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pedalbike2020-08-29 10:30 am
upcyclingmod) wrote in pedalbike2020-08-29 10:30 am
Entry tags:
First TDM: Sterile Blues
Welcome to the Test Drive Meme.
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Not all characters (known as Wickie, singular or Wickies, plural) arrive at the same time, surprisingly enough! That’s life for you. Some Wickies find their way to the island at a pivotal (or very mundane) point in their life, or even after or during their death.
Wickies who were standing or walking often find themselves entering the town South Sister, located on Lighthouse Isle, through an open doorway. Those that were laying down, or sleeping, tend to be found lying prone in beds, bathtubs, showers, couches, and similar places within the cottages on Cottage Row. There’s no rhyme or reason to it all! To Wickies familiar with the era, they will realize that everything looks as if it’s come from the ‘90s.
The house which a Wickie finds themselves within could already be occupied. This includes walking into a fellow Wicke, waking up in the same location, or accidentally scaring a room full of people with their sudden appearance.
Oops.
After arriving, Wickes will find that food and water are easy enough to come by, as they can be readily found in the various houses which populate Lighthouse Isle. Medical supplies, on the other hand, are not so easily acquired. Bandaids and other simple trappings can be pilfered from the odd medical cabinet, but otherwise you’re on your own.
Thankfully, if a Wickie or their friend are in need of medicine or a pair of trauma shears, while you won’t find a full-fledged hospital on the island, there is a clinic. The clinic, named Sister’s Helpers, is like the rest of the buildings in town. Its appearance is well kept, and the doors are unlocked. Whether the Wickie goes in through the windows (because they can), or through the front door like most would, they’ll find that the clinic’s interior is crisp, clean, and orderly. There are plastic chairs, a desk where a receptionist would sit, white walls, but then—
There’s a sound. It could be mistaken for a breeze, at first. But as the sound goes on, it becomes more obvious that the ‘breeze’ is an exhale, prolonged and forced. At the end, there’s a murmur, professional and assuring.
“That’s good. Breathe.”
And with that, the clinic becomes awash in shades of blue. Sister’s Helpers itself hasn’t become warped in any way. There is only monochromatic coloring which, upon further realization, is not truly in the building, but a problem with their vision. Leaving without investigating further will mean having blue vision for the next twenty-four hours.
But for Wickies who choose to stay and explore, there is a chance at clearing their vision. This is is especially difficult for those who have a history of not taking care of their injuries. Gradually, it becomes more difficult to walk, as if there are weights on their feet. For Wickies are especially guilty of not tending to their wounds, their movements will become even more sluggish, and weight will settle on their arms and chest, forcing the worst of offenders into a crawl as they explore from room to room.
Laying on the patient beds will alleviate the situation for a short amount of time. The cure, however, will come from characters taking the supplies which they need for themselves and not for others.
If the Wickie fails this, over the course of an hour they will be crushed to death, and will eventually wake up outside of the clinic. Their vision stuck in shades of red with a weakness in their limbs for the next twenty four hours.
The Wickie’s only cure for that is either taking medical supplies for themselves or by doing some form of self care.
It’s the middle of the night when all the Wickies are jarred awake from sleep by the blare of a broken siren. Wailing into the dark, the siren functions as a foghorn might, warning of hazardous conditions to come. Beneath Wickies feet, the ground trembles, pulsating once. Twice. Three times. And again, and again until—
The world changes, and it is no longer the foggy island the Wickies knew.
Ash falls steadily from above, blanketing the ground, and at first glance it can be mistaken for snow. Whether by scent, by touch, or even by taste (an option for the brave, the bold, the few), the truth of the ‘snowfall’ can be easily revealed. It is strange, though, that there are no signs of fire in the vicinity. In fact, there doesn’t seem to be much of anything at all. There’s still no sign of the mainland. There are no buildings in this desolate place, either.
Lighting in this new landscape is hazy and sullen, but still conducive to exploring despite it being the dead of night just moments ago. But while Wickies walk, there’s a growing feeling of foreboding. There’s something… something else with them.
And it conceals itself in the ash.
