TEST DRIVE MEME

[eternitymods]

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 Feeling inspired to create your own prompt? The power is yours!

Comments

[euphemia]

[ There was so much to learn and understand about the job of being a White Mage. The responsibility and required study necessary was something she overlooked, but it was too late to change her mind. She was dedicated to fulfilling this job if only because of what she learned of it. They were the healers, the protectors, and even capable of reviving the dead. The dead. Immediately her thoughts went to the deceased in her family. What if she could bring them back? Even more, she could prevent Lelouch from suffering similarly.

It took a bit of time to find a size that fitted her, but once she was properly dressed, Euphemia set out of the guild garbed and ready to take on her new duty. It was not quite as eloquent as the gown that she traded over, but it was still a remarkable outfit made of white and gold trimmings. Her mog was not far behind her, listening as she rambled off all the things she learned and was excited to achieve. Lelouch would no doubt hear her approach by her delighted glee. ]

Lelouch! [ She calls out after spotting him from afar then stops to allow him a chance to see her new attire. ] I am officially... a White Mage!

[likewishes]

[ To be fair, Lelouch hadn't really had any issues with taking up his own job. The Tactician job suits him nicely, even if he won't be able to quickly get rid of nuisances. It's definitely a job that requires one to think several steps ahead and be patient. Good thing that Lelouch is skilled at both of them.

Hearing Euphemia before seeing her? Yeah, Lelouch can. It's hard not to when the girl is yammering on and on excitedly. Such a thing brings a small smile to his features as he stands up. ]

Congratulations.

[ It's odd to see her in robes instead of her usual dresses, but it's not really a bad thing. This is what she wants... ]

Should we go celebrate?

[euphemia]

Ah... Celebrate? But I didn't do anything special ... at least not yet! I still have a long ways to go before I can even say I understand what I'm doing.

[ She beams! Overly excited to show her brother how to use her magic. And in comes the stave as she clutches it. ]

May I have the honor of demonstrating my new abilities, Lelouch?

[likewishes]

I think that goes for any of us just learning our jobs. It's still an accomplishment to decide to go through with it, right?

[ She is pretty excited. It's kind of sweet and just like Euphy to be like this. The mention of 'demonstrating' though has him doing a double take. ]

You're not asking me to go find a monster or something just so you can show off your healing skills, are you?

[euphemia]

Um... [ Yes. ] I would never put you in harms way, Lelouch. [ But... ] How else will I learn?

[likewishes]

You do realize that the one I will be depending upon most will be you, right?

[ Just thought to say that. She is the healer class after all. Victory conditions are actually going to be very heavily dependent upon Euphemia. It's not like Lelouch doesn't trust her with his life. He does. Mostly. ]

[euphemia]

[ Hearing that only makes her smile. It also worries her just a bit. It felt nice to know he would depend on her for a change. But in the same vein, it also gave her little room for error. Her smile dims just a little as she observes her stave. After a beat, she stands straight with a firm resolve. ]

I won’t let you down.

[likewishes]

[ He doesn't say it to make her worry. Just so that she realizes that it's no small task for him to just put his life in her hands. Well, whatever his life is worth at this point anyway. ]

You never do, really. [ Insert faint smile here. ] Just in case, let's get prepared before handling something small.

[ Tests! Lelouch needs some field data anyway. ]

[euphemia]

[ Obviously, his life was worth protecting for her to even choose this job. No one would ever have to die again ... at least here. ]

Mm! Where will we head next? [ And now she was back to full smile. It was too exciting. ]

[likewishes]

[ She really doesn't stay down for long. Lelouch will give Euphemia credit. Once she has made up her mind she isn't one to give up or back down. There are times she acts older than she is but then there's that smile and underlying excitement that is unmistakably young.

Such a princess. And Lelouch isn't at all exasperated by it. Much. ]

A shop, I think. A few potions and ethers should be enough.

[ Just in case something does go wrong. ]

[euphemia]

A shop! Yes, a shop. That's a good idea! I hear they keep potions that will help with endurance and stamina!

[ She's very specific about why she suggests that and smiling. ]

Do you think we have enough... ah, funds? I'm so confused on how money works here. How will we earn a living?

[likewishes]

[ Now THAT comment merits a withering glance. ]

What is that supposed to mean? Surely it's not aimed at me.

[ Careful what you say here, Euphy. Lelouch is now wondering if it would be a viable idea to just scare her a little with the monsters they could go out and practice on. He wouldn't put her in danger of course, but there are plenty of tricks he could play. ]

We should be all right for now. Just leave the finances to me.

