TEST DRIVE MEME.

[soulmods]

Test Drive Meme

Prompts Arrival: So you've just arrived in Nyoi-Cho. Congratulations! You must be so excited about having your wish granted. Or maybe you're upset that the result wasn't quite what you expected? If that's the case, then that's too bad! There are no take backs and no redoes, so you're stuck with what you have! Maybe you should have been more careful about how you worded that wish... Oh well. There's no use in dwelling on it. You're a magi now, and that means adjusting to a whole new lifestyle! Maybe one of the townspeople can help you out. Only... they're acting a bit strangely, aren't they? They're all too happy to show you around, but there's something unsettling about the way they're behaving. Almost cheerfully dissonant. Any questions about the history of the town are met with blank stares and brief silence, before they plaster a smile onto their faces and change the subject. Any attempts to tell them about your duties as a magi or anything else that relates to the magical will get similar reactions. Isn't there anyone normal here that you can talk to at all? Home Improvement: The houses that the magi are given access to really are something, aren't they? There's almost no limit to what they can do! Why don't you create the house of your dreams, or maybe recreate and relive your favorite childhood scenes? Invite some spectators over to marvel! A Corrupted Soul Gem: You neglected to take care of your soul gem, and now you don't feel quite yourself anymore. You feel like you're losing your sense of self - all you seem to be able to focus on is your old regrets and past failures. What's happening to you? A Day in the Life: Everyday hero by day, magician by night! You've got a busy day ahead of you and no time to waste! Maybe it's school, or maybe it's work, maybe it's both! Being magical doesn't make you exempt from paying those shopping bills! May Day: Uh-oh. This magical girl stuff looked easier on TV. You're in some serious trouble! Or maybe you see someone else who is! It's time to pull up your socks and show them what you have. Be the hero you've always wanted to be, or give in and be that damsel in distress. There's no shame in needing a little help now and then. A Successful Mission: Congratulations! You met up with your first Nightmare, and you fought valiantly. You even mastered that tricky power of yours! What sort of power did you get? Is it a useful one, or is it not so useful? Maybe you've mastered it beautifully, and now you're showing off to all of your friends. Maybe you're having a hard time keeping it under wraps, and now you're wreaking havoc across the town without meaning to! A Dreadful Nightmare: You had an absolutely horrid day. As you drift off to sleep, your mind dwells on all the injustices you've had to endure. In response, your bed swallows you up, and your room shifts into a horrific Nightmarescape. What sort of Nightmare are you? What kind of Nightmarescape do you create? Hopefully your fellow magi can stop you before you cause too much damage! Wildcard: Feel free to use any information from the FAQ or the World Info page to make your own prompt!

Comments

Joanne Joestar | JJBA (AU)

[atruelady]

[want some information on her AU? check it out!]

arrival;

[Joanne remains perfectly content with her wish, even now, but she can't help but regret not perhaps slipping a change of clothes onto the negotiation table somewhere. the dress she wears is plain, too thin for being out and about in from a Victorian perspective, reminiscent of hospital garb more than anything else - and for good reason, judging by the bandages which enrobe every visible part of the body save her head.

it's probably unwise for her to be moving as much as she is, but even if Joanne had a choice in the matter she'd still have found herself exactly where she was now; how could she sit back when there was an entirely new world (and abilities) to puzzle out? she'd made a promise, and she intended to keep it.

the citizens of Nyoi-Cho seem bound and determined to prevent that, however. she asks as politely as she can, over and over, about the history of this place: it starts out with the country but quickly whittles down to the town itself, desperate for any kind of answer whatsoever. their lack of a response is almost as intriguing as any information might be, and Joanne finds herself studying their faces closes each time her words cause them to shut down.

soon enough she realizes with an unpleasant jolt that not only does she seem to be giving these people undue stress simply by speaking with them, but that it wasn't ladylike at all to be so aggressively insistent. she dips her head a little, expression turning to private chagrin as a hand goes up to brush back strands of hair which no longer exists.]

...I'm sorry. I won't bother you further.

[but it wasn't like she really had much more to go on after the encounter. she stares out at her surroundings with masked uncertainty, worrying her lower lip gently as she tries to makes sense of everything. there must be a library around here, surely...]

a day in the life;

[after watching your adopted brother turn himself into a vampire and slaughter half a dozen police officers, coming to grips with suddenly finding yourself as a magical girl isn't that difficult. what does continue to trip Joanne up, however, is the modern era.

she's been doing her best to get a handle on things, but honestly it's a lot harder than she first assumed. everything is simply so different, no matter what she seems to try to do. even finally acquiring another outfit had been a trial in and of itself - although she's managed it somehow, at least partially fueled by the desire to cover up all those bandages with long skirts and sleeves.

today Joanne's decided to brave the grocery store. she eats more than she'll ever be allowed to admit, and it's vital that she learn her surroundings as quickly as possible. it's a mantra that she repeats over and over as she approaches the place, expression probably a lot grimmer than it needs to be for such a mundane task.

it seems as if everything might actually go fairly well...until the automated door unexpectedly opens with no input from Joanne as she nears, startling her into taking a big step back - right into somebody.]

