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dankmemes2016-12-21 10:41 am
hadrielmods) wrote in dankmemes2016-12-21 10:41 am
Entry tags:
test drive meme #15
Welcome to Hadriel's test drive, and thank you again for your interest in the game! As always, our reserves page is here, and our applications page is here! Reserves open December 25th, and apps are open January 1st. Please remember that there is an app cap of 20 apps.
Two quick points here as well:1. Any thread made in Hadriel's test drive will be accepted as the sole Action Log sample in the application.
2. All threads made in the test drive can be considered game canon, either through handwaving or through a shared mental experience while coming through the Door!
Test drives will be broken up into specific god mini-events, during which your characters can see how well they fare under the watchful eye of one of the gods. Choose wisely or just simply pick 'em all, and have fun!
F E A R
SCENARIO ONE: YOU SMELL SOMETHING?
[The Door brings in all that is chaotic and evil in the world. This may include you, may include the person next to you... and may include the monster behind you.
Watch out as you explore the streets of Hadriel, because you're not alone, and there's always something lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect chance to knock you out, drag you back to its cave, and hang you upside down for some reason. This time, the Door has brought in a number of Wampas, from the Star Wars movies.
Wampas are large and furry, in order to stay warm and alive on their native ice planet of Hoth. While their white fur helps them blend in at home, it's less helpful in Hadriel - but that's fine! They're giant and terrifying with big claws and teeth, they don't really need camouflage too. They'll be more than happy to hunt you down - and if they don't eat you right there, they could knock you out and take you home for a later meal. If you wake up in a wampa cave, let's hope you remembered your lightsaber.]
R A G E
SCENARIO TWO: WE'RE ALL PISSED OFF HERE
[For some reason, something's just pissing you off today. It's something weird, too, something that wouldn't normally bother you at all. Maybe it's jackets or buildings with too many windows. Maybe it's animals or the simple act of sleeping. Whatever it is, it's total bullshit and you hate it.
What are you gonna do about it? Smash some windows? Kick a puppy? Or hey, maybe you'll run across someone who hates that thing just as much as you do, and you'll make a new friend! Or a new enemy, if they're wearing that most horrible of wardrobe items, a jacket.
This is a mini version of our Why Do You Have To Be Mad? event this month!]
D E L I G H T
SCENARIO THREE: THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON
[Generosity and charity have infected the city! And hey, that's a good thing, right? Hadriel could use a little more kindness. Who knows what's causing it - Delight is probably bored - but whatever it is, maybe it's affected you, too.
If it has, you'll be inspired by the desire to give gifts to your friends, your family, that stranger across the street. Of course, Hadriel doesn't have a lot of gift shops, so... well, maybe you should just give them the shirt off your back? Or hey, smash a shop window and grab that can of beans, they'll love that! You could even steal your friend's favorite jacket and give it to your other friend. How generous of you!
Or maybe you're totally unaffected, and a complete stranger just ran up to you on the street and tried to give you a shirt they ripped off their friend. It's, uh. Not weird. Aren't you gonna say thank you?]
(THIS IS GOING DOWN LIKE A GREEK TRAGEDY)
Regis was just about to call out when a terrifying roar answers the newcomer instead. The beast that was stalking him found a new prey.
An enormous white monster suddenly appears from the shadows with great big horns and ugly unsightly teeth marred with the blood of its victims. It turns towards Noctis giving Regis the time necessary to make his escape. The monster is nothing like either of them ever seen before. Its fur is completely white like fresh fallen snow with specks of red dotting the fur. The eyes and claws are black like ink, a fearsome juxtaposition to the purity of its pelt. The beast is all muscle, claws and fur. A dangerous creature with a savage hungry that knows no bounds.
Taken by shock, Regis actually trips and spills to the ground in an ungraceful heap with a cry. The Wampa turns its ugly head from the prince and glances behind him. If it hadnt been the scent of blood that caught its nose, the Wampa would've attacked Noctis first but Regis is injured. His wounded knee is bloody.
The monster knows which is the easier prey and it lunges for Regis quickly with a speed unknown.]