It attacks by lashing out to grab at the ankles and the calves, attempting to drag the unsuspecting victim down, to somewhere far deeper and hidden by billowing piles of ash. It’s easy to save a Wickie from the pull, so long as they’re quickly freed from their assailants grasp. Retrieving someone out of the ash itself is nigh impossible, though.
Grabbed Wickies who lived to tell the tale, may find themselves bitten. The stalkers in the ash sink their teeth into the foot or calf of their prey, leveraging the force of their bite to take down their target. And once there’s blood, more of these creatures will be attracted to the smell.
If a Wickie is clever or strong enough to draw the stalkers out of the ash, they will find that the attackers are shark-like people. Most of their head consists of oversized jaws housing an impossible amount of teeth, and lacking any eyes. Their bodies are covered in ashen chitin and bone, with elongated feet and thin, taloned fingers. These Ash Sharks do not like being exposed, and will respond accordingly.
Ash Sharks cannot be reasoned with. Trapping one in ropes, magic, or other means will elicit angry shrieks which will attract other Ash Sharks, either to eat the trapper, or trapped, or both if they can. Being dragged completely under the ash will start a feeding frenzy, and the Ash Shark will proceed to rip and tear chunks out of its prey.
In dying, Wickies will reset to a random location within the ash filled fields, completely intact but for a purpling bruise where the initial bite took place.
Good luck.
There’s a beeping alert on all Wickie’s smartphones that refuses to stop until a particular notification is read. The notification is for something called the Heart Game (which, yes, looks annoying, overly bright, and cheesy). And surprise! The game opens up automatically with a loud ping!
The game begins (and ends!) with a question, one which will not go away even if you try to close out of it or shut off your smartphone. It reads:
It’s time for everyone's favorite game! Confession! Heeeeere is today’s question which you must confess!
What is… the scariest thing you’ve experienced? It can be anything!
ferdinand von aegir | fire emblem: three houses
I
[How odd. Well-all of this was odd, from walking through a random door, to watching some random person wearing odd clothes playing with rocks and flowers.
But it might explain the activity in the first place. Carefully, Caren squatted, trying to get to his level. (She was likely shorter then Ferdinand, but still).]
I don't see any particulates but please. What seems to be the problem?
[At least she knew enough medical things to offer an opinion.]
no subject
Well, you may not believe this, as I am not so sure that I believe it myself... but I cannot seem to see any other color than blue. It is all I see.
[ He feels fine otherwise, which is what makes it so confusing, though there is an underlying fear that he's been poisoned. Is this just a preliminary effect before he actually starts dying? The thought makes the crease in his brows deepen, but he keeps looking about his surroundings regardless. ]
It is the strangest thing! However, as I am not from these parts, I know not whether this is some sort of prank or common spell from this region. If you could enlighten me, I would be grateful.
[ ... this person must be from around here, right? Naturally, he assumes most of the people around in curious looking clothes and speaking in such different ways must be natives to this place. ]
no subject
More important was hearing Ferdinand's plight. Which was...enough for her to lean back for a moment, startled, before settling back into a more normal sitting position.]
I'm no mage, but sometimes the simplest answers can be the right ones, and do not need a magic cure.
[That may be a clue.]
If you're not usually colorblind or color deficient...would you mind telling me how it started?
no subject
There was the strangest whisper in my ear when I was standing inside there, searching for an authority figure of some sort, [ He gestures to the clinic which is not at all too far away. ] Then it all happened at once, if you can imagine. This is why I am inclined to believe it may be some sort of magic rather than a medical problem.
[ Perhaps what he heard had been an incantation? Very puzzling. ]
no subject
[She took a few more moments to stare at his eyes, his face, before nodding, and pushing herself up and onto her feet properly.]
But the words were likely the start of the spell. And while it may not be wise...your solution may be inside. It seems the most logical thing, if that's where it started.
[She shrugged, her gaze moving to the medical building. It didn't seem sinister- just a normal building.
Guess nothing was what it seemed.]
