Prompto Intro ~ OTA

[kings_knight_rocks]

Open/locked?: Open
Who: Prompto and whoever finds him
What: Arrival in Auradon
Warnings: Possibly some panic attacks/flashbacks? Nothing graphic though


The figure out on the quad stood out from the snow in the all black ensemble, neither the colouring nor the short sleeves particularly suited to the weather, though his light hair and white feathery wings did a much better job. Anyone would be able to see just how confused he himself was to be there. Confused, and none too happy either.

Prompto had no idea how he got here. Or where ‘here’ even was. The chill and the dusting of snow definitely wasn’t a Longwythe feature, neither was the- was that an actual castle? He looked around, trying not to let panic creep in just yet. But a second assessment only proved that this was, in fact, not the rocky plains near Longwythe Peak. It appeared to be a well maintained yard. From what he could see under the snow at least. He was glad for it. The weather brought memories of a different tundra, but the architecture here was all wrong.

The bigger issue, he was realising, was that Noct and the others were nowhere to be seen. He looped his camera strap around his neck and pulled his wings close in an attempt to keep warm. “Noct? Iggy?” He spun around again, squinting against the glare of the sun off the snow. “Gladio?”

This wasn’t good. He reached for the familiar pocket of space of the Armiger, looking for his phone, but all his hand met with was empty air. Oh, really really not good.

“Okay. This is fine. Totally fine. I just need to not panic. Yup. I can do that. Not panicking.” He took a deep breath and turned towards the castle. Hopefully there he’d at least be able to get out of the cold, if not find someone who could tell him where on Eos he was. He fluffed his feathers, hugged his arms over his chest, and started walking.

Comments

[kings_knight_rocks]

"Wow... But there is a way home? Eventually?" He couldn't imagine living the rest of his life on some other world than Eos, without the guys... Gods, he had no way to let them know he was okay. He hoped they weren't worrying for him too much. He needed to get his hands on that pamphlet, and then he needed to find a dark corner to have a private freak out session.

[aquawayfinder]

She put a hand on his arm and gave it a small warm squeeze. "They are working on it, but I promise you, I have been to hub worlds before. We will get out of here at some point. And there is every possibility in this case that time moves much faster here than on your world. It may be that you will return in the exact moment you left, even if you are here for years."

[kings_knight_rocks]

Oh. Feathers and whiskers. Deep breaths. Okay. "Years is like... A really long time." His voice was very high. Despite his anxiety, he could still picture Noct's judgy expression. Hear Iggy's dry voice saying 'rather astute observation Prompto'. It made him feel both better and worse. It did help to calm him down just a bit though.

He stared at Aqua's hand on his arm. "There's- There's no guarantee right? About the time thing?"

[aquawayfinder]

"None at all, other than that we will do our best," she said, gently. "Many of us here have been to hub worlds before, including the Queen. You might want to speak with her, as she arrived back home at the moment she left, it seems, and seemed to have no memory of any of it until something awakened the memory in her heart. As for me, my..." she had to think back, "second time," she said finally, "in a hub world was in a place called Ruby City. And my memories were... incomplete when I arrived, though I did not know it at the time. Interacting with people I knew" or more specifically, their Keyblades, "helped me regain much of what was lost. Everyone reacts differently to the hub worlds, though generally by the time one returns home, they are better for the experience not worse."

Generally. She knew of two major exceptions, and she herself was one of them. But she didn't show any of that in her expression or poise, and none of it escaped into her voice.

[kings_knight_rocks]

Okay. He drew a shaky breath, and then another, slightly steadier one. "Sorry, just a lot to take in..." He cleared his throat and dug deep for an only slightly strained smile. "You said something earlier about a pamphlet right? Could I get one of those? Please."

[aquawayfinder]

"It is alright. I understand," she said kindly, "and we're on the way to get you a pamphlet and phone now. Then I can help you find a room so you can warm up and rest."

[kings_knight_rocks]

"Oh awesome. Thanks. I get a phone?" Not that it would let him call Noct or the others... Or even have King's Knight for that matter. If it at least had internet though, he could maybe figure out a little bit more about this world without having to pester Aqua with questions. "Is there internet here?"

Having his own room would also be nice. At least if he was going to be stuck here, he could have a private space to retreat to. He could definitely go for a nap right about now.

[aquawayfinder]

"Everyone gets a phone, and there is a limited internet." She offered a small amused smile. "Or perhaps I am just too old to figure it out at this point."

[kings_knight_rocks]

He looked over her again, a bit surprised by her words. Then realized he was probably being creepy and looked sharply away, cheeks warming. His wings pulled in even tighter to his back. Someone less familiar with wings might be a bit surprised how small they seemed to be able to appear, or perhaps wonder about the comfort a position like that would afford. Prompto on the other hand didn't seem to really notice or be bothered. "You? Old? Coulda fooled me. I woulda pegged you for like, twenty-something, no?" It was a relief to hear there was internet though.

[aquawayfinder]

She chuckled. "Thank you. I do have something of an unfair advantage in the looking young category, though. But that is a long story best suited for a rainy night and a warm fire place. That is the kind of perfect night for stories with friends. Perhaps then I can learn yours as well."

