citylogs | open & closed ( catch-all )

Entry tags:

open & closed ( catch-all )

WHO: prompto argentum (

burstmodes) & OPEN
WHAT: event things, random things. just a catch-all.
WHERE: various places throughout the city
WHEN: august to september
WARNINGS: creepy vibes, idk it's a mystery (will update as necessary)

random exploring.

( i. laundromat )

[ the quiet of the city is still pretty unnerving.

it's taken him far too long to realize that bothers him more than anything else, trekking down the city streets and only occasionally stopping to eye some of the buildings. no real signs, nothing that jumps out at him. by the time he reaches his destination, he's probably humming a little louder than is necessary, tugging the door open and peering inside. there's no one, which isn't surprising, but it takes him far too long to figure out how to operate the washing machines and get stuff going. not that he can't clean stains out of his own clothes, but ignis had sort of taken responsibility for all those things during their trip; prompto had just been on standby to help.

once it seems like it's going and isn't going to explode, he leans back and sighs. loudly. taps his fingers against his thigh, then against the top of the washer. then on one of the folding tables. when prompto turns, it's only to realize he's not actually alone, and the surprise on his face is cancelled out by how quickly the color drains from his face. ]

Geez! [ the sound that comes out of his mouth next is a partial laugh. ] You scared me! I thought I was the only one in here.

( ii. the subway )

[ after the first few days, prompto's made it a habit to start checking things off on a list he's began to compile. the map he'd found didn't really do much to explain anything, so he's been exploring slowly off and on—whenever he gathers up the nerve. taking the railway has helped, but it can still get pretty confusing for him if he isn't paying attention to where he's going or when he needs to gets off or where. it's probably why he's standing in the middle of one of the transfer stations now, looking at all the possible routes to take.

if anyone happens to join him, he'll be both relieved and somewhat anxious. he makes a gesture at one of the lines. ]

Have you ever taken this one before?

the mall.

( i. no exit )

[ he tries the door again just to be sure, but... no. yeah, he's stuck inside.

what had once been a leisurely jaunt through the empty mall had undoubtedly turned worse, watching as some of the lights down one of the corridors flickers, blinks out and then flips on again. every direction he looks feels the same, wandering over to plop down on a bench and set the bag he'd planned to leave with sitting at his feet. prompto tugs out his phone and fiddles with it for a few minutes, considers texting someone to see if they can open the door from the outside and then just... puts it away to sit on his hands. would it be better to wait it out? explore more and try to find another way to leave?

he debates this for a rather long time, turning his head towards the sounds of footsteps and whoever it might be that approaches the front doors to try to test them out. before they can make it that far, he walks after them in an attempt to get their attention. ]

I think they're locked, [ he starts, frowning and then running both hands through his hair. ] I dunno. I tried all of 'em, but they don't seem to want to budge.

[ is it possible for doors to lock themselves??? ]

wildcard.

[ any other location available for exploration is totally a possibility for prompto to be running around in! for the event prompt of "hide and seek", let me know if you want a starter for that since it'd be a more in-depth dive into his backstory and character, and though i'm not opposed, he hasn't built up enough CR for it to be absolutely crucial or important to others quite yet. other event things: checking out the random stores in the mall, running from that "something that's always watching but you can't see it" vibe, having a sleepover tucked away somewhere to stay safe, or whatever else might be interesting! let's have fun c: hit me up via pm or over @ overcasts to plot. or hit up his plotting comment! ]

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[ it isn't surprising that yoshida traverses through the city quite silently, especially after he trails behind a familiar face. he did have a habit of appearing at odd times. opportune, perhaps, to no one but himself. hence, it isn't completely out of pocket for him to just be there. the epitome of standing man emoji.

all the same, he doesn't appear the least apologetic for startling him. his expression unwavering. also while some may have yelled in mutual shock, he just meets him with a steady gaze, his arms crossing over his chest. ] That was a nice tune.