Oh-! Please forgive me, I should have watched where I was going!

day in the life

[cyclicalconcept]

Eh-!?

[And then she's bumped into? She was just looking for a new shirt, herself, and was about to go into the store when this happened.]

Oh, don't worry! It happens!

[atruelady]

[she suspects that this probably doesn't really happen, and it's why there's still traces of an apologetic expression on her face beneath the mild embarrassment.]

Still, I should have been more careful. I hope that you aren't hurt..?

[cyclicalconcept]

[She shakes her head, to affirm her lack of injury.]

Mm! I'm fine! Are you ok?

[atruelady]

Just a little bruised pride, that's all. [and she's more than used to that, as evinced by how freely she laughs.] I'm not used to the way things work here just yet.

[cyclicalconcept]

Oh? Then you're new? I can help. if you'd like!

[atruelady]

If it's not too much trouble, I'd greatly appreciate it! There's so much here that I've never seen before.

[ah, but it'd be rude to keep going like this without introductions! she's a little ashamed that she didn't catch that earlier, but it doesn't show on her face.]

My name is Joanne Joestar. [a pause and then, more firmly:] You can just call me Jojo, if you like.

[cyclicalconcept]

Jojo? That's a cute name! Hello, Jojo!

[She clasps her hands together.]

I'm Madoka Kaname! Its a pleasure to meet you, and of course, I'll help you as best as I can!

[atruelady]

[it is a cute nickname, but it's been forever since she's heard it on the lips of someone who wasn't her brother. Dio had teased her (playfully, or so she'd thought then) over how masculine it had sounded, how no one would find her an attractive wife with a name like that; all the same, she doesn't think she's ever heard him call her Joanne after learning of it.]

It's wonderful to meet you, Miss Kaname. [she can't help her instincts - she grips the edge of her skirt and dips into a tiny curtsy.] I have so many questions about everything, I do hope you won't tire of me too quickly!

[day in the life; HELLO THERE]

[lapidarius]

Oh- [Kakyoin was difficult to startle, but but being unexpectedly walked directly into almost did it--the sudden movement knocked his glasses askew. The redhead quickly raised a hand to push them back into place; they didn't do much to hide the scars crossing his eyes, but he very much needed them to see worth a damn.]

No, it's completely fine. Are you alright?

HELLO HELLO

[atruelady]

[her expression morphs from startlement to clear chagrin when she turns to see the damage that she'd nearly caused. it brings back memories of those awful teenage years when she'd just seemed to keep growing and growing, well past any acceptable height for a lady. the doors hadn't needed to be automated for her to embarrass herself near them back then.

but this isn't then - and in the end she'd found a use for her ungainly height, hadn't she? Joanne shakes the little insecurities off with a small nod, meant to answer Kakyoin's question as much as right her thoughts.]

I'm quite alright! Just a bit- [her gaze strays back to the door, now innocuously silent, and she laughs softly] I didn't expect it to do something like that.

[lapidarius]

...Sorry, like what? [He looked from Joanne to the door and back again, registering just how tall she was as he did. It didn't seem like anything out of the ordinary, but...then again, in a place like this who the hell knew anymore. Maybe the door sprouted a mouth and growled at her for all he knew.] I must not have been watching closely.

[atruelady]

...no, I doubt it. I was only referring to it opening by itself. [she tries her best to maintain a cheerful tone, but her cheeks redden all the same] They're not capable of something like that at home.

[lapidarius]

They don't? [Not too surprising, but still a relief things weren't any crazier than usual. Something that simple was to be expected considering they were apparently toying with the multiverse.] It'd be difficult for anyone to blame you for being surprised in that case. It's okay, this city takes a little getting used to.

[...There was definitely still a high threshold of weirdness around here.]

My name's Noriaki Kakyoin. It's a pleasure to meet you.

[atruelady]

So it seems! But I should still have a better handle on my reactions if I'm going to take so long to adjust.

