acatalepsy_logs | ( the sickness: phase two )

( the sickness: phase two )

I ▫ main	IV ▫ premise			XI ▫ applications	XIV ▫ activity
II ▫ logs	V ▫ rules	VII ▫ bestiary	IX ▫ canon updates	XII ▫ taken	XV ▫ drop/hiatus
III ▫ ooc	VI ▫ faq	VIII ▫ setting	X ▫ mods	XIII ▫ reserves	XVI ▫ players

the sickness ends.

the temple.

The Temple, shortly after Astoria's burst of energy, is in a constant state of growth. Trees are bursting into existence from seeds in mere seconds, flowers are growing wherever magic lands . . . and the Temple is abruptly a-buzz with energy, magic crackling throughout the air. You may find a tree in your house, or flowers suddenly growing along the walls, or plants wiggling their way through the stone walls of the buildings of the Temple. All of a sudden, the place looks very overgrown.

The Forest of the Fey seems to be responding in kind, too. Sprites are exceptionally active, darting out of the Forest and into the Temple with increasingly regularity, playing basic little tricks on the members of the Circle they can find. Flower crowns are made at an alarming rate, and there might be a few fruit-food fights that break out with the sudden abundance of peaches and apples that appear on the grounds. Learn how to duck!

With the magic comes the sudden fluctuation of energy: canon powers flicker on and off, as do the powers granted by Astoria. You feel more like yourself, you suddenly have access to energies you did not have previously in the Temple However, it's a double-edged sword -- it is not constant, and it may be more trouble than its worth.

And, remember: the Sickness is not fading immediately. If you make it to Stage 3, then you're stuck with sensory deprivation for at least another week or two. Sorry, friends.

lake dona.

Lake Dona is a massive body of water, stretching outward for so far that it almost seems like an ocean until you see that the water is fresh. It is surrounded by long, leafy trees that dip into the water and has a variety of ancient ruins scattered around it -- weathered stones set into circles at seemingly even intervals, old buildings that seem to mirror the Temple in construct.

In addition to the ruins, there are a network of caverns tucked along the water’s edge, just underneath the surface on the western side of Lake Dona, that appear to go underground into murky darkness. The actual entrance to these caverns seem to be underwater, seemingly guarded by merfolk, but poking around may seem to be more trouble than its worth.

There is plenty of wildlife to be found within the lake itself, ranging from freshwater mermaids who would rather you stay the hell out of their backyard to a rather large and suspiciously friendly plesiosaurus-like creature (some would say that she prefers to be called Nessie) that seems intent on checking out who you are. The lake teems with odd-looking fish, most of which seem to be okay to eat, and plenty of plant life! But who knows what lurks in the depths below . . . that giant sea-monster looking thing has to be eating something.
PROMPT IDEAS: Here are some prompt ideas for this new area! However, don't feel limited to such ideas! Feel free to fish, to explore, to swim, to poke around . . . it's always possible Astoria may check in on your character, too, once she is feeling better! ;)

1.) The Great Pumpkin The overgrowth of plants have caused a massive growth spurt in a lot of the trees, including the fruit trees that sprinkle themselves throughout the Temple. However, the fruit themselves seems to be growing at a rather . . . alarming rate, resulting in a few pumpkin-looking squash growing to the size of small boulders in the fields. Hope you have a lot of spare time on your hands to make a hell of a lot of Temple-pie, because these squash aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

2.) Food Fight!: Those damn sprites are at it again, and are collecting fruit off the ground and throwing it at people. Fight back, organize, and conquer! Or not. It's probably better to just not.

3.) Part Of Your World: The mermaids within Lake Dona are a suspicious lot, and they don't take kindly to strangers stomping through their territory. However, they are receptive to music, so if you are so musically inclined, they will definitely be more inclined to be a little more playful than territorial. If you aren't? Have fun getting tossed into the lake head-first by a bunch of pissed off mermaids who want you to get the hell of their lawn. They don't take kindly to your type around here.

