Chapter 13: Out of the Dark
Nov. 4th, 2017 11:15 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
photoshooter[Once all is said and done, the villain executed, "justice" meted out, anyone checking Room 13 will find it unlocked, just like all the other dead Champions' quarters.
Prompto's room doesn't look all that different from anyone else's. He didn't customize, there are no photos to hang on the walls. There are, however, two things on his bed: An old letter and The Fellowship of the Ring.
His chest is full of things now free for the taking, but stacked neatly on top are a series of letters addressed to his fellow Champions.]
Prompto's room doesn't look all that different from anyone else's. He didn't customize, there are no photos to hang on the walls. There are, however, two things on his bed: An old letter and The Fellowship of the Ring.
His chest is full of things now free for the taking, but stacked neatly on top are a series of letters addressed to his fellow Champions.]
THE OLD LETTER
Date: 2017-11-04 09:33 pm (UTC)Dear Prompto,
I hope this letter reaches you in good health. My name is Lunafreya Nox Fleuret. I believe you are the one who found my dog, Pryna. My heart was heavy with the thought of losing her, but we were happily reunited, thanks to you. You have my gratitude.
I had sent Pryna to see Prince Noctis. You're friends with Noctis, aren't you? I heard he's usually too busy to play with his schoolmates, so I suppose you don't get to see him very often.
All I ask is that you continue to support Noctis, and that you remain ever at his side.
[It's signed, of course, by Lunafreya Nox Fleuret.]
THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
Date: 2017-11-04 09:35 pm (UTC)“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
[The last is underlined several times in Prompto's familiar rushed pencil.]
NOCT
Date: 2017-11-04 09:38 pm (UTC)I don't know if you'll ever read this. I don't know if you'll want to. I understand now, I think, why you were so mad, and I don't blame you at all.
I just wish I could've done something about Ardyn before[The paragraph stops there, with that last half-sentence struck out multiple times.]
Sorry. It kind of sounded like I regretted that, and... I mean, I guess I do, but right now I'm in this weird place (in OUTER SPACE) where this crazy woman is trying to get us to kill one another, and she said she'd let us change the moment we regret the most. And I guess she thinks that moment on the train is my biggest regret.
But she's wrong. I don't regret any of it. Even if [His handwriting gets sloppier and more connected, as if he has to get it all out in a rush.] everythingIam is a horrible lie and I and everything like me shouldneverh ave been created, I'm really reallyreally glad I got to meet youand be [And here, there's a small break, a greater-than-average space between the last words and the next.] your friend.
Good luck, Noct. I believe in you. And from now on, I'm going to do everything I can to fix all those awful things the Empire's done. I may not be qualified for the Crownsguard anymore, but I still took that oath. And even if I didn't, I still think of you as
[...That paragraph stops there.]
I hope Luna's the one giving this letter to you. I hope, even if I can't keep my promise to get her to you personally, you two still find each other and stay together the way you're supposed to be. Take care of her, dude. I know how much she means to you. How much she means to the world. If I can just do one thing to make things a little better, maybe [There's a short series of crossed-out scribbles.] maybe I'll have served a useful purpose after all.
Take care of yourself. Even if I'm not there, Noct, I'm always on your side.
Sincerely,Bes
Your frie
-- Prompto
P.S. Gladio didn't mean it. He's just like that because he's upset he couldn't protect you or Iggy, and he thinks it means he's not good enough for you. That you need to not need him to do your thing. He's usually so good with people, but man, he's dumb sometimes, huh? If I could figure that out, he must really be out of it.
P.P.S. Take care of Iggy for me. Please don't leave him behind. He's trying to be strong, but I think telling him he can't see you through to the end would destroy him, dude.
P.P.P.S. Can you tell Cindy I died heroically in battle or something cool like that? I mean, you don't have to, but I don't want to like, tarnish her memory of me. If she remembers me at all.
LUNA
Date: 2017-11-04 09:38 pm (UTC)Hey. Um, sorry if you're reading this because I'm dead. Whatever happened, I probably didn't mean to do it because there's no way I'd break my promise on purpose. It's important that you know that, no matter what, the thing I wanted most was to see you and Noct safe and happy together making the world a better place.
