TEST DRIVE MEME #9

[expiationmods]

Test Drive Meme #9

Welcome to Expiation, a pan-fandom adventure game with elements of fantasy, science fiction, and some subtle horror.

TDM top-levels are open to all, whether you are already in-game or not. New characters, please put TDM in your subject header so we’ll know you’re trying things out! You can also put your top-level in the TDM DIRECTORY at the bottom of the post. New folks are welcome and encouraged to use TDM threads as samples in their application. Current players may use TDM threads as part of their AC proofs.

June's's TDM is forward-dated to June 20th.

You can view our CALENDAR to keep important dates in mind. RESERVES open on June 20 and APPLICATIONS will open on June 23 After this, applications will next open in August 2024.

NEW FOR APRIL 2024: there is now a top level for everyone to post their TDM top levels into! This is for new characters only. Thank you!

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Arrival

You remember a room of blinding white light—so bright that you couldn't make out any details. You heard voices, speaking in muffled tones. It sounded an awful lot like they were talking about you. You were just on the verge of figuring out what they’re saying, you were so close...but what happened after that?

Ah–that's right. You fell into blackness.

However you awaken, the next time you’re able to stand still and take in your surroundings, you’re approached by a small mechanical creature, which reveals a handheld tablet with a rolled-up parchment within it. Booting up the tablet for the first time brings you the following message:

WELCOME, CHOSEN.
WE ARE SO GLAD YOU ARE HERE.

So…now what?

Summer Solstice (June 20th)

The summer solstice, also known as the longest day of the year. Aldrip may have received a big upgrade in size recently, but this special day still calls for celebration amongst the locals, who have a long tradition of celebrating various celestial phenomena. For this occasion, the entire city will be throwing a Midsummer celebration! The festival itself takes place from June 20-24, with the solstice happening the evening of June 20. There will be celebrations before, during, and after the festival as well!

On the shortest day of the year in December, the Chosen were told to stay indoors until sunrise. The opposite holds true for the summer solstice: all are encouraged to remain outside from dusk until dawn, and locals throw a festival to keep everyone entertained through the wee hours of the morning!

The streets of the commercial district are lined with sun-painted lanterns, lit as dusk starts to fall and kept glowing until sunrise the next day. Those lanterns illuminate a lively street bazaar featuring exotic food and drink, curious wares, and lawn/party games of all kinds. The Chosen are encouraged to either participate, or occasionally wager bets on other people who may be competing against one another. May the odds be ever in your favor?

As the sun begins to set, locals light large bonfires. There will be music and dancing—Chosen are encouraged to participate in whatever way they’d like, whether they want to perform or lead a line dance. If they’re not inclined to join in, the fires and music still provide a perfect backdrop for a little relaxing conversation and meeting new friends.

After dark, a large fireworks show begins. All in attendance are encouraged to bring (or find!) blankets to lay out so they can watch the show. Clinking glasses with good friends at the height of the show is considered good luck, so it’s not uncommon to see some folks having a drink during this time. As Aldrip is so close to the ocean, some locals even offer discounted boat rides to get a different view of these fireworks.

At dawn, the locals finally tuck in for a few hours of rest. But don’t worry—the Midsummer festival continues even after the solstice is done!

Midsummer Festival (june 20-june 24)

Locals begin prepping for the festival days in advance, and while they won’t drag others in to help the same way they have in the past, they still won’t turn down an extra set of hands. You’ll even get paid for your troubles, either in money or in favors (free meal vouchers, rent at the inn, etc). There’s no shortage of work to be done, from dragging tables around to stringing lanterns or even collecting sticks for bonfires. Just be careful, locals tell of strange whispers coming from Pessiria Forest at odd times of day and night…

The festival itself has different activities and happenings depending on what area you visit. Most of these activities can be done on any day of the festival. Most of the games and contests outlined here are examples—you’re free to make up others if you feel so inclined!

BEACH EPISODE!!
The beach is a prime location in the month of June, and locals really go all out for this particular occasion, setting up a large beach party with food, drink, and brightly-colored umbrellas to provide some shade.