4.) Nessie: Within Lake Dona is a massive plesiosaurus-type creature which seems to be . . . oddly friendly? It seems to pop up at the most inconvenient of times. Are you sitting on the edge of the lake enjoying the water? Enjoy a massive ass dinosaur sticking its impressively long neck out of the lake to check you out and also scare the bejesus out of you. That being said, Nessie is an extraordinarily friendly being, and will even give you laps around the lake if you ask nicely!

5.) Caverns: The caverns within the lake are dark, deep, and menacing The merfolk inform you that you cannot go there -- no one can, but the merfolk sure seem to be keeping a careful eye out on it. Testing the boundaries indicates a weird magical field around the entrance of the cave, that works like a bit of a forcefield. Weird, right?

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What, is this pop quiz time, how good was I paying attention?

[Hank looks between the two of them, going through what he knows anyway, automatically. His look settles on Gladio.]

If you're asking if I'm gonna spill state secrets, don't worry. Who would I tell? But if you're askin cause there's some big freaky secret like, I don't know, 'he might look like a kid but that's not even his final form!' or whatever, you guys can keep that to yourselves.

[As complicated as his emotions are in regards to Noct at the moment, hearing him say something like that just kind of tugs at his heart-strings a little. He can't help it, and it pisses him off, but with company present and Gladio having manners and all he can't just knock Noct upside the head like he wants to. All he does is roll his eyes.

Honesty is important, but Gladio understands that while Noct's title might not mean very much in this world it's still important to keep a low profile. Ignis would be insistent on it, so he keeps his lips sealed.]

I'll let him decide on how much to say. Not really my place. [He gives a nod to Hank and then a brief pat to Noct's back before he approaches the tree.]

Continue as you were. I've got work to do.

[Oh goodie. Except it's something of a relief that he really doesn't have to say all that much, when he feels that little motion against his back. Crossing his arms and standing back, waiting for the sounds he knows he will at least be able to hear to monitor just where Gladio is, Noct waits.]

You've always got work to do. [Like it's a softer complaint, even when Noct knows just what he means. It's only after he has started up in the tree that Noct speaks up again, his head tipped Hank's direction.]

But yeah, you've got a point, that there's not really anyone to tell.. so. [Hank are you ready truly ready lol]

[Yeeeeah Hank does notice that soft little complaint, there, and here it is again, that awkward third wheel feeling of seeing something that was probably supposed to be private. Not that it takes much work, with what Noctis was saying earlier about the guy's moods lately, to get what's maybe an okay picture of the situation there.

Hank watches Gladio for a second, looks at Noctis and, of course, reaffirms his decision to stay out of it. It's interesting, and kind of sad, maybe, and also none of his business.]

So. Am I about to hear some crazy stupid shit? I said you could tell me stuff about your life and not worry about my... you know, issues, and I meant that, but if this is going to go to some Lovecraft place you got to warn me first.

[Someone please just tell Hank before he hypes himself even more into freaking out about how fucking weird this place's everything is.]

[With his back to the others now that he's making his way up the trunk of the tree, Gladio can more easily hide the more obvious twisted amused smile on his face.]

It's not a big deal, he's just an assassin. [You know where to take it from here Noct, you and your dumb cosplaying and video games, you damn weeb.

Gladio quickly hollers again.]

Hey, Hank. Your dog's not gonna bite me is he? [He probably should have thought about that before he started climbing. The dog's pretty passive and calm at the moment but Gladio's not good with animals. It's not like he's in a position to protect himself either. What does he do, punch the dog in the face? Gods no. Sumo doesn't deserve that.]

[And to think, he was about to say the truth when Gladio piped up and Noct can't help this cheeky grin. Oh this is a nice feeling, like having his dumb old brother figure back for a heartbeat, so he can't help but go with it. Giving Hank a look (well, the best he can for being blind - his line of sight is a little off to the right) and shrugging, Noct idly cracks the knuckles in his fingers.]

