#I feel like Ignis and Even might be Buddies | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

twistedtummies2 · 3 years ago

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The Mad Doctor of Night Raven (Commission)

Another commission; this is from the same person who created Tock Crockwork and Caelyum in past stories. This time, we introduce another OC of theirs: Xavier Madoc, based on The Mad Doctor from Epic Mickey. This is also my first time properly writing for Idia and Ortho! :D

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“You sure this is everything you need, me hearties?”

“Nya! It better be! Some of this is heavy!” You smirked as you adjusted the box of electronic equipment in your arms. You checked on your companions, who were carrying similar boxes. To your right strolled Grim, the fire-eared, trident-tailed, cat-like imp. He was carrying a very small box - fitting for his size - while yours was more medium sized. A box matching the size of yours was in the arms of your more human comrade: a tall, slender young man with long, fuschia-colored dreadlocks, dressed all in brown. “Thanks for the help, Cael,” you said to him gratefully. Caelyum De Macabre shrugged cheerily. “Don’t mention it!” he chuckled. “For one thing, helping you get this stuff was part of my job at the Mystery Shop. Sam prides himself on having everything; if I couldn’t find something like all this, he might dock my pay.” “Would he?” you blinked. “Probably not, but he MIGHT,” huffed Cael. “And as for carrying some of this…” His smile became more bashful. “...I owe you both. If it weren’t for you all...I might not have been able to reconcile with Mia.” “How is she, by the way?” you asked, tilting your head, then smirked teasingly. “Have you proposed yet?” “Well...um...yes and no?” chuckled Cael, pausing to flick a stray dreadlock out of his face before continuing. “We had a talk about that, actually, and...we decided it would be best to wait to get married till after I finished school.” “Well, as soon as you have your wedding, make sure you guys send me and Grim an invite!” Cael nodded to say he would, then both of you paused as you heard a sort of growly groan come from Grim. “Having trouble, Little Monster?” Cael asked, tilting his own head this time. “I wish people would stop calling me that,” grumbled the imp, and continued to march onward, tail flicking angrily behind him as the blue flames in his ears crackled faintly. “I’ve got it. The Great Grim won’t be defeated by a box!” He paused, blinked, then mumbled: “That’s something I didn’t think I’d say today…” Both yourself and Caelyum snickered.

“Why’d the otaku guy ask for all this, anyway?” Cael asked as the three of you continued on. “It’s for the science expo!” Grim said. “Science expo?” frowned Caelyum. “Idia’s final exam,” you nodded, and explained: “Crowley is holding a science expo here in a couple of weeks, and Idia has to create something for it for one of his classes.” “Well...cool, but why are YOU guys getting it?” “Because the thought of leaving his room multiple times to take multiple trips nearly made Idia have a heart attack,” you answered, dryly. Cael blinked...then sighed. “Yeah,” he muttered. “From what little I’ve seen of Shroud, that sounds about right.” “I hope he appreciates the help,” huffed Grim, and bounced the box of equipment in his little arms as he continued to march forward, moving ahead of you both. “It’s not easy hauling all this from the Mystery Shop all the way Igni-YIPE!” Grim let out a shrill yelp, and fell back onto his bunce; he’d bumped into something, which hit the floor with a crash. The box full of equipment fell to the ground. Yourself and Cael quickly but carefully put down your own boxes and hurried to gather the fallen items and inspect them swiftly, while Grim growled and rubbed his sore haunches. “Nothing’s damaged,” Cael sighed with relief. “Are you alright, Grim?” you asked. “No,” pouted Grim. “My dignity is wounded, and it’s hard keeping it intact as it is.” You smirked affectionately. “Oh my gosh!” exclaimed a new voice. “Are you okay?!” The three of you looked up to see a new figure rushing towards you all. The figure was a young man, dressed in the black-and-blue, informal, leather-jacket-clad dorm costume of Ignihyde. His skin was pale, and he had moppish hair, which had been dyed mint green with blue tips. His eyes were heterochromatic, and similarly colored: one was emerald, the other cobalt. He was somewhat gangly in build, yet handsome in features. “Nya...I’m not hurt, if that’s what you mean,” Grim muttered out, stumbling back onto his hindpaws and dusting off his fur. “I wasn’t talking to you!” the young man snapped, catching Grim off-guard...then knelt down to what Grim had bumped into. “Abe! Abe, are you okay?” The figured Grim had bumped into, you soon realized, was a robot. It was dressed like a porter, and - in contrast to the synthetic skin and almost fully human appearance of Ortho Shroud - had a decidedly mechanical, industrial look: all metal plates and gear-twisting joints. Its face was mask-like, with two yellow lamps for eyes. The robot shook its head with a whirring noise, as if to clear it, then the mute bot - it had no mouth - nodded to the young Ignihyde student. The mint-eyed boy sighed with relief, and smiled at the bot as if it were an old friend, patting its shoulder. Then, he glared at Grim almost childishly. “Why don’t you watch where you’re going?!” the lad snapped. “Me?!” snapped Grim, stomping one foot angrily, ear-fire flaring up. “Your stupid robot was the one who bumped into me!” The green-and-blue-haired youth gasped, looking deeply offended, and hugged Abe close. “Don’t listen to the mean little raccoon, Abe,” he crooned to the bot, stroking the back of its head like it was his child. “You’re perfect just the way you are.” “I AM NOT A RACCOON!” screamed Grim. “I don’t even LOOK like one; why does everyone keep calling me that?!” The student from Ignihyde was too busy fawning over his robot like it was a spoiled child to answer. The robot squirmed, its yellow eyes flickering; you got the feeling that if a machine had the power to blush, Abe would have been doing so from all the attention. Grim pouted and grumbled while yourself and Caelyum stepped closer to address the newcomer, who helped the robot to its feet. The machine called Abe clattered and clanked a bit as the young man pulled a screwdriver out of his pocket and began to check over the mechanical wonder’s form. “Buddy, I keep telling you, you have to make sure to look both ways,” whispered the young scientist. “Maybe some of your circuits need rewiring; it’s like your memory bank has a hole or two in it somewhere. Tch. My fault for using-” “Excuse me,” you spoke up. “Who are you?” The Ignihyde student looked to you...then smiled. “Oh, hey there!” he said, waving with the hand that held the screwdriver. “Name’s Xavier. Xavier Madoc, if you, ah, wanna get all formal and stuff, heh. I’m a, uh, first year here in the dorm. I was just taking my buddy Abe here for a tour around the campus!” He patted his robot’s back; Abe stumbled forward, and rubbed his arm, looking a little nervous as he nodded to you in greeting. Sensing the AI’s anxiety, you gave a disarming smile of your own and bowed your head in return. This seemed to make Abe perk up a bit. “Nice to meet you both,” you said. “Speak for yourself,” mumbled Grim. “Hey, not Abe’s fault you’re an imperfect specimen of biology,” frowned Xavier. Before either yourself or Grim could point out Abe was clearly not a perfect machine, either, Xavier’s eyes lit up with recognition as he noticed the other member of the party. “Oh, it’s you again! Kale, yeah?” “Cael,” De Macabre corrected, with a mild smile. “Is this your presentation for the science expo?” “Pffft! Oh-ho, yeah, like...c’mon. Making artificial life? That’s, like, SO twenty years ago,” Xavier snorted. “Nope! I’ve got somethin’ a whole lot bigger in mind! It’s gonna REALLY put me on the map!” “After how much all those parts cost you, I should hope so,” mumbled Caelyum. “Hold on, back up,” you said, giving a “time out” gesture. “The two of you know each other?” “Only peripherally,” admitted the shopkeeper’s aid. “Just like you guys, I helped Xavier pick out some items for his project.”

“Cool,” you commented. “They work perfectly, by the way!” Xavier butted in, and then giddlily clapped his hands. “Ohhhh, this is gonna Rock. The. World. Like, if there was a world, and my new invention could hold it, it would just…” He made explosive noises as he mimed shaking something in his hands, then puffed them out with a long, whining “Aaaaaah!” noise. “...That would be it,” he declared, grinning from ear to ear. “Nothing is gonna top this one, nothing!” “Well, you seem pretty confident,” you chuckled. “Trust me, if there’s one thing I know...well, actually, I know, like, a lot of things, I guess?” Xavier frowned, turning his eyes heavenward as he counted on his fingers. “I mean, there’s, like mechanical engineering, alchemy, anatomy, welding, potion making, computer science...basically, yeah, if there’s one thing I can do, it’s how to make something awesome. With SCIENCE!” The last word was spoken with great melodrama, complete with Xavier lifting one hand theatrically, throwing his head back with pride and puffing out his chest arrogantly. Abe seemed to roll his eyes at his creator’s hammy attitude. “I wouldn’t get too cocky,” Cael said warningly, as he stepped back to lift his box up off the floor. “Yeah! Especially with all this to contend with,” Grim grinned a little smugly, picking his own box back up as well. Xavier frowned as he saw you lift the third and final box, now looking both curious and perhaps borderline suspicious. “Yeah, about that...what’s with all the toys?” he said, pointing to the box with a slight frown, as if the items within were beneath him. “Is there, like, a kid entering the expo, or are you cleaning out trash…?” You blinked, and the three in your party shared looks. The strange part about that comment was it didn’t sound like it was meant to be an insult. Xavier seriously seemed to see the tools in the boxes as inferior. “These are for Idia. Your dorm head,” you said, slowly. Xavier’s eyes widened, and so did his smile. “Oh! Oh, COOL! So, wait, holdupholdupholdup...you’re saying Idia Shroud - THE Idia Shroud - is gonna come outta his hideout and tussle with the muscle at the contest?” “That’s...one way of putting it, yep,” you answered unsteadily. “That’s TERRIFIC!” Xavier exclaimed, clapping his hands and bouncing on his heels with giddy delight. Abe tilted his head with curiosity, and Xavier, noticing the robot’s reaction, decided to explain. “When I beat Idia, that’ll be, like, the best thing ever!” Madoc told Abe. “I can finally show just how perfect and brilliant my machines are! Abe, it’s gonna be DA BOMB! HA HA HA!” Xavier cackled with almost unhinged delight, pumping his fists. Abe turned his lamplike eyes towards your group. You see what I have to put up with? he seemed to be saying. “Be wary,” Caelyum warned. “You shouldn’t underestimate Shroud: he’s dorm head for a reason. He literally made his own brother, you know; have you made anything that impressive before?” Xavier looked to Cael...and his smile fell. A sudden coldness came over his expression, and his eyes narrowed. “Are you saying my machines aren’t impressive?” he whispered, his voice lowering an octave. “No, I don’t think he’s saying that at all!” you interrupted, sensing the tension and wanting to cut it short. “Just...um...Idia’s not half bad either, you know.” Xavier smirked, but his eyes were still glittering like emerald daggers. “Hmph. He may be dorm head, but he’s got nothing on The Madoc,” Xavier boasted, jabbing a thumb at himself...then, his eyes brightened, and his whole being became exuberant once more. “Hey! Hey, you should totally come see the expo! All of you! That’d be great!” “Then we could see you win, huh?” you smirked right back, already sensing his thoughts. “Well...or see the others lose,” he said with a sinister laugh. “Your choice of how you wanna word it.” “Nya...that seems a jerky way to put it,” grumbled Grim, but no one paid attention to him. “Well, Crowley is probably gonna ask us to do something there anyways, with his track record,” you muttered. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw you there.” “Perfect,” smiled Xavier, then cocked his head innocently. “Uh...right, I, ah...yeah, just realized I never got who YOU were?” You gave your name quickly. “I’m Prefect of the Ramshackle Dorm,” you explained, and pointed to Grim. “This is Grim.” “Aww...nice that your dorm allows pets.” Grim looked like he was pondering the many ways he coil make life excruciatingly painful for Xavier Madoc. “Why do you say that?” Cael spoke up. “Does yours not?” “Honestly, I dunno,” shrugged Xavier. “I’ve never had a pet. Never wanted one, really.” He tapped Abe on the chest; the robot - who had been staring off at something on a wall - jumped at the clanking on his abdomen. “I just deal with machines,” he said. “Pets are so...fussy. And unpredictable. You have to feed them and clean up their mess...my machines are clean and easy to handle. A machine can’t leave you or get sick; if there’s a malfunction, just a touch of oil or a twist of a wrench, and it’s all fixed, usually! And, hey, if something breaks, I can just rebuild it!” Abe looked hurt. “Oh, not you, buddy,” Xavier chuckled, patting his metal shoulder. “You’re irreplaceable.” Abe seemed to smile, but since he had no visible lips, you couldn’t tell. “I think it’s a good thing to have pets,” Caelyum argued, then gave a joking smile. “Maybe you should buy a lab rat or something?” Xavier shuddered. “Right, and be around animals AND people? Thanks, I think I’ll pass.” “And you were teasing Idia about leaving HIS hideout?” Grim taunted. Xavier glared at him. “I’m not scared of people,” he protested. “I just...don’t like crowds. I don’t like most people, either.” “You seem to be chatting easily with us,” you observed. “Well...yeah, but…no offense, I’m not gonna be inviting you to my lab anytime soon,” Xavier smiled weakly. “I like my privacy, that’s all.” You weren’t quite sure how to respond to that. “Speaking of,” Xavier went on, without waiting to see if you WOULD respond, “I gotta get back to work: I’ve gotta work out some clibrations for my new invention, then maybe see about modifying Abe’s storage banks, not to mention figuring out a few blueprints for future projects…” “Jeeze, don’t you do anything fun?!” Grim exclaimed. “Science IS fun,” huffed Xavier, sticking his nose up snootily. “And I don’t see a reason to stand here and be insulted by a furball.” While Grim sputtered, offended, Xavier looked to Abe. “Come, my friend!” he called out, theatrically. “Back to the laboratory!” Abe saluted, and he and his creator turned on their heels before marching away. The metallic footsteps of the robot echoed down the hall for several seconds after they vanished from sight. “I don’t like him,” grumbled Grim. “We gathered that,” Caelyum smirked. “He seems...eccentric,” you murmured, then shook your head. “Then again, I guess it’d be hard to find anybody at this school who ISN’T at least a little bit odd.” “He seemed like a good sort to me,” Cael nodded, then frowned thoughtfully. “Perhaps a bit too sure of himself for his own good...not to mention a little too antisocial…” “Hey, I’ve dealt with Idia; trust me, that was nothing on the antisocial level,” you scoffed, as the three of you went down a side passage and headed off to find Idia’s room. “That’s not quite what I mean,” mumbled Caelyum, and then went on, aloud. “You know the donation jar at the Mystery Shop?” “You mean for the Medical Center?” “Yeah,” Cael said. “He didn’t donate anything. That’s not surprising, I guess, and it wouldn’t have really bothered me at all - donations from customers are hit and miss, always - but when I asked him if he’d like to make a donation, his response was…unsettling.” “Nya?” Grim meowed, one ear flicking with curiosity. “And what did he say?” “He said, ‘Sorry, but there are too many people out there to worry about the sick ones.’” You blinked...then scowled. “Okay...that’s...not very nice...and a little confusing,” you murmured. “Yeah,” Caelyum said. “The weirdest part was he then started rambling about the machines in the Medical Center. He seemed more interested in how the machines worked than what they actually did to help people.” You glanced back over your shoulder. Now, you were starting to feel worried. A person that strange, that obsessed, and that sure of his own superiority… ...Suddenly, Xavier’s eccentricities were starting to take a more sinister undercurrent. “Let’s just forget about him,” snorted Grim. “Come on, the scaredy-cat’s waiting!” “Right,” you muttered, then shook your head to clear it, and picked up the pace, this time taking the lead yourself. “Come on, you two...if Idia’s going to have any shot at that science expo - Madoc or no Madoc - he’ll need these parts.’