(AS IF IT WASNT ALREADY ONE TO BEGIN WITH. CRIES)
[ With a hiss through gritted teeth, he charges through the dark. It's then that the creature itself comes into view. Certainly nothing he has seen before, but the smell of blood is familiar enough to recognize he can face this with the same attitude as other creatures. Noctis sees the monster from behind, happy to visualize its open as he phases quickly forward. He appears in mid-air, above the foul thing where it can turn its head. The higher Noctis goes, the more he sees that it is not just himself and the monster. It was prepared to feast. ]
[ His vantage point provides little lighting, but enough to see who is on the floor. Noctis' eyes widen, time seems to slow down despite the creature veering it's ugly head on him as he hovers pre-slash of his blade. ]
... Dad?
[ His brows furrow, stomach sick as his mind immediately becomes smothered in clouds. Regis, the King, was dead. Murdered by the Empire while a Noctis traveled miles away. It's quick and easy to become distracted, especially in seeing that while he is apparently alive? He's injured and helpless. ]
[ But time is not moving slow. It is in his own perspective that it had been, but the monster itself works quick. Distracted, the creature is able to swing its large, furry arm his way. The prince is struck hard, straight in the middle where he's sent flying to the tune of a loud roar. Noctis comes crashing, skidding across the dirt while the sword once belonging to the king goes flying and clattering to the floor. ]
(#TRUTH)
[He says his son's name like a prayer in total disbelief.
There's no possible way that's his son. No. Noctis is far away from this living hell. Miles away, even. He sent his boy away to spare him from the chaos that was bound to brew after the peace signing. Regis wasn't a fool, he knew the Emperor wouldn't keep his end of the bargain. That much the King knew when Aldercapt sent his the accursed Chancellor as his messenger.
Peace, laughable. For the sake of his people and for the sake of Lady Lunafreya herself, Regis took that chase to have her whisked away from harm before giving his life to his enemies. All of this was to aid Noctis in his future journey to bring light back into the world. That's why he stares at his son with muted disbelief now.
Noctis isn't supposed to be here. Neither of them.]
Noctis, look out!
[Regis yells as he reaches for the fallen sword with the speed of a younger man. He grips the hilt of his blade with sturdy hands and hastily charges at the Wampa from behind. The beast was about to swing at Noctis again. It turned its fury upon the prince once appeared. This monster was about to slash at Noctis with its massive claws until suddenly a shrill shriek is torn from its throat as Regis's sword slices the monster's arm clean off. With immaculate precision thanks to his training in his younger days, Regis manages to slice through the beast's arm like a hot knife through butter. It's savagely brutal to behold and blood is splattered upon the across the ground within mere seconds.
Regis stands there with sword at hand ready to face this brute on his own despite his wounds. He places himself between his heir and the howling Wampa like a mock shield. This accursed fiend isn't going to lay a single hand upon his son ever again.
He'll make certain of it.]
(#DROPPING FEEL BOMBS)
[ But there isn't time. Not now and not while this creature still lives and hungers. He winces as the beast prepares for its next hit, weaponless save for the ring that currently burns his finger. His focus is off, for now, but the instant that he sees his father cut through the beast like clay? His adrenaline takes over. ]
I'm fine! Move!
[ Noctis is back on his feet quick, rushing away from the blood that begins to spray and pour all over. It splatters his arms and face, soaks into his clothes before he can run off fast enough. There will be time for them to discuss what's happened here, what's before them, after they've survived. It's shocking to see his father fight, and Noctis manages to question how he's able to. He's just as capable of worrying about his condition. ]
[ The creature screeches as its arm falls with a thud, still alive and very much angered. It shifts its attention to Regis, stomping forward with great speed as it seeks to use its remaining arm. Noctis grunts, terrified of what might happen again to his father. He runs, nearly losing footing as he slips on blood. He's not going to witness his father get hurt. Even if him being real at this point is up for debate. ]
Now!!
