lifeaftr | [OPEN LOG]

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[OPEN LOG]

WHO: Terra and OPEN
WHAT: Thunderstorm Stuffs!
WHEN: 9/23
WHERE: Various, ending at Islet 1
WARNING: Excessive Cuteness

Though Terra could smell the moisture in the air indicating that it would rain later, she didn't know -when- and she certainly didn't know how hard. For the better part of the morning, she was exploring the islets, hoping to find something useful, whether it was some wood, fruit or even a prey animal to hunt and catch. However, she was caught fully unprepared for when the storm actually hit, and got caught in the sudden downpour. The heavy rainfall, the growling thunder and flashes of lightning found Terra making a hasty sprint for the nearest mana pool, hair and clothing quickly getting drenched.

Fortunately once she popped through the mana pool with her belongings, she wasn't that far from the shack she had claimed. Islet occupants may be aware of the green haired lass running away from the mana pool towards one of the shacks- though some of her fruit may have fallen out of her bag in the process. Once she was safely home, the door wasn't quite completely closed in her haste to get inside. She'd shut it sooner or later, but first, she wanted to try to dry off. And maybe try to plug some of the leaks in her home so she wouldn't get rained on. As it was her first thunderstorm, she was a bit at a loss and uneasy, but things could be worse, right?

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With how ferocious the storm had been, Ignis was glad they were no longer camping out in the ruins, even if their little cottage had more openings to the rain than he would have liked. The solid walls--truth be told, semi-solid in a few places might have been a more accurate description--were a great improvement over open sky or soaking wet canvas.

Once the rain stops, though, Ignis doesn't hesitate to follow Prompto out on his search. After all, he's the one who has the healing skills at his beck and call. Should anyone need them, he wants to be there, not houses away in need of being fetched.

Still, the rain has made the once familiar ground unfamiliar again with its sogginess. As a result, he trails behind Prompto, only making it to Terra's shack in time hear Prompto's confused statement.

Ignis pauses at the blonde's side, concern crossing his face, "What is it? Prompto, can you please describe what you're seeing?"

How else is he going to know what needs to be done to help?

She'll apologize for dozing off against him like that, Noctis, when she's more awake. Though it wasn't entirely her fault. He has a cozy shoulder apparently!

Still, she tenses in her sleep the moment she senses a change in her surroundings subconsciously, furrowing her brow first and then coming more alert at the familiar voice. "Mm, Prompto? Ignis?" She blinked a few times, trying to shake the sleepiness out.

And then realizing she was leaning on someone, and that Noctis had been keeping her company while they waited out the rain, she glanced over to him, having the decency to be at least a little sheepish, "Oh... I'm sorry." She scooted away a bit, glancing back over to Prompto and Ignis when it dawned on her- "Oh..! It's stopped raining?" It certainly didn't sound like it was raining.

... totally oblivious to any problems here. There weren't any problems right?

Noctis's head still isn't quiet awake yet. That fog that looms in your brain as you just wake up, clearly still there. "I'm sleeping," he said, groggily in response to Prompto.

Also, Ingnis's voice? Totally normal. A girl's voice, not so much. For that split second he completely forgot where he was napping and what happened. But, not anymore. Everything came rushing back, and he could understand why maybe his friends would be a bit surprised.

"It's fine," he told Terra, standing up, and rubbing his eyes. Don't blush. Don't blush.

His shirt from the other night was definitely dry not and he snagged it. "You can huh, just bring those back when you're done with them okay?" He was referring to his clothes that she was wearing of course.

He shot a look at Prompto. One of "don't." Whatever he was thinking of saying at that moment. No. Just don't, friend. There was definitely some flush across his chest, more so, than his face.

Prompto mouthed "what" at Noctis, hands spread out in front of himself, wondering what the heck happened and why he was his Terra. But he couldn't just say nothing to Ignis.

"I, uh... I found Noct. He was just sleeping over here." That, at least, took care of their missing friend problem. Now they had a, 'What is going on here?' problem. He turned to face away from them outside the door - it probably wasn't proper to stare at a lady when she was just waking up.

"Yeah, the rained stopped. Still wet out, though. Iggy and I were just going to look for Noct and I... well, I thought I'd make sure you were okay..."

And he was flushing now. Luckily, he was facing away.