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Several weeks later, the science expo at Night Raven College commenced. Various students from across the campus were readying their inventions and projects. You had been right, of course: the Headmaster had, indeed, demanded that you attend the expo. As custodians, your job was to help those preparing their experiments, and to clean up any messes that might come up. By some miracle, not a drop of an acid, nor a bit of any base, had yet to stain the floor, and nothing solid had broken. Of course, that could change at any time, so yourself and Grim wandered around the expo, peeking at different experiments on display. A lot of what was being shown you didn’t fully understand - science had never been your strongest point - and, truth be told, the majority of the students involved were not ones you knew personally. There were, however, two familiar faces you were hoping to see. “Nya...where are the Shrouds?” meowed Grim, flicking his tail from side to side and blinking his big blue-green eyes up at you. “Shouldn’t Idia and Ortho have set up their panel already.” “Yeah, they should have,” you nodded. “Maybe they just didn’t get things ready in time?” “Not the way I heard it.” The voice caught your attention, and both yourself and Grim smiled as you saw who it belonged to. “Oh, Cael! So you came here after all, huh?” you grinned. “Yup. I actually invited Mia, but she couldn’t make it; some kind of royal business,” the shopkeeper’s assistant shrugged. “I wanted to see how the items Sam and I sold were being used, so I asked him if I could get out of my job at the Mystery Shop a few hours early to check things out.” “I see. I’m sorry to hear Mia couldn’t make it,” you said, sympathetically. Caelyum smiled gently. “For years I lived without her,” he said, faintly. “Even if we’re not together, my heart will always be with her...and hers with mine…” “Ugh...gag me,” sneered Grim. “You don’t have to make it sound so dramatic, you know; you’re a bigger ham than the guys at Pomefiore!” Cael blushed and you giggled. “Anyway...Ortho told me he and Idia had finished their work,” Caelyum informed you and the imp. “They actually have it stored here at the hall, since they felt that would make it easier for transport and setup.” “That’s strange, then. Even Idia usually isn’t late for these things,” you murmured, looking a little concerned. “He’s not?” Cael asked, curiously. “I would have thought, with his reputation, he would try his hardest to avoid them.” “Well, Idia usually has Ortho attend the Dorm Leader Meetings - and other events - and then uses his computer to do a voice stream from his room,” you explained. “That way he can make his presentations without having to face the crowds directly. There should be no reason for at least one of them to not be-” “Excuse me! Pardon me! Coming through! Thank you!” “Idon’twannagoIdon’twannagoIdon’twannagohelphelphelp…!” Grim turned around fast at the sound of the familiar voices, and tugged on your leg, pointing in the direction they were coming from. Both you and Cael quickly looked in the direction he had indicated, and saw the crowd of students and helpful staff members parting… ...Revealing the form of Ortho Shroud, who all but skipped merrily along through the campus convention hall where the expo was being held, dragging along what looked like an enormous black-and-blue bag. You quickly realized the “enormous bag” was really Idia Shroud, who was lying belly down on the floor. His dead-white hands were holding up his hoodie in a steel-knuckled grip, while his glowing blue, ethereal hair spilled across the floor from under it. Ortho noticed your group soon enough; his cybernetic eyes widened, and he waved, trotting over to three of you. You looked to Caelyum, who was staring bug-eyed, stunned by the bizarre tableaux. You had to admit, it said something that, somehow, you were a lot less weirded out. “Hi ya, Prefect!” Ortho chirped in his electronic way, as he stopped a few feet away from your trio. You could see that, now at a standstill, Idia was shaking like a leaf. “Uhhhh...hi,” you greeted awkwardly. “Nya! Why are you two so late?” Grim grimaced. “And what exactly is going on?” Cael asked, sounding like he was trying not to shout that out in confusion. “Oh! Well, um, Big Brother’s thingamajig that he uses for remote conference? It, uh...kinda had a malfunction,” Ortho said, an embarrassed smile flickering behind the mask-like apparatus on his android face. “Malfunction?” the three of you repeated, looking at each other, and then back at Ortho. “Yeah,” Ortho said, and scratched the back of his head. “My brother convinced a stray cat into our room so he could give it some food...but when he tried to snuggle it, it bolted back out the window, and knocked the device off a table and onto the floor. We...didn’t have time to fix it.” A keening whine from Idia made it hard from you to determine if you should laugh or just feel sorry for the poor, anxious noble son. “Yeesh...and that’s what all this is about, huh?” “Yep!” Ortho siad, cheerily. “Big Brother still has to attend his final for the class, after all! So I made sure to get him here with enough time to set up shop!” Ortho’s chest was puffed out with pride; you swore, if he had a tail, it would have been wagging like a puppy’s. You couldn’t help but smile, even as Grim and Cael both rolled their eyes, crossing their arms over their chests. “Well, good job, Ortho; that’s being responsible!” you said, and playfully patted the boy-like droid’s head; you would never understand how that fire-like hair DIDN’T burn your fingers, but no matter. “I’m sure once he’s done having a panic attack, he’ll be proud of you.” Ortho giggled happily and his eyes crinkled with another sweet “smile.” You now turned your attention to Idia, as Ortho released his leg. The instant, Idia felt his leg being let go, he stopped shaking and froze. Slowly, he rolled onto his back...and huge amber yellow eyes, glowing like warning lights, peered out from behind the hoodie. Idia took one look at the crowd in the hall, and the faces looking at him...and squeaked like a mouse before hiding his face. He clumsily tried to get to his feet and run away...only to let out a shrill, strangled sound as he tripped on his own feet and fell over. Ortho let out an “eep!” and rushed to catch hold of his brother before the computer genius could eat tile. “Nervous, Idia?” Grim drawled with a smirk. Cael couldn’t help but chuckle as Idia whimpered with terror, quivering once again. “P-People,” came Idia’s voice behind his hood. “Too...t-too many people...please...t-take me back to my room...I-I’d rather watch the English dubbing of Ghost Stories than do this…heck, I’d rather play Iron Gear: Survive than be here...!” “Not till you finish your presentation,” Ortho said. “Come on, Big Brother! Show everybody how cool you are!” “I don’t wanna be cool!” Idia nearly sobbed. “Please, not this! Not…” He gulped and nearly choked on the next words. “...T-Talking to people...having them judge me...no, no, not that…” Idia shook his head behind his hood stubbornly. Ortho looked at you helplessly. You sighed and knelt down to Idia’s level. You cautiously reached out to the trembling socially anxious scientist, who whimpered as he felt your hands brush against him, and curled up tightly, as if afraid of being struck. With a sympathetic smile, you carefully parted his hands and pulled down his hood. His face now fully exposed to the outside world, Idia blinked his giant yellow eyes at you with real fear. His dark lips were trembling, and you swore those golden irises were getting a little misty as he looked on the verge of crying with fear. You could hear his shark-like teeth chattering as if winter had come early that year. “Idia,” you said softly, “It’s got to be done, and you’re the only one who can do it.” “Why is that?” peeped Idia, childishly. “Because it’s YOUR creation, Idia,” you said, with an encouraging smile. “No one knows it better than you do.” “Yeah! It’s not like we can talk about all this science-y junk!” Grim broke in...then subsided when Idia reacted by looking hurt, while Ortho gave him an almost murderous glare. “The presentation only has to be a few minutes long,” Cael thought to put in helpfully. “A few SECONDS is too much!” Idia said, and hurried to try and hide his face again...but you prevented it with your hands as you carefully held his wrists. His black-nailed fingers twitched with mortal dread as he looked into your earnest, honest eyes. “Idia, does Ortho know anything about the project?” “Well...n-no, not enough to tell them everything,” Idia admitted, squirming uncomfortably and almost guiltily, like a child admitting he’d stolen five cookies from the cookie jar. “Is there anybody else who could give the presentation on your behalf, with the knowledge you have?” Idia blinked. Those last few words seemed to have stirred something in his breast, and he looked at you anew, blinking a few times, as realization dawned on his pale face. “...No...I guess not,” he said, softly. “Well then?” you urged, tenderly, raising one eyebrow. Idia bit his lip; his sharp teeth almost drew blood. (Almost.) “...But...b-but I’m scared,” he cheeped out, like a wounded baby bird. It took all your willpower not to kiss his forehead. How could a denizen of the Underworld be so friggin’ cute?! “It’s okay to be scared,” you assured him. “Being brave means doing things even though you are scared.” “No, being brave means enduring unpleasant situations without showing fear,” Idia droned. “That’s literally in the dictionary.” “And how brave do you think the Lord of the Underworld was when he fought the Mighty Hercules?” “A lot braver than I am!” Idia replied, without missing a beat, and promptly hid his face again, rolling onto his side, like a child refusing to get out of bed. “I’m not doing it!” You bit your own lip, and looked around awkwardly. A LOT of people were staring, and that was only going to make Idia feel worse. You had to pacify this quickly. “Mr. Shroud.” You blinked up at Caelyum, who knelt down beside you with a reassuring smile of his own. Idia peeked out of his hoodie timidly. “Wh-What?” “Once this is over, I’d be happy to give you a free Jumbo Jar of Jelly Babies from the Mystery Shop as a reward for your efforts,” Cael offered. Idia’s eyes went wide at the mention of so much candy. “...F-Free?” “Yes,” Cael nodded. “I’ll just put my own money back into the shop to make up the expense. BUT,” he said, in a stern, almost parental tone, holding up one finger, “You have to at least try to make your presentation first.” Idia licked his lips, but he still looked uncertain. “...What if they don’t like my creation, though?” he whispered, shivering a little. “They’ll love it, Big Brother!” Ortho declared. “It’s the best thing ever! You’re so smart, it has to be!” “And all three of us,” you thought to add, “Will be there. Myself, Cael, and Grim: we’ll be watching and cheering you on.” Idia squirmed again. “...The watching part I could live without, but…” Finally, at long last...he gave a scared, small, hesitant smile. “...The cheering part...I-I’d appreciate it,” he chuckled, and seemed to perk up a bit. “And, h-hey...I get lots of candy out of it, yeah?” “Sugary gummies galore,” winked Caelyum. Idia paused once more, and took a deep breath, before finally relenting: “F-Fine...I’ll...I’ll try not to screw up...” “That’s the spirit, Brother!” cheered Ortho joyously, and helped Idia to his feet. Idia gave a nervous nod to his brother, then gave you a shy wave and a smile that showed just a hint of his pointed teeth, as the young android led him away to another part of the hall. Both yourself and Caelyum stood to your full heights and sighed with relief. “Sam’s gonna kill me,” he mumbled. “He gets pretty strict with inventory; I think it’s the con-man in him…” “Just don’t make a deal with him, and you’ll be fine,” Grim giggled. “You know, maybe another incentive we could have used was a chance for ‘snuggle time’ with a certain ‘Little Monster,’” you said, airily, giving Grim a teasing smile. The cat-like little beast blushed bright red, and his ears flared up. “Th-That’s not funny, Minion!” he snapped, huffishly, while Cael chortled merrily at the thought. Just then, another laugh was heard from the far end of the hall; you recognized it instantly. “Xavier?” you murmured, remembering the strange scientist from a few weeks ago. “Sounds like the judging has begun,” Caelyum remarked, as he noticed a group of official-looking gentlemen, along with some students, gathered in the area. “Nya! Let’s go see what’s up!” Grim suggested, and loped off on all fours to do exactly that. You and Caelyum shrugged to each other, and followed at a casual pace. You soon came to the panel hosted by Xavier. To one side stood Abe, who had traded out his porter’s costume for a buttoned-up labcoat...although, amusing, he still wore his porter’s cap upon his head. The mechanical man’s mask-like, expressionless, featureless face somehow still managed to look rather bashful as he waved shyly at the mob that now surrounded the corner spot. It was Xavier Madoc himself, however, who most arrested your attention. He stood in front of a table, over which was draped a light gray table cloth...and on top of that was a large, oddly-shaped...something. No one could tell what, exactly, for a second tablecloth - also colored gray - was covering it. Xavier was dressed in a long labcoat, which stretched past his knees and halfway down his shins. Underneath this, the eccentric inventor wore blue jeans and white tennis shoes; the former was held up by a peculiar teal-colored belt. A light gray midriff shirt, with black pinstripes, was perhaps the weirdest part of his ensemble; emblazoned on his chest, upon this shirt, was an unusual design: a black-stenciled image that, on one side, resembled a skull, while the other side resembled a clockwork gear, the two parts meshed together unsettlingly. With his wild, wide grin and the way he bowed to the crowd - more like a circus ringmaster than a distinguished scholar - one couldn’t help but find him a most uncommon figure. “Ladies and gentlemen...and undecided!” he greeted, and laughed at his own joke (no one else did, but he didn’t seem to care) before continuing: “Allow me to introduce myself: I am Xavier Madoc! Also, allow me to introduce my trusty counterpart, Abe! His name stands for Assistant Bot Extraordinaire. Yeah, ha, not the most, uh...SCIENTIFIC name I could’ve come up with, but what can I say? I liked the acronym.” Abe rolled his electronic eyes and nodded to the judges, who nodded back before refocusing on Xavier, who rubbed his eyes as he moved to the opposite side of the table from Abe. “Friends and colleagues of science, let us talk about emotions, shall we?” he began, still speaking in an almost carnival-esque tone of voice, which made Cael roll his eyes and scoff. “He sounds almost like Sam at times,” the Swamplands native mumbled. You and Grim smiled at him, then looked back at Xavier as he began his spiel. “Emotions are a fickle thing,” Madoc said, lifting a finger in emphasis. “Emotions can be our strength, but they can also be our weakness. What a beautiful world it would be if we could all be logical, without those...pesky things like jealousy or greed to spur us in the wrong direction. Even here, in a school of black magic, love is just as revered as vengeance. There is a reason, of course...two, really. One, I would argue, is human frailty. We cannot help ourselves; we are, very tragically, made to be feeling creatures more often than thinkers. But another is perhaps more practical, in this particular world...and that, my friends, is that we need it as fuel. Magic is a powerful entity in our world, arguably more than science, and while it is not uncommon for the two to mesh together, no one has found a way to properly harness the power of the human spirit that allows our magic to work. Well, my friends...I, Xavier Madoc, have found the solution to that quandary!” So saying, Xavier through out both arms in a grand gesture and sang out: “TA-DA!” Silence. Nothing happened. The judges and the crowd just stared at Xavier awkwardly. Xavier blinked, then looked to Abe, who was looking around the room blithely. He frowned and whistled, getting the droid’s attention. “Abe,” he said, and pointed to the table. “You’ll want to take off the tablecloth on that cue, ‘kay, buddy?” Abe nodded, and scooted closer to the table. “Thank you,” whispered Xavier, and tried again, louder: “TA-DA!” A horrible grinding sound was heard as Abe grabbed the tablecloth on the table, nearly knocking over the item under the second veil as he gave it a tug. Xavier yelped for him to stop, and swooped in just in time to right the object before it could crash to the floor. You forced yourself not to laugh; Grim and Caelyum were not inclined to do the same. “So much for ‘the perfection of machines,’ huh?” the fluffy little imp whispered. “Hush!” you scolded...but internally, you conceded he had a point. Abe shuffled sheepishly as Xavier brushed his mint-and-cerulean bangs from his face and gave him an impatient, toothy smile. The dark doctor-in-training could hear some of the crowd snickering, and he hated it. “Not THAT tablecloth,” he said through clenched teeth, and pointed to the device under the covering. “THIS tablecloth. Got it?” Abe nodded, looking like a scared child. “Thank you,” Xavier sighed in frustration, and took a deep breath before trying one more time: “TA-DA!” Finally, Abe swirled off the right tablecloth with great panache. Underneath it was unveiled a strange machine, about the size and shape of the average backpack. Most of it was covered in white leather, but several mechanical apparatuses were jutting from it. Among these were two large copper tanks on either side, several steel cylinders, and two long tubes of tough, transparent rubber, which led from one of the sets of caps into the copper tanks. Two beige-colored leather straps were attached, and it was into these straps that Xavier slipped his long, lanky arms, putting the strange pack on his back. “Introducing my newest invention!” Xavier declared with a beaming, proud smile. “The Emotion Reservoir Power Converter - or ERPC, if you want to shorten it. We can’t all have cool acronyms like Abe, heh...ANYWAY! I would argue that negative emotions have more importance here than positive ones: Blot is the result of an overabundance of black magic use, and much of dark wizardry involves the channeling of negative power. The ERPC can drain small doses of negative emotional energy directly from the subject, and then convert them into magical energy, without the user suffering a state of Overblot!” “Can you give us a demonstration?” one of the judges spoke up. He was a portly man, with spectacles perched upon a crooked nose. “I hoped you would ask that, Dr. Alcott,” Xavier answered with a Devil-May-Care wink, then looked to his robotic companion. “Abe? The book, please!” The robot nodded, and reached into the folds of his labcoat, before handing his creator a small book with a bright pink cover. On it was the title “Princess Pony and the Island of Fluffy Squirrels,” by Lorina Faustus. Xavier blushed bright red and swatted at Abe, who hurriedly put the book away while giggles and chuckles once again came from the audience. “I told you not to…! THE OTHER BOOK, ABE!” Abe quickly fished a second book out: this was a black leatherbound volume with the image of a galaxy festooning its front. Xavier took it and sighed, shaking his head before flipping to a bookmarked page. “Here,” he declared, pointing at the page in question and tapping it with a finger, “Is an excellent example. Keep in mind, gentlemen and ladies, I am but a first year here. The spell I’m about to perform is typically a fourth-year level spell, and I have taken no classes on the subject. Should you wish for confirmation of this later, simply consult the members of the staff on standby today.” Xavier thus cleared his throat, and lifted one hand, extending his thin fingers towards the ceiling before mumbling the incantation in the book. He closed his eyes, furrowing his brow and gritting his teeth, trying to concentrate...his fingers clawed as he flexed them, arm trembling as he forced all the power he could muster into his spellcasting… A dim, murky cloud of purple - shapeless and formless - hovered over the heads of the judges. Specks and blotches of many hues, like splatters of watercolor on a half-burned piece of parchment, appeared and disappeared...before, finally, Xavier gasped and relinquished the attempt, and the colors all faded, the cloud dissipating in an instant. “Haaaaah...a-as you can...ahem...as you can s-see,” Xavier gasped out, wiping some sweat from his brow. “That was hardly an easy task, gentleman...and hardly a good demonstration of that spell. Thankfully, my new invention can allow me to ‘upgrade’ my abilities, through use of my Unique Magic…” He lifted his left hand, the one that he had first used to try and enact the spell, and flexed his fingers as he recited his magic words. “...Paint & Thinner.” There was a flash of turquoise-toned light...and suddenly, Xavier’s left arm had undergone a startling and somewhat disquieting transformation. The fingers and thumb of his left hand had turned into a set of what looked like syringes, the needles resembling claws, his whole hand now seemingly mechanical and metallic. “My power,” Xavier smirked, flexing his taloned hand, “Allows me to extract emotion from a person. This is the ‘Thinner’ part of the equation. The emotional energy is converted to a liquid state. I can, of course, also return the emotions to their original owners, in a gaseous state: this is the ‘Paint’ aspect. Now, I know this is, uh...you know...a little freaky, but...I’m going to need a volunteer.” He handed the spellbook to Abe and added: “My assistant doesn’t exactly have veins to target.” Naturally, at first, nobody stepped forward. Xavier’s expression shifted, and he started to seem crestfallen, perhaps even a little scared… You sighed, shook your head, and stepped closer, raising one arm. “I volunteer,” you said. Xavier grinned, and nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Prefect,” he said, and addressed the audience as - with the clinical care of a master surgeon - he pulled you closer by one arm. “Everyone watch closely, please.” He then looked back at you; his voice was the professional, bland calm of a medical expert as he said the timeless refrain: “This won’t hurt a bit.” The syringes were inserted into your arm. You closed your eyes, trying to relax, remembering all the injections you had gotten. You did not feel the slightest prick as they did their work, and soon, bright green fluid - the color of some toxic acid - was drawn from your very body into the syringe fingers. “Sit down,” whispered Xavier, in the same clinical, almost cold tone, easing you into a nearby chair which Abe had prepared. His actions seemed more dismissive than in the vein of proper bedside manners. You sank into it gratefully. You felt...lightheaded. Cold. Almost ill. You didn’t know it at the time, but before the congregation of onlookers, your skin had suddenly turned very, very pale, and your hair and eyes had lost all color. Even your clothes seemed to have become more faded, causing you to look like a monochrome character from a black-and-white movie. You hoped the sickening, hollow sensation inside you wouldn’t last long as Xavier turned to the audience again. “Generally speaking, draining the emotion from the victim will leave them feeling weakened; enough power drawn can lead to them being rendered unconscious. My machine allows me to withdraw more than I would usually be able to manage in a single dose without even touching the subject, should I wish...but for safety purposes, I think we had better focus on the OUTPUT demonstration. Observe…” He closed his eyes...and suddenly, the syringes emptied, as if the power was being drawn through his arm and into his core...then, the same green fluid bubbled through the pipes, and a slosh came from the copper tanks as your emotions filled them with liquid energy. “Now,” said Xavier, and waved a hand for Abe to open the book and show him the page, as his syringe hand lifted to the ceiling. “Let’s see if the emotional energy I’ve drained from my volunteer can be converted to enough magical power, via the ERPC, for the spell I attempted earlier. Remember, everybody: first year here…” Once again, Xavier lifted his hand to the ceiling...and this time, as he spoke the incantation, the purple cloud became a beautiful circle of deep indigo, revealing the boundless reaches of outer space. Splashes of color became perfect images of planets and stars, so real in appearance one swore they could touch them. In fact, one student DID try to touch one...and yelped, as the sun actually burnt their finger slightly. “Careful,” chuckled Xavier, and then flexed his fingers...and the beautiful image disappeared. He then turned to the judges and, without a word, bowed. He had rested his case. The judges seemed most impressed. Dr. Alcott and the others applauded and smiled, looking quite pleased. However, they had other presentations to attend to, and after a few more perfunctory questions, they moved on. As the judges moved on, and the crowd went with them, Xavier looked two, kneeling down to look at your face. You felt dizzy and queasy, and the look on his face indicated he could tell. He extended his fingers. “Breathe normally,” he instructed, and a faint blue mist poured from the needle like fingers...and you sighed as you felt the ill feeling go away. Steadily, the color flooded back into your being at the same time. “Oh, dear Gods...wh-what was that?” “That was what it was like to be drained of emotional energy,” Xavier said, and gave an anxious sort of smile. “Pretty icky, huh?” “You said it,” you grumbled. “That was a bold decision, Prefect,” Cael observed, as Grim nodded in agreement. Both he and the imp looked rather concerned; they had lingered behind to check on you. Abe placed a mute hand upon your shoulder. You glanced up briefly at the featureless mechanical man, then smiled weakly back at your friends. “Well, he needed someone...who else would have done it?” you reasoned, then shuddered. “I really don’t like needles though…” “Not my fault it’s how my power works,” chuckled Xavier, but obligingly lifted his hand and spoke the counter-curse: “Thinner & Paint.” Another flash of blue-green light, and his hand returned to normal. He gave it a shake, then extended it to you. “Thank you for the help,” he said, sincerely. “Gotta admit, I didn’t expect anybody to put their best foot forward for me like that…” “I’m glad I could start a new custom,” you said, and shook his hand before shakily standing up. “I still don’t feel quite ready for work though…” “Give it a couple short minutes, and it’ll wear off on its own,” Xavier said sweetly. Just then, more applause came...louder than before. The four of you looked; Xavier frowned and the rest of you perked up as you realized who the next contender was… “The Shrouds!” exclaimed Grim. “Let’s see what they are up to,” suggested Cael. “Right,” you nodded, then smiled at Xavier. “Really cool invention. I hope you win!” Xavier’s eyes widened as he looked back at you, seemingly taken aback by the compliment and well-wishes...then smiled awkwardly. “Heh...uh...th-thanks, um...enjoy the rest of the expo. I mean, no one else is gonna be as awesome, but...you know…” You just laughed, and joined your friends, giving Xavier a wave as you strolled towards the Shrouds’ panel. You never noticed how Xavier’s smile faded into a cold, almost lifeless expression behind you while your back turned away. “No one else is gonna be as awesome,” he whispered to himself, forebodingly. Unaware of the ominous moment that had passed, your gaggle descended with the rest of the onlookers to see what the Head of Ignihyde and his “Baby Brother” had in store. Said “Baby Brother” was brushing humming in a vocoded-sounding way (he WAS an android, after all) as he brushed down a machine on the table. The device was not hidden by anything, the way Xavier’s power pack had been, which meant you and all and sundry could take a peek at it. It was...difficult to describe. The shape of the thing vaguely resembled a small ice maker, colored black and gray, but with three glass tubes on the top, each filled with strange fluids in primary colors: red, yellow, and blue. While Ortho dusted it off, Idia, was standing off to one side; his knees were almost knocking together, and his fingers fiddled endlessly with the dangling pullstrings of his hoodie as he stared at the judges, brow bathed in cold sweat. “Okay, Brother-o’-mine!” cheered Ortho, and looked to Idia happily. “It’s all set.” Idia said nothing. He didn’t move. He stared straight ahead, like a statue, still focused unblinkingly on the judges. “Uh...brother?” Idia whimpered, still frozen and shaking. “BROTHER!” shouted Ortho, fire-hair flaring up and turning orange for a second as he stomped his foot in frustration. Idia yelped and jumped about a foot in the air. “IWASN’TTHINKINGABOUTHIDING!” he exclaimed in a jabbering sort of way...then blinked when he saw Ortho’s pouty expression. (How the android could pout with no visible lips was anyone’s guess.) He flushed; Idia never blushed red or pink, but his cheeks turned a sort of bluish-purple color. “C’mon!” Ortho urged, and gestured towards the group. “They’re waiting.” This did not seem to encourage Idia, who flinched and looked nervously at the impatient judges. “I...um...uh...w-well, uh...aha...er…” You frowned, glancing with concern at Grim and Caelyum; the former matched your expression, while the other mostly looked bored. This was not going well. A thought came to you, and you stepped forward slightly. Idia must have heard your approach, because his eyes quickly darted to see you, and the encouraging smile you gave. Suddenly, he seemed to relax...but only VERY slightly. Idia was the sort to fear he was BREATHING too loudly and that would get on people’s nerves, he could only be so calm. Still, it helped enough for him to clear his throat and begin talking. “Ahem...s-sorry, ladies and gentlemen,” he said, with a nervous smile, tapping his fingers together childishly. “I’m, ah...not used to this sort of...front and center kinda thing, heh...honestly, I wish I were hiding under my blankets right now...BUT! But, ah...I think the device I’ve made will at least be of interest…” So saying, Idia seemed to pluck up some courage. Your own smile widened as he placed a hand on the machine, and his stance straightened. If there was one thing that Shroud could talk about with SOME pride, it was his work. “I don’t need to tell all you that, uh...th-that the source of magic for m-many wizards and witches is their magic crystals, right? Right. So, ah...I, well...I got to thinking: the problem with the crystals is they can...well...run out. We have to mine for them, we have to dig for them, and there’s always a chance that someday...y’know...th-there might not be any left. Which would...kinda suck, ha. SO! I decided to try and create SYNTHETIC crystals…” He tapped the tubes on the top of the machine. “With these three simple potion compounds, mixed together in the right order, I can...well...do that. Using this machine.” “Would you say there are other advantages to this idea?” Dr. Alcott spoke up. “Oh, y-yes!” Idia said, starting to smile as he realized he had someone’s interest, though he seemed a bit nervous when he noticed the way the other judges scribbled some quick notes down. “Ahem...yes, sir. See, with synthetic crystals, not only do you not need to dig them up, but...well...if you have these compounds, and this machine, you can make as many as you like.” “Well, yes,” Dr. Alcott nodded, “But are they any more advantageous than natural crystals?” Idia paused, as if to think on his answer, then nodded slowly. “There is one other thing,” he said, almost shyly. (Well...there was no “almost” about it, this was Idia Shroud, but you gave him the benefit of the wiggle room anyway.) He paused before steadily elaborating: “Synthetic crystals do have a couple of weaknesses. They are not as physically strong as natural ones, for a start, the same way synthetic gems are not as strong as real jewels. You also can’t make them as large as natural crystals, because with the compounds being used, they can become unstable. But, at the average size of the average magic crystal…” He pointed to the one he wore himself, on his arm, before continuing. “...It can actually last longer than a natural crystal. It...well...um...I don’t know how to explain it, actually, but my experiments have shown that...well...you can use them for a longer period of time before worrying about Overblotting.” “Well, that’s definitely an advantage,” smiled Dr. Alcott, seemingly impressed, then turned serious as he scratched a few notes down before speaking again: “Can we see how this machine works?” “Y-Yes! Yes, of course!” nodded Idia...then tapped Ortho on the shoulder. “Little brother? Um...w-would you do the honors?” He then added in a whisper, “I’ll probably mess up…” Your smile became slightly less proud: Idia was still Idia. Ortho just giggled. “You can’t mess up turning the machine on, Big Brother!” he teased quietly, but still obeyed, pressing a button on the contraption. A loud whirring sound was heard, and the potions in the tubes bubbled and then began to lessen in volume; you could hear the sound of fluid being stirred and mixed, followed by the low humming buzz of another item either cooling or heating the stuff inside the machine… ...It only took about two minutes - during which the judges’ attention was raptly focused on the device, and several in the crowd mumbled to one another with interest - and then, with a rattle and a clatter, a teardrop-shaped, transparent, pale blue crystal dropped into a tray inside the machine. Idia opened the lid and pulled the crystal out of the tray, holding it up for everyone to see, then offered it to the judges, who inspected it closely. Finally, Dr. Alcott handed the artificial crystal back to Idia with a smile. “Fine work, young Master Shroud,” he nodded in approval. “Fine work indeed.” The other judges and the audience applauded. Idia smiled bashfully, tucking his head down and mouthing a quiet word of thanks as he hugged the crystal to his chest. Ortho, noticing the way his brother was shaking, gave him an encouraging hug as the mob and the judges - still chatting betwixt themselves - moved away. Once again, yourself and your friends stepped forward, all of you wearing matching grins. “I’m so proud of you!” you cheered, and gave Idia a hug. You felt the eldest Shroud freeze up in your embrace, and couldn’t help but smile still wider; Idia, bless his heart, still wasn’t used to much physical interaction, and you could feel him starting to twitch. You gave him a very gentle, comforting squeeze, and rubbed his back reassuringly. Only then did his arms steadily move upwards to gingerly return the hug. “Nya!” Grim called out happily, trotting over with a wide grin, purring up at the fire-haired Ignihyde head. “You did a lot better than I expected!” “An interesting invention, too,” Cael complimented. “I’m sure you’ll end up with first place!” “Oh, I-I dunno,” mumbled Idia, rubbing one arm and squirming slightly with embarrassment. “I thought Madoc had a pretty cool creation, too…” “His was neat,” nodded Grim, “But I think yours is better.” “His energy converter DID have one noticeable issue,” Cael thought to add, glancing back towards Xavier’s panel - by now, the odd scientist and his assistant had turned their attention away, and were seemingly polishing the power pack. “It depends on HIM in order to work. No one else would be able to use it: it’s not something you can mass produce, because no one else has his Unique Magic.” “That’s true,” Ortho spoke up. “But hey! The basic idea isn’t bad; with a little adjusting, he could make it something really special for everyone to use!” “If he cares enough to try,” mumbled Grim; he subsided at the look you gave him. “It’s up to the judges, and the contest has just started,” you said, crisply, then smiled at Idia once more. “Whatever happens, you did good. Don’t doubt that.” Idia smiled sweetly. “Th-thank you,” he whispered, then glanced at the crystal in his hand and back up at you...before offering it cautiously. “Would you...like a souvenir? Heh…” You chuckled, and took the crystal, placing it in your pocket. “Sure,” you said. “Thanks, Idia.” “Y-You’re w-w-welcome,” stuttered Idia, looking like he was scared of feeling too happy. He paused and cleared his throat with a cough before reaching into his hoodie’s pocket, pulling out his cell phone. “Well, um...I wanna catch up with a new show I’m watching, so...I’m, uh...y’know...gonna go find a nice, safe corner till the judgment call comes, and...well…ju st, uh...exist, heh…” “Can I watch with you, Big Brother?” Ortho peeped hopefully. “Sure,” Idia said with a smile and a nod, then gave you the same gestures before scurrying away, looking like he couldn’t wait to get away from everything that had the power to breathe. Yourself and your two companions chuckled and gave a collective mock salute to the Shroud brothers, as Ortho followed Idia quickly. Then, still chattering amongst yourselves, you hurried to rejoin the group and see what else was at the exposition… None of you were aware of Xavier Madoc’s eyes following the mob’s movements, before glancing back at Idia’s device. One could have sworn his one green eye flashed.