[ He swallows his fear, for now, urging Regis to get out of the line of fire as he holds his hand up high. He hisses as the ring begins to glow, the rest of him beginning to do the same when his feet lift from the ground. A bright and sinister glow comes about the creature, magenta and hot until Noctis flashes forward, phasing before his father as the light engulfs the Wampa and burns it alive. It's sucked through, effectively gone with a loud CRACK. ]
[ And just like that, it's done. Noctis lands on his feet again, arms alight with embers and ash and his eyes glowing in the dark. Exhausted, worn down, and his head still cloudy as ever. It's still an ability he isn't used to. Noctis' back is turned momentarily as he pants heavily, struggled to gather himself, just before he turns his gaze to his father. ]
[ And he stares. Speechless. Bewildered. And hurt. ]
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At first, Regis thought all of this to be a strange hallucination on his part but the urgency in his son's words proves that this is all too real. The thunderous steps of the charging Wampa shakes the King at his brief reprieve. For the life of him, Regis manages to dive out of the fiend's way but landing on that wounded knee earns a cry from him. He's hurting but the pain is only a momentary distraction at best to him.
The King's more concerned for his son above anything else.]
Be careful!
[He yells in hopes that his son doesn't jeopardize himself needlessly. Noct always been a tad reckless but the thought of losing him isn't something Regis can bear. No, not again. The prophecy had doomed them both, the Gods have doomed the royal line of Lucis to fall. Regis cannot risk losing his son again to Fate's fickleness.
That would be exceeding cruel.
Thankfully, it seems that fortune is in their favor once Noct takes command the ring.]
The Ring of Lucii...
[His eyes widen in shock. Lunafreya, the Oracle, she...fulfilled her duty.
That explains why he couldn't summon his magic here. His son now commands the ring. An odd mixture of pride and worry fills Regis as he watches Noctis. He always knew Noct had what it took to fulfill his destiny but to see him do so right before his very eyes is something of a feat to behold. He feels proud of his son but terribly worried. That ring comes with a cost that no normal man would want to pay. The memory of that fiendish trinket upon his finger still causes his bones to ache.
Brought back to reality once he hears Noctis gasping for air, Regis quickly (as fast as a near-cripple can go) and embraces his son. This is the first time in a long time since he hugged Noctis like this. He could see the shock and hurt within those bright blue eyes and it pains him. Regis hugs Noct as tightly as he could, his arms wrapped around the young prince wordlessly expressing his relief.]
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[ Noctis grits his teeth, immediately feeling his gut wrench again and he takes a sharp inhale as he sees him come closer. No. No this is a trick. All of this is a trick! He'd been convinced he found Prompto, only to be made a fool by Ardyn's devious trickery. This is just some stupid fucking ploy to find a crack in his armor. And to make a dent. All of this is. ]
Wait--
[ Noctis chokes on the word, his voice cracking and paIned, but the king has him in a tight embrace before he can say any more. His skin continues to burn, though the glow slowly subsides as the rings power fizzles and seeks slumber once more. His arms hang at their respective sides, and his eyes are wide when he feels Regis arms engulf him. This is a trick. This is a trick! ]
Cut it out! You're not--
[ He expects Regis to drop his appearance and shift to the MT Noctis expects him to be. To shift back and explode, a ticking fucking time bomb. The king's beloved son tenses in his arms, fists clenched though he's incapable of movement. The shock, turmoil, and disbelief has him terrified but unable to move. There's no fucking way. ]
I know what you're trying to do, Ardyn, and it's not going to work!
[ His voice cracks again, and it's then that he tries to pry from Regis' arms, fighting so hard to not lose his mind and start sobbing. ]
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[Regis tries his best to console his son when he starts struggling but all of it is in vain. His son is a grown man now and he actually manages to push him back with enough strength to almost make him fall. Thankfully, Regis manages to balance himself after staggering a bit but that wounded knee of his comes back to remind him of his age with a sharp ache.]
Noct?
[Seeing his son in such distress honestly causes Regis to lose his composure. He's shocked and terrified. What in the hell happened to Noct prior to his arrival here? Did he not just mention the chancellor's name just now?
His face blanches. Just what did 'Ardyn Izunia' do to his son? That's the question that plagues Regis' mind as he stares at Noctis.]