There are various sporting activities such as beach volleyball, windboarding, surfing, and a large, built-up dune for sand surfing. Most of these are just for fun, but if locals see some really good contenders, they might urge a competition between them.

For those less sporting, there are all sorts of activities and challenges. Kite flying, sandcastle building, and scavenger hunts are particularly popular with the locals. Maybe they’ll ask you to bring back a certain number of round seashells, or to make friends with someone sitting under a pink umbrella…the possibilities are endless, really. There will also be official competitions for kite flying and sandcastle building, so put your best foot (or shovel) forward!

Some enterprising locals have also set up boat tours to take locals and Chosen through the nearby waves. In some places, the light makes it seem almost like you can see something in the distance…but it’s not on the map, right? Maybe it’s just your imagination. Hmm.

HAVE A FIELD DAY
The rolling hills outside of the city make a perfect place for various races and games. Bring your competitive spirit, because there will be medals awarded for winning races! Some common games include: bag races, “wife” carrying (gender, spousehood, and pre-existing relationship not required, of course!), three-legged races, relays, baton passes, and foot races.

It’s not all sporty competitions, though! Some older locals will lead more relaxing activities, such as stretching, meditation, and recreational group dances. These are volunteer-led groups, of course, so if those volunteers have to sit down or step away for a bit…well, they’ll have to ask someone to take over for them.

Those with good animal handling stats are not forgotten either, of course! There will be animal races, as well, on horses or even chocobos. There may or may not even be a petting zoo, pony rides, or other fun, relaxing activities with animals. Sometimes you just need to sit in a pen full of bunnies, okay.

Please do be careful, though: increased activity could make some of the monsters roaming outside the city a little bit curious about what’s going on this close to town…

WHEN YOU’RE DOWNTOWN
The green spaces of Aldrip have been decked out in their very finest, and floral season is in full bloom. Some enterprising gardeners will be unveiling new garden designs in honor of the festival: hedge mazes, giant sculpted topiaries, and elaborate fountains.

While it doesn’t hold a candle to the Ketsoran diplomatic masquerade, the event center will also be hosting several nights of dining and dancing during the festival. It may be a little less lavish, but it’ll nonetheless be quite glamorous—and the food will probably be good, too.

The bazaar from the day of the solstice continues throughout the festival. Additionally, various shops and businesses may choose to provide specials, discounts, and other offers to entice new and current Chosen alike.

THE SPIRE
One of the taller buildings in town has installed a large spire near one of the garden squares. They claim that, as the sun rises to its midday point, light passing through the spire will create an incredible light show. They’re right, as a matter of fact: the light reflects and refracts, scattering rainbows across the square. It’s a dazzling display. When the sun passes its midday point, however, the beautiful color show suddenly turns into white light. Anyone looking at this light will find that they are no longer able to keep track of how long they’re watching it. Your mind may begin to go blank, almost as if it refuses to accept something, some deep truth that the world is trying to tell you…

…

No, that must be your imagination. The light vanishes shortly thereafter—or was it ever there to begin with? The unsettling feeling may remain, but it’ll be harder and harder to be certain of what caused it.

This is fine and also normal.

Wildcard

Make your own fun! Just because it’s not in the prompts doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Have at it! Go crazy! Try not to break anything (too much)!

♡

Comments

Ekko // Arcane // TDM

[howyouseit]

👋 ARRIVAL

[White nothingness; It was the last thing Ekko remembered seeing before he was whisked away from his home world ending up here in a room of garishly bright light filled with whispered voices too quiet to seemingly make out. Before he even had enough time to realize his surroundings darkness enveloped him, falling into a pit of nullity yelling out for help but was met with stilled silence until coming to an unexpected crash. Upon opening his eyes again Ekko was met with the sight of a strange mechanical creature which bestowed a handheld device along with a rolled up piece of parchment in turn. "WELCOME, CHOSEN. WE ARE SO GLAD YOU ARE HERE." Just what the hell was going on here?

