jigokulogs | Safe Harbor [Cursed Night Event Prompts]

Entry tags:

Safe Harbor [Cursed Night Event Prompts]

Who ⬤ Ydris and OTA
What ⬤ Cursed Night Prompts
When ⬤ Days following the Cursed Night
Where ⬤ Sutoku area apartment complex
Content Warnings ⬤ Nightmarish corpse imagery, supply&food scarcity

i. I am a safe ship, harbored.

[Ydris' apartment complex might not look like the fanciest of buildings, but it sure was sturdy. The rain and nightmares hadn't yet damaged the spot and that was enough to keep them around. There were evacuation areas many preferred, but Ydris wanted to be more useful than just hunkering down. They would hunker down close to the action, providing a safe harbor for those who knew they could duck in.

For those who do, Ydris directs them to take a shower, launder their clothes, and sit for a meal. The dragon had left overs from their magnificent picnic spread and the pig they roast, but they are being notably slim in what they give to each guest. A piece of toast, an egg, a bit of shredded pork, some rice... it's not grand spread, but it will fill the belly]

I'm rationing. Who knows when this will blow over.

[if their guest looks particularly haggard, though, they'll grab a bottle of left over wine and pour them a glass of that. Sorry that all they have left is red....]

ii. Emergency Location Network

[To any who have had their fill and their rest, Ydris worries their lip as they prepare to leave.]

You're really going back out into that? [They look to their phone at the counter, before gesturing at it]

Don't you have the Ember application? If you give me your phone a moment, I can make it able to track your location out there. If you're in trouble, I could know where to send someone to rescue you. If you don't lose your phone, that is.

iii. Ashes to Embers

[The apartment building might not be as immune to the nightmare energy seeping in as Ydris might think. While Ydris and Junpei's individual studio is free of any corruption, some unlikely guest seeking shelter will discover the hallway leading to them is a gnarly sight to behold.

Stepping onto the stairwell landing for the proper floor, burning ash immediately assaults the senses. The air is thick with it, stagnant aside from a choking heat lifting the ash up from below. The nightmare of the hallway is difficult to catch one's breath in, the air thick with smoke and a spice so potent it's sure to burn the eyes and nostrils at every inhale. Taking any steps leaves bloody footprints behind, the ground beneath some manner of meat.

On all sides tower massive, onyx black ribs, pouring steam from where flesh and scales still clung. The nightmare has turned this hall into the hollowed out remains of some primordial beast's chest. The only beacon left within it's center, glowing faintly with just a few pinpricks of light. What was left of the organ is brittle and crumbling, half a damaged heart, made of solid coal...

A hand is sure to reach out from behind and grab at the guest, holding firmly as Ydris' voice cuts through the crackling of the still burning surroundings]

Hold your breath. If you can. Come on! [they'll pulling away from that center, though some might find it difficult to resist such an overwhelmingly welcoming warmth it gives off]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The mythology wouldn't mean anything to Azem, to be fair. The names would all seem like a coincidence to anyone from her world.

You failed the star. [ The voice changes from the almost soothing tone to something deeper and harsher, clearly accusatory and bordering on anger.

With that, the form begins to change. Arms lengthen, blade-like claws begin to form at the finger tips, dark tentacles begin to slip out from beneath the robe and the mask on the face changes from white to red. The form grows larger, the voice deeper with a reverberating growl to it. ] You fai̵̼̺͚͋̀͠l̴̢͇͉̿͐͑ë̵̺̻́͌͜͠d̸͚̝͉͐̔͘ u̸̡̡̐̀́ś̵͓͖͓̓̓ a̴͓͕̠͛̒͠l̵̺̝̻̓͌̈́l̴̠͉͕̿͛̕,̴̫͙̺͊̈́͘ A̸̫͕̝̿͑̾z̸͓̝̟͊͋̕e̴͔͙͊͋̾͜m̸̫̘͕̽̓͒.

[ The accusation shakes Azem from their shock. Anger welling up in them. ] I failed? You're the one that decided sacrificing lives to some created god would save us! I spent every waking moment trying to find the answer!

[ It's the same argument that Azem dwells on time and time again. Reliving it and wondering if there had been some way to convince Emet-Selch there had been another way to save the star.

