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arimoi2017-02-26 11:45 pm
holographica) wrote in arimoi2017-02-26 11:45 pm
New World New You
-> (1)
It begins with a bang; then, disorientation, darkness, dismayed voices, and spells that weigh down your limbs like heavy shackles...
The people keeping you captive seem as unsure as you are of what just happened, and argue and mutter amongst themselves, though they don't hesitate to restrain you, chain you to a pipe in the wall of this bottom floor of an underground parking garage, or lock you alone into a smaller room of the abandoned building where the summoning was held. You seem to unnerve them; they don't want to look you in the eye, and if they have to touch you to lock you up, they do so gingerly, nervously.
But maybe, once they leave you to yourself to go and argue and regroup in private, you're not quite alone? You weren't the only person to come out of the array. You have at least one companion in your confusion, one person restrained like you and not wearing the cultists' strange masks. Take comfort, take inventory, and prepare for anything.
-> (2)
The Joyous were prepared for you to attempt escape. Their preparations don't quite match what they got, but even poorly calibrated spells will do something, and the effects of knockout darts and magically reinforced walls don't discriminate. It's time to blow this popsicle stand...
...But you may want to take a moment to comb the area - once the Joyous have had enough time and reason to weigh their options, they'll run, leaving behind the incriminating results of their "botched" summoning. Those less able to escape confinement under their own power may need a hand, or to band together, or, at worst, to wait quite a while for locals to stumble across them...
-> (3)
You step outside into an unfamiliar town; small, sparse, just off a major highway running through the Neloi Flats. A perfect place for a cult looking for an unoccupied building, because there are a lot of those here, as though the town's peak has come and gone, leaving behind rusty signs for roadside attractions and a main street retinue of shops made of sheer stubbornness and spite.
There's not much direction here. There are locals, who will be confused by you, possibly wary and disbelieving. There's a temple, small like the village but likely to have charity you need right now. There's a highway, and following it in either direction will take you to one of two very different cities.
There's a whole country of possibilities before you, in fact. What ones will you chase, and will you do it alone?
[[As of this mingle: go forth and RP! You can treat this post like a game intro, or like a meme post; follow the prompt/s exactly, or alter the details to suit your tastes, or pitch a completely different scene in your own top-level. Let's get some stories started.]]
It begins with a bang; then, disorientation, darkness, dismayed voices, and spells that weigh down your limbs like heavy shackles...
The people keeping you captive seem as unsure as you are of what just happened, and argue and mutter amongst themselves, though they don't hesitate to restrain you, chain you to a pipe in the wall of this bottom floor of an underground parking garage, or lock you alone into a smaller room of the abandoned building where the summoning was held. You seem to unnerve them; they don't want to look you in the eye, and if they have to touch you to lock you up, they do so gingerly, nervously.
But maybe, once they leave you to yourself to go and argue and regroup in private, you're not quite alone? You weren't the only person to come out of the array. You have at least one companion in your confusion, one person restrained like you and not wearing the cultists' strange masks. Take comfort, take inventory, and prepare for anything.
-> (2)
The Joyous were prepared for you to attempt escape. Their preparations don't quite match what they got, but even poorly calibrated spells will do something, and the effects of knockout darts and magically reinforced walls don't discriminate. It's time to blow this popsicle stand...
...But you may want to take a moment to comb the area - once the Joyous have had enough time and reason to weigh their options, they'll run, leaving behind the incriminating results of their "botched" summoning. Those less able to escape confinement under their own power may need a hand, or to band together, or, at worst, to wait quite a while for locals to stumble across them...
-> (3)
You step outside into an unfamiliar town; small, sparse, just off a major highway running through the Neloi Flats. A perfect place for a cult looking for an unoccupied building, because there are a lot of those here, as though the town's peak has come and gone, leaving behind rusty signs for roadside attractions and a main street retinue of shops made of sheer stubbornness and spite.
There's not much direction here. There are locals, who will be confused by you, possibly wary and disbelieving. There's a temple, small like the village but likely to have charity you need right now. There's a highway, and following it in either direction will take you to one of two very different cities.
There's a whole country of possibilities before you, in fact. What ones will you chase, and will you do it alone?
