![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
Entry tags:
Test Drive Meme: The Overflow, Part Deux!
 THE OVERFLOW, PART DEUX! Since the last post is again fast approaching 3k comments and getting laggy for some of our players, we have decided to go ahead and stick up the overflow post, even though there's just a little over a week to game start. Please continue your threads or start new ones here if you'd like. To make this easier on those continuing threads from the last meme, here's a handy form: Please remember to let your thread partners know you've bumped your threads over here as well! We started the meme early to give you plenty of room to do just that. With the City of Ariel grand opening only a month away, we are holding our first ever test drive meme. Tag in and see how your character would settle in the game. You're a fresh face in the city, newly processed, and arriving at a bustling time. The city is expanding and you are greeted first in the re-education center by your helpful counselors and then directed out of the building to a large festival. Be puzzled, make friends, have sex, or whatever you want! There are no restrictions on thread types played out here. Your first awareness that something has gone wrong comes during a groggy moment of semi-lucidity when you look around yourself and find that -- instead of wherever you remember being last -- you're in a chair, in a room with a man you don't recognize. He's sitting behind a desk whistling to himself and sorting paperwork. The whole atmosphere might remind you of a high school guidance counselor's office, only with far more comfortable chairs. You were brought to Ariel during a very special time! There's a large festival going on celebrating the new expansions to the city and everything is decked out for it. Everything is bustling and vibrant in the city today because of the celebrations. There are decorations up, food vendors set up all along the streets, kissing booths, games, and just about anything else you can imagine an event like this would have! The people of Ariel are out and about as well, some are in vibrant costumes and others are just checking out the sights. Some of the more exhibitionist types are even having a little more fun out in public than you may be used to seeing back home. As soon as the grogginess from your arrival passes, you are allowed to leave the re-education center and see it all for yourself. Upon exiting, you are even handed beads of various colors, several of each so you don't worry about running out. Each color has a special meaning listed below: pink - toys These are to aid you in making a connection with others. Show your interest in others and tell them exactly what you would like to do with them by sharing the beads. If you would rather take a different approach, feel free to walk around the festival and see what (or who) catches your eye. The point is to relax and get settled in your new home. | |
| TAG IN - Post your character's name, canon, and preferences. - Set up an opener in your comment or leave it blank. - Tag around and have fun! | USEFUL LINKS: [Premise] [Rules] [F.A.Q.] [Locations] [Local Citizens (NPC)] [Taken] [Wanted] [Reserves] [Application] [Main] [Logs] [OOC] |
Please note that all CR in this meme can be carried over when the game starts between characters that are accepted into the game.
Threads can also count towards third and first person samples on the application, just provide links.
Take a look at our OOC Meet and Greet post! Meet. Greet. Make friends. Have fun!
no subject
You speak as if I have not already considered these options. I have been watching these and other people and it makes the most sense. They fear their extinction and legacies going to nowhere, thus the reason we were brought in to help in this endeavor. New blood as to not mix the same blood and end up with something that cannot be of use to anyone.
They may not like it, but they do it out of necessity. I doubt they like our being here, outsiders to their world, but know it is necessary that they embrace us. They know that there are things they do not like that are being done but are necessary.
This is how humans work and this is how they will continue to work. If you do not believe in it then you are the fool among us.
no subject
To him, there is no excuse for revering a society that uses mind control — whether the locals are spared or not. In his mind, whoever is running this city is similar to Kira — playing god.]
I'm not the fool. I don't look at a supposed utopian community and see people who accept their lot in life without worrying or questioning. I see control and people — natives and us — forced here against their will. I'm a realist. Meanwhile you're standing there with all these ideals about the way people live and act in a society that you actually know nothing about.
[Mello continues to take up personal space, body language still on the offensive, but his voice is a little lower when he speaks again, tone a little more controlled.]
There are other options. Other ways to build communities, to get compliance from the masses — ways that don't involve mind control and kidnapping people against their will. This isn't a necessity. If they have the technology to make little chips to influence the way we think, then they should be able to figure something else out to keep their city populated and prosperous. Humans are capable of finding alternatives. That's what I believe in.
no subject
He was sure he had never insisted that this was utopian or the best way of doing things, but it made sense that they would go for that particular route. It was the obvious choice and with no other options, it didn't matter if it was done by manipulation or not, it was in the best interests of the people that were in the working class.]
