isleofavalon | February catch-all

[Ignis was always as thorough as he could be when it came to studying and practicing. He never skipped classes and did all the research he needed, and more. After all- he needs to protect Noctis and, as a wise man once said, knowledge is power.

That being said, practicing cognitive magic is hard. It's not a pleasant feeling for a receiver, he can tell. Just a telepathic message makes people uncomfortable. So he is doing his best not to let his magic go haywire. As suggested by some makes, he's been practicing gathering "memories" from random, everyday objects. He currently has a hand on a chair and had learned in detail how it was made and every person that ever sat on it. Overwhelming is an understatement for how it felt.

And it persisted during the day. As he was making his way back to his apartment, a person walking in front of them dropped something.]

Excuse me, you dropped this, [Ignis says politely, picking up the object and gently touching the person's shoulder.

And then memories came rushing.]

[ooc: Feel free to leave any type of memory you wish Ignis to witness.]

Edited 2021-02-04 13:45 (UTC)

Oh, thank you--!

[ Naoto was counting his sparse amount of money, not realizing that he had dropped his phone. When the man told him he dropped something, he blinks, looking almost like a deer in headlights.

Then came the touching of his shoulder-- his left shoulder. That caused the teenager to jump, not used to anyone touching him there. The memories that were revealed explains why.

One can consider it a nightmare. There he was, crouched over a blond haired girl, clearly unconscious. His left arm and right leg was gone, still in the corner of his eye, but ignored due to the black mass that filled the voids. Even his right arm was slightly shaking, indicating something was different about the limb as well.

The girl was motionless, but he held her with such care that one would wonder what kind of relationship they had. As Naoto looked up through snow white hair, he saw a writhing monster at the end of its rope. One could only assume that was the culprit of his dismemberment. Good riddance was the only thought as the monster met its end by a woman's hand. ]

[Ignis had seen his share of horrors and demons and suffered through nightmares of having to let Noctis go and be sacrificed for the sake of everyone. Yet this is still so unexpected and cuts deep that he instantly lets go of the man's shoulder. He didn't intend to keep a prolonged touch on him, merely get his attention, yet the vision he had, a memory makes him pull his hand back as if he placed it in the fire.

He looks considerably paler than a few moments before, but manages to somehow school his expression back into something more... "acceptable". His magic had pried into someone's memories, again doing its thing on its own volition. Trying to explain it would be hard, perhaps impossible, especially considering what the memory contained.]

...it's nothing. [Ignis' voice is a bit strained, taking even him by surprise.]

[ Naoto didn't have to guess; he knew something was wrong. The way the man let go of him, the paleness of his skin, and even the way he tried to look normal. Naoto had a keen eye for those type of things, trained by his family to do as such. It often came in handy in situations like this. ]

It was clearly something. [ He puts it bluntly. No reason to beat around the bush. ] Not everyone would look like they've seen a ghost by simply touching someone.

[ Naoto wasn't going to say that the man had touched the seam-- where flesh met metal, but he had to know what was going on. ]

Edited 2021-02-06 02:35 (UTC)

[Ignis is trying to find a way to properly put this into words. He doesn't want to leave an impression that he is looking around for people's memories on purpose. He has no use of that, as none of these people are from Eos nor can they aid him with his problems there.]

You are correct. [He sighs, rubbing the bridge of his nose briefly.]

The powers that this place had granted me are... unpleasant. Highly. They are of cognitive nature and, while I can control most of the abilities, some of them are not something I can influence.

[Pushing his glasses up, Ignis confesses,] The brief touch to get your attention showed me a short scene of your past.

[ Cognitive nature? Naoto had to process what that meant for him and the touch. Instinctively, his hand reached up towards his shoulder, as if his touch has burned from just being there. It only tightened the moment he made the realization of what that meant.

His face morhped into one of conflicting emotions, especially after the confession. He realized that the man had no control over what he saw. He wouldn't dare hurl accusations over something he couldn't control. Magic was like that, after all. However, what shook him was the the fact that he could know. He could know what he lived through. He could know about anything, and that was the scariest thing of all.

He shifted his gaze away, finding the ground a lot more interesting than the person in front of him. ]

... What... What exactly did you see, then? [ Naoto had to know. He just had to. ]

[Ignis is trying his best to practice the control over it, but so it happens that at times he cannot stop the surge of it. Hence, the current situation, where he sees more than he wanted to. In fact, he didn't want to see anything at all.

He frowns, trying to piece together the vision he had. Earlier, it was as clear as he was there, but now it's not as much.]

Aside from you holding someone, it was hard to distinguish anything. Quite a dark scene, there was no sound or any kind of voice.

[He's going to keep the "limbs gone" thing under the wraps for now. In case he doesn't want to be reminded of it.]

Once again, I apologize. This is not magic I had access before and aside from certain spells, I cannot control it.

Holding someone in the dark... Oh, I know exactly what you saw.

