dankmemes | test drive meme #15

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test drive meme #15

Welcome to Hadriel's test drive, and thank you again for your interest in the game! As always, our reserves page is here, and our applications page is here! Reserves open December 25th, and apps are open January 1st. Please remember that there is an app cap of 20 apps.

Two quick points here as well:
1. Any thread made in Hadriel's test drive will be accepted as the sole Action Log sample in the application.
2. All threads made in the test drive can be considered game canon, either through handwaving or through a shared mental experience while coming through the Door!

Test drives will be broken up into specific god mini-events, during which your characters can see how well they fare under the watchful eye of one of the gods. Choose wisely or just simply pick 'em all, and have fun!

F E A R

SCENARIO ONE: YOU SMELL SOMETHING?
[The Door brings in all that is chaotic and evil in the world. This may include you, may include the person next to you... and may include the monster behind you.

Watch out as you explore the streets of Hadriel, because you're not alone, and there's always something lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect chance to knock you out, drag you back to its cave, and hang you upside down for some reason. This time, the Door has brought in a number of Wampas, from the Star Wars movies.

Wampas are large and furry, in order to stay warm and alive on their native ice planet of Hoth. While their white fur helps them blend in at home, it's less helpful in Hadriel - but that's fine! They're giant and terrifying with big claws and teeth, they don't really need camouflage too. They'll be more than happy to hunt you down - and if they don't eat you right there, they could knock you out and take you home for a later meal. If you wake up in a wampa cave, let's hope you remembered your lightsaber.]

R A G E

SCENARIO TWO: WE'RE ALL PISSED OFF HERE
[For some reason, something's just pissing you off today. It's something weird, too, something that wouldn't normally bother you at all. Maybe it's jackets or buildings with too many windows. Maybe it's animals or the simple act of sleeping. Whatever it is, it's total bullshit and you hate it.

What are you gonna do about it? Smash some windows? Kick a puppy? Or hey, maybe you'll run across someone who hates that thing just as much as you do, and you'll make a new friend! Or a new enemy, if they're wearing that most horrible of wardrobe items, a jacket.

This is a mini version of our Why Do You Have To Be Mad? event this month!]

D E L I G H T

SCENARIO THREE: THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON
[Generosity and charity have infected the city! And hey, that's a good thing, right? Hadriel could use a little more kindness. Who knows what's causing it - Delight is probably bored - but whatever it is, maybe it's affected you, too.

If it has, you'll be inspired by the desire to give gifts to your friends, your family, that stranger across the street. Of course, Hadriel doesn't have a lot of gift shops, so... well, maybe you should just give them the shirt off your back? Or hey, smash a shop window and grab that can of beans, they'll love that! You could even steal your friend's favorite jacket and give it to your other friend. How generous of you!

Or maybe you're totally unaffected, and a complete stranger just ran up to you on the street and tried to give you a shirt they ripped off their friend. It's, uh. Not weird. Aren't you gonna say thank you?]

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[ As Noctis assists in lifting Regis off the ground, the soft patter of blood dripping to the ground catches his attention. He grits his teeth, knowing fully that the blood belongs to his father. Noctis managed to get out of this with merely a skidded calf and arm. He grunts. ]

Speak for yourself. I'm the least of our worries right now. Here...

[ He refuses to lose his father again. Noctis promptly puts Regis' arm over his shoulder, working to support him as they limp through the dark. Despite the turn of events, Noctis is able to switch on his focus at this point. He keeps his focus forward, cautious of how he begins to move forward. He knows little about first aid, having heavily relied on Ignis and Gladio in times like this. He silently curses himself, but he'll deal with it when they cross that bridge. ]

[ The silence he maintains is purely for his focus, and it doesn't take him long for a large building appearing to hold small apartments to catch his eye. Brows furrowed, he gestures with a nod that this is the direction they'll take. Noctis guides his father, cautious of their surroundings as he quickly reaches for the door. What greets them is a long set of stairs, but it is a roof nonetheless. ]

It'll have to do. I'm cleaning you up first.

[ He ushers Regis towards the bottom of the stairwell, delicately urging him to sit. ]

[Regis is startled by his son's assertiveness. Usually Noct is quick to lean upon others for aid but not this time. His son wastes no time getting him to safety before anymore fiends could arrive. He's grateful for that since his wounded knee makes it nearly impossible for him to walk on his own.]

