hugtopia_logs | ♥ October (Lasohm) Fourth Wall Log

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♥ October (Lasohm) Fourth Wall Log

kool aid man crashing through a wall then nervously stepping out again

October (Lasohm) Fourth Wall Log

❥ Speaking of Wall Breaking...

The ghosts in town sure are weird, huh? But they're settling down, as the month draws to a close. They're becoming less anxious and random, their behaviour growing sort of… focused. As time passes some of them begin to develop features. They can interact with the world more consistently. You can… hear their voice.

And then suddenly they are people, real and physical and just as confused to be here as you are. They could be anyone, from your world, someone else's world, a place you've never heard of… some of them could even be you, from a different universe, a different timeline, an unknown reality. What does all this mean?

IT'S FOURTH WALL, Y'ALL. Tell your friends, people interested in apping or just playing around in the setting, anybody! Time to break the wall down and have some fun.

This post serves as a replacement for the usual Test Drive Meme, in order to consolidate the chaos a bit. Though it is being posted now, timeline-wise, this shift will occur ONLY during the weekend prior to applications opening: October 30th to November 2nd, after which point characters will either disappear or become permanent residents via the application process. This also means that the rest of the event effects will have worn off, and characters will be their normal selves through the duration of this prompt.

Some ground rules for the 4th Wall event:

For characters/accounts not in-game:

a character does not have to meet application qualifications to post to the 4th Wall Event, except in cases where there is an intent to apply when applications open. Duplicates, CRAU, AU, etc. are permitted for the event.
we do ask that crack shenanigans are reasonably limited, game rules are followed, and that the event involve characters only, not players or real people.
anyone can toplevel! It'll be a free for all. Go wild, have fun.
characters will be given a temporary, low-tech communicator for the duration of the event with limited network access, due to limited availability of the real deal.
you will not arrive with any items/companions beyond the clothes that you wear
check out the Setting or FAQ pages for location details! Also, have a look at the October event log, to see what else is going on these days.

For characters/accounts currently in-game:

players can decide for themselves at the event's conclusion whether or not memories of certain visitors remain, and to what extent; memories could become fuzzy, faces or communication obscured, they could disappear entirely, or they can remain fully intact whether the person apps into the game or not.
network communications with 4th Wall visitors that don't (or can't) app in will be wiped, with the locals citing a data error related to the older communicators being used. Technology can be unpredictable, huh!
any communication exchanges that you WANT to keep can remain with some discretion; for example, if a spouse visits and you happen to take a selfie with them, and they do not (or cannot) app but having that photo of them would give you comfort, feel free to keep it.
Similar to the TDM, 4th wall threads cannot be used for AC or AC Reward purposes unless it is between characters already in-game.

Click the above prompt to expand for details. Timeline-wise, this occurs October 30th to November 2nd. For players currently in-game, if you have any questions, please direct them to the FAQ or to the Mod Question thread on the original plotting post.

On this post, we've created both another Questions Thread and a Toplevel thread (see below) for visiting players, the latter so that anyone can track and see who's posted! When you've made a toplevel, feel free to comment HERE to let everyone know.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Even he can manage a small smile, just from the way how Noctis is grasping his hand now and the smile in his voice. Don't think that he didn't hear it.

I'm glad you're here shouldn't touch him as it does, but it does. He's always content to spend time with Noctis, hard talks or not. ]

I'm glad to be back. [ if it's worth anything. ]

[Idiot, it's worth a lot, and Noctis just makes a faintly affirming noise in response. It's common for him to be satisfied with company and little conversation, just happy to not be alone. It's why he's so close with people like Prompto, who can ramble through what would otherwise be long silences, and Ignis, who often has plenty to say whether Noctis wants to hear it or not. It is this comfortable quiet that he returns to, holding on to Ignis this way for a short time until he feels a soft bump against his leg and glances down to find the cat who had abandoned him earlier coming back for attention.

He lets go with one hand so he can reach down to pet it.]

Hey- you'll never guess where we are.

[ It also helps that Noctis is Ignis' oldest and dearest friend, he's just super comfortable and content right now. Thoughtless for a change.

