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TEST DRIVE MEME #10
a. that's where we both belong
[you wake up.
it doesn't matter where you were before. going to bed? dying? opening the door to face a great evil? same result. you wake up in a soft bed with starched sheets in a cool, darkened room, sunlight peeking out from behind thick curtains. maybe you're alone; maybe you aren't. maybe you immediately notice the folded paper on the bedside table near your head. if you don't, you better fix that real quick: you won't be able to even open the door before you read it.
the note itself is written in a neat hand on white card stock; there is a stylized logo of a ship with the words SERENA ETERNA printed underneath. the note reads as follows:
Dear Passenger(s),
As your cruise director, it is my great honor to welcome you aboard the Serena Eterna, your destination for fun and adventure! We know you could have chosen any cruise line for your vacation, and we're very grateful you chose ours! On behalf of the Captain, I would like to assure each and every passenger that will we do whatever it takes to fulfill all your needs and desires during your journey with us.
At your earliest possible convenience, please attend the mandatory lifeboat drill by the end of the day. I'm sure everyone is very eager to get started on all the fun and sun, but safety always comes first! You can find your life jacket in your cabin's closet; carry it to your assigned muster station on deck one, where I will take you through the drill. If you can't find me in the crowd, just look for the gal with the winning smile!
See You Real Soon!
Sincerely,
Gal Friday
you walk to deck one. you have no other choice: every time you try to step in a direction some unseen being considers "not towards deck one," you find your legs no longer move, staying stock still, frozen. whether compelled quickly by curiosity, or delayed by pure stubbornness, the result is the same, and you are left milling around with other similarly curious or stubborn people.
you see someone in uniform near the front of the crowd. she seems to be a gal, but is missing the winning smile, along with most of her other features. she seems to see you, though, rushing to your side and placing a lei around your neck with great formality. a voice, cheery but artificial, sees to come from nowhere and everywhere.]
Welcome aboard! I'm so happy you could join us!
[you touch the lei. rooster feathers, lotus seeds, and a carved circle of something white and hard, linked onto a silk string.
after the drill is completed, you are seemingly free to go. or, well, your legs work, now. and maybe that's as good as it's gonna get.]
b. and there's plenty of that down by the sea
[it’s strange to think about, isn’t it? how all those new passengers, the ones grumbling or shouting their way through the forced muster drill, have absolutely no idea what happened just last month. no idea about the labyrinth. no concept of why anyone around them would be a bit more hesitant around shadows.
they’ll learn.
sometimes a shadow is darker than it’s supposed to be. very rarely does anything come of that; just a vague sense that someone is watching you, and little more. sometimes, though, the shadows move. sometimes they grab at your ankles as you walk. sometimes they give you a shove as you go down the stairs. sometimes they pull your hair, or pinch your arm.
sometimes you feel something sharp cut into your lower leg.
that’s not a shadow, though. that’s a fiddler crab. you see the crab, sometimes. the cut isn’t from its claws, which don’t look very intimating; it’s not a very large crab. the cut is from the large kitchen knife crudely taped onto its back. it’s probably fine. it's not chasing you. there isn't evil in its heart. probably.]
c. think I'll go back to the Keys
[one day, in the atrium, two pedestals suddenly appear. on each is a large button: one green, and one blue. pressing the blue button gives you a little treat, popping out of thin air next to you. pressing the green button sends a small electric shock through your body. weird, but, hey, pretty avoidable, right?
except, it seems to be spreading. to every other button on board.
in the elevator. on the soda machine. the arcade. your phone. the bell on Friday’s desk.]
no subject
She's already prepared to reach over, to tug him back with all the strength that she has in her body in case he suddenly goes over the rails. She's at least provided with some relief, when she manages to distract him with her teddy bear's presence. Full? Well, Judith is full of soft cotton stuffing
and memoriesobviously, but that's an odd observation to make if that's what he's pointing out! ]Oh, this is... [ She yanks the bear out of midair, giving her a little squish. ] This is Judith. You can call her Judy. She's pretty soft... if you wanna hold her.
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[A rather lagging sort of hesitation, here, as Voyager seems briefly greatly torn between his rail-climbing mission and this new discovery. That bear really is quite full, though. Not just with stuffing, either!
...Hm, and this other child doesn't seem to be a Servant. Although...
With a soft and thoughtful hum, Voyager slips down, his heels stepping off the middle rung of the rail and lightly clacking back onto the solid ground of the deck instead. He turns around, head tilting. Draws a step forward, towards Fio, and stops again; intrigue blooms plainly across his features.