Sent off on his way with merely the clothes on his back and a few trusted gadgets stuffed deep within his coat pockets, Ekko makes his way into the metropolis city known as Aldrip. Vibrant streets temmed with life filled with sun-painted lanterns as far as he could see whilst people laugh and cheer drinking their fill. Did he stumble on some sort of festival with his arrival to these strange new lands? It certainly seemed as much given the high-spirited faces aplenty, shop fronts littered throughout the bustling streets selling their various wares.

Weaving through the sea of people the boy savior takes in the sights before him, looking upwards to the skies above at massive skyscrapers sprawling through the commercial district of Aldrip proper. It reminded him of Piltover somewhat but with definitive differences in turn. Perhaps he should have been looking where he was going better as he shuffled through the crowd, bumping into someone accidentally knocked firmly off his feet with a shake of his head.]

Hey- Watch where you're going!

[Yelling up at the assailant in question before even looking up to see who the perpetrator was; Leave it to him to blame the other when he was the one stricken with awe taking in the breathtaking sights.]

🌊 WINDBOARDING

[Settling in after his first day within Aldrip, Ekko thought to enjoy himself with a little excursion to the beach having heard about it from one of the locals. He'd never felt the warmth of sand under his feet prior to this place countered by the radiant heat on his back, walking shoeless along the beachfront with a lively grin plastered over his lips. A tremendous party has ensued along with various activities aplenty but one such particular venture had immediately caught his eye.

People gliding along the water's edge upon sailed boats known as 'windboards' struck a familiar cord, reminding him of his beloved hoverboard which was nowhere to be found upon arrival here to these lands. Rubbing his hands together excitedly the boy rushed towards the area where others had congregated in hopes of trying their hand at the enterprise themselves. Looking over to another who seemingly wanted to try their luck, Ekko flashes them an eager grin motioning towards a couple of the free windboards ready and waiting.]

You thinking about trying this out too? Kinda reminds me of something I had back home except mine could fly anywhere not just glide over water. Can't be much different from what I'm used to.

[A genuine smile widening over his features with a nod of his head forward.]

C'mon, I can teach you.

🔥 BONFIRE

[As the day comes to an end making way for the impending nightfall the sunset blooms over the horizon, Ekko taking up a spot nearby one of the enormous bonfires erected basking in its warmth as a cool breeze comes off the ocean. It was a pleasant enough way to spend the evening as he reminisced over his eventful experiences here thus far, bobbing his head to the stimulating music watching on as others danced away joyously. Despite the many people surroundings themselves with friends and family alike the boy sat alone contented as he sips away on his drink looking outwards to the sea, watching the waves come crashing in as a sense of calm washed over him.

Locals tried their best to get him involved in a line dance or two but had quickly ushered them off followed along by a nervous bit of laughter at first. He's barely had time to think about such things as dancing before ending up here so he didn't want to make a fool of himself. Starring out at the setting sun, an unsuspecting person either taps his shoulder to garner his attention or clears their throat to speak out unto him.]

I told you I don't want to-

[Coarsely responding as his immediate thoughts assume it to be just another local trying to pester him into joining in again before looking back over his shoulder, blinking surprisedly when it was someone else entirely stopping himself from needlessly scolding the stranger.]

🐔 HAVE A FIELD DAY

[After spending the majority of his time over the last few days exploring throughout Aldrip trying to get his bearings, Ekko decided to wander outside the city limits today for a break from the crowded streets brought about by the festivities at large. It was a nice change of pace, reminding him a bit of the safe haven he and the Firelights called home within the limited green space tucked away in the depths of the Undercity. In all honesty he'd never seen such a vast stretch of greenery in his lifetime, farmlands filled with grassy plains following narrow roads which lead to gargantuan mountains. It was a tranquil reprieve from the gloomy underbelly of Zaun he was accustom to, soothing to the senses as he walked undisturbed until finding himself at a grazing field filled with...oversized chickens?

