Round 2: Test Drive

[cordibus]

Welcome to the second test drive!

Please don't worry too much about using your Personas correctly or following the prompts exactly. They're meant to give you starting ideas, but by all means, go wild and add more options!

The objective here is to try out characters and see who you could have the most fun with in the game's setting. However, feel free to follow this link to request a Persona be generated for you as if you were part of the game. (Please try to limit this to only one of your test drive characters if you can as to not overwhelm us! Never mind generating Personas is a pretty fast process! Request for as many characters away as you like!)

If you have questions about the test drive itself, you can ask them here! If you want to play an AU don't forget this entire post can be used for you to get AU scenarios set up and see who your character might have been related too or know before Awakening.

Now then, let's begin...

Prompt 1 - Flower Festival

The Festival of Flowers is in full bloom in the city! As an inhabitant of Eddan, you're excited to go and attend some of the activities! But unknown to you, something else might be starting to beat in the deepest, darkest depths of your heart.

The festival log prompts can be found here. Please note that you can use these to post in the test drive, but not on the player log itself!

Additionally, if both test drive player and game players agree, the festival test drive threads can also become game canon! As long as the test drive character is played as being completely unaware of what has happened in the game up to this point. Keep in mind that they would NOT have had a message on their phones. Two Test drive players can also make these game canon if they get accepted (and they keep the same requirements as above).

Prompt 2 - From Dawn to Dusk

The city has been abuzz for the past few weeks. A new string of murders is making front page news and serving as a grim reminder why the nightly curfew is so important. As families, perhaps even someone close to you, mourn, pressure continues to rise at the many police stations and at city hall. The people are afraid and they’re demanding answers.

There's not much time for you to dwell on this.. Like everyone else in the city, you have a lot to do, and a tight schedule to do it in. You don't even notice the application that has appeared on your phone's screen. The headache that follows, however, is strange and disorienting, and it brings with it an odd sensation that something is wrong today. You’re just not sure why.

The day passes by and soon, it's close to midnight. Your body, if you're not in bed by now, is completely exhausted. Despite your best efforts, you'll find yourself closing your eyes. Too bad it's quickly interrupted by a strange noise, and movement like something pulsating softly.

It's your phone, or at least you think it's your phone, but it's never glowed this orange before. There’s mist rising above it almost like fire...something's definitely bizarre about this. Despite your fears, you forces yourself to open it, and click on that strange snake-like icon.


It opens revealing a single statement and blank box;

To begin, please write your name.

Your fingers move on their own. Before you have time to really think about it, and as the pain inside your head becomes so terrible you start breathing rapidly and sweating, you've entered a series of letters and pressed enter. Now you're in a large chatroom with many others...but your 'name' you've never even heard of it...have you? It almost feels like you have...

Prompt 3 - Awakening

The last rays of the sun disappeared over the horizon almost an hour ago, yet here you are, walking through the apple orchards located behind one of the campus wings. The strange app that's been sending you strange clues the past seven days now says you're ready to face the truth. It told you to come here tonight, but never to travel alone. Repeatedly, it warns you to make sure to have someone close by if you're to survive…but besides some friends, what else did you bring with you? Did you pack for this, or did you figure you'd make it up as you go? Are you in a position to be able to bring weapons with you that no one would suspect?

Something is out there, and it's getting closer.

Before you can think, you see it: a large, blackish mass, almost like slime, slithering along the ground resembling a vaguely humanoid shape with glowing yellow eyes. When it roars again, it reveals rows and rows of teeth. This was a mistake your brain warns. The strange name from the chatroom, the days leading up to this...you're fairly certain even if you are prepared that you're going to die.

And yet, something inside you stirs. Even as they move closer, you find yourself charging instead of running, as your heartbeat increases. A voice inside is guiding you, each movement bringing forth a surge of memories of a past that you had lost. You’re angry and confused, but your pain, your fears, your rage for all of this… all of that needs to be taken out on those creatures.

All you need to do now is to tear out your heart.

Prompt 4 - A new, old life

Now that you have your memories back, the strange veil of this world has been somewhat lifted. Things that seemed simple now seem strange. You have so many questions, but not enough answers. Then there's the new weapons you wield and the strange creature inside of you...your Heart Persona.

During the day, you are encouraged to continue to live as you did before, but with old and new memories together, sometimes it is difficult to keep acting like you did. Will it cause issues in your job or school life? Will it change your reactions to whatever life you had here? Do you notice others like you who have awakened?