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The exposition had come to an end, and after two hours of deliberation, the judges were ready to deliver their verdict. The contestants had lined up on either side of the room, while the audience sat in chairs before a podium. Yourself, Caelyum, and Grim all took seats in the second row (the front row had filled up too quickly) and watched as Dr. Alcott approached the podium, adjusting his spectacles and shuffling some papers in his hands. You glanced to the right. Along with the other contenders at the expo, Idia and Xavier were naturally lined up, both on the same side of the hall. Xavier stood with a cocksure smile, arms crossed, while Idia was nervously twiddling his fingers, biting his lip with his dagger-like teeth. He looked towards Xavier and smiled nervously. “S-So, uh...may the best man win, huh?” he said, awkwardly. Xavier didn’t even look at the dorm head as he narrowed his eyes and simply said, “Don’t worry. I will.” Idia looked a bit befuddled. Abe and Ortho - who stood beside their corresponding creators - looked at each other and shrugged. The sound of Dr. Alcott brought your attention back to the podium. “It’s time,” Cael and Grim murmured at the same time, as the lead judge addressed the audience, crooked nose pointed high. “Friends of science,” the doctor began, “I am not one for grand speeches or over-sentimentalizing the talents we’ve seen on display here today. Virtually every experiment we viewed today, every invention created or formula concocted, was of interest.As far as those doing this for an assignment go, my supposition is you will all pass with flying colors. However, there can only be one winner: one person to leave this exposition a proper champion.” He snapped his fingers and one of the other judges stepped up beside him, and handed him a trophy, with a golden ornament resembling a ringed planet. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Dr. Alcott intoned, “The winner of the Annual Science Expo is…” Xavier smirked, and straightened up his labcoat, taking a deep breath, as if ready to thank everyone… “...Mr. Idia Shroud!” Xavier froze, the smile seemingly slapped from his face as his eyes widened. Idia’s eyes widened too, and he gasped in surprise as the crowd applauded. One could almost see tears in his eyes as he realized what had happened. Yourself and your party cheered as Ortho nudged Idia up to the podium to accept his trophy, which he did with trembling fingers. You were grinning from ear to ear, and so was Idia; his shark-toothed smile had never been wider, you felt, nor more genuine in nature. His amber eyes sparkled like a pair of glittering gold coins. As Dr. Alcott began to congratulate Shroud - who was hugging the trophy to his chest almost like a teddy bear - you turned to see the other contenders. Most of them - including Abe - were clapping politely. The only exceptions were Ortho, who was literally dancing with joy… ...And Xavier Madoc. He looked absolutely livid. His face was almost as red as Riddle Rosehearts’ could get, his fists clenched, one eye twitching as he gritted his teeth angrily. His mismatched eyes were burning… You felt your blood run cold as the blue eye was surrounded by a matching aura. “Grim!” you hissed, tapping the feline-like creature on the side. Grim turned fast...and his ears flattened back and he mewed as he saw droplets of ink dripping from the magic crystal Xavier wore… “Oh, no,” he gulped nervously. “What’s wrong?” Caelyum whispered...then frozen when he saw the same. “Oh, barnacles...is that…?” “Overblot,” you replied, gravely. “Here we go again…” Just as Dr. Alcott shook Idia’s hand, and was about to dismiss him, Xavier suddenly let out a screeching cry of apoplectic rage, which startled everyone present. All eyes watched as the white labcoat of the first-year science master flapped behind him like the wings of a huge war bird, as he flew back towards his panel, and hurriedly strapped the ERPC to his back. “Unacceptable!” he shouted. “I will not allow it! I WILL NOT ALLOW IT! No one outsmarts me! NOBODY! My machines are perfect! My work is superior in every way! And if you doubt that - if ANYONE STILL doubts that…!” A feral grin came to his face as he extended one arm. “...Then I’ll just have to prove otherwise, won’t I? Paint & Thinner.” A flash of turquoise light was immediately followed by an explosive sound. KA-ZAM! A gale wind ripped through the hall, as a swirl of black mist surrounded Xavier Madoc; you cursed violently under your breath as blue and green light burst through pockets in the spiraling cloud of inky darkness. No doubt Xavier’s strong emotions and the level of magic he had put out earlier had blended together, and with the power pack on, he could burn through magic and cause damage with greater force and strength than you could guess. “Brace yourselves!” you called to Caelyum and Grim, as everyone else in the hall dove or ducked for cover. “This isn’t gonna be easy!” “Is it ever?!” Grim yowled, while Cael simply squinted, watching with you as the mist began to clear… ...And soon, you could see the change that had come over Xavier Madoc. The right side of his body had seemingly not changed at all...but the left was another story. Not only was there now a blue aura surrounding his left eye, not to mention the metallic, syringe-tipped left hand...but his whole left side seemed to have become a cyborganic nightmare. The left side of his face was covered in metal plates, and his entire left arm and leg had become robotic in nature; the clothes on the left side of his body were seemingly frayed and shredded, exposing portions of a metal chest and clockwork-esque innards. In-between the joints of his limbs and face, black ink oozed like oil. Xavier’s one green eye was feral looking; bloodshot with a pinprick pupil. He grinned in a manic way, and let out a cackling laugh that rebounded off the hall walls. “HA HA HA HA HA! You dared to overlook my creations?! You spurned my talents, eh?! Then let me show just how powerful I can REALLY become!” he roared, and the ERPC roared to life as he thrust out his syringe hand. “I told you, I can extend my unique abilities without proximity! So now...NOW, ALL OF YOU, GIVE ME YOUR POWER!” In horrific fashion, the needles extended...and five members in the crowd collapsed as they were pricked, turning gray and pallid. Their entire being became monochrome as, in a split second, all emotion was drained from them and into Xavier’s being. Xavier shot out his claws again, the protracting talons jabbing into another five people and rendering them the same. Now, panic set in, and people screamed as they raced for the door. “Don’t leave in such a rush!” laughed Madoc, and snapped the fingers of his one human hand. The doors suddenly shifted, becoming solid walls, and all the windows clicked as they were locked into place. “The party’s just beginning!” Xavier’s claws lunged at you now, but yourself, Grim, and Cael all quickly dropped, ducking the attack. Three other people who had been standing behind you, along with two more, were drained in your stead. Xavier shuddered, a toxic aura surrounding him as the tanks were filled with more and more emotional energy. “More...MORE!” he bellowed. “If I can’t have your respect, I will have your rage...your despair...your panice...fuel me! FUEL ME!” Idia and Dr. Alcott ducked behind the podium with twin yelps. Ortho hurried to check on his brother, and barely avoided the needles as they shot out. The other judges weren’t so lucky, and crumpled in an unconscious, grayscale-colored heap as their emotions were drained. Abe rushed forward to try and stop his creator, desperately grabbing hold of Xavier’s one human arm. Xavier snarled, gnashing his teeth. “Imbecile and traitor!” he roared into the droid’s pleading face. “I have no further use for YOU!” Xavier jerked away his human hand, then, with a sneer, thrust it out again...and - THOOM! - a magical shockwave slammed into Abe’s chest, sending the robot flying. He crashed down beside your trio, the three of you still lying on the ground as Xavier continued to stick his needles into everyone who moved. The room was in a panic, the other contestants’ creations smashing on the floor as people dove for cover. Slowly, Xavier began to make his way through the hall, laughing dementedly. “All this over a freaking trophy?!” hissed Grim. “I think there’s got to be more to it,” mumbled Caelyum. Abe nodded, as if to confirm this, and then gave you a look as if to ask, Now what? This was the burning question; you had to figure out a way to keep Xavier from hurting more people, as well as remove the power pack. As long as he still had the converter on, his power wouldn’t drop. He could potentially stay in Overblot for a much longer period of time, burning the power almost as quickly as he got it...growing just strong enough to overwhelm… “Okay, I’ve got a plan,” you said at last, and whispered to your compatriots. “Listen closely…” Xavier, meanwhile, grinned as he approached a group of people, huddled together. “Let’s try an experiment,” he hissed, a mad grin on the young doctor’s face as he lifted his syringe hand. “I now know how swiftly I can drain an organism...now, can I make it more slow and painful?” He cackled, his victims babbling pleas for him to stop as he lifted his hand, preparing to shoot out the razor-sharp needles and drain them dry. “Every emotion in your body...slowly siphoning into mine...let’s see how long it can really-” FWOOSH! “Nya! Back off, crazy-coat!” Xavier jumped back with an almost animalistic sneer, and swirled his ragged cape around as he looked towards the source of the fire that had distracted him. Grim was standing in a ready pose, balls of blue flame held in each forepaw as he smirked challengingly. “Insufferable hairball!” shouted Xavier. “I WILL NOT BE DENIED! I WILL HAVE MORE POWER!” He lunged at Grim, swiping with his robotic talons, but Grim moved aside quickly. As Xavier plunged towards him, a loud smashing sound was heard from behind. The mad doctor turned quickly, and his one good eye widened in surprise as he saw that Abe had kicked a hole clear through the wall, and was ushering people through the hole and out of the area, Idia and Dr. Alcott leading those still conscious to safety. “NO!” shouted Xavier, and shot out his needles...but he was just too late as Abe blocked him, giving him a determined glare as they scratched helplessly against his armored plating. Then, giving Xavier an almost pitying expression, the robot leapt through the hole himself. Xavier moved to try and give pursuit, but Grim thrust out his arms, and formed a wide ring of fire that blocked the scientist’s path. “You think this will stop me?!” Xavier bellowed. “You can’t defeat me! My invention gives me power beyond yours!” “Good to know. I’d hate to have to refund anything.” Xavier stopped short and glanced about, trying to find the source of Caelyum’s voice...before, suddenly, he felt a strange sensation brushing up against his legs. He looked down...and screamed in a mixture of panic and rage as a horde of marble white Locker Crabs began to swarm over him, their pincers latching onto parts of his clothing and the edges of his inkstained metal carapace, trying to drag him to the floor. “GET OFF ME, YOU CRETINOUS CRUSTACEANS!” yelled Xavier, trying to kick and swat away the crabs, unaware of the shadow that stepped through a gap that formed in the flames, and approached from behind. The crabs snipped their claws at the leather straps holding the ERPC in place. Xavier slapped them away...then jerked as, suddenly, the weight of his invention was pulled away. “WHAT?!” he spat, and turned around fast, pupils pinpricks as he saw you jump backwards, holding the device in your hands. “NO! NO, YOU-GACK!” He hit the floors as the crabs tripped him up. You scampered back through the gap in the flames, which Grim soon closed up. The little monster was jumping up and down, pumping his forepaws/fists and cheering. “NYA! Get ‘im, Cael! Pin ‘im down!” the cat called. “We’ve won now!” A low laugh from under the swarm of Locker Crabs knocked the smile from Grim’s face. “Won? Hardly. I’m still getting warmed up!” ZAM! Xavier sent out another shockwave with a loud shout. You toppled onto your back, the ERPC falling from your hands and thunking onto the floor. The crabs scattered, and the flames were extinguished as Grim was sent rolling across the hall. You quickly sat back up...and shuddered. Xavier loomed over you, the acid-colored aura around him showing his fury as trails of spilling ink traced his steps. You snatched up the ERPC and scrambled to your feet, making a dash for the whole in the wall. “NOT SO FAST!” roared Madoc, and lifted his human hand. He screamed some foreign incantation, and the shattered section was suddenly patched up, the debris flying back into place, stitching together like a jigsaw puzzle’s corners. You swerved and made a dash for a window; you could break it, after all, even if it was locked. Xavier snarled out another incantation, however...and teleported directly in front of you. You skidded to a halt, but not fast enough as he grabbed hold of your arm with one hand, and lifted his syringe claws, a wild grin on his cyborganic face. “HA HA HA!” he cackled. “What a foolish attempt that was! You truly thought you could defeat me?! I will drain you till your very soul is rendered inert! Nothing can resist my power! With the ERPC, I can remain like this for eternity! And when the world grovels at my feet, I will build more machines! BRILLIANT machines! My mechanical creations will-!” FWOOMPH! A burst of flame slammed into Xavier, bowling him over and singing his labcoat. You fell back down and scrambled away as you held tightly to the power pack. Xavier snarled as he stood back up, his mechanical pieces clicking and sparking...as the two of you saw who had re-entered the room. It was Idia Shroud; Ortho had evidently picked the lock on one of the windows, and the pair had climbed through. Idia was visibly trembling, but tried his hardest to look brave, twists of orange curling through his ethereal blue hairdo. “Leave. Them. Alone,” Idia intoned. Madoc sneered. “First you steal my prize, now you RUIN MY MONOLOGUE?!” he yelled. “Alright! Just for that, I WILL OBLITERATE YOU!” Xavier charged at Idia, but the head of Ignihyde narrowed his eyes, gritting his sharp, jagged teeth. His hand shook as he held it, as if showing doubt… ...Then, his stance and expression hardened, and the shaking stopped. Just as Xavier Madoc leapt through the air, swiping his syringe claws through the air...he snapped his fingers. KRAK-KOOM! An explosive blast of fire and noise, like a grenade had gone off, erupted directly before Madoc. The explosion sent the mad scientist flying backwards, his labcoat tattered and scorched, black marks on his skull plates. Xavier cried out as he slammed headfirst into a wall...then crumpled to the floor, and fell still. He was out like a light. The mad doctor was done. You sighed with relief and stood up as Ortho cheered. “WOO-HOO! Way to go, Big Brother!” he exclaimed, and gave Idia a smack on the back. The hunched head of Ignihyde flinched and smiled shyly at his artificial sibling. “It was nothing,” he whispered faintly, visibly blushing. “Are you okay, Prefect?” Ortho asked. “I’m fine,” you nodded as you approached them, and glanced around. “Where are the others?” Right on cue, a low growl was heard. The three of you looked to see Grim was just sitting up, massaging his skull after evidently banging his head during his tumble. “Me-owwwww…! That creep hits way too hard!” he moaned out. “Did anybody get the number on that-MREOWR?!” He was cut off as Idia scooped the imp up and began to snuggle him, crooning and planting chaste, loving kisses on his head. “Awwww, the poor wittle kitty!” he cooed sympathetically. “Did you get an ouchie? Did the mean cyborg hurt you, huh?” “HISSSSS! I’M FINE!” Grim spat, kicking and squirming. “L-Lemme go! For the last time, I DON’T LIKE SNUGGLES, STOP!” Idia just let out a happy hum, squeezing Grim, repeatedly crooning, “Awww, poor thing, you poor little dear…!” over and over again. Ortho giggled sweetly, while you just rolled your eyes and smiled. A skittering sound heralded the reappearance of Caelyum, who reformed out of a pillar of white sand crabs. He stumbled on his feet as he returned to his normal state, and you placed a hand on his shoulder to steady him. “You okay?” you whispered. “No,” mumbled Cael, and smiled wearily. “When I use the power that way, a fraction of my will - my mind - is in every single crab. I feel like I just got thrown through the loop-the-loop of a roller coaster seventeen times.” You gently patted his shoulder and smiled back, gratefully. “Walk it off, matey,” you said softly with a wink. Cael chuckled. “Aye,” he nodded, as your group moved to look down at the defeated Xavier Madoc. “I will.” For several seconds, the ink-leaking cyborg lay on the ground, unmoving. But that was alright: none of you were expecting him to move. By now, you knew the drill of how things worked after Overblot...and sure enough, after a few seconds, wisps of silvery-white mist began to drift up from the defeated scientist, as his whole body began to glow a blinding white. All of you shielded your eyes from the light, watching as the mist began to spiral, and soon enough, images formed in the center of the floating cloud. Pictures from the past… “Dad! Dad, look at this!” A tall, thin man in white, with a pointed goatee, looked down from the workbench he was stationed at. He smiled as a small boy - with mismatched eyes of blue and green - came waddling into the room, holding a piece of paper. “What is it, Xavier?” “I made a blueprint, dad! I wanna make a robot! Like one of yours!” squeaked the young Xavier, and held out the paper to his father. “Do you think it’s any good, Dad? Do ya? Huh?” The older man lifted the paper and looked; he chuckled at the untidy crayon scrawl drawn on the page, the acronym “A.B.E.” accompanying a childish drawing of a metal man in a porter’s outfit. “Not a bad idea, Xavier,” he complimented his son, and handed the “blueprint” back to its creator before ruffling his son’s hair. “You’ll make a fine inventor, at this rate.” Xavier giggled, playfully swatting at his father’s hand, then gave him a wide but shy smile. “You promise?” he peeped. “Could I...could I be as good as you, Dad?” “No,” the man answered, and leaned down, kissing his son’s forehead. “You’ll be even better.” The child’s happy hum was interrupted by the shifting of time, as a new image spun into view: Xavier was a little older now, and working in a laboratory. He whistled as he fitted a screw into place on a device he was building...only to freeze as he heard voices coming from outside the shop. Curious, he trotted over to the door, and peeked outside. He could see the shadows of two men, arguing not so far away, and heard what they were saying. One of them he recognized as his father’s voice… “Oscar, you can’t be serious!” “I’m sorry, Xander,” the other voice said. “All I know is that Charles got to me first. What would that tell you?” “That Charles is a faster runner,” droned Xander. Xavier giggled softly, but clapped a hand over his mouth to avoid being heard. “Very funny,” Oscar’s voice drawled. “I’m serious, Oscar. You KNOW me, we’ve worked together for years! Are you going to take his word over mine?” “Right now, I haven’t got a choice. His patent has been in development at my company for a while; all that’s left are i’s to dot and t’s to cross. Even if what you say is true, Xander, he finished his work more quickly; I’m not seeing a lot of incentive here.” A pause. “...So that’s it then?” came the terse voice of Xavier’s father. “What about my family, Oscar? What about my son?” “Relax, Xander. You’ll come up with more inventions, you always do, and I’ll be just as willing to buy!” “Forget it. I’ll find another person to sell to.” Another pause. “...Okay. Okay. If that’s how you feel about it,” came Oscar’s weak reply. “Goodbye, Xander.” “Goodbye, Oscar. Tell Charlie he knows where to stuff it.” Oscar’s shadow disappeared, and a few moments later, the sound of a door was heard opening and closing. Xander was heard sighing, and Xavier saw his father’s silhouette slump into a nearby chair. Curious, the boy trundled out of the room to his father’s side; the older inventor was sitting with his head in his hands, massaging his brow. “Dad?” peeped Xavier. “What was all that?” Xander blinked at his son. “Oh. You...heard that, huh?” Xavier nodded slowly. Xander blinked...then sighed and picked his child up, placing him in his lap. “Listen to this, Xavier, because it’s very important,” said the doctor to his son. “Not all inventors are good. You must guard your inventions well, and you must always do your best to make sure no one can top you. People will try to steal what you make, people will look for weaknesses in it. Never let them find any way to stop you.” He placed a hand under his son’s chin and gave a sad smile. “You’ll be brilliant someday...but with brilliance comes danger. You can’t trust anyone, understand?” “I can trust you.” “Of course,” chuckled Xander. “And I can trust my machines,” added Xavier. “Well, yes, but a machine isn’t a person,” Xander said. “Machines only exist to follow their programming. Machines will always do what they’re supposed to. Machines will only let you down if people making them make mistakes. People aren’t like that: people are flawed, and people are foolish. They will pass you over and cheat you if they find a way or reason. Never let that happen. Okay?” “Okay, Dad. I’ll do my best.” The scene shifted again. Xavier was now much older, nearly the same age as he was now. Abe now stood at his side as he worked on a project in his laboratory, building a new machine. “This is going to be the greatest thing ever!” he cheered, grinning to his mechanical companion, who nodded in happy agreement. “Just think of how much fun the science fair will be with this completed! Ha Ha! Man, Abe, we have this in the bag!” “Hi, Xavier!” The pair looked towards a new face that had entered the lab: a fellow youngster in red. “Oh, hey, Gus! What’s up? Shouldn’t you be getting ready for the science fair?” “I haven’t figured out what to do yet,” sighed the boy sadly, then smiled weakly. “So, uh...I thought, well...maybe you could help me come up with an idea. I mean...you’re like a billion times better at this stuff, heh…” “Sure, I can help!” smiled Xavier, helpfully, and clapped his hands together, dusting them off, waving for Abe to go fetch a few books. As the robot marched off, the teen in red noticed the item on the workbench. “Hey, what’s that?” “Huh? Oh! It’s my project for the science fair. Looks pretty cool, right?” “Yeah! What’s it do?” Xavier explained quickly. The lad looked envious of his science-savvy friend. “Wow...I’ll never figure out how you can do all that stuff...you’ve gotta be the best inventor ever!” “Awww,” blushed Xavier. “It’s just a knack.” “Can you show me how you make it?” the teen asked, hesitantly. “Sure, if you want,” Xavier said, blithely shrugging and smiling. “Then I’ll help you figure out what you’ll do yourself. Sound fair?” The boy smirked; Xavier didn’t notice the cunning in his eyes. “Yeah. That sounds fair,” the classmate answered. The scenario changed once more. Xavier now glared with absolute hatred at the boy in red...who was smiling, chest puffed out with pride, as he showed off his machine to the judges, who cheered and applauded. It was a machine identical to the one Xavier had made...and the boy had made it first. Xavier had been forced to change his plans, and the experiment he’d come up with at the last minute had been sub-par. The cheat got first place. Xavier got nothing. Xavier snarled, fists clenching as the boy in red smirked in a sidelong way at him, and mouthed the word, “Sucker,” before continuing to bask in adulation. Xavier Madoc scowled as he packed up his items. He was shaking a little. “You can’t trust anyone,” he whispered to himself. “Well, you’ll see...you’ll ALL see...I’ll come up with something no one else can top. I will PROVE to you how good my science is. Just wait and see…” His mismatched eyes burned as he turned his back on the laughing classmates and applauding teachers...and stalked back to his lab. Alone. With his machines. “...I don’t need anybody. Just my machines.”

The mist cleared and evaporated, and the white light faded...revealing Xavier Madoc had changed back to normal on the floor. He was still unconscious, but the glow was gone from his blue eye, and the machinery parts had vanished. Silence reigned for a few seconds. This was not unheard of. By now, you had accepted there was always a “digestion period” where everyone was taking in what they’d just learned. This time, however...the silence stayed unbroken. No one spoke a word, looking like they were trying to properly form thoughts, even as Xavier began to stir again. As he did, he reached out with a hand, fumblingly, mumbling incoherently… ...And froze as someone knelt down and took that hand. Xavier looked up...and seemed stunned when he stared into the wide yellow eyes of Idia Shroud. For a moment, the two looked at each other...then Xavier pulled away with a sneer. “Cheat,” he hissed. “I never cheated,” whispered Idia, sounding surprisingly confident for once...confident, but careful. “It’s not that no one recognized you, Xavier; no one was trying to neglect you. It’s just...there could only be one winner. And I happened to be it.” “It wasn’t an easy decision, either,” added Ortho. “Oh, no?” Xavier grimaced, looking skeptical. “No,” Idia answered. “Dr. Alcott spoke to me before I returned: you would have been second place. Your invention really impressed him and the other judges, they just...felt mine was more easy to use widespread. Yours needed a few tweaks for them to give it the topmost prize.” “They said they couldn’t have asked for a better start to the expo than you,” added Ortho, in a quiet, helpful voice. The bitterness in Xavier’s face had faded slightly, leaving his expression blank and cold. He turned away quietly, and hugged himself, curling up against the wall. “You can’t shut yourself out because of one bad incident,” whispered Caelyum. “Trust me: I know what it’s like when you seal off your heart. It doesn’t get pretty.” “No one is invincible,” added Grim. “Well...except for me, but...that’s because I’m awesome.” You rolled your eyes at the hubris of “The Great Grim,” and knelt down beside Idia, looking into the heterochromatic eyes of the mad scientist. “Just because you’re brilliant doesn’t mean everything is going to be perfect. Similarly,” you said, “Just because one person did something terrible, it doesn’t mean you can shun all people. Everyone and everything has flaws. The important thing is to learn from them.” Xavier furrowed his brow and looked down at the floor for several seconds...then looked back up at both of you. “...I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I...I shouldn’t have lost control. That was...that was childish of me. And...I’m sorry for what I did.” He looked to Idia and smiled shyly. “Your invention was...not too bad.” “Thank you,” Idia said, with a slight blush, and helped the scientist to his feet. Just then, the sound of metallic footsteps echoed out. The group of you turned...and Xavier’s heart seemed to sink as he saw Abe re-enter the hall, yellow eyes fixed on his creator. “Abe, I’m so, SO sorry,” Xavier said, seriously. “I shouldn’t have-EEP!” He was cut off as the metal man crushed him in a solid bear hug, nuzzling his steel cheek against his creator’s hair. Ortho and Grim both giggled, while yourself and Caelyum smirked. Idia, for his part, didn’t seem to know what to make of the scene. “I think he already forgives you,” you said teasingly. Abe nodded to show this was the case. It was obvious he was just happy his maker was back to normal. Xavier smiled bashfully and gestured for the metal man to put him down, then looked to Idia. “So, uh...y-you’re the head of the dorm,” he said, and rubbed his arm. “Do you, uh...like...have any ideas on how to make the ERPC better? More...accessible?” “I can think of something. You know...maybe,” Idia said with a timid smile. “I mean...I’m r-really not the best choice, I...I got the whole idea for MY thing from an anime-” “Anime?” Xavier asked, and perked up visibly. “What anime?” “Oh! Uh...Magica Marocca. It’s...um...a Magic Girl series? You, ah, probably don’t know what that is-” “YOU WATCH MAGICA MAROCCA?!” Idia blinked, stunned, at the sudden look of exuberant excitement on Xavier’s face. “You...you’ve seen it?” the otaku nearly squeaked out. “I love that series!” exclaimed Xavier. “I mean...okay, it’s not, like, the GREATEST thing, in terms of story? Kinda rushed...but I really love the art style, a-and the way it plays with the themes and ideas of a typical Magic Girl series! It’s like Watchmen, but for...that!” Idia looked like he’d just found his soulmate. “I feel the same way! A-And have you seen Glitter Cure?” “Rascal is one of THE best villains ever.” “I AGREE!” squealed Idia, clapping giddily, that wide, almost manic smile you saw so rarely stretching across his face, matching Xavier’s instantly. “Oh, my gosh, no one EVER knows about that one! This is great!” “It is!” nodded Xavier eagerly...then took his turn to blush. “Um...d’ya think we can...oh...I-I dunno...maybe watch some together?” “I mean...only if you want to,” peeped Idia, ducking his head anxiously. “I’m...n-not used to people who...WANT to watch it with me, heh...normally I-I can only talk about it online…” “I’d like to watch it with you,” Xavier promised. “And...and we can talk about our inventions in the meantime. Does...does that sound fair?” Idia nodded slowly, and began to smile wider once more. “Yeah...yeah, it sounds like a plan,” he said, then looked to Ortho. “Is...is it okay with you, Little Brother?” Ortho gaped. “...You’re asking me if YOU can have a VISITOR in the apartment?” “Yes.” “Like...you WANT to HANG OUT WITH SOMEONE?” “Yuh-huh.” “...Okay, who are you, and what have you done with my Big Brother?” You snickered. So did Xavier, as Idia smiled awkwardly. “You wanna come with, Abe?” the mad scientist asked his robotic companion, who saluted in response. “Great!” Idia laughed. “Let’s go then!” And with unusual, uncharacteristic joy, the otaku and the eccentric sauntered off together, their androids following them as the exit door reformed and they left the convention hall. You smiled. “Well,” you sighed happily. “All’s well that end’s well. Looks like Idia’s found a new friend at last.” “I’m happy for them,” smiled Caelyum. “Finding a person who you can connect with is important.” “Uh-huh,” nodded Grim. “Now, there’s just one problem.” “What’s that?” both you and Cael asked. Grim wordlessly pointed to the mess of chairs, scorch marks, busted machines, and dented walls that the hall had become. You went pale. “...Ohhhhh...right...I forgot...we’re the janitors.” “Uh-huh,” Grim said again, drably. “Well, good luck with that!” Caelyum chirped, and began to saunter off towards the door. “Hey! HEY! Where are you going?!” snapped Grim. “Back to the Mystery Shop,” Cael called over his shoulders. “I have a job of my own to do, me hearties! Take care!” “But-!” Your call was unanswered. Cael disappeared, leaving you and Grim standing alone in the mess. You both looked around, then at each other. “...Grim?” “Yeah, Minion?” “It’s moments like these where I wonder if helping people is worth it.” “I never wonder, Minion,” sighed Grim. “Moments like these, I know it isn’t.”

Your feet shuffled as you went to find the broom and dust pan. From saving the day to cleaning up the wreckage, a Prefect’s work was never done.

The End

#fanfic #story #commission #disney #twisted wonderland #oc #mad doctor #epic mickey #xavier madoc #idia shroud #ortho shroud #idia #ortho #caelyum de macabre #caelyum #cael #grim

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bgn846 · 3 years ago

Text

You Guys Are The Best - FFXV fanfic

Missing scene after the last campfire, you may cry. You’ve been warned.

“Well… what can I say? You guys… are the best,” Noct managed despite the lump in his throat. He’d really been prepared, or so he thought. This was it the last time they’d all be together like this. The tears stinging his eyes didn’t stop even as he ducked his head. Trying to catch up on a decade’s worth of emotions was impossible. The time they had together just wasn’t enough. Noct selfishly wanted more, no, he needed more.

The quiet sounds of Prompto sniffling drew his attention back to his friends. There had to be a way to get more time. However, looking around the fire he noted that there wasn’t a dry eye among them. “Guys, you all crying isn’t helping!” he spluttered helplessly.

“Dude, you’re, you,” Prompto couldn’t even finish his sentence as he wiped more tears from his face.

“I’m what?” Noct challenged.

“Don’t make me say it out loud. This is hard enough as it is.”

“I’m doing what I can to save everyone.”

Prompto didn’t respond he only curled further into himself in his chair. Finally, after a minute he managed to speak. “I know that, but it still doesn’t make it hurt any less.”

Suddenly Noct was overcome with a wave of grief, not about what he was to do the next day, but over what he’d missed. The lack of knowledge on how his friends had handled the darkness was making him crazy. Wondering if they’d understand his need Noct broke the silence. “It won’t stop hurting,” Noct tried to ignore the desperate sound Prompto made but he still felt his eyes watering. Taking a deep breath he soldiered on. “I know what might help, though.”

“You not dying!” Prompto exclaimed as he bolted up out of the chair. “I can’t handle this right now. I know we need to be strong but this is so hard. Fuck. Dude, I’m gonna miss you so much!”

Crossing the short distance between them Noct engulfed Prompto in a hug. “I’m gonna miss you too.”

Ignis clearing his throat made Noct release Prompto and look over at his advisor. “I for one am curious about what might help you,” Ignis asked, his voice barely cracking.

Smiling at how Ignis always seemed to know how to keep them on track Noct sighed heavily. “Don’t laugh, but I wanna play truth or dare.”

“Is this really the time and place for such a game?” he countered.

“Yeah, I think it is. Especially when I don’t have all the details about what happened while I was gone. I need to know more, before I – before, um.”

“Are you playing as well or just acting as the referee?” Gladio asked.

“Ref, I want to hear from you guys. I need this, I think It’ll help me.” A loud sniffle erupted from Prompto again when he finished talking. “We don’t have to, but I was kinda hoping doing something normal would make us all feel better.” The silence was deafening as he stood waiting, for anything really. The seriousness of the moment made Noct’s chest ache, he hoped his friends would understand his needs.

“I’m not going first,” Gladio uttered after a minute.

“Nor am I,” Ignis chirped. Noct almost thought he was mad but the man had a small smile on his lips.

“Wha? Did you all just gang up on me?” Prompto whined while plunking down in his chair again.

“So are we doing this? For real?” Noct asked a small spark of hope fluttering in his heart at the idea of getting more. His friends all nodded, though Prompto rolled his eyes before he agreed. “So, truth or dare Prompto?”

“Truth,” the blond spit out immediately.

“How long did you stay in one place for?” Noct quickly asked as he paced the campsite.

Prompto shrugged and reached up to scratch his neck, a tall tell sign that he was stalling. “It was hard to find a good place to live that I liked, so I sorta bounced a lot.”

“How long?” he tried again, wanting an exact answer.

“Um, I guess my stint on Ignis’ couch a few years back was the longest.”

“I’m not gonna get mad buddy, just tell me.”

“About eight months,” Prompto offered with a wince.

“Did you prefer it that way,” Noct asked softly.

Prompto simply nodded and smiled, “It helped to not get too attached to things or people.”

The revelation that his best friend was hurting enough to not find a permanent home took Noct’s breath away. Stumbling backward he fell into his own chair and held his head in his hands. That was why his sacrifice was so important. Noct wanted to give the people something to live for; they’d been in a world of ruin for long enough.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“No! Don’t say that, don’t be sorry! That’s why I’m doing this right now I need to know these things. It’s helping, honestly, it is!” Noct offered.

Gladio’s rough voice sounded a second later, “I’m not going second either.”

“Bastard,” Ignis mumbled under his breath, though it was loud enough that Gladio heard and smiled despite himself.

“I suppose that means it’s your turn specs. Truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

“I have a feeling this is going to be a running theme tonight. However, you might wanna change that after I ask my question.” Noct watched as Ignis nodded his head in understanding before waving his hand for Noct to continue. “Do you regret anything about how you handled your blindness?”

Ignis furrowed his brow and tilted his head. “I don’t believe anyone has ever asked that question before. Regret is a funny thing Noct. Sometimes it’s not something you realize you have until much later. I guess I was angry more than anything at first, I’d failed you an--,”

“No! You didn’t fail me; we’ve been over this before. I will not go through all of this just for you to still think that!” Noct exclaimed.

“I may never get over that feeling Noct, but I do feel as though I’ve managed to come to terms with my situation. Unfortunately, I can also say I do regret a great number of things. I’ve had time to make amends for most of them but sometimes only time can heal certain wounds.”

Hearing Ignis’ words caused Noct physical pain, he couldn’t bear to hear about Ignis being upset with himself. The man had done so much and it just wasn’t fair. “Ignis you have to promise me that you’ll move on, I can’t be happy in the afterlife if I have any doubts about you being fucking happy!” he wailed.

Ignis got up out of his chair and went straight to him. Kneeling on the stone haven Ignis took off his visor, setting it aside, and reached out to hold Noct’s face. “I am so proud of you, I may regret some things in life but I will never regret being your friend and standing by your side. You know I’ll do anything you ask of me,” Ignis offered humbly.

Lunging forward Noct pulled Ignis into a bone-crushing hug. “I want you to be happy; don’t ever think you failed me. You’re my rock Ignis, don’t ever forget it.”

If Ignis had been holding back his tears he wasn’t anymore. They both sat locked in an embrace sobbing quietly. Eventually, Noct leaned back and held Ignis shoulders instead. “Thanks, Specs for making me a blubbering mess.”

“Happy to help, are you at least smiling now?”

Barking out a laugh Noct shook Ignis slightly, “Yes! Now, will you promise me you’ll be happy?”

“I can’t promise that I’ll be happy all the time Noct, but I will promise to try. Is that good enough?”

“It's gonna have to be, I’ll make sure Prompto and Gladio keep an eye on you.”

Ignis let out a huff of laughter at the comment and slowly got up. Noct couldn’t help but follow behind as his friend went back to his seat. Squeezing his knee as he sat back down Noct began pacing again. “Your turn,” he stated turning to face Gladio.

“Truth,” Gladio offered before he’d even asked.

“Will you be able to find a purpose in life beyond being a shield?” After I’m gone was left unsaid but Noct knew Gladio understood his meaning. With slumped shoulders, Gladio leaned forward in his chair but didn’t say anything.

“I’d like to think so but it’s not that easy princess.”

Noct shook his head at the nickname but found himself smiling. “You don’t have to protect anyone anymore, you can be your own person if you wanted.”

“I’m not sure I want that, I’ve spent my whole life learning to guide and protect you, and I’m getting fired tomorrow,” Gladio choked out.

“Hey, come on it can’t be that bad, no more missed training sessions or having to hear me bitch about stuff.”

“Maybe I liked dealing with all that.”

“You’ll still have to keep Prompto and Ignis in line.”

“Prompto isn’t late for training and Ignis can already kick my ass highness, er, sorry, majesty,” Gladio corrected.

Hearing the honorific made Noct tear up again. Gods he was such a mess today. “Clarus raised a good son, and daughter!” Noct added quickly. “I don’t want Iris to think I’m not impressed with her skills too. You both have served the crown well; I know that whatever choice you make after tomorrow will be the right one. You’ve taught me more than you’ll know Gladio. I know we had some rough patches but we survived.”