[ideally she'd like both, but Joanne suspects that coming to grips with another world and the modern age is going to be a long term project. good thing she apparently had all the time in the world.

at the introduction she instinctively bends into a curtsy - but only a small one. it really was too soon for her to be up and moving as often as she was, and her entire body still ached at unnecessary motions.]

The pleasure is mine, Mr. Kakyoin. I'm Joanne Joestar - but you can simply call me Jojo, if you like.

[if Kakyoin thinks he sees a brief little stubborn set to her jaw, that's not mistake. there's recently soured memories attached to that nickname, and she's still not entirely used to giving it out again.]

[lapidarius]

Er-

[...Joestar?]

[Joestar?!]

[Ah, hell. Kakyoin knew that name, though it was usually attached to 'Joseph' rather than 'Joanne'. Had his grandfather ever mentioned a Joanne before...? No, he couldn't think of one.]

Just...just Kakyoin's fine, you don't need to be that formal. If it's all the same to you, I think I prefer Joanne.

[Absently, he pressed a hand to his left shoulder before covering the gesture with a shrug. He definitely knew the name Jojo, too--what on earth was going on here?]

[atruelady]

If you're certain.

[it feels a bit strange to address someone she'd only just met so casually, but Joanne doesn't argue it. even if she had any interest in doing so, her mind was more preoccupied by the man's reaction than his choice in how to refer to her.

she isn't stupid. something she's said (her name, perhaps? but why?) had effected him, that much is clear. Joanne tries to keep it off her face, but she can't help her brow knitting as she attempts to puzzle the situation out. his name meant nothing to her - couldn't be connected to the others in her family, not with how Oriental it was. so, then...what could it be?

it's frustrating to have to play these games of mental gymnastics when the easiest option was to simply ask. but ladies were never that direct, especially to new acquaintances. if she were to be polite, she'd move on with the conversation.

...but then, real ladies didn't wander the most dangerous streets of London alone shooting criminals in the kneecaps. her appearance was already marked by her disobedience - what further harm could one question do?]

...is something the matter? You seem surprised.

a day in the life; OH JESUS SHE'S JONATHAN TALL ISN"T SHE

[greyerrant]

Mamzel it is I am who is at fault. I was not watching where I was going, having lost myself in contemplatoin.

[ A stern-faced man looks levelly at Joanne, though his tone is far more apologetic than his stance, which bespeaks of a combative readiness even as he's buying cheese. ]

ghfdjkghdk WELL I MEAN SHE'S A LITTLE SHORTER BUT AT LEAST SIX FEET YES

[atruelady]

[it says quite a bit about Joanne's recent adventures before arriving in this world that she notes the defensive stance with silent amusement rather than anything approaching worry. once the embarrassment fades she smiles, albeit a small one.]

Still, you shouldn't have to be so wary during an outing like this! I need to work on adjusting a bit quicker.

Re: ghfdjkghdk WELL I MEAN SHE'S A LITTLE SHORTER BUT AT LEAST SIX FEET YES

[greyerrant]

Perhaps you are right. [ He nods his head to her in an almost bow. ] I don't believe I've seen you around, miss?

[atruelady]

[she returns the gesture with the smallest of curtsies, a motion that's more instinct than anything conscious. manners were of the utmost importance, after all.]

No, I'm quite new. This is my first time really wandering about, as a matter of fact.

[greyerrant]

Then I shall introduce myself. I am Garviel Loken. And it is a pleasure. [ He pauses for a moment, then offers his hand. ] I would imagine the old Terran custom of shaking hands would be proper, at this moment, yes?

[atruelady]

I believe that you're correct.

[it's a charming sort of way to refer to earth, old-fashioned even to the ears of a Victorian lady. Joanne smiles a little wider as she takes the hand, shake much firmer than one would expect from someone of her gentle demeanor.]

It's good to meet you, Mr. Loken. My name is Joanne Joestar - but please call me Jojo, if you like.

[greyerrant]

[ Garviel's hands are the callused hands of someone who fights with a sword, not a punchyman mcpuncher. ]

Very well, Jojo. If you would like, you can call my Garvi. My most sanguine of friends call me that, and it is a pleasant memory.


[ He pauses, then remembers to smile reassuringly. ]

Since you are new, I take it you understand our duties here?

[atruelady]

[if she was off-put before he remembered to smile, it shows nowhere on Joanne's face. his question earns him a nod as she folds her hands in front of herself once more.]

I do. I made a promise, and I intend to keep it whatever the cost may be.

[she's much more intense than she was a mere moment ago; not only does Joanne take her oaths seriously, but there seems to be some sort of inner fire fueling that passion. it's restrained but quite clear all the same.]

How long it takes me to adjust to living here won't have any bearing on that.