Test Drive Meme 019

[voidtreckermods]

Welcome to the Test Drive Meme! Here is the place to see how your character might fit the setting, grab samples and have fun!

1. Post with your character, including their name and series in the subject. We’ve written out some prompts but feel free to make up your own, you have a whole train to play with!

2. Assume they've been around long enough for threads to jump right into the action.

3. Have lots of fun.

Happy testing!

Winter Wonderland

Experienced Voidtreckers will be the first to recognise when the announcement of a stop comes over the speakers: “Arriving at world 9126110 in ten, nine, eight…”

The doors don’t open, the train doesn’t stop. Instead, it slows, and the garden carriage opens its curved, clear roof as though it were a convertible, both sides folding back until the carriage is open to the air. The world is a picture of snow-covered mountains and sparse conifers, and within minutes the garden’s fountain and streams have iced over, soft snow coating the cobbles and benches.

The stop lasts all day, the vending machines dispense free hot chocolate, and the dressing carriage is filled with thick coats, wooly hats, and warm gloves.

Void Santa Is Coming To Town

It’s a day like any other, except that the morning announcement has a rider.

“There are packages in the luggage car for all passengers. Enjoy. ”

And indeed, it seems that something has visited during the night - the carriage at the back of the train is unusually neat, the piles of empty luggage stacked carefully near the back to make room for a huge array of wrapped objects. Void Santa, maybe? The difference between Void Santa and, say, one of the many Earth Santas or the Gyueran Spirit of Generosity, is that Void Santa doesn’t give you what you asked for.

It gives you something you wouldn’t have dared to ask for. That nerdy figurine that you eyed in the window of the store, the dress you weren’t brave enough to try on, the device you decided was too expensive. The poster of your favourite holostar, the latest risque novel from the local printworks… the list goes on.

You’ve got a present in here, better find it before someone else does!

Animal at Heart

Seibairen, world #671155003, is a world of dualities. Technologically advanced but also deeply mystical, its population is currently suffering under the rule of a nameless arcanist, a genius of artificial intelligence and magecraft who seeks to elevate her own mechanical brethren above their biological creators. Unfortunately, she is far too powerful to face directly.

Team One

The arcanist holding the world of Seibairen in thrall is particularly skilled with polymorph spells, and her first move as the Voidtreckers enter the conflict is to cast one over a wide area, transforming almost half of the force into various animals. The spell seems to be mildly incompatible with void-travellers, as those affected have turned into creatures from their homeworlds, if possible, rather than the local wildlife. The fight is still on, no time to panic!

… Or maybe some time to panic, it’s looking permanent for now. Still, the civilians need the Voidtreckers’ protection, animal or not, and it isn’t like they’ve lost any of their abilities.

Team Two

The monks of the deep peaks, trained in anti-magic combat and able to counter the arcanist and her forces, are the best hope for turning the tides. Unfortunately, their remote stronghold is blockaded the moment the Voidtreckers arrive, trapping them under a shield of pale metal and harsh light. There are several ways they and the unlucky early Voidtreckers might be freed: the power sources of the barrier, held in the centre of the arcanist’s camps, could be destroyed or sabotaged. Alternatively, the barrier could be overloaded or even broken from the inside by an ancient artefact held within the inner temple. The monks are able to guide the Voidtreckers through a telepathic metaconcert, but hurry, time is running out...

Team Three

A thaumatologist somewhere within the capital is rumoured to be able to reverse the arcanist’s strange spells, which would give the Voidtreckers a fighting chance against her directly. Several different people are claiming to be this thaumatologist, and they all have a list of ingredients they’ll need for the protective ritual and/or devices they’re offering.

At least one of them is sure to work, but there’s going to be some experimenting before that happens. Alternatively, force would find the correct researcher fairly quickly, but it would also attract attention.

Comments

[light_of_willpower]

"I'd have found stuff to do though, instead of just grumping about it and being miserable." Trunks countered, ducking his head slightly but smiling over his hot chocolate. If nothing else, he knew Cassie would've dragged him into something fun too.

"We go to the worlds for 'missions'--some worlds are void-aware, some are not. That's what seems to be the determining factor for whether we have to try to blend in. For Irisvar, the train provided clothing for us all to blend in, although Cassie and I got some stuff while there too, after the mission objective had been completed."

[ballseeker]

"Suuuureee.." Sorry that your mom doesn't seem to believe you, Trunks, but she really doesn't. He wouldn't be grouchy about it, she's sure, but he'd be very unsure what the hell to do at the very least. She'd probably have to coach him through it, she thinks, but overall trying to teach a saiyan to relax is much like Bulma trying to bash a wall down with her own skull.

