memesofeternity | TEST DRIVE MEME

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TEST DRIVE MEME

A. RETRIEVAL

Dreams fade slowly, and awareness returns in increments. The hum of machinery, the smell of recycled air, the murmurs of others waking up around you.

The interior of the ship has been outfitted with cots for those Biggs and Wedge retrieve from the Dream Width. Outside of the makeshift infirmary, windows set into the walls of the worn lounge area offer a view of space.

It’s time to meet your fellow new arrivals who have been brought together on Biggs and Wedge’s airship. None of you know how you came to be here or where you are going, and the door to the cockpit is locked as the pilots focus on navigating the treacherous obstacles of the Dream Width. You might as well take this moment to introduce yourself to your fellow travelers.

B. CURTI CENTER

There’s an almost overwhelming aura of excitement in the tower as researchers rush to document this unprecedented number of interdimensional travelers. Over the commotion, the leaders of the Center struggle to explain, ‘Welcome to Vaikuntha. We don’t know why you’ve been brought here, but this is your new home.’

The staff will do their best to help the off-worlders settle in. They answer the questions they can, provide maps and pamphlets about the world and the destinations within it, and even guide the arrivals to a neighborhood where housing has been provided for you. Yes, due to the strange influx of arrivals, you’ll be expected to share, but the Curti staff are doing the best they can under the circumstances.

Experiences like these bring people together. Perhaps you are the only one here from your world, but at least you are not alone in this experience. Others are right beside you, learning the same information, planning trips to visit the same new cities, checking out these Job things, and settling in to their new (temporary) homes.

C. UP IN THE SKY

There’s a whole new world to explore. It’s almost enough to distract from the fact that there’s one place you can’t go- home.

You are on an Airship, the main mode of transportation between the major cities of Vaikuntha. While the majority are owned by airlines, perhaps you hitched a ride with a friend that has their own. You can go anywhere in a matter of hours — One can only hope you don’t have motion sickness.

D. GUILDS

Proud representatives of the Guild are lined up, ready to demonstrate their skills for the new initiates. Make sure to stay behind the designated line, this might get dangerous.

So you want a new Job? You'll have to first travel to the Guilds, sign the papers, go through the orientation and introductory lectures, and get basic training. Afterwards, you can freely chat and practice with your fellow members, celebrating your new powers, and checking out your new wardrobe.

E. LET'S BE ADVENTURERS

Separated from all of your material possessions, connections, and everything you know, and really, what you’re left with is time. Better try to make the most of it.

Enough expository banter. It's explorin' time. Maybe instead of spending every day in your room, you'd rather spend it living it up in the city of Lavode, or betting on Chocobo Races in Sparks Goldsaucia. Or maybe you'd rather go and explore the caves and ruins near Arito. With Airships and Chocobos at your disposal, you can go nearly anywhere!

F. SIDEQUESTS

Maybe you’re telling yourself, ‘I didn’t sign up for this.’ But wait, you did. At least it pays.

It all started when you checked the Quest Board. All you wanted was a few gil to spend, and here you are in the wild, hunting for a Malboro Vine. Or maybe you are in some ancient and decrepit ruins looking for an artifact. Or you could be asked to be janitor for a week. Consider yourself lucky though, at least you don't have to do that alone.

G. GET A JOB (THE OTHER KIND)

You’ve got a Job, but Claire keeps sighing and muttering about layabout space-people not earning their keep, so it might be time to seek out Employment as well.

There are plenty of opportunities to earn some gil in Vaikuntha, no matter where you choose to settle down. Your iMog slate includes listing for employment opportunities. Hopefully you can find something you can live with so that you can start saving up for an airship or the security payment for your permanent housing.

H. MOGNET

*Ding!* You’ve got Mog-Mail!

Thankfully, you can instantaneously chat with your friends around the world thanks to you iMog Slate. And unlike old-fashioned Moogle Letters, you can even send messages to everyone in a blink of an eye! However, despite the change in technology, the old tradition of Mognet Strikes have never gone away. Nobody knows any more whether the Moogles have legitimate reasons to go on strike or if they are just lazy. But today, Mognet is down, and to get information you have no choice but going to the public boards or risk message corruption and mishandling.

I. RANDOM ENCOUNTER

The ground trembles, and out of nowhere, something hostile appears! ~~Is that battle music playing?~~

You were minding your own business walking around, and suddenly monsters attacked you! Time to put to use the skills you've learned with your Jobs! Will you try to fight on your own or seek help? And remember, you die in random battle, you die FOR REAL. There’s no shame from running from enemies that are a higher level than you!

J. WILD CARD

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[It hasn't been that long for him, either - and he knew he was gone. He knew and he knew what will happen, yet he can't think about that now because he has to keep it together. Someone on this ship has to.

Prompto would notice: he has the same clothes on, the same ring on his right hand he did when Ignis told him to leave the three of them behind.]

I'm glad to see you, too.