They almost continue to yell at the shadowy figure of Emet-Selch's partial monstrous transformation when they hear their true name called behind them. She blinks and turns to look back at Ydris, confusion coloring her features for a moment. ]

You are unworthy of the Seat of Azem. [ A new voice now as the figure changes again, feminine and motherly but with a strictness to it. This time to a woman all in white, her white mask hanging against her white robes. Hair just as snowy as the rest of her, wild and loose behind her. Piercing, glowing blue eyes stare back at Azem. Unlike the previous two figures the rain doesn't seem to touch this woman.

Azem turns back once more, eyes wide and full of hurt. This nightmarish energy knows exactly how to hurt her. Drawing up all those she cares the most about and poking and prodding at her feelings of inadequacy and failure. ]

Azem!

[Ydris calls again, not wasting time opening the umbrella when they feel they only have this short moment to catch up to her. The rain sizzles against their illusion until it steams away, smelling of burnt blood and smoke and spice. One projected hand reaches and takes her by the arm, holding onto her just above one elbow. Another two float forward and... cover over her eyes to hopefully block out her vision of the nightmare.

The dragon's voice speaks close and calm to her]

Azem, please, it's only the nightmare speaking. It's not true, such things always lie. Come back inside with me.

I never should have recommended you as my successor.

[ Those words seem to trigger Azem into a desire to attack this thing that continues to taunt her. She begins to drop to the ground so that she can convert bits of the road into a weapon. It's not as if she hasn't fought her mentor dozens of times over the years. Though it's never once been truly serious, not like now. ]

Enough! Venat would never say such things. She was ever prou--

[ She's cut off as Ydris reaches out and grabs her. The touch and sound of their voice in her ear seems to ground her. She begins to take a step back toward the building, willing to go with him. ]

[Ydris floats up behind her back, their presence and warmth radiating around her. Without being contained in their illusion, there's emotion within the heat, like feeling tension in the air. The atmosphere is more of worry and concern, a desire to help.

Two of Ydris' hands remain over her eyes, one holds her arm, the last finally manages to pop the umbrella open and lift over their heads. The rain stops pattering heavy down over them and Ydris' field of magic helps push back the influence of the nightmare.]

Always doubt such... such ghouls! They speak only to fears. [They guide Azem backwards, hoping she'll step slowly and carefully back towards the apartment building, back towards safety...]

Come back to the apartment, please, Azem. Or... Dionysus. If that is another name of yours.

[ The nightmare, seeing that it's losing, shifts once more. The robes remain white but the form becomes small. Wild snowy hair becomes a hood, a red mask covers a youthful face. Unlike the woman's form it'd taken before the rain taints the young man, soaking into the robe and turning dark. Though the voice that the nightmare speaks with is surprisingly deep and warm. ]

You were my inspiration, I had the utmost faith in you and you broke it.

[ Those words appear to cut deeper than the others. A choked sob catches in Azem's throat as her movements come to a halt. Still she manages to speak, shaky as it is. ] I... I tried. I'm so s-sorry.

[ Even Ydris' comforting warmth can't stop how much the words cut at her. She can't seem to stop herself as she reaches out toward the figure. She knows it's not real, she acknowledges what Ydris says, but still. She failed the star, she fails her friends, and most of all she failed the one she thought of as a little brother. ]

[This isn't working, no enough, at least. Ydris knows they have to do something more to get through to her, the nightmare isn't going to backdown so easily. Swiftly pivoting, they float at her front and the hands covering her eyes move aside. They cradle her face in their warmth, a thumb on each side caressing her cheek and the line of her chin.

Ydris' face can't say much, their illusion still down from the rain, but they can still speak with all their warmth and affection.]

I'm sure you did all you could, Azem. I'm sure of it. You're that kind.

[ Putting himself so blatantly between Azem and the youthful figure triggers the desire to fight against them in her. The only thing that stops her is that it's Ydris, someone she also cares about and has no desire to hurt.