Waltzing up to the side of the simplistic wooden fence the boy easily hops over to get a closer look, a paired yellow and red chocobo looking up from their perch within the tall grass tilting their head towards the stranger quizzically. With his hands raised in front of him in a nonthreatening manner, Ekko smiles a bit awkwardly as he approached them with cautious steps.]

Easy...I'm not here to hurt you.

[Seeing his calm demeanor the red chocobo presses forward with its head held high letting out a loud "KWEH" before flapping its small wings in a show of dominance, starring the newcomer down before it graciously leans its head forward to rub against his chest. Blinking wide in bewilderment letting out a bit of hushed laughter as he gently runs hands through its feathery neck affectionately.]

Guess you aren't going peck my eyes out after all, huh?

🃏 WILDCARD

[Want to do something else with Ekko other than the prompts provided? Feel free to reach out to me over a PM or on Plurk at Jareman if you would like to set something else up I am down for anything and everything!]

arrival

[cartridgerefill]

[Being walked into is entirely negligent to him, but Bondrewd does notice it. There's a pause in his step as he gazes down at Ekko, the faintest tilt of his masked head as he observes the teenager. Sure, Ekko is probably at fault, but Bondrewd doesn't take it personally. Instead, his voice is even and polite.]

Ah, my deepest apologies. Here, young man.

[A hand is offered out to Ekko without any hesitation, the only intent to help him up to his feet.]

A marvelous sight this city, isn't it? Far more advanced than most places I have witnessed. Such a curious thing.

[howyouseit]

[It was his own fault in actuality but Ekko was a headstrong boy who didn't like to admit when he was wrong at the best of times. On top of that he was a bit frazzled given his new state of affairs being trapped in a world he knew nothing about without any of his compatriots or gadgetry at his disposal. Dusting himself off before looking towards the hand offered he reluctantly grasps it getting back onto his feet, giving the other a once over as his eyes train upon the strange helmet. It reminded him somewhat of an Enforcers mask but not entirely the same despite the full coverage it gave. Not to mention he seemed far kinder than anyone of them he's ever met in memories past.

A subtle nod of his head is ushered back in rebuttal to his counterpart's questioning, gazing out at the rather captivating city he now found himself in. It wasn't far off the mark in terms of technology with Piltover but its massive scale far surpassed it if you don't take into account the Underbelly of Zaun as well.]

It sure is something...Kinda reminds me of back home though it definitely has its differences.

[A far more modern approach at large here by comparison, Piltover's own Valoran cultural influences of steampunk styled gadgetry and polished cobblestone united as one giving it sophistication unlike any other aptly named the city of progress. Thinking of home causes him to look down at his hands, curling them both tightly into fists as he is quickly reminded of everyone left behind who depends on him, sighing solemnly as a pained expression crosses his face.]

Guessing I'm a long ways from there now though.

[cartridgerefill]

It's quite the sight. Completely breathtaking. Steel, stone, and glass buildings, towering so. I wonder how content the people feel here? How lucky?

[His helmet tips down, as if bashful.] Ah, but mere speculation on my part. To wonder these things, if the people are fortunate -- habit, for now.

[Bondrewd turns to face Ekko once more. Though the helmet gives way to no expression, the tone he takes is still one of sincere friendliness.]

True. We are far from our respective homes. However, they will be there when we return, so long as we keep our resolve.

FIELD DAY

[depressionnap]

Chocobos.

[The forest is more of Vincent's speed, and it doesn't hurt to check in case there are various monsters around. That, and he still wishes to find answers to the bunker that he likely will not find anytime soon. He can be patient, but still he investigates from time to time.

Still, he didn't expect to see someone else interacting with the birds, and has encountered a few that did not know what they were. So, it's worth saying what they are.]

They're good animals.

[howyouseit]

[With his attention fixated on the red chocobo which had ostensibly taken a liking to him, Ekko almost didn't notice the stranger as they approached causing him to jump back a bit startling the large bird as well as it lets out another loud "KWEH" in retaliation. Closing the gap between him and the animal once more he gently pats the creature on the side of its torso to try and calm it down, dipping its head to nuzzle underneath the boy's chin this time causing him to smile sincerely with a nod in acknowledgement to the other.]