[[As of this mingle: go forth and RP! You can treat this post like a game intro, or like a meme post; follow the prompt/s exactly, or alter the details to suit your tastes, or pitch a completely different scene in your own top-level. Let's get some stories started.]]
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No, Stella had decided to let Noctis remain on her back as she soared around, landing only when she was sure that they weren't anywhere close to where they'd been. The paths and environment unfamiliar - and besides, she wasn't much of a flyer. She was more of a battler.
It was the light of the campfire which brought the two near. But when he was visible, Noctis looked over - letting himself stand from his Chocobo-sized steed - and couldn't help but smile a little.
Prompto. They hadn't gotten separated. Had they? They'd been separated in wherever the Dreams led. And every step seemed to aggravate his own injuries. (Not just his injuries from this day, but his deep scars from Genesect.) Might as well... give a wave and call out. ]
Prompto?
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Noct?
[There's no mistaking that silhouette, no matter what strange skies it stands beneath. Prompto's mouth opens in a disbelieving smile.]
Noct!
[Damn the torpedoes, damn his bruises and broken ribs, Noctis is here. Prompto's scrambling to his feet to greet him, tripping twice, eyes warm and overbright with wetness he won't admit to, if questioned. He runs like only he can, wind-swift and laughing.]
Where have you been, you son of a bitch!
[If Noct doesn't move, he's going to have a very excited friend jumping all over him and ruffling his hair and holding his face between his hands, as if to make sure it's him, that he's real.]
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It really was him. Being hit by a distortion was thought to be inescapable - that's what he had been lectured about quite a bit three years ago. Noctis is a little concerned, however... because he's missed him. But not to the level of this-- oof. ]
Calm-- calm down-- I'm fine, Prompto. I woke up with cultists-- I didn't know you were here.
[ Or that it might have been longer for Prompto. Different situations. He pauses for a moment, trying to stop Prompto from knocking him over. His legs, after all, felt almost like they were to collapse under him. ]
...Are you okay?
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[Well, besides the fact that they've been kidnapped to another dimension and his everything hurts and he has no idea if Eos is okay, let alone the rest of their party. All of that is fine. Noctis is here. Whatever happens, at least someone can make sense of it as long as Prompto stays by his side.]
What about you, are you okay? What happened after--['After I fell off the train?' No, he won't say that.]--after Ardyn attacked us? Are Ignis and Gladio okay? Are...
[He notices, now, how exhausted Noct sounds, how gingerly he's holding himself. Prompto frowns.]
Are you hurt? Dude, c'mon, sit down. I've got a fire.
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He shakily makes his way to the fire before replying, however. With his fluffy white bird-like friend nesting next to him, giving a look of concern. Something's wrong, but she won't just say it. Prompto looks different and he's talking about things of another world. Things Noctis was to be told if it was needed - but not yet. Would her role of guardian need to be expanded?
He looks to Prompto, though, putting his arms around his Pokemon. ] You're not making sense, Prompto. But--
[ Yeah, he's hurt. They're both hurt, clearly. ] We're alive, at least. We're both alive.
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He follows Noct and sits down again to his left, grunting minutely as his injuries remind him once again of their existence. Stella doesn't get anything more strenuous than a curious look. It's just like Noct to turn up just when he's needed with a wondrous, mysterious creature at his side.]
Y...yeah. At least there's that.
[He keeps watching Noct for a moment, then turns towards the fire. His veggies fell in the dirt, but he's not hungry anymore, anyway. Also, they probably weren't going to be very good. He's man enough to admit that he can't cook for beans. ...Mmm. Beans. He misses Iggy.]
What... what's the last thing you remember, then?
[Does Noct not even know what he did to Prompto, back there?]
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[ He says, quietly. He just wanted to see a Munna, and Prompto had followed him. It had been a stupid idea - he's sure he'd be lectured by his parents both when he returns. That strange pink-haired fellow had been there as well. He calls him a stranger, because he hadn't caught his name. Again.
...Had the Dream Mist done this? ]
'm sorry. [ He then mumbles, looking into the fire. He didn't want this - this other world. If he hadn't been so pushy... he lets himself fist before there's a few chirps from his partner - fluffing up a little, before offering a wing towards the other man.
