ateratooc | tdm 007

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test drive

tdm 007

Test Drive 007

WELCOME TO ATERAT

Here is our Seventh Test Drive Meme! There are a lot of areas of the city to explore, so please have a look around! In case you need a little help getting started, I've included a few prompts below, or feel free to start your own! Exploration and player initiative are the names of the game here!

Helpful Links to Get Started

Arrival & General Information | Setting & Bestiary | Locales & Businesses | Residences & Housing Info | Rules & FAQ (ask questions here!)

I. Crash Into Me

Not exactly, but close enough. You have just arrived and received a strange satchel from a tiny, strange little man and are left more or less to your own devices (more information on what to expect upon arrival can be found here)! Follow directions to the north and check out the housing, or maybe have a look around the Historium and try to get some information from that giant glowing ball, see what you can waste your meager starter coin on in the Market District, or maybe just meet the neighbors.

II. What Goes Bump in the Night

It looks like Aterat proper has a spirit problem. Maybe you're seeing specters, hearing disembodied voices, your windows rattle when there's no breeze outside. Maybe there are cold spots in your place of business (or your apartment, which is so much worse). Either way, you're 100% convinced you're haunted. Hopefully, someone else believes you, or maybe you're used to feeling crazy.

III. Into the MirrorVerse?

Through the looking glass in every apartment or other residence lies the MirrorVerse, a place of emotion. More information on this mysterious place can be found here.

IV. Try the Network

The Tell-Phone allows for text, video, and audio transmissions to everyone else who has one. Give it a whirl!

V. Wildcard

The above prompts are all options, and there's much more to the setting than what they provide. Do your best (or your worst)!

Navigation

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Luckily, Yin doesn't move much from the bump, despite her lithe form. This is the point someone should apologize, but Yin doesn't, not quite getting the full problem. She does realize the noise from the bins is a bad thing. That is definitely going to attract trouble.

"I will step back," she assures him. She doesn't quite look at Waver, Yin's gaze moves in the direction of his voice, but she never meets his eyes, unaware of that.

"What change?" Yin asks, as with her team, she can, sometimes, get involved in tactics, so maybe she could assist here. After all, they were both at risk at the moment.

“Just a little.” He responded, though his comment slowed slightly as he observed her. His own train of thoughts derailing slightly as he noticed the way she addressed him again. A few things started to add up, if he compared a moment or two from earlier to now… He’s used to someone who keeps their head down, but even Gray sometimes raised her head to meet his eye while they speak regardless of their awkward situation.

Maybe she wasn’t comfortable with it, but the fact that she ran into him despite how very careful that her steps had been before now? Waver Velvet, you are an idiot. he thought to himself until she spoke up again. Shaking his head a little, the mage drew in a breath. He could address this after they were inside.

“We can’t outrun them, so we wait for them to move on instead. I might have a way to ensure that… But we just need to get inside this shed.” And since he has the distinct feeling that she can’t see the entrance he’s standing in front of? He makes a point to catch the door that was swinging lightly in the breeze and pushes it open, knowing the hinges were probably as rusted with disuse as the door to his workshop had been. Which means it gives a telltale creaking whine as he pushes and holds it open.

Yin nods her head, taking a delicate step back. It certainly wasn't Waver's fault she didn't tell him, or that it was hard to tell she is blind, seeing as they were trying to protect themselves, at the moment.

Waver is, indeed, correct. Yin's head moves in the direction of the creaking when the door opens, but she still doesn't seem to meet his eyes, and isn't exactly looking at the door, but it's clear she hears it. She moves toward it, slowly, as it to make sure she wouldn't bump into Waver again. Yin even puts a hand out to see if she can feel the door to also navigate this.

Waver himself keeps an eye, both watching for their pursuers and to make sure he doesn’t get in the way. The mage deciding it was best to see that she got through the doorway before he entered himself. It all feels far more clear as the moments pass what he’d missed, and regardless of fault, of how obvious or not obvious that it was, he felt a bit like he should have noted it sooner.

But what was done was done, and once she was inside, he followed suit before closing the door behind them. Yin was left in silence for a few minutes as Waver pat down his pockets for his lighter and the case of cigars to draw a fresh one from it. It wasn’t until the mystic code was lit and he used it to create a temporary bounded field around the shed that he relaxed somewhat and finally turned his attention to the young woman. “There, I’ve set up a bounded field for now. We should at least be safe until they get bored with looking, won’t hear us either.” He offered the brief explanation before he settled his back against the door behind him, considering the recent realization for a moment.

“Which means we should probably take the time to coordinate our exit when it’s clear to move to avoid running into them again.” He tilted his head thoughtfully before continuing. “I’ve realized you were likely following the sound of my footsteps to judge where I was and where to go before. Is that correct?” Maybe it’s a bit blunt, but he was more concerned with getting them back safely at this point. Better to verify and adjust how they proceeded from here.

