songerein | ☁ 001 | Under an Endless Sky

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☁ 001 | Under an Endless Sky

Who: Lyria and YOU
Which: ( Opened ) Passive + Interactive Dream
What: Lyria is experiencing a dream she's had many, many times before.
Warnings: Dark themes including slight mention of torture and imprisonment.

** [ OOC Note: Anyone is welcomed to interact with either parts of the dream, be it the passive or interactive! Should you choose to be apart of the interactive, you will have the option of appearing as your younger self or remaining the same. That is entirely up to the player! ]

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The sound of arguing opens the dream. At first there is muttering coming from an echoing room, and as the vision clears, the scene opens to a vast building of looming towers and dark infrastructure. The voices seem to be getting louder— more demanding.

Three figures stand prominent here, along with a line of soldiers blocking the entrance and exit. The man standing in the room overlooks it from above on a large pedestal, while a woman, her face hard, stands at his side.

"Go on, do it again."

"Stop this, Captain Pommern, she's had enough—!"

"—I said again!"

There is a flash of light from the man's hand, and a young girl screams from below, barreling over and cradling something at her chest. There is a sudden commotion of armor clattering, but eventually the noise goes quiet when Pommern raises his hand above his head, threatening to activate what appears to be a floating crystal cased within a tube. "This is for the Empire, lest you forget! We need these powers! Now, if you please..."

The girl on the ground hesitates, but wordlessly struggles to her knees. She turns her attention to the woman above, who only nods slowly yet solemnly. A frown appears, but eventually with the reluctant coaxing, the small girl will begin to close her eyes.

Suddenly a bright, omnipresent light suddenly glows from her chest, nearly encapsulating the previously dark room. The image of the girl is shown clearly now, as long blue hair appears mangled and unkept at her sides. She seems shuts her eyes tighter, extending her arms out in front of her, and through her sobs she mutters:

"Come forth and grant your power to me... Ifrit!"

The ground beneath her quakes, and as the light begins to dissipate, a large flaming beast appears at its center. Its chest bellowing with fires only to let out a hideous roar that shakes the entire room.

Lyria is seen to be struggling for control underneath, her hands trembling and eyes fluttering with a fresh new layer of tears. Eventually, exhaustion gives in completely just as the flames of Ifrit begin to lash out onto the floors and ceiling. The summon's body flickers with her consciousness dwindling, and soon completely fades out of existence as her body tumbles to the ground once again.

"Huh!? That was it!? Wake her up, we aren't done here!"

"Lyria? Lyria...!!"

And slowly... everything becomes dark.

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[ Darkness.

A cold, barely lightless room greets you as you step into this dream. Glancing around you quickly discover there is nothing to this place; no doors, no furnishing cept a small cot lying on the floor, and only a small square cut out from the ceiling with the night sky in full display.

There is a death-like silence here. The kind that crawls against your skin and slowly takes control.

And on top of all of this, you cannot seem to move from this place. Attached to your ankle is a cold, hard chain connecting you to the floor.

This place isn't without its visitors though, for seated a small distance away is Lyria. Her knees tightly pressed against her chest with arms wrapping around herself protectively. She doesn't seem to notice at first, as her eyes as cast upwards, staring up at the stars above.

Whether you are in the cell next to her, or perhaps in the same one, you soon you may realize ( should you have met Lyria in this world ) she seems younger, her features depicting a child no more than ten years old.

Eventually her gaze breaks away from the stars as she looks towards you, lifeless and void of emotion. When she speaks her words are soft, almost a whisper: ]

Who... are you?

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[ To be honest, Lyria never expect a response back. There weren't many people that would talk to her, aside from Katalina, and if they did speak to her it was either an order... or just letting her know food was available.

She could only stare for a moment while she let the man's words sink in, her face now riddled with slight confusion. ]

Sanji... [ She'll repeat the name in a soft monotone voice before tensing up at his next sentence. ]

Get us out? B... but how?

[He smiles just slightly, hoping that his face looks relaxed and kind in a situation like this. Sanji doesn't know the whole story about what's going on and he doesn't need to; a kid doesn't deserve to be imprisoned. He's willing to take shit being directed at his person, but not her.

As he speaks again, his voice lowers to a softer pitch, while still carrying that comforting note to it.]

I'm pretty good at some things.

[He's grateful that he still has his shoes on him, so the chef turns his body slightly and raises his unchained leg up high, before slamming it down on the chain that's attached to his other ankle. Normally, this sort of shit works, but who knows what happens in these dreams.]

[ It truly was a great and valiant effort on Sanji's side, but the moment he slams into the chain it merely stirs, almost angrily, before tightening it's grip harder against his ankle.

Lyria gasps, both frightened by the sudden action as well as the noise the chain makes when it loudly makes contact with his other foot. ]

No, stop! The guards will come if you— [ Voices ring out from a distance, and Lyria quickly throws her hands over her head in order to shield herself from the sound.

There is no movement yet, but the warning is there. ]

[A few violent curses rushes through Sanji's mind when the chain tightens around him, only stopping from swearing out loud because of Lyria's warning. But shit, guess this won't be as easy as he thought it'd be. Maybe if he can heat up his leg, that will break its grip on him, so that might be worth a try. However, he doesn't attempt anything yet, his eyes darting to the young girl that looks even more frightened now.

