[OPEN] Another Day, Another Week, Another Month, Another Year...

[lonelysmiles]

Who: Alastor and you
Which: Interactive Dream, OPEN
Where: A warped version of Reverein that looks like Hell and Reverein have merged together.
What: Alastor has a legitimate nightmare for the first time since arriving, and it’s of a version of Reverein where him going noctaere led to him becoming as much of a social pariah as he is in Hell.
Warnings: It’s Alastor, and he’s not having a very good night’s sleep.


Reverein sat quietly beneath the glowing red pentagram that turned the sky purple. Demons, fairies, and others went about their business, going in and out of shops, sometimes pausing to chat on the streets. However, there was a nervous tension that buzzed in the air whenever the breeze caught the edge of one of many posters put up around town, prompting some people to glance at the sketch of a terrifying demon with wicked antlers, terrible claws, and a horrifying fanged smile.

BEWARE!!!!!! HIM!! THE RADIO DEMON!!

Wandering into the Residential District, there eventually came a sudden abandoned gap of treehouses and apartment buildings. Things had become overgrown, all of it leading up to a blackened tree that seemed to be slowly scaling a radio tower.

Anyone who attempted the front door would find it unlocked. Not at all surprising given nobody wanted to come anywhere near the occupant or anywhere he might haunt. The door opened to a black void so cold that it froze the very soul, the emptiness stretching into eternity.

And somewhere inside was Alastor.

But Things lurked in the endless dark, patches of blackness darker than the rest of the darkness that moved out of the corner of one’s eye and watched with unseen, unblinking gazes.

Dare you risk it and rouse the tormented dreamer? Or will you move on to the next person’s dream and leave the demon to his demons?

Comments

[lonelysmiles]

"I'm fine, dearest," he told her softly in response to her obvious concern. "Nothing I'm not used to. Or at least wasn't used to. Perhaps Reverein did make me a bit soft before."

He gave a chuckle, still smiling, even though she'd likely figured out that it was just an act in the end. At least she left him that amount of dignity.

[lethechained]

Before, he said. Perhaps, then, this place really was meant to represent some altered version of Hell, rather than their current home - and given her own experience with her previous nightmare, it was just as likely that he didn't remember he yet remained in Reverein. Puffing slightly as she came to the realization, Naminé hesitated.

"Is it alright if... I want you to be more than that?" Better than fine, that was. Carefully, she brought over her other hand to grasp his as well, hoping to clasp it between both palms. Would dreamotion still work in the same way here? It was worth a try; focusing on the gratitude, the affection toward her companion that she could feel lingering in her chest, she sought to use it to warm her hands, whether by a small amount or a more substantial one. "Maybe there isn't much I can do to change your situation, but - as long as I'm here too, I want to help you how I can. Even if you're only a little more comfortable, it's worth it to me to try."

[lonelysmiles]

Alastor looked down at his terrible claws clasped in her far-smaller hands. It would be so easy to rend and tear through her.

"...If it becomes common knowledge you're an associate of mine, our neighbors will give you the same wide berth as me."

And as much as he wanted her to make that sacrifice, he needed to take his lumps. He'd earned the punishment, not her.

[lethechained]

Fragility was a palpable aspect of her nature, it was true; her fingers were small and pale and trembling from the cold, completely devoid of any of the natural defenses - natural weapons - that his boasted. But her gaze was resolute, her grasp unhesitating despite its gentleness. At his words, she didn't spare a moment before shaking her head.

"I'm not afraid." To be alone again... well, then they'd be alone together, right? And that was a far sight better than being alone all by herself. That was a past which she had no desire to revisit, but, "It wouldn't be any worse than the way things were before. Besides - there must be someone else who knows you better than that...! You've looked after so many people, like you have me."

So surely she couldn't be the only one to still speak to him, right?

[lonelysmiles]

She truly was a sweet little belle. And if anybody harmed her, he would slaughter them in a heartbeat.

His expression softened as they stepped out into the sunlight. Reverein had become basically another form of Hell to him, but perhaps it wouldn't be completely unbearable.

"Just know, sweetheart, that if you ever change your mind, I won't hold you back."

[lethechained]

The cold, at least, Naminé was happy to leave behind. Exhaling slowly as they moved out into the brightness of the outside, she blinked a few times as her eyes adjusted. Still, when she lifted her face toward Alastor, her features were fond.

"I know," she told him - because she'd never doubted that. "That's why I'm sure - that this is the right choice."

They'd already agreed he'd try not to worry her, so in the end, wasn't she just helping him keep his promise?