central_librarymods | Test Drive Meme

Entry tags:

!test drive

Test Drive Meme - closed

The Central Library

Test Drive Meme

You are in The Central Library… anything can happen here. In fact, the possible can become actuality while you stay here. Things are always changing. Some for the better, some for the worst… it really all depends on one thing. You.

Take a look around, visit the worlds through the book portals, and slowly bring it back to life. The more you do, the better life will get. But be wary, not everything is a fun story and not everything is harmless. Sometimes you will have your life at stake and others you will simply have to enjoy your stay.

You can use RNG to pick a scenario below… or you can pick your own! Whatever delights your fancy and makes you feel at home within the walls of The Central Library.

1. Arrival – You wake up in the main hall. The reception desk is behind you and you know you heard someone whispering “Save us” in your ear… but where are you? The hall gleams and there are many doors amongst the shelves of books. It is rather huge and a walkway circles a second floor… where are you? Well… you might want to ask.

2. Market Place – The Central Library has turned the large conference room into an open gateway to a market place. It shifts and changes along with the Library, but food is always available to those living there as long as the portal is open. Step into a Parisian market of modern day, an open market of the Dark Ages, or even a trading post in the Old West. Go shopping, take a stroll… your imagination is your only limit.

3. Go Out to Dinner – There aren’t many places to go out to eat in The Central Library, in fact, it is best to keep food to the living quarters. But when you go through portals in events, you experience whole new worlds from every era and every place. Possibly you may sit in at the Mad Tea Party or even dine in the Great Hall at Hogwarts. You pick. You decide…

4. Non-Fiction Immersion – It’s raining. Inside. You’ll find that Non-fiction has a way of ruining your day to day life in the Library. Some book in the Non-fiction section has burst open letting out a monsoon of types that only gets worse as you get to that section. Find it, close it… or we all just might float away.

5. Fiction Invasion – Sometimes things slip through. Little things or big things. After all, monsters do hide in the dark corners and in some sections of the grand structure. But this time… the problem is small, small size that is. Pixies have invaded. They are troublesome things… they love to cause problems and make life a little miserable. You need to catch them before they steal you blind… and possibly cause you too much mischief. You may need a net… but please, try not to kill them.

6. Cleaning is Necessary – You are stuck here, you might want to make it home. Being in such disrepair, it needs a little love and care. I’m sure the janitor’s closets have some tools and no harm in trying to pick up books and shelve them. Just be careful… they are rather testy about where they go.

7. A posse ad esse – Anything is possible. This is your Wild Card. Have fun with it!

This Test Drive is Closed. A new Test Drive will be posted soon.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Yes... tiny powerful flying children." He kept his tone even, careful of the inflection as he often was. You should not get them too excited, even someone like himself. Looking around at the question, he studied the shelves and the zipping little pixies as they run from his sight knowing he knew how to find the right book.

"You do not want to harm them, though, it will not be like pressing butterflies between pages." He could not help the slightest of chuckle at the other in surprise at the question. "Harming things that need to be returned home could cause... other problems."

Beckoning the other, he started to walk along the shelves of fiction books. "A damaged book will be easier to find than you think. They are not just battered and torn... they, for lack of a better work, leak. It could be light... in some cases even blood. In this case, think of what you are hunting. Do you know much of pixies?"

Owen frowned, toying with the net a bit as he watched the little shits zipping about.

"Great. Just great. Can I go back to wrangling dinosaurs?" he muttered more to himself than the librarian, shaking his head a bit as he rested the net against his shoulder. "So no hurting them. They can hurt me though. That seems so unfair, man."

He had a feeling he wasn't going to get many solid answers out of the guy but he followed all the same. If only because the pixies would avoid him while he was with the librarian.

"Not a damn thing, unfortunately. Is their book going to leak dust or something? Or make some sort of..twinkling sound?" Isn't that what pixies did? Or was that faeries?