I'm sorry for keeping secrets from you. I'm sorry for not telling you about Altissia. When I saw you here, I really thought maybe you didn't die, maybe you'd been in hiding, maybe you and Noct could really have the happy life together you're supposed to have and neither of you would have to carry everything all alone. But I remembered some stuff since then, and I think... maybe that was wishful thinking. I'm so, so sorry, Luna. I would give anything to change that, though not if it cost someone else's life. (Except maybe Ardyn's. Sorry. He's evil, Luna, and he needs to pay for what he's done to everyone, especially to you and Noct.)
Still, though, you're alive now, so please, PLEASE--I know you have no reason to listen to a request from someone like me, but it's not for me. It's for Noct. Please, find him and take his stupid hand and never let go, because he needs you, Luna. You don't know how bad it's been for him. Losing you on top of his dad and Insomnia is too much, and Ignis and Gladio can't understand what he's dealing with like you can. They can't help him like you can.
Maybe it's selfish of me to ask you to do that and not consider like, your obligations and saving the world and stuff. But... in some ways I've always thought of you as a friend. So, Luna, if you still feel the same about me, no matter what you've found out since I wrote this, please, please consider this a wish from someone who cares about you so much.
Stay by Noct's side. You've always been like a light to him, so don't leave him alone in the dark.
And give Pryna a big kiss and lots of pets from me! And Umbra too if he gets jealous.
Your friend,
Prompto
PENNY
Date: 2017-11-04 09:41 pm (UTC)You have no idea how sorry I am you have to read something like this, Pen. I promise I didn't want to die or make you sad. You're a good person and you care so much and all I wanna do is protect you.
But Miki had a good idea about these letters, so just in case, I'm writing one for everyone [There's a small eraser smudge.] everyone who's left. There are things I want to make sure you know in case I don't make it out with you guys. Thank you notes, I guess.
1. Penny, thank you for always looking out for everybody. You're gonna be a great Huntress, one that everyone will feel safe around and happy to see.
2. Thank you for being my friend. For not leaving me alone after Lucie died.
I know you're tough and want to keep everyone safe, but don't do anything too dangerous, okay? Remnant's gonna need you, and your friend Ruby will, too.
-- Prompto
ROXY
Date: 2017-11-04 09:42 pm (UTC)I'm still so sorry about Janeyquest. It hurts so badly to lose a friend--I wish you never had to go through that. I wish all of you were safe in high school together making jokes and playing hooky like me and Noct did growing up.
But listen. You're not alone, okay? I know if you're reading this, then I'm probably... you might be more alone than before. But you're a great kid, Roxy, and an awesome friend, and that means you have to have more friends--not to replace Janey and the others, but because you deserve them and they deserve you.
Even though things were bad here, I had a lot of fun hanging out with you and Kira and everyone. Even when things look dark, hold onto that, okay? Stay together. Stay alive.
-- Prompto
MAX
Date: 2017-11-04 09:43 pm (UTC)Max,
I can't even begin, dude. Like, to thank you for everything you've done for me--for everything you've done for everyone here. You're like the cool big brother some of us never had, you know? You remind me of Gladio like that, except he's built like two of you put together and YOU can cook things that aren't Cup Noodle.
Thanks for looking out for me. For checking in on me every time I remembered something bad, or someone died--letting me try that syrup stuff from Meksiqo (?), that was really good. Telling me I wasn't bad just because of... all the stuff I told you about. I don't think I would've ever left this room again without your help.
Bud, can you do me a favor? If you end up ever having to do one of those portraits of Luna--not that I EVER want that to happen--but if you do, can you make sure she's with Noct, like with Chloe and her Max? He's the guy on the right in this picture. Ignore Gladio in the background, I don't know what he's doing, Noct doesn't actually have four arms. At least, not as far as I know. Maybe HE'S been keeping secrets from ME, right?
Anyway... I'll miss you, buddy. Stay alive and get out of here.
Your mellon,
Prompto
YURI
Date: 2017-11-04 09:44 pm (UTC)If you're reading this, then I must've broken our promise and I'm really, really sorry. Believe me, there's no way I would've wanted to die, and definitely not before I got to show off my sweet camera skills. And I don't want to leave you behind, either, but I guess someone else had other plans. (Unless I killed someone. In which case, wow, me, why would you do that???)