I know, still I rather not be a burden.

[The king laments quietly as he holds onto Noct. His sword fades within a hail of white ash as it returns to his limited arsenal. It seems that only a small fragment of his powers returned to him. That's a good thing considering the dangers they face here.]

Clean cloth and warm water is all we need.

[He says once he settles down upon the stairs.

Unlike Noct, Regis honestly grew up during one of the more turbulent times of their kingdom. By the age of seventeen, he was already on the front lines battling a against Niflheim's forces alongside his good friends. His story is quite similar to his son in some ways but rarely does Regis speak much about himself.]

[ It's the dead of night, late within a city that neither are familiar with. Finding the necessary supplies is not entirely likely, and Noctis can't help but grimace to his father's statement. He's not wrong... There's a slight panic here, leftover from realizing his father is now very much alive. Noctis swallows thickly as he stands, looking toward the stairs. ]

Maybe there's a bathroom in the halls or... Something.

[ He forces himself to exhale, to relax, when his heart practically pounds through his ears. They don't really have much room for delay, and Regis is bleeding far too much for him to waste time. Noctis crouches down again as he shrugs off his coat. He takes care and caution in unlatching Regis' knee brace to give enough room for his work. At the large gash residing there, he bunches up his coat and presses it into the wound. ]

Hold that. I'll look for a sink and anything else that might help.

[No stranger to neither pain or heartache, Regis doesn't wince once the leg brace finally comes off. The wound itself looks particularly nasty, a deep gash that could easily get infected without proper care. The king whispers a curse as his son presses his coat against the injury. Just slight contact sent pangs of agony down his leg and then some. He reaches for his son's coat and gingerly press it against the gash carefully.

Regis turns to Noctis with obvious worry in his gaze. If only the roles were reversed. He doesn't want his son to blindly fumble about within the dark. Something could happen to the poor boy.]

K-Keep your wits about you, my son. We know naught of what lurks here. [He manages to stutter through the horrific pain.] Don't be too hasty and observe your surroundings.

[ He hadn't been present for the final moments Regis lived, and knowing only vague details of what had happened at least gave him the gift of keeping his last memory of him clean. This? This is gruesome, and Noctis can't help the sinking feeling in his gut just from seeing how gnarly the injury is. It's covered fast enough, and Noctis is on his feet quickly. He can't let the confusion of all this set him back. Especially for his father's sake. ]

[ He exhales heavily, breath shaken. Noctis looks up the staircase, then back to Regis with a nod. ]

I won't be long. I promise.

[ That last bit is spoken in a serious, definite tone. Regis will not die from a pesky leg injury, and Noctis will keep him safe going forward. He turns on his heel, taking large steps forward before he looks back at Regis once more. Noctis swallows thickly before he rushes up the stairs. ]

[ It's pretty clear that this building is intended for multiple inhabitants. Separate apartments that seem eerily quiet. He can't trust anyone in an unknown area, and so he rushes to see if there is anything geared towards maintenance employees and the like. Noctis comes across too many locked doors and little to no guidance and hope for anything. ]

Damn it.

[ He hisses the words, turning quickly through the halls until he finds what appears to be a closet. Noctis reaches for the knob, finally relieved to see one unlocked and accessible. Quickly, he reaches for the switch on the flashlight hanging from his neck. A quick whirl on his toes, and he sees a giant "+" symbol. ]

Yes.

[ With shaken hands, he fumbles to unlatch the first-aid cabinet. ]

Come on, come on...

[ Noctis frantically sifts through and manages to find rubbing alcohol, peroxide, bandages and gauze. There's a moment where he sounds like he's exhaling a chuckle of relief, and that might very well be. In losing his father once, there is a sense of urgency and desperation to not let such a thing befall him again. In front of him. Noctis loves his father dearly, has suffered in his absence long enough, and he'll be damned if something takes him away again. ]

[ Bottles of pain killers rattle as he snags them, empty bandage boxes clatter to the floor as Noctis greedily takes everything he can into his arms. He rushes back down the stairs, quick on his feet until he gets to Regis again. ]

[ Thank the gods, he's still there. ]

Got it.

[ He's down on the floor again quick, dropping the contents to the floor. Noctis begins to shuffle through them. ]

This'll work a whole lot better than a wet rag.