I never said it was the best idea or utopian, sometimes there are no other ways to do things. And if one must be manipulated and pushed in the right direction for what is best for the majority, then so be it. There are other ways, they could always revolt and take over if they wished to.
Nothing is permanent and I am sure that there are those looking for other ways and when those come up then things will change. Or they could push for a change, whether peacefully or violently it does not matter. Change is change even if it's to a less obvious method than what you can see.
[Haku gives him an almost condescending smile, hand resting on the top of his obi in an almost lazy manner.]
My master taught me much and I have seen much in my time both back home and through here. People change and shift to mold to what is best for the needs of the many over the needs of the few. One becomes a tool to be used and molded to what is needed, though they must give up a part of their freedom for it to be possible. Though the rewards that come of it and the results are always worth more than the cost.
[Certainly he could have gone on a lot more than he had, but his demeanor falters, body cringing into itself for about a minute or two. Once it's gone he takes a deep breath, working to steady himself.]
Ultimate sacrifices must be made for things to be pushed to the absolute limit, whether it means something they have or their own selves depends. I believe one must give their all, give themselves, give their life up for a cause if it is worth it.
[That smile turns into a far more sincere one, posture shifting to stand as tall as he can manage.]
If you can save someone who is an important piece to the change, then you have fulfilled your part.
no subject
He has trouble comprehending how someone can have so much faith in something they don't even truly understand — to believe that the people in charge of the city are looking for alternatives, when they have taken to such drastic measures. Talking about systems where its okay to be molded and used as a tool — that was a deplorable point of view.]
You can't say that with certainty. Many people abuse the power that they have — it's not just about rewards and cost, it's about getting what they want —
[It was only a precursor to what he wanted to say in reply to those first comments, but he cuts himself off when the younger teen falters, seemingly in pain. He watches and has a brief internal debate about what he should do — help? Wait it out? He takes a tentative step forward with no real decision in mind, but then the kid recovers and resumes talking. Mello's stance becomes less aggressive, and more wary, but he doesn't address the temporary lapse — it isn't his business.]
I don't disagree with that.
[Even quieter, now, as those last sentences hit a little too close to home. Mello understands sacrifice all too well — he has sacrificed so much for his goal, and as soon as he gets back, he'll put everything on the line again. It is worth it, if the goal is important enough — and here the line blurs.]
I have my own cause, and have made plenty of sacrifices for it.
[He finally takes a step back, eyes lowering for a moment, focusing on the ground as he considers those sacrifices — both the ones he has already made, and the ones he plans to make.]
But my cause has involved bringing down a regime like this one.
[Perhaps on a somewhat lesser scale, although Kira had political officials playing into his hands and masses of supporters professing their dedication.
He looks back up, meeting the younger teen's eyes again.]
If you're content with being a tool, then you can live like that. Fine. Follow your master's lessons and go on to be used to make this society work.
[It's a grim discussion — all of it — and the kid's acceptance of such a fate is not something Mello can smile back at.]
But I refuse to be anyone's tool, and I'm not going to let anyone use me to achieve their own corrupt goals. Humanity doesn't consist only of people who want the best for others — there are terrible people out there, and I will not be part of their games.
no subject
He lets him speak his peace, even if he seems more than a little conflicted about the whole thing. He knows that power can be corrupt, that was another thing he'd been taught, but to believe that all of them were? There was no need for him to be and if they were bringing people back to the living world, then they could not be all bad, right? Those in power were not always corrupt and bad people, particularly if they were trying to keep the people alive by whatever means necessary.]
Then do not allow yourself to, but know that your opposition will be strong and will cast you into the barren wasteland if you fail. Zabuza-san tried once, himself, but was run out of the place he was trying to break the government down of.
As for my views, what other reason do I have to live? I thought I had already used my usefulness to the maximum amount allowable, having died to protect the one closet to me. And yet here I am, breathing and speaking as if nothing had happened. Believe me when I say one needs a purpose and this seems as much of one as I can hope to get in this place. Whether it means protecting others or being used sexually as a plaything it does not matter as long as the purpose is there.
