than nothing.]