But he is hurting, isn't he? Thanks to the rain. Thanks to her rushing out into it. She makes a choked sound, jaw clenched tight enough to ache as she raises shaky hands to grab onto and squeeze Ydris' arms. ]

Pl-please... [ A strained plea that is difficult to tell if she's asking for them to get her out of here or to let her go. ]

That... That's my line. [They choke out, something of a dry laugh. They sound like Artemy, who Ydris also pulled out from the darkness. Because they care so much more for the people they've met in this place than they ever would have anticipated they could or would... or should. Azem is no exception, Ydris will get her to return with them no matter what.

They only hesitate because, in such a form, Ydris doesn't really have any arm for her to grab at. It pains them to consider, briefly, makes them feel so incomplete- but! This isn't about them!

Ydris shakes the feeling from their mind, fire burning at the back of their waxen skull with a vigor of trying to focus up. Their voice is louder and more commanding, powering through doubt with passion.]

Please. Return back with me. I won't let you succumb to this nightmare or these doubts. You're too valuable, you're too dear to me now, Azem.

[ It doesn't matter what Azem is trying to grasp at, she's just trying to find more physical connection in order to anchor herself. Even as her entire being wants to shove them aside and and go to the nightmare, even if she knows that's what it is.

She tries to respond verbally but the best she can do is nod. Though she might need a bit of forceful help to actually get her moving as the nightmare start cycling through the various forms before and even a few others. All going on about how Azem failed the star and her friends. ]

[Ydris can sense she's largely just... trapped. Held in between with the terrible kind of indecision self-doubt causes. The idea that moving in either direction will be painful, so standing still, waiting it out might just be what's best. It rarely is, though, patience is not always the answer. Sometimes, one needs to act to save themselves.

Or have someone reach out and be the saving grace.

The hands shift and turn to their tentacle forms, wrapping around her. A hoist and she's lifted off her feet, bundled up and carried away from the nightmare. Ydris floats them out from it, holding her close to their warmth as they move. They hope she won't struggle, won't fight against the embrace, but they won't let her go if she does. This is their purpose, after all, to make the decisions and act with responsibility, even when it's difficult. Even when it might make them a villain to do so.]

Leave such doubts behind. They serve no purpose...

Edited 2022-06-25 01:48 (UTC)

[ She's never felt this indecisive in her life. It's always been so easy for Azem to jump into action without much of a thought. But this curse knows exactly how to attack her weaknesses which leaves her torn between wanting to fight and wanting comfort.

As she's picked up she does begin to fight back, squirming and trying to pull herself free. It's counterintuitive to what she knows she needs and yet she doesn't want to go. If Ydris finds any of this frustrating, Azem finds it infinitely more so. ]

No, wait... I--! [ She tries to reach back toward the nightmare as it slowly follows behind, still taunting as it does. ]

No more waiting. I'm... [they almost say sorry, but it catches within them. No, that's not right. They feel guilty, not remorseful. It's different.

They only bundle her up tighter as she struggles, tentacles winding and holding her with care. Can being so unyielding, so restraining... count as care? They don't like it, but it's necessary, isn't it? Better than allowing her to rush off into the nightmare, continue to be harmed by phantoms.]

We're going home.

[ She continues to struggle for a bit longer. Knowing she could do a lot more than simply struggle but it would do harm to Ydris. And she certainly doesn't want to hurt her friend. ]

Home? [ Her tone is colored by pain, though she does stop struggling. ]

My home is... gone. [ The last word comes out quiet and choked as she lowers her head. Azem's not one to be moved to tears so easily but the sting at her eyes now. She should be with them, not here. ]

Our home is here, now. We don't have a choice... [that's not comforting, Ydris. They stammer over their failure to speak kind, soft words when it would do a world of good. All the warmth in the world and yet they fail to be tender towards those they care for. Burning any who reach out towards them-

They can be better than that, can't they?]

... a, aside from who we spent out time with. My choice is with you.

[And it's back into the front entrance of the apartment, the two finally making it back indoors, out from the rain entirely. Ydris throw the umbrella outside, not wanting to carry the blood in with them more than necessary. Take it, nightmare, it's your prize...]

[ As cold as the words might be the follow up is of some comfort. Azem goes limp aside from the sobs that wracks her body. She's pushed herself to a the limit with all she's been doing to help. She's exhausted both physically and mentally at this point, thanks to the nightmare.