[When Noct took his leave, Regis took this time to reflect.

Was he a good father? Did he make a good king?

Regis often likes to think of himself in the positive but as now, he has his doubts. He wants to believe desperately that he did all he could for Noctis but his heart says otherwise. How often did he put the affairs of Lucis ahead of his own son? It's not as if he wanted such a thing to happen but Regis missed one too many birthdays for his liking prior to Noctis' near fatal incident.

Regis almost lost his son to the Marilith upon that dreadful night and later, almost lost the boy again to the Starscourge. The illness claimed the youth after the daemon attack. Daemons in Eos are responsible for the disease and many people die every year from it. Noctis would've been one of them if Regis didn't seek out the aid of the realm's best healers. He forsook his kingly duties during that time and remained by Noctis' bedside night after night.

His advisers all tried to get Regis to consider marrying again for the sake of a new heir but the king dared not abandon his son. The only ones who helped him through that horrific tragedy were his friends. Regis hadn't known such grief ever since his dearest Aulea died. The king thought he would go mad from his sorrow but he had plenty to support him in his time of grief. Even the Oracle at the time, Queen Sylva of Tenebrae, often visited the Lucian King and offered her prayers to them both.

Oh, the thought of those dreadful days still makes his stomach sink.]

I should've done so much better.

[He laments to himself as he presses Noctis' coat-shirt against his bloody knee. It almost humors him that his son would part with his designer threads so quickly for his behalf, as if this cloth was worth less than a pebble. The boy's love for him is silent and not often told, but it's always felt.

Regis feels blessed for that.]

Ah? [Confusion settles within his green eyes once the prince rushes back to him carrying an assortment of supplies.] Where did you find all this?

[Thank the heavens!]

[ There is not a single feeling of anger or disapproval in terms of Regis' parenting on Noctis' behalf. He understood from an early age that he had the entirety of a kingdom to look after. Far be it for Noctis to feel as if he is secondary to that in terms of priority, because it was just the way things were. Were it Regis' choice, Noctis had no doubt he would shirk all of his duties just to spend more time with his son. But that was never the case, and he accepted that. ]

[ Even as a young boy, Noctis would miss his father dearly and treasure each and every shared moment together. His most fondest are the ones where they took long drives in the Regalia, his father allowing tiny prince Noctis to sit in the passenger's seat. The top down, the skies clear and bright to his young eyes... It's a memory he often visited during the long journey he's shared with Ignis, Gladio, and Prompto. But never had he felt as safe as he had with his father behind the steering wheel. ]

[ Noctis finds himself recalling such memories with his father seated before him. Regis was the one to keep his son safe, now it's Noctis' turn to return the favor. ]

[ He's down to business within seconds. Noctis quickly grabs the materials necessary to clean the wound. He knows... Enough about basic injury care. Basic tips from Gladio in their travels, and a few on Ignis' behalf. He's sported enough gashes by taking the front lines and has watched them enough to get a decent understanding of what he's doing. ]

[ That doesn't stop him from being a nervous wreck. And it shows in the way his hands shake. ]

Uh. Upstairs, maintenance closet.

[ Noctis answers quickly, trying to steel himself for focus. He only casually gestures upstairs in his response before he's thoroughly prepared to start. The prince clears his throat, tenderly reaching for Regis' hand that holds his coat to the wound. ]

H-Here.

[ He works to assist removing the garment, adjusting himself so he's closer to Regis and able to see the entirety of the wound. Utilizing some gauze, soaked with peroxide, he carefully begins to lower it. ]

It's gonna hurt. Just, uh... Preparing you.

[This is one of the rare times that Regis realizes just how grownup Noctis has become. While the prince's hands are quivering like a leaf upon the wind, Regis could see the steely resolve that lurks within the young man's gaze. Noctis is no longer a little boy anymore and that makes Regis oddly happy and sad at the same time. Every parent wants their child to succeed in life and he can tell that he done right be Noct. His son is can be a bit of a handle at times but Regis honestly loves this messy bird's nest of black hair and sass.]

I'll be fine, Noct.

[Regis encourages with such a warm smile. Though, he does make a mental note to brace himself. Cleaning a fresh wound always hurts the most and doesn't want to terrify Noctis any further.]

Your father is much tougher than he seems.