"I am sure, you do not want to say that too loudly." That slight almost smile stayed on his lips at that. "Sometimes pixies have a knack of knocking choice books off the shelf." And they would gladly give Owen what he wished for. "Not everything is on those terms, you may kill the monsters that lurk in the shelves... monsters are an anomaly in most worlds and they are hunted even in their books." Pixies were not the case.

Looking over his shoulder, he observed the other and nodded a little. "You are not wrong. Light, usually fire light and music. They love to dance." And cause much problems. "So listen carefully. Perhaps we will hear their music."

Not that he had to try that hard, but the power drained from him made doing the work alone much harder than it once was so many years ago. Now he felt old and tired when he should not. "A twinkling sound, as you put it, might indeed be the case."

"Wait, are you saying they could make dinosaurs appear here? In a library?" Because that would end SO well. Owen fought the urge to mutter a few curses, grip tightening on the net's handle as he rolled his eyes towards the ceiling. "This place just keeps getting better and better, pal."

He met the other's gaze when he felt the librarian studying him, feeling both wary and curious about this man and what he was exactly. Weird stuff was in his job description back home but this place took it to a whole new level.

"Music. Right, got it," he muttered, sighing softly before quieting himself and trying to focus on the..lack of sounds in the library. He started to walk again, stepping past the librarian before pausing, making sure to keep close to him. "How did the little shits get out in the first place? Did their book just fall over or something?"

"One of many things that can appear... accidents do happen when the decay sinks in deep." And pixies become annoyed or possibly even like the man enough to give him what he wants. And if it caused more mayhem, they would be even more excited about it. "I hope that will be the case and not the sarcastic irony that you are using."

Sending the younger the vaguest hint of a smirk, he continued through the darker parts of the library, his gait slowing the more decay built up. He felt it. The agony in the worlds encased there.

Stopping, he closed his eyes and listened. "It is likely one of the ROUSes knocked it off of its shelf. Or perhaps a bugbear removed it from its place. The more decay, the more the monsters hide here. This way." Turning, he headed toward the slightest hum of sound. "Sometimes the decay causes enough upset the book will literally fall and open the door to let things out. But I do not think that is the case this time."

"Accidents. That's one word for it. I'd like to think of it as catastrophes myself," Owen muttered back, side-eyeing the librarian a bit because really man? How can you be so calm about this sort of thing? "Sorry. I really hope this place starts functioning right again or whatever. I'm just not a huge fan of getting bombarded by crazy little dust balls from hell."

He continued to follow the other, mostly gazing around at the areas they traveled through but he noticed, soon enough, that the librarian's pace was faltering. Owen frowned and started to say something only to cut himself off when the other stopped and closed his eyes.

"..Rouses?" he repeated, not entirely sure what that was and not really liking the sound of it either. He followed when the other started to move again, able to hear the humming now himself. "Wait so if the books open, things can just..crawl out of them? And we're talking anything at all can just waltz right out."

"Of course. However, pixies are not from hell." He answered in quiet amusement. "Though, let us hope that The Divine Comedy does not get tipped off the shelf. We do not need to enter the different layers of hell." Yes, he was teasing, but no, he didn't want demons running amok in the library either.

Opening his eyes, he sent him a side glance. "Rats of unusual size. They are known as ROUSes in their world." The Librarian smiled vaguely as he moved on.

Reaching out, he braced himself against a shelf and nodded to the soft sparks like embers coming from one of the aisles. "I believe it might be over there." Pausing at the question, he regarded him. "Yes. Anything can as you say, waltz right out into this reality. It is why we needed help. I am no longer able to do this alone." His expression darkened at that. He failed at his work and he knew it. Slowly he righted himself and pulled the hood back up over his head.

"Okay that is so not funny," Owen remarked with a dry tone. While he had never read the book personally, he knew what it was and didn't really want to deal with that sort of thing. At least if something like Moby Dick fell off the shelf they'd just have a beached whale to deal with. Hell in a library? Didn't sound all that fun.

Making a face at the rat comment, he opted to not saying anything on the subject and instead just followed. Rats were better than what the other could have said they were, he'd give him that at least. But unusual size was a bit foreboding.