Once Yin is inside, she tries to move in far as she can, hands reaching out to feel the wall so she knows when to stop. She hears Waver enter, and turns in his direction.

Her shoulders relax a bit when Waver says they shouldn't be heard inside. That's definitely good to know. She nods her head, though coordinating isn't a job she's accustomed to, so she waits for his instruction on that.

There is a nod from Yin.

"Yes," she answers, though she still doesn't offer extra information. Waver doesn't have to be concerned about bluntness with Yin, as she seems unperturbed by it.

“Right.” Waver nodded at the confirmation, balancing the cigar between his fingers and considering the options. Her being alright with his bluntness meant they would get along just fine.

“Sound cues are easy enough to utilize to ensure you’re going the right way, and you’re sharp enough to hear them before I do…” That had been a very convenient warning earlier, he couldn’t deny that. “I would like to avoid another potential collision though, I’ll try to make it more clear if I’m going to stop. Unless there’s something that makes it easier for you, of course.” He’s fine with coming up with the next steps, but he does need to talk them out a bit and make sure she can follow.

She notes to herself it means that much to Waver to not collide - she will double her efforts to be aware of where he is, then.

Yin listens intently, and she isn't entirely sure how else to do this while moving. If she was still, well, she has her ways.

"That works," she says, then asks, "Is there any water here?" Because if she can see outside briefly, it will help her the rest of the way.

That was a very specific question, and while they had been on the move for a while… He surmises she isn’t asking because she’s thirsty. “It’s a ramshackle old shed. Wouldn’t surprise me if there was a leaky roof… And the weather has been pretty bad lately, a lot of downpours. So there is a chance.” He murmured, glancing around before pushing himself to his feet with a little huff.

Studying the roof for a moment, the mage started to look for anything that might have collected rainwater from a leak above. “What’s your plan if I find any?”

She reaches out to move to the wall, keeping distance from him since he didn't like bumping into her. There isn't a lot of space to work with, either way. She doesn't hear any dripping.

"To see," Yin informs Waver, though she doesn't realize her words don't give much information at all.

Waver paused in his search to glance at the young woman with a slightly curious expression. It’s an explanation lacking details, and Waver was going to want more of them… But he didn’t doubt her claim, either.

Instead, he focused on the search and finding out the details needed at the moment. He’d learn more as they went. “Right… How much water are you going to need, exactly?” He asked over his shoulder, keeping an eye on her as well to make sure he didn’t miss something. The mage appreciated the distance despite the small space. It was more he didn’t want to trip over her or her over him.

Yin isn't even sure if it will work. There needs to be water inside where they are, and water outside, close enough to see any of the spiritual activity, or at least hear their approach.

"Enough to put my hands or feet in," Yin tells Waver. She sticks solely to his questions and still doesn't offer more explanation for how this works.

She steps out of her shoes and feels around with her hands along the wall and her feet on the ground.

Outdoors wasn’t as much of a problem as indoors, at least. The city had been experienced several months worth of rainy weather, something no one had been able to work out the reason behind or correct as yet. The consensus with these things was that the people in charge mucked things up again… But inside… That was the current mystery.

“How far can you see beyond the shed by that method?” The mage was willing to take… maybe a small risk if needed, but if it would only be just outside, he would be a little more cautious about getting some from outside if the need came up.

For now, he kept an eye on Yin’s movements while moving to balance on a crate. There didn’t seem to be anything on the floor, but maybe higher up in the rafters of the shed… He wasn’t too hopeful, but it didn’t hurt to check for anything that might have collected something leaking in.

That bodes well, if they were outside, then. But inside does seem to the be issue. Yin can't find any water, but it's been some time, and they might be able to take their chances.

"Five hundred meters," Yin answers, guesstimating, she isn't entirely sure on specifics, but it seems about right.

Such a shed could certainly prove to have a leak or two, or if tugged on the right way, might cause water to leak inside, if it's been sitting on the roof since the last rainfall. Waver wouldn't need to risk himself, in that case.

“That’s a decent range.” He mused over his shoulder, more than a little curious about this whole idea. Hard to not be, even in a situation like this… But the professor was doing his best. Overturning an old crate, he balanced on it to get a better look at the higher rafters. Wobbling a little, he winced as he reached out to steady himself on the wall.

And, hanging from a nail up higher, was definitely an old forgotten bucket! Or perhaps not forgotten so much as placed strategically to make it safe to store things in the shed. “Hm… Might have some luck tonight, after all.” He reached out, nudging it slightly and there’s the telltale sound of a slosh of water. Hopefully it was enough, as the professor carefully unhooked it and stepped off the crate. Once he was on solid ground, he glanced at the young woman. “I’ve got some here. You’ll have to tell me if it’s enough.” Holding it carefully, he moved a few steps over, mindful of letting her know when he was closer to avoid an unpleasant collision for her.