[He jokes as he places Noct's shirt-coat to the side of the stairs. The king then gently lower his hand upon Noct's and helps him put down the gauze upon the injury. Of course there's a slight hiss of pain that follows but Regis doesn't flinch. He keeps his hand upon Noct's and guides him subtly along the gash.]

Once we manage to sterilize the wound, we'll see to bandaging it. I may need to help of another to stitch it but we'll worry about that when the time comes.

[ He's realized very quickly how little he knows in lieu of being without Ignis and Gladio. With how long they've looked after him and cared for him, it's even clearer now how little he had to do for himself. It's not the first time he's realized how sheltered he's been as royalty, but it certainly is more abundantly clear with his injured father relying on him. But Noctis is able to swallow enough of his nerves to continue. ]

[ He exhales a chuckle, soft and forced. Noctis nods. ]

Right.

[ Regis has been through the ringer a few times in his life, Noctis knows for sure. This isn't his first injury. He knows, but he still can't help but worry. ]

[ Noctis is attentive as he cleans the wound, certain to get as much of it as he can see in this poor lighting. Once that is done, he's quick to wrap it with the remaining gauze. Firmly in place, applying pressure where its needed. There's quite a bit of blood in the process, enough to cover his fingers and knuckles. An image he isn't quite fond of in the slightest, but he keeps going. ]

[ He sighs. ]

It's done. Just enough to buy us time until we can get it stitched up.

[ He curses himself mentally that he doesn't have any potions on him. Strange how he wound up here with just his sword and the ring. Whoever brought him here was rather specific in what they stripped him of. ]

[ Noctis relaxes in a seated, cross-legged position. His coat is now basically a dirty, bloody rag. Expensive handiwork that he takes from the ground to wipe his hands. All of the riches he had, privileges and gifts are far behind him. He almost hardly feels like royalty at this point, and Noctis isn't entirely sure how he should take that. So he throws the designer garment to the floor when the deed is done. ]

We can wait here for morning. The less weight that's put on your knee, the better.

[ A bit softer: ]

How... Is it now?

Edited 2017-01-03 22:31 (UTC)

[Two kings without a crown both so far from their throne and riches. Regis knows this will be a difficult life to live after spending so much time in the lap of luxury but he'll brave any storm that passes with his son by his side. He's grateful for the chance to see his son again and doesn't dare squander it.

His love for Noctis outlasts the love he has for himself. It's just that deep.]

You did well. [He comments with great approval once his knee is bandaged. There's no possible way that Regis could continue on out of here considering his fragile state. He lost far too much blood and despite pretending not to feel the effects, his honestly a tad woozy from it.] Staying...here for the evening is the best idea.

I doubt those white-furred beasts enjoy the glory of daylight.

[Regis says as he leans up against the wall beside them. He closes his eyes briefly as he tries to fight against the slight nausea he feels. Honestly, rest is probably the only thing that could heal him now.]

It's better. Much better thanks to your bravery.

[He smiles somewhat as he opens his eyes again.]

[ Fatherly encouragement... Something that he hasn't heard in quite some time. And something he had been so sure was over with. Noctis is a grown man, but that doesn't stop this at all from being insanely comforting. He can't help the little smile, weak as it may be despite recent events. This is a second chance, and neither of them are in a position to squander it. ]

Just... Doing what's necessary.

[ You know, like a King should. A duty that he wasn't particularly keen on before the fall of Insomnia. He had, in fact, belligerently ignored his future duty when he had realized his father needed a cane to move forward. It's so vastly different now. ]

[ Not knowing what to say or even do, Noctis falls silent. Something he often does in social situations, the company of his revived father aside. He looks away, staring at his hands resting upon his legs. Open-palmed, his eyes are locked on the little stains of blood that he had missed. ]

[A quiet sigh escapes Regis once the awkward silence settles between them. He could tell that Noctis' thoughts were a million miles away but he deeply wished his son would voice them. Whether it be him lamenting about his fate or even talking about his adventures thus far, Regis desperately wants to be closer with Noctis than this. A king no more except within legacy, Regis tosses aside his titles and settles on being a father.

Wordlessly, the older Caelum shifts over towards Noct. He unhooks his cloak from around his shoulders and uses the deep gray cloth to clean the rest of Noctis hands. Regis is gentle as he does so, careful not to rub the wool of this cloth against those shockingly callused fingers. His son has done a lot of fighting as of late and it shows.

