Exploration Event: Neverwere

[lifeaftr_mods]

EXPLORATION EVENT: NEVERWERE

Who: Everyone!
What: Your wildest dreams come true!
When: May 15th to May 18th
Where: Ziziphus, those still on Ensō...and Mu
Warnings: Mark as needed!

Then Know That My Life Was Just a Killer Dream
You can find most of the information you need in the OOC info post! In the meantime, feel free to use this log as a catch-all for your dream worlds, as well as detailing your efforts to free one another. Whether they're on Ziziphus or Ensō at the time of the dreams' capture, your character is free to access as many dreams as you like, as the interlocking mental landscape allows for that sort of crossing over apropos of nothing. And time, of course, is very fluid in dreams - many days, months, and years can transpire in a matter of mere minutes.

Will you fight your way free from Ziziphus's vines or Mu's thrall, or are you content to die in your sleep?

Remember to let us know if your character dies during this event!

Event Timeline

[ ♆ ] May 15th: The vines make their move, ensnaring characters in ideal fantasy worlds
[ ♆ ] May 17th: The Storyteller will make contact with those they can, as well as issue information and a potential solution
[ ♆ ] May 18th: Those that have not freed themselves from the vines or from Mu will suffer a death

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LOGS ● OOC ● STORIES ● MAIN NAVIGATION

( CODED BY BOOTYCALL )

Comments

Prompto | OTA

[want_to_belong]

[Sometimes simplest wishes were the best. Insomnia was completely back to normal - a bustling city full of giant buildings and crowded streets. Chatter and laughter wafted through the air just as much as the smell of freshly baked bread from little bakery stands. These were the best days back home.

In his dream world, Prompto was... just a regular guy. Who happened to be part of the Crownsguard. They never met Ardyn at Galdin Quay, and the continued their journey to Altissia as planned. Now, his main bud was king - with King Regis having retired so that he could rest - and the rest of his retinue were still hanging around in their fancy duds.

Noct was married to Luna and that was awesome! And they had kids. Who hung out with Prompto's and Cindy's kids. And Gladio's kids. Iggy didn't have kids, but he was still really cool and had his sight. No deaths, no injuries, no Ardyn. Could life be any better?

Nope. That was the point.

Prompto was easy to run into out in the city. Despite working for the palace now, he still ran around enjoying food from street stalls or taking the somewhat vaguely defined children to parks or arcades. They even had an awesome trip planned to all go to Cape Caem to see the ocean.

Considering how busy the city was, it was easy for people to blend in anywhere. A shop owner? Another Crownsguard? A palace attendant? A babysitter? People were everywhere and in all positions and he'd readily greet or assist anyone who needed it. After all, he was representing the king.]

[piercetheheart]

[No, as a matter of fact, he's not a babysitter but somehow Elle's ended up with all the kids because Prompto was supposed to be back an hour ago and Cindy's got work to do. He was supposed to be taking her out tonight, Prom. And Gladio knows Prompto well enough to be able to find him relatively quickly, stuffing his face after his shift to no one's surprise.

At least he has the good taste to be in the best noodle shop in the city.

Gladio comes in, still in uniform himself, drops into the seat next to him.]

Couldn't have at least shot us a text? [A playful arm punch before he reaches over to pluck a mushroom off Prompto's plate.]

You forget we had plans tonight, dude?

[want_to_belong]

[Funny how somehow, Prompto had never met Elle. They just never seemed to be in the same area at the same time, but he didn't think much of it. One day they would meet!

He'd just shoved a mouthful in when Gladio stopped by. Of course, things like plans and all seemed kind of fickle at best. Everything seemed to always work out regardless, so, no big deal.]

Oh, shorry. [He sputtered out, shoving a bunch of food into his cheek so he could talk. He swallowed what he had in one great big gulp and sat up.] You want me to take the kids? I could take them to the park or something. Maybe go out for ice-cream.