Possible, but not something she's willing to do over time.

"Well I guess it provides, at least." She'll give this train that at the very least. It didn't just let her freeze, which she's very likely to do out in the winter weather without Vegeta keeping her kept.

"Are all of the missions fighting, or.. ? Is there something I might be useful for more than Vegeta?"

[light_of_willpower]

"Mom, there is so much that you would be more useful for, both on missions and off." Trunks means that, and it really isn't flattery. "I'm sorry you've been kidnapped like the rest of us, but I'm also glad to see you here. I feel like we'll start getting answers that we can work with more often, with you helping out."

[ballseeker]

Well that's a good little boost for your mother's already bursting ego, Trunks. She's grinning in a matter of moments, happy that she might be able to at least make a bit of a difference here where it counts.

"I'm glad I can at least make a difference here, anyway. Maybe time machine us out of here if I have to." She's built... two in a way, right? It can't be that hard to build a third even if it might bring Beerus down upon them like a plague.

[light_of_willpower]

"I don't know if a time-machine is the right solution, but considering you...well, a version of you...built that in my world, under our conditions? Your brain and genius and creativity are exactly what we need." Trunks is still entirely genuine in his words. No empty flattery here.

"The missions don't always involve fighting, or if there are parts that do we have plenty of fighters here. There's often stuff that needs doing besides fighting though. On Irisvar, it was helping purify crystals and take care of those who'd been stricken by the blight. On Nion, it was helping herd animals and repairing solar stations."

[ballseeker]

"Sweetie I built a new one in our timeline." And then promptly had it blown up by Whis and Beerus, but she'd done it, damn it! No more following in the shadow of her future self. So there, she's done it twice, and yes she is absolutely going to brag like hell about it. Why shouldn't she?

"Well if your dad's got his power back he's going to be riled up for a fight, so, I think we'll be safe for fighters." She has a lot of faith in your father, Trunks. Unwaveringly so.

"It's a shame Gohan isn't here for the animals. He was always so good with them."

[light_of_willpower]

"You...built...a...nother..." Don't mind him for a moment, while he absorbs that knowledge. Trunks.exe needs to reboot; shaking his head a bit, he's grinning. "I'm not surprised, knowing you. Any version of you." Trunks is PROUD of his mother no matter what.

"Even without Dad, we'd do well--although we'll do better with him." Reaching up, Trunks brushed gloved fingers through his bangs. "...I'll maintain my view on Gohan being here much like it was with you and Dad. I wish you weren't kidnapped, and weren't here--but since you are here, I'm glad to have you. I'd be glad to have him."

[ballseeker]

"Yeah. I had the notes from your mom and so I decided to give it a go. Whis and Beerus decided to remind us that time travel is 'illegal' or whatever." As if Bulma had ever or would ever care about things like rules. Let Whis and Beerus not be around for a little while and she will absolutely make another one for usage to go and see her future son and Mai from time to time.

"I know you would." She smiles over the rim of her cup again. If she's honest, she'd like to see more of Gohan too, just in general. With their own families, things had the habit of drifting every now and then.

"Just wait until you see what your dad has up his sleeve these days."

[light_of_willpower]

"Who are...no wait, do not tell me." Trunks held up a hand. "I'm not sure if my knowing too much would be a good thing or a bad thing yet." Gohan was a happier thought over all, and then Bulma was bringing up that Vegeta might have new skills.

"I'll look forward to it, even if I'm stuck being little more than a punching bag again." That year in the room of Space and Time is still fresh for him in many ways. It's hard for him to reconcile the father he's getting to know now on the train, with the father he met. At least he's managing to keep any bitterness out of his voice.

[ballseeker]

"Okay I won't tell you." She laughs a little, thinking that, honestly, it might be a little weird to explain anyway. There's a little too much to explain, and ... well.

The reality of his world might be a little too depressing, huh? She definitely would protect Trunks from that one if she could.

"Your dad's unwound a little, from the last time you met him. Guess I should've bought him his own island for training a little sooner and maybe he would've been less of an ass." Yeah... the island was totally the thing that did it.

[light_of_willpower]

Trunks just looks at her, arching a brow in a manner very similar to his father. As if to say 'really?'... "We're both smarter than that and know it was probably not you buying him an island, Mom." A beat, and one half of his mouth quirked up in a grin. "My guess is it's some improved version of the gravity room that did it."