Oh, it shows.]

Never shall the hands of my descendants be stained in my blood again.

[A thought accidentally said aloud in the form of aan gentle whisper.]

[ Noctis is keen to remain quiet for now, at least until he mulls over the right subjects to turn to. Facing the revitalized mortality of his father is strange at best, disturbing at its worst. He feels a happiness and relief, for certain. But what exactly brought this on? Where is he that his father is to be alive and well? These questions plague him, confuse him, but the racing thoughts are replaced by a distraction once Regis takes his hands. ]

[ Funny how both of their fine, expensive garments are being used as mere rags at this point. But Noctis is more taken aback by the sight of his father's clothing being sullied in such a way. His father always came off as the most regal and poised of anyone else. ]

[ But he doesn't refuse it. Though Regis' words cut him deep in a strange, unexpected manner, he hangs on to it. Hearing his voice seems to put his heart at ease... A voice he hasn't heard in months, knowing he would never hear it again. ]

You're alive. That's what counts.

[ He manages to speak, though the words taste so strange on his tongue. Noctis' gaze looks to Regis, stern and resolved, yet still glimmering in the eye a hopeful and lost look of a young boy. One he's reserved only for his father all these years. ]

I still... I can't believe it. I'm not looking at a ghost, but part of me thinks I've gone nuts for thinking that.

[A quiet sigh escapes Regis as he regards his son with such a remorseful glance.]

Do you not remember the warmth of these old hands? [He asks as he gives Noct's hand a light squeeze.] Or remember their gentleness during frightful nights filled with terror?

I am alive, Noct. Alive and...relatively well.

[He chuckles quietly as he gazes into his son's eyes.]

I'm grateful to be alive again. No matter what fate lies ahead, I am truly grateful to see my son again.

[Too break up the melancholy of the mood, Regis leans forward and ruffles those unruly raven locks with a quiet laugh.]

[ Noctis is grounded in the grip of Regis' hand to his own, steeled not just by his voice. He looks down at them for but a moment, meeting his gaze quick to follow his words. He hangs on to them, so grateful to experience what he so blindly took for granted. ]

Yeah.

[ His eyes tightly shut, lips in a soft sort of snarl as Regis ruffles his hair. The little grunt he makes sounds far from angry, and more amused and grateful. When his hand retracts, Noctis smiles. Sheepishly. ]

I um.

[ He nods. ]

I'm grateful to see you to. It's... Not been particularly easy.

[ Noctis frowns, then looks away. ]

Terrifying, actually.

[A smile reaches Regis' tired expression as he settles beside Noct. His wounded knee is still bothering him quite a bit but he hides the pain with half a decade worth of practice. He refuses to worry his son any further than he has thus far. The injury will heal eventually but for now, he'll ignore the slight agony in favor of talking to his son.

He knows of the pain that lurks within those gentle blue eyes. Regis prayed since Noct's birth that his son be spared from this grim fate but the Gods forsook his prayers. They announced his son as their 'Chosen One' and from there allowed so much despair to take root.]

I can imagine. [He mumbles quietly as he tries to shake off his somber thoughts.] But never give into terror, Noctis. You must be...brave.

[ Noctis is exhausted, truthfully. Exhausted and still shell-shocked in the grand scheme of things. He turns his head, and each time he does he's certain his father will disappear but he doesn't. He is here, alive and very much real. That much is indicated by how close they sit, how Regis' robe manages to drift against his arm. The weight of his duties alone had been one thing, but losing his father, his closest friend since childhood.... ]

[ He adjusts himself against the wall, knees pressed to his chest so he can rest his chin on them. ]

Yeah.

[ The word is exhaled sharply, with a subtle turn of his head. ]

I know. I just.

How many more will die before it's over? And are we all just gonna end up here?

[Regis could feel his son's gaze every so often but he doesn't turn to meet them. His thoughts have claimed him momentarily. There's so much that he wants to say to the boy but he needs to pace himself. He wants to ask Noct what transpired after his death but after learning of Lunafreya's untimely death, he's uncertain if he wants to hear the rest.]

I honestly wish I knew the answer, my son. [Regis replies as he places his hand upon Noctis' shoulder.] It's my sincere wish that no one else will have to perish.

Life is such a precious gift but every so often; we forget.

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test drive meme #15

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