Before he could react Gladio was out of his chair and pulling him into a hug. Gladio didn’t sob like he was but he was feeling something, Noct could tell. Gladio pushed him back after a minute and looked down at him with a smile. “Six, I know you are gonna give 'em hell tomorrow.”

“I couldn’t do any of this without you all, I hope you guys know that.”

“I can’t do another round,” Prompto squeaked suddenly. “No more just truth, let’s just tell each other happy memories we have and leave it at that.”

“Hey those happy memories are truths too,” Gladio cut in.

“Okay sure, but seriously no more sad things I need happy right now.”

“Fine, fine I can agree to that,” Noct added, feeling somewhat lighter than he had been earlier. Making peace with his friends about what the future held was exactly what he needed. Then it hit him, Noct hadn’t exactly told Prompto how he felt about his revelation. “Prompto, you need to promise me that you’ll find someplace or someone nice to settle down with.”

“Oi, I can’t promise that, it’s not that easy!”

“I know but at least try, for me?” Noct begged. “All of you, please be happy and do awesome things. I can’t stand the thought of you being lost without me. I meant what I said earlier, you’ll are the best.”

Noct was engulfed by his friends in a rather teary-eyed hug after that, each one clinging to him and not letting go. Standing in the center of their attentions Noct knew he had the strength now to carry on. He could do this and he would win. All his friends deserved this much. They’d all sacrificed so much and now it was his turn. Noct would bring back the light.

#ffxv #fanfic #angst

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echoes-of-the-clockwork · 3 years ago

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Book One: Gold (Prompto x Reader) Chapter XXXIII

Defeating the iseultalon daemon and the eternal troopers, the group saw the road was blocked off due to a large pile of debris. Prompto looked from one side of the street to the other. "Not makin' it through here."

"Think there's any other way around?" Gladio asked.

"We might want to head...under."

(Y/n), who was still in her spiritual form, meandered down the side street the iseultalon daemon and eternal troopers came from. In the distance, she saw the entrance to the subway. Once sensing the men were following her, she proceeded carefully.

Their peaceful moment in the ruins of Insomnia was spoiled when an ariadne manifested alongside some tarantulas. With the enemies too close for comfort near the entrance to the subway, they had no choice but to fight. While the boys focused on the larger daemon, the spirit used her fire magic to burn the tarantulas skittering across the ground. Now that the smaller enemies were dead, she looked up at the ariadne and leapt towards it after it used its own lightning spell. Using her fire breath, she set the daemon ablaze. Prompto slid in and fired a few rounds, siphoning the last of its life.

(Y/n) rolled her shoulders after reverting back to being human. There was no way her spiritual form would be able to wedge through the entrance to the underground subway platform. Following Noctis, they walk down the stairs and wander through the empty station.

Prompto's eyes bounced around, taking in the condition of the white-tiled walls and floor. It was pristine, but some areas were slowly crumbling. "It's worn down, but still the same."

"Just like I remember," Gladio commented.

"Always came in handy," Ignis stated.

(Y/n) looked around with a glint of astonishment in her golden eyes. "So this is the subway, huh...?"

"Only the main thoroughfare. The loading platforms branch off from here. There's tons of them. This place used to be filled with people. Let's see that it is again," Noctis chimed in.

"You're telling me you've lived here for most of your life and haven't been here at least once?" The shield asked out of bewilderment.

"Hey, I was busy with my job at the boutique. Mind you, it was only a fifteen minute walk from the apartment. I had no need to ride the subway," she said.

"I'm quite disappointed in you, Prompto," Ignis voices his thoughts.

"Wha-?" Prompto's jaw fell, his mouth agape at the advisor's words. "Why're you disappointed in me all of a sudden?"

"For not giving (Y/n) a proper tour of Insomnia to show her what all she's been missing."

"B-But..."

"It's fine," the girl interjected. "Like I said, I was busy with my job. I never really had the time to explore the city. I only really know the places Prompto and I regularly visited."

"Guess we'll have to give you a proper tour after all this is over," Gladio said.

"You guys still love bullying me," Prompto groaned.

Noctis smirked at his words as he pressed a button. The metal gate that barred them from proceeded lifted with a faint 'squeak' of the rusted gears. Making their way through the main thoroughfare of the subway station, they encountered a large group of eternal troopers and salpinxes. Seeing as there wasn't much room, (Y/n) opted to use the Creator's Blade instead of transforming. She and Ignis combined their fire attacks and wiped out many of the eternal troopers in one fell swoop. Noctis received assistance from Prompto, which was enough to kill all the salpinxes. Gladio dealt with the remaining few troopers before proceeding forward through the underground station.

At the end of the passageway, Noctis presses another button to raise the metal gate. They wandered down the hallway before walking up a flight of stairs and arriving back on the surface. It was the perfect shortcut for it led them directly to the other side of the pile of debris. Down the street was the secured entrance to the Citadel. There did prove to be one problem, which took on the appearance of a behemoth king.

With a smirk, (Y/n) ran past Noctis and charged at the creature. She transformed, ignoring the men when they shouted her name. Bounding towards the behemoth king, her entire body ignited with flames. She tackled the creature and sank her claws and teeth into its body, allowing her flame-engulfed form to wound it even further. The behemoth squirmed in pain underneath her as it roared.

Keeping it pinned with her weight, she allowed the men to attack without having to worry about it pouncing on them. Noctis and Gladio attacked the head while Prompto and Ignis focused on the hind legs. Thanks to (Y/n), the beast was already significantly wounded by the time they began attacking it.

Once the behemoth king was dead, the guardian reverted back to being human. She flexed her fingers, feeling and hearing a few of the joints popping. Noctis looked over at her. "Damn, (Y/n)..."

She blinked in surprise. "What?"

"For someone who's been asleep for ten years, you're not even the tiniest bit rusty," Gladio answered. "Looks to me like you've become even more powerful."

"I wouldn't say I'm more powerful. It's more along the lines of power that's built up inside my body over a long period of time. I've gotta vent some of this power or it could possibly harm by body."

"And you're using it before we're even at the citadel?" Prompto wondered.

"Oh, trust me. I've got plenty to spare." (Y/n) decided to tease the men. "But you guys... Don't even get me started."

"What?" The marksman gasped. "W-We're still badass! Hell, we haven't even reached our prime!"

"Mmm...I'm not so sure about that."

Prompto analyzed her face with narrowed eyes. "You're pulling my leg, aren't you?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "Who knows."

Noctis pushed open the gates. The five walk past the security checkpoint and make their way to the courtyard located in front of the Citadel. At the base of the stairwell leading up to the grand structure stood Ardyn and Callyx. The guardian said nothing as the auburn-haired man held up his hand, smirking at the group. "Ifrit, the Infernian. He doesn't share the Glacian's fondness for mankind. But you can expect a...warm welcome. We shall await you above." He headed up the stairwell, entering the Citadel with Callyx as Ifrit appeared, sitting on a throne of his own creation.

The moment Noctis took a step towards the Astral, the god raised his hand and sent a powerful gust of flames towards him. The king's clothes were set ablaze as he fell over. He rolled on the ground in an attempt to snuff out the flames.

Prompto rushes over, gets down on his knees beside Noctis, and quickly pats out the flames with his hands. "Noct! Hang in there, buddy!" He was able to extinguish the flames from Noctis' attire. "Stay down. We'll keep him busy." Prompto rejoins the battle.

Noctis gets back to his feet. Ignis, who was kneeling behind cover near Ifrit's throne, called out to him. "Noct! Over here!" The king begins to walk toward his advisor, but is moving slowly due to his wounds. "Quickly, before he strikes again!" The strategist shouted.

Suddenly, Noctis is tackled from behind by Gladio and pulled into cover where Ignis is. Prompto joins the other three within a second, but that's when he noticed one of them was missing. "Wait, where's (Y/n)?" Looking around, he saw the guardian calmly approaching Ifrit. "(Y/n)! Hurry!"

She said nothing nor even glanced in his direction as the god prepares his second attack. When he went to run out of cover to grab her, Ifrit released a second wave of flames. The four men huddled closer together as the heat seared their skin. (Y/n) felt the flames touch her skin, but she was unharmed. Her eyes radiated with a brilliant golden glow as she smirked. "Let's have some fun." Summoning the Creator's Blade, she attacked the Astral.

Prompto, after seeing she was unharmed and fighting against Ifrit, emerged from cover while shouting to his best friend, "Got your back!" Gladio also broke from cover and joined the fray.

Ignis stands and holds out a curative item to heal Noctis. "Here you go."

The king rises once more and continues the charge alongside his friends. "Let's go!"

The five attacked the god, who didn't budge from his throne. He simply sat their, smirking in amusement at their attempt to fight against him. When Noctis performed a warp-strike, Ifrit easily grabbed him in one hand and squeezed his body. Before the Astral could do any major damage to Noctis, (Y/n) used her sword to slice at his arm. The god dropped the king and tried to grab the spirit, but she was nimble and quick. Leaping out of the god's reach, she regained her bearings. Her plan to attack, however, was thrown offtrack when Noctis summoned Bahamut. He tackled her out of harm's way when one of the Draconian's large swords pierced the ground near Ifrit's fiery throne.

The two watch as Bahamut flew through the sky before coming to a halt above the Citadel. Summoning an array of swords that brilliantly radiated, he aimed them at Ifrit. The Infernian leapt from his throne with his weapon in hand, dodging the large swords as they rained down upon him. As the last one struck the ground, Ifrit spun around with his sword raised and blocked Bahamut as he swooped down to attack.

Noctis, as his eyes met Bahamut's, nodded and summoned his sword. He warped above the Infernian and swung his blade at the distracted god. He struck him as the Draconian vanished. Ifrit's sword fell from his hand as he collapsed to his knees, body engulfed in flames. The king landed behind him as (Y/n), Prompto, Gladio, and Ignis rejoined the battle. They lowered their weapons, but quickly raised them when the Infernian grabbed his sword and got back to his feet.

"So even that wasn't enough?" Gladio growled.

"It's taken a turn for the worse," Ignis said.

"Out of the frying pan, dot, dot, dot?" Prompto muttered.

"We need to put this thing out!" Noctis bellowed. "(Y/n)!"

"Yeah?" The guardian spoke up after hearing her name.

"You're the only one who can withstand the heat. Think you could help with my plan?"

She smirked. "Definitely. What do you need me to do?"

"Knock him off his feet."

"I think I can do a little more than that." Transforming, she jumped around Ifrit as Prompto, Gladio, and Ignis fought against him. Once she was able to find the perfect opportunity, the fox tackled the god to the ground and used her tails to wrap them around his wrists and ankles. She dug her claws into his chest, using her weight to pin him to the ground.

The men rushed in with their weapons, dealing blow after blow. They were able to weaken Ifrit, who was struggling to free himself from (Y/n). He couldn't even swing his sword to attack anyone.

After some more struggling, the Infernian was able to free one of his wrists. He grabbed the fox, tossed her aside, and stood up. He swung his blade, knocking the men away. (Y/n)'s body skidded across the ground before coming to a halt a few feet away from her companions. She could feel the pain from the Infernian's grasp and her tumble against the hard asphalt. Ignis tossed a potion her way once she was back on her feet. She caught the vial in her mouth, crushing it and instantly feeling relief as her wounds healed.

As the guardian leapt back into the battle, Ifrit grabbed Noctis and tossed his body into the air. The god teleported to the king and swung his blade at him. Stunned, the king took the brunt of the attack as his body was sent hurtling towards the ground. Before he could slam against the asphalt, (Y/n) jumped up into the air and caught him on her back.

Ifrit, angered over her interference, teleported back to the ground and targeted the fox. He swung his sword wildly in an attempt to strike the guardian. Noctis, who was still on her back, held on tightly to the fur on the nape of her neck as she dodged the god's attacks.

Using her tails as whips, the fox was able to knock the Infernian away and towards Prompto, Ignis, and Gladio. The three attacked Ifrit while Noctis tried to devise a plan. As he slid off the spirit's back, he heard Shiva speak to him. At her voice, he summoned the Glacian. Gentiana appeared, smiling as she walked past him and transformed into Shiva. The entire courtyard and surrounding area became frozen over with a thick layer of ice. The goddess, with her many duplicates, glided through the air before surrounding Noctis. Eyes turned to Ifirt, Shiva formed a vortex of glacial winds that froze the god as he charged froward with his sword raised.

Now encased in ice, Ifrit was petrified. Shiva floated towards the Infernian and kissed his bottom lip as the icy winds of the vortex began to fade. From her kiss, Ifrit's frozen body shattered. "Rest, my love. May your soul know peace at last." She then flew off, leaving Noctis with one final message. "King of Kings, the grace of the gods is with you always."

Noctis stared up at the sky in the direction Shiva took off. "I made a promise...one that I intend to keep."

(Y/n) changed forms, placing a hand over her chest when she felt Brahma's emotional turmoil for Ifrit's defeat. She wasn't sure what bond he shared with the Infernian, but it caused the god to feel sorrow. Prompto was the first to notice her conflicted expression and jogged over. He placed a hand on her shoulder, peering into her face worriedly. "You're not hurt, are you, (Y/n)?"

She lifted her head, shaking it. "No, I'm fine. Sorry for worrying you."

"It's Brahma, isn't it?" Noctis asked as he, Gladio, and Ignis joined the couple.

"Yeah. I'm not familiar with his relationships with the other Astrals, but with Ifrit..." She curled her hand up into a fist. "I've a feeling they were close before he turned his back on humanity."

"Worry about that later," Gladio said. "We've still got two creeps to get rid of."

(Y/n) lowered her hand. "Oh, no. Callyx is all mine. You four can have fun with Ardyn. Besides, I've got a god who's pissed off at him and can't wait to give him a piece of his mind."

The group, with their minds resolved, headed up the stairwell leading to the entrance of the Citadel. Noctis pushes open the doors, allowing them inside.

"At long last, the Citadel," Ignis said as they entered the building.

"The throne is just up ahead," Noctis stated, walking through the lobby and towards the elevator.

Prompto looked around the room and noticed the illumination from the lights. "It's all lit up."

"Guess they're expecting company," Gladio commented.

"They want this as bad as we do," the king remarked.

"They're not going to win. We'll make sure of that," (Y/n) chimed in.

"We'll get our home back."

Once entering the rear hallway where the elevator was located, Gladio asked, "Think the elevator's workin'?"

Prompto presses the button and summons the lift. When hearing the familiar 'clink,' he was surprised. "Huh... Sure looks like it."

"They are really taking us by the hand," Ignis said.

"It's no fun waiting for your guests if they have to trek up countless number of stairs," (Y/n) huffed out a faint chuckle.

"It'll save our legs the walk up," Noctis stated as they all entered the elevator.

Riding the elevator up, the five were silent until the shield sliced through the tense atmosphere with his baritone voice. "The throne room...waits outside."

"Yeah... And so does Ardyn and Callyx," Prompto added.

"Acting like they own the place," he sneered.

"It's time to take it all back," Ignis said.

"It ends here. Tonight," Noctis declared.

(Y/n)'s golden eyes glanced around at the faces of the men. She leaned against the marbled wall of the elevator, crossing her arms. She had yet to share the ace she had hidden up her sleeve, but thought it would be best to keep it a secret until the time was right.

Stepping off the lift, the group wandered down the hall towards the room located outside the throne room.

"Remember how nervous we were in front of King Regis the day we left?" Gladio asked as he reminisced in an old, fond memory.

"That was the last time we were in here," Ignis pointed out.

"Yeah. They even let me in that day," Prompto said.

"Feels like forever ago," Noctis commented.

"Sorry, but I wasn't a part of that memory," (Y/n) sighed.

"No, but we've made plenty of happy ones with you during our travels," Gladio said.

"Indeed," Ignis agreed.

"Yeah," Noctis replied. "Prompto should've introduced you to us sooner."

"Hey!" The sharpshooter wailed. The others laughed at him before proceeding towards the throne room.

As Noctis and the others approach the double doors, Prompto hummed. "Hmm, not much farther."

"Well, shall we, Noct?" Ignis questioned.

Noctis begins to put his hand out toward the doors, then suddenly stops and turns around. "Yeah, but... Ah. Hold on a sec. Prompto. Can I see your photos?"

Prompto's eyes widen a fraction at the request. "Um...yeah!"

Noctis tried to smile, but he couldn't. "I just need one...to take with me."

The marksman's shocked expression was replaced with a dejected one. "Oh... Yeah. I get it. Um... You can take whichever you like."

The four men huddle together to examine the photographs one last time. (Y/n) decided to hang back while they perused the various pictures Prompto took during their journey. She lowered her head, waiting patiently for Noctis to pick one. When he chose one, he put it in his pocket. With the photo now safely stored, he walked towards the double doors. Before pushing them open, he inhaled and exhaled a deep sigh. "It's time..."

Previous Chapter || Next Chapter || Masterlist ||

#final fantasy xv #final fantasy xv x reader #ffxv #ffxv x reader #prompto argentum #prompto x reader #prompto argentum x reader

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lazella · 4 years ago

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Infinity Stone AU: PTSD is Hard to Heal From.

For all the tech that was found in the Avenger’s Tower, most of it bored Yusaku. He was already familiar with this level of technology, some of it was considered primitive compared to what he was used too. Not to mention that his time in the tower felt rather lonely. It was hard for him to connect with the other duelists due to their vastly different views on dueling. Meanwhile, the other members of the Avengers seemed to treat him as a small child which irked him. Ai could only provide so much company until Yusaku hit his patience limit to the Ignis’ behavior.

So for now he was searching for Tony Stark to discuss more ideas of how to use the Mind Stone outside of battle and hacking. The man made it very clear that there was no experimenting with the Infinity Stones without his supervision. After the incident where Yuya turned the whole tower into candy, he could see why.

Yusaku encountered Bruce Banner wondering the halls as he was, “Hey Bruce? Have you seen Tony?” He asked.

“He’s actually not here right now,” Bruce said, “He and Pepper are out on some sort of errand. Didn’t say when they would be back.”

“Oh…I see….” Yusaku began to walk away.

“The others are in the game room if you’re interested.” Bruce called out to him. “Tony got some new games since you all were getting bored.”

Yusaku just shrugged. Might as well wonder over and observe what has going on to stave off boredom.

“Hey Playmaker…can we actually talk and hang out with the others this time?” Ai asked.

“No.”

“But they’re the only interesting people to talk too!!!” Ai protested, “Come on…you can keep doing this emo social distancing act for long.”

“Three reasons….” Ai rolled his eyes as Yusaku began to fall into his habit, “One, our views on dueling are too vastly different. Two, our experiences are also vastly different. And three…they seem to have the ability to bring out topics and memories I do not wish to discuss.”

Ai watched from the Duel Disk wordlessly as Yusaku opened the door to the game room then froze.

Oh boy…Ai thought to himself…This is going to trigger an episode.

Inside the game room, Yuma, Yuya, and Judai were playing with VR headsets on. Yugi and Yusei were watching the game on a nearby screen which looked like some sort of rhythm game.

Yusei eventually noticed Yusaku’s presence, “Care to join us Yusaku?”

Yusaku gave no answer, he slammed the door shut and ran back to his room.

……………………………………………..

The loud bang of the door made everyone in the room freeze.

“What was that all about?” Judai asked removing the headset so he could see reality.

“Yusaku was just at the door.” Yusei explained, “But he looked very scared and ran off.”

Judai frowned, “Scared? Scared of what?”

“Not sure…” Yugi said, “And he’s probably not going to be sharing why anytime soon.”

“Why is he like that anyway?” Yuma asked, “He seems like he’s always afraid.”

“Remember that night when Tony woke us all up?” Yuya said, “We managed to find out that Yusaku was kidnapped when he was younger. But he didn’t say what exactly happened during that time.”

“And that something is still affecting him to this day….” Yusei frowned, “Should one of us go check on him?”

“I’ll do it…” Yugi volunteered, “I think he can relax around me. If I need back up I’ll let you all know.”

The group nodded as Yugi head off to go find Yusaku’s room. Going through the maze of hallways and rooms, Yugi finally arrived at his destination.

“Hey…it’s me…” Yugi knocked on the door, “Can I come in?”

The voice of Yusaku’s program buddy answered back.

“Hold on…let me quickly hack the system to unlock the door.”

The latch of the door clicked, allowing Yugi to enter the room. Yusaku was on his bed, head and arms resting on his knees. Ai was poking out of the duel disk that had been placed on the nightstand.

“Good luck getting anything out of him…” Ai said, “He’s going to be like this for a good while.”

“Do you know what set him off?” Yugi asked, “I really don’t want Yusaku to be fearful of just walking around the tower.”

Ai sighed, “It was the VR headsets.”

Yugi blinked, “The VR headsets? Why those of all things?”

“Honestly, it’s a long story that I really don’t feel like sharing right now.” Ai admitted, “Even then it’s not really my story to tell.”

“Well what can you tell me?” Yugi asked as he sat on the bed.

Ai rubbed his chin in though, “Yusaku has been through a lot and is not used to opening up to people. He didn’t like me at first and I had to grow on him.”

Yugi hummed as he tried to figure out what to do next. He had so little information to go on here and honestly Anzu was the one who gave the better reassuring speeches. Why could Yugi say in a situation like this?

A possible solution came in the poking sensation in his pocket followed by an orange glow. Yugi sighed, “I’m not going to do that…”

“Do what?” Surprisingly, Yusaku was the one who asked slightly uncurling from his ball.

“The Soul Stone can let me enter your Soul Room,” Yugi continued his explanation as he knows Yusaku would have no idea what he was talking about. “It’s a room that reflects who you are. Mine is full of toys and games since I enjoy playing and designing games myself. The other me…since he is missing his memories…his is a labyrinth that leads nowhere.”

“Are you going to use it?” Yusaku asked.

“Not without your permission of course…” Yugi said, “It felt like a huge invasion of privacy the first time it happened to me. But this Soul Stone acts like it has a mind of its own and we’ve had some close calls when it tries to activate when someone is in a poor mood.”

The two sat in silence for some time, both unsure how to go forward.

Aibou…let me handle this…

Are you sure other me?

I say I can give it a shot. It will be better than nothing.

Alright then…Yugi relinquished control to Yami who put a reassuring hand on Yusaku’s shoulder.

“Listen Yusaku…I’m not going to pretend that any of us can understand what you have been through. But you need to stop bottling it all up, it’s not healthy. We’ve all survived our experiences because we had others we can support us when it gets too much. Everyone here is worried about you so can you start letting us in?”

“I…” Yusaku curled back into his ball, “I don’t know how…”

“Maybe that’s why the Soul Stone was reacting.” Yami held up the orange stone, “But I will only use it if I have your permission. I am not going to violate your privacy to satisfy my curiosity. Do I have your permission?”

“Will I see what you see?” Yusaku asked.

“I don’t see why not.” Yami said.

“Then do it.”

“Alright…..” Yami gripped Yusaku’s hand in reassurance, “Let’s go.”

………………………………………………..

Yugi and Yami took a moment to take in their surroundings. They didn’t have any real expectations about what Yusaku’s Soul Room would look like but certainly not this.

If there were a few words they could use to describe what they were seeing, it was empty and broken. It was a simple room with wood paneling and flooring, but one corner looked like it had been torn away by some unseen force. Only an open void was visible through the destruction. Furniture was bare minimum as well. There was only an old desk with a broken computer on it.

“Is…is this supposed to reflect me?”

Yugi and Yami turned around and saw Yusaku looking around in shock, “Shouldn’t there be…more?”

“There should…” Yami admitted, “But in my opinion…your Soul Room looks damaged.”

Yusaku unconsciously put a hand to his chest and clenched, “Three things…the damage looks old…there’s nothing in here unique to me…and what is here is broken…”

“It doesn’t have to stay that way though…” Yugi tried to reassure the panicking boy, “You can change how things are. We just need to pick a starting point, no need to do everything at once.”

That seemed to calm Yusaku down, “I guess you’re right…but where?”

“Is there anyone that cares about you?” Yami asked, “I don’t think your life is as lonely as this room appears to be.”

Yusaku seemed to think a bit. Then proceeded into deep thought. Yami and Yugi waited anxiously to see if Yusaku could come up with any answer. Then the distinct sound of a computer booting up caught all of their attention. The once broken computer was now repaired and its monitor showed a picture of Yusaku standing in front of a food truck next to another man.

“I think that’s your answer Yusaku…” Yami said.

Yusaku nodded, “I think we can head back…”

Yami didn’t say anything and let the Soul Stone pull them back into reality. It was a small step, but it was still a step towards recovery.

#infinity stones au #yugioh #avengers #gx #5ds #zexal #arc v #vrains #yusaku fujiki #yugi mouto #ai(vrains)#ptsd

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gaynoctgar · 4 years ago

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A Small Comfort

Summary: Set after Noctis’ and Ignis’ argument in Episode 4 of Brotherhood, Noctis learns to lean on his closest friend in his time of need.

Pairing: Prompto/Noctis, pre-relationship

Word Count: ~2800

So...I’m finally posting a fic I wrote. Last time I watched Brotherhood, I had wished Noct’s mental health was addressed more, so I made it happen! Trigger warning: a panic attack is described. I hope you enjoy!

>>i kno its late, but do u wanna come over?

Noctis stares hard at the cursor blinking at his screen, thumb hovering over the “send” button. Ignis has just left, and Noctis himself has screamed so hard he doesn’t think he can scream anymore, but there’s still a persistent ache in his chest, a need to not be alone. He can’t call Ignis, obviously, and he can’t call Gladio, so that leaves…

Noctis has been careful to leave Prompto out of this part of his life. It means so much to him that when he is with Prompto, he doesn’t have to worry about any of this. He doesn’t have to think about sustaining the wall, or complicated political reports, he can just be a normal teenager. But right now, he finds himself craving comfort in a way that he hasn’t since he was younger, when he was first injured. That doesn’t make the reaching out any easier.

He hits send before he can think any better of it and throws his phone across the couch. Immediately, it buzzes, and Noctis scrambles to look at the message.

>sure thing dude. Need me to bring anything?

In spite of everything, Noctis feels his heart lift slightly.

>>uh, junk food maybe?

>>but if you don’t have any uh >>just bring you.

Oh shit, he really sent that. He triple texted. But Prompto’s reply is just as quick.

>omw, the metro should get me there in 20. you feelin okay?

Well that’s...a question. The obvious answer would be “no” but Noctis falters before replying with that. He doesn’t want Prompto to think of him any differently, to see him as the prince. But he also, somehow, really wants to talk about this with someone he knows will just listen. Then, he thinks, that’s not fair to push onto Prompto. He can’t burden Prompto with all of this. Prompto has a life free of these kinds of worries, and Noctis cares about him too much not to keep it that way. Still...they have been getting closer lately. Noctis has never had a best friend before, but he suspects that best friends talk about these things. Are Ignis and Gladio best friends? Do they talk?

Just then, Noctis hears a knock at his door, startling him out of his thoughts. He looks down to see 5 more texts from Prompto that he missed while he was spacing out, and he rushes over to open the door. There stands his friend, with the promised junk food, and an overnight bag slung over his shoulder.

“Did ya fall asleep on me?” he tries to joke as he steps inside, but then he glances at Noctis again. It’s a look Noctis has never seen before, one that Noct doesn’t quite know how to parse. He then realizes what a slob he must look like--still in his school uniform at this late hour, unwashed hair sticking out every which way, clothing rumpled in weird places--and makes to say something about it, but Prompto very gently places a hand on his shoulder. Firm. Grounding. He sets the junk food down and looks at Noct dead-on.

“Hey...are you okay?” he asks, and Noct’s reflexes tell him to say that he’s fine, to downplay everything he is feeling, and to ignore it and make a joke to avoid having this conversation. But he looks at Prompto, at his soft features, his loose hair, the freckles that dot his face, and his swirling purple eyes, and it suddenly feels like he can’t breathe. The look in his eyes is so gentle, and he just wants to help Noctis, and all of it is a bit too much and--

Wait.

He actually can’t breathe.

All he can think about is that conversation with Ignis, replaying in his head, and his fear of telling Prompto what’s really going on, what he will really have to face someday, because if he does he will lose him and he can’t lose Prompto, this precious boy who is so kind, and he can’t lose his father, and--

When did the floor get so close?

