Sister Searching

[hashtagdaddy]

Who: Gladiolus Amicitia and literally anyone
When: July 14 and July 16-31
Where: Yun'Ashia then literally everywhere
What: The Actual Worst - Where's my sister?
Warnings/Notes: Distraught older brother; CW/TW: some threads may contain references to self-hatred and self-harm (self-harm induced by seeking out injury at the hands of others), tumultuous emotions, fits of rage, depressive episodes, if you see something in a thread that needs to be added here I will do my best to amend this or add it in the tags if that's possible.



I. July 14th - Yun'Ashia

Gladio figured Iris slept in when she missed breakfast, thought maybe she wasn't feeling well when she missed training, and started worrying when he couldn't reach her at all. Every text went unanswered. Every call straight to voicemail. Her room was devoid of any sign of her and even her Moogle was missing. Frantic, Gladio began asking everyone in the house - and then anyone he saw when he went into town - "Have any of you seen Iris today? Or heard from her?"

II. July 16th thru 23rd - Worldwide

His boss had been miraculously understanding when Gladio begged for the next week off. He'd have to work insanely hard when he got back, but he wasn't about to write Iris off as gone until he'd scoured the whole of this world. As it was, he spent the entirety of the 15th searching as much of Yun'Ashia and the surrounding land as he could. He'd returned home sometime pre-dawn on the 16th and grabbed maybe an hour or two of sleep before making an iMog video that he'd post publicly. Once that video was made, he packed a few essentials and prepared to set off on a hunt of his own. He knew his father was out looking too, but the more eyes the better, right? Everyone he met would be greeted with a photo of Iris on his iMog as he asked them, "Have you seen my sister?"

Comments

II.

[sullenstallion]

Eventually, 'worldwide' is bound to include Nakagawa, the farming community on the west coast of the Min'to area. It's home to chocobos, Lalafell, farming, and a particularly unpleasant snake-man that Gladiolus is fortunate(?) enough to have met already.

He works in a small restaurant. Unlike the Necromancer robes he wore when he first met Gladio, Dylas is wearing a white dress shirt with a black vest that makes it abundantly clear he's a member of the waitstaff. He's not particularly enthused about running into someone he knows at work, but...it's his job. Before Gladio can even start asking the other staff where his sister is, Dylas cuts him off at the entrance, shoving a menu at him.

"Welcome. Go ahead and sit wherever you want. I don't care."

One of the Lalafell in the back buries their hand in their face. Someone is getting a lecture on customer relations again.

[hashtagdaddy]

Gladio's eyes are definitely more wild than they were when he first met ... Dylas? Yea ... this guy's name is Dylas. But he recognizes the half-snake half-man who just shoved a menu in his hand, almost dislodging the iMog he's been holding.

"I'm not here to eat, Dylas." He thrusts the menu back at Dylas and pulls up Iris' picture.

"I'm trying to find my sister, Iris. So unless you've seen her or have any information to share I'm just gonna move on."

[sullenstallion]

Great. Someone is missing, and someone is here to find her. For a split second, Dylas' gut knots up out of guilt, but then he remembers that he hasn't, er, invited any women back to his place for dinner lately. It's a deer in the headlights moment for sure, but he relaxes his expression.

"I haven't seen her."

And then he shoves the menu right back at him, this time only slightly more gently.

"You look like shit. Sit down and eat something while I get my boss, alright? If...Iris has been here, she'd know."

[hashtagdaddy]

"Definitely just as delightful as I remember." It's muttered under his breath, but Gladio really doesn't care if Dylas hears it. Because there's a menu in his hands again and clearly this guy doesn't understand that he doesn't have time to sit and eat.

He needs to find his sister.

"There's no time. Just show your boss Iris' picture and find out if she's seen her." Well, that was rude. In any other situation he'd apologize and add a please but this is no ordinary situation so Dylas can just deal with Gladio's anger.

He ignores the way his stomach pangs, reminding him that he forced both himself and Noct skip breakfast this morning ... and once they separated to search this area better Gladio hadn't taken time to eat anything. As long as it doesn't growl, he'll be fine and he won't be forced to sit here and eat food while Iris is Gods-know-where.

[sullenstallion]

He doesn't like Gladio's anger much. That shouldn't come as a surprise. Dealing with pissy customers is a forte of his, but Gladio had maybe been kind-of-sort-of nice to him, so he's trying to extend a helping hand. It's frustrating, putting effort into something he knows he's bad at and having his efforts rebuked.