When the other stopped and braced himself on the shelf, Owen couldn't help but step closer, a slightly worried look on his face as he started to reach out with his free hand.

"Easy, pal. I'll take a look and see what's going on," he assured the librarian, hesitating before drawing his hand back and started to head towards the aisle only to pause again. "Well. I can't make any promises but I'll do what I can to help." Even if it wasn't his usual sort of gig, this is what he had to deal with right now. "Just take it easy alright? Let me worry about trapping the little shits."

"It is. A little bit." The Head Librarian laughed, a soft little sound that sounded a little foreign even to his ears. It had been far too long since he attempted to even try 'teasing' another living being. "But I promise you, whatever task befalls those here now, I would not let you go without some help." Whatever he was capable of doing in his current state.

Blinking in surprise at the concern, he tipped his head at the young man and smiled a little more. "For your bluster, you are good inside. I am glad you were the one that came from your world." Good hearts were hard to find at the best of times... more so in the worst.

Lifting his gaze to the flickers of lights, he took a deep breath. "Be careful Owen. They may not be evil... but they will not make it easy for you to get to the book. I fear it will be much hair pulling and teasing." Especially if the man kept the name calling going on. "They are tiny, but they are strong."

Owen snorted softly. "That's a comfort, at least. An appreciated one."

It was easier to relax when the other showed more emotion, Owen finding the smile a bit reassuring as he returned it with one of his own.

"Yeah, well, I'm glad it was me too. Claire and the kids, especially, deserve a break from all the crazy we've had to deal with. Coming here would have just been horrible for them," he said sincerely, and while he did miss them--Claire specifically--and was worried about them, it was better that they were home and not here.

At least, that's what he was hoping.

"A lot of dinosaurs are like that. I won't underestimate them." He knew better. Being cautious and careful was something he had to be given what he did for a living and this was going to be no different. Even if it was hard to take glowing balls of dust and giggles seriously. "I'll get the book and make sure all of them end up where they're suppose to be." He started forward again, giving the other a mock salute as he went. "You just relax and enjoy the show."

Because it was definitely going to be an interesting one.

Nodding his head, he took the derision in stride. He understood the skepticism and felt a pang of guilt for being of little use at times. Bringing in help when he already felt his own existence fading did great damage to all he could do.

"I am sorry... for the pain you went through." And all those that experienced it with him. "I know it seems unfathomable, but I know every world as though they..." He paused and searched for the better explanation. "As though they are part of myself. I cannot promise they will not end up here as well... but I hope for your sake they stay safe in their world."

Only his powers could not pick and choose who he brought in through the doors...

Nodding at that, he angled his head with a vague smile. "I would not be surprised if they pull hair and throw pixie dust in your face. If you end up with a terrible need to laugh and cannot stop..." He broke off and shook his head in amusement. "I will make it right if you can get the book." He may be tired from walking in the dark places for too long... but he would fix whatever the pixies did to Owen.

And yes. There would be a show. And he sympathized for the young man, truly.

"...It's not your fault. Some people just never learn, even when there's things that happened in the past that can be a good indicator of what's to come," Owen replied with a shrug, not about to dwell on it too much if he can help it. But he does feel for the librarian when the other admits to knowing all of the worlds. That seems..unpleasant and like a lot of weight to carry. "I hope so too, pal. I really do."

Turning to walk backwards a few steps, Owen huffed a bit of a laugh.

"Hey, that's better than getting hunted by a genetically modified dinosaur. And I have a net, that has to count for something," he mused, trying to keep the mood light now that they were off the slightly more depressing subjects. Another salute was tossed the librarian's way before Owen was heading for the aisle in question.

He tried to be as quiet as possible, not sure if it would do much good in the long run but he was going to try it anyway, slowly peering around the edge of one of the shelf's lining the aisle.

Grab the book and run. Seemed easy enough.

"No, it is a common folly of human nature." They tended to make the mistakes of the past over and over. It was both the sadness of that nature and the intrigue. Imperfect but still have so much capacity to love. However, he is ever so slightly amused by the use of 'buddy' and 'pal'. He says nothing, but simply nods.