Noctis wasn't hungry. Even if he was, he was still angry at himself inside. He's meant to be the future King, the future Hero. And from what he can reason, he didn't live up to it. ]
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[Not for the first time, Prompto isn't sure what to say. For something like the first time, he still doesn't say anything. No quip, no joke, nothing to break the uneasy tension. He looks at Noct, he looks at Stella, and he feels, more than ever, like the outsider he always has been.]
...Noct, I don't know what any of that means.
[His arms hurt. His face hurts. Everything hurts. And his throat does, too, because all he wanted was for something to make sense, and if even his best friend doesn't, then... then what's Prompto got left?]
What's a Dream Yard?
this is hurting so good
And for once in his life, Noctis lets out a scream of frustration when it really matters. How can he not--
He'd gotten the briefing that day. Hadn't he? Everything seemed to fade into frustration and fears.
Sorry. You're not getting answers or even words. Noctis looks on the edge of breaking down himself - he trusted his best friend, and now? Now he's stuck who-knows-where, and being told he doesn't know. There's another few chirps, but even if they were words, Noctis is just laying there. ]
Help...
He breathes shakily in, makes a small noise as he swallows, and remains where he sits, shaking his head, holding onto his elbows.]
Just. Just tell me, Noct, please.
[He curls in, letting his head hang.]
I don't understand what's happening, but. We're still friends. Right? No matter what?
the only help we'll get is falling further into hell
He's scared. He's terrified. Perhaps he didn't return and this is all a nightmare. ]
...Yeah, we are.
[ They're friends, no matter what. Even if they're both lost and confused. He... can explain. Think of himself as the head of Team Plasma. Speak as the King he is. Think of how he'd see his Father make his speeches, Hydreigon behind him. ]
The Dream Yard is one of many areas where our world connects to Ultra Space-- another world. [ Would Prompto recall Ultra Space? Even after they got so many warnings about it. He grips his hands into fists, before letting out a wince. He'd fucked up and ruined his best friend. ]
no subject
Another world. ...Like this one?
[This position isn't great for the awful hurt in his ribs, but obviously, powering through is what he should do here, right? His words come out winded, but he does seem calmer.]
I don't know about you, but nothing about this place strikes a chord. Hah. [He closes his eyes once more.] I was starting to wonder if maybe I'd lost my mind or something, after everything that happened.
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[ He pauses, before adding: ] That's what Ignis and Gladio said was in Ultra Space. [ He had to remember it - not knowing if they were to protect him or not if it happened. Every moment, Noctis hoped they'd just appear here like it seemed Prompto did - he was alone. (And Prompto was acting so strange.
Or was he acting strange?)
Stella moves, however, to sit to the side of Prompto. Inspecting him - pondering if she should talk or turn Human. And that's when she decides to talk in Common. ]
This is no Dream World, nor Ultra Space.
[ ..........Noctis looks over, not sitting up. Did his Pokemon just speak. Not in the way Pokemon are meant to. That's it, he's snapped. He keeps looking to Prompto, however, with a look of 'why' in his eyes. ]
...Maybe we've both lost our minds. [ He adds in a mumble: ] Doesn't matter, we're still us.
no subject
Stella's approach got Prompto to brighten a little, because if there's anything he can't resist, it's attention from adorable fluffy animals, even huge, strange ones like... whatever it is this birdie thing is. He was starting to reach up to see if she'd let him pet her when, all of a sudden, words happen.
He goes still, but it's already too late to pretend he doesn't see the incredible intelligence in her eyes, to assume the voice came from anywhere but her, the way she's looking at him. Fingers still outstretched, Prompto slowly turns his head Noct's way.]
Uhhhh, buddy? Is this normal? [He closes his eyes and adds softly:] Please, please, let just one thing be normal today...
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Nothing in Team Plasma prepared him for this. He does speak, though, because it's Prompto and he deserves to know. ]
Creatures like her are able to learn our tongue - but I didn't know she knew it. Why didn't she tell me? We need to work together.
[ So, it's normal-ish. He hopes. Pokemon shouldn't need to learn these words, they should be free. That's his role. And he feels like he's not living up to it already...