Ignis might not be able to see, but there are some things that don't need to be seen to be understood. He's been around Noctis almost his whole life, and as for Prompto... Well, the blonde isn't exactly the kind who can hide when he's embarrassed or flustered very well.

Oh, there is much going on here that isn't being told to him. Expressions being passed between a certain prince and his best friend, no doubt. The silent looks might as well be shouts when it comes to how familiar it feels.

Ignis sighs, folding his arms loosely over his chest as he turns his face in the direction he heard Terra's voice from. He feels bad focusing his questions on her, but she is the least likely to try hiding the truth from him.

"May I ask what it is you'll need to be returning? If it's not something we use often, I see no need for you to worry about returning it quickly. We can always just pop over if it is needed."

It's something important, Ignis is sure of that. Now just to find out what.

D'aww, sleepy Noctis. But Terra is once again confused by Prompto facing away from them and the silence glances the two were giving each other. Still with company here, she got to her feet, dusting herself off, glancing first to Prompto. Aww. Lucky for him she couldn't see the blush, or she really would start thinking that was his natural color.

"Oh! Yes, I'm fine, thank you. I was caught in the rain and dropped some of my fruit, but Noctis found them and brought them in for me." Which she appreciated since her hunting efforts sucked today.

Turning next to Ignis, she tilted her head curiously. "O-oh. It's his clothes. We were both soaking wet, so he gave me a spare set to wear." And because she felt the need to explain why he didn't go back right away, she helpfully added, "We got to talking while we were waiting for the storm to pass." OH. "And we slept together. It was nice." s..she means having the company, but her wording... Just. Not the best choice of words, not that she is aware of why. Though she WAS frankly surprised she had been so relaxed.

She padded over to Ignis though, reaching out to gently touch his shoulder and let him know she was closer as she lowered her voice to speak quietly to him, worriedly, "...do you think.. it's okay to tell them? About me?" She didn't think it was fair for them NOT to know. At the same time she.. worried about what they would think. Ignis might have been the lone rare unicorn who still wanted to help her.

"And we slept together. It was nice." Wait, what? Noctis was suddenly extremely awake. Like ridiculously awake. Terra, you can't just say things like that.

"She means just just fell asleep against me while we napped." He said very, very quickly. He had to make sure any nuance in that wording was shot down quickly.

Oh man Noct, you dog. Prompto wasn't sure if he shouldn't be jealous, should fuss at Noctis because he totally saw her first, congratulate him, or if he should be worrying about Luna. What if there really was a possibility that his fiancée would show up? He couldn't cheat on Luna! He hadn't even gotten around to discussing that possibility with Ignis yet.

He ended up trying to support his friend in a flustered way. "Yeah, he's a real gentleman like that." See how convincing that was?

A gentleman who would never sabotage Prompto by feeding him bad lines to say to a girl. Noct, he was throwing a glance your way.

"...If you're ever low on food, we're right over there."

Despite his best efforts, Ignis can't help but let out a soft snort when he hears Terra's answer to his question. Yes, he had a feeling there was more going on than was being said out loud, but he knows Noctis well enough to know her explanation isn't quite all of it. It's why he's not the least bit surprised when the prince hastily amends her statement.

Of course, as much as he would like to continue teasing Noctis about his 'activities,' Terra has brought up a more serious topic, one that would be better addressed now than later. He covers the hand on his shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze as he lowers his head in a confident nod.

"If you wish to tell them now, by all means please do. They will not turn against you."

Noctis' clarification got a confused glance when she glances over to him, "Isn't.. that what I said?" So so puzzled. But aw, if she knew Noctis would get teased about it she'd apologize! Even if she has no idea what she said that was wrong. She's a little quieter at Prompto's offer - all these offers to help, sure Noctis said it was because they were all in this together and helping each other out, but... "I.. thank you." She really needs to tell them. "Oh.. I, I have fruit. I just got more erm.. do you..want some fruit?" The offer is for all three, naturally. Share, and share alike, right Noctis?

And Ignis - a part of her didn't really want to say anything. A small part. Her hand twitches slightly on his shoulder at the squeeze, as she considered his words. "I think I should." She couldn't put a word to the feeling, but everytime she thought about it she just felt ..uncomfortable. Uncomfortable knowing she was hiding it and uncomfortable thinking about how they'd react. But Ignis seemed confident they wouldn't turn on her, so ... it was okay, right?