[ His grip tightens on his arm. He remembers it vividly, because it was the day he knew more of his humanity was stolen from him. He decides he'd rather face this with his head held high rather than shrink into the ground. And with that resolve, and hearing the stranger's apologies, he replies. ]

Apology accepted. I can imagine that kind of magic isn't easy-- not to mention invasive. I can't hold it against you, really. In fact, I'm kind of used to invasive kinds of magic. Comes with the job.

[ He smiles. He feels as if he can trust him not to blurt out his secrets, given how remorseful he sounded. ] So don't feel too bad about it, alright?

[Ignis' lips make a thin line- that type of magic is not something anyone should endure. And he can't help but be a bit angry and disappointed with himself for not being able to control it on his side. He feels lucky that the guy won't blame him for it but still... he feels responsible. He's already educated in magics- a different type but still education- this shouldn't be a problem.]

I am trying to find some balance or something to keep it under control. However, I cannot seem to find what triggers it. Aside from brief touch.

I have tried not touching people, even by accident, but that only seems to build it up even more.

[Ignis looks as if he's trying to find an answer for it as he speaks about it.]

[ The plight sounds similar to what he had to go through to learn how to use his own magic back home. Naoto understands that, tilting his head with a hum. ]

In my experience, I've learned holding a magic back isn't the best thing to do-- you said it too; it builds up if you don't use it. So instead of doing that, maybe just more experience using it could help you?

[ He soon realizes that he wasn't asked for assistance, and he's immediately flustered by doing so. ] Erm, well... sorry for blurting that out. That was probably unwanted, right?

[ Social anxiety is a cruel mistress. ]

Oh. Ah, [Whoa. The sort of strangers he's used to seeing aren't normally half this sharp, and all his crispness throws him off. Leaves him feeling a little ashamed, because he isn't (or normally) careless.

Embarrassing.

In his palm, the spool of bandages he keeps in case. Unused, but mostly unraveled.]

Thanks. [It's brief, and hardly thrilling, but... If magic allows the man a glimpse, what he'll see through magic's sense, is a closed, but sprawling courtyard. A boy, on its balcony. A window walls him off, and from his angle, peering over, fanning fingers against its glass, a child spying on other children. Three, older, with similar eyes, but with hair that's white, or red, or both. A matronly woman in soft kimono waits. Lets them play, but doesn't notice, how the youngest from where he stands, having watched with so much envy, keeps his eyes to siblings only.

But here, though unexpected, fingers clasped around his wrist before there's force to drag him off. Above him, broad and tall, a surly man with rounded shoulders. It's with obvious reluctance then, that his child, less than 6, is tugged along their narrow hallway. Then, stone of a man with matching voice, before anxiety brims to spilling, says,

"Don't look at them, Shoto." Here, again, a sterner warning: "They belong to a different world than you."

Where it ends, or at present, the boy in question's staring back at him. Older now and without his fear, but far more serious than he means to be. Notably, his eyes don't match, with circling burns around his left, without his care—or need—to hide them.]

Sorry.

[For his having to pick up after.]

[Ignis didn't need to hear it to know that what he saw was pure loneliness and craving for attention. He's seen it before; not within himself, but with Noctis. King Regis would do anything for his son, however, wearing the crown is isolating, to say the least.

It felt too... familiar. And it hurt as if he was experiencing it himself, regardless of how brief it lasted.

And then the memory was over as soon as it happened as if only mere few seconds passed since he called out to the other boy. He offers him a smile and shake of his head.]

It's quite alright, [Ignis' voice is a bit off, but his disposition friendly.]

It happens. I am glad you didn't get too far.

Yeah. [A close call.] I guess I'll need this. [He's cloudy now, somber. Holding tight to something deeper. Difficult thoughts. Potential hurt. Though bandages, too, were just reminders, feeling more inclined to keep them. He's arrived with so little, without the wounds he's almost sure he'd have, and their inclusion feels important. In the past, he's trained to burn, and more than half the time he's injured. But bruises won't compare to all the Hell he'll face at home, and he still predicts he'll feel his worst.

At least, now, he's all scars.

Slowly, awkwardly, he's wound the spool tighter. He's been off a bit, too, lately, so at barely audible shift, or hint of something not quite "solid", his eyes are up and searching.]

You okay?

[Ignis doesn't know the full significance behind them, he'd probably suggest buying new ones, which could be insensitive? He can't tell right now. He can tell that the guy has some injuries but not even close to determining whether it is from training here or from where he came from.]

Ah, yes, my apologies.

[Ignis nods, a bit odd for him to look awkward like this, but manages to keep himself together. For the most part.]

My magic has been going rampant as of recently, it's making me tired, that's all. Are you alright?

[For a moment, he looks surprised, and his staring shifts downwards. Instinctively. It's rare that someone's asked, and—besides his other teammates—few he'd trust enough to answer.

His brows knit lightly.]

Why me? [He's avoidant.] Don't overdo it.

[Then, a slow barrage of suggestions:]

You're probably overtraining. When I started, I couldn't regulate things, so I'd use too much magic. You'll need to sleep it off, then, if that happens. [Recharge his power.] Now that I think about it, green tea works... best...

[His eyes travel sideways, and the rest comes distracted.]