I can go with you, if you'd like.
no subject
[ Still kneeling, he gives a little half bow, the picture of polite nobility. He feels badly that he's already bothering someone with his strange issues, afterall, and he doesn't want to interrupt her day further! Ferdinand gives a genuine smile, despite still looking distantly confused over his predicament, and moves to rise to his feet. ]
Unless you are also in search of answers, as I am, as a foreigner to this place. In that case, I would be happy to accompany you.
no subject
[She's not used to such noble gestures, not geared towards her. It shows in the small pause, the startled look in her eyes before she moves on.]
I'm also in search of answers, and perhaps if it's both of us inside, we can be of help to each other.
Shall we?
ii
(She doesn't know what she expected when she'd woken up to an ashen world but being suddenly grabbed at by the ankle was definitely not on her list. She'd expected something more on the level of a Faceless or Stoneborn coming head on. This had been sneakier and come for her feet while she was looking ahead.
She kicks and tries to pull herself away but it's not much use until someone comes to her aid. She closes her eyes just as the lance makes contact and she can feel a splatter of blood at her legs and the sand around her. Her eyes are still shut tight even as she flails to try and grab Ferdinand's hand which she eventually finds, holding on tightly,)
Th-thank you! (Truly! She's so relieved but also,) I'm sorry, I-I was caught off guard. I should have been paying attention...!
(And now she's hurt and she can't heal herself. Great, Sakura.)
no subject
There is no need to apologize. I do not think anyone could expect this. [ His careful eyes remain trained on the where he thinks the beast may have slithered beneath the ash, unsure of the creature could survive a blow like that. He won't gamble on it. ] But, we should make haste and escape, before another comes. Are you able to walk...?
[ It's only then that he allows his eyes to survey the damage of her wound, brow furrowing in an open and heartfelt concern. He hesitates to let go of her hand, thinking she may be unable to walk on an ankle torn open. The distance between here and a nearby (hopefully abandoned) cottage is not far - but Ferdinand finds himself feeling nervous not knowing just how many of these things lie swimming about beneath the shifting ash. ]
no subject
This means letting go and kneeling down to get a look at her leg. It's bleeding and she can tell that that whatever bit her, there quite a few teeth. She can't really wonder about it anymore than that though and she reaches to grab the ribbon from her hair and wrap it around her ankle tightly like a bandage. She works quickly, like someone who's done this many times before, and she stands up again.
It still hurts if she's being honest but,)
I'll be okay. Please, d-don't worry about me.
(She won't be a burden in this situation,)
I can still help.
(Not that she's made the most convincing first impression and she tries to explain,)
I-I can't heal myself but... I'm a healer. And I know some other magic too...!
no subject
[ Well, he supposes that's good for the both of them - in the sense that he's sure these dastardly beasts won't like a helping a magic as much as they'd like a lance to the head. Ferdinand spares a moment to try and discern what region she may be from— out of Fódlan, by the looks of her clothes, but he knows not where. Her quick actions to tourniquet her leg lead him to believe she's not a complete stranger to battle, either, which is good knowledge to have as well! ]
Regretfully, I have no skill in the arts of magic myself, but I shall help take care of the wound when we make our way back to a place that is more safe— [ More out of instinct than anything else, Ferdinand suddenly lunges his lance into a pile of ash a bit ahead of them, akin to someone fishing in a clear pond. The tip strikes a shark that had been hiding far below, and the resulting shriek dies out quickly as the creature struggles to free itself. ] — Does that sound amenable to you?
no subject
Correct.
(A diviner of sorts, which is similar enough to a mage. In turn, she has to look over Ferdinand. She supposes he could be from Nohr but something about his appearance seems... different.
She jumps! Ferdinand moves so quickly, she barely has any time to respond herself. Surely, he must be a skilled knight.)
Eep! I mean... (Breathe) Y-yes. Thank you.
(It's probably best to switch from healing to more offensive magic right now. What she produces is a set of thin, wooden plaques.
She's ready to support! And she'll let Ferdinand lead the way. )
ii
One of those shrieks had been particularly loud, however, and instinctively, his head had snapped in its direction. It was then that he felt something shift, and then, something sharp grabbed at his pant leg, barely missing the skin of his calf and pulling him down onto his back. With a startled yell, he'd tried to swat at whatever was pulling him down, but he couldn't see his attacker well enough to know what was happening. Regrets started to race through his mind, how he couldn't believe this bizarre nightmare would be how his life ended and how his friends would never know what became of him.