(As sunny as it always is outdoors, it's a bit hard to tell, but. Has his glow brightened a bit, just now...?)]
...Yeah. I'd like to hold her. Can I? There's something about her, that I want to check...
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Wow, you're kind of... really glowy and stuff! [ Big sparkles... ] Um... sure, of course you can hold her!
[ She reaches up to tug the bear out of midair. Maybe it's not so strange that he's curious about the doll, since it is floating in plain sight. ]
And my name's Fio. It's nice to meet you. [ Putting on a friendly smile, she offers out the bear with both hands like it's an alternate way of doing an introductory handshake. ] What's your name?
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Hehe...yes, I am. Thank you. I must be feeling pretty good this morning!
[Which might seem like a bit of a non-sequitor out of context, admittedly, but Voyager's attention is already apparently moving elsewhere. He's visibly more and more intrigued as the distance between them closes, after all, casting another long stare at the bear after he speaks. --But, as he reaches for the offered toy, he does brighten in the more metaphorical sense at Fio's introduction.]
Fio...okay. It's nice to meet you too, Fio. I'm Voyager, and--whoa!
[His hands have closed gently around Judy's middle...and now, even before he's properly lifted the toy from Fio's hands--!
His glowiness is definitely suddenly intensifying!!]
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Whoa! [ She exclaims, leaning back for a moment. Straightening back up, she stares in awe. ] You're like a light bulb!
[ He isn't the first to notice the doll's affinity for the Light element. This nearly reminds her of the time when Jade examined the bear, however he didn't pick up on Judith's power as easily. Nor did he start glowing. There were others too, the Dioscuri, that picked up traces of the light without having to physically handle the toy too much. ]
Huh. You're a bit like... some friends of mine that used to be here. They knew Judy was special. That's what you meant when you said there's "something" about her, isn't it?
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I think I feel like a lightbulb too! Wow...
[Very gently, he hugs Judy's plush shape to his chest--and giggles, a bit, as his glow brightens just a little more. He's even inadvertently lifting off the ground now, just a tad, floating up about an inch or two as if suddenly filled with a pleasant buoyancy.]
Yeah, she's definitely special! Anyone who knows about light could probably tell, I bet. Because that's what Judy's full of! A lot of light. That's how it feels right now...it's really nice. [Voyager glances down; as if remembering himself, he drifts back down until his heels are touching the deck again, though the glow has yet to diminish.] Was it those friends, who gave you Judy?
no subject
Or you're like Mr. Sun, rising up into the sky!
[ Almost. Just by an inch.
Fio can't help giggling along with his delight, even when she doesn't fully understand what's happening. He's allowed to hold on to the plush bear for as long as he wants. Strangeness is usually something she takes in stride, but it's his affinity towards the Light that causes a few questions to crop up. Does this mean that he's the same as Judith, full of light? She wonders if he's capable of anything else, besides the glowing and dream-like floating.
At his question, she shakes her head. ]
I picked Judy up from the sundries shop. [ Likely sent by someone from The Cage. She has never seen Judith herself in that reality, but the way she operates is what helped her come to that conclusion. ] Polly and Cassie were friends that I made on the boat. [ They became fast friends. She misses them, but she's sure they'll meet again someday. Just like how she continues to believe that she may one day reunite with Levania, no matter how many years it takes. ] They kind of... sensed Judy too. A bit like you did. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have known about her other power.
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[Doesn't everyone always wish sunsets would last a little longer, after all?
"Polly and Cassie"...they're unfamiliar names in this shape, and so Voyager has yet to quite make the connection to the Dioscuri, who Fio's referencing in reality. Still, he's listening carefully as she explains; whoever those people might have been, they do sound like they've got good senses about them. Just like him, what a coincidence indeed!
Thoughtful, Judy still encircled in his arms for a moment, Voyager's fingertips thread gently through the bear's fur, marveling at its softness. (And the myriad of rainbow stitches, too--how pretty!) But by the end he nods, and then steps forward, politely offering Judy back to Fio. As pleasant as she feels both cuddling-wise and light-wise--she does still belong to this other girl, right?]
Right, I guess most human beings don't really notice things quite like that...but Polly and Cassie must have been special for sure. Maybe a bit like me, yeah... [Maybe Servants in their own right, too? Though they could very well be something else altogether. Even just staring at everyone after the muster drill, Voyager has already noticed several people here with brand new kinds of not-Servant strangeness all about them...] Either way, she must be a pretty talented bear! Thanks for letting me look at her. Other power...can she do other things with her light?