"It'll take me a moment." He takes the photo if it's being offered to him, and...he's still holding out the menu. "She hasn't clocked in yet, but I'll run--" Hah. Run. That requires legs. "--over to her place and ask her if it's that important to you."

He leaves the offer open. Someone who works at a diner next to an inn would certainly know all the comings and goings in town, right? Dylas wants to appear sympathetic, but Gladio's bad mood has spread to him, and instead he glowers like he always does.

"You can ask the innkeeper while I'm gone, right?"

[hashtagdaddy]

Gladio hands over his iMog since Dylas will need it to show Iris' photo to his manager, deciding he can describe Iris well enough to the innkeeper to not need her picture. He's still obviously frantic, which completely hampers his ability to act and sound genuinely grateful, but he tries. "My little sister means the world t'me. Jus' don't lose my iMog."

A ... moderate success at sounding less like an ass? He can't really say as he jogs towards the inn, eyes rapidly scanning the area for any sign of someone who looks like the innkeeper.

It doesn't take long for Gladio to return to the restaurant, shoulders slightly slumped as the pitying 'sorry, haven't seen her' replays in his head. When Dylas comes back, he'll find Gladio leaning dejectedly against a wall inside. To Gladio's irritation his stomach gives a loud growl, practically begging for actual food, and all he can do is hope the Naga didn't hear it (who is he kidding, half the restaurant probably heard it).

Who has time to eat when their kid sister is missing?

[sullenstallion]

Dylas looks at the picture displayed on the iMog. It feels a bit like a punch to the gut, not that his facial expression changes any. Gladio has already pissed him off a little, but Dylas is going to use every ounce of what little of his personality isn't an asshole to help out here.

"Got it. I'll make this quick."

Once he's out of sight of the restaurant, Dylas hustles, moving at his full speed. He can't help but be a little concerned. His own sister comes to mind—or maybe she never was his sister. Margaret wouldn't want to be seen with him now, so that's great.

He slithers back into the restaurant with an elderly grandma of a Lalafell riding his tail like he's her mount. She gets off, ready to head into the back and start working, but she and Dylas exchange a few words before he's handing the iMog back to Gladiolus.

The look on his face says it all.

"We haven't seen anyone who looks like her. She looks...healthy." He's trying to say something nice, but saying 'cute' would be weird in a situation like this, right? Right. "You, uh...where else have you searched?" He heard that stomach growl, but he's not so sure he can keep the guy here against his will long enough to eat.

II. July 23rd (CW: Violence, prob 18+ eventually)

[sonoftenebrae]

Out of courtesy for the guests of the camp, especially for the members of his new household who were trying to find some peace after the chaotic week of searching, Ravus pretends that Gladiolus Amicitia does not exist until they return to their home.

The bastard left. Without a word. After his sister was spirited away. Until Gladiolus' moogle let the prince know differently, they had thought...Ravus has thought...that two Amicitia had been lost.

A week and a half has done nothing to quell the anger that he feels when he recalls it.

They took different airships back to Yun'Ashia, probably wisely, so that a fight didn't break out during flight. Ravus drops his back on the porch and waits. Gladiolus is not setting one damned foot in this house until he answers for his action. Ravus is willing to stand here and wait all day if he has to.

A broken man returns

[hashtagdaddy]

Winding up at the camp hadn't been intentional, but Noct kept insisting they go in that direction and suddenly Gladio had been faced with a decent amount of his housemates - the housemates he completely walked away from without a word.

As soon as he'd seen Ravus he tried apologizing but the man would have none of it and completely ignored him. That hurt.

On the airship Gladio has a lot of time to think. And by the time he gets to the house, he fully realizes how much of an absolute ass he's been. Now not only has he managed to lose his baby sister, but he's completely ruined whatever had been building between himself and Ravus. Not to mention that he'd only added to his friends' worries and wound up putting Noct in danger, considering he'd been ready to just abandon him on his hunt but he wound up dragging his charge along on his fevered search.

Seeing Ravus on the porch only makes the truth of his actions hit him harder and Gladio stops a few feet away, looking at Ravus with uncertain eyes.

"Ravus... I - I'm sorry." He knows the words aren't enough. He's pretty sure nothing is enough.

[sonoftenebrae]

[Pathetic. Gladio stands before him, broken and miserable. It makes Ravus' stomach churn. Gladiolus shouldn't look like that. It is wrong.