I've seen my fair share of wild creatures but I've never heard of a Chocobo back home in Runeterra.

[Chuckling modestly as it looks over to Vincent now with a curious tilt of its head, almost expectedly waiting for his newfound accomplice to shower it with attention much like Ekko had been.]

They seem pretty chill to me. At first I thought it was going to peck me to death but I guess all it wanted was some attention.

Windboarding

[idollizing]

[The floating devices are something Rise had seen in movies, not even big cities like Tokyo have these gadgets (that she's aware of!). She is both very fascinated but also quite afraid to step on any of them. They look like something for thrill-seekers.

Rise's not sure how long she had been staring at the boards in fascination, but she can deduce "long enough!" when a guy offers to teach her. She approaches the board with apprehension, tilting her head a little.]

Ughh, these don't look stable at all. Are you sure you know how to use this?

[She's met WAY too many boys who boast how they can use every gadget they ever see. If this is the same situation, she will NOT be happy.]

We love Rise in this house!

[howyouseit]

[Ekko cannot help the amused grin that crosses his features at Rise's apprehension towards the windboards, a modest burst of laughter followed up quickly thereafter. Closing the gap between them he examines over the craft with a firm nod of his head reassuringly, pulling off his simplistic white muscle shirt and throwing it onto the nearby beachfront along his other belongings to leave him clad in the usual loose fitting cargo shorts.]

Don't worry we got this. Just trust me, alright?

[Wading into the shallows of the ocean, Ekko pushed the windboard further out until about waist level in the clear blue waters. Waving a hand for her to join him he waits patiently for his counterpart before explaining how to go about mounting it. Sure it was a little different than his own hoverboard back home but once they climbed on it was mostly the same principle, distributing your weight along with moving the sail back and forth to shift your direction of travel.]

💕

[idollizing]

[Rise makes a low hum, then pushes sunglasses from her eyes on the top of her head. She's still eyeing the board, then the guy, then the board again, and sighs. This might be the only chance she gets to try out these things because she wouldn't dare go out alone.]

If we take a dip, you're treating me to all the ice cream I can eat, [she decides, toeing off her sandals and following Ekko in the water. She shivers, as she had been in the sun all day, but perseveres until they are out on the water.

She expects him to climb up first so he can help her up. It's the proper way to do it, right? Like a gentleman!]

field day

[bulleting]

[Caitlyn's been expecting new comers any day. There's been an ongoing cycle that she's tracked ever since she arrived, a year ago now. Every other month, new people appear, and every other month, she wonders what new faces she might meet. So far, it's been nothing too exciting, just the usual batch of strangers, so she lets her guard down.

It's not unusual for her to spend time at the farm, ever since she made it a more permanent residence for her own chocobo, Toby. With the way the town had changed so much lately, it wasn't the safest place for such a bird.

So after finishing her work at her detective agency, and finishing some paperwork for Vi's bar, Lupin, she made her way to the fields, eager for some fresh air and a calming ride. What she didn't count on was seeing a familiar face at the edge of the fence.

She almost didn't believe what she was seeing. Ekko's previous visit to Aldrip had been so short, she sometimes wondered if she just imagined it. She certainly wasn't expecting him to turn up again, after all this time, but she knew her eyes weren't deceiving her.

It was easy enough to turn her solid white chocobo in the new direction, but as she drew closer, she hopped down from the saddle, choosing to clear the remaining distance by foot. Toby, her chocobo, trailed behind, clicking his beak curiously.]

They're beautiful, aren't they? They're called chocobos.

[howyouseit]

[That voice; Ekko recognized it almost instanteously as he joyously scratched under the red chocobo's chin causing it to coo out in happiness, ceasing his movements for a split second as his newfound friend tilted its head curiously perhaps wondering why he'd stopped. Slowly but surely the boy savior turns on the heel of his boot to face directly towards the familiar sight, dark hair and accenting blue eyes looking at him with that recognizable face.]