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[ As Regis wobbles back, nearly falling from Noctis' force, there's a quality that sticks with him. Something that the phony Prompto hadn't done upon contact. Regis remained, and there were so many qualities about him that seemed too real to ignore. Too real to ignore now. ]
What...
[ Arden sought to break him in that fortress. Made him run through chambers and halls where MT monsters followed and chased him. Choked and struck him. He's better than this. He's better than the manipulation the Chancellor tried to succeed in. And when the color literally leaves the King's face in pure horror, it's clear to him that Noctis is... wrong. His voice cracks again with that word, that question. ]
[ But finally, finally, it hits him. There are plenty of questions against Regis' existence, but no stable argument as to him being a fake. Noctis takes a step forward, halting quickly when his hand lifts and hesitantly reaches, It quickly starts to tremble. ]
D... Dad.
[ Immediately, his throat is sore. Burning. There's less and less doubt the longer he stands before the king. It's painful, relieving, and... hard to grasp. Noctis looks completely shell shocked and bewildered, and as his hand falls to his side again, he takes another step. ]
Is it really--
[ He can hardly speak, and something sounding close to profanity spills from his lips as he surges forward and reaches out to grab Regis once more. He hugs him tight, as if to physically confirm his solid form. He hisses through gritted teeth as he buries his face against the curve of the king's shoulder. Like a lost child, like the prince he had to stop being in lieu of having to become king. ]
Dad!
[ Holding back was never his strong suit. Noctis immediately begins to sob, tears flowing freely. Even if Regis isn't truly real, he needs this.]
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The soul crushing guilt he has within is starting to take form. Regis never wanted his son to suffer like this.
He never wanted Noct to suffer. Fate is a cruel beast, crueler than any men. When the king lost his wife to illness only days after Noctis was born, he wept. When his son laid unconscious from the injuries he suffered by the blades of the Marilith, he wept. When the Crystal told him that the Gods above picked his son to be their Chosen One, he wept. But now, Regis finds himself listening to his son cry instead and he cannot help but join him. This is a miserable tale forged from endless tragedy. An odyssey of unspeakable cruelty handed by fate.
Regis gently caresses his fingers through those choppy raven locks gently as he pats the prince's back. He knows his son is in great pain, he can feel it. The sorrow that Noctis has is mirrored within himself but Regis' sobs are quiet in-comparison. He holds the youth in his arms with as much love as he bestowed Noctis all those years ago.]
I'm so sorry.
[He whispers ever so quietly as he tries to hug all this awful pain away. Regis knows that forgiveness may not come easy but he hopes that deep within his son's wounded heart, that he will forgive him someday.
That's his honest wish.]
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[ No... No, after that, he could only feel despair. Disappointment. Part of Noctis couldn't help but take blame for all of this. But he didn't exactly decide to be the Chosen either. It's a heavy burden to carry, and parts of him would give anything to just go back and change things. But the reality of his responsibility hits, and he realizes he's meant to do so much more. For his kingdom. For his family. ]
[ But that doesn't cease the tears. Or the sobbing. Which seems to only increase to a level he can't quite manage to stop. Noctis weeps into his father's shoulder, fingers latching and digging into the fabric of his robes. His body gives way, practically leaning into him when his knees buckle and shake. His entire frame is shivering, and he's so sick to his stomach that he isn't sure if relief even exists here right now. ]
[ Noctis tries to speak, but he can't. Words are caught in his throat, where he often has a hard time finding the right ones anyway. All he can do is focus on the way this feels, hang on to the very solid person that holds him. He recalls the way he wept after killing the Marilith. The way he just couldn't stop thinking of his father and missing him painfully so. It's not just the inevitable of becoming King in his place, it's that a young man lost his dad. And nothing prepares you for that. ]
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He let's the youth sob against his shoulder while whispering words of comfort, soft mutterings in a tongue forgotten by history's scribes. It's something he used to do when Noct was little. Whenever the prince awoke teary eyed from a nightmare following the Marilith incident, Regis would always rush to his side and hold him. As a king, Regis is cold and stern but towards Noctis; he's warm and loving.
A faint sigh escapes Regis as he nuzzles his cheek against that nest of black hair. He takes a moment to collect himself before pulling away just enough so be could cup Noctis' cheeks. His hands are warm and gentle as they always been, but slightly rough from old calluses earned from his heydays in the Old War.]