Maybe it would be a good time to send a chatroom message, just to ask others what they are planning to do. Maybe you should set up a meeting to fight shadows at night. Maybe you’ll organize a plan of attack or set up a club to escape the strange looks others have been giving you. Maybe you just want someone's opinion on the best place to have pizza. Hey, no one said you had to use the AppleNET just for serious things, after all.

Comments

welcome to hell mimi

[kokuyoyo]

[As Mukuro is going through the festival, it's easy to spot the Gardening Club's booth. AS is befitting of their school's reputation and power, it takes up quite an area. The usual information pamphlets encouraging donations to the club, an area with various butterflies from the gardens.... and, most notably, a small cafe serving various floral dishes. Every member participating in that last one has been done up in an appropriate spring colored uniform, whether cute flaring skirts or prim butlers' uniforms.]

[Ciro is in the second one, if only because he has a lot of things to help out with and pants make that easier. And in a kind world, he doesn't deal with someone's cosplay fetish. Already quite tall for a mere fifteen year old, his lanky frame actually fills the uniform out nicely, and one side of his hair has been pinned back with classy hairpins to change up his usual bob.]

[To anyone passing by- and this includes Mukuro- he gives a polite quiet smile.]

Hello, would you like something refreshing to cool you off?

[It's not the most exuberant catch, but Ciro has always been one of those to keep his head down despite his consistently high grades. Charisma has never been a part of his repertoire.]

i was already here

[possedere]

[Festivals were a dangerous time, quite frankly, because not only was there so much fun to be had and mischief to be made, but Mukuro's interest in costumes was teased in full force. More than once, there had been multiple classes that had thought it would be a good idea to have a maid or butler cafe, to the point where Mukuro should have found them redundant a long time ago, and yet here he was.

The solicitation was far from the best one that Mukuro had ever received, and he was about to comment as such, when he actually turned to see who had spoken to him. If the uniform hadn't been tailored to the lanky youth in front of him, it was the next best thing. The person looked vaguely familiar, but Mukuro couldn't place him.

He took a step closer to distinguish himself from the crowd, shooting the other student an amused look.]

What do you have to offer?

[Maybe the question would distract him enough that Mukuro could catch a glimpse into the booth to see if the rest of them were dressed as finely.]

/heart hands at you

[kokuyoyo]

[Having someone take an interest has his shoulders straighten up, and it's hard to miss the relief that flickers across his face before he schools it back to something approaching professionalism. This isn't an actual real job, but it's close enough for a student of their school.]

A variety of things, but what makes them unique from other cafes is that the majority of our drinks and desserts are infused with flowers. We've made our own natural rose and lavender syrup from the school's gardens, and even the flower decorations themselves are edible.

[And also, yes Mukuro, everyone is wearing uniforms.]

you are playing with dark forces friend

[possedere]

[It was funny to see someone who had looked so stoic just seconds before slip into an expression of such open relief and then back to a passing show of neutrality. Why the club had put someone who seemed so ill-suited to solicit in customers was anyone's guess, though if Mukuro had to formulate a theory, it would be it was because he wore the uniform the best.

He turned his full attention back to the greeter, considering.]

What would you recommend?

[Then, slightly teasing:]

If you dislike trying to get customers in so much, should I request you as my server?

i could make a nsfw joke here but i won't because i love you

[kokuyoyo]

That depends...

[But before he can go extolling the virtues of each of their drinks and desserts, there's that teasing question, and he can't help but shy his eyes away as a faint rosiness to match the decor comes across his face.]

If that's what you want.

[No denial on disliking trying to get customers in.]

you should make it because you love me

[possedere]

[Interesting. Mukuro's initial impression had been that this student was reserved and the quiet intelligent type. The fact that he was so subtly expressive was fascinating. That or it might be the uniform drawing him in.]

If you have no other masters to serve.

[He shot the other boy a sly smile before heading inside, taking in the rest of the students who were dressed up. It only confirmed his initial impression: this one's uniform suited him best.]

And if it depends, what is your favorite?

is dark forces what he calls his dick EEEEEEEEEEEY

[kokuyoyo]

[It's probably the uniform drawing you in, Mukuro.]

[At least the quip about masters is expected at this point, with how the rest of the day has gone on and the visitors they've had, so Ciro simply follows him inside, guiding to one of the clear tables.]