[ referencing back to his humming several blocks ago. how long was he following him for? who knows. ] But, you act like you've seen a ghost.

[ ghosts don't seem that farfetched... this was the clone guy after all. ]

[ prompto is, indeed, going to wonder how long he's been following him. at least, after his brain settles down and it doesn't feel like stuff's going to vibrate out of him. he makes an attempt at taking a breath, pushing his hands through his hair so that it's even more chaotic than usual. ]

It's just really quiet here, [ he explains, decidedly not going to talk about ghosts. he would rather NOT, thank you. ] Uh... how's it going?

[ there's an obvious pause, looking over the other before following up with: ] How long were you there anyway?

[ if it's weird to stalk someone before appearing and actually saying hi... he doesn't seem to notice. instead, he just sort of stares blankly for a few seconds. ] ...

[ he doesn't exactly answer the question, no, but sometimes wasn't it better to live in blissful ignorance? ]

Anyway, I wasn't up to anything, really. I just saw you and thought you looked familiar, and what do you know, you were the clone guy.

[ wow, way to slam him with the memory of their first encounter. ]

It's Prompto, [ he supplies all too quickly, hating how much "clone guy" makes him feel uncomfortable. ] My name. Sorry about before. I guess I didn't really explain anything clearly.

[ not that he wants to now, but he's trying to make friends here. if he's cool, then it'll be fine. ]

[ he seems to tilt his head a little at the sudden declaration of "prompto"— but he seems to accept it easily enough. it's fine, he wasn't exactly attached to calling him a clone forever. ]

Does that mean you're willing to explain now? [ ... ] I'm just kidding. But, if you ever find yourself wanting to discuss theories... [ well, he figures it wouldn't hurt to indulge in. as long as he could drop a few of his own prophecies in there. ]

You can call me Yoshida.

[ yoshida, huh? strange name, but he's met a lot of different people with peculiar names recently. ]

It's a long story. [ probably not that long, but prompto isn't sure he wants to explain it all to a stranger. ] Unless you think I meant that everybody in this place is a clone. Then...

[ he shrugs. ] I'm not sure what other theories you'd wanna discuss.

[ well, he figures to have a clone theory to begin with, it probably wasn't simple, no. but, really, he comprehends that the other doesn't seem nearly as forthcoming about this information as he had when they first met, and that was all fine and dandy as far as yoshida was concerned. no skin off his metaphorical back at least. though, at his last comment—

he sticks his hands up, almost dramatically. ] I'm glad you asked! Have you ever heard of Nostradamus? [ why... why did you get yourself involved in this. more than anything, instead of wanting to talk about it, he seems more interested in gauging prompts reaction. ] But—

So not everyone is a clone?

[Althea didn't really have high hopes for the front door, considering previous building openings for the city, but it would be irresponsible not to try the front door regardless. Or she was telling herself something like that, at least.

Which is why she had been headed that way, stopping only at a voice and what looked like a person moving towards her.]

Ah. Damn it, so it's like the bank.

[After a moment of thought, she sighed and started for the doors again, waving the other person over as well.]

Well, I'll see if there's anything I can do, but we might have to try and find another door. Or some sort of hint somewhere on how to get out.

[ well... it's a lot better than what he thought was going to happen, and to make things even more interesting, all prompto does is shake his head at the question. ]

Don't think someone with that name exists where I'm from. [ it sounds all doom and gloom anyway. or like those hokey sort of people who would try to get a rise out of someone for no reason at all other than they could. at that second question though —

prompto sighs, crossing his arms over his chest to keep himself from fiddling with the band around his wrist. ]

I dunno. Why? Do you think they are? [ he isn't trying to sound defensive buuuuut. ]

[ the bank? robby had mentioned the bank, if ever so briefly, but he doesn't question it. instead, prompto moves a little closer, clearly relieved because he's not going to be one-hundred percent alone in this. it makes things easier when you have someone to talk to, that's for sure. ]

I've tried all these doors here. [ they're all locked. ] I guess there'd be a basement or whatever, right? Um, where they bring things into the mall? We could try there.