Shit, he caused that, didn't he?

Guilt passes by him and he stays quiet for a few seconds, hearing the voices speak to each other. He really has to be quiet when doing this, else he'll continue to draw attention to them. He doesn't want to frighten the young girl again either.

Sanji keeps silent for a few more moments, before daring to speak in that same quiet voice.]

Hey, sorry. That usually works. I promise though, we'll find a way out.

[ The silence seems like a lifetime before she finally exhales the breath of air she was holding tight in her lungs. The voices didn't seem to get louder, rather after a few minutes everything seemed to go back the way it was... as if it had never happened.

It was within that silence that Lyria finally lifted her gaze enough to fully take in the man seated beside her. She didn't recognize him, but his demeanor and the soft way he spoke to her reminded Lyria of someone. Someone who possibly was the only person who brought her any sort of comfort here.

Was he... really trying to help her? ]

Out? But I've never been out before— [ aside from when they would take her to another room for experiments. ] A- are you sure?

[Anger surges through him at that particular revelation-- that she's been here her entire life. It's bad enough to be trapped here, but alone here for years on end? It's a cruelty that makes Sanji want to tear the entire place down. However, that's not practical, not without some outside help. So, it's best if he stays calm and hopefully temper down some of the fear and loneliness that she has.]

I'm sure... and I never break a promise to a young lady. [...] A kid doesn't deserve to be trapped in a cell their entire life, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

[A few memories of Germa pass through his mind, but Sanji shakes it off. He's here to help her and that's motivation enough to shake off any memories from his own past. He lets out a small exhale, before giving Lyria a comforting smile.]

I knew a kid that escaped from a cell with some outside help... and things got a lot better for him.

[ Sanji...

His words confused Lyria. They were soft, meaningful, and... something she had never heard before. Aside from the soft, sympathetic words of Katalaina from time to time, no one had ever spoken to her as much as he was doing right now, let alone in this manner. She wasn't sure how to feel, and the warmth she felt in the bit of her stomach hurt.

Did she not deserve to be here? Wordless, her gaze will glance up to the open portion of the ceiling yet again, her eyes fixated on the what little visible stars she could make out from the inside. ]

You did? [ Alright, this did peak her interest. ] ... What happened to them?

[Sanji can still tell that she's worried and scared, but hell, who could blame her? She's never been outside and the only people she probably has contact with are shitty guards and the assholes that put her down here in the first place. He wants to break out as soon as possible, somewhat anxious that they're going to check on them soon, but he decides to tell a little more about himself-- err the boy. She looks like she needs a story or two.

His smile brightens considerably, the skin around his eyes crinkling, but he keeps his voice low, for multiple reasons.]

He became an excellent chef and later made a lot of friends. Heard that nowadays, he sails with them around the ocean, cooking and having meals with them. Each day is a fun adventure for him.

[And also dangerous, but eh, that's what happens when you sail with Luffy.]

It's a beautiful world out there.

[ The more she listens to his story, now a bit more intently than before, her eyes slowly begin to widen with what looks like... wonder? Curiosity?

Hope?

She's speechless at first when he finishes, and silence befalls the two of them once again. Before suddenly, quietly, Lyria begins to lean in a little towards him. Her small, fragile hand reaching in his direction to try and grasp at his hand. ]

I... I want to go.

[Sanji's not oblivious to the subtle change in Lyria's demeanor, the way her eyes slowly brighten to express a feeling that he had when Luffy kept his promise to wait for him, despite all the shit that he pulled. Sanji's just glad he has the opportunity to give that feeling to someone else.

It really doesn't matter how he got here anymore, what matters is he's getting out with Lyria.

He walks forward, well, as much as he can before the chain pulls on his ankle, but Sanji ignores that so that he can reach his arm out, even if only the tips of his fingers reach hers. It's a small contact, but it's still something, he hopes. Sometimes, any human contact that's just slightly supportive goes a long ways. It did for him.]

We'll go out there, together. [He nods as if confirming his point, before a confident and reassuring expression takes hold of him. Now is the time to look a little cool--] This place isn't gonna hold either of us any longer.

[ As Lyria watches him approach she doesn't coward back this time. This small, strange feeling knotted up tight within her stomach, though painful at times, was like a fire inside of her- hotter than any flame Ifrit could ignite.

It was warm, comforting, and the smile that Sanji gave her seemed to melt away the remaining wall she had built up around herself.

She felt... safe.

Stretching her arm to its full length, her fingers finally brushed up against his own. A little cold at first, but she could feel herself no longer shaking from fear. It was something else, something— ]

[ —Suddenly, as soon as a gentle finger began to wrap around his index, the sound of clattering hit the ground.

The chains, which had bound them both, had magically unlocked the slipped off their ankles. ]

Ah—!

[ But... how!? ]

[Well, that's convenient.

Sanji doesn't find himself questioning it though, his eyes only looking back at his unchained ankle for a second, before he moves just a few steps closer, so that he can properly wrap his hand around hers. They're definitely making progress on leaving this shitty dungeon, but he still wants to reassure Lyria.]