My dearest son. [He begins with such sigh.] I apologize for the heartache you feel. I never meant to break the gentle heart that beats within. I never meant to make you sob in such anguish.
This misery you feel, I...I feel it too but we mustn't give into it. We mustn't let it consume us.
[A smile briefly graces his lips as he uses his thumbs to brush the tears off his son's cheeks.]
I'm here now, Noct. You needn't fear.
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[ Noctis exhales a pained, crackled sort of sound when his sobbing continues. Still in disbelief that this is actually happening, the results of the Citadel's fall seem to flood him and threaten to make him drown. It's then that Regis stroked his hair and whispers words that immediately take him back. Back to a time of bandages, heavy blankets and empty, vast halls. But hallways that echoed and always sent signal to an attentive father who always ran to his aid in the dark of night. The words were always strange to him, but soothing. The tears continue to flow freely, but the sobbing almost immediately subsides. A young man in his twenties reacts to muscle memory that stuck so strongly to a young boy confined to a bed with weak muscles. Regis shifts him, moves to hold his face. But while Noctis continues to cry, he is silent against his words. ]
[ He's hushed like a child, soothed like a child, but his pain sticks to his features like a scar. Noctis is seated on his knees before the king, face framed within his grasp. ]
I could have fought for you. There was so much more I could have done, and you just--
You smiled while I took off! You knew the entire time.
[ Another sob, but one that is softer than the others. Noctis closes his eyes and looks down, hissing through gritted teeth. ]
I get it... but I don't want to.
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I would not have my only heir die beside in battle. Noctis, you are the future and the Last of the Lucian Kings. My sacrifice was mine to make, and I wasn't going to lose you to Aldercapt's madness.
[His words are honest but stern. He will not humor the thought of losing his son in such a manner.]
I'm aware that you didn't want such a burden upon your shoulders but Eos, our world, is worth more than my life.
[Regis tears up a little as he leans forward to embrace his son again.]
Oh, Noct. How I wish I could've gone with you. I deeply apologize but I needed to keep their focus off you.
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[ The fate that was set not just for himself, but for the Crown City, was something that he would not have ultimately been able to stop. His father knew what he was doing, knew what was coming, and the path that he had taken was likely the only one available. He had no other choice. ]
[ But damn it, that doesn't make this any easier. ]
I know.
[ He finally opens his eyes, locking his gaze to him. Noctis takes in every little quality of this moment, having long-since realized that he had taken his father's attentiveness and dedication for granted. ]
[ But his gut sinks again. Noctis feels a weight that seeks to crush him and destroy him. He has lost so much since the Citadel's fall, and his father is just one of many victims to the Empire's greed. ]
[ His brow furrows, expression still pained. ]
Luna...
She's gone.
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Regis' heart feels so heavy. His son is in so much pain and it kills him to see him this broken.
Ardyn better pray that he'll never find him. That monster better pray...!]
Of course you do, Noct. [His smile fades somewhat.] I know you do.
[A deep sigh leaves him as he keeps stroking Noct's hand. He was about to suggest they take their leave of these cold streets until his son spoke. Those bright green eyes widen in shock at the mention of Lady Lunafreya and another deep wound is struck against him internally.
She's dead? Lunafreya...died?
Regis let's out a raspy gasp. Oh, how he failed her! He failed to protect Lunafreya, failed to protect her queen mother and her dear brother. The king lamented for years over his failures but he always held hope that he would rescue the poor princess.]
I...I am sorry, Noctis.
[His hands quake a little. Lunafreya was such a...vibrant young princess. He loved her like a daughter and simply wanted to save her from the grim fate the Gods had in store. Lunafreya and his son should've been able to live in peace without experiencing such tragedy.
They would've been...so happy together. A beautiful couple.]
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[ Noctis feels himself slide down a touch as the strength in his legs begin to give way. He feels so heavy, so lost. This late of the game, it should have been obvious that the betrothal was a scam. He was foolish and blind to the politics and affairs that would eventually flood him in his future. But in Noctis' youth, he refused to even acknowledge the importance of this. Now the fate of the entire world is in his hands, a far heavier burden than one kingdom. ]
[ He shakes his head. ]
Fate, duty...