If you're tired.

[Equally awkward.]

[Ignis sighs and nods, explaining-] Magic that is granted to me is of cognition. Sometimes, it tends to send bursts of magic upon others after a brief touch. [Especially when he doesn't use magic for a long time. Or uses it TOO much. Like today. He still can't find that middle ground where he's spent enough of it not to cause trouble.

He is, however, surprised by the shower of suggestions and advices. And Ignis can't help but give a fond smile.]

Thank you for the suggestions. It is odd to be on the receiving end of the advice. Usually, I am the one telling others to slow down, think, and not overdo it.

Green tea sounds perfect right now. Would you like to make me company? There is a rustic caffee nearby.

["Cognition" isn't familiar. (New magic, then?) At any rate, he isn't affected. Nothing's changed, or lost, or added, and he shrugs it off calmly.

But, already, forming inaudible starts of protest (I'm a stranger, or why ask ME?), although it's clearly exceedingly rare that anyone's offered an invitation, since he's lived behind his wall of ice. As if this kindness can't be trusted. He's teetering in his silent way, and at the image of something safe—of soothing teas, and conversation—he smothers his thoughts in interest.

If he'd asked the year-ago Shoto, he'd have brushed him off coldly.

This one straightens.]

Alright... Sure.

[Still suppressing disbelief.] I can pay.

Are you sure you want to do this?

[Ignis asks the person sitting across from him in the courtyard where most of the practice is being held. He can do this only once per day and it doesn't last for longer than a minute but- if he can get this under control, he'll be able to use it on those that want to harm them. And with the trolls and the way things are going, it may prove to be more useful than anything he's ever known.]

I promise not to make you do anything untowardly.

[He plans to have them write, pick up few items around the courtyard or do some exercise. Maybe even sing a song.]

[ooc: as mentioned, Ignis will not do anything bad. But do put somewhere that your character consents to this just in case :) ]

[ Being controlled by somebody else, least of all a stranger, is the absolutely dead last thing that Karma ever wants to do in his life. But he does agree and consent, running the reasons through his head one more time before he nods. ]

If you do, know that the moment I snap out of it, I'll be snapping your spine next~

[ He's not kidding! With that, he steels himself- decides against it and relaxes instead, breathing out. Cognitive is supposed to be his magic as well, but while he's always been good at getting into people's heads (and under their skin), he's never done anything like this before. The best way to understand it is to experience it, and if he's going to experience it, he wants to know its limitations, whether he can fight it. ]

...Ready.

[He wants to say that it is impossible for him to do that but Ignis smartly keeps his mouth shut. Not many people would allow to get themselves into this situation. And he's not an asshole to injure the guy.]

Have no worry. I will have you just gather some stuff around the room and write a few sentences, [he nods at the table.

When he gets the approval, Ignis nods and does a short, swift sign with his hands. There's a flash of green light and the spell has been cast. He can feel the connection with the guy in front of him, a thin, invisible line that lets him send suggestions. So he does.]

Please, get up and collect the coins around the room.

[There are some in several places, five coins in total. Ignis himself will stand up and wait in the middle of the room.]

[ Oh, it's a weird feeling— and it's weird because it doesn't feel weird at all, it feels as natural as if the thoughts and intentions are his own, even with the strict knowledge otherwise. There's no force behind the suggestion, not like being held at gunpoint. It's more like... being in a dream, where the prevailing thought isn't a logical "why?" but a lax "why not?"

It's comfortable.

Which makes it uncomfortable.

Karma goes around seeking and collecting the coins, but almost robotically, a thoughtful expression on his face. ]

...It's strange. [ He pipes up eventually, picking up the fifth coin and returning to drop them in Ignis' hand. ] It's as if I could stop at any time, but have no reason to, so I don't.

[Ignis watches with rapt attention how the magic works. He's never... been able to influence another person like this. Not with magic. He's good with negotiations and convincing people to believe him and do as he says but this is on an entirely different level.

He's silent and doesn't move, accepting the coins that Karma hands over.]

A very powerful suggestion spell. [He says, mostly to himself.] So long I don't order you something you wouldn't ordinarily do, the suggestion will work.

[He points at the table-] Can you write down your name? And solve some math problems? [It's nothing hard, merely addition and subtraction. Mostly a test for magic, nothing else.]

When it's easy stuff like this, it's like there's no reason not to.

[ Very weird! Especially with the knowledge that he's being influenced, Karma would have thought it'd be much easier to stop. He could. He could stop at any time. That's what the feeling is, even when he picks up a pen and piece of paper and writes "Karma Akabane" on it in neat print. ]

Give me your hardest math problem. You want to test the limits of this, don't you? Not just fool around.

[ Addition and subtraction he could do in his sleep. Ignis should be challenging him, figuring out whether the mental strain would break the spell or whether Karma can feel the difference of its hold. ]

February catch-all

Cognitive hijinks - memories - ota

cw; dismemberment, violence (please tell me if you want changes!!)

it's perfect o/

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Cognitive hijinks - hypnosis - ota

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sorry for the wait

np!

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