hadriel_logs | Intro Log: None Hadriel With Left Shark

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Intro Log: None Hadriel With Left Shark

Who: New arrivals and everyone else!
What: The intro log for February
Where: The colosseum and all around the city.
When: February 10th-16th
Warnings: Shark week

Once more, new arrivals will wake up on the ground level of the ruined colosseum. There isn't anything particularly comforting about it, either- everything is a bit cold and impersonal and there is, of course, the fact that nobody remembers just how they managed to wind up here in the first place. That can all be explained in time, though- until then, you've got quite a bit on your plate already.

And why is that? Well, that may be because you're also surrounded by sharks.

Yes, on land.

It doesn't mean that they're totally incapacitated though- you still have your two headed sharks, your giant sharks, and your sharktopus that are more than capable of flopping in your general direction before taking you into a death roll. And don't forget the (far more dangerous) sand sharks, capable of swimming through the ground as if it were water itself. You might want to start to find ~~a life raft~~ high ground soon.

But hey, if you manage to get away from the sharks, feel free to help yourself to one of the odd food shaped blankets. These cozy comforters are perfect for your new bed, but they tend to carry a faint scent of the food they represent, so be sure not to sleep on an empty stomach!

Listen to the Jaws theme, grab a harpoon, and get cozy! On your way to safety, make sure to explore the rest of the city! Find a house, a new monster, a project to help with, or simply scavenge for supplies. Good luck, and enjoy your stay in Hadriel!

► This log covers February 10th-16th.
► Feel free to make your own logs as well!
► All characters arrive with phones that have network communication and the newbie guide installed.
► Please put your character's name and open/closed in the subject line of your starters!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ He would continue the running joke about instant noodles, even if he hasn't found any here just yet. But the immediate slew of criticism that Gladio is known for takes the humor right out of him. ]

[ There's information, but barely any. And while he knows there is a means to find more information and there's something out there, Noctis has felt as if he's hit a brick wall. A brick wall coupled with obstacles that keep him stagnating where he rests. Those obstacles are named Regis and Lunafreya. Knowing that his time with the two of them is already short and cut shorter if they find the door? It's made him feel stunted, stuck and torn. ]

[ So, he gets defensive. Noctis takes a step back. ]

You think I haven't? It's not that easy.

[ Gladio frowns. He knows that look.

Yeah. I do.

[ It's not hard to guess where Noct's at. His father is here. Lunafreya, too. That, plus the unshaved beard? It doesn't exactly paint the picture of the future king of Lucis. The only picture it paints is a pathetic one. Gladio takes a step forward. ]

If you ask me, it looks like you been slacking off. [ There's venom in his tone and it's entirely meant to hit Noct where it hurts. Sorry, Noctis, this is what Gladio's good at. Breaking you down. Gladio steps even closer.

He doesn't have to be this mean, Noct is obviously dealing with his own shit here. But sorry, Gladio just talked to your father and he's got unresolved issues of his own. So naturally, seeing Noct taking it easy and having a little vacation in a cave sets him on edge pretty quick. ]

Must be real nice, getting spirited away to some cave instead of having to worry about what's waiting for you back home-- it's this thing called your duty. You remember that, Noct?

[ He expected this. Gladio is about as predictable as Noctis is, given that they've basically grown up together. Gladiolus has known and trained Noctis since he was a young boy, and since Gladio was a young man. There's really no running away from what the man knows about his tendencies and habits, and there's always a small voice telling him that Gladio is hard on him out of care. But now? After everything he's been dealing with? It's not wanted. At all. ]

[ Noctis feels his pulse spike as Gladiolus takes a few steps forward, face pointed directly at him as their eyes meet. He can practically feel the static, taste the tension on his own behalf, and Noctis' chest puffs instinctively. ]

No, I'm handling it. And I really don't need your nagging right now.

[ "Right now". Indicating immediately that something has been bothering him, that he's been uncomfortable and lost. But Noctis unconsciously prefers to just be stuck with his father and Lunafreya. Where they're alive ]

[ Well, if you think Gladio is ever going to back down, you're wrong. It's his job as Noct's shield, his role as protector and his right as Noct's closest friend to pull his head out of his ass when it goes there. And boy, is it ever there. ]

Yeah, you're handling it, alright. I can tell.

