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

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?

[possedere]

How much would you charge?

[Because Mukuro had a rather generous allowance and he wouldn't mind disposing of that income towards homemade cakes and basically having a would-be chef on call. Supposing the price was right, of course. Though he had a feeling he might be able to negotiate the rate down to ingredients and flattery alone.

The question was met with a small chuckle, Mukuro leaning back in his chair, smirking almost ruefully.]

There are other booths to try. It wouldn't do to spend all my money in one place.

[kokuyoyo]

I suppose it'd depend... Five dollars per cake, a dollar a slice?

[Lazily, he shrugs. He's not actually expecting anyone to be so won over by his cooking that they come looking for the cook.]

[....Which might be why the ingredients and flattery approach might really work. God help his poor soul.]

[With the plate and glass gathered, he glances slyly up at Mukuro from beneath his bangs.]

Are you much of a gardener?

[possedere]

That's not unreasonable. Would it be untoward to ask for your contact information so I can commission you have the time?

[Is this even being smooth or is Mukuro just that hungry for good food, the world may never know.

The question was a bit startling, mostly because Mukuro hadn't expected much but the usual polite superficial customer service type conversations. He smiled politely, though there was a sharpness to his gaze and mouth as he leaned forward.]

Unfortunately I have the exact opposite of a green thumb. I always tend to kill plants without meaning to.

[Because he was less nurturing than the desert and because he had a very strange, irrational dislike of flowers.

Still-]

Though I might have to rethink my interest in gardening if someone like you has been hiding there all this time.

[Okay now you can call the flirt police.]

[kokuyoyo]

[Whether it's just because Mukuro is desperate for that frosting, the words are still smooth, and what amount of control Ciro had been holding onto slips from him. By the time Mukuro moves onto his renewed interest in gardening, he's blazing red and.... Yep, there goes the eye contact again.]

[This is the kind of thing he expects to happen to people like Lonan- being flirted with and earning a club member from it all. Him? Quiet unassuming him who only has his grades to really speak for him?]

[No class could have prepared him for this.]

The... Gardening Club is always open to casual interest... So you're free to drop by. Whenever you like. I attend every day, so....

[possedere]

[How surprisingly forward of this soft spoken server. Though from how red he looked and how he was unable to look at Mukuro, and he had to bite back the urge to laugh. It was endearing somehow, or perhaps Mukuro really just appreciated that so little effort had wrought such a strong reaction. He propped his elbow onto the table, chin nestled in his palm as he smiled pleasantly at Ciro, eyes sparking with amusement.]

I wouldn't call my interest casual.

[Gdi Mukuro let this boy live a peaceful and pure life.

Usually he was busy with drama and student council, but maybe he'd make some time just to see how Ciro acted outside of this booth's activities. And how he filled out their regular uniform because he was unrepentant and terrible.

He leaned back to let up on the staring, looking back at the menu thoughtfully.]

Unfortunately I'm already in two other clubs so I can't say how long I could stay, but if you don't mind me visiting, I'd be happy to.

[kokuyoyo]

[Hooooooooooooly shit]

[That.... That confirms it, right? This is most definitely flirtation, unless he's merely being toyed with- a possibility he's not ruling out. So, really, that means he should be more reserved and casual...]

[Except he has no idea how to fucking do that. All he can do is try not to die of heatstroke from his own blush, nodding and attempting to find his voice.]

Then... I'll be sure to leave my contact information. I'll make sure your time doesn't go to waste.

[Professional and calm, right? Ignore all the red.]

You're... in the student council, aren't you?

[possedere]

[Mukuro couldn't ignore that bright flush even if he wanted to, and unfortunately for Ciro, he wasn't particularly interested in being a good and nice human being. Still, he could ease up for now just so the other boy didn't do something like pass out. That might be difficult to explain, and he was also interested in getting more cake in the future.]

You don't have to go so far.

[But Mukuro would definitely appreciate it and preen a little. It only got worse when Ciro placed him, and a little surprised, he offered a small smile.]

Yes. So feel free to come to me if you have any grievances.

[kokuyoyo]

It's the least I could do...

[And totally not fueled by dumb hormone feelings or anything, no.]

Anyway, one of my tutors is on the student council as well. I think I've seen you a few times that way.... So, really... Leaving you my number and offering to help you out is repaying you for your service, isn't it?

[Sure, let's call it that.]

[possedere]

[And you say you're not thirsty I swear...

Mukuro chuckled lightly at that sort of reasoning, waving a hand dismissively.]

It's nothing. Besides, I haven't done anything personally for you.

[Which most students would be affronted by. It was strange for someone to feel responsibility and beholden so acutely, but if that got Mukuro decent food and more of a chance to tease Ciro, he would accept it.]

Though what areas are you being tutored in?

[Not to encroach on someone else's territory, but well. Ciro didn't look like the type who needed one.]