[kings_knight_rocks]

He grimaced. "Trust me, no one wants to hear that story..." Oh feathers, he'd said that out loud. He shot for a grin. "Sorry, just meant there's probably a ton of people more interesting than lil old me! Haha. Like you and your mysterious age!" Nailed it.

[aquawayfinder]

She gave him a soft gentle smile. "If the telling will at all help you, then yes I want to listen."

Angst Alert (not that he wasn't already)

[kings_knight_rocks]

His smile pulled tight, threatened to break. He held on for dear life. They were poking the edges of things he'd barely even managed to struggle through with the guys, and recently, he couldn't do it again. Usually, he avoided these subjects and memories when he could even in his own thoughts. "Some things are better left under the floorboards. If you know what I mean." He crossed his arms protectively over his chest, fingers tight on his arms. He couldn't look at her.

Re: Angst Alert (not that he wasn't already)

[aquawayfinder]

"We can leave it for now," she said, kindly. "But when you are ready... I am here, and I can help," she said softly.

Re: Angst Alert (not that he wasn't already)

[kings_knight_rocks]

In his experience, this wasn't the type of thing to be helped, but he didn't say that. Instead he did his best to push the heavy thoughts away, and instead return to focusing on the matter at hand. "Thanks." And that was that.

He cleared his throat, suddenly aware of how effectively he'd killed what good mood had been in the air. He pulled the smile back, smaller this time, and truer. "Shall we get back to the welcoming parade?"

Re: Angst Alert (not that he wasn't already)

[aquawayfinder]

"Alright," she said warmly, resuming the walk again. "At your pace."

[kings_knight_rocks]

Walking side by side with her in the hall required him to keep half a thought on his wings to keep them from bumping the wall, but it was a welcomingly grounding distraction. He once again eyed the empty space at her back as they walked and fought down the urge to ask. Her outfit left no room for the possibility she was concealing her wings. Which meant she didn't have any. The thought occurred to him slowly; perhaps she'd never had wings. She was from a different world right? He wanted desperately to ask. He wouldn't though.

He needed a distraction. "Would you tell me about the friends you mentioned? The one's that, uh, alternate-me knew? You said they were here too right?"

[aquawayfinder]

She smiled and nodded. "Of course," she said. "As much as is fair to, anyway. Xion is the small quiet one. You'll see her around, trying to not be seen. Long black coat, keeps her hood up. She's scared of pretty much anyone and everyone. This version of her, anyway. Then there is Lea, he's tall, redheaded, very outgoing and friendly. The version of you I met before hadn't met him, I hadn't met him yet at that point either. But Xion and Roxas loved to talk about him. Their best friend. And then there is Roxas. Right between them in height, spiked hair. Adorable. Very sweet, over eager. Spontaneous. If Xion over thinks everything, Roxas leaps before he looks. And he is never ever allowed to drive or fly. Anything." she shook her head.

"The other version of you and Noct and everyone were driving a car. Off a cliff. For fun," she said. Her voice grew serious. He jumped into it. Once I was sure you were all alive, I was furious," she admitted. "I hope that this version of you will please be less reckless. There are children here who do not need that as an example. And I want to know that you will be safe as well. Understood?" her voice was quiet, but firm. And even with her Mastery she was a little pale, and worry was in her eyes.

[kings_knight_rocks]

He smiled as she described the trio. It was easy to tell how much she cared for them by her voice.

He started to laugh a bit. Off a cliff? Well, he could definitely see him and Noct doing something that crazy, maybe even convincing Gladio, Ignis would never let it happen though. It made him wonder a bit how different the other versions of him and his friends might be. He sobered with the end of her little rant though. He nodded. "I can't promise anything, but I'll do my best. Don't sweat it Master Aqua."

[aquawayfinder]

Her eyes narrowed slightly, though there was still warmth there. "Why does that not relax me?" she asked, dryly.

[kings_knight_rocks]

He laughed, rubbing at the back of his neck sheepishly. "You know, in a weird way you almost remind me of Iggy a bit right now. I really will try though!"

[aquawayfinder]

"I hope you don't mind that I chose to take that as a compliment."

[kings_knight_rocks]

His smile dimmed just a bit. "We give him a hard time but... He really keeps the wheels on, ya know?" He turned towards Aqua, eyes sincere. "It is a compliment, is all I'm trying to say, heh."

Let me know if this needs editing

[aquawayfinder]

She nodded and gave him a small kiss on the temple. "I know," she said warmly.

[kings_knight_rocks]

He flinched away from the contact, wings flaring in surprise, which knocked into the wall and sent a twinge of pain down into his back. He barely felt it, too busy trying to calm his heart, which now beat out a rhythm behind his ribs like a trapped bird. He choked out a strained attempt at a chuckle, trying to play off the overreaction. A pointless attempt, probably, but he tried all the same. His feathers and skin tingled. "Sorry-" He took a half step away from her, not nearly as subtly as he'd have preferred.

"Sorry. Caught me by surprise there." Another slightly less strained chuckle.