Somehow, he is kneeling on the ground, and Prompto is right there with him. He’s saying something but the words sound fuzzy, like there’s a high-pitched whine blocking everything out. Both of Prompto’s hands are on his shoulders--the only sensation he can really register--and he focuses all of his energy into understanding what Prompto is saying. It’s really hard because all he feels is the blood rushing through him, like he just ran a marathon, and breathing is even harder and takes up so much of his effort right now. He feels dizzy, like he hasn’t eaten in days.

“...--ear me?” Noct manages to make out. Prompto’s probably asking if Noctis can hear him. He nods, slightly.

“Good, that’s really good, buddy,” Prompto soothes him, his voice getting clearer with each word, but Noctis still feels as though he...can’t move from this strange position he’s found himself in. He thinks, vaguely, that if it weren’t for Prompto’s hands on his shoulders, he might actually die. He wants to tell him this, to say thank you, to do anything, but it all catches in his throat. Why can’t he move?

“Just breathe with me, okay? Can you do that?” Prompto is asking him. Was Noctis not breathing? He nods again. Prompto begins counting out the breaths, and Noctis does his best to follow along, each deep breath easing his muscles, and slowing his heart down. He hadn’t realized how fast it was beating. He doesn’t know how long they stay there, breathing slowly, in and out, until Noct’s body releases him from the grip he was in.

“Better?” Prompto asks, simply, and Noctis finally has it in him to look at him.

“S’good,” Noct replies. “Thanks.”

He tries to get himself off the ground, but of course his bad leg is acting up. Yet another thing he hasn’t told Prompto.

“Whoa there, let me help,” Prompto is saying, hoisting himself up and reaching a hand down to Noct. Noct takes it, gratefully, and leans into the touch more than he’d like to admit to get himself standing again.

“I’m sorry. I have no idea what just happened,” is what flies out of Noct’s mouth before he has the chance to stop it.

“Has it happened before?” Prompto asks earnestly, and Noct shakes his head no. At least...not that he could remember. Maybe now and then, but he usually just slept it off, now that he thinks about it.

“I...think that was a panic attack, dude,” Prompto says slowly, carefully, guiding Noct to sit back on the couch with him. “Have you been worrying about something?”

Was that what that was? All of the worry he’s tried to lock away...consuming him? Noctis shrugs noncommittally.

“If you have...I’m here if you need,” Prompto says, softly. “But I won’t make you talk if you don’t wanna.”

Noctis realizes his friend is giving him a way out. And if nothing else, he knows that Prompto will be true to his word. If he says he doesn’t want to talk, Prompto will not push him, and will at least pretend to forget about the incident.

But…

Noctis can’t shake the feeling that not talking is exactly what got him here. He’s only 16, and he’s pretty sure most people his age don’t just break down like that. Yes, Prompto is offering him a way out...but he is also offering him comfort and help. On his own terms. Not because Noctis is a prince in need of protecting, but because he’s his friend. Maybe, if he’s careful…

“...it’s a lot of things, to be honest,” Noctis finally breathes out, when he remembers how to make his mouth say words again. “...prince stuff. I don’t wanna…” he mumbles, turning away.

But Prompto has reached out to place a hand on his shoulder again.

“Doesn’t matter to me if it’s prince stuff. It’s definitely bothering you,” he begins, softly, slowly, giving Noct time to process every word. Now that Noctis thinks about it, Prompto has always spoken to him like this: gently, slowly, even when he is angry. But this voice? It’s soft, and low, almost as if to remind Noctis he is safe here.

“Right but I….you….you’re separate from all that. I like it that way,” Noctis tries to explain. “You remind me I’m someone beyond that…I…” he continues, but it fades away. Prompto’s arm has slid around his shoulders, tugging Noctis in to lean against him, and Noctis doesn’t have it in him to fight it. Hell, he doesn’t want to.

Prompto laughs just a little bit when he sees how Noctis has curled into his side on the couch, and slides his hand up to card through his hair. It feels...nice, comforting, but something else too. Almost...electric, like little sparks are dancing across his nerves when Prompto’s fingers brush across his scalp, gently pulling the knots in his hair free. Noctis has been feeling this more and more recently, and he doesn’t really know what to call it. Maybe it’s just that he’s so starved of physical contact aside from getting his ass kicked in training. He sighs into the contact, and he can hear Prompto’s voice vibrating under his ear.

“Yeah, you’re my best dude, you know that. I definitely think of you as Noct first,” he turns, slightly, attempting to make eye contact with Noct, who keeps his face turned away, “but you also happen to be Prince Noctis. It’s a part of you, and you don’t have to shut me out of it. I want to help you with whatever I can, whether it’s a really difficult boss fight on a video game….or prince stuff,” he finishes, smiling to himself.

At this, Noctis does bring his head up from Prompto’s shoulder so he can look him in the eye. Prompto smiles at him softly, his indigo-purple eyes drawing Noctis closer in a way he can’t quite describe. He wants to say something, anything, to tell Prompto how amazing and wonderful and patient he is. Instead...he slumps forward, on instinct, burying his face in the crook of Prompto’s neck, wrapping his arms around him in an embrace. One that Prompto eagerly returns, after a moment of shock. Noctis can’t even remember the last time he was hugged, let alone the last time he initiated a hug, but it feels...natural and good. Prompto traces the fingers of one hand up Noctis’ neck and tangles them in his hair once more, his other hand softly rubbing his back.

Noctis feels so comforted that he doesn’t ever want to leave, doesn’t want to think about saying anything to spoil the moment. But he trusts Prompto more than anything and, the longer they are here, pressed close together, the more he feels the urge to talk about it. Prompto’s a good friend, he’ll listen. Noctis breathes in his familiar and warm scent one more time...and takes the plunge.

“My dad is dying, Prompto,” he mumbles quietly, giving sound to the thought that has most been plaguing his mind ever since his father started needing to use his cane. “It’s the Wall. It keeps us safe, and it’s killing him,” he manages, before he falters. Putting it into words almost has Noctis panicking again, but he hears Prompto gasp a little bit before wrapping his arms around him tighter, pulling him even closer.

“I’m so sorry,” he says. “No wonder you’ve been so sad.”

And that’s all. Nothing about how Noctis will need to be stronger to fill his father’s shoes, nothing about how he isn’t fit to be a king, nothing about how he can’t be upset, just acknowledging that it sucks. Something breaks within Noctis, but he really, really doesn’t want to cry in front of Prompto. It’s a strange mix of emotions. He pushes away slightly, so Prompto doesn’t have to deal with it, and finds himself locking eyes with Prompto again, Prompto’s strong arms preventing him from getting too far. And if he’s a good friend, he deserves to know the last bit of truth that Noctis has been keeping from him. Maybe he can get out of all of this now, while he has a chance.

“I feel like I should tell you one more thing,” Noctis says, almost a whisper.

“Sure, Noct,” Prompto replies immediately. “Lay it on me.”

“I don’t think you’ll like this one,” Noctis smiles slightly, in spite of it. What a ridiculous mess of emotions he is right now. “When...when Dad dies. Probably soon,” he tries, waving his hands around erratically against the tide of emotion he feels--just one of many behaviors his father and the Citadel have tried to train out of him. He takes a deep breath and continues, “someone will have to keep the Wall up. That someone will have to be me--” he tries to explain, but his voice breaks on the last word, and he presses the palms of his hands to his eyes, as if that will stop the tears, but to no avail. He did not want this to happen, Prompto is going to think he’s so weak, and a mess, and--

“It’s okay to be upset about it,” Prompto says, gently grabbing Noctis’ wrists to pull them away from his face. Noctis peeks at his dear friend--his kind, wonderful, patient friend--and is met with the gentlest look he thinks he’s ever seen from anyone. He thinks maybe Prompto is crying too, but then he’s completely overwhelmed because Prompto is gently brushing his tears away with his thumb.

“It’s a lot to take in, but I’m glad you told me,” he soothes. Noctis feels his face heating up, but he doesn’t push Prompto away at all. He leans closer, craving more of that contact. “It helps me to know everything,” he says with a soft smile.

“I’m sorry,” Noctis apologizes on instinct, before he gets too caught up, before he’s unable to pull away. “Don’t mean to be a bummer,” he tries to joke, but Prompto isn’t having it.

“Hey, this is serious. Your feelings are important to me,” he reminds, his tone only slightly harsh to show his seriousness. His tone then softens, “and you’re being very brave.”

“I don’t feel brave,” Noctis replies, before he can stop himself. “I’m afraid.”

“Oh, Noct,” Prompto sighs, pulling him back into their earlier embrace, rubbing his back with one hand. “Being brave doesn’t mean you’re not afraid. It means you’re afraid and you do it anyway. My mom told me that a long time ago…” he trails off somewhat wistfully.

His mom? Noctis thinks to himself. He almost wants to ask more, but he knows Prompto’s parents are a very sore subject, and he leaves it for another day. For now, he soaks in the comfort, trying not to feel embarrassed at the tears that flow now and then.

Noctis isn’t sure how long it is before he stops crying, but he feels his back and legs start to ache from the strange, huddled position he’s found himself in, and he pushes back sheepishly.

“Sorry about all that,” he apologizes. “Probably not what you signed up for…”

“What I “signed up for” was to be your friend,” Prompto responds, stern, but not unkind, as he stretches out his own arms. “That means good stuff and bad, you know.”

Does it? Noctis has always felt that he has had to live up to the image of the ideal prince, even with Ignis and Gladio. But Prompto...well, Prompto just saw him at his lowest, and the look in his eyes tells Noctis there’s no place he’d rather be. That look makes his heart jump in his throat, slightly, yet another thing he’s been trying to ignore.

“I...thank you,” Noct mumbles, waving his hands around again, this time because he’s overwhelmed that Prompto still wants to be his friend. Prompto, for his part, smiles knowingly at the motion. That’s another conversation they’ll have to have, Noct supposes, but he’s all drained right now.

Sensing this, Prompto hoists himself off the couch.

“Well, I brought over this junk food for a reason. Why don’t we get more comfortable and order a pizza?” he asks, gesturing to the fact that Noct is still in his school uniform. “We don’t have to think about any of this for a little while, if you don’t want to. Play video games, just vibe...”

Noct smiles. How does Prompto know exactly what he needs?

“That sounds awesome, dude.”

#promptis #prompto argentum #noctis lucis caelum #ffxv fanfic #final fantasy xv #i'm real excited about this one y'all #i think it came out real well #i hope y'all enjoy!!!#haley writes ffxv #haley.exe #listen i just wanted noct to get to talk #there's a lot of talking in this one but i like it

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redfoxline · 4 years ago

Link

Thanks to @whumptober2020 for their hard work at organizing the challenge! I’m so excited to participate this year! =D

Whumptober Day 01-02

Theme: ‘Let’s hang out sometimes’ + ‘In the hands of the enemy’

Prompts: ‘Waking up restrained’ + ‘Kidnapping’

Fandom: Final Fantasy XV

Word count: 2264

Summary: Prompto opened his eyes to the sight of blood spots on his white shoes. The very same pair of sneakers that he had begged Cor to purchase for him as a gift at the beginning of the school year. Cor, who was neither his father nor his foster parent, but who looked after him like a godfather anyway. Cor, who abhorred spending unnecessary funds on trinkets, but ended up paying a pair of shoes a third of his wage just because they were trendy and Prompto had wanted to look cool. Barely one semester in, and Prompto got them ruined.

Prompto opened his eyes to the sight of blood spots on his white shoes.

The very same pair of sneakers that he had begged Cor to purchase for him as a gift at the beginning of the school year. Cor, who was neither his father nor his foster parent, but who looked after him like a godfather anyway. Cor, who abhorred spending unnecessary funds on trinkets, but ended up paying a pair of shoes a third of his wage just because they were trendy and Prompto had wanted to look cool. He had made him promise to take good care of it, at the very least, because it was useless to spend this amount of money in mere shoes if they didn't last the whole school year at least.

Barely one semester in, and Prompto got them ruined.

His internal laments were cut out by pain. Like a wake-up call, his brain finally registered that he was sitting in a very uncomfortable chair. Around him, nothing but plain, dented walls of some sort of warehouse. The door was locked, a brand new padlock glistening in the beam of sunlight.

Fear rose in his throat like bile.

Prompto lurched against the ropes binding him, straining his neck to get a better look through the window. He could barely see the top of some skyscrapers further away, and the sky. Was he that high? Was he in some kind of abandoned parking lot?

There was a district full of this kind of building near the checkpoint entrance of Insomnia. Prompto had never set foot in this area. It was rumoured to be haunted by the old people in the Niff District. Noctis had promised him it only was an urban legend, that it was empty because no one wanted to build a house this close to the gates, where fights would happen should deamons or niffelheim army sneak past the Wall.

Noctis! He smiled at the thought of this friend. Didn't Noctis explain to him what to do in case of kidnapping?

"Don't provoke them. Keep a low profile and give them what they want until rescue comes to get you," Noctis had recited in an obviously bored sigh. "Look at them and your surroundings. Try to gather as much information as you can. If you can communicate, try to give as much information as possible about your location. If they leave you behind, keep hidden until sunlight and get to the nearest place with a phone. Only act against them if it's your last resort."

That wasn't very useful to him, Prompto thought. !there was no one to make demands. Not that he could grant any, anyway.

He tried to move but the chair had been screwed down to the concrete. Grumbling in defeat, he looked around for another option, until his eyes found the door and its padlock again.

Wait. How come he could see the padlock? Shouldn't it be outside?

A wave of dread ran through his body and made his skin crawl.

If it was inside, it could only mean that, whoever had taken him there, had locked the both of them in.

After a long minute where terror froze him into place, he tried to turn around. A large wood board had been screwed on the back of the chair, preventing him to fully see what was behind him. He craned his neck as much as he could, his eyes turned so far back he felt they would just pop out of his head, he managed to glimpse at a tinted mirror. From the look of it, Prompto imagined it was large enough to cover most of the wall.

His stomach twisted. If there was a door to access the other side, it probably was right behind him.

How many were they? Were they watching him? He could imagine their stares burning his neck through the wood board.

The sob escaping his lips took him by surprise. He valiantly tried to blink back the tears but they fell anyway, tracing burning tracks on his cold cheeks. The empty room suddenly felt freezing, extracting another full-body shiver out of him. He didn't dare to speak up. Whatever they wanted, Prompto couldn't give it to them. Not that he would have wanted to, anyway.

They probably expected him to be able to provide information about Noctis, he realized. Maybe they would even ask for ransom. His face had appeared enough times in tabloids, trotting along with the Prince, for them to understand Noctis would go to great length to retrieve him. Too bad for them. The only information he knew about Noctis that was public was his love for fishing and tomato-flavoured chips. No one would have been stupid enough to let a civilian like him get access to security data. If there were in for the money, though, he wasn't sure about what would happen. Certainly, King Regis wouldn't let an underage civilian, especially a friend of his son, in the hands of his kidnappers. He wouldn't pay, though. If he sent the Kingsglaive, Prompto wasn't sure what would happen to him in the crossfire.

Hope bloomed in his chest when his internal voice of reason - which has suspiciously started to sound like Ignis as of late - reminded him they could do it for intimidation. To prove they could get close to the Prince. Anti-Crowners. They would have left him there.

Metal scratching the concrete dashed all hope away. Someone had opened a door.

Someone had opened the door right behind him.

His world went spinning and stopped whirling at the same time. There was nothing to feel but the utter terror blossoming in his belly when the man came into vision.

"Prompto Argentum." He knew what fearing for his life meant, now that his own name had left the man's lips. "Good afternoon, kid. You slept for a very long time. My buddies and I were wondering if we might have roughened up you a bit too much."

The blood on his shoes, Prompto realized. It came from somewhere, of course. He felt bad overall, but no place hurt more than another, so he assumed they hadn't beaten him up that much. It wasn't like he remembered how they got him there.

"Do you know why you're there, Argentum?"

He shook his head. The man grinned and snickered.

"He doesn't know why he's here! What an unassuming boy!". His hands plumped on Prompto's shoulders, all amused attitude vanished from his face. "Are you serious?"

Prompto couldn't get a word out, but that didn't seem to matter to the man. He turned back, leaving Prompto with a bad case of trembling knees, and started rambling.

"What a joke. He doesn't know!" The coldness of the man's glare would have been enough to pin Prompto down to his damned chair if he hadn't been tied up already. Prompto had seen Coeurls on Lucian Geographic who looked less murderous than his perpetrator.

"You're the bestie of the Prince and you don't have a clue what business we could have with you, kid?" A raucous laugh that didn't sound right ricocheted against the walls.

"Guess what? You're a lucky one. We're not bad guys. We don't care about the Prince. He is a kid too, and we're not child murderers. No need to be scared of us. We just want information about a man, and you happen to know a lot about him. Right, Argentum?"

Names and faces flashed through his mind. Who could he know that would have that much importance to that man? He didn't know the King personally, hadn't met him yet. Neither did he know Gladio's dad. The man probably didn't mean Ignis, because even if Iggy was the future Chamberlain, he wasn't one yet, and anyway he was barely legal so he didn't have time to do anything some crazy old man would want to...

"Seems like the Immortal is quite fond of you."

What?

"The Immortal?" He heard himself whisper, bewildered.

"Yes, the Immortal. Fancy that you know him. We've been tracking the little Prince for a while just to catch him. Seems like a busy man. Even if he's the head of the bloody royal security, we never saw him in a mile radius of the prince."

The man laughed and squeezed Prompto's shoulder. Hard.

"And here you come! The Immortal never visits the Prince, but Uncle Cor sure wouldn't miss the chance to take his dear nephew shopping, Imma right? Or are you his son, maybe?"

"I'm not. I'm really not!" He insisted, feeling the man digging his fingers deeper into his shoulder, making him wince in pain.

"Sure thing you aren't, kid. Why would the Immortal spend his time with you then?"

"I swear I'm not! I'm niff! The Crownsguards took me back in Insomnia when my parents were killed in Gralea!"

His pleas only made the man angrier.

"Likely story, eh? Someone like him wouldn't spend so much time with you if you weren't linked somehow."

A series of impatient knocks on the tinted mirror interrupted him.

"OK, kid. I just have a few questions about daddy dearest." If he ever made it out alive, Prompto would never laugh at B-Movies lines ever again - in real life those were downright terrifying to hear.

"Where does the Marshal live?"

Where did-Where did Cor live?

The walls of his apartment were painted with a light yellow. In the evening, the living room gleamed in the golden light. Being perched on the 32nd floor, it felt like being nestled in a cocoon nest, unreachable and above the clouds. Prompto had stayed the night a few times, whenever Mrs Argentum had to go away and needed him to be watched and every time he had managed to snatch a handful of amazing sunsets snippets. It didn't hurt Cor hid a fantastic collection of photography books in his office and could make a killer paella.

It seemed crazy people wouldn't know where it was situated. As far as Pormpto knew, the location wasn't a state secret. He wasn't an important person either. No matter what Noctis said, Cor wasn't exempted from following the rules. If the location of his apartment was deemed sensitive information, Prompto would never have been allowed up there.

"I don't know," he heard himself say, anyway.

"You don't know?"

"I don't know," he repeated, feeling a bit more sure of himself despite the tremors of his voice. "I suppose he has an apartment in the Citadel or something."

Next thing he registered was pain.

The punch would have sent him flying if the chair hadn't been screwed onto the ground. His vision turned blurry from the tears and he could hear the man yelling and yelling, but could not concentrate enough to understand what he was saying.

"Think you're funny, little shit? Think this is a joke?!"

"Calm down Dan." A new voice piped in. "Not gonna help if he can't answer."

"Do you know where he lives?"

"N-No." He kept his eyes on the ground.

A kick to his knee tore a cry from his throat. Finger dug hard at his jaw, forcing his chin up.

"For a Niff you're quite loyal, aren't you?" He shoved him back, dirty nails scratching Prompto's cheeks. "Perfect. Then if you don't know where he lives, you can tell me where he works, right?"

"The-The Citadel?"

"And how does he get his orders?"

"By phone -I think he has some by the phone. the secured stuff. And - hum, he gets summoned by the King sometimes."

Wasn't it common knowledge? Or was trying to coerce some other information from him with those questions? He hoped not. Had he revealed sensible information?

"This number...is it his secure phone, or his personal mobile."

A screen was pushed under his nose - Prompto hadn't even noticed the other guy walking in! - with Cor's name flashing right at him. Despite the new crack on said screen, he immediately recognized his own phone.

"It's...I don't know. I've never asked, "he stammered. "I think it's his personal phone?"

"Does he usually pick up right away when you call him, or does he call you back?"

The new man spoke with a heavy accent, Lucian accent. His calm demeanour was throwing Prompto off. The violence and the rage of the other man, that was what Prompto expected from a kidnapper. What was up with this guy? And what kind of questions were these?

"I- we - I mostly text him and he calls me back."

They couldn't do anything with that kind of information, right?

Wrong.

Wrong, he realized, when the new guy threw a punch and took a picture of his crying face.

Wrong, he realized, when he made a show of tapping the 'send' button. The tiny arrow icon flashed blue a few times before the picture was sent to Cor.

Wrong, wrong, wrong wrong...

Seconds grained like sand into an hourglass, stretching as they fell, until the screen lighted up back to life, displaying the text as 'read'.

Immediately his phone started vibrating.

He didn't need to see the ID to know who was calling. The cruel smile spreading on the new guy's face was telling enough. Before he could do or say anything, though, the two men left and snapped shut the door behind them. He strained his ears but quickly gave up. Walls of concrete didn't let pass many sounds, let alone distinct conversation.

With nothing but fear and uncertainty for entertainment, he went back to staring holes at his bloody shoes.

#whumptober2020 #no.1 #no.2 #waking up restrained #kidnapping #final fantasy xv #fanfiction #violence #hurt Prompto Argentum #beating #ansgt

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amarabliss · 5 years ago

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Oaths and Hearts - 18 (Ignis Scientia/Reader)

So this is a crossover between FFXV and Dragon Age Inquisition.

You fell through a rift into the fade fighting the demons you swore to protect your world from. When you popped out you were no longer in the lands of Ferelden instead trapped in Insomnia. The gracious king allowed you to say recognizing power when he saw it. One thing led to another and now you were part of the procession of the prince to his wedding years later. Before the final battle, after years of fighting, losses, and love…your friend…your king…Noctis has asked you to change it all…

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17

Ignis yawned as he walked onto the site of construction. He took in a deep breath before raising his coffee up for a drink. His peace was broken by Gladio giving his two cents, “Duel wielding is illegal in some countries.”

Ignis turned giving him an exasperated look, “I know for a fact that duel wielding is completely legal in Insomnia, but I suppose you’re referring to my coffee and thermos.”

“Rough night still?” Gladio looked at him with concern.

“Her contractions are getting more frequent.” Ignis brought the cup up again, “She nearly said it was time last night.”

“She did?” Gladio’s eyes widened before he smiled, “Wow…It’s hard to believe you’re going to be a dad soon.”

“Did it happen? Are we uncles!?” Prompto ran up to him.

“Do you really think he’d be here if Y/N had the baby?” Noctis walked over wearing a safety hat on smirking, “Better get used to sleepless nights buddy.”

“So, I have been reminded daily.” Ignis sighed before setting his thermos on a bench, “Enough about me, where are we in the project?”

“Iggy…” Noct stepped close to him, “we do have a handle on this. You can go and get some rest.”

Ignis smiled at him, “I appreciate the concern, but I am getting enough rest. Y/N assures me we still have a couple of weeks…”

He looked at them all staring at him. Gladio was the first to speak, “Did you…read that in a book?”

“I…no…she just…I trust her.” Ignis set his empty cup down, “She is a woman after all…”

“Ignis, babies aren’t like calendars…” Gladio sighed shaking his head, “I can’t even remember the amount of false alarms my mom and dad had with Iris…and she was early…like three weeks early.”

Ignis stared at him a moment before shaking his head a little, “This is different.”

“You’re delusional!” Prompto rolled his eyes before smiling, “Regardless…I have the camera close by so we can get all the pictures we need when our little man arrives.”

“Our?” Ignis watched him and Gladio walking toward the contractor.

“Yeah…” Noctis smiled at him, “You’re the first of us to have a kid. We’re excited and knowing your baby is a little man…expect many gifts and a spoiled rotten kid. At least for a little while…”

Ignis looked at him, “You are Luna have talked then…”

“More then that.” Noct blushed a little, “She has her duties and I have mine, but…we can’t help wanting more then just our kingdoms and responsibilities.”

“Well…in time, you’ll get your wish.” Ignis put a hand on his shoulder, “You’re both young yet…”

“You say that as if you’re so much older then I am.” Noct laughed as they both walked to catch up with the others.

“In terms of maturity, until recently…” Ignis smirked chuckling as Noct glared at him a little.

The work was hard and honest. Rebuilding took manpower they didn’t have and everyone had begun to wear thin. But hope was in the future.

Luna had convinced Altissia to send aid sooner than later. The boys capture of the crystal had made a significant impact in how the world viewed Insomnia's young king. Not to mention the flocks of Insomnian citizens returning home. Everyone wanted to help.

It was the beginning of a new world view. Status barely mattered, just assisting your fellow man was enough.

Ignis looked up at the bright blue sky wiping is brow. Noctis had decided that rebuilding the hospital and other public venues needed to be priority one. The people rallied behind and progress was good despite the lack of supplies and people.

“Ignis!” The alarmed cry from below Drew is attention away from a flock of flying birds. It was Libertus and Tor running up to the work crews.

“Right here…what’s wrong?” He pushed through the crowd to get to them.

“Its time.” The both told him breathless, “She…Y/N…she’s…”

“What?” Ignis felt his hair practically stand on end as he shook his head, “No…no we’re supposed to have more time…we…”

“Iggy…” He looked at Gladio who stepped up next to him with Prompto, “it’s time…”

“But…nothing’s ready. I was supposed…I…we don’t even have a crib…” Ignis frowned putting a hand to his forehead.

“Hey hey!” Prompto waved his hands at him, “You only have one thing to worry about right now and that’s getting to Y/N and helping her. That’s your job right now.”

Ignis looked at him finding a strange comfort from his words before he nodded, “Right…yes, of course.”

“So, let’s get you there as fast as we can.” Noctis stepped up next to him putting his arm around Ignis’ shoulders, “Hold on.”

Ignis had warped before in short spurts when he and Noct performed maneuvers in battle. Galdio and Prompto both said that it made them sick afterwards. Ignis didn’t find he had that problem until now as his nerves fell into overdrive.

“Breathe Specs.” Noct reminded him as they landed already halfway to their destination.

Ignis looked at him seeing sweat drip down his friend’s face, “Noct, I can manage the rest.”

“Nonsense…” Noct shook his head warping to the next spot taking in a deep breath, “I can get you a bit closer.”

“Noct…” Ignis gently pushed him away toward a bench, “Sit…call Gladio and Prompto to come pick you up…”

As he turned away he heard Noct speak, “You’re gonna be great…just…breathe.”

Ignis looked back at him giving him a sturdy nod before turning back and taking off in a run. Every single step felt like fire began coursing through him. He didn’t know how to be a father…his was taken from him when he was young.

Not that his father hadn’t done well…but he remembered Roderick. His father was kind and gentle, but always seeking the truth and never giving up to find it. Brief images of riding his shoulders through their home, a proud smile, dancing in the kitchen…

He burst into the Citadel rushing to the stairs feeling his legs beginning to burn. As he pushed the door open, he heard a loud wail and he felt his stomach drop. He walked forward pushing through people standing in the hall. Nurses, doctors, patients…

“Y/N…” He heard Dr. Reed speaking, “Y/N you have to calm down…”

“What’s going on?” Ignis pushed forward and a nurse intercepted him as Dr. Reed turned around, “Dr. Reed…”

“Mr. Scientia…” Dr. Reed stepped close to him, “There’s been a…complication…”

“Complication…” Ignis eyes jumped to the open door as something crashed inside and you let out another groan, “Y/N!?”

Dr. Reed put his hands on Ignis’ chest with the nurse, “I can’t let you in there.”

“Ignis…” Your voice sounded weak and scared.

“Get out the way.” Ignis began pushing through them but was held back, “Move!”

“It’s too dangerous!” Dr. Reed raised his voice, “If I let you in there, there is a chance you will not walk out.”