She glanced over to Prompto and Noctis. Ohboy. Drawing her hand away from Ignis' shoulder, she took a breath, not sure why she felt like bolting out the door at the first chance she got. Stupid emotions. Stupid nerves. Stupid anxiety. Maybe it would be easier to tell them one at a time? ... no, too late now. "Prompto...? ... Noctis? There's...something you need to know. About me." She fidgeted a little, "It's...it's related to why I have no memories."

She's told Prompto bits, and Noctis bits, but neither of them had the full story. Technically she didn't either but.. meh. "Before I was brought here, I... what I told you both was true," she said hastily, "But it wasn't everything, and I don't... feel right not telling you, with as much compassion you've all shown me. So I want to tell you as much as I remember, and if you're... angry afterwards..." Well, that was something she was honestly worried about, but she wouldn't be surprised. Expected it even. Also, stop stalling, Terra. "Before I was brought here, I was an Officer of the Empire." She paused a bit, and there is much more to say than that ~~but I've already rambled enough already for one tag~~, fear not - she was only pausing enough to put her words together and make sure she had the order of events right in her already jumbled up head.

Noctis listened curiously as Terra went through her explanation. He let it sink in for a moment. Still something seemed a bit off. The way she talked about it, was as if she was from their world. She just referred to it as "the empire" nothing more. That was also, weird.

He racked his brain, recalling some of the things that they talked about the night before together. "Niflheim?" he questioned. "Are you sure?" Last he remembered the Nifs were advanced in their technology, and there was no way they didn't have the medical technology required to help Terra out with her possible head injury that caused her amnesia. Also she could use MAGIC.

And that wasn't how magic worked in their world. She could call it at will. Magic was apart of his family's line, granted by the crystal. Then bestowed upon his family's subjects, at their will. No, she had to be mistaken.

"I don't think you have to worry Terra." He passed a look at both of his friends. (Even if one of them couldn't see it.) "Even if you were a Nif, that doesn't make you a bad person. But, I think the Empire you're talking about isn't the same one from our world. Unless you're my long lost sister or something. "

Touchy subject. Prompto had no desire to turn on Terra, and he had no idea how Noctis would know that it was from a different world, so as he glanced between them he just answered the best he could.

"It's okay. Aranea worked for the Empire, too, and she turned out to be a good person. Some people are just trying to survive."

That didn't make things okay. The destruction of their home. All those deaths. Luna. So much was wrong in the world. He could still clearly see all the MT troops they were making. Never having a choice what they were going to be. Being brought to life just to die.

"I'm sure you had your own reasons for joining the Empire..."

As far as it sounded thus far, being an officer meant she must have been a rather important part. She probably would have had to join willingly - or at least because she had few choices.

Ignis listens quietly as Terra stumbles over the best way to explain her tale. Of course, it doesn't escape his attention that in all she says, she fails to mention one of the most important parts. He's torn on if he should bring it up or not, but they are being open and honest here. Perhaps it will be easier for her if he mentions it instead of her being forced to do so instead?

"What she has left out is that they were controlling her with a device called a 'Slave Crown.' I've never seen mention of such a thing in any of the intel I've had access to, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. There is no shortage of secrets hidden in Niflheim's icy wastes."

As he speaks, Ignis can't help but turn over in his mind how sure Noctis is that Terra and their Empire are not one and the same. Does the prince know something he doesn't? And what is with the joke about being his long lost...

Oh!

Ignis tilts his head in Terra's direction, curiosity clear on his face, "You can use magic?"

Yeah she... would have gotten to that part. Eventually. Probably. Her head was really starting to hurt, honestly. Granted it had been a faint throbbing ache she could ignore when she woke up but this was genuine pain that was a bit harder to dismiss.

She had mixed feelings about the responses though. On the one hand, Ignis was right and neither Prompto nor Noctis had turned on her, so that was..kind of a relief. On the other... part of her had hoped she'd come across someone from her world and...well if Noctis was right, that put her back at square one. She was still alone - even if they were going to help her.

"I.. don't think so." Unless green hair had skipped him and went straight to her. She raised a hand, putting it to her temple as she considered Prompto's comment. Some people just trying to survive, sure but she didn't think that was the case for her. Wasn't there... UGH, she knew there was something, it was right on the tip of her tongue but the more she struggled to grasp it the more her head hurt. She eventually gave up with a grimace, and the stabbing pain in her head started to fade back to just steel drum merrily pounding away. But as for why she joined the Empire..? Or why she was forcibly made to join it, actually - she glanced at Prompto, "I think.... I think it was because of what I can do." She said, a little vaguely - but thankfully for them, Ignis filled in the blanks.