Caitlyn?

[A slack jawed expression crossing his features as he stood silently for a moment or two before the chocobo at his side puffed up its chest letting out a loud "KWEH" as if to introduce itself as well, looking over his shoulder with a sincere smile patting the side of its face reassuringly before addressing Vi's confidant once more.]

Never thought I would see your face around here...Or anyone from back home for that matter.

[Closing the gap between them a little more he walks up to greet her more properly with a firm nod of his head in understanding, still a bit shocked to see Caitlyn of all people waltzing up to meet him here and now. Pointing a finger in the direction of the white chocobo following closely at her heels all saddled up the fellow teen cocks a brow curiously.]

I'm guessing that one is yours? Chocobo you said, right?

[bulleting]

I could say the same to you. But it's good to see you again, Ekko. [She does mean that. She still has no ill feelings towards him, or anyone else from the Undercity, for that matter. She genuinely had been trying to help, back home. It was quite the shock, seeing the truth of what was really happening there, thanks to Silco.]

I should warn you, I'm not the only one of us here. [Maybe it's a good thing he found her first. She didn't have a proper warning, when she arrived. Jinx was the first familiar face she had the pleasure of running into.

She waits until he steps closer before moving again, nodding in reply to his question. Of course, at the mention of her chocobo, she strokes Toby's head, getting a happy kewh from him.]

Yes, he is. I found him several months ago, in the woods. He had been attacked by a monster and had a hurt leg. I managed to bring him here, and was able to get him help. He's come a long way since then. [And was clearly bonded to her, though the bird was still watching Ekko curiously.]

Arrival

[empatheticsong]

Sorry! There's just so many new songs to listen to that it's a little overwhelming. I should definitely pay more attention to where I'm going.

[How Seraphine managed to stay standing is anyone's guess. Sheer luck? Or maybe it's just because she's so used to having to keep her balance on a shifting, floating stage without thinking about it. Still, whoever is at fault, she's quick to reach down and offer him a hand up, a smile on her face. Her blue eyes not at all offended or intimidated by his yelling. Because honestly, she hadn't been paying attention to where or how she was going either. Her attention had been completely focused on the sights or, more accurately, the sounds around her.]

Your song is totally cool by the way. Don't think I've ever heard one quite like it.

[howyouseit]

[He feels a bit embarrassed that he snapped out like that when his eyes look up to the kind hearted girl with flowing pink locks, a flush of red coloring his cheeks as he graciously accepts the hand offered unto him pushing off the ground with his free one to hoist himself back onto his feet. Clearing his throat as he rubs the back of his neck awkwardly with a wave of his hand in dismissal to her apology, Ekko smiles shyly towards the rather cute girl who stood before him now.]

Nah- It was my fault I should have been watching where I was going. My bad.

[At the mention of his song the boy savior cannot help but tilt his head curiously with a perplexed look stricken over his features. What exactly did she mean by that? Perhaps she had mistaken him for some other musician who was famous around these parts? In any case Ekko was certainly not known for his voice even though he could in fact sing if only just a little and was by no means anything to brag about that was for sure.]

Uh...my song? What do you mean?

[empatheticsong]

No, really. It's okay. I definitely wasn't paying attention either. So I guess that means it's our bad.

[Everything might be a little aurally overwhelming right now, but otherwise she's doing as okay as can be expected given the circumstances. Her posture is mostly relaxed, though she does fidget from time to time. Her gaze occasionally darting to people passing by as their song gets louder, before fading again. It's definitely a bit distracting being out in public, but it's also kind of fun. So, despite how it's starting? Sera's not minding this nice interlude with a stranger. Though about that...]

It's a little hard to explain, but I have a sort of magic? And for me every person...well, more like every soul, has their own unique music. Their own song. If I try, sometimes I can get a glimpse into someone's emotions, but I'm not always the best at that just yet.

[A side effect of having dampened her power since she was little, since it was overwhelming. It means that she's not very adept with her magic and she's had no real training on the matter, ever since she made the choice to embrace her gift. Though she wouldn't have minded a dampener for a little bit right now. Just while she adjusts. Oh well.]