[More than Prompto realizes, or maybe he does because he doesn't so much as fight that hug other than blink in surprise before returning it a second or two later as it registers. Even if he does make a bit of a face in doing so. Like a cat who really doesn't like to admit he likes being held.

It also makes keeping his emotions in check all the harder. He didn't have much time to spend in reflection before waking up in a cot as well.]

What brought this on? [He tries to sound a bit amused like he normally would, but after all that's happened the last few weeks it's... difficult.]

[Even if it hasn't been so long, Noct is gone and they don't know how long it's going to be before he gets back. He has to come back and it's dark out all the time and just, everything's gone to hell. He squeezes Noct and lets go.]

Well you know, uh, you had a thread on the back of your shirt. Loose. Loose thread. Got it!

[A lame excuse, but hopefully enough of one to lighten the mood between them, thick and full of unspoken sorrow.]

[Someone find out how long it takes to charge a ~~battery~~ ancient ring and get back to them on that. Right now, he's going to squeeze back and let go as well.]

Really. That's it? [He lightly taps Prompto's shoulder with a loose fist.] Well, thanks for saving me the scolding from Ignis. If he didn't hear that, anyway.

[He can almost hear that drawn out, quietly scolding "Noooooct" already. Which brings a faint smile to his face. For a moment, anyway.]

[He smiles at Noct a little and shrugs helplessly.]

Anything to save you from Iggy's wrath. Have you seen him?

[If he's kidnapped somewhere, at least he's not alone, that's a small comfort. It's just everything has connotations to it now, and he's pretty sure he's unarmed, something he's not going to dwell on because the last time he was it didn't end very well.]

Yeah. Was just with him when I noticed you woke up. [He nods in the direction he came from.] No sign of Gladio, though.

[He's worried about that, but hopefully it means at least one of them isn't caught up in whatever they've gotten themselves into.]

No sign of him?

[He should be worried.]

I was just with him. I mean we were in the tent the...the three of us.

[But things were already awkward. He wasn't great company and the other two felt the loss as much as Prompto did. They're all kind of at a loss, Prompto thinks.]

None, but I guess it means whatever this is... he hasn't gotten wrapped up in it, too.

[How the hell did they get him from inside the Crystal? He's curious. Though he pauses,gaze solely on his best friend as he let that detail slip.]

... So you remember. The Crystal.

[Him screaming bloody murder in the distance; in a rage that Prompto likely never heard leave his throat before, as the Light dragged him into itself. To the Draconian and away from the Keep.]

Uh, yeah I remember.

[Which is kind of why the hug because dude, you left them to get sucked into a crystal and it's barely been any time but they had to leave him behind.

Prompto doesn't like it, not one bit.]

You're not...haven't missed much.

[Keep it light, that's all.]

Of course you would. [What is he thinking?] I ask because Ignis doesn't seem to.

[Yeah, Prompto? You're getting a hand on your shoulder. One he doesn't mind if you turn into a second hug.]

...Home can wait for now. [As much as he doesn't want it to.] Was about to go looking for anyone who might have a clue what's going on.

[Especially since it's like Ignis lost an hour or so compared to them. At least.]

Oh. Really? That's kind of...

[Weird. Confusing. What happened there?]

Home can wait? [That's even more confusing, but if Prompto's arms find their way around Noct's middle, squeezing him gently. It's definitely hug-like.]

Noct...things are just. You have to come back. Please?

[Prompto is worried about the darkness. It's been dark since Noct has gone.]

I don't really know what's going on.

Weird? Yeah.

[Don't look at him, buddy. He has no idea. His breath hitches ever so slightly though, at both that question and how Prom's arms squeeze around him.]

I know. And I will. [When they're back on Eos and Bahamut thinks he's ready. ~~Worst babysitter 0/10 do not recommend~~] But right now we need to find out where here is and where we're going.

[Because that sure is the sound of an engine purring and also a view of the stars from outer space outside the large windows in the lounge.]

And- I guess we have some catching up to do. Later.

[When they're not surrounded by people they don't know.]

[They do need to find out where they are and where they are going and how to get back to Eos. Noct is being logical, and Prompto knows it. He sighs and lets go again.

He hasn't looked out the windows, and really if he's floating in the air somewhere? He doesn't want to.]

Yeah. Okay. Later.

[Prompto gives him a small smile, he can still do that, even if he's uneasy, and nervous.]

Hey, will you let me know what they say?

[If he doesn't need to talk to strangers, all the better, after all what are best friends for?]

[One of them has to, and he may be mostly on autopilot right now. Trying more to be the king they need than focus on... just about anything else. That's perfectly fine and healthy, right?

... Except that little question stirs a tiny bit of mischief in his eyes.]

Oh, sure. No problem at all.

[He waves it off. Like he wouldn't tell Prompto what they say. Though he does stop for a second, raising an eyebrow.]

Sure you want to be left alone here, though?

[With even more strangers, that is?]

[Noctis is the king, and he's gone all kingly lately and Prompto is totally fine with that. He's not the king. ~~Best excuse to avoid social situations!~~]

Uh...well...