They should probably talk, but there's no way Ravus can trust himself to do that until he's exhausted all the rage he's been building up. If Gladio's grief is anything like his own, the Shield likely needs a good fight as well.]

Yes, you are. Draw your sword, Amicitia.

[Ravus has his sword in hand, and he steps off of the porch to cross blades.]

[hashtagdaddy]

[Back to the last name treatment. Yea, definitely fucked that up. At least he had the forethought to bring his sword with him when he disappeared and he draws it now, pulling it from the sheath strapped to his back.]

We at least movin' this to the training area? [Or does Ravus want to make sure he's worthy to even be on the property? Gladio holds his blade up but any experienced fighter will notice his stance is wrong, his grip too loose for any effective defense.]

[sonoftenebrae]

[Ravus marches past Gladiolus, barely looking at that weak stance of his, and makes for the training area without another word. That is how they're doing things now, isn't it? Leaving without saying anything?

He assumes Gladiolus will follow, at least. The man is likely waiting to be punished.

Ravus reaches the field where the others do their morning drills and turns on his heels.]

Prepare yourself! [That barked order is the only warning Gladio gets before Ravus raises his sword and strikes. He turns his blade to make sure he's aiming with the flat side, but that's the only acquiescence he's going to make. He's going full power, pulling no punches.]

[hashtagdaddy]

[Gladio sees the way Ravus looks at his pitiful stance before stalking past him and holds in a sigh as he follows his irritated ... lover? boyfriend? He should probably put an 'ex' in front of those words now.

Focused on his feet, he recognizes the worn grass of the training area and looks up at Ravus' shout. He takes his time raising his blade, any fight drained out of him long before arriving home, but manages to half-parry Ravus' blow. With a grunt he turns the block into a wide swing and the arc of his blade leaves a large opening.]

July 16th

[warpstriking]

There's just one problem with that whole 'going home before leaving again on a world-wide search' bit, and that's inevitably having moogles gossip about it behind one's back while you're asleep. As it is, he'd been woken up to a flurry of worried and frustrated kupos not an hour before the video is made. He glared at Ivory, but noting Prompto was already out for his morning jog, he sees why Ivory waited. He sighed, telling her to pack his things because if Gladio wasn't going to ask him then he sure as hell was going to follow. If nothing else than to ensure his safety.

He'd only been here a month, after all. While he had some skills under his belt now, it didn't mean he was adept at handling large groups on his own (unlike at home). And, unlike Gladio, he at least left a message for Ignis, Prompto, and Ravus. Along with the travel agency in Safer Osu stating he'd need to take time off even sooner than expected due to a family emergency.

It isn't until he slows down to purchase an airship ticket that the Ninja made himself known, sighing as he stepped up to walk beside him. "You know, you could have asked to take the Regalia at least."

Busted, but at least it isn't Ignis. ...Yet.

Re: July 16th

[hashtagdaddy]

Gladio didn't jump, but he definitely cracked something in his neck when he turned his head to look at Noctis.

"What are you doing here? How did you even know where I was?"

He hadn't planned on anyone other than Noodle being with him, and even that was a battle. He'd tried to convince his Moogle to stay home but she insisted that he needed her.

She was probably right. But now he also had Noct and Gladio wasn't sure how that would work out.

Re: July 16th

[warpstriking]

"In case you forgot, I'm studying to become a pilot," he informed the Shield, before nodding towards one of people at the ticket counter. "Besides, even if they hadn't called, Noodle told Ivory and she woke me after Prompto left for his jog."

He crossed his arms, staring at Gladio expectantly. Well? What's your excuse for not even talking to him before rushing off to the gods know where?

[hashtagdaddy]

Gladio had forgotten about that pilot bit, not that he'd ever tell Noct. And he should have known Noddle would blab, but he can't blame her too much - she'd loved Iris too and honestly sometimes Gladio wondered if the Moogle saw him as less of a companion and more of a family member.

The blabbermouth Moogle was currently passed out on his shoulder, so he couldn't even give her a half-hearted glare. Instead, he gave Noct a look. "I didn't wanna drag anyone else on this search. I'm not wasting any time, Noct. This isn't some sight-seeing thing or a fun little trip - this is a search and rescue."

His voice was hard when he spoke, the tone hiding barely-there control. "Don't come along if you can't keep up, 'cuz I'm not slowing down."

Not when it's Iris on the line.

