#Noct would be a ranger

[postnuclearwar]

dungeon meshi!ffxv au where it's the chocobros traveling as a party through the dungeon bc noct suffers these visions of a kingdom in trouble that needs his help and his bros want to help him out.

[ssslime]

nocte solitudo

his mind tends to wander at night.

➥ astarion x gn!tav, ranger!tav, some angst, a lil comfort, mentions of blood

It wasn’t often Astarion felt rested.

Meditation brought him some reprieve, at least, during nights where the camp’s quiet was only interrupted by the distant buzz of insects and the sound of the trees above them. Sometimes silence was too loud — too thick and heavy for him to relax.

Astarion shifted in his bedroll. His ruby gaze was caught upward, piercing into a little coin-sized hole in the cloth ceiling.

Tav would probably stitch that up quickly, if he asked. They’re good with crafty little things like that, all nimble fingers and a brow furrowed in concentration.

He rolled over.

A shard of light caught in Astarion’s eye for a second. The tiniest bit of moonlight bounced off of his daggers, tossed unceremoniously atop his travel bag in the corner of the tent. Smooth silver gave way to crusted, dark blood and grime near the sharpened tips. Astarion’s lips twitched downward.

He was hungry. He hadn’t fed in a while, and he’d need to hunt something down within the next few nights. Things had just felt hectic as of late — why exactly Tav insisted on helping every dripping wet, sniffling fellow they found on the side of the road, he’d never know. It grated his nerves sometimes, how it seemed they were unable to say no to any sad little sob story fed to them. He would know; it’s worked for him before.

But, Tav would probably help him hunt down some wild boar, or maybe even a bear to hold him off for a while, if he asked. They’re quite the hunter.

He sat up.

Outside, he could hear Scratch idling around. The dog’s eager nose gave him away; sniffing and snorting softly, Astarion knew the pup was poking around their trunk of food nearby. With a sigh, he stood to his feet and parted the curtain door. He wouldn’t be settled any time soon, anyways.

The night air felt cool on his skin as he stepped outside. All was calm, as expected. A crackling, dying fire laid in the center of camp, dimly lighting the area and casting weak shadows along the surrounding tree line. Astarion let his eyes wander over to the white dog some yards away.

Scratch lifted his head and peered right back. His tail swayed lightly back and forth and his ears perked up.

“Hungry, are you?” Astarion asked quietly, looking between the dog and the closed chest. Scratch simply tilted his head to the side, his big, pleading eyes working wonders on the supposed stone cold vampire.

Astarion sighed. “Fine, fine — but nobody hears about this, understood?”

He wasn’t sure why he was talking to a damned dog. He reminded himself of how strange and silly Tav looked whenever they would communicate with animals. It was nearly second nature to them, it seemed, and perhaps that’s what it was — a survival technique, like all their other skills, developed out of necessity. He could relate, and that thought alone made his stomach turn a little.

Thoughts like these came to Astarion at the worst times. Moments where he was free from distraction, with countless minutes under his belt to ruminate and dissect, even when all he wanted was to simply close his eyes and let time pass like sand between his fingers.

He tossed the dog a sausage link. He knew what it was like to have a feast right in front of you, and not be allowed to indulge.

In his mind’s eye, Astarion could picture slinking across the stagnant landscape of their sleepy little camp. Working with the shadows to blend seamlessly into Tav’s patchwork wonder of a tent. Watching their chest rise and fall with deep, steady breath — their lashes flickering just the slightest bit over their cheeks. Feeling their pulse thrum beneath his lips, their breath catching, their hand weaving into the curls at the nape of his neck.

Tav would probably let him feed, if he asked. They’d shared their blood before; succulent and sweet and mind-numbingly warm as it slipped down his parched throat. They’re such a delicious treat.

But he wouldn’t. He wouldn’t ask such a selfish thing.

He sighed.

Change is difficult. Surely his life was leaps and bounds better than it was before; no longer did he have to prowl taverns and dark streets for vulnerable prey in the form of drunk and lonely hearts. But this… duality inside of him made him sick. He wished so desperately for things to be different.

He wished they could’ve been another name and face to discard the morning after.

“Astarion?”

He wished he didn’t see parts of himself in them.

“Is everything alright? It’s very late.”

He wished he could be selfish with them, because it’d be so painfully easy. But he couldn’t.

He glanced up, soaking in Tav’s tousled hair and squinted expression as it grew closer. They rubbed one eye with the back of their hand and furrowed their brow, watching him expectantly. Scratch, of course, trotted over happily upon seeing his favorite person, and leaned up against their legs. Tav dropped their hand to rub along the dog’s snout and cheek in a show of idle affection.