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The way Voyager refers to everyone else or well, the majority of the populace, as "human beings" is a little peculiar. As if he's nonhuman or something! But of course, Fio takes it with stride and without a question. Without a doubt, Pollux is strong. The sight of watching her destroy a ball in a single blow is something Fio would never forget. And though she has never seen Castor in action, she's certain he possessed strength that's equal to his sister. The siblings seemed fond of children. Perhaps they would have gotten on well with Voyager too... ]
She can, but she needs a nice long rest after she does her super special magic trick. It's a little prettier when you see it at night time though!
[ Her companion's powers are usually reserved for emergencies. Today feels like it's going to be one of those many peaceful days where it's safe enough to show off. Or she can save the surprise for the evening. ]
What about you, Voyvoy? [ It has been decided. ] Do you know any other magic tricks? Or superpowers. Polly punched a ball once and it went... [ Makes a big gesture with her arms. ] Boom! With a really loud noise. I had to make sure to cover my ears.
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[Having already seen far stranger feats in his time existing as a Servant so far, a little stuffed bear being able to pull off such bright feats seems like a more than reasonable thing to imagine. Especially with how full of light it is already! As soon as Judy leaves Voyager's hands and he steps back, the strengthened glow all about him dims again somewhat; when they do eventually properly part ways for a time, Fio taking Judith along with her, Voyager's glow will return to its normal gentle levels altogether. But so long as they're near each other, with Judy in tow, he'll perhaps always be glowing just a bit brighter...that light magic buff is really something else!
Oh, magic tricks of his own, though? It's been a little while since anyone's asked him that, quite this directly. --But the question's also preluded by a nickname! And though his physical person might be dimming a bit with lessened Judith proximity, Voyager's demeanor brightens in turn at the new moniker.]
Voyvoy...ehehe, that's a fun name! Thank you! Huh, but superpowers... [A thoughtful hum, as he carefully considers this. The tale of Polly's magnificent feat earns widening eyes.] Wow, I definitely couldn't blow up a ball like that! Polly must have been really strong! But, I am fast...and I like flying...and...oh! I can do this, too!
[Voyager raises a hand, and turns towards the railing to make a little tossing motion with it. --A small, glowing, and distinctly star-shaped piece of light leaps from his palm, and sails overboard to fall into the sea below...]
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[ That might have spoiled the surprise, just a little. She didn't mention it was in the shape of an adorable teddy bear head. She's got her lanterns that are probably worth mentioning too... well, he'll find out later.
After seeing him climb on the rails, she wonders if her panic was for no reason if he can fly a little higher than an inch. Better to be safe than to allow someone to fall overboard. She can ask him to elaborate more on his floating, but her attention is immediately drawn towards the bright, yellow star that he produces. With a delighted laugh, she follows it, grabbing onto the railing and leaning forward as safely as she can to watch it fall into the sea. ]
Wow! What a pretty star! Can you only do one at a time? [ She turns to look back at the boy, excited to see what else he can do. ] Or can you do more? A rain of stars would look beautiful in the night sky!
[ And since he mentioned wanting to see Judith in action... ]
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Anyway, admittedly, it probably would have helped with Voyager actually explained just what he was going to do after climbing the rail. It's not as if Fio could have guessed off the bat! But he does forget about clarifying things like that oftentimes...and besides, he seems to bear no ill will about Fio being mistaken at this point.
They're talking about his star trick now, after all! Visibly pleased at Fio's delighted reaction, Voyager follows over to grab the railing beside her and lean forward too--without climbing it, this time!!--the both of them watching as the star spirals down, hitting the water with a sizzling splash far below.]
Oh, I can definitely do more! I can do a whole bunch! I got it down, after practicing a lot. [He puffs up with a bit of pride about this as he speaks, but the image Fio goes on to invoke about the night sky is bringing all but literal stars to his own eyes in turn. He nods enthusiastically.] A rain of lights at night...you're right...that would be really pretty, wouldn't it? Judy's fireball too! [Leaning back from the rail, Voyager places a hand upon his cheek in excited thought.] It's not night right now, but...hey, when it does get dark sometime. We should get together someplace! And do lots of lights when it's night! All at once!
