Test Drive Meme #1

[bocadelmods]

A Choice to Make
 

In the midst of your mundane existence, amidst a meal's consumption or perhaps amidst a desperate struggle for survival, you find yourself teetering on the precipice between consciousness and oblivion. Whether it's the mundanity of everyday life or the shock of an unforeseen revelation, the next chapter in your tale is etched in the unfathomable tapestry of destiny. Abruptly, a shimmering azure tear in reality wrenches you from your reality, hurling you into the depths of a foreboding cavern. Within its shadows, two sinister whispers assail your senses, each vying for control over the path you must tread. One beckons from the left, promising dominion and power under the aegis of an enigmatic ruler, while the other lures from the right, pledging a noble crusade for justice and salvation. With each step, the choice you make echoes with the weight of eternity, determining the very fabric of your existence

As you stand at the crossroads of fate, the air thickens with anticipation, suffused with a palpable sense of ominous uncertainty. The leftward passage glimmers with an otherworldly allure, hinting at the seductive allure of authority and supremacy. Yet, the rightward path beckons with an ethereal glow, resonating with the righteous fervor of a hero's quest to vanquish darkness. Each voice, a siren's call to divergent destinies, casts its spell upon your soul, weaving a labyrinth of moral ambiguity. For in this twilight realm where the veil between worlds grows thin, your decision is not merely a choice but a covenant with forces beyond mortal comprehension. Whichever path you elect to traverse, know that the consequences shall echo through eternity, shaping the very essence of your being in ways unfathomable to mortal minds.
 

1. Evil

 

Emerging from the left tunnel, you step into a labyrinthine city carved from the very bones of the earth, illuminated by flickering torchlight that casts eerie shadows upon the twisted visages of its denizens. Monsters, grotesque and malformed, roam the streets with a purpose that sends shivers down your spine. It becomes chillingly apparent that within this infernal metropolis, your destiny lies entwined with a bid for power at the side of a shadowy sovereign. Amidst the clamor of preparation, the temple to the enigmatic entity known as the First Evil looms ominously, its dark allure drawing in supplicants like moths to a flame. Should your throat grow parched from the fervent chants of devotion, the Cantina offers solace in its crude embrace, a sanctuary that exudes an aura of ancient malevolence amidst its clay and stone walls.

 

Yet, amidst the sinister ambiance, whispers of knowledge beckon, promising insight into the machinations of this unholy realm. Seekers of truth may find guidance from well-intentioned demons or delve into the esoteric depths of the Stacks, where secrets lie entombed within dusty tomes of forgotten lore. As curiosity compels you to explore further, the Bringers, sinister heralds of the impending darkness, stand ready to lead you to your abode, a cold stone sanctuary where dreams are haunted by the specter of impending conflict. And for those who prefer the solace of steel and the embrace of weaponry, the armory awaits, a chamber resonant with the echoes of impending strife, offering a grim reminder that in this realm, even sleep is fraught with the specter of violence.

          2. Good

Venturing through the right-hand tunnel was a pact, a commitment to a harrowing struggle that now unfolds before you. Emerging into the realm beyond, you are met by a spectral figure, a girl whose countenance shifts with each passing moment, a testament to the legion of vampire slayers that populate this accursed domain. She, like her brethren, is both warrior and guide, leading you through the labyrinthine streets with a cryptic explanation that betrays the gravity of the task ahead. Together, you traverse the shadowed avenues, passing landmarks cloaked in enigma, such as The Odeon, a den of debauchery where the echoes of revelry mingle with the cries of the damned. With a sardonic grin, she points towards the gym, a crucible where the art of combat is honed amidst the backdrop of impending doom.

 

As you journey further into the heart of darkness, the Resurrection Cemetery looms ominously, a sepulchral sentinel guarding the threshold of a towering edifice—the colossal teaching hospital that casts a pall of dread over the surrounding streets. Amidst a labyrinth of silence and apprehension, you arrive at your destination, standing before the facade of the Doubletree Hotel, its ostentatious glamour a stark juxtaposition against the encroaching shadows of desolation. Yet, even as the hotel's opulence beckons, a lingering sense of foreboding whispers tales of recent upheaval, hinting at secrets buried beneath layers of opulent facade.


A Grave to Dig – Resurrection Cemetery

Patrol, it's the nightly routine for slayers, a dance with darkness amidst the tombstones, where the soulless minions of evil lurk in the shadows, ever loyal to the malevolent machinations of The First Evil. A cemetery of this magnitude, its layout intricate and labyrinthine, serves as the perfect battleground for the eternal struggle against the forces of darkness. But it is patrol, right? Surely you're not taking a detour to The Odeon without your trusty stake and crossbow. Strange choices in these perilous times, indeed.
 