[ Yep, like maybe if he were handling it he could stop Gladio from shoving him? But will he? Who knows?? ]

[ He can't help that he feels defensive. Happiness is not exactly the easiest to find in his position. And while he absolutely takes his station seriously, he can't help but feel torn in the face of his revived family. He loves his father, loves Lunafreya, and the thought of losing them again is too much to bear. Gladio serves a fine point, reminds him that he has a duty back home, but he can't help wanting to selfishly stay beside those he loves so dearly. ]

[ So the defensiveness stays, gurgling in his gut as his neck cranes to better regard Gladio where he stands. ]

The hell is that supposed to mean?

[ Oh, the desire to shove him is there. But he keeps still. ]

Edited 2017-02-13 06:29 (UTC)

[ There's probably a healthy way to be happy with your dead dad and still not ignore the rest of your problems, Noct. I mean, Gladio certainly wouldn't know it either, but it's out there. ]

I means you're not handling shit.

[ You can't hide your bad habits from Gladio, Noct. He can tell. Gladio shoves him again, this time using a little more force. ]

What the hell's wrong with you? You think cause Luna's here, or 'cause your dad's suddenly alive, you can just forget about everything else?!

Edited (MORE GRUFF, MORE MANLY) 2017-02-13 06:43 (UTC)

[ Honestly, Gladio couldn't be any more correct in that statement. But he's not about to openly admit that, and even he is defensive to himself in the face of that kind of truth. Lunafreya is alive, Regis is alive. Being able to be close to his family again, with the girl he held so highly... After everything he's been through? Of course he'd get a bit complacent. But he's not ready to break away from that. ]

[ So when Gladio shoves him and forces him back, it only makes his anger boil. Noctis face shows it, and it shows in the way his fists clench at his sides. This is Gladio's way of motivating him, of getting him back in line when he strays from it. But this time, he's more reluctant than usual to comply. ]

Back off, Gladio. You have no idea what you're talking about.

[ His voice is hoarse, dry, and he's sincerely trying not to lash out. ]

[ Too bad for Noct, Gladio is pretty much pushing for him to lash out. It's obvious that he's letting his fear of losing his loved ones get the best of him, but when was the last time you heard of a king ruling by fear? Noct might not be walking in Regis' shoes just yet, but Gladio can't stand to see him act so cowardly. He taught him better than that. ]

I think I know exactly what I'm talking about.

[ Gladio reaches forward, reaching for the collar of Noct's shirt. ]

Look at me. You know I'm right, you're just too damn scared to admit it, aren't you?!

[ Noctis is forced forward, surged into Gladio's grip that is strong enough to make his feet practically drag on the floor. Everything begins to feel tense, hot, yet his gut is churning something cold and disgusting when he's forced to face something he's been actively trying to ignore. ]

[ The fact that Gladiolus hasn't even been here longer than a day and can already see a difference in Noctis is sobering. He knows he hasn't been doing what he should be. But his complacency with where he's wound up has made dealing with it damn-near impossible. Actively seeking that Door he's looked for would mean losing his father and Lunafreya a second time, just when he's barely come out of coping with the first time. ]

[ He feels sick to his stomach, lost and terrified. Being made to stare his fear right in the face for this is the second hardest thing he's had to do. Noctis hasn't had a break since leaving Insomnia. Despite that, he feels a surge of energy-- Angry energy that has him grasping Gladio's arm and working to yank it off him. ]

Shut up!

It's easy enough for you to point things out when it's not your problem. Both of them will die. How the fuck am I supposed to feel?!

[ Atta boy, Noct, this is more like it. Despite Noct's protest Gladio pulls him up hard, lifting him off the ground to really get his point across. He'd heard from Prompto about Lunafreya, and there's likely more that he's missing; pain he'll inevitably have to endure, but that's part of the job. The king's shield is there to die in the king's place. it's a sacrifice he'd make gladly.

Like father, like son. ]

People die, Noct!

[ Gladio pushes back, releasing him none-too-kindly. This much is true: Gladio would love for Noct to live a normal life without loss and for their journey to go exactly as planned, but he isn't deluding himself. Shit happens. You keep going. It's his duty as king. He glares at Noct, fists tight at his sides ]

You mourned them once, you'll just mourn 'em again. [ Gladio doesn't even flinch as he speaks. ] So what? You gonna stop living your life just because you got a nice thing going here?

They didn't have to!