[ Look, he'll go back to gambling if it's necessary. ]

[euphemia]

Neither you or I know what to expect out there. It is best we get a little of everything if we are testing. It would do no good if either of us could not continue due to something we weren’t prepared for. [ And it’s Lelouch. She knows her brother better than anyone here. It wasn’t meant to be malicious but said out of concern. Whatever precautions they can take are important. Still she leaves out the part of it being him, he doesnt need to hear that nor does she believe he needs it. Much. ]

But with you to help train, I know I will be just fine. [ Nothing could go wrong. ]

[likewishes]

[ Oh everyone is aware that it hadn't been malicious. Even Lelouch knows this. He is just somewhat sensitive when it comes to potential teasing.

Then he sighs, shoulders sagging just a little. ]

I didn't think anything would require physical exertion due to our jobs being magic oriented. You're right, of course.

[ Euphy you flatterer. ]

Do you know where to find them?

[euphemia]

[ There is a smile until it dims a bit and turns to worry. ]

I’m afraid I don’t. I haven’t explored enough of the area to familiarize myself with everything. It’s ... different.

[likewishes]

[ Really, that's nothing to worry about. Lelouch holds his arm out for Euphy to take. ]

One thing at a time. We can always ask around too.

[euphemia]

[ In the same fluid motion when he offers his arm does Euphy wrap her arms around his extended one. An almost natural and synced response. But her lack of preparation has not wiped the concern off her brow. If she doesn’t think things through more throughly next time, it might be their last. A quiet battle of remaining optimistic while sad for the future left her countenance alll over the place. ]

Right. Of course. We can always use more allies in the process.

[likewishes]

[ "More allies." Good thing he is in perfect control of his expressions. Lelouch doesn't actually like the idea of seeking people out and relying on their talents or lack thereof. He needs more time to access who could possibly be an advantage for them.

Knowing Euphy though... She'll find someone to drag along with them soon enough. ]

When you meet someone you want to come with us, you'll let me know?

[euphemia]

You will be the first to know. [ She smiles. The meeting others part just as exciting as her new job. So much to learn and not enough time. ] Did you know they have jobs that are supposed to be Knights? [ Not just a random thought... ]

[likewishes]

[ Well there's that at least. Now Lelouch will at least be able to threaten observe any of Euphy's "new friends" that she might make. Will make. ]

Knights? [ Yeah no way that's a random thought. It's crossed his mind as well. ] Paladins and Dark Knights, if I remember correctly. I don't think they'll be anything like ours back home.

[ So why bring it up? ]

[euphemia]

Mn. [ Why indeed. She needed a bit to work up the courage but it eventually comes out. When last he was mentioned... ]

Do you think ... that maybe—ah ... [ Trying to get it out was the tricky part, however. The name alone twisting her lips into a frown. ]

[likewishes]

[ Lelouch has an idea who she might be referring to. And it makes sense. ]

He could show up, Euphy. You never know.

[ That is a tricky subject for Lelouch. Suzaku showing up could be problematic. Or it could be a blessing. It all depends upon the when. ]

[euphemia]

[ He knew. Of course he did. She wasn’t as skilled as he was with hiding her feelings or thoughts. A constant open book she was when in his company. Surprised at first, the thought of Suzaku being here does return her smile. A small and quiet one at the thought of him here, but it fades when she realizes how selfish that might be. After all, he had a duty to serve there. Was it right to want him here?

She doesn’t answer. Hearing that’s it’s a possibility is enough. One she will fight with herself on whether it’s right to wish it. ]

[likewishes]

[ Suzaku could be such an asset. A real help. But then so would Kallen. Again, it all depends upon the time they'd hail from. He knows that Euphemia holds Suzaku in high regards. Nunnally had hinted at more, but Lelouch has sort of... Ignored it.

Looking at his half-sister now, she really is an open book. Worry and guilt eat away at her. Lelouch gives her a little nudge. ]

Is that any look for a princess? You gave up any claim to the throne to make people happy, Euphy. You were ready to stay away from Nunnally and myself so that we could continue to be overlooked by the family. I think you're entitled to a selfish wish or two.

[euphemia]

[ The nudge manages to stir her from her somber thoughts and back to the present. It would be far worse if she was alone, so in the meantime, she is grateful to have at least one here. Hearing him recap her actions before their arrival here manages to wipe away some of the melancholy from her expression. But hearing another name, well. ]

Nunnally... [ Yes, now it was time to look at him and see if that name did anything. He said the name so casually, too. She has her personal quarrels to tackle, but for him to be without Nunnally...]