Noctis' voice startles him a bit. ] When I got here, I thought I heard cats. Are you hoarding cats now, Noct? [ there's a teasing to his tone.

He thinks for a moment ]

I'm happy that it was you that I ran into first. [ He wouldn't have it any other way, really. That and he had been beside himself after the crystal snatched him. ]

I'd never hoarde cats. [That's unhealthy!] I'd give every single one the disgustingly lavish home they all deserve. And I'm glad it was me too, so I can do this-

[The cat is Rio, which means it's the tiny grey fold that is easily lifted one-handed and set upon his lap, and once the kitten is settled in he tugs Ignis' hand over to brush through soft, silken fur.]

It's a cat cafe, by the way.

[The topic shift is silly, yes, but he can't help but cling to the moment of levity, for a breather, but also to avoid what he knows is coming next.]

[ Uh huh, sure, he believes you.... Right.

Well, a cat in his lap isn't what he was expecting that he lets out a light laugh - the first one since they've started talking. He takes the hint and pets the cat in his lap that he can't see. ]

... I'm not surprised that you would hang at a cat cafe, color me shocked. [ he's teasing again of course.

he needs a breather too, he's thankful for the pause here. what's coming next is most certainly going to be rough and hard to talk about, but he needs to. he owes Noctis that much, to be truthful about the ring and his scars. ]

[He fished all night to get luxury catfood for a stray, if you think he wouldn't spoil his own animals rotten you are fooling yourself.

It's nice to hear Ignis laugh, though. It's been so rare, not just due to his absence the past several months but before that, and back home as well. He can't help but feel proud to have coaxed it out of him, quietly cherishing the moment.]

What can I say, we're kindred spirits. I come here pretty much every weekend.

[ He snorts at that. ]

You're quite the difficult one to get up in the mornings. [ he knows that one all too well and he's caught Noctis napping in the car more times than he can count, back when he could see that is. ]

Anyone would be when the wake-up call is 6 in the morning.

[He thought he did okay! It only took a bit of nagging and dragging! Not his fault he's a nighthawk ~~and prone to nightmares~~]

[ Touche, Noctis. ]

....

[ He keeps petting the cat in his lap as he exhales, hating for what he's about to do. ]

I'm sorry, Noct, but I need to talk. [ he hates to break up this moment and he silently vows to make it up to Noctis later. ]

[Noctis exhales again, trying to be subtle, and his fingers slide around the mug of his own drink, some fruity monstrosity he'd ordered with his cake earlier. Coffee isn't his comfort food, for sure.

He knew this was coming, and he won't say no, but... he can already tell he won't like this.]

Yeah... go ahead.

[ Honestly, with all of the nagging about Ebony from Noctis about if it's that good, he's not that surprised.

He takes a short breath again, getting his bearings in order. ]

Not even Gladio or Prompto know about this. [ First thing he's going to throw out there ] I was there with you on the altar in Altissia. You were out cold, Noct and some things happened there.

[ he exhales a bit, letting his hand slide over his mug of coffee. ]

I'm so sorry, Noct. I couldn't bear to tell you the truth, not after hearing you grieve over losing Luna. [ He's been carrying this weight on his shoulders since then ] After the crystal took you, I... wanted to tell you when it let you out.

[ But about that. ] Seems there's no need to wait for that, we're here.

Please. [ it comes out as a whisper, his tone even ] Keep this one between us? [ I'm going to have ask for your forgiveness - No, not yet. Not until he gets there. ]

[This is worrisome. Is it the vision he received, is it that he knows Noctis is going to die? He opens his mouth to answer - that it's okay, that he knows - but having to explain how, to get into the revelation of Bahamut and the last significant conversation he can recall with the Ignis who had been here before... he doesn't want to. He doesn't want to assume, either. Maybe it's something else, something buried much deeper.

He tightly purses his lips and shakes off the urge to cut in to spare Ignis having to say it, instead reaching out again to make sure the man can feel his hand. Ignis can't see his face, but he can at least offer the reassurance of his physical presence. He should have done so much more for Ignis back then, if he hadn't been so weak. Least he can do is be here and support him now. It'll be a long, long wait before he can do this at home again.]