“I was just… thinking,” Astarion replied finally. “Feeling a bit restless, I suppose. And what of you, darling?”

Tav blinked their bleary eyes, watching him for a moment before opening their mouth again.

“Would you come lay with me?”

It wasn’t often Astarion felt rested. After 200 years, it was something he was used to. His nights were filled with crushing guilt or staggering loneliness, doomed to wallow in the dark and filth of his seemingly endless existence.

But, perhaps change is a good thing. Perhaps this is what it’s like to be born anew, to shed your old skin in favor of a life newer, better than before. It’s unsettling, it’s sensitive.

Astarion pondered this as he settled in behind Tav. The scent of lavender curled around him as soon as he laid down on their bedroll. He didn’t mind — it had quickly become a source of comfort, whether he’d admit it to himself or not.

“Thank you,” Tav whispered after a few moments of quiet, “it feels better with you here.”

Astarion slid his ruby gaze over to settle on the back of their head. He turned onto his side, weaving his arm under theirs to rest on their waist. Tav relaxed easily into his gentle hold, fitting their bodies together like they were shaped from the same clay.

“You don’t have to thank me, dove. I’m just a few tents away,” he leaned closer, ghosting his lips over their shoulder with a gentle kiss, full of all the warmth and affection he never knew he was capable of before, “all you have to do is ask.”

[junebluues]

heyo. didya like my sample guys. here’s the full course meal

about sirius:

half sona half. very not

any pronouns. gender is an illusion

aroace spectrum. dunno if they’d feel attraction but if they could would most likely be to anyone regardless of gender

THAT SMILE IS AN ILLUSION TOO DON’T BE FOOLED

i made them a bit similar to other ocs i think so if you see a resemblance im so sorry that was completely an accident

luka’s uniform design! i thought it fit more than others i wanted to try so..

pookie is FUCKED up so bad

kind of based on my own past and my own issues sorry sirius my bad bud

same birthday as me!

made him taller. for the sake of my dignity.

originally was going to be in s39 but then i was like nah nevermind and she went here instead

the whimsy is a lie

REAAAALLLYYYY good at bottling their emotions.

haven’t decided if i want em to have a masculine or feminine voice yet BUT if i do decide on a feminine voice their song is going to be my kink is karma because it was literally the ONLY thing i was listening to while drawing sirius. also for lore reasons

character inspo

i know bill cipher looks actually insane in this lineup but i promise you it makes total sense

up -> down on the left side

sunday (hsr)

charlotte (pbc)

rio ranger (yttd)

up -> down on the right side

mafuyu asahina (pjsk)

luka (alnst)

bill cipher (gravity falls)

2 icons side by side, one with the whimsy on one with it off

if anyone wants to be friends hey… im open to it

additional:

THEY MAKE IT TO THE COMPETITION I PROMISE

his guardian’s name is noct

does NOT talk about their past at all whatsoever and any questions about it will be dodged

[tiny-chubby-bird]

ffxv in bg3

so i kind of fell back into ffxv and ever since playing bg3 i can never look at the word and name ignis the same. but so i got into thinking, what class would ignis be if he were in bg3? who would he potentially romance? i myself decided on making a knowledge domain, ilmater deity cleric ignis, but i was also considering making him a rogue or wizard. maybe i'll multiclass him in the future. he uses daggers, a lance/spear and elemancy in fights, so he needs spells and be able to use daggers and spears. also, since he's the mom of the group he's the one healing everyone during fights, so cleric felt the most fitting out of everything, though i was unsure about which deity he would maybe worship since i don't rlly see him as a religious person. i chose ilmater mainly because of the whole "taking on the pain/suffering of others," y'know, the whole scene where ignis is ready to sacrifice himself for noctis and losing his eyesight. nothing else rlly sounded fitting. i wasn't sure about the domain either but ended up going for the knowledge domain since it felt the most fitting and gives him some extra proficiency points (i think). as a romance option i could maybe see ignis and gale, the cooks of the group, intelligent and well-read, talented in what they do, idk. i also made ignis a half-high elf, that felt very fitting for him and also the face option was the closest to what ignis looks like in-game. i also chose the noble background for him since he was raised alongside noctis to be his adviser, so i felt noble was as close as it gets.