Between Ydris finally making it back into the building and Azem completely giving up on giving attention to the nightmare it seems to give up. Leaving them be to find a new target or perhaps to simply in weight until Azem leaves the apartment once more. ]

[With the rain finally locked outside, Ydris can manifest their illusion without it immediately being dispelled again.

They can't really help looking extremely flustered when their more expressive face glows into place. They can bundle up Azem in their arms proper now instead of just tentacles, holding her in a close embrace. That is probably more comforting...]

D, don't cry- I never know what to do about crying! Please cease... It's okay...

[A++ the most comforting candle in the land]

[ Being properly held is more comfortable than having the tentacles wrapped around her, though it doesn't do much to stop her tears. She does let out a pathetic little laugh in response to Ydris' clear discomfort. ]

S-sorry. I just... [ She trails off, unsure what to say.

She switches gears instead, sniffling loudly while rubbing in frustration at her face. ] I... need new clothes and a shower.

[the slight gasp of humor helps Ydris not panic, they'd rather get laughed at than have her keep crying... If they were more emotionally keen they would say it's fine to cry, to allow herself that, but this is Ydris. They can barely say someone they positively adore is their friend, encouraging healthy emotional venting isn't in their wheelhouse.

This time when they lift her up it's into their arms, cradled protectively in close. Ydris floats towards the stairs upward (now is no time to risk the elevator malfunctioning...) and though they're slower about it with her in tow it's not so difficult to carry her upward as a human might have at the task.]

I can help with... that much. Well. I mean. I have clean clothing! And a shower! I cannot help with the shower part... [a funny curse under their breath, all too awkward] good fucking lord....

[ Azem has no issue with crying, it's just not one of those things she does all that often. And seeing is how it makes Ydris uncomfortable she'll just do her best to suck it up for the moment. Later, when she's alone, she'll probably let herself wallow in it to get it out of her system.

She lets out a soft snort and reaches up to gently pat their cheek. ] A shame about the water. Showers are more fun company.

[ It is not the time for that kind of talk, yet there she goes. ]

[Ydris would definitely rather be smirking in awkward amusement at ill timed flirtatious talk than be flustered over her tears, so they latch on to that jokingly themself]

I, if I was at my full power, I could at least provide you a steam room. Alas, alas, alas... [why three times? Who does that? That dorkass goat back home- why is he coming to mind at a time like this? How annoying, Ydris hates when they recognize themself picking up such mannerisms from others... what a bad habit.]

Alas indeed. [ She chuckles softly before going quiet. The little grin previously on her face falling to a tired and somber expression. ]

I'm sorry. I shouldn't have followed it but... [ It had played into her hope that somehow maybe someone had home had found their way here at the worst of times. She feels as if she's apologizing to Emet-Selch after one of her many foolish endeavors that left her injured. She can hear his worried voice berating her in the back of her mind. ] It was foolish.

It was- [again Ydris, not helpful- they continue quickly, not intending to salt the wound]

-but, I understand. The impulse to indulge in hurt and anguish. It is a great temptation... I couldn't stand to judge you for that. [when they're a hypocrite, it's usually on accident and not as deliberate as that kind of judgement would take]

That's not... [ Well, she supposes she can't completely argue that that wasn't the reason she hadn't stayed when she realized what was happening. ]

I... really did hope someone from home had shown up.

I'm sorry... that that wasn't it. Azem... I miss people from home, too. [they try not to let it catch up to them, but even seeing someone like that goat Ives about now would feel like a refreshing bit of home. Then again, he probably would say some rude shit to Ydris, so telling him apart from the nightmare wouldn't be easy.

They presume better of Azem's compatriots. Maybe that's not right, but it's not Ydris without speaking confidently]

They would be glad to see you. They wouldn't speak like that...

Things were not left on good terms. [ She responds, voice shaking a little as she closes her yes. I'm not sure they wouldn't.

At the very least Venat wouldn't be like that nightmare and at least two of the remaining three would not have kind words. ]

Edited (etawoiejtg) 2022-06-25 23:24 (UTC)

Safe Harbor [Cursed Night Event Prompts]

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