It's honestly a little overwhelming here. Not only is all of the music new, but so are most of the instruments. [She pauses, looking thoughtful for a moment before continuing.] But not yours, your instruments sound more like what I'm used to. Has an undercity zing to it. It's nice.

bonfire but wildcard!

[opheliac]

[ if ekko was expecting to have an entire evening of calm and relaxation, it's about to get ruined by a certain blueberry twin braided girl. high up above him, he can hear a very familiar hum of cogs, gears, and firepower of a certain hoverboard. whoever is on it is having a lot of trouble steering as it zips to the left, then right, then jerking almost in a loopey-loop.

then abruptly, the driver takes a speedy nosedive on accident, and a girl is screeching her lungs out as she tries to navigate the board more upward. jinx manages... somewhat to do so, but she still crashes and tumbles all over the sand — the hoverboard bouncing a few feet away from the driver. it sputters for a few seconds before it dies and cools off, while jinx rolls over to her back to groan out her aches. she doesn't look injured, but that fall still look pretty nasty. ]

AND SO IT BEGINS.

[howyouseit]

[Just when Ekko was starting to unwind after a long day, lounging out on the beachfront with his eyes closed relaxing by the warmth of the large bonfire an all too familiar buzz echoes throughout the nearby vicinity. Darting up instanteously from his position the boy's gaze flickers to the skies above, searching meticulously for his prized possession he thought lost to him upon arrival. The roar of the hoverboard's engine drew closer and closer until the thief in question whizzed back and forth uncontrollably in the distance. With a loud crash into the sandy surface not but a few feet away the hijacker lays motionless in place, immediately rushing towards the apprehender in hopes of reclaiming what was rightfully his along with questioning how they initially obtained his property.]

Just who the hell do you think you are stealing my-

[Words instantly cut short as he notes those all too familiar braids accompanied by the cloudy blue tattoos brandished over her body, a look of pure shock and awe stricken over the entirety of his body standing frozen in place. Stepping forward cautiously now but a few feet away from the assailant who nearly killed him none too recently, Ekko bares down the unmistakable girl with a stern glare. He wouldn't make the same mistake twice after beating her within an inch of her life on that bloody bridge, keeping his distance in fear of what she might do to him now when she realizes it is him in turn.

Once upon a time the boy savior held her in such high regard but those days were long gone even if he still wished deep down the girl he was so fond of was in there somewhere. That somewhat shy yet energetic girl known as Powder; Replaced by the chaotic persona instilled by years of twisted lies and trauma from Silco's vile influence known as Jinx.]

I should have known it was you...Jinx.

Arrival

[solitarysoul]

[Levi probably shouldn't have just stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, but he was trying to do something with his tablet and that always required more attention that he wanted it to. So he doesn't notice Ekko until he's bumped into. He spins to face the other, looking on edge for a moment before it fades into a meek shyness.]

O-oh, sorry.

[He offers a hand to help Ekko up.]

I, um, I got kind of distracted.

[howyouseit]

[Ekko was a bit preoccupied himself so he could not fault the other when they too were lost in thought with their nose buried in the tablet. He'd never seen such a vibrant spectacle in full bloom that seemingly had taken over the entirety of the city, a festival of such grandeur the likes of which he never thought possible which sprawled through the bustling streets.

Shaking his head initially returning to his senses from the slight daze on impact the boy looks up towards the other who bumped into him. Groaning out loudly it takes a second for Ekko to accept the hand offered unto him, slowly rising to his feet to look the other directly in the eye.]

Don't apologize you weren't the only one, I should have been looking where I was going too.

bonfire

[grappler]

[she'd know that boy anywhere. there'd been a moment where she'd watched the locals try to get him to dance, wondering if they could bully him into doing so. it didn't seem like it worked though, which was kind of disappointing.

she wondered how he'd dance.

so when she goes up to tap his shoulder, she grins at his attempts to fuss at her.]