Leaning forward, he started to follow, but felt slightly dizzy from the effort so far. He did not like being so useless.

"I will remind you of that comment later." He gave a serious expression with a nod. "Of course it does." Yes, he was teasing the other again, but he preferred this lighter side to the darkness surrounding them.

Taking a slow deep breath, he moved closer, hand grazing shelves for balance before he looked about the corner of the shelves. The pixies were certainly aware of Owen, but seemed to watch him a moment. None spared him a glance as long as he stayed still. All for the better in Owen's case.

That didn't stop them from buzzing about and taking soft swipes at the young man's hair curiously. Curiosity could turn dangerous with pixies... but he could not say that now.

"Okay I really don't like the way you said that. Makes me think you're going to do something like lead me into the dinosaur section just to be an ass," Owen muttered under his breath, side-eyeing the librarian before focusing on the pixies again.

He could worry about the other's plans later. For now, the young man ducked slightly to avoid the others picking at his hair as best as he could, taking one slow step and then another down the aisle. His gaze flitted from one pixie to the next, pausing every now and then when it seemed like he might have pissed them off, hesitating before he continued on.

Just a few steps more and he'd be close enough to the book to grab it, his gaze solely focused on it.

So much so that he didn't notice the pixies tugging at another book, drawing it from the shelf and carrying it towards Own to hold it over the man's head as they chittered excitedly. Owen frowned at the sound and the suddenly drop of water he felt that was quickly followed by another, then another. He froze in place, hand outstretched towards the book as he slowly glanced up--

And promptly was doused in salt water.

"Would you be totally adverse to having one of your girls back?" Where he did not understand the lure to wanting such a fierce carnivore as something to imprint on, he certainly knew there was a bond. "But no... I would not cause that to happen purposely."

Dinosaurs were too large to let into the Library if he could help it. Not that they wouldn't at some point, end up going through portals to a world that did have the creatures. He would simply worry about the here and now and not about the possible future. Such as keeping an eye on the man as he tried to not make any sudden move. Something that likely would work, but the pixies seemed taken with him.

However, his focus on Owen let him miss the pixie carrying a book. He opened his mouth to say something, but it was too late. A hand went to cover his lips as water poured out on the younger man. Pressing his lips together, he started to tell the Pixies it was enough, until the strange 'plop' sound followed the tumbling of a good size octopus fell from the book and wrapped it's long tentacles around Owen's head and shoulders clinging on for dear life.

Stepping forward, he frowned at the offending Pixie. "Enough." But even with the little creatures eyes on him, it gave the book a shake and at least five starfish fell out and stuck to the poor man. Angling his head, he held out a hand. The pixie gave a whistling sigh then dropped the book in his waiting hand. "You know Felis will not be pleased you took this from Non-Fiction."

You know. The water would have been enough. It would have really been enough.

But no.

The feel of the octopus clinging to his head and shoulders was the one of the strangest things Owen had ever had the displeasure of experiencing, the young man frozen, a look of disgust on his face. He managed to get a sputter or two out before starfish were added to the mix and at that point?

At that point he just gave up.

"I really hate this place all of a sudden," he groaned, trying to free himself from the octopus that really didn't seem to want to let go since it had no idea where it was. He was honestly extremely glad that he wasn't at home right now because he would never hear the end of it from his co-workers or even Claire. "Weird goddamn creature--" Despite how much he really wanted to get the thing off, Owen was being careful not to cause the octopus any harm which just seemed to make the situation even more difficult.

Soothing his fingers over the upest book, he glared at the pixie that crossed its arms over its chest and huffed. The child like features crossed in a pout before zipping away. All he could do was shake his head and move closer to the poor man doused and fighting the octopus clinging to him.

"I am sorry." His voice was soft with true remorse as he carefully reopened the book. "Come now..." He whispered to the creatures and quickly the starfish went back into the book. Arching a brow at the octopus, he spoke again. "You as well... I do not care if he is warm." Sighing softly, he waited as the Octopus eyed him with utter unwillingness.