I mean I guess it's that easy to imply. Wild tidbit of the day, I know how to use almost any weapon known to man, so that's kind of cool. Right?

[He's not lying when he says that, which makes this even funnier.]

[Hank raises his eyebrows, looking between the two of them.]

So. If a body turns up and the murder weapon's uh, a kazoo, I'd know who to ask about it, right? But no.

[He raises his voice a little, to be sure Gladio will hear it.]

Unlike some magic assassins around here Sumo's harmless. I mean, if he barks at you give him a minute, but talk to him, use his name, pet him a little, he'll melt. I only met one person here he didn't like, but I guess she was just weird.

Then again, so is everyone else here. Are you weird, Gladio? Cause if it's the wrong kind of weird I guess you might have some trouble.

[He won't. He'll have no trouble. Sumo's seen Gladio talking to Hank, and he's had a while to get used to the stranger getting near him. All he'll do once Gladio gets close is stare at him, big, droopy head on his paws, and wag his tail a little.]

[Gladio responds from over his shoulder, making his way up the tree at a slow and leisure pace. He doesn't want to lose his footing and come tumbling down onto the two below.]

Are you kidding me? In our group, I figure I'm as normal as they come. Not that I got a good track record with animals [Making a living out of hunting wild beasts for money and all] but, uh, I ain't gonna be all that mad if he wants a test nibble? I'm durable.

A kazoo makes a lousy murder weapon but, sure. What would someone even use it for, blowing into someones ears and sounding like an annoying fly?

[Like it's a natural thing to talk about, even if there's that dig about Noct being a dangerous "magic assassin", he does have a cheeky little laugh on the tip of his tongue. He doesn't try to look up knowing he won't be able to see much, Noct holds a hand out as he walks back towards Hank a bit, seeking him out just to stay out of the way for when Gladio starts back down.]

He's lying, he's not normal at all, he is the guy who never gets tired and his energy comes from Cup Noodles and nothing else.

[As he talks Hank grabs for the arm Noctis is holding out, wanting to guide him back.]

'In your group's one hell of a qualifier, considering the other one of your group's Mr. 'source of all magic' over here. I've been burned before, thinkin people aren't weird in this place. I mean, I've got a reliable source that says you start workin out at the crack of dawn, that's a sign of something fucked up going on right there. Like, shit, why would anyone, unless they were up to something terrible.

[He will head back to his room if all y'all are going to do is bully him when he just came out here to have a good time and save a dog. Really guys??]

One, there's nothing wrong with how much I like Cup Noodles, and two, there's nothing wrong with me having a daily workout routine that has me up while the rest of you slouchers are becoming one with your bedsheets. Noct sleeps at least twenty hours a day. There's something way more wrong with him than with me wanting to be up a little earlier than most.

Honestly, Prompto is the most normal of us.

[The regular guy, the civilian, his best buddy of the last five years - not that Gladio and Ignis aren't his friends, it's just. They were assigned to meet. Prompto could have sidestepped him just like the rest of their class and he didn't. Noct still ends up laughing a bit with Hank calling Gladio out about crack of dawn rising and oh he is just right on.]

Who doesn't want to sleep twenty hours a day?

Shit, right? [Hank grins at Noctis, understanding him perfectly in this one, shining moment. Sleeping twenty hours a day? The dream. Then he calls back up to Gladio.] Can't help but notice you aren't sayin why being up that early's so great. Could you be uh, hiding a terrible secret, using the exercise as a cover?

Did you call me out here to help out this dog or t'get roasted? [Gladio is now just staring up at that poor animal wondering if this was even worth coming out here. Listen boy, tell your owner not to enable his prince's shitty behavior and maybe he'll be more willing to stick this out, because right now this is ridiculous.] Baby nap time committee, keep your mouths shut or I'm bailing!

Don't you dare bail! C'mon Gladio, look at that face, don't tell Sumo you would leave him in a tree!