[He goes quiet after his words, looking down at the ground himself. It doesn't last long, unfortunately, as he cringes again, hand quickly moving to the spot over his heart. Teeth latch onto his lower lip, shivering a bit as he lets it pass over him again. They were getting more frequent, apparently their revival technique wasn't as perfect as they thought it was.]
no subject
[And that has always been Mello's philosophy. All-in, no matter the risks. He doesn't know this Zabuza-san, and he isn't looking to change the city in its entirety, but Mello will get out. Whatever it takes. Mello makes sure he gets his way.
Any further comments are quelled by the statement about death. Mello reconsiders the younger teen's appearance — can believe it, though this is the first he's heard of the dead coming back to life. He has seen his share of the unusual in his quest to catch Kira, so it isn't as jolting of a statement as it has the potential of being, but it's a surprising piece of new information.
He's a little disgusted over the point of view presented. Mello has used people as tools, and is familiar with the necessity of molding people as part of obtaining a goal — but such resignation is appalling. It's true, though — Mello's morals blur and lines get crossed, and there will always be a little conflict mixed in with his convictions.]
You're leaving yourself open to get used by the wrong person.
[It's a quiet, offhanded comment, not meant as a warning, necessarily, as it's clear that the younger teen has a solidified opinion. Merely a statement that Mello believes as true.
It occurs to him that he might want to consider capitalizing on someone so willing to sacrifice his future — to use him as a tool in his quest to get information about this city — but Mello has some base morals, however gray they may be. He prefers dealing with true, hardened criminals unworthy of much beyond following some higher ranking criminal's orders — not children with sheltered views on the world.
When the attack seems to hit the younger teen again, Mello reacts a little quicker, moving forward. He puts a hand on his shoulder — the only physical contact he initiates.]
Hey.
[Though some may think otherwise, Mello has the capability to be considerate. It's just not something he employs often, having little reason to.]
Breathe.
[Maybe not the most helpful suggestion, but Mello isn't exactly the go-to person for this kind of thing. His idea of comfort is more buck up and get over it than coddling, although it is a little concerning that this kid is having these little episodes.]
What's wrong with you?
no subject
Slowly regaining his posture any sign of a smile or a frown have disappeared, seeming legitimately concerned and a tiny hint of frightened.]
I do not know exactly. Everything has been healed as far as I know, but I keep getting worse and worse pangs of pain that are getting to the point of how it felt when I died. And, to be honest, having an arm and a fist full of lightning energy is not something I wish to experience again.
[May as well come clean about everything, there's no reason for him to when it's very obvious that he's in some version of pain at such a constant rate. Hands slide back down to clasp in front of him, trying to keep his breathing even and calm to try and placate the pain that is coursing steadily through his nerves.
Attention focuses on Mello once again, eyes searching his face for any hint of how the situation is going once again.]
I do not intend to let just anyone have control over me like that, no one could replace my master but if someone happens to I will gladly give my life to them. My second life, I could be free if I wished to be, but that feels... I feel as if I am lost with no direction if I allow myself to go down that path.
It may seem weird to people, but understand that I have lived that life for the majority of my years. That without parents, without clan, without village that I am nothing and thus am shaped by what I can do and provide to others.
no subject
It sounds like they screwed up.
[As far as he is concerned, this is yet another reason to dislike this city — and another reason to question the motives behind the people in charge. If they have the technology to do this — bring people from different worlds, maybe even from the dead, and install chips in their brains — they should have the technology to make sure people do not suffer. Either they are skimping on the healing portion of their jobs, or they do not care.
He turns, then, eyes on the crowd instead of on Haku. It may give the impression that he isn't paying close attention to what is being said, but he is — he's listening very closely. And it occurs to him that he and this kid are not so different after all.
He doesn't know the details, but the similarities at there — Mello, too, is without parents and without a family, and he, too, was nothing until something gave him a purpose. Of course, the similarities end there — Mello became obsessed with achieving his goal and becoming number one, not with serving another, but he can understand having nothing, and the position that puts a person in. He understands the need for a purpose.]
I don't have anything. No parents, no family. [Not even Wammy's, because Mello turned his back on the home for good.]
But that's why I provide for myself, and no one else.
[He turns around and looks at Haku again.]
People follow me. I don't follow them.
[Mello gives the orders; he doesn't take them.]