[warpstriking]

Noctis doesn't even remotely flinch under Gladio's gaze. Instead, the stare only grew sharper at the admittance. Almost as if he felt insulted. "You think I don't know that?!" He hissed under his breath, hand itching to grip Gladio's shirt but restrained himself. Instead, his now-glare leveled at his Shield. "Look, I get it, but you running off without a word, only leaving that message on the linkshell does not excuse it."

"You're not the only one who's worried for her. We all are. Denying us the chance isn't just reckless, it's exactly what got me in the situation back home." He was never given a chance to really grieve. Never got to speak in depth with Prompto about what happened until they were here. He blindly acted and it led to Prompto being captured, and them being lured into a trap that got them separated.

It's almost as if Gladio was acting as though he were already dead.

"I'm not leaving you, so you'll just have to deal with it."

Gladio is ... not going to be good company ... at all

[hashtagdaddy]

"Denying you the chance to what? To leave your jobs and basically abandon our house and our Chocobos to help me look? What would that have accomplished?" Gladio thinks it all makes sense - that the only option was for him to leave by himself.

"This is Iris, Noct. I'm not stopping for anyone or anything. If they don't have information I'm moving on." He's eyeing the airship, itching to get on so it can take the hell off, and Gladio looks at Noct with blazing eyes.

"Besides, I can handle myself just fine. Managed to survive Gilgamesh after all. So enjoy following me around because I'm not slowing down for your always-tired ass."

Maybe later he'd regret what he's saying, but right now he just wants to get moving and all this standing around is wasting precious time.

II - Sparks Golsaucia

[shinra_dog]

As promised, Reno had left to take care of those left behind. But just in case, he had left express instructions for Sohma to be hospitable to Gladio if the other man searched Sparks Golsaucia for his sister.

The moogle opened the door to the apartment and adjusted his glasses. "Greetings, kupo. I was told to expect you."

[I need to get some moogle icons.]

[hashtagdaddy]

Hot, filthy, and rank, Gladio nodded a quick thanks to the Moogle before making a beeline to the bathroom. "Need t'shower and rinse these. Not gonna stay long."

His words carried as he walked. In probably less than 10 minutes he had his rinsed clothes back on his now-clean body - definitely not trying to waste any time but he needed to be somewhat hygienic if he was going to ask around local businesses.

Gladio walked briskly towards the door, unaware of anything the Moogle might be doing.

[shinra_dog]

"Stop, kupo!" Sohma fluttered between Gladio and the door, holding his paws out firmly.

"Those are filthy!" the miniature-Ignis of fluff chastised, pointing at Gladio's clothes. "A rinse will not do! Take those off so I can wash them properly, and then you may leave."

He tugged on Gladio's vest stubbornly.

[hashtagdaddy]

Gladio stood stunned at the Moogle's insistence. He peeled off his vest and handed it over but crossed his arms and cocked one eyebrow at the determined creature.

"Got anythin' for me to wear while you wash everythin'? Or am I just gonna lounge around here naked?"

He might not be adverse to walking around shirtless, or even in just his underwear, but he would absolutely not just sit around Reno's home completely nude while his clothes were cleaned.

[shinra_dog]

Sohma peered over the top of his glasses. "The male human body is not unknown to me. You do know who lives here, don't you?"

Well, if Gladio wasn't aware of Reno's habitual lack of clothing, he was now.

"Besides, there isn't anyone here to see you. They took young Hope to Camp Curtisy. But you can wear your towel, if you prefer." The moogle took Gladio's vest but shooed him with the other paw expectantly. "Now go -- off, off, off!"

[hashtagdaddy]

Gladio was absolutely unprepared for that statement. Apparently someone - and he could guess who - liked to wander the house naked ... aaaannd that's a mental image that he won't be able to erase.

"Good t'know there won't be anyone comin' around, I guess." Well, so long as Noct didn't come in. Fuck. Maybe he should message him ... make the offer.

Though Gladio was glad to hear that Hope went to the retreat. Maybe the kid could have some fun and not worry too much about him, though from the messages and calls he'd been missing and forgetting to respond to he doubted it.

With a shrug Gladio stripped out of his remaining clothes and looked for a place he might be able to sit while he waited. No sense walking or lounging around in a damp towel that would only get cooler as time progressed when the only other occupant of the house apparently wasn't bothered by nudity.

And if Noct decided to use Reno's house, Gladio would simply cover up.

"So is there somewhere safe t'sit or anythin'?" He wanted to check on the map and see where he's be heading to next.