pixieledmemes | Test Drive Meme #2

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Test Drive Meme #2

TDM #2 - March/April 2025

🦋 Introduction

Welcome to the Pixie Led Test Drive Meme!

The prompts will always be game canon, provided both characters who participate in a thread are either already in the game, or get accepted in the next application round.

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Please indicate character name and canon in the subject line of your top-level. For current characters, you may also indicate your character's court.

For prospective players, Invites open on the 18th, Reserves on the 20th, and Applications on the 22nd. Thanks for checking us out and we hope you'll join us!

🦋 The Party

You wake up at a party.

You're not sure how, exactly, you got here. You may have just been walking in the woods or at a meeting for work or doing any other normal activity for you. But you know you weren't supposed to be at this party, you're fairly certain.

Anyone you ask about it will say the party is for you. You and the others also waking up and looking confused. Further questions will lead to the partygoers insisting you have something to eat. You're starving and others are eating the food without repercussion, so you figure there's no harm in a bite. You finish your portion.

It's a garden party at the crack of dawn, with the sun still in its early stages of climbing through the yonder, casting a good mix of pastel hues of blue, pink, and beige on everything. Heralding the first day of spring, the Ruler of the Spring Court has found it fitting to arrange this gathering where guests can feel the blades of grass touching their ankles, as well as the rich soil beneath their feet. Flowers of all kinds surround the party as if they were carefully curated. With spring as the "dawn of seasons," which marks a transition from winter's latency to the resurgence of life everywhere, the Ruler of the Dawn Court has also seen it fit to host aspects of this party during the one time of the year that dawn occurs the whole day. Tall candles and torches grace the outskirts of the garden party, providing warmth and an orange glow everywhere. Not one flame goes out even with the occasional wind, the Duchess always makes sure of this.

There are also freshly picked blossoms and branches with leaves on every table accenting the festive spread of food and drinks. This time, a lot of the food prepared for the Adopted guests are familiar to them with a little bit of a twist. Burgers might come in small packages and in toothpicks, while hotdogs in buns are also diminutive. Cookies look delectable but they have a flowery flavor to them, as if eating freshly picked daisies or daffodils. Fruits that may have been present in an Adopted's home, such as pineapples and watermelons, have seeds in odd places. Picking this selection of food is an attempt to be more welcoming and to appease the lovely guests the fae have invited.

As the party winds down and everyone's eaten, a tall, stately woman stands up and speaks. You feel her voice more than hear it.

I am the Lawspeaker of the Fae, elected by Seelie and Unseelie alike, and you are all, now, subjects of Faerie. You cannot leave this realm once you have eaten our food, and even if you could, there is no saying how much time has passed back where you're from. Your loved ones are likely dead, your problems have likely played out. We require assistance in various matters, and each of you has been chosen for your talent and skill. You will be adopted by one of the Seelie or Unseelie Courts based on your strengths and personality. Your Court will decide what to do with you from there.

As suddenly as she stood, she sits back down.

🦋 Chance at a Dance

A party is not complete without dancing, of course, and while during the last gathering held for the Adopted, different fae danced to music exclusively for them around a glowing tree, this time they are insisting their guests to join in.

This is a party for you, after all.

If the prodding of the different fae hosts won't convince you, perhaps the music will. They play easily recognizable tunes that their wonderful guests must have heard before. These melodies have certain unique effects to their mortal attendees, which are as follows:

Upbeat Music: You will believe that you and your dance partner have been friends forever and have known each other a long time.
Romantic Music: You will become amorous and flirtatious towards your dance partner.
Slow Music: You will develop some tension with your dance partner. It may be negative or sexual; completely up to you.
Quiet Music: You will assume your dance partner is a threat and try to fight them.

🦋 Flower Power

At the Spring King's behest, every Adopted should wear a flower corsage or boutonnière to the gathering. After all, this is to celebrate the coming of spring and what better way to do that than to honor everything in bloom.

The thing is, though, the King of Spring, while amorous and friendly, also has a penchant for playing with mortals' memories, if not also affect their desires and despairs.

So, mischievous as he is, he made sure to enchant the different flowers present in every corsage and boutonnière for the party with the effects below:

Rose: You will recall a horrific trauma
Carnation: You will see a vision of your future, whether it's good or bad
Orchid: You will remember a time you lost someone
Chrysanthemum: You will believe someone among the Adopted is your soulmate
Dahlia: You will believe you betrayed someone important to you, whether you actually did or not

It is perhaps a good thing that no one but the Adopted are allowed to see these visions and memories, but everyone who wears a corsage or boutonnière will be able to see each other's memories and visions when in close enough physical proximity to the vision-haver, for better or for worse.

🦋 GEIS

You feel a vibration in your pocket sometime after the Lawspeaker addresses everyone. When you search for the source, you will pull out your Leaf, the device the Fae use to stay in touch with each other. Anyone who's used a smart phone will easily recognize how it works.