anyway, the whole thing got me into thinking how fun it would be to play with friends and you all just make one of the ffxv boys and then just have the whole gang together. gladio would be the fighter class, maybe paladin but i feel like fighter is the most fitting. idk which race, i could almost see him as a tiefling maybe, otherwise human or maybe even half-orc. prompto could go half-elf as well, maybe half-drow for some angst and fantasy racism. also ranger class seems fitting for prompto, mostly using ranged weapons (bow, crossbow, etc.), maybe beastmaster subclass? but gloomstalker could be badass for him too. noctis is the hardest for me to decide, but i could also see him as half-high elf. since he isn't physically strong like gladio, idk how i feel about using the fighter class for him. sorcerer feels a little fitting so he would have a natural talent for using magic, maybe storm sorcery or draconic bloodline, but since noct mainly fights with weapons in ffxv it would have to be a multiclass with something more physical as well, though the strength stats would make that kinda problematic.

as for romance for the other boys, i could see prompto and karlach making a really cute couple. also prompto and astarion for angst and healing. shadowheart and noctis i can mainly see as friends, idk i have a hard time seeing noctis romancing anyone from the group but him and shadowheart for the moody goth/emo vibes lmao. gladio and lae'zel i really like, both passionate, strong and skilled fighters. and like i said, gale and ignis. wyll and noct would probably have a lot of topics to bond over too.

anyway here's my bg3 ignis.

[breezy-cheezy]

Random but I noticed a while back you being into dnd and if you're still into xv this is gonna be super random maybe but can you see/imagine the chocobros maybe playing a version of it?

dfjgjdddfgdhI’m so sorry this took so long to answer?? AAAA

SO. I am not sure entirely what you meant with this question, and I went ham. Sadly not with art, although.....someday I hope to.... I DID make character sheets for each Chocobro, adapting them to a D&D setting though, LOL. 

Noctis’s Character Sheet

Noctis, A Divine Soul Sorcerer (that whole connection to the crystal and all) + many levels in a Celestial Warlock, pact of the blade (he can summon certain weapons!! And has lots of magic). I also made him a Miqo’te race because....I love that bonus outfit in the game.....cat. 

Noct was kinda born into a pact with Bahamut he did NOT really sign up for, and all the summons/members of Bahamut’s pantheon just....keep showing up, like weird family friends, whether he likes it or not :P 

Although if NOCTIS got to choose what he played in a d&d like game, he would play an arcane trickster rogue, I imagine. He’s a big Assassin’s Creed nerd!! +he can have a little magic....as a treat.

Ignis’s Character Sheet

Ignis I figured would be a wizard and a rogue multiclass. He’s a bladesinger wizard specifically, great for fancy, intelligent fighting and protecting his charge. And Inquisitive archetype rogue, which I felt gels well with his keen observation and exploitative fight tactics :> He also took a chef feat! Annnd he’s an elf, because yeah.

If Ignis was PLAYING D&D and chose his character? I think he’d play a monk??Mixed with some wizard still....listen it’s a good “brains” class. X’’’D

Gladio’s Character Sheet

Gladio! My go-to was barbarian. Fighter maybe? But he thrives on righteous anger, I think it works well for a barbarian class. Give him a shield and protective rage and we good to go! I picked Path of the Ancestral Guardian for him, because it’s kind of an inherited role, and it would be neat if he received help for his role as shield from his ancestors, yeah? Annnd he’s human.

Legit he’d probably choose to play a barbarian as well. Or maybe a strength maxed brawler fighter?? Idk. If the boys can rope him into such a game, anyway!

Prompto’s Character Sheet

My favorite :> Prom is a Gunslinger Fighter, with 3 levels in Beast Master Ranger so he can have a chocobo companion! She would be specifically trained to not be spooked by gunshots so he can fire away while on her back. He is also a skirmisher warforged so he is Very Quick on his Feet human, completely ordinary, nothing to see here. :3c

If he were picking out something to play in D&D he might play something....idk I could see him going full ranger, or perhaps he’d have fun as a paladin? I could see him picking so many things, ngl LOL

This is ALOT, I hope I answered your question in some way in all this!! <3

[griffinblogsgw2]

(Response to the short story: Pepper)

#so out of curiosity #how well do you think baya would be able to fend off/evade a feral pissed of ranger #cuz uh #nocte doesnt take well to that shit #and neither do i 🙃 #1V1 me baya you COWARD #~~am joking but im fully ready to throw hands~~ (x) @nocte-argentea​

Haha I know you’re joking but I MEAN... Baya is like, a two-bit villain honestly? She has power and significance to Tora, but literally anyone’s Commander character could destroy her pretty easily if they found her haha

She’s not Balthazar or an Elder Dragon, y’know? She’s just some run-down ex-leader of a shitty band of thieves that barely anyone beyond those directly involved remembers.

So yeah, Nocte could wreck her haha. Again though, only if she found her... and convinced her to fight fair (impossible). But yeah.