You've got first dibs on anything in my room, okay, bro? But if someone says something belongs to them, let them have it for free. That's what I've been doing. And if you need to talk to someone, Zombina and Max are really good people, and Max gives great hugs and makes awesome pancakes. And of course you've always got Luna. You better take care of her for me!
And finally, dude, stay safe. Don't do anything I wouldn't do. And don't do some of the things I would do! VOLCANOES ARE DANGEROUS, IT WAS FENCED OFF FOR A REASON.
Take care and don't forget Miki's advice,
Prompto
KAIBA
Date: 2017-11-04 09:45 pm (UTC)Man, I hope I didn't do anything dumb or you're just gonna roll your eyes at this. If you even READ it. Hear me out, though, okay? I just want everybody to stay safe.
You're
one of the smartest guys hereTHE smartest, so don't give up finding a way out without killing anybody. There's gotta be a way. Mokuba's counting on you, not just to keep an eye on him and take care of him but to give like, the guidance and stuff you talked about with me, about how to be a good person. I know you are, dude, so don't try to give anyone any crap like you're not. You don't have to be "personable" to be good. You just have to have principles.Since you're already a big brother, can you do me a favor and look after Yuri? I think maybe you guys can understand each other. He's not Mokuba, but he's a good guy if you get to know him.
Take care of yourself, for Mokuba's sake. And take care of the others for mine.
-- Prompto
KIRA
Date: 2017-11-04 09:46 pm (UTC)Sorry I was so useless during the trial. You were trying to find Miki's killer and all I could do was cry. Next time anything happens, you better let someone stand up and help you, okay? I bet Penny, Roxy, or Korra would be proud to fight by your side.
Your curry was super good. Sorry I couldn't eat more of it. That's not an apology kind of sorry--I mean, I guess part of it is. But I'm legitimately also sorry I couldn't eat more, it was that good.
Get out of here, man. Stay safe.
-- Prompto
KARA
Date: 2017-11-04 09:47 pm (UTC)Wish I could've heard your song, buddy. And sorry for running away when that, uh. Halowine (?) thing was happening. It's not you, it's me. You've been nothing but cool with me since day one, and I wanted to thank you for helping things feel like normal. At least for a little while.
Take care of yourself and your brother. Don't let them take your music away from you.
-- Prompto
OSOMATSU
Date: 2017-11-04 09:47 pm (UTC)Sorry I called you things at Lucie's trial. Maybe you're right. Maybe... I just want to think I'm not a murderer, either.
I was trying toIt was an acciHe was going to kill m[That paragraph remains unfinished.]
Keep yourself and Kara safe. If I'm gone, you two are the only ones left that came together from the same world. There are things only you can understand about each other. Take it from me--death is scary and terrible, so both of you, stay alive.
-- Prompto
ZOMBINA
Date: 2017-11-04 09:48 pm (UTC)I have to admit, I was kind of scared at first because the closest thing my world has to liminal species like yours are the daemons, and we already talked about how different those guys are to the daemons you know. We just don't have people on Eos who aren't human by definition--and even then, sometimes humans are the worst monsters we have to face.
But being around you taught me something. You're fun, and kind, and you think about others--and you do it without pretending to be something else, or lying about who you are. I can't change what I am. I didn't choose to exist. But now I think maybe that's true of everybody... and it doesn't change that I can still try to make some kind of difference, even if I can never go back to the way things were.
And thanks for being such a good friend to me, too. And for telling me I'm attractive. It's not something I get to hear a lot, so even if it's embarrassing, it's nice.
Try to stay in one piece! (Get it, Zee?)
-- Prompto
KORRA
Date: 2017-11-04 09:49 pm (UTC)It looked like you were having a really rough week, so I hopeOkay I just realized if you're reading this I must be dead, so I guess there's no way things have gotten any better. Sorry...It sounds kind of weird to be thanking you for this, so maybe I'll say it a different way. Seeing you and Luna being friends made me really happy. She's been alone for a long time in a way that she couldn't really show, and while Noct always had me and Gladio and Iggy, she only had her dogs, Pryna and Umbra. And I guess Gentiana but Gentiana's kind of spooky. Even her brother was working against her, so she must have been lonely.