As much as she wanted to hold her head, she felt like that would be rude. So she tried to focus past it, and when Ignis brought up the Slave Crown she shifted her weight a bit, closing her eyes for a moment. "That's..why I get the headaches." She added quietly, glancing in Noctis' direction. "It stripped me of my free will, of my memories and left...headaches when I try to remember." Like now.

But ahaha, she felt a little...uneasy when Ignis asked about her magic. So it took her a moment to answer, verbally, "...Yes. But I don't know Why I can. No one else can use magic like me." She was ..different.

Leave it to specs to be able to read between the lines for Noctis. But, what was this about a Slave Crown? So it wasn't a head injury? There was a sense of relief there, but also the fact that a mind control device was used on here just added a new level of concern.

He made a few steps closer to Terra and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "The only people from our world that can use magic are directly connected to my family. We already know people come from different worlds here. It's safe to assume different worlds have empires as well."

And he definitely wasn't liking this one either. Mind control? What the hell?! "And when comes down to it Terra, you're here now, and don't have to worry about ANY empire while you're here and with us."

Edited 2017-10-04 14:44 (UTC)

Prompto glanced around at the others. So she wasn't connected to their world? Well, her outfit was a bit different. And if she had been from their world she might have known that Noctis was a prince. Still, even if it wasn't their Empire, it sounded like she went through some bad stuff.

"Empires never seem to be up to much good, huh? Someone should outlaw them." He tried to make a light joke of it, though it fell flat. It was hard to brush off all the awful things that had happened. He pursed his lips, beating away all the memories of the Niflheim facility.

Instead, he fussed. "You want to sit down? I could get you some water?"

"Indeed," Ignis turns a grateful look in Prompto's direction. Even if his joke fell flat, the blonde tried as he always does. It's one of the beautiful things about him. Ignis' attention then returns to Terra and he nods at the suggestions, "He's right. I remember how much you said trying to remember hurts you. You've pushed yourself far more than necessary right now. Noct has a point. Perhaps it doesn't matter if it was the Empire we know or one completely different. They still hurt you and that makes them our enemies just as much as if they had hurt one of us. As long as you are here with us, we will let no harm come to you. You will have all the time and help you need to recover your memories."

His promises to her when the first met still stand. It doesn't matter if they are from different worlds. They are still kin--both hurt by an unfeeling Empire that cares nothing for their pain or the destruction it leaves in its wake.

Terra glanced between the trio, a little at a loss for words. Really, how could she put into word how incredibly grateful she was to them? A simple 'thank you' barely seemed like enough. She glanced down at the hand on her shoulder, then at Noctis for his explanation. "Oh..! Well... that explains why you asked if I was your long lost sister." That's one confusion cleared up.

That aside... they were really great. She had been really worried originally but coming clean made her feel less guilty. And Ignis was absolutely right, their opinions towards her hadn't changed any. Which was an even bigger relief. And Prompto's... joke. While it wasn't super hilarious, she could appreciate the attempt to lighten the mood a little. It was the combination of that and her relief that actually got a few soft giggles out of her.

"I'm sorry," She apologized, covering her mouth. "I shouldn't laugh," No wait, she should because it was a joke. But she's going to take a page from Ignis' book, reaching up to place her hand over Noctis', even with the light brush of her thumb, her smiles more genuine, "I'm just..relieved. I was worried that when you all found out you wouldn't like me anymore. You wouldn't want to be my ..my friends." That'll teach her to doubt The Word of Ignis(tm).

Though her giggles were short lived, she still smiled, shaking her head at Prompto, and verbally for Ignis himself. "No, no I'll be fine. It'll go away in a minute." She was used to it enough to know that once she stopped trying to remember, it would stop hurting. She lowered her hand again, "I know it isn't much by comparison, but ..thank you. All of you. It ..really means a lot to me." Yeah, saying it was barely enough. "I don't think I could ever repay the kindness you've all shown me, but I'll try."

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[OPEN LOG]

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NOT SORRY. EVER.

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Terra's response was just so perfect. NEVER BE SORRY!

YAY~!

Re: YAY~!

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Yet more Teal Deer for your soup!

Re: Yet more Teal Deer for your soup!

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