“I don’t care, my wife needs me. Now move.” Ignis voice was low as he glared at the doctor feeling their hands move off him. He adjusted his shirt before stepping into the room.

His eyes widened as the scorch marks on the walls and floor. All the medical equipment was strewn about away from you. You were standing gripping onto the bed railing shaking.

“Y/N…” He began to step forward, but you raised you hand toward him.

“Stay back…” You turned shaking your hair from your sweating face, “…you…you have to leave.”

He stood still staring at you, “Y/N…I will not leave you. Not now…not ever…”

“I-I can’t control it…” You cringed putting you hand to your stomach letting out a painful groan. He took your distracted state to his advantage stepping right over to you. Your eyes opened and you started shaking your head, “No…No Ignis…”

“Shh…” He took your hand tightly in his as his other reached up pushing your hair away from your eyes, “We knew this might happen…”

Your face contorted as tears slipped down your face, “It’s so much worse…it’s so…”

“Shh…” He kissed your forehead, “We’re going to do this together…people with magic have been having babies for thousands of years from your land, you said so yourself.”

You let out another loud guttural groan as contractions came upon you, with it came an uncontrolled spell of chained lighting. It erupted through the floor around them. It was as he expected, his proximity to you protected him from the spell.

“Dr. Reed…” Ignis looked over at the door, “Be ready with everything you need for the baby…we’re doing this alone until we need you…assist with advisements only, do not enter unless I tell you.”

Dr. Reed confirmed as Ignis began turning you toward him have you hold onto his shoulders for support. You hands dug into his shoulders painfully, “I shouldn’t have….done this…mages shouldn’t…there’s too much chaos…I could hurt someone…you…our baby…”

“None of that…you are exactly as you should be…now look at me…” He brushed your hair away from your face, “You’re strong…”

“No…” You shut your eyes hanging your head again.

He lifted your chin looking into your eyes, “Yes. The strongest person I know. You fell through worlds, lost everyone and everything you ever knew, adjusted to an insane new lifestyle…with insane new people.”

“Y/N…you don’t remember but you traveled in time itself to save your family…the one we’re starting here and now…” He pressed his forehead against yours and smiled, “For a daughter we will one day have…so believe me when I say, you can do this.”

“Ignis…ooo….” You balled up his shirt in your hands as another contraction overtook you.

“It’s time.” Dr. Reed spoke from the doorway, “You’re going to have to push…I…I suggest laying down…”

“No…” You shook your head, “No…I…”

“It’s alright…we can stand…” He looked around the room before helping you toward a chair, “Brace yourself on this…I’ll need to be below to catch him.”

You nodded as you took in a deep shuddered breath grabbing onto the chair with one hand, “If…”

“I won’t let it come to that.” He took your other hand pressing it to his lips shutting his eyes. You wanted him to put you under if it came to it. You had researched c-sections, and even Dr. Reed had considered it but felt your concerns weren’t merited.

He could see Dr. Reed was reconsidering his position as he looked back as he reached for some gloves, “Doctor?”

“Ignis, you’ll need to reach up and check her cervix…based on her contractions…I’m positive she’s ready, but to be sure… insert two fingers…” He walked Ignis through what he was and wasn’t supposed to feel. Based on what was described back to him Dr. Reed confirmed full dilation, “The next time you feel a contraction you need to bear down…deep breath…and push…Ignis you’re going to see the head first…and gravity will probably work quickly.”

Ignis looked up at you as begin letting out quick short breaths trying you best to remain in control, “Darling…we do it now…just let go and think of Ulric.”

You nodded as you adjusted as the contraction wracked your body. He saw the immense strain you began to put on yourself as you pushed letting out a warrior’s scream. He could indeed see you taking down hordes of demons and dragons for those you loved in that moment. The moment you were becoming a mother, the joining a league of strongest forces the universe could create. His focus shifted quickly from your face to the small life beginning to join them in this world.

The process repeated. He hardly acknowledged the lights shattering above them as the storm you let loose raged everywhere around them. His heartbeat was so loud as he couldn’t hear his voice as he instructed you for one final push.

Then everything happened so fast…he was holding his crying son in his hands. Tears flooded into his eyes as he spoke, “He’s here…he’s here…”

“He…Ig…Ignis…” You looked back at them both.

Ignis saw your small smile before your legs started to give out. With precision reflexes he was up catching you with his one arm, “Y/N…”

“Go, go!” He heard behind him as he set your tired form into the chair. Nurses and Dr. Reed rushed into the room around them.

One nurse made eye contact with him taking his son from him to be examined. His eyes went back to you as they carefully lifted you to the bed. Dr. Reed confirmed everything had gone well as you began to come back eyes cracking back open when Ulric began to cry.

“…mm…my baby…” You reached up weakly and Ignis took your hand.

“He’s right here…just one more moment.” He whispered moving in to kiss your forehead, “You did so well my love.”

“Here we go…” A smiling nurse came back holding Ulric in a clean blanket as he cried, “meet your momma…”

Tears flooded his Ignis’ eyes again as you were handed him. Instantly his son’s cries disappeared as you pressed your cheek against his head, and the most miraculous sight occurred. A spell he’d only ever seen you use once to save everyone in battle rushed over everyone in the room.

Every nerve that had been set afire calmed in his body as tingling warmth replaced it. He felt energy being restored, as did everyone else who had their anxiety shooting through the roof. A knight’s resurgence…a revival.

You looked up at him as the calm feeling fell over everyone in the room, “Ignis…he’s wonderful…”

“He is…” A nurse handed him some towels to clean up before he leaned back to his family touching and kissing them both, “You both are…”

After sometime everyone shuffled around before taking Ulric back to be put in the nursery to give you time to be tended to. Before you were wheeled away you grabbed his arm, “Don’t leave him…”

There was such fear in your eyes, he could not refuse you. He followed the nurse down the hall looking in the bassinet at his perfect creation. Having no traditional facilities yet, they had converted a small office into the nursery.

“Would you like to hold him again, dad?” The nurse smiled at Ignis as she finished reswaddling him.

“I…” He wasn’t really given the option as she placed the boy back in his arms. He choked up looking at him, “I love you…I love you so much.”

Ulric fussed a little as he brought him up kissing his little hands. Staring at him made all time seem to stop that he didn’t notice three onlookers standing in the doorway until he heard the sound of a shutter. He looked up seeing Prompto snapping photos grinning just as big as the other two.

“How long have you been there?” Ignis walked over to them.

Noctis beamed up at him, “Oh…just fifteen minutes or so…”

“You should have said something.” Ignis bobbed his arms up and down as Ulric began to move a little, “But that’s beside the point…everyone…meet Ulric.”

“Wow…” Gladio whispered reaching over touching Ignis’ arm gently, “You did good.”

“I’ll say…hey little dude!” Prompto whispered, “I’m your Uncle Prompto…and I’m gonna be your favorite!”

“Nah…his uncle the king will be.” Noct nudged the blonde a little getting everyone to chuckle.

“We got him something.” Gladio stepped out into the hall before coming back inside holding a bag.

Ignis watched as the boys smirked at him before pulling out a book, “Oh…well it’s a little early…”

“Well in time he’s gonna want to know about everything…this is just a fun way to do it.” Gladio stepped in opening the book to show Ignis, “It’s yours and Y/N’s story minus some parts, plus others…see…”

Ignis looked at a beautifully illustrated child’s book showing how you met them all including Nyx, but everyone was drawn in a cartoonish way. Gladio flipped through it and it showed you both going on a date in Altissia, then fighting side by side to save Noct all the way leading up to being brought home.

“It’s wonderful…thank you…” He looked at them all before turning to Noctis who had nonstop been staring at the small child in his arms since he walked over, “Would you like to hold him?”

“Oh I…” Noct began to shake his head.

“There is no one I would trust more with son.” Ignis told him gently handing him over, “Support his head…”

Noct looked at Ulric and smiled before looking at Ignis, “So how’s it feel? We heard it was a special type of delivery.”

Ignis sat down looking up at them, “I never anticipated delivering him myself…but I can’t imagine doing it any other way…When I held him…it was…it was like everything inside me began to reset and reform…there’s really no words…except that I love him. I love him and I would do anything for him.”

He lifted his glasses off his face wiping the sudden tears away as the boys crowded around him in support. Everything was finally right in the world. Everything was just as it should be…

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kuriboo · 5 years ago

Text

Aiball Week 2020 - Day 6

Personality Switch / Masquerade

Is it February 13th? No. Is this over a month after the event ended? Yes. Oh, well. At the time, I just wasn’t up to this. Even if I’d forced myself to be, the result would’ve come out much worse than it is now, so hopefully it’s worth the wait!

Either way, this was one of the prompts that really inspired me when @aiballshipping came out with the prompt list for the event. I wrote the other one a while back, which I think was an AU prompt. But even over a month later, I still really wanted to explore the inspiration this prompt gave me. So, I hope no one minds that I did it anyway.

also available on ao3 @ tatersalad5001!!

Additional Tags: feel free to interpret yusaku + ai as either platonic or romantic on this one!, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, (this is vaguely after revolver and windy's duel), (but take canon with a grain of salt), Personality Swap, Character Study

Class was over.

Yusaku shoved everything into his backpack and got ready to leave school for the day.

“Yuuuusaku! Buddy!” Shima practically slid over to where Yusaku had been sitting. “Logged into Vrains lately?”

Yusaku rolled his eyes. “I don’t go on Vrains.”

“Right.” Shima dabbed (literally, Shima actually dabbed) right past Yusaku’s correction like he hadn’t even asked the question. “Anyway, you don’t need to log in to hear the news, right? You heard the news?”

What news? News about Playmaker? Or... “I haven’t,” Yusaku responded.

“Oh, man, it’s crazy! There’s a virus going around the server. It’s nothing like the Another incident, or anything like that. But it’s making a lot of people...act differently. Complete personality switch.”

Yusaku sighed. This was the least concerning Vrains-related thing he’d heard in at least a couple of months. “You better log in now, then. Before you miss your chance.” The chance for Shima to catch a new personality and finally leave Yusaku alone.

“Oh, Yusaku! You’re such a kidder!” Shima laughed.

Personality changes? That wasn’t good, but Yusaku had bigger things on his mind. He needed to save Jin. He needed to stop Lightning. There was always the chance Lightning created this virus and was spreading it, but why would Lightning go for something so small? It was probably the result of some random hacker. Yusaku could only have so much on his mind right now.

So he forgot it fairly quickly after he left the classroom. Right now, it was more important to focus on the task at hand. Tracking down any of the Ignis (besides Ai and Flame), because they needed to convince Earth and Aqua to join their side, and they needed to stop Lightning and Windy.

He and Takeru met up with Kusanagi shortly afterwards, at Cafe Nagi. When the group checked in on Vrains, it was quickly apparent that sometbing was wrong.

“There’s way less people logged in than usual,” Takeru noted. “Did something happen?”

“Whatever it is, we can’t let it stop us now. The sooner we track down any of the Ignis, the closer we’ll be to saving Jin,” Kusanagi said.

“With less people on, it might be easier for us to find any Ignis presence. It also might be easier for SOL Technologies to notice us.” Yusaku frowned. “This could be good for us, or bad. Let’s hope it’s good.”

Thankfully, Yusaku’s hopes came true. It didn’t take long for them to get a hit in their search. Maybe it was one of the Ignis, maybe a clue of somewhere they had been recently, maybe it was nothing, but there was a chance it was something. That made it worth checking.

“Are you sure about this?” Ai asked Yusaku before anyone could log in. “You feel it, too, right? Something’s off in the network.”

Yeah, he did feel it. Something off, something that wouldn’t sit still, that seemed attracted towards any Vrains users. But it seemed like it was sticking around the main areas most users clung to. Far from where Yusaku planned to go.

“It’ll be fine.”

Yusaku and Takeru logged in, bringing Ai and Flame with them.

They looked into what turned up in their search. It was a dud after all. At least they tried.

Something in the network was off, and the feeling only worsened for Yusaku and Ai.

The group logged off.

As soon as Yusaku was back in the real world, something was different. Something was wrong. It took him a second to register what it was, but he was light-headed. Just standing up was messing with his sense of balance, painfully slow.

“Whoa, you okay?” Kusanagi asked, immediately noticing how wobbly Yusaku was. He grabbed Yusaku by the arm and helped him sit down in one of the chairs in his van.

“Yeah, just...” Yusaku rested his head back against the wall. “I’ll be okay. Need to sit down for a moment.”

“Maybe we should take a break for the rest of the day. Maybe tomorrow, too.” Takeru frowned. “We haven’t had any luck, and it’s starting to wear us out, from the looks of it.”

“No. I’m fine,” Yusaku insisted. He started to shake his head, but that only made him feel worse. He winced.

Neither of the others looked like they believed him.

“Really, I’m okay!” Yusaku leaned forward in his chair. “There’s no time to waste. What if we miss something just because you want to make me rest?”

“If you’re not feeling well, then even if something happens we might not be able to do anything about it,” Kusanagi pointed out.

“We’re not letting you burn yourself out.” Takeru crossed his arms across his chest. “We need Playmaker in the best shape possible if we’re going to stop Lightning.”

Yusaku sighed and turned his chair away from them. “It’s no fair when you gang up on me like that... Fine, I’ll leave Vrains alone for a day or two.”

Kusanagi opened his mouth to say something, but he was interrupted by the computer making some sort of noise. An error noise, Yusaku recognized it. Kusangi looked up at the computer screen, then glanced back down towards Yusaku again.

“Nothing happened when you logged out, right, Yusaku?”

“Nothing unusual.”

“Hmm.” Kusanagi frowned, looking towards the screen again. “I was deleting all activity on the Playmaker account like usual, but it picked up some sort of error when you logged out.”

For a moment, Yusaku wasn’t sure how to respond to that. “Maybe that’s why I feel like this... Told you both I’m f—“

Something occurred to him.

“Ai’s being way quieter than usual.” Not that Flame was talkative right now either, but it wasn’t entirely out of character for Flame, at least. Flame had been disappointed before they logged out of Vrains, maybe he needed some time to himself. But Ai had still been in high spirits. Normally he would’ve said something by now, at least made some kind of joke.

But now, Flame poked his face out of Takeru’s duel disk. “Yeah...you’re right. Do you think something happened to him as you were logging out? Maybe Lightning was around after all.”

“Maybe.” Yusaku looked down at his duel disk and shrugged. “More likely that he’s just scouring the internet for more Ai-themed websites. Like the one Windy lured him with, though.”

“I’m busy.”

Flame, Takeru, and Kusanagi looked towards Yusaku’s duel disk as well. Ai was definitely still in there, that was Ai’s voice just now. But he wasn’t even visible in eye form right now.

“With what?” Yusaku rolled his eyes. “You didn’t actually find another trap, did you? If you keep falling for stuff like that, I won’t rescue you next time.”

“Shut up. I’m searching the internet for signs of Aqua and Earth again. They could’ve put up a message for us while we were in Vrains,” Ai replied.

“That’s a fair point.” Flame stroke his chin...or, where his chin would be, if he had one. “Just because we were in Vrains doesn’t mean we’ll find them there.”

Ai poked his head out of Yusaku’s duel disk. “Now that you all finally caught up, I’m finished looking. There’s nothing. Doesn’t hurt to be thorough, though.”

“Definitely not. Good thinking, Ai,” Kusanagi told him.

“You all take your break, we still need you in shape for dueling. But since AI don’t need to rest, I’ll keep an eye out on the internet in the meantime. Lightning won’t rest just because you need to,” Ai said.

“I can help you out with that, too,” Flame added. “It’s our turn to shine.”

Yusaku chuckled. “Nice pun,” he told Ai.

Ai glared at him. “It wasn’t a pun. And it wasn’t funny.”

“Too bad. It could’ve been if you had a sense of humor.”

Everyone in the room besides Ai and Yusaku stared at Yusaku like he just grew a second head.

“What?” Yusaku asked.

“Did you just...laugh?” Takeru asked.

“What’s wrong with laughing?” The joke Ai could’ve made really was funny! When did everyone besides Yusaku lose their sense of humor? When did jokes become illegal?

“Buddy...” Kusanagi frowned. “As long as I’ve known you, I’ve never heard you laugh once. Not until just now.”

Yusaku paused for a second and thought back. Kusanagi...actually had a point there. Yusaku hadn’t had any reservations in laughing just now, but he couldn’t remember the last time before that that he’d found anything nearly funny enough to laugh about. Even jokes of the same caliber. Especially jokes of the same caliber. They always seemed so annoying before, but now...

“Let me see that error screen.” Yusaku sighed. “Something’s wrong.”

Something was wrong with Yusaku. And with Ai, too. Because Ai was annoyed with Yusaku’s joke, and that was like...the opposite of the relationship the two of them had.

—

Message received from Takeru

> Read Now

Read Later

Sent: found something. could be related to lightning. what do you think? [link]

Received: Did you seriously just rickroll me? Who are you and what have you done with Yusaku? Seriously? Rickrolling? Of all things?

Sent: you just don’t have any appreciation for old memes. smh...

Received: How did you even send me the link? I thought your phone couldn’t use internet. You still have the old flip phone, right?

Sent: yeah. memorized the url and typed it out :)

Received: You’re a monster.

Yusaku would’ve sent Takeru another smiley face emoticon, but even in his current situation he had to be cautious. Couldn’t spend too much money on minutes just for pranking purposes.

—

Days had gone by. A few days, with Yusaku being stuck with Ai’s personality, and Ai’s with his. Even now, Yusaku had no idea what to do with the revelation. He had no idea how he felt about it.

How was Yusaku supposed to feel? That was an easy question. If you asked Yusaku a week ago how he would feel if he had Ai’s personality, he would’ve said he would hate it. Ai could get annoying enough when all Yusaku had to do was live with him. Having an internal Ai at all times? Far from ideal. No thanks. Do not call this person with unsolicited services or offers.

How Ai felt about this whole thing was hard to say. Since the whole switch thing, Ai had barely spoken to Yusaku. He’d made himself busy without any sort of breaks or anything. It wasn’t like Ai needed breaks or anything, but still, Ai never worked this hard or much at anything. It felt weird. Yusaku missed his jokes and puns and pranks and... He just missed Ai.

Ai and Yusaku weren’t the only two people with opinions on the matter, either. Yesterday after class, Yusaku walked over to Shima and made a joke about class without even thinking about it until it was already done. Shima looked terrified.

How did Yusaku feel about the situation right now, though? Even though Yusaku knew how he would feel, that didn’t make him hate this. He actually kind of...enjoyed it, to an extent? He didn’t hate puns anymore, he couldn’t hate puns now. That felt impossible to even try to do. And he was enjoying making jokes. But he also knew this wasn’t supposed to be who he was. Even if Yusaku could take some enjoyment out of this, it still felt really uncomfortable.

If there was one thing Yusaku was sure of right now, it was that he couldn’t wait for everything to go back to normal. He knew Ai felt the same, too.

A few days had gone by.

“Got something.”

Yusaku nearly jumped out of his skin when Ai spoke from his duel disk. He wasn’t worried about anyone overhearing Ai, they were nearly back at Yusaku’s apartment from school now. But Ai hadn’t said a word all day, until now. He hadn’t been expecting it.

He was a lot more jumpy now, too, he noticed. Yusaku rarely ever let his guard down, but now...he was too relaxed. He didn’t like this.

“What is it?”

“Lightning’s out of hiding at the moment.” Ai’s face peeked out of the duel disk. “I don’t know why. He’s probably up to something, but we should check it out. ...Unless you’re still on your ‘break’.”

“No way. I’m not sitting by when Jin still needs us!” Yusaku frowned. “Besides, I don’t know if Lightning’s responsible for what happened to us. But if he is? We gotta make him fix it.”

“Just asking him nicely won’t do it.” Ai narrowed his eyes. “It won’t be easy. But I do agree with you. The sooner we’re both back to normal, the better.”

“Great! We’re going in, then.”

“I’ll update everyone else on the situation.”

Yusaku practically leaped into his apartment and shoved the door closed behind him. There was no time to waste.

“Into the Vrains!”

—

It would’ve been nice of Ai to tell Playmaker that Lightning wasn’t alone.

When they logged in, they weren’t too far away from Lightning and Bohman. Good. The sooner they could get this over with, the better. Playmaker jumped onto his hoverboard and flew after them as fast as possible.

“Lightning! What’re you up to?”

Hearing Playmaker, both Bohman and Lightning stopped and waited for him to catch up.

“What are any of us doing anywhere?” Lightning asked. “That’s one of life’s many mysteries, isn’t it?”

“Cut the bullshit.” Ai glared at Lightning. “Did you do this?”

Lightning blinked. “What did I do?”

“You know what I mean.” Ai gestured wildly towards Playmaker, then to himself. “Our personalities were completely swapped with each other the last time we were in Vrains. Was this your doing or not?”

“Swapped personali...oh, yes, I remember now,” Lightning responded. “That virus I released in the network...a week ago, was it?”

“What kind of virus??” Playmaker asked.

“I thought you already had it figured out, since you confronted me about it? My mistake. Seems I overestimated your capabilities, at least as they are in this state.” Lightning put a hand on his hip. “It’s a virus that targets Ignis and their origins and switches their personalities with one another. Given the connection between Origin and Ignis, it’s simple enough for me to produce. Of course, I needed to test it before sending it out after its real targets. It wouldn’t do to infect either you or Soulburner and Flame without the virus working properly. But it wouldn’t do to test it on myself and my origin, and Windy’s origin is unavailable. I tried to make do, using regular humans as test subjects, but without any Ignis connections it was hard to judge the results. I’m pleased to hear it was a success.”

“You hear the news? There’s a virus going around the server. It’s making a lot of people...act differently. Complete personality switch.”

Playmaker balled his left hand into a fist. “Using innocent people as test subjects... You’re no better than Dr. Kogami, Lightning. This is inexcusable.”

“I have to disagree, Playmaker,” Lightning said. “Dr. Kogami created us to be the successors to him, to humanity. By definition, that makes me better than him.”

“What was all this for?” Playmaker demanded. “What did you want from all this? Did you actually have a goal?”

“I always have a goal.” Lightning looked befween Ai and Playmaker. “And I’d say I’m...well, nevermind that. I actually have two goals from this. I wanted to throw the two of you off your game, and hopefully make you easier to defeat. But I was also hoping to make Ai more reasonable.”

“...Reasonable?” Ai’s voice was quiet.

“After you were infected, I wanted to speak to you again, Ai, and here we are. This time, I was hoping you would see the light. It’s not too late to join us. Humanity’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Surely you see it now. Do you really want to turn against your old friends for a bunch of people you don’t know? Strangers who could hunt you down and erase you without a second thought? Or even for your own origin, now that you can’t stand him?

“It’s not too late, Ai.” Lightning leaned forward. “This is a war for survival, surely you can appreciate that now. Surely you now understand how serious this is. You can still join me and Windy.”

“...You must pretty low of me if you still think you can change my mind, Lightning.”

Playmaker couldn’t help but shiver from how cold Ai’s voice was.

“You didn’t think I took you seriously before? Then take me seriously now, Lightning. If you thought this was going to work, then you seriously miscalculated. How different did you think Playmaker and I really are? We have a lot more in common than you think, or did you forget how stubborn Playmaker is? How stubborn I am? I won’t turn against humanity over a few mistakes Kogami made, or the mistakes you’re making now. And whether we were friends or not, I would never betray Playmaker for you.

I’m not like you, Lightning. Neither is Playmaker. He’s not just an origin to me. He’s not even just a friend to me. We’re partners. Nothing you do is going to break that bond. Nothing you do will make me leave his side.”

Lightning leaned back. He looked stunned.

Playmaker was stunned, too.

He’d been so focused on the differences between Ai and himself and all the ways they had changed from Lightning’s virus. The similarities had never come to mind. But Ai was right. The cold anger in Ai’s voice, his stubbornness in his choices, and his unwavering conviction that coexistence was possible... They both still had all that. Maybe some minor things had chsnged, but deep down, the two of them really had a lot in common.

And Ai had called them partners...he’d sworn to never turn against Playmaker or leave his side. Did Playmaker really mean that much to Ai? He’d never realized it before. He never thought the bond they shared, but now that he thought about it, that bond meant a lot to him, too. Playmaker had no intention to betray or shatter that bond, either.

Thank goodness they were in a virtual world. Thank goodness the warmth Ai’s words gave Playmaker couldn’t actually show in his face here without his permission. He’d never live it down from Ai otherwise. Once this was over, anyway. Once this was over.

Lightning recovered quicker than Playmaker did. “Pity. But I suppose it can’t be helped. At least I’ve achieved one of your goals.”

“You’ve achieved nothing,” Ai replied. “You won’t achieve anything. We won’t let you.”

“We’ll see about that.” Lightning sighed, then turned to Bohman. “The two of you want to fix what my virus has done? Fine. We’ll settle this in a duel. If you can defeat Bohman, we’ll give you what you need. If not, you’ll hand yourselves over to me. You’ll be joining our side of this war after all.”

“Deal,” Ai answered.

Ai sounded more than confident of their victory. Playmaker couldn’t help but be assured of it as well. A virus like this wasn’t nearly enough to rattle them into making mistakes. There was no way they were going to lose this.

Lightning was gone as soon as Ai gave his answer, but that wasn’t important right now. Lightning wasn’t their opponent.

“Let’s see how you handle this,” Bohman said.

—

“Your Life Points are 0! Change us back already,” Ai demanded.

Bohman had been struck down into kneeling on his hoverboard. He looked between his opponents. “Your dueling ability wasn’t hindered by this virus as much as Lightning hoped. Perhaps it wasn’t ready to send out yet after all.”

Playmaker smirked as he flew his hoverboard closer to Bohman. “Or maybe you’re still underestimating the two of us. You don’t develop this kind of bond or these dueling skills overnight. Combined, you don’t stand a chance against us.”

“I suppose you have a point. Though, don’t forget. We AI advance and evolve far quicker than you. It may have taken this long for you, but don’t bring me to your level,” Bohman responded.

“Oh, my mistake,” Playmaker said. “We’re still several levels above you. I shouldn’t have expected you could ever catch up to us.”

Bohman held out his right hand in front of him. “A cheerfully smug Playmaker...feels as weird to me as it must feel for you both.” A swirling, blue, nearly transparent sphere apprared in Bohman’s hand, filled with bits of code. “Take this. This code should put you both back to normal.”

Playmaker took it, though he didn’t activate the code right away. They would need to analyze this first, make sure they weren’t being tricked again. But for now...

“I can’t wait to never make a pun again.” Playmaker breathed a sigh of relief.

“And I can’t wait to stop hating jokes,” Ai added. “This is exhausting.”

“Let’s agree to never do this again,” Playmaker said.

“Agreed.”

#aiballshipping #aiballweek2020 #yugioh vrains #tater writes #tater.txt

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ends-of-the-wayward-storm · 5 years ago

Text

Blue and White

Summary

Valentine’s Day is approaching and Noctis wants to give Lunafreya something special. All he had to do was figure out what to give her. Simple, right?

(AO3 version)

- - - - - - - -

It had been on his mind since the last few weeks of January. He had even zoned out quite a few times just thinking about it.

He wanted to do something special this time. Something that showed her how much he really cared about her. In the past, his gifts had been simple and small. Of course, there was one time he had purchased crescent moon earrings to match the necklace she always wore. That was probably the most “extravagant” gift he’d ever given her.

But this time would be different. He just had to figure out what to get.

Maybe I could ask Ignis about it.

He shook his head. No. This time he would figure something out himself. He could do some research, get some ideas, and figure out which one was the best.

Easier said than done.

But he could do it. It was for Luna, after all.

So he did his research in whatever spare time he could find. He could buy her another piece of jewelry, but that felt repetitive. Maybe he could try baking her something. But then how would Umbra transport that? What would he even make? And could he really trust himself in the kitchen?

I could ask Ignis.

No. He could do this. He’s done pretty well a few times on his own. He could do it again.

Maybe he could send a card? Buying one didn’t feel right. Could he make one? Possibly, but would it even be enough?

Need something better.

There was always those boxes of chocolate. That seemed like a good idea. Did Luna like chocolate?

Umbra still needs to get them to her in one piece.

So back to the drawing board he went. And of course, the days seemed to slide right past him. Before he knew it, it was already the week of the big day. All this time and he still couldn’t find anything. Nothing was perfect enough to give to her. Nothing seemed to convey how much he cared about her. How he wished he could do more for her.