This graveyard pulses with the heartbeat of vampiric activity tonight, more undead rising from their graves than ever before. Will you recruit them into the fold of darkness, their loyalty pledged to The First? Or will you stand as their nemesis, driving a stake through their unbeating hearts? The choice looms before you, a decision that could tip the scales of this eternal conflict, determining whether you become their savior or their midnight snack.


A Party to Crash – The Odeon

Amidst the haunting melodies of an otherworldly band, The Odeon pulsates with the feverish energy of revelers seeking solace in food, drink, and a hell of a time. At the jumpstart of the bash, there’s no doubt you'll get to soak up some of that vibe. But lurking amidst the revelry, there's more than just party plans brewing.

If you've been getting those Slayer senses tinglin' 'bout the graveyard gig, hold onto your stakes 'cause The Odeon's gonna be jumpin' too. Within the shadowed halls of The Odeon, a palpable tension lingers, as The First Evil's malevolent design looms ominously over the unsuspecting patrons. In this twilight realm where the line between good and evil blurs, the clash between opposing forces is inevitable, and it's here, amidst the haunting melodies and whispered secrets, that the true test of one's training and arcane talents shall unfold.

 

Comments

fred is the closest to my personality, so naturally I love her

[freddikins]

With an exuberant burst of enthusiasm, Fred's bright grin illuminated the room as she declared, "Do I!" The once formidable presence of Ash now seemed less imposing, allowing Fred to effortlessly settle into the seat beside him. Despite having been officially resurrected for a mere couple of hours, the lingering strangeness of inhabiting the clothes in which she met her demise remained palpable. She couldn't help but fidget with the hem of her shirt, emitting a small sigh as she wrestled with the peculiarity of her situation. Amidst the whirlwind of her ruminations, navigating the intricacies of budgeting occupied the forefront of her mind, leaving little room for considerations of wardrobe upgrades.

Shifting slightly to address Ash, Fred offered a warm smile before engaging in conversation, "Have you had the chance to do any exploring yet? I mean, I know we're supposed to be laser-focused on averting the apocalypse and all, but let me tell you... the moment a sliver of free time presents itself, I'm making a beeline for the Great Lakes Science Center."

[ironrider]

It is impossible not to smile. Even if she seems a little nervous her enthusiasm and smile are like a lightbulb being turned on in dark room. Physically he can take up a lot of space and he likes to lounge and spread out. He shifts just enough to make sure she has space when she sits beside him.

He shakes his head. "I have explored the inside of The Odeon. That's about it." Ash glances at the doors of the hotel. "How far is this science center?"

[freddikins]

"The term 'Odeon' actually has its roots in Ancient Greece, and it's... well, it's quite fitting, really," Fred bubbled with enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling with scholarly delight. "It means 'singing place'," she explained, her voice carrying a hint of laughter as she savored the linguistic tidbit. "Funny, isn't it? Though, I can't say there was much singing going on when I was there," she admitted with a happy sigh, her grin widening. "Just some warm-up DJ action. But I reckon bands from all over must've flocked there to perform," she mused, reminiscing about similar joints back in her Texas hometown, where the nights were filled with a different kind of rhythm—more boots scootin' than ballad croonin'.

"The science center? Oh, it's a bit of a trek, but worth it," Fred chimed in, her tone brightening as she recalled the location. "It's by the lake, you know, where the portal is!" she added, her smile warm and inviting as she glanced at her companion. It was a rare treat to encounter someone genuinely interested in her scientific musings, someone who didn't see her solely as a puzzle to solve or a means to an otherworldly end.

In Fred's world, where dimensions collided and the line between reality and the unknown blurred, finding someone who shared her passion for knowledge without ulterior motives was akin to stumbling upon a rare gem in the desert.

[ironrider]

"Speaking of roots," Ash starts with a half cocked smile. "Got that country girl thing going on. Never spent much time in the South myself but listening to you talk makes me wish I had." He flirts as easy as breathing. Half the time he doesn't even mean to. Right now it is very intentional.

"First thing you would show me at the science center?" A portal. Is that how they got here? "A portal? Like a worm hole?"

[freddikins]

"Well, shoot, Texas sure does pack a whole heap of goodness into its borders," Fred mused, her attention drifting past Ashley's flirtatious overtures, which sailed right over her head. She might have been sharp as a tack when it came to books, but navigating the subtleties of romantic interaction wasn't exactly her forte. "Sometimes I find myself hankerin' for home, you know? Missin' the little things like a proper chicken-fried steak or them county fairs, or just the wide-open spaces." A wistful sigh escaped her lips, accompanied by a broad smile that spoke volumes.