[piercetheheart]

[Of course they've meet. Prompto was one of his groomsme-

But he wasn't married, was he? There was no ring on his finger and he could not, for the life of him, remember proposing. How could he possibly have had children with a woman and not-

He shakes his head, clearly he needs this night off, he's losing his mind.]

It is your turn. [He feels like there's something he needs to remind Prompto of, something about one of the kids. Ollie needs- no, no not Ollie. Ollie isn't there... But why isn't he?

Why would he be when Prompto's never met him and still thinks of Iris as being so young.]

Isn't... it? [There's something strained in his voice, though. Not at all the cheerful, carefree man that had walked in moments ago.]

[want_to_belong]

Heh, sorry. Guess it slipped my mind.

[He was readily willing to accept that it was his turn to watch the kids. Taking care of them wasn't a problem, anyway. He just took them places to play.]

You mad 'cause you've got a hot date?

[He polished off the rest of his food and slid part of his side dish over to Gladio. He liked things on the spicier side, but Gladio should be able to handle it.]

[piercetheheart]

[Prompto was well aware what spice level Gladio could handle so he thinks nothing of it, taking the bowl and shoveling a heaping spoonful into his mouth.

And immediately nearly dying, coughing hard and spluttering and there's rice everywhere and he's pretty sure his eyeballs are on fire. He reaches for Prompto's water, chugs everything left in the glass, and while he's sucking on an ice cube to calm the fire on his tongue, he tries to give Prompto his most offended glare. It doesn't work very well with tears in his eyes.]

What the hell Prompto?!

[want_to_belong]

Too much? I didn't think it was that bad...

[Maybe he'd been indulging since they got back to Insomnia. With his new role he made pretty good money, so he could always enjoy whatever he wanted.

Well. Might've been good to have Iggy's food more often.

He quickly waved down someone nearby.]

Can I get two ice-creams over here?

[piercetheheart]

You.... haven't been doing a hell of a lot of thinking in general. [It's weird. Prompto can be a little clueless sometimes, sure, but never outright inconsiderate. Not like this.]

What's gotten into you? [But the promise of ice cream has Gladio's eyes widening, mouth watering. He hasn't had ice cream in ages, years and years.

Which can't be right? Surely he's taken the kids for ice cream recently. But the idea of it sits uneasily with him for some reason. Why...?]

Wait, ice cream? [Surely they haven't had ice cream for ages.]

[want_to_belong]

[He frowned at Gladio's scolding. He hadn't really thought it was that big of a deal. So he was late. He could still take the kids. Everything would be fine.]

What do you mean? It's not like anything bad has happened. I mean, so you're late to something... It's not that big of a deal.

[They'd seen a lot worse, hadn't they? At some point. Either way, he tried to brush it off and move on.]

They just have vanilla here, but it's super creamy. That alright?

I'm so sorry

[piercetheheart]

[ It's not like anything bad has happened.

Its so dismissive and it makes Gladio's hackles rise, expression darkening. But what bad has happened? A flicker of Prompto's expression, fearful and uncertain, flinching away from him beside a campfire. His face, battered and bruised and terrified and-

Gladio looks down, catches Prompto's wrist, seeking out the leather band that's been an ever present part of his wardrobe for as long as he's known him.]

Where's your bracelet?

[want_to_belong]

[He flinched, instinctively pulling his arm back and covering his wrist with his hand. However, there was no need to. There was nothing there.]

What bracelet?

[Flexing his fingers, he let his hand drop from his wrist, letting the uniform fall back into place.]

I'm not wearing a bracelet. None came with the uniform. ...Is there supposed to be one?

[piercetheheart]

The one you... always wear? [Right? And why does it feel so strange, seeing Prompto in the uniform. Like he's not used to it, like it means something so much more than it does. Hope after so long without-

He shakes his head, dismissive, trying to clear his mind of all these conflicts.]