[ not that he wants to go to the loading dock either, but it's an option. ]

[She nods at his explanation, seeming glad to not be alone as well, as she moves and crouches slightly by the door, placing a hand over the lock to inspect it. She had no doubt that the blonde was telling the truth, but she hoped she'd be able to affect it somehow, or at least figure out what was happening, but...]

It's... like something is holding it there, but I have no idea what.

[She stood up straight again, frustrated at the situation and annoyed with herself now, that she couldn't do anything or offer something for the person she found herself with, but trying to hold herself together.]

A.. loading bay, or something? That.. could definitely work. Either that or an emergency door? Those aren't supposed to have locks on them at all, so unless something is magically holding everything shut...

[She probably just jinxed them, but she didn't want to get their hopes up for nothing.]

Oh, [ the lack of hesitation in the man's statement was probably telling enough. he doesn't exactly see him as the sort to lie, either. yoshida seems to fall silent at that, his gaze temporarily staring into the ground, before he brings his vision back up towards prompto.

well, he's not wrong about doom and gloom. ] War, plague, famine... Guess it's not for everyone. [ he seems to leave it at that, before crossing his arms over his chest. he says this like it's a preference, but in reality... does anyone want to talk about these things??? ]

Who knows. [ ... ] Just thought you could use some company. [ does he mean in general, or... that by thinking that there could be more clones, it'd be less alienating? either way, it probably doesn't make it any less intrusive... sorry prompto. ]

[ Know who didn't hurry to go to the mall? This bore.

Because when a bank opens up and then locks people inside, it turns into a 'fool me twice' situation to fall for the same thing. Except when people are going in, calls are bouncing, or just turning into static before dropping--yeah, a worry starts to grow.

And while there's little Robby can imagine doing for anyone stuck inside, does he like to think of certain parties in there and him not??

Might as well, right?

Which is why after some time ~~that I can't be bothered to decide on~~, Prompto will get a call through his phone--hopefully, it doesn't spook him too bad, or he hasn't become so suspicious of everything to ignore it.

Because if he does answer it: ]

Prompto?

[ A concerned and familiar voice will be on the other end. ]

[ honestly, of all the things he's expecting, it's not his phone ringing in the middle of a super quiet, eerily dark mall. but it doesn't spook him enough to ignore it, parking himself on a bench near some abandoned kiosks before answering.

the fact that he knows this voice and that voice knows his name is sort of a relief. ]

Robby! Hey – [ he sounds relieved even as he trips over his own words. ] Not sure how long I've got until it cuts out, but I'm stuck in the mall.

[ does he need to explain further? probably not, and yet... ]

I wouldn't risk coming in here unless you think you can get out again.

You can tell that just by looking?

[ not that he's questioning her methods or anything. it's definitely better than having tried several times to push and pull on the door without it budging. and anyway, prompto is not about to look like a fool in front of this girl he's just met, so he'll do what he does best and try to be helpful in any way that he can be.

he nods at her logical next steps. ]

Yeah. Better than sitting around waiting, right? [ because who knows what would happen. ] At least we're together.

[ gotta look on the bright side after all. ]

[ if anything, this guy is kind of weird. maybe not so much in a creepy way, but prompto can't exactly put his finger on it. he seems nice enough though, nodding just slightly at his first comment before perking up a little at the thought of company.

he's learned that being alone in this strange city isn't exactly his first choice. ]

Oh. Yeah, okay! I wouldn't say no to that. [ and in an effort to be cool and chill and everything he really isn't, he hops up to sit on one of the clothes folding tables. at the very least, he can swing his legs a little and not feel so idle. ] I dunno how exciting it'll be though. We could always play a game or something.

[ not that he has many on-hand, but it's whatever at this point. ]

[ Well, it's good to hear from Prompto. But, uh, about that last point... ]

Too late. [ He at least sounds amused about it, even if, honestly, there isn't anything to be amused about. ] That all that's happened? The doors aren't opening?