(Response to the short story: Nightmare)

#oh boy cant wait #also tora deserves the best in life #pls #toraaaaa #waaahhhhh (x) @theauseer​

Mm I think things get better. Yeah that seems right.

#TwT #Tora bb #He deserves none of this (x) @callumthorn​

It gets better! Eventually.

#ascon is stinky. #stinky bastard man. #and not the fun kind like canach (x) @nocte-argentea​

Someone should tell him that. Tell him to be more fun like Canach.

[concluded-illusions]

Halloween Party AU.

Firion convinces Cecil and Cloud to be power Rangers with him. Firi is of course Black Ranger, Cloud is Blue and Cecil is Red. Rosa comes as Pink Ranger and Kain is a guy in a dragon onesie. Tifa comes as the Yellow ranger, Barret is a guy who just lost his arm. Leon is the green ranger because, uhh, perfect? Maria and Guy are little red and a wolf.

Squall is of course a Voltron boy, so he is Shiro, Rinoa does Allura with him. Zell is Hunk, Selphie is Pidge. Quistis is a cat burglar. She's got a whip, cat ears and is in very tight clothing making the pirate over there nut. Irvine was a cow man. He originally coordinated outfits with Selphie, but she forgot and now Irvine is a lone ranger.

Luneth came as Cloud Strife, delivery boy. Cloud's little brother Sora, also came as Cloud Strife, Delivery boy. They entered as a team for the contest, doing their best moody one liners.

Terra came as a cool ass monster. Fire themed. Celes did a matching one that was Ice. Edgar was Jason Voorhees. Sabin is a werebear. Locke is the Treasure Hunter designed by YoshiMano back in the Last Tale 6. Everyone thinks he’s the girl from LT13 Sparky Lady Comes Back’s DLC outfit. 

Bartz is a mime. Faris is a pirate, v gay for the cat burglar. Lena is a spooky skeleton. Galuf and Krile are home handing out full size candy bars.

Zidane is disappointed that Kuja is a sexy clown. Kuja is disappointed that Zidane was Fantasy Robin and not a Sexy Clown with him. Dagger was Fantasy Batman. Vivi was another Fantasy Robin. Everyone was Fantasy Robin. And Kuja was the clown. Nice.

Tidus was asked by Firi and Squall to be part of their rainbow fighting team costumes, but he was like nah. So he was a Charlie’s Angel with Yuna and Rikku. Paine was Bosley.

Shantotto was a witch. 

Vaan showed up wearing the same pirate outfit as Faris and was very embarrassed. Balthier and Fran showed up in their regular outfits, but they are beautiful and extra, so no one noticed. Penelo was a Pirate with Vaan.

Lightning was dragged to the party by Hope, Serah, and Snow. She was a Lightning bolt. Edgar and Zidane would still hit on her if she wasn’t so clearly unapproachable.

Y’shtola was a cat and I still don’t really know much about her.

Noctis overslept and didn’t know it was a costume party. Oh yeah. Just a reg party. On halloween. Good one Noct. Prom, Iggy and Gladio were all disappointed in him. Prompto is a witch, Iggy’s a blind mouse (thye had decided a few weeks back but he was the only one to remember) and Gladio was Cup Noodles. Lunafreya went with them, brought her brother too. Luna and Ravus were He-Man and She-ra. In that order. Ravus did it for Luna, he’s a good bro. They were also disappointed in Noct.

And Finally Light. Light’s throwing the party with Sarah and Garland. He’s a knight, Sarah is a princess, and Garland is a large evil looking knight. Sarah went all out. She’s got a huge place, and it is spooky as heck. 

and uh. I’m sure I missed someone but. Whatever, there’s only 22 minutes of halloween left. ye. Halloween AU.

Christmas AU tomorrow. It’s an au where Jesus existed in the FF world.

[rwart]

Yo, Square Enix. I’m glad you’ve been having fun making costumes of Power Rangers (which we can’t have anyway due to copyright infringement) and JPop bros and Hot Topic scene kids, but you think maybe you could do something classic for us longtime fans? I personally would love Noct in a red mage costume. I NEED COLOR.