My favorite would have to be the iced lavender latte, I think. The creaminess offsets the coffee taste nicely, and I like the aftertaste that the lavender gives it.

[As they reach the table, he politely pulls out a chair for the other boy. This close... He' definitely seen him around, right? Well, it's the festival- everyone's seen someone they vaguely know around. He doesn't dwell on it too hard.]

i was wrong please leave

[possedere]

[Maybe one day he will fall for Chikusa's charms and not just what he's wearing.

Mukuro nodded in thanks as the chair was pulled out for him, settling down comfortably. He propped his chin up with the back of his hand as he watched the other boy speak, impressed.]

Are you not just well versed in flowers, but food as well?

[He's probably just happy to eat regularly in this verse, Mukuro.

Still, it sounded good, and it wasn't like Mukuro couldn't order something else if he didn't like it.]

I'll have one of those then.

no!!! you don't get to run away from your choices mimi!!!!!

[kokuyoyo]

[With the chair pushed in, Ciro settles besides the table, taking out his server's pad to quickly write down the drink. At the compliment, his eyelashes dip down just slightly in quiet pleasure.]

I've been studying how to cook for the past year... Would you like anything else as well? We have cakes as well, one in lavender or, if you want a change of pace, rose.

[Let him get all that money from you that you owe him in another life for putting up with you, Mukuro]

i think if i can ghost dem i can ghost you too just saying

[possedere]

[As an intelligent teenager, cooking in theory was simple, but in practice it was a lot more difficult. It didn't help that Mukuro was more inclined to stop by a fast food restaurant on the way home instead of dedicating the extra time it would take to make actual food. People who were useful in any regard were always worth watching in Mukuro's book, and Chikusa may have the dubious honor of becoming one sometime soon.

For now, Mukuro would smile harmlessly, interested.]

A rose cake sounds good. Did you help make everything?

after all ive done for you, how dare

[kokuyoyo]

Ah.... Not everything. [The idea seems to embarrass him, gaze averting once more.] There are some cakes I helped make, along with a good portion of the rose and lavender syrups, but that's merely because I have more time... I'm still only in the lower cycle, after all.

[Yeah, this tall fuck is actually a year behind you, Mukuro. Amazing.]

So an ice lavender latte and a slice of rose cake. If you want anything at any time, please let me know.

don't even front. have you assembled a harem of cute chromes for me?

[possedere]

[Wasn't it fascinating to get such a reaction with the simplest forms of attention? It took a good effort not to laugh, but amusement was written all over Mukuro's face.]

You shouldn't be so modest. Such things take a precise hand and a keen eye, not just time.

[Still, perhaps he should lay off the praise until he actually tried everything.]

I'll be sure to do so. Can you give me your name so I can ask for you personally?

[Mukuro please.]

listen you've met cute chromes through me, it counts

[kokuyoyo]

I'm Ciro Bonavita, and I suppose I'll be your server for the evening.

[There's a faint smile, or an attempt at it at last, but he's still not suited the best for it.]

I'll be back in just a moment with your order.

[And it really is just a moment- long legs and so much already prepared means he's back soon enough. Carefully, he sets down first the cake first- pale pink cake beneath a layer of decadent white cream and a single flushed rose petal placed on top. While it looks thick and heavy, it's actually light in texture, with a perfectly sweet floral taste. The late is soon set besides it, heavy coffee top blending perfectly with the creamy bottom. The sprig of lavender in it seems right at home, entwined around a black straw. With it put down, Ciro settles his hands in front of himself.]

Please let me know what you think.

i can never have enough cute chromes though :(

[possedere]

It's a pleasure to meet you, Ciro.

[Mukuro returned the smile, his more practiced and pleasant, eyes closed in case Ciro noticed how the warmth didn't quite reach his eyes.

The food did look delicious though, and Mukuro perked up when it was set before him, eagerly picking up the fork to try a bite of the cake. This time when his eyes closed, it was only to savor the lightness of it, and the delicious way it seemed to practically melt on his tongue.]

Is this one that you helped on?

[As he waited for the answer, he went to to stir the contest of the latte, leaning forward to take a sip.]

listen i haven't fallen yet, you sinner

[kokuyoyo]

[Ciro watches carefully, hiding the nervous curl of one hand behind the other as he awaits a verdict, and nods his head quietly at the question.]

Since you seemed interested... I thought I would get a slice from mine.

yet

[possedere]

How thoughtful of you.

