adelphoi | (no subject)

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[ never before has alisaie so deeply, keenly known what it is to feel bittersweet.

arriving on hydaelyn again, surrounded by the familiar walls of the rising stones, eorzea's peoples and lands safe, restored, full - is it not what she had dreamt of since first she awoke in that icy pod? since she looked out over a wide vista of stars and attempted to process the fact that her home was gone? mourning an entire world had been a monumental effort, and when the news had come that their homes could yet be salvaged she had never been more relieved.

that relief, of course, had been soon followed by a sweeping despair. they were to return home, and only home, the natha had a duty to fulfill, to see to it that everything was restored exactly as it was, no exception, no compromise. for the greater good, they had insisted, and alisaie's heart had broken clean in two. she had made so many connections, so many close friends, she had carved a life out for herself on el nysa and -

- and prompto. to lose him forever was an ache she could not bear. she had already lost so much, so many, and to lose him.. of course she fought. she railed and shouted herself hoarse, she petitioned the natha again and again, begged, but they would not be moved. and so she was home again, surrounded by familiar walls and familiar friends, but on her clothing she could still smell prompto's skin, the sensation of his last kiss clinging to her mouth like a ghost.

a week of stunned grieving was all she allowed herself, but alisaie would not be defeated. traveling to other worlds.. it is possible, she has seen it done. the ascians, the warriors of the first - all had traveled between the planes, and alisaie was entirely certain, with all of her heart, that his eos was one of the many echoes, the worlds connected to her own by the sundering of the mothercrystal. prompto was gone and yet he still somehow felt so very close, just out of reach of her touch, her voice, her heart.

the pregnancy, of course, had been.. entirely unexpected. the natha had rendered them sterile, but she can only assume that they had reversed it some time before their restoration of their homes, long enough for him to quicken within her womb and leave her with a soul to remember him by, a sweet child with her own dark eyes and prompto's fair hair, and smile, and laugh that breaks her heart to hear. but gods she loves him, this little sunshine boy who thrives on touch and love, who sleeps well and smiles often and gives her the extra drive she needs to work, to finish, to find the way to drive open the doorway between their worlds. it is unstable, and unable to linger for long, it is entirely possible that this is a one-way trip, that she will never be able to find her way back, and that is all that stalls her. prompto is her heart, her husband, the mother of her child - but hydaelyn is her home, her family is here, and the thought of leaving her brother behind forever, leaving urianger, and the scions..

gods, it is nearly enough to unmake her, to convince her to abandon her work.

but they remind her, all of them, that prompto too is her family, that their child deserves to know his father, that if she does not make this step she will never see him again. she will.. simply have to do it again, to find a way to keep the doorway open. and if she has not, at least she has said her goodbyes, she has made her peace, and decided what it is that she needs.

and so that is what brings her here at last, to eos, where the air is thick with darkness, where the aether is in upheaval. gods, this is the home he had returned to? this is where he has been? the atmosphere is heady and oppressive, the roads swarmed with terrible daemons. she had made the right decision.

finding him, however, was much more difficult. finding her way to a well lit station had been difficult enough in a foreign world, and she had learned quickly to arrange her hair to cover her ears, avoiding questions she does not have the time to answer. but soon enough she had learned of him, where he was, and how to arrive there - to a city called lestallum, the last great bastion against the doom hovering on the horizon.

alisaie's heart is pounding when she arrives before the worn wooden door, in a narrow staircase with yellow walls, the paint peeling and the light harsh. she's ruffled and dusty with travel, exhausted and anxious, smelling of sweat and chocobo but once she had arrived in the city she could not bring herself to wait another second before searching him out, finding him. hefting the sleeping child higher on her hip, alisaie presses a kiss to his pale blonde head, taking a deep, stilling breath.

and she knocks. ]

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[ it's always sweet when he gets protective of her, and she might smile under normal circumstances, were their home and family not in danger, but as it stands they are. ]

The lights.

[ the reaper has retreated into their bedroom, the only dark space left on this floor. ]

I shall keep it busy, you go for the light switch.

...Alright.