He looked down at the full sheet of paper, which held nothing but discarded and crossed out ideas.

Sighing, he crumpled the sheet and half-heartedly tossed it in a trash can. There had to be something out there that would work. He just wasn’t looking hard enough.

His eyes drifted to his phone. He wanted to do this himself. Really he did. But he was really running out of options here.

Unlocking his phone, he went to his contacts and scrolled through them. There was Prompto. He could always ask him. He usually had some pretty good ideas.

—Hey.

It didn’t take long for him to respond.

~~Prompto: Hey, man! What’s up?

—Got a question.

~~Shoot.

He hesitated a good couple seconds before pushing himself to respond.

—What would you get someone for Valentine’s Day?

There. He sent it. Now he just had to wait.

A couple of painstakingly long minutes went by before Prompto’s text came up.

~~Uh well, I guess you give ‘em something from the heart.

Something from the heart. He wasn’t even sure what his wanted.

~~Or flowers?

Luna likes those. But which ones would she like? I only know about the ones in Tenebrae.

~~Ohhh this is for Lunafreya, isn’t it?

—Maybe.

~~You have to give her something really special!

—I know. I just can’t figure out what.

~~Homemade stuff works!

—Homemade? Like what?

~~Anything! Cards, trinkets, a whole bunch of things!

Guess it doesn’t have to be a card. . . .

—All right. Thanks, buddy.

~~No problemo!

Well that helped a bit. Somewhat. Gladio might be able to give him some ideas. After teasing him.

—Hey.

About five minutes went by before Gladio’s message popped up.

~~Gladio: Hey.

—Got any ideas for a gift?

—It’s for Valentine’s.

~~For Lunafreya?

—Yeah.

~~A little late, don’t ya think?

—I know.

—I haven’t thought of anything yet.

A few minutes of nothing.

~~Think about what she likes. Every girl’s different.

What Luna likes. . . . That narrowed it down . . . he guessed.

—I can do that.

~~I hope you can.

—Yeah yeah.

~~All right. See you tomorrow.

—Got it.

That went . . . pretty well. He was getting some ideas, so this was good.

Should’ve asked them earlier.

He scrolled through his contacts and found Ignis.

All right, Ignis. Let’s see what you got.

—Hey uh you got a minute?

As always, Ignis’s reply was almost instant.

~~Ignis: Of course.

—You have any ideas for a Valentine’s gift?

~~For Lady Lunafreya?

He hesitated.

—Yeah.

~~It’s best not to overcomplicate things. Often the simplest of gifts are the most memorable.

—Something simple?

~~Yes. I’m sure anything you decide to give her is something she would thoroughly enjoy.

Something simple. . . . He was overcomplicating everything. But no one needed to know that.

—Got it. Thanks, Specs.

~~You’re quite welcome.

Finally the big day came. To say he wasn’t nervous would be lying to himself. He really hoped she liked his gift.

Familiar barking reached his ears, and he spotted Umbra coming toward him. Kneeling down, he greeted the dog with a head rub before opening the notebook. Reaching the most current page, he came across her gift to him.

~May your day be filled with much happiness, Noctis.

Beside her beautiful handwriting were two sylleblossoms pressed into the page, their stems crossing over each other. And between the flowers was a very intricate drawing of a heart.

He smiled at the message, and he looked to his supply of materials. Maybe she would like his gift after all.

~ ~ ~ ~

The sunlight filled her room as she wrote at her desk. She hoped he liked the gift she had sent him. She wished she could’ve done more, but she thought he might like the simpler gifts more.

She set her pen down and glanced out her window. She wanted him to know what she truly felt. That he was always in her thoughts and prayers. That she would stand by him no matter what would come to pass.

Pryna’s head rose, and Lunafreya followed the Messenger’s gaze to Umbra coming in. Smiling, Lunafreya met him in the middle and knelt down. She gave him a gentle pet before opening the notebook.

—Thanks for the gift, Luna. I really appreciate it. And I hope you like your gift.

Turning to the next page, a small gasp slipped out. Blue and white roses were pressed against the page in full bloom, forming a heart.

Gingerly, she touched the page, smiling at the gesture. Perhaps he knew how much she cared for him more than she thought.

[I usually don’t post things like this sporadically but I literally thought of this this morning so I decided to write it and post it. Hope you guys enjoyed this, and Happy Valentine’s Day!]

#FFXV #Final Fantasy XV #Noctis #Lunafreya #Prompto #Ignis #Gladio #Umbra #Pryna #Lunoct #Noctluna

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noctanotherone · 5 years ago

Text

A FFXVxover fanfic Idea I need help brainstorming on....

I’ve had this idea in my head for a while, and me @operagoose, @tevlyn-tauly, and a few others on our discord chats have been helping me flesh this out, unfortunately I work full time now and haven’t been able to brain storm with my friends much anymore because we are in different parts of the world and I can’t always talk with them because of the time difference, so I’m ganna post the ideas on here, and maybe see if I can get some help writing this because I can’t write stories for crap but I can bounce ideas massively!

And I wanted to ask @ertrunkenerwassergeist and @secret-engima or anyone else really, if they wouldn’t mind helping? I don’t mind sharing the ideas! I haven’t thought of how that would help yet because of universe lore but I figured it would be fun and even ideas can trigger other ideas! Specially when Eos lore is involved in this!

Basically the fanfic idea is for a FFXV&HP cover where the boys go to hogwarts, but it makes sense. And it’s all because of a special little curtain/portal in the department of mysteries and the archeological digs going on in Lucis that’s barely mentioned in the series.... and the lore gets very deep and even explains where magic came from in the HP world and why it’s only concentrated in some areas and why it’s not longer as prevalent in Eos and how it evolved with each world! Along with many other things which I will need to tweek still....

I’ll make another post here soon, I need to gather what we already talked about and post it up here, but having advice on how to write it would be great too!

But here is what I’ve written so far, it’s very bare bones and I didn’t even get to some of the double checking sources wise or even naming some characters yet, let alone spell checking it... and a lot of it is just notes of what happened with no conversations....sooooooo..... enjoy!

//——————————\\

It seemed like any other normal day so far. Dusty rooms here, dusty rooms there, dust dust everywhere! (Change to describe the department of mysteries and the poor sap who does not get paid enough for this, and walking into the veil room).

And then it happened.

A body came stumbling out of the Veil.

The veil of death. The veil of no return. The veil where any man went into came out of (fix to something better).

(Insert wizard name here) just stood there, flabbergasted.

The man that fell out of the viel was odd to say the least.

Black and strange looking clothes, even stranger tattoos, and let’s not forget the ‘interesting’ braided haircut/style... ...though he will say the muggles has had some interesting styles recently (80’s style ftw lol) but this didn’t seem to be a muggle....could it? This is the department of mysteries, so deep full of magic a muggle could never be able to get in! But muggles have done some strange things before...gotten into places they where never meant to be...

He didn’t know what to do l, he just stood there and stared as the man stood up from the floor and patted himself off before he finally noticed that he was not where he thought he was. “How the heck....?” Mumbles the strange man before he turned and noticed him. “Hey! Buddy! Mind telling me where I am at?”

He didn’t know what to do. This wasn’t in the manual, this veil has been here for hundreds if not thousands of years and something like this never happened before.

So he panicked, and sent a stunning spell to the poor sap before running and sounding the alarms, never noticing the other head sticking out of the veil confused as he ran away.

————

Nyx (with head sticking out of the portal) watched as the strangely dressed man ran away, his friend, Libertus on the floor, looking like he was frozen in place, he walked into the room the rest of the way and waved his hand in his friends face as he poked and prodded him, he was still breathing, so that was good, but what was that red flash of light? Why did his friend look as stiff as a board? And this place, it’s obvious that they weren’t in Eos anymore, let alone the citadel undergrounds.

When they were first assigned to this job to guard the archeologists as a punishment, nothing could possibly of happened besides extreme bouts of boredom....but trouble does love to follow his little group, so he’s not as surprised as he would be that some thing this weird would happen.

Speaking of, this only happened because they were goofing around looking and prodding at the weird arch with curtains, light, and floating smoke. Sure, they were getting yelled at by the archeologists in the process, be he couldn’t resist just sticking his foot out as Libertus was walking towards it.

It was meant to be a small prank! How was he supposed to know Libertus would fall thru it and ‘not’ come out the other side!

So, he did the only sensible thing. And stuck his head thru the veil to look for his friend, and when he did, he saw a bright flash of red light, his friend fall to the floor, and an oddly dressed man running away.

What did their perchant (?????? Is this the right word I want????wtf???) for trouble get them into this time...he muttered this time as he leaned over to poke Libertus...he had no idea....but he really should figure out what happened to his friend....he should probably also let the others know that they are okay...

As he stood up and stretched his body he turned back to the door and stuck his head in to let them know they were okay and that there’s a strange place on the other side, when he heard a loud noise before blacking out.

—————————

When word reached the King, Regis was shocked, what seemed to be a whole ‘nother world was on the other side of that strange arch that was found in a sealed room in the underground of the Citadel.

When he found out what happened to his more, excitable Kingsglaive members he shouldn’t of been surprised that something like this would happen to these particular men.

But It didn’t change the fact that after word reached him of what happened, he rushed to them as fast as he could.

When he got there and crossed the veil, he saw one of his men on the floor, stiff as could be. When he inquired about what happened, he was informed by Nyx that Libertus fell thru the arch like he was pushed and all he saw was a red flash of light before poking his head in.

Hearing that, He was cautious when he crossed that doorway to another world, and good thing he was, after he stepped thru with his magical barrier up, a red beam of light was shot at him. It harmlessly hit his barrier, it was so weak he didn’t even feel it.

And to see a group of shocked men seemingly armed with sticks pointing right at him on the other side, well, he knew to leave up his shield at all times as he addressed them.

(Insert Trolldad Regis talking to them Snarkily about his men being attacked and what ever shall he do and why did they attack them yadda yadda yadda)

(Also insert part about having a game of questions and answers, he asked one and they answer and they ask one and he answers)

(Don’t know when but also put in a part of them doing a type of exchange to learn about each others magic)

(Portion below for later, might have to rewrite to fit it with story.)

What was more interesting is it seems the people on the other side seemed to be teeming with magic! Something so rare for individuals but abundant in their own world. It seems to be more accessible and variable for those on the other side, but more restricted on how much, how powerful, and how they can access it, and last but not least, the amount of the types of spells they have! but it also seems that they have another weakness that doesn’t exist in Eos.... they couldn’t use technology around magic! It was so fascinating to hear about!

—————————

(This part will be about a few months later about Harry and on his side and how Diagonal ally is going all nuts about the discovery of a whole nother world and how a select few are coming over to their world to learn about their magic and a few on their side are going over their to learn about theirs, and about how somehow muggle tech works just fine with magic in their world and is actually somehow powered by it)

\\————————//

And that’s all I have so far, I already know what houses the chocobros are ganna be in, and this happens when Noct is young, just before his back injury, so some things will change history wise, other people will live and get to join the chocobros at a later date (Aranea for example), this portal actually jump starts peace talks around the world (the nifs only do it cause, oh look! Another world full of resources to conqur! The war with Lucis can wait until we learn more!) and like Noct not getting healed by the oracle but in the HP world when he gets attacked so Tenebrae never gets attacked.... still fleshing that part out a bit.

Another thing is Noctis will be underage when he joins hogwarts with Ignis and Gladio, so ages wise Noct will be 8, Ignis will be 10 and Gladio will be the only one of ‘proper age’ but Ignis will be 11 in feb so he gets a pass but Noct they can’t deny cause he’s a prince of a nation and yadda yadda yadda....I’m just stuck still trying to plot on how Prompto gets dragged into this....

Oh! And Cor will be a guard/teacher at this school....I’m sooooooo looking forward to writing 5th year! Cor vs Umbridge... It will be glorious!!!

But yeah! Hope you all enjoyed that plot bunny and maybe will even help me a bit!

#FFXVxHP AU #FFXV Hogwarts AU

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igaynis · 6 years ago

Text

Ignis is Gay and Here’s Why

(A gay man’s perspective)

I’ll dive into the small ways that Ignis can read as gay in this short list I’ve compiled first:

- A lot of it can be seen from the way he carries himself, how he talks to other men in comparison to women. - Interestingly fine cuisine was at one point one of the occupations prominently run by gay men. And we All know what he does. (He cooks fine cuisine!) - Whenever the other guys talk about women he usually is silent for the extent of the conversation unless he teases them about it. (Sure, he’s respectful of women but please do not assume just because he is nice to someone it doesn’t mean he’s interested.) - the guys have made a few comments about Ignis’s “preferences” when they’re talking about men. (Ignis: I’d be glad to see him less. Prompto: What, not your type?) It can be read as guys teasing each other but it could also mean that the guys know he’s gay.

IGNIS’S RELATIONSHIP WITH NOCTIS

Now, with that out of the way I would like to state that shipping isn’t super important to me, and this wasn’t suppose to be a meta about how Ignis is in love with Noct but, fortunately for me it’s easier to present the topic of Ignis being gay with context of his relationship with Noctis. THIS ISN’T ME PUSHING IGNOCT, this is simply me, a gay man, viewing how another (possibly gay) character’s interactions with another man can be read as romantic interest.

So, as many people have made note of, Final Fantasy XV’s BASE story has a LOT of Hamlet subtext. For the sake of this post we will consider the commonly debated theory of William Shakespeare being bi and that it would not be outside the realm of possibility that Hamlet and Horatio were, in fact, in love.

And further, Noctis and Ignis’s relationship mirror Hamlet and Horatio’s, in that Horatio and Ignis are the prince’s most trusted and beloved. I’m sure most of the gay subtext presented in Ignis were mistakes and accidents, but it’s very hard to ignore when viewed from a western standpoint. (Also another note: i’m not sure how the gay culture is in Japan, as this is a JRPG, this is from the view point of gay culture in the united states as I will be using the localization for my examples.)

Now, let us compare Ignis and Horatio, specifically the scene in which Hamlet is dying. In that scene, Hamlet speaks of how he’s dying and Horatio desperately reaches for the poisoned goblet, to “go with him” into the afterlife and Hamlet pushes it away from him, urging him to tell his story and thanks him for everything and how he loves him. In the Verse 1 ending of Episode Ignis, Ignis says this:

Ignis: No, you won’t be going alone, I’ll---

and Noctis cuts him off by telling him he’ll be in his heart even if he won’t be by his side. Implying the mirror Ignis has to Horatio in which he wished to join Noctis (Hamlet) in death.

In the “dates” (buddy quests, friend adventures, whatever you wish to call them) Ignis, a lot of the time, ends up talking about when they were children and reminisces on how they’ve both grown and changed, and even how important Noct is to him. (He doesn’t say it outright, of course, because this is Ignis we’re talking about.) Many of the dialogue that stands out to me is when he comments about how important it was/is to make Noctis smile.

Many people might view this as brotherly love, as they grew up together, but ofttimes gay men come about understanding their feelings they have for a close (guy) friend they have. That Ignis would go above and beyond, so far as trying to recreate a desert he doesn’t even know the recipe of, speaks volumes as to just how important Noct is to him.

This isn’t even considering the dialogue for BOTH verses in Episode Ignis.

EPISODE IGNIS

This is a whole other beast.

I’ve seen many a cishet say that his drive doesn’t make sense and how he doesn’t have any reason he does anything he does. Fear not! I’m here to enlighten you!

ALL of Episode Ignis makes sense if you insert context of “Ignis is gay and in love with Noctis.”

Let’s first start with how desperately Ignis was fighting to get to Noct, his thoughts aren’t clear shown in his on and off dialogue with Gladio and Prompto. He’s desperate, scared, frantic even, to get to Noctis. He fights an entire army by himself for crying out loud. There’s several scenes when he’s thinking of Noctis or looking into the distance where the alter is, desperation clear in his eyes.

The desperation in the eyes of a man trying to save the one he loves.

And when he DOES go to the alter, he throws everything away to protect him from Ardyn. He is shown a vision of Noctis DYING on the throne, he even urges Noctis, after the events of Altissia, to stop because he knows. He knows Noct will die and he doesn’t want that to happen. It’s a bit more subtle in this choice, but it’s still present.

However, the one that’s the least subtle is Verse Two.

[Ignis: The world means nothing to me. Do with it as you wish. Ignis: But I refuse to let Noct sacrifice his life to save ours. I won’t let you take him away! Ignis: Even if it costs my own life to save him... Ignis: I will pay that price!]

Now, note the way Ignis words it. “I won’t let you take him away.” These words are not of a man who views Noctis as a brother, but as something more, he is so desperately in love with Noctis that he throws away his damn life just because he couldn’t bare a world without him.

Not only that, but in the death cutscene when you fail to beat Ardyn in the allotted time, his last thoughts are of Noct.

“I don’t want to die without him.”

Without him, means that he would have been fine with dying if only Noctis were there with him. To be there through to the end.

Say what you will: I understand a lot of people see him calling Noctis “brother” and view it merely as siblings but look... I have a brother, alright? I would do anything for him, but this level of devotion Ignis has for Noctis is not something I would ever consider to be born out of sibling love. Especially given the way it is said.

I really don’t understand why people are so opposed to “childhood friends who consider each other siblings grow up and fall in love” trope when it’s applied to same-gender relationships.

There is, also, the fact that many times gay men will call someone who they are either in love with or find deeply important their “brother”. This is common, hell I’ve done it myself for previous friendships that became romantic. I don’t really understand why people get so caught up on that detail.

CONCLUSION

So there you have it, examples & reasons as to why I view Ignis as Gay and how he is most Definitely in love with Noct. And also there’s heavy Hamlet subtext in FFXV I guess and no I will Not be debating this. Also if u read this whole thing I’m like... Super impressed.

Bonus content:

In “Case of the Stolen Spectacles” Noct comments on how he’s never seen Ignis without his glasses on which is. Quite literally. A romcom trope.

Sidenote: I realize a lot of this can be read differently depending on if it’s the localization or not. I am going off of the localization here, and am open to other information.

To my haters: (yes I know you’ve read this, it’s been five years it’s kinda crazy you’re still malding about this)

Is it really so hard to see that devotion and love change over time? Is it so hard for you to see that, yeah, yeah, maybe Ignis is gay. It would certainly add another layer of nuance to his character.

This isn’t me wearing Yaoi Glasses or whatever, this is genuinely a really important reading to me and I kind of don’t appreciate people just boiling my argument here down to “ur only going based off mannerisms/clothes/ignoring ace people” or what the fuck ever. This is from my experience as a gay man in my 20s. When you are a gay man, when you find someone, when you attach yourself to them, when they become everything you know, it is so hard to extricate yourself and draw a line between romantic feelings and other feelings. I can relate to Ignis in this way.

I want you, yourself, to really look at why you’re so opposed to the idea of him being a gay man. I want you to examine why you’re so against the idea. And then you can come back to me and we can have a proper conversation.

#ignis scientia #u ever see a post that just looks like someone swinging a bat at a hornet's nest #meta #ignoct #mentioned #ffxv #theus's thoughts

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bgn846 · 4 years ago

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One Giant Warp - FFXV Promtis

Summary:

Noct wants to show Prompto how he warps, how hard could it be? Very hard, like the wall he just threw himself into attempting to demonstrate. However, the one nice side effect of his miscalculation is Prompto fawning over him. Maybe he should throw himself into walls more often. a.k.a. Noct likes Prompto and doesn't know how to tell him.

It turns out the old adage of keeping your eye on the ball wasn’t just meant for sports. The same reasoning applied to warping. This fact made itself known when Noct decided to risk a quick glance over at Prompto. The prince had wanted to ensure his friend could see the feat he was about to perform. Sure, his best friend was paying attention, and subsequently got to watch as Noct slammed himself into the wall of the training room. One small note of comfort being, no one else had been there.

The feeling of pain was first and foremost in his brain as he writhed on the floor. Thank the six, the walls were covered in mats. Though he was pretty sure they weren’t meant for warping into. Noct was dimly aware of the floor vibrating as Prompto ran over. His frantic shouts also helped clue Noct into his approach.

“Noct! Buddy! Oh em gee please tell me you’re alright?!” Prompto yelped in a panic.

Only able to manage some sort of guttural sound in acknowledgment, Noct reached out his hand to grab Prompto’s arm. Squeezing firmly he held on in hopes the gesture would calm his friend. Typical to Prompto, it didn’t work.

“Dude, shit, are you dying or something? Why are you holding me like that? Say something I don’t know what t--.”

“M’fine!” Noct blurted. “Hurts, give me a minute.”

“Did you break anything? If you did then you shouldn’t move. How’s your neck feel? What about your back?” Prompto rapidly fired as his blue eyes darted to and fro. “When you said you wanted to show me how you warped, I didn’t think you’d do it so forcefully!” he finished with a wince.

The shock of literally throwing his body at an immovable object was wearing off, and Noct attempted to roll on his side, albeit slowly. Thankfully, nothing twinged and the only part of his body that was starting to throb was his head. A headache he could handle. Having to explain why a potion was missing later due to a broken bone wasn’t something he’d been looking forward to.

He knew he’d never be able to say the real reason why due to certain people like Ignis being able to see through him in a heartbeat. That was the only issue with practically growing up with someone, they knew all your tells. Fibbing to Prompto, on the other hand, was easy. Not that admitting he’d merely been trying to show off for his secret crush would work well either.

Noct simply had to survive this moment and move on, or rather move up. The floor was very comfortable right now, and the idea of even attempting to walk wasn’t sounding promising. Fighting gravity combined with relearning how to balance was the least of his worries. He already knew he’d need Prompto’s help getting back home. The prospect of having to hang onto the blond was proving to be a worrying thought.

He didn’t mind being close to Prompto, quite the opposite, he wanted nothing more than to stay close. Having a crush on your best friend was fun and torturous all at the same time. Resigned to keeping his fantasies in dreamland Noct focused on trying to sit up. No need in delaying this process any longer. He needed to rest and forget this ever happened. However, when Noct did sit up the room spun. Guess he’d hit his head harder than he thought. Muttering a curse under his breath Noct clamped his eyes shut and reached out for the nearest thing to steady his movements. Prompto’s warm and slightly clammy hand enveloped his a second later. Right, he forgot, Prompto was the nearest thing.

Laughing nervously to detract from his now equally sweaty hands, Noct began rambling. “I’m fine, really, it’s all good,” he lied opening his eyes once more. Big mistake. Prompto’s blue eyes were right there, brilliant and bright, staring straight at him.

“You don’t look so fine, buddy. You sorta look ill.”

“You try throwing yourself at a wall and see how you fair.”

“Not funny, you didn’t see it from my perspective, or hear the noise either.”

“What noise?” Noct asked bewildered. “Did I yell?”

Prompto huffed out a breath and rolled his eyes. “No, dude, the noise I’m talking about is when your body hit the wall. It sounded like a sack of potatoes dropping.”

“Oh, yeah it wasn’t supposed to go like that.”

“We should get you to the clinic or something, just in case.”

“Huh? Clinic? Six, no, I’m not going to the doctor. I’m fine,” Noct defended while attempting to stand and promptly grabbing his friend for support. Stupid head, spinning around and making the simple act of standing an issue.

“Whoa, I gotcha,” Prompto supplied as he slung Noct’s arm over his shoulder. “I know I just started crownsguard training but I’ve already learned about first aid,” he beamed proudly. “Which means we need to go to the clinic.”

“Seriously Prompto, I’m good, I’m not gonna go,” Noct tried again as they hobbled along to the door.

“I’m not going to be responsible for killing the crown prince of Lucis because I let him bully me.”

Noct scoffed, “I’m not dying, my head hurts I need to sleep it off.” This statement got Prompto even more animated.

“Your head hurts? Shit, dude, that’s worse. You shouldn’t go to sleep.”

Noct was about to tell Prompto that he was perfectly capable of reading his own injuries when an idea struck. If he needed to stay awake then this was a perfect excuse for them to spend the rest of the afternoon and night together. Prompto slept over all the time but always used the guest room if he hadn’t already fallen asleep on the couch. This time Noct had a valid reason for him to share his bed.

Impressed by his own cleverness Noct voiced his brilliant idea without pause. “Why don’t you keep an eye on me then, make sure I don’t pass out or something worse.”

“I’m already doing that dummy, and I’m going the extra mile by taking you to the doctor.”

Thinking fast Noct remembered that Cor might still be around. “What if Cor clears me? Would you accept that instead of the doctor? He’s got a medic certification too, remember?”

Prompto pouted but eventually nodded. “I trust his judgment, but I still think you’re being a baby.”

Noct waved Prompto off with his free hand motioned for them to go in the direction of Cor’s office. Needless to say, Cor was not amused by his appearance five minutes later. The man took one look at the pair of them and scowled. “Noctis, why do you have a rather painful looking bump developing on your forehead?”

“I hit the wall with my head, but that’s not what’s important right now. Can you make sure I’m not going to die so Prompto won’t make me go to the clinic?”

Taking a deep breath Cor stood from his desk and sauntered over. “I warned you not to take your eye off the ball.”

This time Noct scowled and gave Cor a look that he hoped would stop the older man from pressing further. “You can’t even warp,” he grumbled.

Cor hummed in agreement, “I still saw your father do plenty of stupid shit, so I know the principle behind the magic.”

“Yeah, yeah, am I okay? You’ve seen real dead people before so you’ll know what to look for.”

“Noct, shut up,” Prompto whispered. “He’s the immortal for six sake.”

“Yes, I know,” Noct hissed. “That’s why we are here.”

Cor took all their comments in stride and if Noct was being honest he would swear Cor had a slight smile on his face. After some cursory questions about how he was feeling and Cor examining his head, he was given the clear to go home. A stern warning to call if anything changed was given out as Prompto steered them out of office once more.

The next challenge on the long, terrible journey home was transportation. Noct knew he shouldn’t drive, and he was not going to call Ignis for a lift. If he could keep this little accident a secret it’d be even better. Ignis wasn’t even scheduled to visit later. If Noct played his cards right he’d have Prompto all to himself for the whole night.

Convincing Prompto to drive the car back to his condo was tricky. Noct laid out how terrible it would be if Ignis showed up, and how degrading it would be if Gladio found out. They were best friends this was a moment between them, and them alone. Noct was babbling and he knew it, but it worked. Prompto finally took the driver’s seat and slowly navigated them to his place. Noting to never ask Prompto to drive again Noct focused on staying upright on the walk to the elevator. Having someone to lean on was immensely helpful; otherwise, he was sure he’d have fallen over in the parking garage.

Curse living on the ninth floor, the elevator made his head throb painfully and he wasn’t about to take the stairs. Prompto noticed immediately when he sucked in a labored breath once the elevator began moving.

“You’re still feeling awful aren’t you?”

“I’m not in pain if that makes you feel better. My head still hurts, but not anything unbearable,” he added quickly. Prompto might take this admission as a sign of weakness and decide to call Ignis or something worse.

“Cor said to make sure you ate and to take it easy, let’s focus on that for now.”

“We can order pizza!” Noct exclaimed making them list sideways. This using his crush as a crutch was great. Maybe he would stay ‘dizzy’ for a little longer. He was starting to enjoy this moment for all the wrong reasons. Noct wasn’t even sure if Prompto liked him back that way. Asking that question of his friend though was another matter entirely. Noct didn’t want to risk losing one of the best things that had happened to him. Prompto’s friendship had been a relief from the mounting daily pressures he faced.

Ignis and Gladio always had his back but this was different, Prompto didn’t come from their world. He wasn’t familiar with all the pomp and circumstance of being a royal. They were friends because they got along and had fun together, nothing more and nothing less. Noct was loath to ruin such a great thing by offering up his true feelings. Something about ‘hey I like, like you’ felt like a good way to seriously rock the boat. Things were smoothly humming along; there was no need to destroy a perfectly good friendship.

Lost in his own thoughts about how nice Prompto’s body felt Noct didn’t notice they’d reached his front door. It wasn’t until a hand began patting his pockets did he realize the issue. Prompto wanted his keys to get in. “Huh, sorry, they are in my other pocket,” he offered sheepishly.

“Well then, we gotta switch sides for me to reach them,” Prompto announced right before ducking out from under his arm and moving. The sound of jingling keys erupted soon after.