It's a promise. [He's already carrying so many secrets. What's one more, after everything, for his oldest and dearest friend.] Tell me?

[ The physical touch of Noctis' hand is honestly welcome, now, more than ever. ] Thank you. [ He's going to need to borrow some of Noctis' strength to get through this. ]

... I'll start from the beginning. [ He hasn't even gotten to the rough parts of this yet and he can feel a lump in the back of his throat forming. He hasn't realized how badly this is holding him down. ]

I got separated from Gladio and Prompto early on. We were on a bridge when a magiteck engine got knocked towards us. The bridge got destroyed. [ He's knows he's lucky ] When I came to, I was in the water, holding onto a piece of wood.

I made it to shore. Prompto thought I was a goner, but it'll take more than that.

[ He shifts a little in his seat, causing the cat in his lap to let out an annoyed mew. Oops. He hadn't meant to do that. ]

I tired reaching you on the comms, but you weren't responding, Noct. I got worried. [ to the point where he got reckless ] I asked Gladio and Prompto to keep the enemy distracted while I figured out a way to get to you.

[ this part isn't too bad, he's not cracking yet. though he knows how this might sound to Noctis. ]

I had a bit of help. [ in more ways than one, really. the hookshot, Ravus... ] The first bit of help I received was from an enemy I destroyed. He had something on his arm that allowed him to cross the rooftops so I took it.

[ enjoy that mental image of him doing that, Noctis ]

I was told to try the Eastern Bridge, but when I got there, it got destroyed. I had no choice but to retrace my steps, but when I did, I heard two voices. Ravus and Caligo.

[ He pauses here for a second, allowing Noctis to absorb this so far. Wondering if he recalls Caligo as well. ]

[Noctis furrows his brow, listening quietly. It's a story he'd gleaned only hints of, never the full tale; a part of him had wanted to ask, but he hadn't wanted to make them revisit bad memories, just as much as he'd not wanted to think about his own experiences that day either. It had all gone badly enough, from start to finish. From the moment the Imperials arrived, everything went wrong.

Their biggest mistake was thinking he could handle fighting an Astral alone. It was only the second time, Titan had taken all four of them together, and Leviathan was so much bigger... of course they'd all struggled, and of course he'd failed. He was probably unconscious by that point, if Prompto had already regrouped with the others and got separated again.

It's kind of nice to hear about Ignis' adventure, but now he knows where this story is leading them. The story of his injury, of what happened while they were separated, and everything he'd slept through. Gods, he's not ready for that one either.]

Ravus...

[He doesn't care about Caligo, never has. But Ravus... that one's personal.]

[ It's just one word out of Noctis, but it easily tells Ignis that he's here and listening. He shifts their hands a bit so that their fingers are laced together. I need you is the quiet unspoken words here.

He's starting this story from the start just so Noctis knows what he went through to get to him. And how he got his scar. ]

Ravus ordered a full retreat, but Caligo wasn't amused by it. After Ravus left, I heard Calgio accuse Ravus of caring more about his sister than the mission.

Even with the order to retreat, it was still quite the struggle to get to you, Noct.

[ He exhales a breath here. ] I overheard the commander asking for a retreat himself, in three minutes. I asked for a ship and was given it. [ He's gonna gloss over that he had to fight for it a bit ]

I made it there and took the ship out. I thought I was in the clear to reach you, but something knocked me out of the ship. Caligo had pursued me. I had to swim back to the ship, it ended up being a chase on the water. He asked me to surrender, but I would never.

He pursued me in some magiteck armor. I was thrown out of the ship once again but onto land this time. In short, we fought and I destroyed the magiteck.

He was badly wounded, but I didn't deliver the killing blow. Ravus did. [ Ignis stops for a second to catch his breath here. ]

I got surrounded by the enemy and I thought he was after me. [ He shakes his head a little. ] Ravus saved me, can you believe that? He wanted to join forces, leaving me little choice but to trust him and figure out his angle.

[ He takes a minute to catch his breath again and to let Noctis ask him questions. ]

[Ravus killed Caligo... to some degree it's unsatisfying, because they'd wanted to avenge Jared themselves, but it would be worse if he'd gotten away without consequence as they'd assumed. This is better, at least. His greater concern is always going to be his friends, the Imperials come well after everyone else unless they can't be avoided.

To hear that Ravus helped though- that is the strange part. He didn't know why or when Ravus had turned on Niflheim, besides the rumours in Tenebrae that he'd been executed. Guess this answers that lingering question. Or confirms when, at least. The why is something he might never understand. He wonders if even Ravus himself knew.]

I only believe it because you're telling me, not gonna lie. That guy... I really never understood his deal. Did he want me to be king or not?

[He shakes his head, exasperated. It was never about him, he knows. Ravus prioritized Luna even more than Noct himself did, and neither had managed to save her. But Ravus knew the cost of the covenants, and never bothered to explain himself. Maybe if they'd managed to work together... but of course he'd never have trusted her with a Lucian. Not again, even after all these years.]

Sounds like you had a hell of an adventure without me. Sorry for the trouble.

Perhaps I should finish this out so you can come to a conclusion yourself. [ Ignis says softly. Truth to be told, even he doesn't know to this day.

But first.] When it comes to you, Noct, it's no trouble. I always have your back.

[ and what a way for him to have Noctis' back indeed. ]

We got a chance to talk, Ravus and I. He made it clear that Luna was the reason why he went against the empire. Our goals had aligned in that moment, both of us wanting to save someone special to us. [ He doesn't need to say who here. ]

He kept his word, he promised a way to the altar.

[ He pauses, lowering his head down, not really looking at anything. ] We got there but I was stopped by her dog. I was given a vision of sorts. [ of Noctis' fate, though he doesn't voice it. He's quiet as he thinks on it, unaware of his own hand squeezing Noctis' hand tighter. ]

[...Ah. And there it is.

Noctis is quiet for a long moment, his fingers equally tense in Ignis' grasp. It's been months since that moment- months since the vision he'd received of his fate, even more since he faced down Bahamut and learned the truth of what it meant to be Chosen. Months since Ignis originally told him, quietly and carefully, that he already knew the truth, before Noctis could even say it. Now here he is on the other side of things.

Funny, how time and distance and a repeat of history doesn't make any of it the least bit easier. He truly wishes that wasn't the case. If Ignis never got that vision... he wouldn't ever have to say it. Not until the day came and it was too late to stop.

It takes longer than he'd like to admit to find his voice again, quiet and torn.]

I... I know what you saw. I've seen it too.

[The throne, the old kings and queens stealing his life away, blade after blade. The face of his future, lined cheeks and tired eyes he doesn't yet have but can recognize as his own. His father's sword, aimed at his heart. The dawn, waiting to rise.

His fingers tremble a little, and he tightens them, trying to force it away. It's fine. It's fine, he's accepted it. It shouldn't matter right now.]

[ He knows. The weight of Noctis' words crash down on him like a load of bricks. It's a relief to hear that he knows. ]

How...?

[ How does he know that Ignis knows? His past self?

He can feel Noctis' fingers tremble and he squeezes them tightly. ]

Noct, I... don't want you to die. [ He says quietly. It's selfish and he knows it, but he can't bring himself to care. The world can burn in his opinion if it means saving Noctis in the process. ]

It isn't what I wanted to tell you, but... [ he trails off, completely caught off guard by this revelation. ]

I didn't have time to think about what I saw then, not until later. I refuse to accept a world without you, Noct. I... I can't.

Iggy...