"But I ain't gonna lie, I took a real shine to Los Angeles too," she continued, her eyes alight with reminiscence. "Somethin' 'bout bein' by the ocean, all sparkly and pretty when the night sets in... reckon every place's got its own kind of magic if you look for it. Even here. Never seen snow 'til now, though it ain't been stickin' to the ground none."

Her enthusiasm bubbled up anew at the mention of the science center. "Oh, they switch up them exhibits so often, who knows what wonders they got in store for us in 2024! But that wind turbine, now that's a keeper. Powers the whole dang computer system, can you believe it?"

Portals. That word hung heavy in the air, impossible for him to just brush aside. Fred's smile faltered just a tad, a shadow crossing her features. "Y-yeah, portals..." she murmured, her hands twisting uncomfortably as memories of past encounters flooded back, chilling her like a sudden plunge into icy waters. "Can't say it's my first rodeo with 'em, truth be told. Seems like I always end up somewhere I ain't supposed to be. Ain't that somethin'? Don't get me wrong, bein' with you is... well, it's nice, but..." Her voice trailed off, uncertainty tainting her words as the specter of Pylea loomed large in her mind once more.

[ironrider]

He holds his hands up in mock surrender. "Don't get upset but I have never had chicken fried steak in my life. Never been to a county fair either." There is an easy, lopsided smile that makes a dimple in his right cheek appear when she sighs.

"My family home is in LA. Grew up on the beach. Favorite place to be. Hear the closest we're going to get around here is a lake maybe?" Ash is a city boy but he still feels the call to nature. His kind need it because it is magic. Recharges them. "Bonfire on any beach, even the shore of a lake, is a thousand percent magic."

He grins when she gets excited about the wind turbines. One day maybe he would get to the point where he could tell her who his grandfather was. Right now, he couldn't just drop bombs about how old he really is or what he is. Not just yet, but he has a feeling she could be someone he could trust with it. "Wait until you lay your eyes on a solar farm. They power cities."

Ash's eyes drop to where her hands are. The uncertainty, the discomfort, rolls off of her in waves. "You've gone through a portal before?"

[freddikins]

A dimple in his cheek, too? Well, isn't that just the cherry on top? He sure is cute, and Fred isn’t one to tumble head over heels all that swiftly. Of course, that isn't precisely what's unfolding at the moment. Fred reckons she's nursing a little crush, and she's willing to own up to that much.

"Well, I reckon it might be a tad challenging to stumble upon a county fair smack dab in the city proper, and as for the steak, well, who knows? Maybe we'll uncover what makes the Midwest so darn special," Fred chirps, her face lighting up with enthusiasm. She's certain Cleveland must boast its own set of charms.

"Oh, goodness gracious!" Fred claps her hands together eagerly. "That's a marvelous notion! Picture this: a Springtime bonfire right there on the coast of Lake Erie. We'll just have to scout out a public beach."

Her eyes widen ever so slightly, mirroring the spread of her smile. "I've never laid eyes on a solar farm. They must be positively breathtaking," she muses aloud, her mind painting vivid images of those neat rows of panels angling toward the heavens. It must truly be a sight to behold.

Yet, her shoulders sag just a fraction when he brings up the portal. "Ah, yes, the old portal," she murmurs, a tinge of melancholy creeping into her voice. "My professor, well, let's just say he had his own reasons for shoving me through one. Seemed he wanted to eliminate the competition." She leaves out the part about her own hand in orchestrating her professor's downfall; some stories are best left buried in the past.

[ironrider]

She isn't alone in that. Ash would be a liar if he said he wasn't already crushing on Fred. How could he not? That smile, her enthusiasm, those pretty eyes. He wouldn't say he is a sucker for a pretty girl but a smart and pretty girl? Yes, absolutely.

"Sounds like a date in the making, Fred." He could picture it and it kept that smile on his face. "Maybe a couple of them, if you're up for it." Ash paused and quickly added. "By date I don't mean it has to be anything romantic. For the record." He cleared his throat. Usually he would come on very strong, never correcting or amending something like saying date. Ash doesn't want to scare her off though. Or come off like some kind of creep.

His heart sank a little when her tone changed. Damn. He should have left it alone. Making her talk about something that hurt her wasn't his intention. Ash also wasn't expecting the spike of anger he felt when she explained what had happened. "He still alive?"