[ Which...is pretty strange, considering what's just happened, but-- one thing at a time. ]

Edited 2023-09-06 15:29 (UTC)

[ there's definitely a little drama in the way he groans at his 'too late' comment. ]

Damn. I was tryin' to send you a text, but I guess it didn't go through. But yeah. Nothing's budging at all. [ and he's absolutely tried every single embarrassing thing he can think of to try to get it open—short of throwing something at the doors. ] Where are you?

[ because who knows how long this call is going to last. ]

[ Where is he? Shit, let him look around in the dark... ]

I'm in the first wide opening from the front doors? Uh, on the side coming from the apartments. There's some escalators, no lights...

[ Wait, speaking of: ] Was it always this dark?

[ Or did it just decide to go creepy. ]

[ prompto isn't sure he knows exactly where that's at, but thanks to his trusty little flashlight he always carries around (in case they happen into a tomb or something back home), he's able to find his way to a mall map. his location is starred, which sort of helps. ]

I think I know where you might be, [ he says after a minute of studying what he can see. even with his light, it's pretty dim. ] And um. Not at first? I dunno.

[ he's trying really hard not to think about it. ]

I'll make my way towards you. Don't go too far, okay?

You want me to stand pretty?

[ It's said like a joke (a resigned one), but at the same time, Robby's considering it might be a good idea. Find a spot that's more open than visible (so, not standing near a column) and hope for the best. He's trying to squint through the dark, but all he has...pretty much nothing, now that he's using his phone.

God, he hates how dark everything else. He does not trust this place. ]

Edited 2023-09-06 16:53 (UTC)

Well, uh, you can sit too if you want.

[ it's a vague tease, mostly just something to calm them both down as he wanders through an increasingly dark mall. how is that even possible? his flashlight flickers, creating odd shadows on the walls, and by the time he's found the escalators robby's mentioned, he might have started sprinting a little.

at least his stamina is pretty good. ]

Hang on. I think I see you. [ and not wanting to risk losing the call, he lowers the phone before calling out: ] Robby?

I'll stand, [ comes his reply, wry--he doesn't feel like finding a seat or plopping down on the floor, thanks.

It's unsettling (read: also really fucking rude) the way silence can be deafening. Robby's doing his best to listen out for sounds, or maybe the truth is, he doesn't want to listen too closely; there's something putting him on edge about this place, and even without him hearing anything--

it's like he knows something is out there. A reason for him to turn, for his back to straighten with the tension creeping up it. Does he hear footsteps? The sound of stilettos on tiles.

'Robby?' ]

--Shit! [ It's a sound, that comes through the phone and the air, though the clatter of Robby's phone hitting the floor sounds louder through Prompto's. He kneels down and grabs for it, though it takes him a second for his eyes to focus enough to see where it is.

Sorry, give him a second, Prompto. Or maybe you can find him. ]

[ he's not completely numbed to the fact the darkness is overwhelming in a lot of ways. it crawls under his skin, makes him anxious to the point he can feel the pressure of his teeth grinding just a little. but prompto tries to breathe, to focus on meeting up with robby in the hopes of chasing away whatever's prickling his senses. he's used to this, he convinces himself. to the dark, to echoes and weird sounds he can't pinpoint.

he can do this.

and that's when he hears it—or thinks he does. robby's voice. or something he hopes is robby. ]

Hey! It's me! [ he doesn't know why he bothers waving, not with his flashlight flickering in and out, but it's just a thing. a thing that doesn't last long, pocketing his phone as he makes an attempted beeline towards the sound. and of course, his light decides to completely die right then, causing him to bodycheck into something a lot softer than a brick column with an audible oof. ]

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Page 1 of 5

open & closed ( catch-all )

laundromat.

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1/2

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the mall

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the mall, wildcard (starting with voice, brng brng)

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