Yin perks up at just the sound of the water sloshing. She can't tell for sure until she feels it.

She steps forward only as much as she needs, cognizant to make sure she also doesn't run into Waver, still keeping that in mind.

Close enough, she puts her hand in the bucket.

"Yes," she assures him. It's more than enough, really, as long as she can put a hand or foot in the water. She flattens her palm, then asks, "Want to put it down?" To be more comfortable for him, of course. She will manage, no matter what.

That was a relief, that there was enough therefor her to work with. Meant that there was some luck to be had tonight, after all.

The request gets a quick nod. “Yes, I’ll put it down just in front of you if that works.” He offered, setting the bucket down in front of her carefully before stepping back to give her space to work, or as much as one could in a shed. He took the time to check the temporary field before focusing on what she was doing with curiosity.

Yin cautiously slipped to her knees, then put her hand in the bucket.

For Waver, it might be a bit boring. Anyone outside, though, would see a ghostly like form poke up from a puddle.

A minute later, Yin says, "They are passing us, now."

Waver, of course, could hardly find things like this boring. He was interested in seeing her process, even if there wasn’t anything flashy to it. Though he would be curious about the ghostly form outside if he could see it. Instead, the mage waits patiently for any word on if she did see things outside.

He let out a breath at that, “Good… We’ll give them a couple minutes to get by, and if they don’t seem like they’re doubling back, we can leave. I know a decent route from this part of the city back to the apartments.”

Maybe someday he will get to see Yin's spirit as it spies in action, then. His quiet patience feels familiar, though Waver is far more patient and calm than her co-workers.

Yin nods. After two minutes - exactly - have passed, she says, "They are quiet. They have not come back." So maybe they can at least make it to the apartments, safely.

The professor would undoubtedly be fascinated if there ever was an occasion for him to see her ability properly in action from the other side. That said, Waver’s patience and calm were very dependent on who was around and if someone was pushing his buttons or being particularly stupid. Yin so far did not exhibit behavior that would put her in the category of people who did, which helped a lot.

Waiting for the next couple minutes for her confirmation, he finally relaxed a bit to hear they weren’t doubling back to re-check the area. That was a relief. There was only so much one could do about those things. “Then we should see about getting out of here ourselves. I think we’ve had enough hide-and-seek for the evening.” He offered, finally moving for the door and opening it to lead her out. “I should be able to get us back to the coloured buildings from here. It’s not too far.”

Perhaps someday he will get to see the actual specter. No way she will not use it during her time in the city, as it is useful. It is true, Yin is non-invasive and quiet, which would probably works better with Waver for any sort of team up.

Yin gives a nod, shakes her hand off to dry, then heads out of the door.

"We were playing a children's game?" Yin asks, a small wisp of confusion in her tone.

Once outside, he shut the door to the shed behind them and started down the road. He kept his pace even enough for her to follow again, mindful of how she was following at this point. He still kept an eye out for anything else that might stop them, but it was finally silent and somewhat peaceful. About time, he thinks…

The professor raised a brow at the confusion before awkwardly humming. “Ah… Well, it felt a little like that, but it was more just a turn of phrase in this instance.” Although one could argue if it was, they were winning as long as they made it back home before being found.

At this point, even Yin would call getting back home safely a win, if she understood that turn of a phrase better, as well.

"Too literal," she concludes, realizing it wasn't meant that way.

She follows behind him, step for step, ears in tune for the whispering sounds once more. So far, though, it's quiet, beyond Waver's footsteps and hers echoing them.

Too literal, indeed. The mage figured it would be one of the few times he tried his hand at one that it got taken that way. “Just a bit, yeah.” He hummed an agreement with an awkward tone, filing that away to remember later if he spoke with Yin again.

Waver was content to spend most of the walk in silence, still keeping an eye out for anything else that might be waiting to surprise them… But his steps slow once he sees the coloured buildings coming into view, the shades muted in the evening light. “Do you know which building you're in?” He asked, as he considered which way to direct them. Once she was safe inside, the mage would weigh his options ongoing back to the Red Building or stopping into the historium on the other side of the courtyard.

Waver is learning about her, and Yin too is filing away how to not take everything so literally. She's just not accustomed to it. Contractors - the people in her world she's most accustomed to - are very quiet, and very literal, possibly due to the severity of their profession.

"Gray," she answers. Though knowing the color doesn't necessarily help her unless she's activating her spirit at the same time, so she adds the specifics, including paces/meters from the fountain and, "A-10. Lower floor," and what direction and how far down the hallway.

tdm 007

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I am so sorry for the delay - I got sick this time. Doing better

No worries! I'm glad your doing better, but take your time and rest if needed! <3

I'm much better, no worries!

I'm glad then!! :D

Thank you!

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Wrap and start something new for the event?

Yes definitely!! I would love to do something with the event :D

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