If it's okay for me to ask, please keep being her friend. Luna's like the strongest person I've ever met, but even strong people need to have fun and relax sometimes. So take care of yourself and feel better soon! I'm counting on you!
-- Prompto
SLAINE
Date: 2017-11-04 09:50 pm (UTC)I guess we've never talked much, but hang in there, okay, dude? Sorry for mistaking you for an Imperial officer when we first met. I know now you're better than that--you don't deserve to be stuck here.
Stay alive with the others, okay? Okay!
-- Prompto
MANAKA
Date: 2017-11-04 09:52 pm (UTC)I wish we could've met somewhere nicer. Kaiba said not to worry about you not being able to fight back, but still. You should be at school or something, having fun with other girls, watching movies like that robot one (even if it was really sad!), not here.
Be safe, Manaka. Find someone to help take care of you. You've already seen a lot, but nobody should have to deal with this all alone.
-- Prompto
BOLTON
Date: 2017-11-04 09:53 pm (UTC)Sorry for skipping dragons today (I'm writing this on Thursday). I couldn't face it without Lucie.
I wanted to thank you for being so nice ever since the first day and making this game for everyone to help take their mind off things. I know it's hard to feel like you can't do anything, but sitting around moping about it definitely never helps, and I think it helped us understand one another better. It's easier to work together when we know and trust one another, you know? And it's also just easier to live when you have friends.
I hope you get out of there soon. I hope you stay safe. People like you deserve peaceful lives. Take care of yourself, man.
-- Prompto
P.S. If you wanna use Kupo as an NPC, that's fine by me! I leave her in the master's capable hands.
JAMIE
Date: 2017-11-04 09:53 pm (UTC)We haven't talked much, but the way you stepped up to do something fun for us was a really good idea. Kinda wish we could have talked about art some--I mean, I like talking with Max, but a landscape artist would have a different perspective on nature shots, right?
Anyway, don't let yourself get hurt. Stay safe. Us artists gotta look out for one another, right?
-- Prompto
MARISA
Date: 2017-11-04 09:54 pm (UTC)Wish I could've seen what real Halowien's (sorry, no idea how that's spelled) supposed to be like. If you get out and it turns out it really was October, I think you should all have like a pumpkin cake (do pumpkin cakes exist?) in honor of it.
Keep yourself safe until then!
-- Prompto
THOMAS
Date: 2017-11-04 10:02 pm (UTC)The reason I came to see you tonight (which is Thursday, btw) wasn't because I was worried you'd hurt Luna. You already made it pretty clear you didn't want to do any of that anymore just by telling us what you did. What I really wanted... was to understand, I guess. Both why you did what you did, back then, and... why you told us. What it meant for you to tell us. You had to have been scared, right? Boy, I can understand that.
I wanted to talk to you because I wanted to make a decision of my own.
Everything I amEverything I thought I was is a lie, and the truth is something so horrible I can't even think about it without losing my lunch. [Written over a massive eraser smudge, as if he started and stopped multiple times:] I killed someone. Things like me killed my friends' family, destroyed our home. I'm afraid they won't accept me if I try to join up with them again.Whether I stay here and let the killing continue or go back to Eos, I'm going to end up alone--or worse. But that's not the same as thinking that no matter what I do, it's not going to change anything, right? Even if all I was meant for was killing originally, I can have many purposes! So even if I can't be what I thought I was, I don't have to be what they made me for, either.
So I decided that the thing I'm going to do when I'm hopeless and afraid is to do the best thing I can under the circumstances. My world needs Luna and so do my friends, so I'll do whatever it takes to get her home, even if there's no place for me there anymore. But a solution that means killing all of you? That's totally unacceptable! So until we find a way out of here for ALL of us together, I'm gonna forget about all that stuff that scared me and really focus on helping out here.
And if I can do it, you can, too. I believe that.
Stay safe. Do what you have to do to make it work with the others, even if it means telling them stuff like what you told us the other day. Don't let those bastards win.
-- Prompto