Shit, maybe I'm the one being weird. Must not've gotten much sleep. [Does he ever? Why wouldn't he? The kids? Maybe? They were young enough to- well, actually, how old are they? And how old is he? Why does he feel like he's talking to someone so much younger than he should be?

Gladio slumps over the counter, head in his hands, trying not quiet the questions tumbling around in his brain.]

Fuck the ice cream, dude, I need a drink.

[want_to_belong]

[Prompto tilted his head curiously. He kind of got that Gladio was talking about something specific, but... He wasn't really interested in acknowledging it. He'd prefer not to think to hard on these things and to just enjoy the moment.

Reaching over, he patted Gladio on the shoulder.]

No problem, dude. I think they have beer here... If you specifically ask for it.

[Of course he knew all about the food place. Though, he didn't cancel that order for ice-cream. Gladio might still need it to take the edge off. Also, it was delicious stuff. His hand paused a moment to rub Gladio's upper back.]

Maybe you should cancel the date and just take a breather if you've been training too hard? I'm sure Cindy would love to have the kids helping with the Regalia.

[She did teach them a thing or two about cars when she was working on them. She was great like that. He could just imagine all the times he sat there and watched in quiet awe.]

[shatteredlenses]

[Almost as soon as Ignis becomes aware of himself, he knows something is off. He doesn't even have time to run a hand over his jacket to confirm he's in his Kingsglaive uniform, before someone calls out to him and confirms that, yes he is in the very busy Citadel lobby, and no, no matter how much he wishes this to be real, it can't be.]

Advisor Scientia what happened to your eyes?

[The woman has barely gotten the words out of her mouth when another person notices the scars on his face and speaks out in concern as well.]

Did someone attack you? Shall I send for King Noctis?

[King Noctis. Hearing that makes Ignis' heart skip a beat. What is going on? Why does the Citadel still thrive? How does Insomnia still stand? When did Noctis ascend to the throne? There are so many questions he needs to ask, but he knows the growing crowd isn't going to have the answers. He needs to find someone who does.]

I don't wish to bother the King unless necessary.

[Wherever he is, for some reason Ignis feels it's not Noctis he needs to seek.]

If anyone has seen Shield Amicitia or Glaivesman Argentum, I wish to know where.

[Off to his left, Ignis hears a pair of boots click together. A member of the Crownsguard he suspects.]

I saw Glaivesman Argentum heading for the gun range, Sir!

[Ignis nods his thanks to the man and then turns in that direction. As much as those gathered wish to know what is going on, they part easily before him and it is only a matter of minutes before Ignis makes it to his destination.]

Prompto? I need to speak with you.

[want_to_belong]

[Why did he even bother when he never missed in the first place? Ah well, shooting was fun, and the range was where he did the majority of it these days. Peace meant shooting less things.

He spun around happily when he heard Iggy's voice, only to be dumbfounded momentarily when he saw him.]

Iggy?

[It couldn't be. There wasn't anything particularly dangerous even around anymore. Why would Iggy be hurt? He urgently approached him, reaching out to take his arm in concern.]

Iggy, what happened? Come on, let's get you healed.

[There was something deeply unsettling about Iggy's condition. Painfully familiar, as much as he didn't understand why. He was eager to get this fixed and move on.]

[shatteredlenses]

I wanted to ask you the same thing.

[Though Prompto's pull out of the range and toward the infirmary is gentle, Ignis has to fight hard to hold fast against it. His friend is so worried, but what good will an infirmary do right now?]

Prompto, stop for a moment. Look at my eyes.

[He slips off his sunglasses so nothing blocks the scars or the milkiness of his right eye.]

Do these look recent to you?

[want_to_belong]

[Why would he resist going?

When Ignis pulled off his shades, Prompto had a hard time looking. This wasn't happy or fun. His mind immediately pulled reasons why he wouldn't have seen this before.]

Oh, geez... Ignis. I'm sorry, I should have checked up on you sometime. [Was Ignis upset that he hadn't?] ...What happened?