I get it. I get that this is what the gods had set for her. For me.
But it wasn't the covenant that killed her. That bastard Chancellor--
[ Noctis slams his fist into the ground, teeth gritting. His gaze shifts back to his father, and he couldn't look any more lost than he does now. ]
Why are you here? And where the hell are we, even?
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[The name is hissed like a curse from Regis' narrow lips. He hates this man, utterly so. The king had a premonition about the Chancellor prior to his arrival to the Citadel. It all started with a flickering flame within the dark that grew and grew until it became a towering inferno that engulfed him whole. If only Regis had heeded the dream's message, then maybe he would've saw through Izunia's ploy sooner.
Alas, here he is in this mock afterlife lamenting the fall of his kingdom alongside his dear son.]
All this time I had feared the wrong man. [The king mutters quietly as he clenches his hands into fists.] Aldercapt was nothing more than a mere puppet for the fiend that lurked beside him.
[A sigh leaves him but the anger lingers.]
That...I cannot answer, Noctis. It seems that Fate has brought us together for a new challenge, one that we couldn't have foreseen.
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[ Now fate has returned him to his father. But where, he isn't sure. ]
[ With Noctis still being rather emotionally worn down, it takes him a moment to bring himself to his new reality. He looks to his father, fighting for focus while they still remain within the dark streets of this nameless city. He exhales heavily, nodding as to understand. ]
We should move.
[ He saw how the creature nearly broke his father. That fall was hardly gentle, and the last thing he wishes to experience is losing him a second time. Noctis stands, reaching for Regis' arm to cautiously help him up. ]
C'mon... You okay?
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That's why Regis was so bloodied. The wampa almost made a meal out of him earlier but thankfully his wounds are superficial at best. Although, it's clear that Regis will need the aid of a doctor soon. The blood loss is worrisome and his hands feel awfully cold.]
I'm well enough. [He manages to answer in between pained gasps.] Worry less about me and let us focus on finding shelter. Too many fiends prowl these streets and the scent of a fresh kill will lure many others.
[His grip upon Noctis arm is a tad shaky. The king does his best to calm his frayed nerves but with little avail.]
Let us make haste. I will not let these fiends harm you.
[Even now, Regis still desires to protect his dear son.]
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Speak for yourself. I'm the least of our worries right now. Here...
[ He refuses to lose his father again. Noctis promptly puts Regis' arm over his shoulder, working to support him as they limp through the dark. Despite the turn of events, Noctis is able to switch on his focus at this point. He keeps his focus forward, cautious of how he begins to move forward. He knows little about first aid, having heavily relied on Ignis and Gladio in times like this. He silently curses himself, but he'll deal with it when they cross that bridge. ]
[ The silence he maintains is purely for his focus, and it doesn't take him long for a large building appearing to hold small apartments to catch his eye. Brows furrowed, he gestures with a nod that this is the direction they'll take. Noctis guides his father, cautious of their surroundings as he quickly reaches for the door. What greets them is a long set of stairs, but it is a roof nonetheless. ]
It'll have to do. I'm cleaning you up first.
[ He ushers Regis towards the bottom of the stairwell, delicately urging him to sit. ]
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I know, still I rather not be a burden.
[The king laments quietly as he holds onto Noct. His sword fades within a hail of white ash as it returns to his limited arsenal. It seems that only a small fragment of his powers returned to him. That's a good thing considering the dangers they face here.]
Clean cloth and warm water is all we need.
[He says once he settles down upon the stairs.
Unlike Noct, Regis honestly grew up during one of the more turbulent times of their kingdom. By the age of seventeen, he was already on the front lines battling a against Niflheim's forces alongside his good friends. His story is quite similar to his son in some ways but rarely does Regis speak much about himself.]
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Maybe there's a bathroom in the halls or... Something.