[He shouldn't be surprised. All the years Ignis has devoted to his service- no, to their friendship as well, all the time and infinite patience he'd given to the prince, all at the behest of a king who gave such a lofty request to children when they were too young to choose for themselves. He'd spent a lot of time, since he learned the truth, thinking about how to handle these moments. Prompto would be okay one day, he thinks; he has photography and technological passions, he's so good with people despite what he might otherwise believe. Gladio's stronger than any of them, he could find fulfillment in guarding the lives of the people around him, not the brat he'd barely tolerated for years and recently has learned to resent for the weaknesses he'd demonstrated, tethered to his job by lineage and family expectations just as much as Noct himself. They'll miss him, they'll grieve him, but they could live good lives once he's gone. Ignis, though... Ignis is the challenge. His whole life had been devoted to Noctis. Even his passion for cooking started because of the search for the Tenebrae recipe. It sounds so self-centered, but he can't think of what else Ignis does with himself. So much devotion, wasted on someone with no future.

He can't let that stand. Ignis deserves so much more.]

Ignis- you can. You will. When I do this... [Not if. When. When. He needs Ignis to understand.] When I do this, Lucis won't have anyone left. The world's already falling apart, it'll need people like you to do what I can't. I'm not... I was never going to be king. Not a real one, at least.

[And so much of his life makes sense in retrospect, now. Looking back, the limited training, council meetings skipped while he was in school or otherwise occupied with serving the community instead of being the prince in his castle, with Ignis attending in his absence. He knew more about the country, the government, the important people both domestic and abroad. No one else was better suited or educated. His dad knew he was going to die... he must have also known someone would have to lead when the monarchy was destroyed for good.]

...I need you to do this. You've already given me so much... just do this one last thing. [He holds Ignis' hand in both of his again, lifting it, pressing them collectively to his forehead as his voice drops to an urgent whisper. It's cruel perhaps, but...] I need you to live for me.

[ Ignis' world feels like it crashing apart, crumbling into pieces as Noctis talks to him.

It's true, he's spent his whole life dedicated to Noctis, doing everything for him since they were children. He'd never forget that meeting, even though he was young, far too young. He remembers a very young Noctis shyly smiling at him, taking his hand in both of his. He's holding onto that image now.

Ignis - it's the first time he's heard Noctis use his full name like that and not his usual nicknames. He's serious.

It's also true that he wouldn't know what to do with himself without Noctis by his side. He recalls what he felt when the crystal snatched him away.

A world without his oldest and dearest friend is terrifying. He can't fathom, accept it. ]

T-there has to be a way to save you and the world. [ Going off his vision, they've got time to figure something out. Right?

His heart and mind both hurt. He can feel his hand being pressed against Noctis' forehead.

I need you to live for me. is what pushes him over the edge. He's normally collected and can keep his own emotions in check, but he can't. He's trembling and a tear slides off his cheek. ]

I... [ he's not at all surprised by the lump in his throat. he takes a breath and tries again ] You're my oldest and dearest friend, Noct. The thought of losing you that way, it's... terrifying.

[ He reaches out with his free hand and tries to find Noctis' side, he wraps his arm around Noctis and tugs him into Ignis, needing a hug. Needing the contact. ]

I can't accept your fate. [ he whispers, voice crackling. ] But I'll try to do what you ask of me. I'll live if it... [ if it comes down to that. not when, if. He's in denial about the whole thing. ]

I'll live for you, Noct.

[It's not a perfect response, but it's what he'd expected. He's been trying hard to make up for past mistakes since coming here, since learning about the truth, trying to get everything all sorted like an old man settling debts before he dies. Most people don't get the luxury of knowing so far ahead of time. He could have died so many times already, suddenly and without a chance to sit down with friends and family, give them a heads up, share with them his final thoughts and words and apologize for stupid regrets that both matter and don't at the same time.

He doesn't resist the hug for even a second, pulling close and wrapping his arms around Ignis, hoping it gives him some comfort against the fear of a future that will come for them, whatever they might hope for otherwise. It breaks his heart to see Ignis of all people crying, and for him, really? He feels like he's done so little to deserve everything this man's ever given him. He didn't earn it, he was just born with this luxury, the proverbial silver spoon of royalty. In one small way, his long absence might be a blessing, though it doesn't outway the cost of all the daemons will take in the process: they'll have ten years to learn how to live without him. Maybe they will find a way to save him, who knows. But he'd rather not hope and be disappointed later. Doubting in that future will only make him falter, and he doesn't want more regrets to carry with him to the grave.]