[shatteredlenses]

[Ignis closes his right eye for a moment, taking a deep breath. This wrong. This is all so wrong, and even though he knows that, it feels just as wrong to continue to dampen the light in Prompto's voice.]

You know what happened and you know how. You just have to push passed the false memories in your head and remember.

[I'm sorry, Prompto.]

[want_to_belong]

[He furrowed his brows, frowning. Everything seemed just fine to him. He could see, feel and even taste things. Everything was great.]

You're not making any sense... You want to sit down? I can go get the Queen.

[shatteredlenses]

The Queen?

[Who...? But wait... If Noctis has taken the throne there is only one person who can be his Queen.]

No. There is no need to trouble Noctis or Lady Lunafreya with this.

[Ignis shakes his head and pulls Prompto over to sit near him in the offered chairs. The more he hears of this world, the more it hurts him to think of having to wake Prompto from it. He does need to sit, especially as memory of another perfect world so recently broken starts to sip in around the edges of his mind.]

You must listen to me. Doesn't everything seem a little too perfect here?

[want_to_belong]

Well, yeah, things were going pretty good.

[Seriously Iggy? Just going to walk in all fucked up like that and then ask if the world is too perfect?]

How can you be so calm about this? We need to see what we can do as fast as we can. If we wait... We might not be able to fix stuff that we could've.

[Hand on each of Ignis' arms, he shook him gently, frustrated. This was no time to have a calm conversation, Ignis, your face was all messed up.]

[shatteredlenses]

There are some things that can't be fixed. Not even in perfect dream worlds.

[Ignis curls his fingers around the arm of the chair he's sitting in. He may sound and look calm to Prompto, but inside hearing how upset the blonde is about all this is tearing him apart. This isn't the first time he's had to play the bad guy to make sure things were done and people were kept safe, but this is easily the hardest.]

And there are some things that don't need to be fixed.

[That's why, isn't it? Why he's shown up blind in each dream he's fallen into? This is part of him. Perfect world or not, this is how he sees himself and there is nothing that he believes needs to be changed.]

I gave my vision to protect Noct. A small sacrifice in the greater scheme of things. There is no need to fix what was given willingly. Were you in my place, would you not have done the same? Giving your vision or even your life to protect our king?

[want_to_belong]

Of course I would, but protect him from what? He doesn't need protection.

[This was getting frustrating. He grabbed Ignis' arm and pulled at him a bit more forcefully, not wanting to sit here and talk when clearly they needed to be getting something done for him.]

Come on, Iggy. Stop it. You're gonna scare the kids if they see you like this. Gladio was already freaking out earlier.

[It was starting to feel like he was going to have to drag Ignis to a hospital. How he could just sit there with his eyes all busted up, Prompto didn't know. He didn't want to push or pull on him, but it was looking like he might not have a choice.]

[shatteredlenses]

The kids?

[His voice shakes as he's hit by another wave of guilt. Of course there would be kids in this perfect world. Adopted or blood born, with no war to distract them, there would be no reason to keep them from building the families they all wanted. So much happiness. New lives. New loves...

Ignis swallows hard, desperate to pull his mind away from that train of thought because all it will do is cause him more pain. Fortunately, the mention of Gladio is just the thing to do it. If he was 'freaking' out in Prompto's words, there is a good chance it was the real Gladio having passed through the dream at some point. He can work with this.]

Prompto, you trust both Gladio and I, don't you? Doesn't it seem strange that both of us have issues with this place? One or the other would not be as noteworthy, but both?

[want_to_belong]

Yeah, it was my turn to watch them but I forgot. Gladio was getting mad at me for that when he just... started freaking about daemons.

[He furrowed his brows.]

He's resting at the hospital now, and the kids are with Cindy, so it should be all right once he feels better...

[Of course, Gladio had woken up, but he couldn't disappear for Prompto's dream. He had to be taken care of.]

I don't get why you would have issues with... 'this place'? This is home. What's wrong with it? Where else would you want to be?