Not even for a dance? Though you're a little young to be my dance partner.

[hi, Ekko]

[howyouseit]

[No God damn way; As soon as Ekko's gaze catches the familiar sight of short pink hair minted by his closest companion he immediately jumps onto his feet to face his counterpart eye to eye. Eyes wide in shock and awe as he stares at Vi for a moment or two in complete silence until finally shaking his head before closing the gap between them and embracing her in a tight hug. Burying his face into her shoulder in a similar fashion upon their initial reunion back at the Firelight safe haven his hands cling tightly to her back before finally whispering out a reply.]

I can't believe its you...I thought you might be dead again.

[He never saw Vi after saving Caitlyn and fleeing the debacle that unfolded upon the bridge in the wake of Jinx's massacre unto the Enforcers with he and Piltie getting caught in the crossfire before his battle against her sister. After that he was forced to go back into hiding because of the injuries sustain to his person caused by Jinx's grenade, thankfully found by Heimerdinger who aided him in returning to the Firelight's home base. That was the last time he'd seen Vi for quite some time now and had feared for the worst, Silco picking her up to torture her or worse killing his childhood friend.

Slowly but surely he peels himself away from his grasp on her with a relieved sigh, shaking his head as its quickly followed up by a bit of hushed laughter under his breath at her initial sentiment.]

I'd be surprised if you even knew how to dance, Vi. Unless it involves a punch to the face.

[Not that he did either but he had to throw some teasing shade her way as always now given his cocky attitude.]

have a field day

[entreats]

I don't know. The jury is still out as to whether or not they'll eat you.

[ The voice seems to appear out of nowhere, but it's not too difficult to find the source. If Ekko looks over, he'll see a girl with red hair leaning on the fence, watching him pet the Chocobo from there. He may be a little awed by the creatures, but apparently they're the most normal thing in the entire world to the girl, since she sounds so calm as she speaks. In fact, her tone is so flat that it's hard to detect any real kind of emotion in there at all. ]

[howyouseit]

[The deadpan voice over his shoulder causes Ekko to slowly turn on the heel of his boot, tilting his head curiously to look directly towards the girl leaning upon the nearby fence. A half amused smirk graces Ekko's features as he closes the gap between them a little bit so he doesn't need to yell before addressing the girl.]

Pretty sure they are mostly harmless at least this one seems to be anyways but I don't know about the rest.

[As if to accentuate his boosting the red Chocobo trots up beside him letting out a loud "KWEH" in proclamation as it flaps its small wings before nuzzling its head into the crook of his neck causing Ekko to chuckle out unabashedly.]

Here's hoping it's not just trying to lower my guard with its kindness right now.

[Reading him like a book the Chocobo tilts its long neck confusedly before it bumps the top of its head against his back causing him to take a few steps forward with an audible gasp, raising his hands in the air defensively with a wide grin.]

Alright! I take it back.

arrival;

[incorrigibles]

[ charles spends exactly fifty-four seconds taking everything in, everything from the welcoming message to the city to the strange device set into his hands to the outright weirdness of everyone being able to see him...

and then he starts shoving his way through the streets, running and running and running because he can't be here alone. there's no way he's here alone, right? he can't be. that's just not right. because if he's here, then that means he's not home, which means edwin's alone — ]

Sorry, sorry! [ he skids to a stop after colliding with yet another passerby. this whole corporeality business is not exactly at the forefront of his mind, and after three decades of simply being able to phase through people, he's not used to having to dodge. ]

You're not hurt, are you?

[howyouseit]

[In truth Ekko should have been looking where he was going as he walked through the middle of the street, staring up at the modern sky scrapers above much like anything he'd ever seen. Sure Piltover was technological advanced in its own rite but nothing like the sprawling towers as far as the eye could see within the bustling commercial district.

With a shake of his head getting back his senses the boy savior grumbles a bit under his breath as he dusts himself off before slowly getting back onto his feet with a disgruntled look plastered over his features.]

I'm good...But what is the rush? Someone chasing you or something? You were running full tilt down the middle of the street.