Stella adds, fluffing up. ]
I apologize, you two. This is nothing to worry about - you may hold me.
[ She wants him to hold her - to help. ]
no subject
[It's a little weird, hearing a young woman's voice say that to him. Like, in real life, and not in his most daring fantasies. It's weirder that it's coming out of what almost looks like a cartoony version of a baby chocobo from the land of giants, painted like a child's nursery.
But it's been such a long day. A long... week? He doesn't know. He doesn't know how long he's been waiting for Noct to find him. For someone to come and save him from this bad dream.
He looks at Noct again to see if it's okay, since this... bird thing is, well, if not his, then his friend, or something, and she's got some kind of mysterious, formal, untouchable perfection to her voice that reminds him of Gentiana, or... or Lady Lunafreya. People far beyond the reach of someone like Prompto. But he wants to. He wants to real bad. And if Noct doesn't make a move to stop him, he's going to complete the motion of reaching up and gently draw Stella down to him for a hug.
Because she offered, and he needs one.]
Hi. Sorry for ignoring you, I, uh. Didn't know you could talk. Obviously. [There's more shakiness than humor to his voice, and he speaks softly, for her rather than for Noct.] What's your name?
no subject
...Stella. My name is Stella. It's nice to meet you, Prompto. Though it could have been at a much better time.
[ She won't share her last name, however - that'd be far too obvious. She knows he's not of the same Star as Noctis already - it's clear. She's gently getting closer, looking from her cuddler and to Noctis. Only for a moment - he's just groaning there still. Also listening to them talking. She adds, gently, as she grows closer so that he'll simply have fluff to hold, ] I'm glad we have this chance.
[ She never thought... she'd meet him. The true him - not a mere copy created of memories and falsities, like the ones she was to guard and guide. And-- Noctis is managing to sit up, he wants to move to hug onto her as well. Even if he's so sore. ]
no subject
Wow, you're so nice. What're you doing with a big broody nerd like Noct, huh?
[He smiles up at his friend to make sure he knows he's kidding. But also not. Come on, dude, he's totally got your number no matter what crazy different universe you're from.]
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A request from... his Father and Mother both, to guide. I fear I cannot guide here, however.
[ because she doesn't know where she is. Noctis seems to give a frown, though - he didn't know that. Why is she being so open to him? Did Prompto... manage to get closer to her? And, of course, he gives a bit of a frown back. ]
's okay. We're lost.
[ And captured and everything is wrong but hugging onto a soft Pokemon is helping. A little. He can pretend this is just off the beaten path. ]
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We are so lost. Lost... in space-time.
[He says the last like a movie tagline, that's how tired-loopy he feels.]
But at least you're here now, Noct. Don't know what I'd do without ya, buddy.
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Yeah. [ He says, quietly, letting himself close his eyes. ]
...Think it'll rain tonight?
[ yes he is suggesting they just. stay here. Even if they could move, they're both tired and hurt. ]
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Noooooo, Noct. Don't jinx it.
[But he doesn't think it'll rain. It doesn't feel like it, and they've both spent enough time outside to get a sense for such things. Even if neither of them are Gladio. Or have Ignis's level, well-educated head.
Prompto's quiet for a moment, enjoying this island of almost-normalcy in a storm of everything but, and then asks more cautiously:]
Think it's safe?
[To stay out here in the open, injured, past dark... They'd be premium daemon prey, back on Eos.]
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...But there is but calm. They can focus and... be together. Even if it's all wrong. ]
...Stella can protect us.
[ It's what they planned, travelling together - have their Pokemon guard them and take shifts. Find more who would join them by choice - perhaps travel down to Nuvema and check around there. But he adds, after a pause: ] Maybe there's a Hidden Hollow near.
[ There's another long pause. ]
...You're hurt, too. Stella, Softboiled.
[ The Togekiss lets out a little chirp, and..................
...did she just make an egg. Well, an egg-like food. It's soft and able to be bitten into. ]
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Did Stella just lay an egg?
[??????]
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[ Stella is very insistant. She's not going to lay eggs.
That's the True Ones' duty, if anything.]...In that shape. [ He doesn't get it either. ] They taste of egg.
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