[I heard that, big lug. Still, he's got a shit eating smile on his face still and even with his called up complaint, he tries to ease off with a pleased pat to Hank's arm. Yeah, thanks for agreeing, napping is the best and someone else knows it thank the Gods. Lowering his voice, Noct speaks up almost with a whisper - like Gladio can hear him from that high up at this point.]

If we keep pushing him, he might make me run six miles, and I really don't want to. [Have we talked lately about Noctis putting off work-outs and training because Gladio wasn't here for a short time?? He has absolutely not been working out as he should, though sickness sort of was the problem....... and laziness.]

[Hank nods at Noctis with a look of deep understanding. Exercize: the real horror. Then he calls up to Gladio again.] Hey, sorry big guy, didn't mean to imply I didn't respect your lifestyle. Mind if I keep using that name, though? 'Baby Nap Time Committee', it has a kind of ring to it.

I'd leave you *and* Prompto in a tree.

[Which is not entirely true. Also it'd be a ridiculously idea to think he could leave Noct in a tree because of his warping ability. But Prompto proves to be the equivalent of a puppy dog on occasion so that should count for something.]

Start a club if you want, just leave me out of it. You two got anything actually productive to talk about or can I continue?

[He's still scaling the tree this whole time by the way. He has no intention to actually give up. Mostly it's to prove he can actually climb this tree, but also, he can't honestly leave that dog up there.]

You know I don't normally have problems with trees.

[Baby Nap Time Committee, something everyone should be part of because who says you shouldn't take a nap once you get older? Sleep is still important in his opinion. Still chuckling a bit and trying to squint up, raising a hand like getting the sun out of his eyes will help, Noct can make out a big figure moving towards a lighter figure in the tree.]

Are we distracting you? You told him about my secret assassin life, someone has to say something to break that up. [It's such a dumb clear lie and yet... he turns his head to look to Hank then, curious since there have been minor things that were similar - like that song.]

Hey, your world has video games, right? Have you ever heard of one called Assassin's Creed?

[The look Hank is giving Noctis is full to the brim with just, utter disbelief. Complete and total. Without even answering him he calls up to Gladio to try and get a verification on that.]

Gladio, how big a troll is this kid? Is he trolling me right now? Cause you guys having magic and shit is one thing, having magic and normal shit is weird, and I don't know if I'm gonna allow it.

[It's not like Connor - or Simon, depending on just how close his version of things was to Hank's - would be feeding this one kid random trivia just to mess with Hank. But it's still weird, and he's going to fight it a little just on principle.]

[Gladio has to swallow down a loud guffaw of laughter and just kind of holds himself still, not wanting to reveal the baffled amused expression upon Noct's question. Damn it, he's going to blow the illusion they're working up here, but at least it sounds like Hank has absolutely no clue what is even going on here.]

Sorry, can't talk, busy.

[This is what you get for making fun of him Hank.]

What? Yeah we have video games! I told you, it's really pretty normal - and magic just happens to be in the mix! It's not as common as I guess I might have alluded to or anything.

[It's a good start at least, even as he tips his head and gives Hank's arm a little smack - he's serious here, it's not that wild and crazy - plus he didn't answer. Which sort of makes Noctis think it's true, and Gladio isn't helping at all.]

Sure we've got King's Knight too, but that one isn't nearly as popular as Assassin's Creed.

[Hank narrows his eyes at Noctis, deeply suspicious.]

Gladio'd look better in the hood than you.

[He says it faux-matter of factly, exaggeratedly solemn as he breaks the terrible news. Watch out with whom you gang up on your friends to tease them about exercising, Noctis, lest that teasing eye be turned on you. Especially since Noctis pretty much asked for it by bringing up a game he shouldn't know about and making Hank confront a weird idea. Noctis asked for this.]

He's got that uh, strong, dramatic jawline, you know?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

( the sickness: phase two )

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call him out call him out

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