You're stronger than you think, Iggy. [His hold is tight, stubborn, a sad bit of laughter in his tone as he speaks.] I know you can do it. The others need somebody to look after them, right?

[They're hopeless without him, all of them. Noctis most of all. With one-third of his responsibilities gone, just imagine what amazing things he'll be able to do with his life! It should be exciting, really. He'll be happy for Ignis from the other side, if he can find fulfillment in a prince-free existence.]

[ For once, he's absolutely quiet, letting Noctis' words roll through him. For a long time, he doesn't speak, quiet in his own thoughts and world.

He knows the lengths that he'll go to save Noctis, hell, he's even had nightmares about his own death. He doesn't like to remember those dreams. As soon as he's up most days, he's quick to wash them away from his own mind.

He knows he's strong, he's worn the Ring of Lucii, but hasn't told the full tale yet. They were in the middle of that when this completely blindsided him. He hadn't expected himself to fall to pieces like this and for once, he's not ashamed of it. For once, he wants the contact, despite not being a touchy feel type of guy.

His grip only tightens on Noctis, afraid of what's to come for their future. He knows he'll have to accept it someday, if he ever can, but that day is not today.]

Noct. [ His voice is a little stronger than it was before, having calmed down a bit. ] You're stronger than you know. [ If Noct can accept this and he can't, then that makes the prince much stronger than him. ]

I hope you know I'll do everything in my power to find a way to save you. We've got ten years.

[ He takes a deep breath. ] When I saw you on the altar, I didn't know what to think. [ he admits freely ]

Luna, she was, dead. I couldn't tell if you were okay until Ravus tried to kill you. He blamed you for Luna's death. I had to get in the way of his sword, putting myself between you and him.

I had my dagger to block his attack on you. [ he amends after an afterthought. ] I had to fight him and talk him down, get him to see to reason. I drove my dagger into his right wrist.

The only thing he wanted for Luna, was to be free of her calling. To live and love as she pleases. I want the same for you, Noct.

[ At least he's talking again, as a means to distract himself and to finish off his own story. ]

[He doesn't feel especially strong, particularly in light of all that's happened and now, but he'll try his best to maintain some semblance of strength as long as Ignis needs it. He pulls back enough to look at Ignis as he speaks, watching his expression. He's not as good at reading people as he'd like, so expressions can make all the difference.

Ravus... of course he had to start a fight. He's hated both he and his father since Tenebrae fell, since Glauca had cut Sylva down in front of all of them. As if they didn't all gain a mutual enemy that day. Luna understood, and he wished Ravus could have found the same conviction. Perhaps if they'd stood on the same side, the line of the Oracle wouldn't vanish alongside the Lucian kings. And Luna would have been glad that her brother survived, too...

Impossible not to wince at the mention of Luna's death, though. Months later and it's still an open wound; it might always be. He keeps his mouth shut though, listening quietly and nodding as Ignis continues. His fate isn't the end of this story.]

[ He swears he can feel Noctis watching him and he might've felt him nodding. He takes a moment before he speaks up again. ]

"Gladio" showed up, but... [ he hesitates here, especially after their earlier talk about Ardyn ] I was fooled, but Ravus wasn't.

... It was Ardyn taking on Gladio's form. Things happened quickly.

I was apprehend by M.T.s, they had a good grip on me. I was thrown to the ground and my wrists were held behind my back. Ardyn knocked me unconscious. I don't know how long I was out for. [ Nothing more than a few minutes, he guesses. ]

When I came to, he was squatting near me with a knife in his hand. He taunted me and moved towards you, Noct.

[ He takes a shaky breath, recalling all too well the helpless he felt in this next moment. ]

He threatened to stake your life. Struggle as I might, I couldn't get free. I'd never felt so helpless and so terrified for you, Noct.

It was Ravus that saved you. He chucked his own knife at Ardyn and it knocked his hat off. [ of all things, thanks Ravus. ]

Ardyn didn't take too kindly to that and blasted Ravus back with his magic. He let you go.

I was made an offer, to either stay on the watery grave or to go with Ardyn.

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