Greetings, Adopted. This is your Lawspeaker.

Tell us all of a time you gave someone a gift. Perhaps a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates. Was it appreciated or not? A reward might await the most meaningful gift given.

🦋 Link to Overflow Post

ｎａｖｉｇａｔｉｏｎ

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Such beauty is only natural for a divine being of their caliber (a JRPG protagonist).

He considers the morsel again, turning it slightly. It seems pointless to resist then, if they're stuck anyway... even so, in the back of his head, Aogami advises caution.

This person -- demon, he assumes, from Caelus' looks -- doesn't seem to have a problem.]

Hmm. Are you sure that's all it does? [He doesn't want the food to be an excuse for these fae to hold him with a collar. Some kind of... binding magic, you know.]

[They're about to answer that question, before they notice something odd about his soul. There's two of them in one body, and while not impossible, this was one of the few instances where it was actually visible to their eye. Caelus quickly straightening their back, and staring directly into his soul, and to the one beyond the initial one.]

... There's two of you.

[All this time talking to mankind, and they're still not the greatest at conversation. Beautiful. No notes.]

A bit stuffy in there, isn't it? Or are you not aware that there's another soul in your body?

[Ah. They're straight to the point. Nahobino straightens as well, though his expression hardly changes.

Something even odder about the two of them, for two souls in one body, is that they seem to fit surprisingly comfortably in there.

He waits a moment for Caelus to continue, but then... that's not the commentary he was expecting.]

You can tell that, but you don't know what I am? [...Interesting. Most demons he's met who recognize that sort of thing know what a nahobino is, what that means.]

[Well, this is kind of weird. They're staring in curiosity, and maybe they're getting a bit too close with those few steps forward. Although, there's nothing outright malicious about Caelus and their movements. They're fascinated than anything, tilting their head to the side to get a better look at the other soul on the inside.]

Nope. I have no idea what you are. If you wanna tell me, then that's fine. I'll be happy to listen.

[Now they're stepping forward again, just barely hovering over the smaller man. Their eyes staring down at the soul, and getting a much better look of what's inside. A hand tapping at their chin.]

Both different colors, but also similar... Very interesting. I've only seen this in one instance, and that was with my sister and I.

[Nahobino looks up, feeling the hair on the back of their neck rise. Is this some kind of intimidation tactic? They make sure not to move, holding their ground. Their fingers twitch in anticipation of things going south.

Young man, there's no telling what else they can tell with such developed senses, Aogami says in the back of his head. There's a long pause. What colors do you think we are?

There's not much time to consider that when Caelus continues. Sister and them...?]

That, [What? Even demons with siblings don't sync up in the same way a demon matches their Knowledge.] You're very strange.

[They hardly realize they're so close and personal. Far too distracted to see that inner soul within them since there was only that one instance that they dealt with. It's fascinating to see from the outside, but they stop once they say something and Caelus is left blinking a few times. Their eyes darting back and forth around the area, and then at Nahobino, who's only several centimeters away from them.]

Oopsssss. Sorry, I didn't realize I got so close.

[Finally, Caelus takes a step back a bit sheepishly, but still friendly in their demeanor. That sheepish look paired off with a soft chuckle, as they finally come to realize that they were awfully close and probably intimidating, given their height and overall stature.]

I guess you could call me strange. I'm... A soul reaper. I can see people's souls, and yours just got my attention is all.

[Oh. They blink as Caelus actually backs up, eyes widening just a touch. He didn't expect such an imposing demon to actually be thoughtful and polite. Usually demons of his stature are very self-absorbed.

Right. Anyway. Soul reaper... he's never heard of that, but that sounds like it follows.]

I'm used to attention. [Now who's self-absorbed? Either way, Nahobino has relaxed a touch. He can feel Aogami still being tense in the back, but they'll take a pleasant conversation over a fight any day.]

Hm. Are you one of the locals here?

[One of the fae, that is.]

[THEY'RE NOT A DEMON GOD DAMMIT well maybe they can be. Still, it seems like the boy isn't as tense as before, and they can sit well knowing that. Caelus still holding a very casual air about them, which might be a bit strange at first, but again, they don't mean any real harm, if at all. Though, they can definitely tell that the soul in there is on guard, so they have to tread carefully, as to not anger one of the one's inside.]

Absolutely not. I've been here for about two months though, and gotten to know my court leader just recently.

[They tilt their head curiosity, taking a bite out of their pastry. Happily chewing a few times before swallowing the bite down. Their attention shifting back to Nahobino.]

Are you familiar with the fae?

[Sorrrry everyone who isn't human is a demon to them. That's just how things work in their world. Unless...

Interesting, then. They're not just snatching up humans. Nahobino alone is proof of that, but he'd thought maybe they'd just gotten confused.