[ In the light filtering from the hallway, he meets her eyes and nods briefly before he darts into the room, dodging right for the light switch. Hopefully she does cover him, but he doesn't even have to question it. He knows she will, and so he keeps his back to her as he flips the switch and floods the room with light. ]

[ of course she has his back. they move quickly, and alisaie slams full force into the reaper - her best method of defense has ever been offense, after all, and so she attacks fiercely and forwardly, without delay, taking the thing off guard with her ferocity. by the time the lights flood the room it is unprepared, an unearthly shriek erupting from its rattling maw.

gods, but it is horrible to look upon in the light.

alisaie surges forward again, rapier flashing, calling upon the crackling black lightning again to hit it hard and fast. ]

[ And in an instant he is there to back her up, his weapon flashing as he fires heavy shots into the reaper's body. With the two of them combined, it doesn't stand a chance, and it withers away, receding into the darkness from whence it came.

He exhales out sharply. They aren't out of the woods yet. ]

Downstairs. Were there more in the kitchen?

I did not see any, but outside -

[ as if on cue, there is a low rumble that shivers through the ground at their feet, and the low, loud, deep call of an iron giant, the sound of metal scraping and groaning, and heavy footfalls.

renewing her grasp on her rapier, she moves past him and into the hall again, leaning into every room to see that all the lights are on. the second floor is clear. once the lights on the first floor are on, the house will be secure, but until they repair the floodlights outdoors.. ]

We must be quick.

[ Both of them know what that sound portends, and while normally the presence of an iron giant would make Prompto groan in frustration, that's not the case tonight. Not when they have their home, their children to protect. This isn't just a trivial annoyance, one more monster to slay.

Jaw set, he follows after her, stalking quietly but quickly through their now-lit house until they reach the back door. He peers through its window at the giant that stalks outside, and his handgun disappears from his hand to be replaced by a rocket launcher.

There's no holding back now. ]

I'll hit him hard, and while he's stunned, you get in there and do your thing.

[ He'll keep her covered, too, in case...there are others.

However many there are, they'll take them out. ]

[ one by one the lights come on, and with it, pockets of safety. they reclaim their home room by room until at last they are in the common room, and every light in the home is on. thank the gods that whatever it is that killed the lights outdoors did not extend to their home, or their situation would have been far more dire. they would have needed to pack away the children, weapons and food and reserves, and ridden into the blackness of night to find refuge.. doable, but difficult, and very dangerous.

small blessings.

but that giant still lingers, large and powerful and threatening, its crashing footsteps and low roars no doubt terrifying the children below their feet. the sooner they get rid of the thing, the better. alisaie nods, moving quickly for the door, her hand hovering over the knob. ]

Are you ready?

[ the moment he is, she is flinging the door open to allow him a clear shot. ]

[ His answer comes in the form of a nod, and then motion as soon as she throws the door open wide. He doesn't hesitate. These daemons have stayed on their property for long enough. They have overstayed their welcome on Eos in general, and he doesn't hold back as he launches full into his assault.

Taking position swiftly, he heft his weapon over his shoulder and fires it, steadying himself against the recoil as the blast takes the iron giant by the chest and forces it to stagger and tremble.

It's gonna be feeling that one. ]

[ for as powerful and dangerous as daemons are, most of them are not particularly cunning, and so when the rocket blast connects, the giant is taken off guard and knocked back easily. it did not expect to be attacked so suddenly; few are brave enough to take on such large, strong daemons, even seasoned hunters, whose numbers dwindle by the year.

she does not waste the opportunity afforded him, and before the daemon can right itself she's attacking hard and fast, striking it with volleys of lightning and fire, dashing in with her rapier to slash and jab with no restraint, careful to leave plenty of openings for prompto to land hits as well. ]

[ Alisaie moves in to strike, and Prompto shifts his weapon yet again, bringing out the Gravity Well to shake the ground beneath the giant's feet to keep it off kilter as much as possible. He keeps his range, and they've done this more than enough times than there's no fear of friendly fire. His shots stay clear of her, and pull off when she moves in to land her strikes. They work in perfect harmony, like they do in all things. ]

We've got 'em on the ropes!

[ But he won't get overconfident. He had felt that way when he had been struck through the heart, and he won't call this battle won until the giant is down and out. ]

[ they, as always, make for a formidable duo. prompto peppers the giant with shots from afar while alisaie keeps it busy up close, dancing around the swings of its sword, which are powerful, but slow, and striking it easily between its wide movements. her magic comes fast and hard, lighting up the space around them with flashes of fire and lightning and spiraling holy energy bright enough to hopefully keep any other lurking daemons at bay.

it takes time. the iron giant is formidable and it has a great deal of stamina, but soon it begins to falter, staggering backward, its body beginning to dissipate into the blackness from whence it came. ]

Now, we -

[ wham. she's barely landed when it catches her broadside with its fist, kicking the wind from her lungs and knocking her flying several yalms back, where she crashes against the outer wall of their home, then crumples to the ground. dizzied, she struggles to inhale through rattling coughs. ]

Finish - finish it -

[ it's got like, 1 hp left!! ]

Alisaie!!!

[ He screams as she's sent flying, and it takes all his force of will to not going running to her side. But her instructions are clear, and he trusts her judgment. If she were in serious danger, she wouldn't have any words left, and as long as that iron giant is still around —

He has to take it out.

Dashing forward, Prompto pulls out the Gravity Well again, boot slamming hard against the creature's forearm as it grabs for him. He uses his momentum to jump high into the air, force his weapon downward, and fire directly between the giant's shoulder blades as he comes back down. It cries out in agonized death throes. ]

Don't you ever lay a finger on my wife!

[ Let that be a warning to any other daemons who might think about attacking them now.

They need to get the lights back on, but as soon as the iron giant goes still, he leaps off its back and dashes to Alisaie's side, sinking onto his knees as his hands fly to her face. ]

Alisaie? S-sweetheart? Can you hear me?

[ she's dead, rip

just kidding, she's fine. banged up, yeah, she's terribly sore, might've cracked a rib, but she's whole. ]

I'm fine, I'm fine -

[ she wheezes roughly, still trying to catch the breath that had been so forcefully knocked from her lungs, one arm held tight around her middle. the daemon is still, smoldering beside them, disintegrating slowly back into the darkness, though her sharp eyes roam past it, looking for more. in the far distance she can hear movement, more daemons, but they are not near enough to serve a readily apparent threat. ]

Better y-yet..

[ alisaie coughs, then feels on the ground for the heavy power cord beside her, lifting it for him to see. it's been completely chewed through, and a thoroughly electrified raccoon lies not far from it. looks like she found the problem. ]

[ The sigh of relief he breathes when she answers him is immense. She's okay. A little roughed up, but nothing that she can't handle. She's had worse before, and Prompto takes a moment just to lean his forehead to hers, to let his panic subside.

But they're not done yet. Prompto follows her movement with his eyes when she lifts up the chewed cord, and a laugh huffs out of him. ]

Heh, that's all? Easy peasy. Can you stand?

[ They need to make haste so no other daemons decide to make their way over here, but he doesn't want to rush her, either. They have a little breathing room. ]

I think so, yes..

[ though she'll definitely use him for support, clamping a hand onto his shoulder so she can haul herself to his feet. she's wobbly, and it hurts, but like prompto surmised, she's had worse. much worse. alisaie is and always has been accident prone. nevermind that a lot of it is because she deliberately puts herself in danger..

nevertheless, she's fine, and for now the house is safe and clear. still, they can't afford to sit on their laurels. ]

Can you get it repaired? The kit is under - [ a hiss, and a wince. ] - under the sink.

[ He helps her up of course, his arm slipping around her shoulder to offer her support so they can make their way back inside together. They're almost safe, and being bathed in the warm light of the kitchen once again, he can see the finish line. ]

You bet'cha. Go check on the kids. I'll be down in a jiff once the outside lights are back on.

[ They might need to split up for a few moments, but it won't be long. ]

[ she doesn't like the sound of that. the area was clear, but what if they missed a daemon? what if they were mistaken? will she be able to hear him if he shouts, if he needs help..? her expression says it all, her brow knit, her face tight with concern.

but she trusts him. ]

I'm going to bring them upstairs. Shout if you encounter trouble. If the lights are not on within five minutes, I am coming outside.

[ He knows she doesn't like it, but in the end, she trusts him, just as he trusts her. It's a simple enough fix, and they shouldn't leave the kids any longer. Poor Louie must be scared to death down there, having to be the grown up for the twins and Peo. They need their mother. ]

You know me. I can be loud when I need to.

[ Very loud. Pressing a quick kiss to her lips, Prompto steps away to grab the kit from under the sink and head outside to repair the wire. But before he disappears through the door, he turns back to her. ]

I love you. So much.

Oh no. None of that. You can love me when you are back inside in one piece.

[ alisaie says sternly, her eyes flashing with steel. she won't even deign to think that this might be anything even close to resembling half of a watered down goodbye. she has placed her trust in him, and so it is his duty and obligation to return without consequence.

rubbing at her bruised ribs, alisaie straightens up and pulls in a breath, and begins to move toward the cellar stairs. ]

Be careful.

[ Hah...feisty as ever, and unwilling to accept and "I love you" that can be construed in any way as a goodbye. He didn't mean it like that, but he understands her sentiment all the same. They can pour of their hearts all they want once their home and their family is completely safe and secure.

So he answers her with a nod only this time, heading outside with the kit to repair the line. It doesn't take him long, though it's stressful work. The whole time he listens for the sound of approaching daemons, and while he knows they're nearby, the like pouring out from the back door is enough to keep them at bay while he works. Soon enough, the wire is repair, and the outside lights blare to life, illuminating the perimeter of their home and sending the lingering daemons scattering.

Even so, once he steps back inside, he locks and secures all the doors before heading upstairs to find Alisaie. He needs to see that his children are safe and sound. ]

[ she watches the space he left behind for a few short moments, but she cannot linger overlong. their children are safe, but terrified, and so she goes to them quickly. louie greets her with wide, tearful eyes, it's clear that he's been holding back his sobs all this time in an attempt to be strong for the little ones, but the sight of her is enough to break the dam, and he dissolves into howls that spread like a contagion to the twins, and even to peo, who whines and shifts nervously.

but she is fine. bruised and dirty, but whole, and she calms him in time, and together, they move upstairs again. there's some cleaning up to be done, furniture to be righted and glass to be swept up, but the childrens' room is intact. prompto will find them all on louie's bed, the children sniffling but calmed, watching carefully while she gently wraps peo's paw in a supportive bandage. ]

You see? Just like this. He will be fine. He was very brave - all of you were very brave.

[ He steps into the room, and sights them all there, together, on Louie's bed, shaken and fretful but whole and well and most of all alive. His wonderful, little family. They've made it through this terrifying episode, and they did it together.

It's enough to bring tears to his eyes, and no doubt later, when he no longer needs to keep on a brave face for the children, he will dissolve in earnest, all the pressure and terror of the night bearing down upon his heart. But for now, he smiles for them all, picking up the twins in each arm and rocking them gently. ]

That's right. You were so brave and strong...we are so proud of you.

[ Their children shouldn't have to live in this terrible, cruel, dark world, but someday, the light will return. And until then, they've already proven their strength. They can handle this. ]

[ prompto scoops up the twins, and alisaie gathers up louis, whose face is still streaked with tears, but he's beginning to calm. she tugs him into her lap nonetheless, pressing a kiss to the crown of his mussed head; he's so much like his father, so easily spooked, so tender and sensitive, no doubt it shall take him some time to sleep well again. but also like his father, he is strong, and though she hates that they must raise their children in a world like this, there is a lesson to be learned here, tonight. that no matter what, the world is dangerous, that anything can happen at any time, but so long as they are together, they can survive, and protect one another. ]

Yes, we are.

[ she murmurs, rocking louie gently back and forth as he settles, and the house falls once again to peaceful silence. the floodlights have driven the daemons far away, no sound of their presence yet lingers, only the gentle crackle of firelight and the soothing voices of their parents to soothe the frightened children.

even nervous as he is, though, louie begins to nod off after some time. it takes a lot of energy to be frightened, the adrenaline rush had exhausted all of them. soon enough she leans the boy back in bed to tuck the covers up under his chin. ]

I shall leave your door open tonight, with the hallway light on, all right?

[ As Louie settles into bed, Prompto passes off one of the twins to Alisaie so he can lean over Louie and press a kiss to his brow, smoothing a hand over his hair. He's been so brave tonight...with any hope, his dreams will be peaceful and free of the daemons that terrorized them all tonight. ]

We'll be right there just in case you need us, okay? Sleep well, my best, little buddy.

[ Louie snuggles up with his chocobo plush and murmurs something incoherent, as good as asleep. Prompto rises again and starts towards the twins' room with one final look at his son, an aching smile on his lips. ]

That little guy is my hero...

[ He murmurs to Alisaie. ]

[ louie settles right down, warm and safe in his bed, and together they carry the twins to the nursery next door. already she can feel the drain of adrenaline tugging at her body like a weight, the fatigue of the fight and the soreness of her bruises settling in. ]

I know he is.

[ she says through a chuckle, while she leans to lay luci in her crib, carefully smoothing her fingers over the crown of her downy head. she's a little fussy, but she's calming quickly once she's tucked up with her blankets. ]

He's stronger than he looks.