[ He forces himself to exhale, to relax, when his heart practically pounds through his ears. They don't really have much room for delay, and Regis is bleeding far too much for him to waste time. Noctis crouches down again as he shrugs off his coat. He takes care and caution in unlatching Regis' knee brace to give enough room for his work. At the large gash residing there, he bunches up his coat and presses it into the wound. ]
Hold that. I'll look for a sink and anything else that might help.
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Regis turns to Noctis with obvious worry in his gaze. If only the roles were reversed. He doesn't want his son to blindly fumble about within the dark. Something could happen to the poor boy.]
K-Keep your wits about you, my son. We know naught of what lurks here. [He manages to stutter through the horrific pain.] Don't be too hasty and observe your surroundings.
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[ He exhales heavily, breath shaken. Noctis looks up the staircase, then back to Regis with a nod. ]
I won't be long. I promise.
[ That last bit is spoken in a serious, definite tone. Regis will not die from a pesky leg injury, and Noctis will keep him safe going forward. He turns on his heel, taking large steps forward before he looks back at Regis once more. Noctis swallows thickly before he rushes up the stairs. ]
[ It's pretty clear that this building is intended for multiple inhabitants. Separate apartments that seem eerily quiet. He can't trust anyone in an unknown area, and so he rushes to see if there is anything geared towards maintenance employees and the like. Noctis comes across too many locked doors and little to no guidance and hope for anything. ]
Damn it.
[ He hisses the words, turning quickly through the halls until he finds what appears to be a closet. Noctis reaches for the knob, finally relieved to see one unlocked and accessible. Quickly, he reaches for the switch on the flashlight hanging from his neck. A quick whirl on his toes, and he sees a giant "+" symbol. ]
Yes.
[ With shaken hands, he fumbles to unlatch the first-aid cabinet. ]
Come on, come on...
[ Noctis frantically sifts through and manages to find rubbing alcohol, peroxide, bandages and gauze. There's a moment where he sounds like he's exhaling a chuckle of relief, and that might very well be. In losing his father once, there is a sense of urgency and desperation to not let such a thing befall him again. In front of him. Noctis loves his father dearly, has suffered in his absence long enough, and he'll be damned if something takes him away again. ]
[ Bottles of pain killers rattle as he snags them, empty bandage boxes clatter to the floor as Noctis greedily takes everything he can into his arms. He rushes back down the stairs, quick on his feet until he gets to Regis again. ]
[ Thank the gods, he's still there. ]
Got it.
[ He's down on the floor again quick, dropping the contents to the floor. Noctis begins to shuffle through them. ]
This'll work a whole lot better than a wet rag.
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Was he a good father? Did he make a good king?
Regis often likes to think of himself in the positive but as now, he has his doubts. He wants to believe desperately that he did all he could for Noctis but his heart says otherwise. How often did he put the affairs of Lucis ahead of his own son? It's not as if he wanted such a thing to happen but Regis missed one too many birthdays for his liking prior to Noctis' near fatal incident.
Regis almost lost his son to the Marilith upon that dreadful night and later, almost lost the boy again to the Starscourge. The illness claimed the youth after the daemon attack. Daemons in Eos are responsible for the disease and many people die every year from it. Noctis would've been one of them if Regis didn't seek out the aid of the realm's best healers. He forsook his kingly duties during that time and remained by Noctis' bedside night after night.
His advisers all tried to get Regis to consider marrying again for the sake of a new heir but the king dared not abandon his son. The only ones who helped him through that horrific tragedy were his friends. Regis hadn't known such grief ever since his dearest Aulea died. The king thought he would go mad from his sorrow but he had plenty to support him in his time of grief. Even the Oracle at the time, Queen Sylva of Tenebrae, often visited the Lucian King and offered her prayers to them both.
Oh, the thought of those dreadful days still makes his stomach sink.]
I should've done so much better.
[He laments to himself as he presses Noctis' coat-shirt against his bloody knee. It almost humors him that his son would part with his designer threads so quickly for his behalf, as if this cloth was worth less than a pebble. The boy's love for him is silent and not often told, but it's always felt.
Regis feels blessed for that.]
Ah? [Confusion settles within his green eyes once the prince rushes back to him carrying an assortment of supplies.] Where did you find all this?
[Thank the heavens!]
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