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That's a brilliant idea! I play on the sports deck sometimes at night, so I can invite you next time I'm up. [ Hands remain gripped on the rails and she leans back, turning her head to look at him with a happy grin. She's already forming a mental image of a dazzling sky. There's quite a few night owls who are probably familiar with the sporadic lights in the sky. They might enjoy a new spin on it, with yellow stars added! ]
You know, there's not many other kids on the boat. It's just me. [ A pause. Why is she being so hesitant, when she wants Sparkles to trust others more? Perhaps it's due to her worries of the labyrinth's aftermath. But Voyager wasn't involved with any of that, never had the chance to meet Sparkles at its worst... ] And... my friend.
[ Practically all of the children she's met are gone. ...Except for one. It's been here longer than anyone else. Maybe if the others come back someday, they can become better friends. Until then, she can work on becoming stronger and kinder for everyone. ]
The two of you should meet some time. It... can be a little shy though.
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[Perhaps even beautiful, yes, with all their lights combining together.
And it would indeed be beautiful, until they accidentally blow up a stadium light, but you know...it's the thought that always counts--!!Now there's a bit of a tangent from these future light show plans, though...and there's some food for thought here, now isn't there?]
Huh, so with kids...it's just you, and one other person? That's too bad... [Says this newcomer who has yet to grasp the actual mechanics of this place, and just how inhospitable it could generally be to most normal children. No, all that Voyager knows at the moment, is that children...always seem to like getting together into big groups, don't they? When they play, and do fun things. There were several pictures with groups of children recorded on his record. Then, in the Akihabara "after the Holy Grail War"...and even in Chaldea, with its more child-like Servants...yes, there were kids in gatherings around these places too. It does seem a shame, then, that Fio and her friend have been the only two here. (...Whoops, he's not really thinking of himself as being a new third child, now...and so he doesn't quite realize just why Fio has brought this up. After all, either way--!)] Still, I wouldn't mind meeting your friend! You can, introduce us...like a friend ambassador...
[Voyager smiles, pleasantly amused at this thought. Though it's a bit brief, before a new thoughtfulness occurs to him, one of Fio's phrases sinking in.]
Oh, but..."shy"? ...I think I've heard that word... [Yes, he thinks, he's certainly heard it around here and there. But...? He blinks to Fio curiously.] What does it mean?
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A split second of mild surprise crosses her features when he inquires what "shy" means and shifts to a thoughtful expression. Give her some time to string together words to form a proper explanation. She knows the meaning and finds it easier to identify when she sees others display such traits. Sometimes, she becomes shy in certain situations. It may have been how she was as a newcomer on the ship, very unlike Voyager's immediate friendliness. ]
Shy is... it means... [ A thoughtful hum, leaning forward on the rails and staring off into the ocean. After a moment, her head perks up, thinking she's found the correct words. She's eager to share her knowledge! ] It means that you get really nervous around other people! Sometimes, people who get shy get all shaky and red in the face. [ Sparkles can't get red in the face, but... she's seen some of its bashful body language. ]
I know we just met, but I think you're really nice. Maybe you and Sparkles will get along!
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Which makes Fio's explanation of the word positively fascinating, to be sure. He listens raptly, eyes a little wide, and tries to imagine this sort of feeling where you end up turning red and getting shaky...]
Wow, that sounds pretty rough...that must make it really hard, to make a good introduction with new people you meet. They could end up thinking you're a sort of person who's red and shaky all the time! It'd be a real problem...
[Of course, informing this bout of genuine concerned sympathy for this hypothetical struggle, is the fact that one of the core components engraved in Voyager's being involves "making a first-time impression on alien eyes"--ideally a good one! The best impression he possibly can! Which maybe also informs a lot of his own lack of shyness...humming thoughtfully, Voyager's falling into a moment's silence to mull upon this new information some more, but Fio's assessment brings him back to the present with a blink and a smile.]
Well, I'm glad I've made a good first impression to you! I'd like to make a nice impression for your friend too, yeah. Especially, if it might help them feel less "shy". I'll try my best, when we meet up!
["Sparkles", huh? What a nice name...after all, people use that word to describe stars a lot too...]
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She releases the rails, turning to face fully towards Voyager with a smile. ]
Sparkles really could use more friends. [ Besides her alone. (Or maybe... is that enough for it? Maybe it'll be happier with more friends.) ] Just let me know when you're ready and I'll be your friend ambassador!
[ It's... somewhere on the boat. She's certain the shadow will come out, when she calls for it. Sparkles has hopefully had enough rest by now... ]