[He doesn't have to socialize does he? Because he's not very good company at the moment. He's so jumpy and skittish.]

No I'm good, I'll come with.

[Hiding in the bed he woke up in probably wouldn't save him, would it?]

[He waits patiently as Prompto deliberates, trying to hide that smirk on his face. Yeah, that's what he figured.]

Right. And you can always hide behind me.

[It really wouldn't. And while he's not as big as Gladio, he's still easily a good, shorter wall to hide behind. ~~And then he went red mage/ninja and was thus a squiiiish...~~]

[It's not as though Noctis didn't know what his answer would be, they've known each other too long for it to be a surprise.]

I'm not hiding! [It's a small protest.] I'm just letting you take the lead!

[He aims a punch at Noct's arm for that. At least he has that whole inch for standing behind, not hiding, obviously.]

[Oh, he knew exactly what his answer would be. And it's the one he wanted, too. Just a brief moment to pull them both out from under that rain cloud hovering over them menacingly.]

Whatever you say.

[He doesn't even move to dodge it; no automatically doing so, either. He couldn't even if he tried. But he laughs as that punch connects, despite the little 'ow' that preceded it.

He takes the lead, looking around for anyone who seems a little less confused than the general populous of the infirmary.]

[So manipulative Noct. Just wait until he sneaks a vegetable into your meal and takes a picture of that gotcha moment.

Revenge will be swift.]

I do say it.

[If he focuses on Noct, he'll freak out less. That's always better than him freaking out because he thinks better when his mind is clear. He walks beside him, looking around for someone who knows what they're doing.]

I couldn't dream of lying to the king, right?

[So little respect on the title. If they were paying him to be respectful, he'd have to quit his job.]

[Oh, it will be so on if you do that, Prompto. Besides, it's not like he's doing it to be malicious. Just to help get a certain chocobo butt out of his funk.

The prank wars of 2018, go~]

Well, maybe you wouldn't.

[He smirks, grateful for that bit of disrespect. If Prompto was 'respectful' about it he'd start worrying about a certain ancestor of his again.

Still, he's not seeing anyone. Just a lot of confused people. So instead, he focuses on anything that might resemble a map or noticeboard.]

[It's going to be real amusing when Noctis is eating secret vegetables. There's no doubt that he can get Ignis to help him. It will so be on.]

Maybe. Man, you know what sucks?

[Because he's nervous so he's going to ramble to distract himself and it's going to be about stupid nonsense.

Noctis is so lucky.]

I can't have any blackmail on you because you have all the blackmail on me too.

[He grumbles a little.] Also, half the stuff we'd get in trouble for we did together.

[Prompto he is so going to draw on your face for that. ~~Like Ignis doesn't do that secret veggies thing, anyway.~~]

Huh, what?

[Noct pauses, turning slightly towards him as he rambles on and on. He's so lucky and Prompto likely doesn't realize just how much. he'll take that rambling and really just, you know, enable it.]

Whatever will we do about that...

[He smirks.]

Well, clearly we're going to have to work on it. [Will probably have plenty of time for it, too. Depending on how long they're stuck wherever they're going.]

[All that sleeping, you can bet he can find a bowl of warm water, a feather and some shaving cream, for no real reason at all.]

Nah, it's better to have you to do things with. More fun.

[He grins and tries not to be to unnerved about the whole being kidnapped, not knowing where he is thing. For the third time. He'll talk Noct's ear off if that's what he wants because he doesn't know for how long he's going to miss him when they get back.]

[Someone better be prepared for a bucket of one part water and one part glitter over their bedroom door one morning. That's all Noct's saying. For no reason at all. ~~Do they even HAVE glitter in Vaikuntha?~~]

Heh, fair. Though who knows? Some things just happen.

[No, he totally isn't plotting something. What're you-

And he stops. Pointing up ahead.]

Is that a map on the wall?

[Plastic wrap on the toilet seat, is a thing that could happen, by some unseen mysterious force.]

Sure they do. Funny enough since high school these things just happen to happen while you're around. Why do you think that is?

[Is Noct a bad influence?]

Uhhh, yeah, looks like it. Where do you think we are? [A pause, and he swallows.] Gralea?

[You do realize that Ignis will make you clean that one up. Especially if he gets caught in the crossfire with that one. Riiiight?]

Funny, because I was gonna say the same thing about when you're around.

[They both are. To each other. RIP Ignis' remaining sanity.]

Doubt it. Never found a map when I got separated from Ignis and Gladio. [Though the similarities in decor - minus all the lacking imperial symbology - is kind of... well, off-putting.

He walks over to investigate it.]

Looks like some kind of map for a ship. [It even has a nice "you are here" sticker on it. Isn't that sweet?

What he doesn't notice is that there's a note tacked on at the bottom. Most of it is in chicken scratch and certainly not in Lucian or any sort of Eosian text.]

TEST DRIVE MEME

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