"It will get quite dry if you stay here... and that would mean certain death." He persuaded it gently until he finally released the man and toppled off of him. Catching him with the book, he winced at the sight of suction cup marks on Owen's neck and a few on his face. "I am sure we can fix that soon..."

Not that he could make him less... drenched. And just getting the creatures back in the book left him winded. "Are you all right?"

Once he was free of the octopus and the starfish, Owen couldn't help but wipe at his face then run his hands through his hair.

Salt water was so unpleasant.

"Not the worst thing I've ever been through," he muttered, just glad that he wasn't covered in sea creatures anymore. Absently he rubbed at his neck, glancing up as if expecting there to be another pixie with a book because, well, that'd be just his luck. Finding nothing, though, Owen's gaze returned to the librarian, hand dropping from his neck as he frowned some.

"You okay?"

Vividly clear eyes watched the other's motions, taking in any injury beyond those he could see and the discomfort of deep sea water. He knew that couldn't be the most comfortable fate to go through. Pressing his lips together, he suddenly felt at a loss as he wanted to put the book down, but felt that unwise with the pixies still fluttering about and watching them carefully.

"Perhaps not, but certainly not a great experience either." He tried a soft smile, feeling a bit useless as he often did with the infection of the decay clawing at him as well.

Blinking a few times at the concern, he found he didn't really know how to answer it. Only Felis asked him such things when it got truly bad.

Instead, he stepped forward and reached out to the ugliest suction mark on Owen's neck. One that would take too long to heal naturally, and carefully slid his thumb over it. It rubbed away almost like washable ink, but it flickered and rose up on his own skin before it faded away. Doing those sorts of things made him even more tired. "I will be fine. Forgive me, I will have to treat the rest the old fashioned way once we get the book..."

As he pulled his hand away, his jaw tightened as he heard the chorus of giggles and suddenly a shower of glittering dust was poured on both of them. For him, it fell away... but for poor drenched Owen... the glittery substance stuck like glue.

"Could have been a lot worse than an octopus, even if the thing was a bit too clingy," he mused, trying to lighten the mood some but he really couldn't help but be a little bit annoyed. At the pixies, mind you. He had nothing against the librarian, considering how concerned he was for the other, and that concern only grew as the other healed the mark on his neck.

Why do you have to go doing stuff like that, huh?

"It's no big deal, really. They'll heal on their own. I'm not too worried about it," Owen tried to reassure the other. "I'm not bleeding and all my limbs are attached so I'd call that a good--"

Whatever he was going to say is cut off by the chorus of giggles and he makes the mistake of looking up just in time to get a face full of glittery dust herpes crap. At least he managed to shut his eyes in time..right?

Owen is still a moment before he lets out a huff, reaching up to wipe at his face.

"...I hate those little shits."

"He did like you a bit. It was why he did not wish to let go." Not that animals talked. Not really. But he understood how they felt and why they did what they did. It was part of being who he was. Such a thing taught him extreme empathy that he often hid from most.

"And it's 'no big deal' for me to treat them later. I do have all of the knowledge of the non-fiction section as well." Even through the darkening shadows under his eyes from the strain, he had to smile in amusement. Owen seemed strangely intent on worrying over him and that left him even more curious about what sort of person he was.

A curiosity that stilled into surprising silence when Owen was doused in glitter. He waited. A second, then two before the younger finally broke the silence.

"They are being far worse than necessary." He didn't have it in him to hate mythical creatures... but he could be frustrated. A rarity. Something he was not used to at all. Which was why he pressed the sea life book into Owen's hands. "Do not open it, or I am sure you will have your cephalopod friend back." With that, he knelt down to the glowing book on the floor and sighed.

"You have had your fun." And tired him enough. The glowing dimmed slightly and he slowly reached out to close it with a slight tremor in his fingers.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Test Drive Meme - closed

Gonna go die laughing now...

;D

You realize if you put him in this game.. the Librarian will aggravate him a lot.

Honestly that would be epic and amazing

It will definitely keep him young. XD

/snickersnorts

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject