OPEN ✫ Dreams and Everything After

[mychosenpath]

Who: Ryunosuke and OPEN
Which: Open Log
Where: Dream/Various
What: January Catch-All
Warnings: Spoilers for the second case of the first game in the first set of prompts.



I. Of Time Spent Aboard the S.S. Burya open, interactive dream
(Contains SPOILERS for The Great Ace Attorney, Case Two)

( option 1 )
[You wake from a heavy sleep with a dull, throbbing headache to the sight of a moderately furnished room aboard a ship. It's not the rocking of waves that wakes you, nor the pounding of your head-- though the latter does not seem willing to relent any; leaving your head feeling sluggish and heavy. But just outside your door you can hear a commotion taking place. Russian voices exchange words with one another in heavily-accented English. And while you cannot hear the precise words, there is a sense of panic and urgency among them.

Further investigation of your room yields the sight of a heavy wooden wardrobe, a small round dining table, a sturdy writing desk, a book case laden into the wall and a pull cord above your bed that is attached to a bell. There are also several bags, most certainly for storing luggage. It isn't modern by any means, but it is modestly well put together for the time and the quality of the furnishings are quite good.

Should you care to read them, there are also a list of rules and regulations posted on the wall near the book case. Something about not keeping weapons or other dangerous objects. Pets are also strictly forbidden.

That said, it sounds as though the majority of the noise outside is coming from across the hall, should you wish to investigate.]

( option 2 )
[Everything is pitch black. No amount of blinking will help your eyes adjust to this darkness.

But somehow, even though you cannot see them, you know there is someone else here in this space with you. They, however, do not seem to be able to sense you. All your other senses are that much sharper without your eyes to guide you. You can hear the way they anxiously wring their hands together and fidget anxiously. Their breathing is unsteady-- rushed, even. You can feel their sorrow, their anguish, their fear, their uncertainty. And a crushing loneliness, filled with regret.

While there's no signs of where the empty space ends, there's this unshakable feeling that it's closing in around you.

They're not your feelings though. They're his.]

II. Out of Icelation

[Though he wasn't entirely convinced that the town plaza was the best location for this, he knew he couldn't very well focus on practicing what he wanted in his home without creating a whole mess of the place. Or-- more of a mess than he already does. At least out here, there's more than enough open space-- and much lower chances that he might break or destroy something. Not... zero percent chance or anything but. Closer to it, surely. Unfortunately there's also snow. A good deal of it, too.

Nonetheless, he hasn't come empty-handed. He has with him a notebook filled with ideas and observations on dreamotion energy and the more ~mystical~ magical properties of it. It's positively littered with colored tabs at the top, marking different pages. While he's no Susato, he would definitely say he's watched and learned from the best. They focus on the more practical uses for it, but there are mentions of

In this case though, it seems he may be overthinking things more than a little bit. He seems... nervous.

That energy has actually caused the snow around him to nearly stop-- though it's not exactly still either. It seems to be vibrating in place. But his head is in his books at thoughts so much that he hasn't noticed it.]

...compared to law, this should be nothing. [...he sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose.] Maybe not everyone is cut out for this kind of thing.

III. Wildcard

(For anything that doesn't fit into the above prompts. This can be a place for quests or other event-related prompts! You're welcome to bring your own on plot with me at cloudatlas if you want ideas or a custom made starter!)

Comments

[dualjustice]

...Ryunosuke. [He sure his friend knows exactly why, but maybe he needs to be told.]

Are you afraid of what awaits us outside this wardrobe? Something you refuse to acknowledge?

[mychosenpath]

What awaits us outside the wardrobe...

[He falls quiet for a short moment. It would be easy to view it simply-- a reflection of the past. But deep down he knows there's more to it than that. That may have scared him once, but-- it was just that. The past. They'd moved beyond it, to a difficult conclusion but one that opened up a new path for them.]

A little. After all... there's a whole lot more out there than just... what I remember.

[dualjustice]

[He hums quietly. Though it's hard to tell in the darkness, Kazuma is nodding his head.] Then we'll face it together, whatever may be waiting for us. [That's better than doing it alone, right? He gives his partner a nudge.]

Come on, help me open this wardrobe.

[mychosenpath]

[He knows Kazuma is extremely capable... there should be no question there. But he can't leave him to face it alone. That leaves the question-- is he enough?]

...r-right...

[Shifting, he places his hands on the door and gives them a shove-- but his movements are still filled with hesitation and it's not enough to break it open; though it does creak at the effort.]

[dualjustice]

[A creak is a start!]

Keep it up. You've already overcome so many hardships. Opening a wardrobe should be nothing.

[mychosenpath]

[Naruhodo takes a moment slap himself. Right... There are a great many things he never thought he'd ever be able to accomplish that he did overcome. But he did-- one thing at a time.

This is just... the next thing. He can't let himself get overwhelmed by the future.]

...you're right. [Deep breath.] Okay-- we push on the count of three.

[dualjustice]

[He places a hand on his partner's back.] We can do this. [More like Ryunosuke can do this. What is he worried about? He's more curious about what actually awaits them outside this wardrobe.] -Three!

[Whether Ryunosuke was ready or not, he's pushing against that wardrobe, giving his partner a small push from behind.]

[mychosenpath]

[He has Kazuma's support-- as he always has. But he has to do this himself. He knows that. It's important for him to step up, because that's something he wants to do not just for him but for the both of them. He takes a deep breath and pushes with conviction. And just like normal doors, this time it opens.

When the wardrobe door opens, it's-- out into Ryunosuke's room in his treehouse... back in Reverein.

...right. Dream.

It's dark outside, leaving the room full of shadows.

Unfortunately, he was expecting more resistance. So he ends up falling forward when the doors swing open; greeting the floor with his face.]

...got it...

[chippedsoul]

[Kazuma comes falling out with a bit more grace, on his hands and feet, stopping him from hitting the ground face first. He's taken aback when they were suddenly back in Ryunosuke's home, instead of the interior of a first class cabin on a steamship. He could still hear the faint creaking of the ship in his mind....well, it's for the best they are back.

He sits up, looking to his poor friend beside him with a chuckle. A pat on his back.] Good work, partner. [At least help him up???]

[mychosenpath]

[It certainly wasn't what Ryunosuke was expecting either, from the look on his face-- smooshed into the floor boards as it is. He groans under the light pressure of the pat and then drags himself back to his feet.]

...well, it's a start.

[For the most part, his room doesn't seem all that different-- a few new items he's acquired, but-- it all seems to be as it should.]

And-- sorry. For dragging you into another one of my messes.

[chippedsoul]

This? [He shakes his head.] It's nothing. Better I know you're doing well than not at all. [He leans forward slightly, looking to Ryunosuke.] Are you, doing all right...? [That wasn't exactly a very pleasant dream]

[mychosenpath]

...ha. Of course you'd say that.

[He seems a bit more comfortable now; watching Kazuma lean in without even blinking.]

I am all right. The last thing I wanted to do was worry anyone. I suppose I've been a bit anxious lately, but that's no one's fault but my own. I've been trying to figure out where I fit in here. I want to do more, I just-- haven't figure out yet what I can do. For you-- for everyone.

[chippedsoul]

[...Why does this conversation sound familiar? Ah. A light chuckle.]

You and Miss Susato sometimes think alike. I believe you'll find what it is you can do here. You found your own path back home, didn't you?

[mychosenpath]

I'm fairly certain that any similarity you could draw between us would be a greater compliment to me than anything. [...] I never thought I'd say this but-- finding my path back home felt a lot simpler.

[Not easier but. Less complicated, at least. But he cannot help but feel his heart become just a little bit lighter, hearing Kazuma laugh-- even if it was at him.]

But I'm not giving up. Not by a long shot.

[chippedsoul]

You're both trying to find your way in this world. And I feel the two of you could probably learn something from each other, and maybe don't think too hard on this. [A grin as he gives him a nudge.]

who knows, maybe your mastery of tongue twisters might trip up a few nightmares. [He's half serious about that.]

[mychosenpath]

...yeah, you're right. And I know the two of you wouldn't just leave me behind.

[There is something about that grin and nudge that threatens to genuinely fluster Ryunosuke-- and then he just had to bring up the tongue twisters.]

If we ever find ourselves in a situation where tongue twisters are the one thing that can protect us, I promise I'll come save you before they eat you alive.

[chippedsoul]

[He scoffs at him.] I'm offended that the thought of us intentionally leaving you behind even crossed your mind. [He says this, even as he feels he's been the one that had been left behind. Unintentionally of course, but it does feel strange acting like things were like before.]

I cannot deny that being a possibility, and a whole knew low if it comes down to it. [Bruh, that speech debate was years ago now.]

[mychosenpath]

Intentionally, no, never. [How to put it to words, though. He hums thoughtfully for a moment.] But from the moment I met you I've always known you to have this... stunning quality that's almost too bright to look at. And Susato is no different. I've always known deep down that I wanted to watch the two of you and see just how far you'd go. Because I've always thought there was something really incredible there just waiting to get free.

[Ahem--]

...your best efforts at a tongue twister might actually have a stunning effect of their own, for entirely different reasons.

[chippedsoul]

Please. We're both just as human as you are, therefore you're just as capable. Besides, most of my life's ambitions have been toward one purpose...which means nothing in a place where I cannot pursue it. [A light shrug.] I'm still finding a path for myself without clinging to the past.

[A tired sigh.] Of the humiliating kind? I suppose I could make them laugh to death.

[mychosenpath]

Of course you are. That doesn't mean I don't admire the both of you a great deal. [As for pursuing ambitions--] That's true for me too. Even though I finally figured out what it is I want to do-- I can't exactly do that here.

[But he shakes his head, smiling. As much as he looks forward to the work he has ahead, his feelings for the moment here and now are equally precious.]

But it has given me an opportunity to walk with you for a bit. And... for that, I'm grateful. We have the time so-- maybe I can finally return the favor and help you find your own way.

[chippedsoul]

[As of late, he really doesn't think he's deserving of any praise. But he'll keep that to himself. It's clear he's been a positive experience for Ryunosuke and he rather not try to take that from him.]

I guess we do need to raise some hell here, since we couldn't back in Great Britain. [He leans back, crossing his arms. Find his way huh...] To be a better person. That's probably a good place to start.

[mychosenpath]

[It's a bit amusing to hear "raise some hell" and "be a better person" in sentences next to one another; although he cannot bring himself to tease him for it, when he understands completely the sentiments behind the both of them.]

You're right. It would be my honor to tear up the town here with you. And who knows-- maybe this will be exactly the detour you need to help you get started.