Noct was about to whine at being jostled until Prompto’s body pressed up against him once more. Smiling like an idiot he leaned further into his friend. Unfortunately, his timing was terrible, and Noct merely made them both fall forward. The newly unlocked door swung open forcefully, and Prompto barely had the strength to keep them both upright.

“Dude, warn me when you’re gonna do that!”

“Sorry, you feel really good,” Noct murmured sleepily. It wasn’t until a healthy blush developed on Prompto’s cheeks did Noct pick up on what he’d said. Shit. This was bad. “Ya know like ah, um--,” he trailed off completely at a loss for words. There wasn’t really a good way to explain away what he’d just said.

“You should sit down, I’ll order food,” Prompto quickly cut in as he looked everywhere but Noct’s face.

The walk to the sofa was deathly quiet as Noct desperately tried to think of something to say. Nothing came to mind. Prompto eased him down gently a minute later and then disappeared like his butt was on fire. Groaning at his own inability to function like a normal human Noct leaned back and stared at the ceiling, resigned to drown in his own insecurities.

Prompto’s hands were shaking by the time he made it into the bathroom. Noct’s apartment was open in the main living area so he couldn’t seek refuge in the kitchen. He also knew he couldn’t stay in here forever. He needed to keep an eye on Noct and hiding in here wasn’t the way to do it. His mind was still reeling from the simple comment his friend had made.

‘You feel really good’ was a benign statement in of itself, but combined with all the soft smiles and other things Prompto had noticed recently, it took on a whole new life. Maybe he hadn’t been imagining all of it before. Maybe Noct liked him as more than a friend.

Pulling his phone out he called the one person who might be able to give him some advice. Prompto had wanted to let someone else know what had happened, just in case they needed help later, despite Noct’s protests. He wasn’t about to put his friend in harm’s way. Suddenly worried he opened the bathroom door and looked down the hallway. Noct’s fluffy head of hair was still visible over the couch.

He was about to wander closer to really check when Noct’s hand came up and touched his fresh bruise. Thank the six, he was still okay. Going back to his little haven, Prompto hit the call button and waited.

Gladio picked up on the third ring. “Hey Prompto, what’s up?” he asked jovially. “We didn’t have a training session today, did we? I thought it was on Monday.”

“No, no, you’re good I uh just need to tell you something real quick.”

The shield must have picked up on the stress in his voice due to his next reaction. “What’s wrong? Are you alright? Where’s Noct? Is he hurt? Are you hurt?”

“Whoa big guy, calm down, I’m fine. Noct’s mostly fine. Cor checked him out if it makes you feel better.”

“What do you mean Cor checked him out?”

Prompto had to cover the speaker on his phone for fear Noct might heard Gladio hysterically laughing. The tale of Noct’s great warp strike to the training room wall was very funny to him. After Gladio had quieted down again he continued. “So yeah, I wanted you and Ignis to know, so you could like be prepared if something else happens. I felt like it was the wise thing to do considering the circumstances, and the fact that he refuses to go to the doctor.”

“Okay blondie, I’ll alert Ignis and make sure he promises to keep his mouth shut. I appreciate you callin’ You’re a good friend to Noct, he needs more people like you in his life.”

Gladio’s comment made Prompto remember the other reason he’d called. “Uh, so you were also right about the other thing.”

“Huh, what other thing?”

“The thing you relentlessly tease me about when I miss a move in training. The thing about Noct like, liking me and being to chocobo to admit it.”

“Seriously?! What’d he say?”

“Nothing much but I think hitting his head has made him a little loopy. He’s super relaxed and saying things and hanging on me.”

“You gonna tell you like him back?” Gladio asked.

“Should I? I don’t want to ruin things.”

“You’re not gonna ruin anything. Noct likes you, just tell him and see how it goes. I’d suggest you not try to ya know do anything tonight, he’s injured after all but talking about stuff is fine.”

“Oh em gee too much info Gladio, I’m not gonna jump him tonight, he needs to rest.”

Gladio laughed again but there was no malice behind it. “Go back and sit with him. You’re hiding in the bathroom, aren’t you? I can tell by the echo.”

“Yes!” Prompto hissed. “I got nervous, shit, I still need to order pizza.”

“Hey, calm down. Go sit with him and I’ll order for you. I can use his account to pay and then you can focus on making sure he’s alright.”

“You’d do that for me?”

“Sure kiddo, you’re my friend too. Besides, I know what you two like to eat. Go check on him; make sure he’s not passed out or somethin’.”

“Okay thanks, Gladio.”

“No problem, call me straight away if anything changes. It sounds like he needs to rest and take it easy for the weekend. I’ll let Ignis know so don’t worry about that either.”

“Alright, I’ll keep you posted. Thanks big guy.”

Pocketing his phone once more Prompto opened the door to check on Noct. His friend was still in the same spot and moving his arms around like he was having a conversation. Expect no one was there. Wondering if he’d gone temporarily insane Prompto slipped out into the hallway and listened. Sure enough, Noct was talking, but after a second Prompto figured out he was simply talking to himself.

The dialog was all over the place. Noct was berating himself for being stupid and messing everything up. What in the hell was his friend going on about? Not wanting to see Noct act so self-deprecating Prompto ran back into the room. “Hey you didn’t mess anything up,” he chided while coming to a stop next to the sofa.

“You’re still here?” Noct exclaimed with a pained look. “I thought maybe I’d messed up so bad you’d snuck out.”

“You’re such a dork, I’m not gonna leave. I told you I’d take care of you and I meant it.”

“Oh, you’re not mad at me?”

“Dude, how hard did you hit your head? No, I’m not mad at you.”

‘Sorry,” Noct mumbled as he looked away and stared at the floor.

“Sorry for what? Pizza is on its way and we get to hang out for the rest of the night and watch movies and like uh, you know be idiots together.” Prompto offered with a smile.

“What kind of pizza did you get?” Noct asked with a pout. “I’m hungry.”

Unable to stop the burst of nervous laughter from escaping his mouth, Prompto blurted the first thing that came to mind, “It’s a surprise buddy. You’ll love it don’t worry.”

“Okay, I trust you.”

“So ah, how’s your head feel now? Is it still pounding?”

“It’s getting better, but I think I’ll be glued to the sofa for the rest of the night.”

Sitting down next to Noct, Prompto gathered his thoughts. He wanted to talk to Noct about how he felt, but he wasn’t sure right now was the best time. Gladio’s words flashed through his mind at that moment. Prompto should try and talk about stuff. He didn’t think he was reading the signs wrong, Noct sure seemed like he was interested in him.

“Um, what did you think you’d messed up?” he asked finally.

“Huh?” Noct whispered as he settled down into the cushions further.

“You were saying something earlier about messing up, what did you mean?” Prompto was sure Noct’s face was turning pink. That had to be a good sign. No one would blush if they didn’t have feelings to admit. Noct looked stricken; he clearly wanted to speak but couldn’t seem to find the energy. Time dragged on as Noct stalled. Gladio has been right, Noct was never going to say anything first. Prompto couldn’t believe he was about to do this but his friend needed him, now more than ever. Taking a deep breath he voiced his own feelings in hopes it would prompt Noct into revealing his own.

“You--you felt good too,” he managed through the lump in his throat. Noct didn’t immediately react. Prompto watched as various emotions played across his friend's face. Noct was confused at first; it was an odd statement to make when they weren’t actually touching. It was understandable that he’d be wondering about the context. Then, in a flash Noct turned his head and looked at him with wide eyes. He’d figured it out, hopefully.

“Say it again,” he demanded, but not in a condescending way.

Licking his lips Prompto gathered what little bravery he had left and repeated his comment, “you felt good too.”

“You mean it?” Noct checked as he leaned forward and gripped Prompto’s arm. “I didn’t destroy our friendship?”

“Is that what you thought would happen?” Prompto exclaimed. “I’m always gonna be your friend. I don’t know what life would be like without you buddy.”

Noct instantly relaxed and flopped back into the sofa, “I was so worried I messed everything up.”

“What? By telling me how you really feel about me?” Prompto asking hoping this might bait Noct into saying more.

“I’ve had a crush on you for soooo long, I just didn’t know how to tell you,” Noct admitted with a relieved look.

“Were you trying to impress me with your warping abilities?” Prompto queried with a smirk.

“Maybe, but don’t tell anyone else that! I don’t wanna get yelled at for abusing my magic just to impress someone I like.”

“You’d already won me over the moment we met.” Smiling at how that made Noct blush even harder Prompto continued on. “I’m flattered that you were willing to risk life and limb to impress me, but next time, tell me how you feel.”

Noct laughed and winced immediately afterward, “Shit, oh man I gotta take it easy tonight. That sucks.”

“Sounds kinda nice actually.”

“We could be trying out so many different things tonight, but I can’t even stand up without the room spinning.”

The true meaning behind what Noct had said, sunk in a second later. Oh, damn he was referring to those kinds of other things. One idea did come to mind that they could do. “So, we can always cuddle until you feel better,” Prompto suggested slyly. “Ya know, and then later we can do some other uh, stuff.”

Prompto didn’t have much warning before Noct slumped to the side and tackled him in a hug. “Thanks, buddy, falling asleep against you sounds really good.”

“Hey, no sleeping yet, you need to eat.” The sound that came as a response didn’t sound like the English language. Had Noct already zonked out? “Dude, no come on wake up!”

“Sleeeeep nowwwwww, pizza laterrrr.” Noct mumbled as he began to rearrange them on the sofa.

Prompto patiently waited until Noct was fully sprawled across his chest before he pulled out his phone again. He needed to send a text to Gladio but he was waiting for the inevitable. Noct falling asleep.

However, once Noct had stilled he took a breath to speak. “Why is your heart racing?”

That was an easy one to answer. “We just confessed that we like each other more than friends and now you’re lying on top of me. Why do you think my heart is racing?” He questioned jokingly. “I’m excited and nervous, and happy all at the same time.”

“Sorry, my macho display delayed our fun.”

“Honestly, I’m okay taking things a little slow. I like what we are doing right now and maybe later after dinner, we can uh, you know, try kissing?”

Noct giggled like a freaking two-year-old once he’d finished talking. “We can kiss now if you want.”

“Nope, gonna make you wait since you laughed at me.”

“Hey, I can’t help it, you sounded really cute.”

“I’m not cute bro, I’m manly just like you.”

Noct laughed again even moved his arm to hit him in the shoulder. “Fine, you sounded really handsome and strong. How chivalrous of you to wait on my account, so as not to spoil my virgin body.”

“If you weren’t injured right now I’d have shoved you off on the floor already. You should thank me for being so nice to you.”

Snorting and groaning in pain Noct stilled again. “Stop making me laugh. I gotta take it easy remember?”

“Sure, buddy,” Prompto drawled out. “You’re taking it easy, and picking on me at the same time. I don’t think that should be allowed.”

“Okay, truce, I’ll stop until I feel better.”

“Deal, but I’m gonna fight back once you get better too, don’t forget.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Noct asked indignantly.

“If you pick on me I’ll retaliate.”

“How? You can’t hurt me I’m the crown prince.” He offered haughtily but Prompto could tell Noct was teasing.

“I have my ways. I know someone who’d be more than willing to tell me where you’re ticklish.”

“Iggy wouldn’t betray me like that.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure.”

“Shhh, enough talk about that, lets enjoy this moment before the food gets here.” Noct went so far as to cover Prompto’s mouth with his hand to silence him. One well-placed lick of his tongue had Noct crying out in disgust. “Not fair, no licking.”

“Ever?” Prompto asked coolly.

“Never!” Noct replied but he seemed to realize what that might imply and quickly changed his tune. “Licking s’okay,” he nearly whispered a second later.

“I thought so, but that’s for later remember.”

“M’sleep nowww.” Noct hummed.

Prompto let Noct rest this time. Once his friend's breath had evened out, he texted Gladio to get an ETA on the food. For once the Friday night rush meant the hour-long time was actually welcomed, considering his current situation. Gladio had of course asked how it went and Prompto was happy to reply that they’d confessed their feeling to each other. He was graced with a thumbs-up emoticon and a smiley face.

Putting his phone down Prompto hugged Noct closer and rubbed his back. He was going to make sure they had the best weekend ever! Happy to simply be with Noct and hold him Prompto drifted off until the door buzzed. The night was just beginning as was their new relationship. Prompto couldn’t wait to have more adventures with Noct. So long as he didn’t throw himself into a wall again!

AO3 Link

#ffxv #fanfic #promtis #prompto #noctis

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echoes-of-the-clockwork · 4 years ago

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Book Four: War (Gladiolus x Reader) Chapter Eighteen

Aboard the train, Noctis and Ignis sit at a table in the dining car. The strategist, with his mangled gaze, turned his head towards the window. "Feels good to ride the rails."

"Sure does," Noctis agreed.

"Eager to drive once we're in Gralea?"

"If they'll let me."

"We're fortunate to have the Regalia at all. We owe the first secretary our thanks," Ignis said.

"She'd get more thanks if she gave us a discount," Noctis stated.

"Those transceivers are top-notch. I recall when the Hydraean raged. In the midst of the empire's retreat, one conspicuous craft remained behind: the chancellor's. The last thing I remember seeing was his ship, heading for the altar. I fell unconscious...and was powerless to stop him."

"I'm just glad you're alive." Noctis makes a startled sound and leans into the aisle slightly to look past Ignis to see who was approaching them.

Of course, this didn't go unnoticed by the advisor. "Is someone else there?"

"Gladio-he just came back," Noctis answered. "Where did he go anyway?"

"On a brief reconnaissance. Something caught my ear."

Gladio walks up to their table. "Hey captain, mission complete."

"Splendid," Ignis replied.

Noctis looked toward his advisor. "So what "caught your ear"?"

"Rumors of longer nights."

"They've been growing longer, day by day," Gladio explained.

"There was talk of it back in Lucis, but recent days have shown an unseasonably sharp change. Should this trend continue, before long..." Ignis' voice trailed off.

"There won't be daylight," Noctis grimly finishes his statement.

"Well, it's not out of the question. The empire's already slain half of the Six. No wonder the whole world's in disarray," the shield said.

"I...guess."

"And longer nights mean more daemons," the strategist added.

"Seen that with our own eyes," Gladio said.

"I happened to overhear a fellow passenger discussing this very same phenomenon."

"So he sent yours truly to seek 'em out."

"Nice police work," Noctis complimented.

"Well, don't wanna keep 'em waiting," Gladio stated.

"No, we don't. Back in a moment." Ignis scoots out of the booth and used his cane to help him stand. Gladio offers him a helping hand as they leave the dining car.

Noctis sits in silence for a moment, looking out the window. As the train begins to pass a snowy mountain range covered in mist, Prompto comes running by, then tries to stop and slips when he realizes he's passing his best friend. "Whoa! There you are, buddy! Did you see this? It's unreal!"

"Yeah. Never seen anything like it. Doesn't make any sense," Noctis responded, eyes glued to the passing scenery.

Suddenly, Noctis felt a strange sensation and he looks around the dining car, realizing that no one else is moving. Everything is blanketed in gray and everyone is frozen in place. Even Prompto was missing. He stands up, confused as to what was happening. "What's going on?"

That's when he heard Ardyn's voice behind him. "It's a real mystery." The raven-haired boy turns to find Ardyn standing in the dining car. "I'm not liking that snow cloud. Kind of gives me the chills. Like, who comes up with this stuff? I couldn't dream something like this if I tried. It's a wondrous world."

"The hell are you doing here?!" Noctis growled, glaring at the man. He lunges forward to punch Ardyn in the face, but he dodges.

"Whoa, what's going on?! Easy there, buddy. Didn't see that coming. You alright?" Ardyn asked.

He conjures a sword and swings it at Ardyn, who steps back just out of range. "Shut up!"

"Be careful there! Wait-is this for real?" Ardyn begins to run away.

Noctis pursues him into the cabin car just in time to see him run into one of the cabins and shut the door. He makes his way down the aisle towards the cabin and jerks the door open. "Show yourself!"

All of a sudden, Ardyn leans over from behind Noctis. "Uh...Noct?"

Without hesitating, Noctis swings around with his fist but hits nothing but air. Ardyn has vanished again. "That son of a bitch..." He cursed before running to the next car, where he sees Ardyn backing away.

"C'mon, Noct. You're scaring me! Seriously, man, cut it out!" Ardyn begs. He then enters the next car, where Noctis continues to doggedly pursue him. "It's not safe. Plus, you're causing a scene. Quit playing around, okay?"

Noctis catches up to him and conjures a sword once again, which he immediately takes swing with, attempting to bisect Ardyn horizontally. "You think this is funny?!"

The man ducks under the blade, then quickly scrambles to his feet and runs toward the next car. "Dude, are you seriously trying to kill me?!"

Noctis follows him into the space between the two cars. "Why wouldn't I?! I've got you now."

Ardyn is barely able to stand due to being out of breath. He held out one hand, trying to convince Noctis to stop.

"What're you after, following me around this whole time? It's all YOUR fault-" Noctis bellowed. He puts his elbow against Ardyn's neck and shoves him against the door to the next car.

"What are you talking about? Do you really mean that, Noct?" Ardyn asked, confusion dripping from each word.

"Of course I do! You can't talk your way out of this!" Noctis snarled.

"You won't even let me! Noct, please. Can't we talk for a sec?" The auburn-haired man pleaded.

Noctis' glare sharpened. "Never."

Suddenly, Noctis is thrown violently to the floor as the train's brakes bring it to a screeching halt. He loses consciousness and Ardyn scurries away.

A few minutes later, the prince comes to on the floor with Prompto awakening him. "Noct! Are you okay?"

"No." Noctis looked around frantically. "Where's Ardyn?"

"Wait-he's here? If he is, that would explain all this weird stuff happening. I bet he's behind the train stopping. Ignis and Gladio went up to inspect the engine room. I say the two of us go check out the rear."

Noctis didn't pick up on how strange the blonde was talking and agreed to accompany him. "Yeah." He runs back the way he had come while in pursuit of Ardyn. In the car before the cabin car, the train suddenly shakes and windows shatter all around. Noctis falls to the floor, but quickly gets back up.

"Did they bomb us?! Noct, we have to protect the people!" Prompto shouted.

Noctis runs onward into the cabin car where a magitek trooper jumps through the glass and pursues several people. The civilians run past the two boys.

"Head to the next car!" The blonde hollered at the civilians.

"Leave these guys to us!" Noctis added. He destroys the magitek trooper within seconds.

"So much for a safe ride. More of 'em might be on board. Let's check the rear!" Prompto shouted.

"We need to get the train moving again."

"I'm sure Ignis and Gladio will come up with something."

"Hope so. Let's go."

Noctis runs onward, moving through the dining car alongside Prompto. The marksman expressed his concern. "How bad do you think it is? Hope nobody got hurt."

The prince continues on through another cabin car, where the glass all shatters as yet another violent shake rocks the train. When he reaches the car past the passenger car after that, he's thrown back by an explosion that takes out the side of the car. He was taken aback at the damage. "It blew up!"

"Man, the MTs can self-destruct," Prompto said.

A multitude of magitek troopers are visible through the twisted wreckage. Many of them were firing upon the train while others were trying to reach it. "We can't let them inside," Noctis stated.

"Well then! We take the fight to them!" The marksman announced.

Imperial shock troopers attempt to blow up the train. Noctis and Prompto head outside through the hole created when the side of the train car was blown open to protect the train. Visible in the distance is a massive pyramid-shaped flying fortress. Many smaller imperial drop ships emerge from the fortress and fly toward the train.

Prompto gaped in shock. "That thing's huge! We've got company!"

"Sure do," Noctis blandly replied.

"Let the party begin!"

The two boys begin dismantling the magitek troopers, doing their best to protect the train. After taking down a few enemies, Noctis noticed how quickly they were replaced and scowled. "It's us against an army..."

"What're the odds we'll win?" Prompto wondered.

As the two continue fighting their way through the advancing horde, they were becoming overwhelmed. Noctis clicked his tongue in frustration. "There's just too many of 'em."

"Oh, the fun never ends!" Prompto playfully chants.

After the two destroy a great number of the magitek troopers, a number of imperial tanks in the area begin firing on the train. "Looks like they've rolled out the big guns!" The sharpshooter shouted.

"Prompto, stay back!" Noctis hollered at his best friend. He warps to one of the tanks, rips open a hatch leading to some explosive cylinders, conjures a sword, and shoves it through the cylinders. Then, he warps to the safety of a water tower as the tank explodes.

Meanwhile, the train has begun moving again and Prompto's voice rings out. "C'mon, we're leaving!" He boards the train just as Noctis warps to the top of it. "Look-they're hot on our tail! They're gonna blow us to bits!"

"Not if we blow 'em up first!" The prince shouted. Noctis takes out two more magitek troopers that had gotten on board.

"How's that now?" The marksman asked.

"Shoot 'em."

"Oh, now there's an idea."

Noctis warps to the inside of one of the ships, where he begins hacking the magitek troopers to bits. "Every single one of 'em's a bomber!" Moving to his next targets, he uses the turret to take down the four assault crafts. "That'll do it! Better head back down."

Down below on top of the train stands Ardyn and Prompto, the former pointing one of the latter's own guns at him. The blonde's hands were up in the air. Noctis warps down to the train near them. "Prompto!" He takes a swing at the gun Ardyn is holding, knocking it out of his hand. The prince then swung again at the man, causing him to fall off the train.

At this point, the illusion fades and Noctis becomes able to see that Prompto is the one who's falling. Horrified at the realization, he doesn't even look behind him to see Ardyn standing there holding up one of Prompto's guns.

"How long were you in the dark?" The real Ardyn asked.

Noctis turns to look at Ardyn, but the man slams the the butt of the pistol against the back of his neck. His body falls to the roof of the train and Ardyn vanishes.

<-------------<<<<<

By the time Noctis comes to, he's still laying on the roof of the train. He remembers his mistake and clenches his fists tightly. "Dammit." He pulls out his cell phone and calls Ignis.

"What's wrong?" The strategist asked.

"Ignis, you've gotta stop this thing! Prompto fell off the train. I pushed him-I mean, Ardyn made me. I don't know where he is, but we can't leave him!" Noctis desperately tried to explain the situation.

"Stay calm, Noct. I'm as concerned for Prompto as you are, but stopping the train would endanger everyone onboard. We'd be sitting ducks for the daemons."

"What do we do?!"

"First, we drop the passengers off at Tenebrae. We'll be arriving shortly."

Noctis gripped his phone tighter. "What about Prompto?!"

"Given the chancellor's involvement, it's probable he's no longer where we left him. In any case, he may try to contact us. Let us wait and hope for now." The train begins going through a mountain tunnel as Ignis continued. "Can you make your way here? Gladio is with me."

"Are the two of you okay at least?"

"Yes."

"Okay, on my way. I'll be there as soon as I take care of these stowaways!" Looking up, Noctis saw the walls and ceiling of the tunnel were crawling with daemons, many of which begin converging on his position. "And things just got worse."

Noctis cuts down daemon after daemon as he makes his way toward the front car of the train. "Where do they keep coming from?" He eventually reaches the front car and realizes it's no longer broad daylight. Night has begun to fall suddenly and swiftly beyond the end of the tunnel. However, the air also begins to fill with the crystals of light that accompany the appearance of a summoned god. "What?! No light at the end of the tunnel?!"

The prince takes notice of many large spider-like daemons hanging from the ceiling ahead of the train. "What in the world...?"

The daemons drop onto the train as it emerges into the rapidly disappearing daylight. The train becomes swarmed as it reaches Tenebrae. Fenestala Manor looms in the distance, but Noctis is about to face a potentially overwhelming horde.

Suddenly, Leviathan emerges from the valley below and begins unleashing its water coils at the daemons, knocking them loose and shattering even more windows. A water cyclone the Tidemother has manifested sucks in the daemons as they are knocked off the train. Having saved the train, the great serpent departs.

Noctis looks towards Fenestala Manor once all the daemons were annihilated. That was when he realized it was burning. He stared in horror for a while until he decided to return to the interior of the train as it rolled into Tenebrae Station. He rejoins Ignis and Gladio.

Once the train comes to a complete stop, the trio step off. Noctis sits on the train platform along with the many other beleaguered passengers. Gladio and Ignis stand beside him. From behind Noctis, he suddenly hears a familiar voice. "Well, look who's here."

Noctis turns around and calls out to the woman. "Aranea. Guess we've got you to thank for this mess?"

"More to it than meets the eye. You wanna know who to thank? Come with me."

Slowly, Noctis gets to his feet. "Can't wait to hear this."

The raven-haired boy and his two remaining companions walk along behind Aranea toward some imperial drop ships located a little ways away from the boarding platform. The ex-mercenary asked Ignis about his eyes once seeing the heavy scarring. However, the advisor hid the truth of how he received the scars but was honest of his lack of eyesight.

All of a sudden, Aranea stops and looks at them. "Uh, wasn't there one more of you guys?"

Noctis looked away with a guilty expression. "Yeah...there was."

"We...lost track of him," Gladio said.

"Is he dead?" She asked.

"I...I don't know," Noctis mumbled.

"Then quit moping, keep hoping." She resumes walking. "And in the meantime, handle what's at hand."

"So if it's not you we thank..." Gladio's voice trailed off.

"Thank the daemons, pawns of the imperial army."

"The army that you fight for."

"Fought for," she corrected him. "My men and I are in the search-and-rescue business now."

"You mentioned being part of the relief effort. We have a favor to ask," Ignis chimed in.

"Ask away."

"In light of what you've told us, we can't allow the other passengers to continue on."

"Sure, leave 'em to me...but, who's gonna drive the train?" Aranea inquired.

"Now that you mention it, yeah. You know anyone?" Gladio answered with his own question.

"I do. In fact, I know two." She walks the trio up to two other familiar faces. "Your new engineers. Biggs and Wedge. No need to worry-they can take a lickin'."

Biggs was the first to speak. "Only if we have to. What's all this about?"

"Driving a train. To Gralea."

"That all?"

"Well, who would you have me ask?" She questioned.

"You got us there," Biggs replied.

"We'll do it," Wedge chimed in.

"Hey, really appreciate you going out of your way," Gladio said.

"Yeah. No sweat," Aranea responded.

While Noctis went to chat with Biggs and Wedge, the shield spoke to Aranea alone. "You might not be a part of imperial army any longer, but did you hear something about any new prisoners?"

"You lookin' for someone?" She asked in return.

"Yeah."

"Before we left, we did hear about this one woman who was captured in Altissia. We weren't able to hear the details, though. Apparently, that wacko chancellor was trying to keep it under wraps." The woman eyed him curiously. "She a friend of yours?"

"Something like that," Gladio vaguely replied.

Aranea easily picked up on just how important she was to him by his response. "Oh, so she's your little girlfriend. No wonder why you seem out of sorts. I wouldn't worry just yet."

"Why's that?"

"From the way the chancellor was talking, he still needs her alive. Guess you three better kick your asses into high gear and get to Gralea as quick as possible."

Gladio was slightly relieved to hear (Y/n) was alive, but he was still worried since she remained in the clutches of the empire. "Thanks for the info."

"No problem."

The shield rejoined Noctis once he finished talking to Maria, a woman who worked in the Tenebrae Manor. Ignis carefully made his way over and the three headed back to the loading platform.

When they arrived back at the train, a young girl runs up to Noctis and began asking him a few questions. She expressed her love for the late Lady Lunafreya and how she was saddened by her passing.

Once Noctis was finished talking to the little girl, he walked up to Biggs. The man asked, "Shall we shove off, then?"

He nodded. "Yeah, let's go."

Wedge, who was standing by Biggs, gestured to the train. "Climb aboard."

Before the trio boarded the train, Aranea makes her way over. "Don't worry about the civilians. They're in my good hands. Can't say the same for you. Watch yourselves in the capital." She then gave her full attention to Gladio. "Hope you find your special lady, tough guy."

"I'll get her back," Gladio declared.

The ex-mercenary smirked. "That's the spirit."

"Thanks, Aranea. We'll see you around," Noctis said.

Gladio and Ignis turn and board the train. Noctis turns and begins to follow them, but then stops when he saw something falling from the sky. Looking up, he saw snow. "It's...snowing," he mumbled.

"Get your ass on board," Gladio snapped.

Tearing his eyes away from the falling snow, he boards the train. "Yes, sir."

#ffxv #ffxv x reader #final fantasy xv #final fantasy xv x reader #gladiolus amicitia #gladiolus x reader #gladio x reader

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