[ At this point, his voice cracks. Noctis hasn't been this loud in quite some time, and it strains on his voice. As Gladiolus releases Noctis, he reaches forward to brutally shove him back. Noctis eyes begin to burn as his throat tightens. And his response is as prompt as ever. As if he doesn't even bother to listen to the last half of Gladio's remark. ]

I've been stuck here a month knowing nothing about a way out other than a Door that I'm not even sure exists. I found Luna bleeding out in the damn street as if she never got swept away in the first place, scraped and skidded by just trying to keep the three of us fed and you expect me to have a full solution now?!

Get the hell out of here with your bullshit, Gladio. I'm allowed to be human and wallow after losing everything. You can't let me feel sorry for myself longer than thirty seconds before digging into my skin, and I'm not having it here!

[ His breathing becomes heavy, harsh and labored. The prince takes a step back, fully aware that his words are almost nonsensical in the face of his duty. He knows what he's meant to do, but after everything he's had to deal with one after another? He's tired. He's tired and unprepared and horrified. ]

[ As his voice cracks at the last words, his eyes seem to well over without him even realizing. Noctis' eyes fill with tears, drag down his cheeks. ]

You think it's so simple? You figure it out in five minutes, then.

Blaming yourself sure as hell isn't gonna help!

[ Gladio stands firm, staying right in the prince's face. Noct isn't the only person who lost someone at the fall of Insomnia. ]

Your dad? He died so you'd get a chance to save Lucis. I bet Luna was the same thing!

[ It's too bad Gladio doesn't really know, he hasn't had any time to deal with the pain of losing the Oracle, of losing hope itself. But that's what kings are for. They give their people hope when there isn't any to be had. And their shields support them through it.

Gladio sets a hand on Noct's shoulder, squeezing him tight. This isn't the first time he's made Noctis cry. It sucks, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Even if it means pulling his head out of his ass by force. Metaphorically, of course. ]

It's been a month, Noct. Sounds to me like you've had plenty of time to be a little bitch.

[ Gladiolus Amicitia, ladies and gentlemen. ]

[ His blood is hot, boiling, the rest of him practically recoiling in on himself at Gladio's audacity. It's been this way since the beginning, and Noctis can't help but begin believing Gladio has absolutely no empathy. The pain he feels for his multiple losses threatens to consume him, and while Gladio's intentions are to keep the king steered on the right path? Those words force Noctis to draw back. Noctis stands before him with his lips pressed in a fine line, while his insult sinks through his skin and begins to devour him. ]

[ with his breathing heavy and harsh, he tries to keep himself from clocking Gladio in the jaw. Instead, he takes a sharp inhale and whacks Gladio's hand from his shoulder. ]

Fuck you.

[ Noctis speaks with a low, hoarse voice as he turns on his heel and begins to walk off. ]

[ It's definitely not the time, Gladio doesn't even have the anger to back it up, not really. Iggy is blind, shit's fucked, but he only knows that second-hand. It's not quite real to him, and maybe that's why it's easier to do this. To just be mad and play the bad guy and see the prince's rage and let it roll down his back.

Maybe this is what it'll take to get something real from Noctis. Because looking at Noct now, all Gladio sees is a scared child. He scoffs. It's pathetic. ]

You're better than this, Noct.

[ Yeah, sorry, Gladio's not letting you just walk away, your highness. It only takes a few steps for him to catch up and grab Noct by the shoulder again, preventing him from running away. Gladio voice is angry, more frustrated than anything, though. This is his king, his hope and his brother. It hurts to see him this way, but it hurts more knowing he's a whiny little bitch and not the prince he swore to protect. ]

You think this is something you can just walk away from?

[ The discussion seems to cause Noctis physical pain, shown easily in how red his face has gotten. Streaked with tears. Facing the reality of this on a daily basis has been literal hell. The crutches that Noctis has discovered have only managed to do the bare minimum, forcing him into a sense of complacency that he's almost loathe to walk away from. Gladiolus suggests a motion that Noctis is terrified to face.]