Fae, though?]

Like fairies? I know some. [That's a family of demons, sure. He knows plenty of fairies.]

Fairies, yeah. But the fae you're familiar with, might not be the ones keeping us here. There's a library somewhere, but I don't think you guys are allowed to leave the party yet without getting into trouble. I don't know much about it; other people are much more familiar.

[They would sneak out and maybe get a book from the library now that Caelus was an established Adopted here, but they didn't want to risk it. It would be bad if they got in trouble before getting home. While they could get away with things back home, they certainly can't do it here. Unless they want to be transformed into a tree or something.]

I would be careful though. Try to stay in this location until the night is over.

[That being said Caelus finally breathes and smiles in a friendly manner again. Careful not to come off as someone who is hostile because... They really aren't.]

I'm Caelus, by the way. There's some of us here, but I'm one of the deities that got dragged here by the fae.

[Maybe not. Most of the fairies he's met have been relatively benevolent for demons, what with Oberon taking in the wounded and lost students, but... this kidnapping or whatever it is strikes him as a bit more extreme than that. Nobody's been eaten yet, as far as he's aware.]

What happens at the end of the night? [They hadn't really been planning on sneaking out, but he's wary of any kind of restrictions nowadays. Still, he's not going to do anything stupid.

Ah. A deity. Yeah, that makes sense.] They call me Nahobino. [He watches for a moment to see if Caelus has any reaction to that word. Maybe not, if things are different where he was from.]

You'll probably meet your court leader. I'm soooo lucky to have Her Majesty, Javora.

[Their tongue drips with sarcasm. They don't hate her, they just got to know her a bit better than they thought they would. What they saw left them a tad bit unsettled, so they're less than thrilled right now. Either way, they roll their eyes, and stare down at the food that wasn't far from them. Eventually, Nahobino would need to eat if they were normal. Caelus ate the food out of curiosity, but at some point wouldn't they need to eat? They didn't seem like a deity of some sort -- just the weird, two soul thing.]

No idea what that is. Is that a title or something?

[Did they even have an actual name? Maybe it's not right to pry, but that doesn't sound like someone's regular name... They use some fake name in their own world, so maybe it's like that? Caelus just grows more curious, and they continue to tilt their head as they peek into their soul to see Aogami's.]

Doesn't sound like a normal name.

[Not too happy, huh? Well. They know a thing or two about not being happy with those in leadership. The memory is a bitter taste in his mouth, and he hopes the fae here aren't nearly as terrible as the angels.]

Something like that. [A species, really, but he's not sure if he wants to explain it.] Easier than deciding whose name to use.

[Which would they, after all? Even if Kei's the one leading the dance, that wouldn't feel quite right. But Aogami would never step forward unless asked. Besides, picking one feels wrong. It's supposed to be something more than just the two of them.]

I don't see any fighting. The courts must be on decent terms with each other.

[So... like the different branches of Bethel? Though they were always just looking for excuses to break away from each other.]

Must be hard when the other soul is awake and ready to go. I guess you two make it work.

[They stare at their own heart for a moment, resting their hand on their chest as they remember that their sister was hiding her soul in their own body. It's nostalgic to see Nahobino in a way, but the memory soon fades and they gaze back at the younger boy with a smile that's paired off with an amused laugh.]

For now. Who knows when a fight will break out between other members of the court. I'm sure they're itching for a fight, but whatever. That's for future us to worry about.

[They haven't seen any actual fighting... Yet. Who's to say that they won't see it eventually. One can never trust the fae, and they know that far too well.]

That being said, does your body work similar to a human? Do you actually need to eat food to survive?

It depends on the souls.

[The two of them, they've figured out this dance. It comes so naturally. It didn't with everyone, he's noticed.

No fighting yet, hm. A stalemate then.

The question catches him offguard. They reach to touch their chest, idly.] My body's more similar to a demon's, though not as reliant on magatsuhi. We still need our normal sustenance if we part.

A demon?

[That seems to garner some attention from them, and they stand straight again. Caelus back in their space, as they let their eyes trail up and down Nahobino's body in curiosity. It might seem like they're sizing him up, with how they're walking a circle around him, but they stop once they reach the front.]

Hm... You do kind of look like one of Nyarlathotep's creations... But you're definitely not from Gaia. Where are you from, exactly?

[If you think they were staring into his soul earlier, they certainly are now. There's something about this stranger that certainly captured their attention. They don't mean to pry, or be nosy, but this kid just seems to be more and more interesting as the conversation goes on.]

Is the one inside of you a demon too?

[Nahobino turns slowly as Caelus walks, just enough to make sure he never has his back to the god. Just to be certain.]

Da'at. [That's what they call it now, at least.] Formerly humans' Tokyo.

[They debate, and decide they don't want to go into all the details of just what a nahobino is and how it works.]