[ballseeker]

Bulma has to laugh at that one - it's a pot shot, yes, but it's a damn good one, and Bulma's not going to let the chance to laugh at Vegeta pass her by. Of course... there are other reasons, but she'll spare her poor son those.

"What if I said I spoiled him and he has both these days? Explain why you have a baby sister?"

[light_of_willpower]

"And you were worried about being useful..." That eyebrow is just staying arched, along with the grin. "I hope the me in your timeline knows just how lucky he is."

[ballseeker]

“These says he’s thirteen and too busy leading Goten around. I swear I have three kids lately - just one that looks strangely like Goku.” Not that Bulma has ever thought of complaining. She’d have many more babies with Vegeta if he’d let her or survive all the fussing her pregnancies seemed to bring along with them.

“Very sweet, though. He really wanted a brother but still changes diapers and things for me when he can and your father allows.”

[light_of_willpower]

"Goten?" Trunks asked, as that is a new name for him. He can make some educated guesses, but better to get confirmation. "I'm glad he's having a better life. I'm glad you all are." Trunks closes his eyes, and takes another sip of his hot chocolate--for once looking at peace.

[ballseeker]

"Oh, right - " Bulma sips her hot chocolate again, trying to remember to separate the two Trunks and all of that. It's hard not to slip from time to time, even as she tries not to make it confusing or difficult for everyone. "Goku and ChiChi had another son after the Androids. His name is Goten but you might as well just call him Goku 2.0."

Literally. But Bulma doesn't feel the need to elaborate further.

"Who knows how it would've been without you." Bulma smiles, happy, at least, to see Trunks even somewhat peaceful. She, unfortunately, knows what happens in the aftermath, but will refrain from bringing it up. No need to stress him.

"I think having you around as an adult really had a part in changing your dad, you know. He made a lot of effort, after you left. Didn't mean it was perfect, but you know him." She laughs despite herself, knowing that she's put up with a lot from Vegeta over the years. More than most people may have.

[light_of_willpower]

It is a peace for him that won't last; he absolutely has his Father's tendency to just Not Be Content. But for now it's more than enough. He ducks his head with the implied compliment. "You also deserve credit for that--my version of you built the time machine and never gave up, after all."

As for the subject of Vegeta...

"I admit, it's been a bit hard to experience myself. I'm glad for it, don't get me wrong, but it's just... Such a change from when I first showed up." A pause, and he shifts his gaze to her, slightly sideways. "I'm sure you also wore him down over time, Mom." He's teasing her a bit.

[ballseeker]

"Yeah but I wasn't the one that took the risk to come back in time and train with your dad." Bulma wouldn't have stood a chance, admittedly. She shrugs her shoulders at the compliment regardless. She'd move the sun and stars to make sure that Trunks would have a future, had pretty much decided that from the moment she'd known she was pregnant.

"I did put up with a lot of his shit." Bulma concedes but then quickly giggles in mischief. "Maybe you two will get the chance to talk about it while you're here. In your dad's own way, at least."

[light_of_willpower]

Trunks had an awesome mom, and he knew it and appreciated it. Any version of her. "We'll see. I'm still getting used to the idea that he's actually willing to have me around."

[ballseeker]

"I wish you could see him with our version of you." Of course, Vegeta was Vegeta, and he rode Trunks a little hard sometimes with training and sometimes was a bit rough with him by Bulma's standards... but it's better than he was an infant by far. And Vegeta with Bulla?

Say no more.

"Or just watch him around your sister. It's a whole other world where Bulla is involved. But I think that's partially because she looks so much like me."

[light_of_willpower]

"It's still kind of mind-blowing to me that I have a sister." Trunks remarked with a hint of laugh. Hiding his smile behind his cup of cocoa.

[ballseeker]

"I think it is to a lot of people." Bulma laughs a little. Look, she knows that their relationship hadn't exactly been the most stable thing in the world when Trunks had been with them the first time and hadn't been for a while after. But after Majin Buu... something clicked. Bulma still doesn't know what, and perhaps that's not something she should really process through with Trunks.

No need to involve the children in their marital squabbles, anyway.

"I'm just glad I wasn't wrong seeing a good man in him, in the end. I hate being wrong."

[light_of_willpower]

"I know you do." Trunks agreed gently, still hiding his smile behind his cup of cocoa. "I also know that you can do anything you put your mind and will too, and I've kind of missed you, Mom. Any version of you." A pause, and then he's hiding his hint of laugh behind his mug even more. "Even if you don't see the beauty in the cold like we do."