[ Somehow, facing these kinds of discussions were seemingly easier in the wake of what was to come. Being forced to face it now after realizing he has everything he has ever wanted makes this harsh. Difficult. And Noctis can't help but feel a sense of threat from Gladio's words and forced reality check. He knew it was coming, but that doesn't make dealing with it any easier. He attempts to storm off, starting to feel safer with every step until Gladio forcibly takes his shoulder and halts him. The prince grits his teeth, blood boiling hotter than ever as the tears continue to streak down his face. ]

[ Noctis hisses, vision going blurred as his body reacts without thought or planning. With a gruff, hoarse shout, he swings his body around, closed fist delivered by the toss of his arm as he aims it straight for Gladiolus' jaw. ]

[ Attaboy, Noct. That's exactly what Gladio's been fishing for. He takes the full force of the punch to the face, but he was expecting it. Gladio barely even flinches, biting down a grunt as Noct's fist makes contact. It's still not enough to get him to back down. Let's face it, Noct may have a mean hook but he's not a walking mountain like Gladiolus.

His whole body remain impassive, and his grip on Noct's shoulder tightens further still. If Noct can't have his shit together, Gladio will just have to beat this crybaby shit out of him. Isn't that his job? ]

That the best you got?

[ Gladio counters with a punch aimed at Noct's solar plexus. Stop being so damn extra, Gladio. (Can't stop, won't stop.) ]

[ The hook lands, and Noctis can feel his knuckles crack at the contact. His hit is hard, enough to make his entire arm sore immediately, and it looks to basically be a lost effort. Before Noctis can even open his mouth and spit out an argument, Gladio's fist comes flying with a landing hit that knocks the wind out of him and skids him back a few inches. ]

--!

[ The prince heaves, sent hunching forward and grasping at his chest as he struggles to catch his breath. It hits him hard enough that he sees stars, nearly knocking him off his feet. But his adrenaline kicks in almost immediately and keeps him standing. Noctis takes a sharp breath as he straightens, quickly rushing for Gladio with a loud grunt as his fist takes a second shot. This time, it makes for his head, straight for the temple. ]

Fuck you!

[ He shouts those words again, voice cracking and harsh as his volume increases. Noctis sobs through it, still feeling the tears streaking down his face. ]

[ The only person Noct should be mad at is himself, if you ask Gladio. I mean, he's not totally wrong but he's also being an insensitive asshole and pushing through to get Noct to admit he's fucked up. Unlike Noct, Gladio trains every day and knows how Noctis fights when he's emotional. Gladiolus sees the blow coming and throws his hand up to block, grabbing for Noctis' fist to try and shut him down. ]

The crown prince of Lucis. Reduced to a whining, crying brat. Pathetic.

[ Gladio stares him down, draining all empathy from his voice. It's awful to ask him to just deal with it, he knows that, but after a month shouldn't Noct have figured something out, at least? Sure, he didn't have Gladio or Ignis with him, but... well, now he does. And Gladio means to show him that in the only way he knows how—by being brash and loud and straight to the point. ]

Are you mad cause I hurt your feelings? Why don't you actually do something about it?

Edited 2017-02-15 05:00 (UTC)

[ Truthfully? He did. Gladiolus had harshly ripped at Noctis' stability, or lack thereof, simply by forcing him to face something he wasn't ready to face. His intentions are where they need to be, but the prince can't help but feel a toxic sort of disdain for his brother and comrade. It's irrational, but there's a reasonable stance on his end in terms of where Noctis is coming from. ]

[ His entire home is destroyed, the entire line of Lucis with it. Because he's pretty sure that all of this ends in his demise. There's no possible way that the kingdom will be back to what it was, or even anything close to it. He's lost his childhood friend; someone he's managed to fall head over heels for over the years. Now that he's realized it? Of course she would be ripped from him again. ]

[ As Noctis' fist lands in Gladio's grip, he pushes into it. As if it will do any good, as if it will impact him in any way. And it doesn't. Noctis simply forces himself forward, still stuck in his tearful fit. And Gladio merely seeks to keep poisoning him with his words. With a gruff sort of shout, he pulls his hand away, raising his foot to kick it into Gladio's midsection with the strongest force he can muster. ]

Nothing I do is good enough for you. For anyone!

[ He sobs. ]

It's gotta be. You're the king, dammit!

[ Of course, the kick connects, winding Gladio enough to get him to release Noct's fist. Gladio isn't asking for him to fix everything suddenly, he isn't even suggesting that such a thing is possible. He just hates seeing Noct act like he's some spoiled child who never got any toys to play with and suddenly had all the free toys he could want.

But he's not some brat, he's the prince of Lucis and the world needs him. This blissful ignorance bullshit can wait for someone who cares. Gladio takes a deep breath through the pain from Noct's kick and stands at the ready again.