...Ready? I'll be with you every step of the way.

[ She doesn't flinch when he walks forward. In fact she welcomes it, extending her fingers out fully to now carefully intertwine them together.

For the first time she able to finally smile. It's small, timid, and full of uncertainty... but it was there.

She squeezes his hand for reassurance and gives the tiniest of nods. ]

Okay. I'm... I'm scared, but I am ready.

[He looks up to the ceiling, wondering if he can just kick a hole through it and fly out with her, or would it be better to just sneak around this shitty dungeon. The door still has them locked, but he can probably melt the lock with Diable Jambe... it'd make the least amount of noise.

There's options.

His main goal is to protect her and he cannot fail in that regard.]

It's okay to be scared. If you ever feel overwhelmed, just squeeze my hand, okay?

[ Almost instinctively, Lyria will give his hand a tight but quiet squeeze. This entire situation was overwhelming but... something inside of her mind made it feel like it was going to be alright.

This stranger who had come to her rescue... this was what a hero looked like, right? ]

I think... [ She finally responded after a moment of gazing up at him. ] the guards change shifts soon. If I remember correctly, they go into the next room to sign some papers... so it will be quiet in here for about five minutes.

[Five minutes, eh? Should be plenty of time. Sanji nods, and while he keeps his posture easy around her, a more determined look starts to reach his eyes now that a plan starts to formulate in his mind. He still doesn't know the layout of this dungeon, but one thing at a time.]

I have a way to open this gate. [He squeezes her hand once more.] You do alright around fire?

[ The question comes as a surprise to Lyria and for a moment she considers. It's not something she is particularly use to, but she was always close to them she would summon beast that contained fire...

It was scary, but she will shake her head because right now she had that hand to protect her. ]

Yes, I'll be fine. [ Lyria assures him with another squeeze of his hand. She likely won't stop until they are completely out. ]

[With that reassurance from Lyria, Sanji nods, his eyes now focused on the door in front of him. Hopefully this goes well, guess he'll go to Plan B if it doesn't.

Standing completely steady, the cook raises one foot against the lock, before it suddenly bursts into flames and engulfing his entire foot. Somehow, the fire's contained up to his knee, not sparking or catching anything else on fire.]

A cook's passion burns hot. [This is not really an explanation but.]

[ If she was being completely honest, the fire did startle her a bit. She watched as it ignited and formed around his leg, and for a moment she was worried for him or that it would hurt.

When he didn't seem to react to it though she finally allowed herself to calm down, looking at the lock as it began to... yeah, it was actually starting to melt! It was actually working!?

Noise from further down the hallway shook her back into reality as she tenses once again. ]

I- I think they might be coming-

[She's certainly right, so that means he has to go quick. He sucks in a small breath and nods, before looking down at Lyria with a more serious expression.]

Hey, will you be alright if I carry you?

[Sanji's confident that he can outrun these assholes and if they shoot at him, well, he instantly heals, assuming that all his shitty powers still work in this dream. It may not, but he's still more than willing to risk his health to save her. He promised her after all, promise that she'll get to the outside and live a life outside these bars.

And a true gentleman doesn't let down a lady!]

[ Before she would have been more hesitant and question the decision to accept such assistance... but not right now. She nods, and is already inching closer to him to allow him the access to lift her up. Her fragile form was still shaking slightly from the commotion, but she trusts him... ]

[He gently lifts her into his arms, just making sure that he's careful when securing Lyria in a hopefully comfortable position. After a moment, Sanji offers her a reassuring smile before pushing open the door with his leg, making as little noise as possible. Sneak until he's caught, then run like an asshole out of here. Sounds like a plan to him.

He steps outside of the cell, somehow managing to keep his footsteps light. His Observation Haki isn't as strong here, so he just needs to go with old-fashioned listening and sneaking around.

~~don't be suspicious, don't be suspicious~~]

[ Once she is full secure, Lyria will latch herself onto his clothing, gripping hold of the edges of fabric until her knuckles turn white. She was still shaking, steadily, but the more she embraced the warmth of the person holding her so gently in his arms... she'll eventually calm down.

With face presses against his chest, she doesn't dare make a sound, much less breathe.

The footsteps were quiet, and talk at the end of the hallway was becoming far more apparent. It seemed to be from the low whispers that Lyria was correct- they were in the process of changing guards.

Just a few more minutes... ]

[For a brief moment, Sanji wishes that he could still turn invisible, although, it's not like Lyria would disappear from sight as well. It's fine. He doesn't need Germa to protect the people that he wants to protect, he's made that decision before coming here. Be rather sad if he kept on relying on that technology instead of his own skills.

While holding Lyria closely to him, he starts making his way around, keep himself close to walls and briefly ducking his head around corners before making his way across. He... he doesn't exactly know where he's going, but Sanji knows that they have a limited amount of time, so he doesn't want to waste much time thinking about it.

Long as he moves away from the cells and towards a more central area, should be fine. Hopefully. Maybe the exit will be right there when they get there.]

☁ 001 | Under an Endless Sky

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