Then, just when things are seeming their most desperate, someone comes to his rescue. It takes Keiichi a second to process what just happened as he looks up at the tall, young man—certainly older than him, though—offering him an outstretched hand. His clothing, the way he handles himself... he looks like something out of a fantasy work, exactly the sort of person who would come save the day. ]
A-ah! Right! Thank you!
[ Realizing that he shuffling ash fast approaching him must be another creature coming at him, he grabs the man's hand with one of his own and allows himself to be pulled upward before the creature has a chance to strike. He grips the handle of the bat with such a tightly packed fist that his knuckles turn white. Only a second later, whatever had attacked him is devoured by the other creature, a spray of blood smattering across the ash's surface before the feeding frenzy stops as quickly as it had began. ]
no subject
[ Ferdinand can't help but exhale a little breathless shock at the merciless devouring of... whatever had just tried to harm this young man. These creatures are cannibalistic? Or there are many different things below? How horrific - and he's seen his fair share of horrific things on and off the battlefield, but he has to say this is the first he's seen of a beast acting this way. Obviously, he doesn't want to get eaten by a mystery monster, nor does he want his companion to either, so he's quick to snap out of it and adapt, eyes flicking down to the other's leg. ]
There is no need to thank me! The more important matter is— were you harmed? It seems these foul beasts are on the hunt.
[ Ferdinand lets go of the young man's hand once he's pulled him up back atop the loose ash, if only so he can hold his own weapon more firmly, with practiced and firm ease. He doesn't make eye contact with the young man - not out of rudeness, but rather, because his eyes remain trained on the blood staining the ash, watching for more movement. ]
no subject
He stands with his back to Ferdinand's, his head turning to check the corners of his vision. He hasn't been in enough life-threatening situations for it to come as instinct to him, but he's been in enough of them to know that it's best to have overlapping fields of vision. He hold the bat with both hands at the ready, as if he's had to use it to defend himself before. ]
Yeah, I'm fine, thanks to you. It just barely missed my leg.
[ He shudders as he hears another animalistic shriek off in the distance. Everything about this feels like a nightmare, aside from the heroic individual coming to his rescue. ]
What are these things? I've never even heard of monsters like this...!
no subject
[ That is, of course, the only explanation he can come up with. Perhaps the fauna of this area are just like this? He hates it here already! However, he keep his lance at the ready, the blood from the initial threat dripping off of it as he holds it out. ]
But, nevertheless, if you are unharmed, I can escort you to— [ His eyes flick about their surroundings, ] That cottage there. I am sure it is abandoned. As there is no way of knowing how many lurk beneath, I am afraid it would better to retreat, for now.
[ As if on cue, something shifts beneath the ash around them, as if circling them. But Ferdinand remains undeterred, following the movement while keeping his back to the other. He isn't sure what the young man is holding— a club of some sort? — but he'd vastly prefer to keep someone so young from fighting if he can manage it. He's definitely feeling responsibility for protecting this young man's life. ]
ii
he grabs on with surprising strength for someone with a lanky build like his-- thank the gods for reinforcement magecraft, really. once he's pulled to safety, however, he doesn't really seem to be in pain, despite the very visible bite marks and the blood that's pooling on the ground.
perhaps it's shock? ]
Woah, that was...terrifying! Like right out of a movie! T-thank you?!
no subject
Please, there is nothing to thank me for. Especially when you are wounded so! You can save your thanks until I have helped you to safety.
[ And even then, Ferdinand does not find this act anything to really be thanked for - it's just something he should do naturally, because it's the right thing. His only regret is that he could not have gotten to this man faster. He doesn't let go of the other's hand, stepping in closer instead. ]
Here, lean on my shoulder. You should not put pressure on your leg with it in that condition.
IV
Considering they brought us here against our will, I doubt it.no subject
To whom are you referring?
Are you not the one who originally wrote this message?