II; Nightmare the First

[paxivalice]

Warnings: Some spoilers for the ending of Final Fantasy IX.
Effects: Extreme discomfort, some guilt, and finally, fear.

Comments

[white_polaris]

You poor child.

[paxivalice]

[That startled him. He didn't expect to hear a voice. Poking out from under his pillow, he went to grab the small communicator.]

I-I apologize. I did not realize this was on at the moment.

[A mite sheepish, but still a bit too anxious to blush or say sorry a second time.]

[white_polaris]

Please don't be embarrassed.

Will you be alright?

[paxivalice]

I-- thank you for your understanding.

I will be fine, madame. I hope I did not cause you discomfort or disturbance in any way?

[Keeping a matrue face on now.]

[callmecharming]

My Little Emperor-in-Waiting.

[He paused for a second, still horrified by what he saw.]

...

It seems that you had a nightmare.

[paxivalice]

[Thtat... voice. Was it-? But how was that possible?

Grasping the device, he sat up, eyes going a bit wide.]

Al-Cid?

[callmecharming]

The one and only.

[He forced a small smile.]

It seems that you are here in this weird world as well. [A soft sigh.] I was going to ask how you were doing, my little emperor-in-wait. But I am afraid I know the answer already.

[paxivalice]

[At that, he manages a small smile. Who would have thought, out of everyone, Al-Cid...?]

I am not an Emperor-in-Waiting anymore, you know.

[He remarked, trying to sound more cheerful than he felt.]

I am fine, my friend. And you? For how long have you been here?

[Action]

[couldnotfly]

[Zack was no stranger to guilt, fear, or betrayal, and though he normally didn't watch dreams, he'd still recognized Larsa's voice and now found himself outside the boy's door, gently knocking so as to not startle him any more than the dream already did.]

Larsa? Can I come in?

[Action]

[paxivalice]

[Folding his hands into his lap and trying to gain composure, he almost instantly felt ill about having disturbed one of his housemates. Spirits sinking, he took a deep breath to try to keep his voice calm.]

Of course. It is open.

[Action]

[couldnotfly]

[Zack was going to have to talk to Larsa about what classified as "disturbing" the housemates, but for now, he just padded into the room on bare feet and shut the door behind him, looking at Larsa with sympathy in his eyes.]

You doing okay? Want me to get you anything?

[Action]

[paxivalice]

[Trying for a smile, he sat up a little straighter, shoulders relaxed. The only part of his body that belayed tension were his hands, still clenched.]

I am fine. I apologize if I have woken you at so late an hour. I am not in need of anything.

[seekingbody]

[ At first, he doesn't say anything, just stares at the Dreamberry in his hands. Al had been in many dark situations before, but he'd always had his brother by his side. He couldn't even imagine what a life like this dream would be like. ]

[ Finally, he clears his throat a little ] U-um...

[ Would the dreamer be upset at him for having seen this? It seemed awfully personal. But at the same time, Al wanted to make sure that this person was okay. ]

I-I'm sorry... Are you... alright?

[paxivalice]

I--

[Oh dear. Another stranger who he's caused disturbance to. This is a brand of embarrassment he's ne'er had to deal with in the past, and it's making the situation more difficult. The only reprieve is, really, how sweet these responses has been.

This one, no different.]

--am. I thank you.

I apologize if I've caused you any undue stress.

[seekingbody]

Oh, no! I should be the one apologizing, for intruding on your -- [ nightmare? ] -- dream.

[paxivalice]

It was my own error, please do not feel that you have been rude towards me. On the contrary, I thank you for your inquiry as to my state. The broadcast was entirely of my own fault.