Come at him, bro. ]

Noct, as long as you try, I'll stand beside you. [ For all the shit he's said and how angry he sounds, Gladio really means that. But he really means the next part too: ] But if you keep this pissbaby act of yours up, I'm not gonna stop until I beat some sense into you.

Edited (icon) 2017-02-15 06:42 (UTC)

[ Noctis takes a deep breath, but it's shaken and labored, still almost difficult after the hit he'd taken previously. But his anger and pain keeps him going, even as his body sways once he's released. The insults Gladio delivers alongside the promise of support almost completely fall upon deaf ears, Noctis only registering the insults and constant pushing. It's what Gladio is best at: motivating Noctis to move. ]

[ Even if it's not quite working the way it's normally intended, this is the closest thing to training Noctis has participated in in weeks. ]

You have no idea what you're talking about!

[ Noctis storms forward, forcibly shoving Gladio back. ]

It's like you have no idea who the hell I am even. How the hell would you feel if this got thrown in front of you, huh?! You just expect me to abandon them like that? Drop them?!

Go ahead, Gladio. Do your worst, because I'm sick and tired of dealing with your shit insults!

[ Gladio lets Noct push him, just a little. But he's also doing the whole "no one understands me, I'm so alone" bullshit, so Gladio's sympathy levels are still at 0. I mean, they're not, he wouldn't be pressing him like this if he didn't care, but for Noct's sake, he remains stoic and unmoving. And angry, mostly just angry.

Hey,at least now Noct is angry too. That's progress. ]

I'd expect you to do your damn job and deal with it! [ Gladio takes a step into Noct's space, too close again. Nothing could prepare anyone for the sight of their dead parents or loved ones. Obviously. But still. ] Just because you got a good thing here doesn't mean you gotta put your head in the sand and pretend nothing bad's ever gonna happen again!

Yeah, I get it, your life sucks! But guess what? No one's gonna make it any easier for you, and the rest of us have to deal with your shit, anyway! [ I mean, ultimately, whether Ignis is here or not, Gladio is still going to serve him. He'd just rather serve a Noct with a spine. He reaches over and tries to shove Noct back, like he can't even stand sharing the same air with Noct right now. ] If you wanna lay down and give up here, just quit fucking blaming it on Luna or your dad. And if your duty's too damn much for you, well too fucking bad, because that's who you are, Noct. You're the goddamned heir of Lucis.

[ Gladio practically spits out the words. He sure wouldn't swear loyalty to this guy. Not like this. ]

Edited 2017-02-15 16:55 (UTC)

[ Noctis doesn't think he's ever felt this much pain and frustration in his entire life. Through the years, he's managed to maintain this quiet and calm sort of demeanor, something that had started shortly after he'd fallen ill. It's caused a sort of bottling-up habit that feels as if it's started to overflow and cause him to crack. ]

[ He's completely incapable of words when Gladio accuses Noctis of blaming Regis and Lunafreya, left merely to scream and yell as he begins to take all of that anger and frustration out on his shield. Noctis reaches for Gladio's shirt, clutching it by the collar to yank him forward and physically headbutt him in hopes of knocking him over. ]

[ There we go, now we're really getting somewhere. Gladio's obviously not happy to make the prince this mad, but if he can stop crying long enough to angry, that's a win in his book. The speed of his movement manages to catch Gladio somewhat off-guard and means Noct actually lands that headbutt, though it mostly makes Gladio trip and take a few steps back, gripping his now-bleeding nose. ]

That's more damn like it. [ Of course this also means Gladio can retaliate since Noct drew first blood so I hope you're okay with Gladio running at you with every intent to knock you over, Noct. Good luck!!! ]

[ The impact of the headbutt is honestly effective on both sides, causing Noctis to throb in pain. But his adrenaline seems to make it possible to ignore it. That Gladio doesn't fall on the ground pisses him off, but at least he's caused some damage. ]

[ He doesn't get a chance to make a remark back, given that he's rubbing at his head and watching Gladio's nose drip with blood. Noctis manages to at least warp-dodge his way out of Gladio's rush, but it's not in time to get himself completely away. Gladio clips his shoulder, causing a sort of crack from the impact that has him wobbling to the side. The prince quickly swings his arm back around, seeking to deliver another heavy punch to the side of his head. ]

Oh yeah, all a big game to you!

Intro Log: None Hadriel With Left Shark

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