Body of a demon, Knowledge of a human. So we both benefit.

[Yeah okay. They definitely have no idea what that is, and it doesn't sound like Earth. Or maybe it is? All they know is that there are parallel universes, after his conversation with Dr. Strange.]

Interesting... Is that another version of Earth?

[They're just gonna assume everyone is from this Earth place.]

I see... It seems you're just as strange as I am. I don't think I've ever met someone like you, but regardless, it's interesting all the same. Do you have powers similar to a demon, then? You mentioned you have a body of a demon, so I'm assuming you have some sort of unique power.

It used to be Earth.

[Things are... complicated. They don't want to get into that, when they themselves don't totally understand that still.

Ah. He holds out his hand, and then swings it to the side suddenly as he summons his glowing energy sword. Though, quickly enough, he lets it de-materialize. It's just for show, for now.]

I've got some tricks up my sleeve, yes.

[ANOTHER person from Earth. It seems to be a parallel universe again, but things might be a bit more complicated this time. Considering they don't want to talk about it, they don't press on the subject. Instead, they watch as Nahobino reveals some of their power to them, and they watch as the sword shines bright in their peripherals. Silently examining it with a curious look, but stopping once it retracts.]

You're probably hiding some big ability, aren't you? Either way, make sure some of that works. The fae sealed some of my abilities, and nerfed some of my other ones. It'll be good to eventually check to see if they work, but not here. You'll likely be thrown into jail if you cause a scene.

[At the first party, Caelus definitely had to stop a few people from getting into fights. They're just warning Nahobino now, so they don't accidentally do something they might regret. Something they realize they don't have anymore, after speaking with Frostbloom.]

Oh and just another warning. I guess be careful who you make deals with. They can... Do some weird stuff. Like take away emotions that you don't want anymore.

[Guess who the walking example is.]

I don't like to show off unecessarily.

[That's a damned lie. It's more reasonable to say they don't want to reveal the extent of their power so easily, to so many unknown variables. Even so, they nod. he had no intention of trying anything at the party, and it's good to know there's some consequence. Not as dire as he was worried.

Nahobino's gaze narrows just a touch at the warning. Strange and dangerous negotiations, huh.]

Duly noted. [Emotions you... don't want anymore? For some reason, that reminds him a little of Eiseth. Not a good comparison.] I'll be wary.

Not many people do.

[Or so they've noticed. People seemed to be much more reserved about showing their powers, but that made sense with the fae and all. Still, they were curious but they wouldn't pry. At least, not now -- maybe later when another dragon or something came to attack them.]

Good. I had a strange interaction with the merchant over -- there.

[They point at Frostbloom, away from the party but still in view for the other to see.]

They gave me this cloak, but in exchange for an emotion.

[They still have their invisibility cloak on them, since they went straight into the party after receiving it. But they lift up the cloak from their arms, revealing the multi colored fabric that flowed nicely in their grasp.]

I'm sure the other soul will remind you to be wary.

[Their gaze follows Caelus' pointing, though his mood shifts from curiousity to mute horror when Caelus mentions the price. An emotion?

Nahobino stares at them now with an extra layer of wariness. Before, he had thought them like other gods -- someone to be wary of least they view you as an obstacle, but generally not someone who'd bother to deal with him. Now he can't help but wonder just how dangerous a god without some essential emotion could be.

They're not wrong, Aogami replies to Caelus' last comment. Another time, he might've sent back amusement at someone having read Aogami so easily, but right now they're feeling particularly wary.]

Do you feel it was worth it?

[Ah, they know that stare all too well. It's a stare they haven't seen for the past thousand years or so. The last time they've seen that stare of wariness was from Hrist, and that's because she was also in disbelief that they were a god. Now they were a god without a certain emotion lingering in their head.

As for that question... Honestly? They can't help but laugh about it. It's an unsettling laugh, but they brush back their braided hair. Their eyes meeting again, letting a smile drift from their expression as they try and think. Usually they'd feel regret, but now... They can't feel anything. They can't even regret making that decision because they can't feel it anymore.]

... I don't know. I don't feel regret anymore. Hard to say, you know? But I know that look on your face. You're wary of me... That's the same look I got from Hrist when I first saved her from slavery.

[Understandable.]

If I'm answering your question, I do. I've only lived with one regret in my entire life, and that was committing both patricide and regicide. ... I didn't want to feel that way anymore, so I traded it off.

Regret is a dangerous thing to lose.

[Sorry, what? Slavery? The two of them give the internal equivalent of giving each other a look, until they decide that's way too big of a can of worms.

Speaking of.

There's a bilt of shock, but then it fades. Gods do... all sorts of strange things. Should he be so surprised? ]

Guess you can't have any buyer's remorse, either.

[It's almost a joke.]

Test Drive Meme #2

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implied vengence spoilers lmao

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