[Mukuro would let him linger in anxious nervous limbo for a few moments longer as he took another bite of the cake just to be sure, chasing it down with another drink before turning back to Ciro, satisfied.]

It's delicious. I wouldn't mind trying the rest of what you've prepared.

I WILL PERSEVERE

[kokuyoyo]

[Goddammit, Mukuro, you stressed him out enough in another life.... Stop toying with him in this one.]

[Because there is that slump of relief again, which he at least tries to hide.]

After you finish this?

[possedere]

[Can't stop, won't stop.

Mukuro couldn't help but chuckle at Ciro's relief, taking another bite of the cake.]

Were you that worried?

[He would have thought that other people would have complimented his cooking, but he acted starved for compliments. Though considering Mukuro had never noticed him before, perhaps he wasn't used to much attention.

He hummed in agreement at that, turning back to his food.</small.] You don't have to watch over me. I'll find you when I'm ready.

[kokuyoyo]

[Stop calling him out like this, goddammit. His embarrassed blush gets harder, and he's definitely not making eye contact now.]

I've never really cooked for other people.... I'd think it would only be natural to wonder how I'd done....

[And that seems to be all he's ready to say, giving a nodding sort of bow to Mukuro before he turns and hurries away to wait on standby near the front again.]

[possedere]

[When Ciro doesn't blush so easily, he might. Until then he makes no promises.

He was going to save the comments for after he was done with the cake and latte, humming happily as he ate, savoring every bite. He wouldn't have thought to use flowers in a dessert as anything other than decoration, but he didn't mind being shown the error of his ways.

When he was finished, he took a brief break to fully process everything he had tasted, before waving Ciro back over or getting another server ( who wasn't as well clothed ) to get his attention.]

[kokuyoyo]

[When he gets his memories back and becomes dead inside, you'll be out of luck, Mukuro.]

[But for now, his mind is focused on all the mundane aspects of life, trying its best not to think about the strange visions he's been receiving lately or how the subjects of them won't leave his thoughts. Perhaps it's why he keeps glancing back over to the table where the other boy is sitting. Something about the easy confidence he carries... It makes Ciro think of the boy that had been in his visions, who had named him so teasingly.]

[That means he immediately spots Mukuro's gesture, striding over just as quickly.]

Is everything to your satisfaction?

[possedere]

[*Except for when Mukuro tells him not to be. Fixed that for you.

He wondered if he should be flattered by how quickly Ciro came back over to the table or if he really was that dedicated to customer service, but he supposed it didn't matter either way. He was going to have fun with this one.]

It was all just as you described. I'm envious of your friends being able to enjoy your cooking whenever they want to.

[Laying it on thick in order to win someone useful over? Mukuro Rokudo? Never.

Still, he straightened in his seat, leaning back as he appraised Ciro.]

I'll take the next course, if you would be so kind.

[kokuyoyo]

[So much flattery.... is this guy always like this when he goes to cafes? Ciro isn't sure if that's what he wants or not, only that it continues to make his face flushed. At least now he's used to it, so he can actually speak even if he's a little red.]

I've only started cooking recently.... So I don't often share with anyone besides my older brother. Still, it's good to know from an unbiased source that I'm a quick study.

[Taking out his orders pad again, he does his best to meet those eyes this time.]

Do you have an idea of what you'd like already...?

[possedere]

[You catch more flies with honey and more deathly loyal followers with compliments, I mean er.

It was slightly surprising that more people hadn't tried this guy's cooking, but he supposed the other patrons who were at the booth weren't too interested in who made the food, just that it was done well.]

I'm jealous. [Still, that aside, he added:] Though it seems like this booth is rather popular. I wouldn't be surprised if other people requested more of these outside of the festival. You might have a chance to share your cooking with others.

[That being said, he turned away back to the menu just when Ciro had gathered the strength to look at him again, frowning slightly.]

It's a shame I can't try one of everything... The rose cake you mentioned earlier would be fine. And another lavender latte please.

[kokuyoyo]

I think if that kind of thing happened, it would be quite tiring... I'd have to make the payments worth it.

[Some things never change. Especially when you're getting off your medication, although he's had to go back on that a couple of times throughout the week so that he doesn't fall into a depressive rut while in the middle of the busiest week of the season.]

[Picking up the plate and glass, he nods.]

I'll be sure to bring that out in a moment, then. That's all?