[maswartz]

Power Rangers Rail Warriors

Long ago a beam of light shot from the cosmos and hit Earth, however the beam scattered when it hit the atmosphere like a prism creating a system of Tracks of Light. However where there is light there is darkness and like a crack a system of Shadowtracks formed. The beings of both tracks began to fight until a stalemate occurred. A stalemate that lasted until present day. Five teenage runaways were traveling the country by rail when they came across a group of monsters attacking a multicolored train. They stepped in and helped defend the train and the old man on it. However when a stronger monster appeared the man pulled the five on board and the train sped off. The man introduced himself as The Conductor, he informed the teens of the history of the two tracks and told them that by intervening they are now a part of the battle, he provided them each with a morpher to become the Power Rangers Rail Warriors! #1- Levi- Levi left his home when he graduated high school to travel the country and find his place. As Rail Ranger #1 he has the ability to charge his attacks with fire and usually is the Red Rail Warrior #2- Ike- Ike was thrown out of his home by his parents when he revealed his sexuality to them, he has yet to inform his fellow runaways of this out of fear they would react the same. As Rail Ranger #2 he has the ability of super speed and is usually the Blue Rail Warrior #3- Gina- Gina left her wealthy and comfortable life to get away from her overly controlling parents. As Rail Ranger #3 she has the ability to produce a shield and is usually the Yellow Rail Warrior #4- Heath- Heath fled his abusive parents and hasn’t looked back since. As Rail #4 he has the ability to create a sonic boom that sounds like a train whistle and is usually the Green Rail Warrior #5- Terri- Terri is a product of the foster system and still shows it. As Rail Ranger #5 she has the ability of super strength and is usually the Pink Rail Warrior Each Ranger has a unique ability derived from the power of the Train The steam and heat of the train- #1 The speed of the train- #2 The cowcatcher shield- #3 The loud whistle- #4 The strength- #5 By switching the trains from their morphers the Rangers can change the colors of their suits and swap weapons Red- Rail Sword Blue- Track Blaster Yellow- Crossing Smasher Green- Tunnel Ax Pink- Bridge Claw The five weapons can combine to form the Train Cannon that launches a train charged with light. Eventually a traveling con man stumbles upon a set of Rail Zords long thought lost. #6- Tracey- Spending much of his early life as a beggar on the streets he still holds a soft spot for the underdog. Tracey travels the nation conning those with an excess of wealth. He stumbled upon a set of Rail Zords and when he touches them they create a morpher for him. He doesn’t know what to do with this until he finds out about the battle between the Rail Warriors and the Shadowtrack. #6 is the Orange Rail Ranger and has the ability to charge his attacks with the power of light. The Rail Warriors fight against the Shadowtrack Baron Shade- The baron is the main combat leader of the Shadowtrack, Count Lun- The strategist of the Shadowtrack Empress Noct- The real ruler behind the Shadowtrack, at least currently Miss Dow- The current heir to the Shadowtrack Bandarks- The foot soldiers of the Shadowtrack During the original battle the true ruler of the Shadowtrack the Darkness Emperor was imprisoned within a cage of light. By creating stations made up of darkness the Shadowtrack seek to destroy the Tracks of Light bit by bit and release the Darkness Emperor. These Dark Stations usually trap entire towns within them draining the people turning that power into darkness. The Rangers use the Drill Traux to break into these towns to destroy the stations from within. The Rail Rangers each have a Rail Zord each resembling a train in their primary ranger color, the five can combine to form the Rail Megazord R- Center of torso and head BG- Rest of torso and legs PY- Arms The Conductor reveals that there were more Rail Zords but they were scattered across the globe during a previous battle Traux (train + aux) Shield- Turns into a shield for the Megazord Carrier- Launches cars Tanker- Increases the speed and attack of the Megazord Diesel- Combines with the Carrier and Tanker to form the Diesel  Megazord Police- Arms the Megazord with a blaster and handcuffs Fire- Arms the Megazord with a blaster and an extinguisher/flamethrower The Diesel and the Rail Megazords can combine to form the Diesel Rail Megazord. #6- Construction Rail Zords Two construction based Rail Zords that combine to form the Construction Megazord Tracey manages to con a Shadowtrack monster out of a Drill Traux which he uses to enhance his attacks and to combine with his Megazord. The three Megazords unite to form the Supreme Rail Megazord Eventually the Rangers arrive at the main station of the Tracks of Light where they are given the Shining Engine, a special Rail Zord that can become armor and enhance the team in battle. The Shining Engine can also combine with the main station to form the Station Megazord When all the Rail Zords unite they form the Shining Rail Ultrazord Along the way the Rangers discover there is more behind the war between the Tracks of Light and the Shadowtracks, and that light isn’t always good and shadow isn’t always evil. And they learn that in order to end the battle once and for all they must find a way to unite Light and Shadow.

Morphers- 1-5 Station Morphers (wrist worn devices) 6 Track Phone (phone) Morphing Call- Rail Warrior # Now Boarding! Morphing- The Ranger colored Rail Zords move around them forming the suit leaving behind tracks that form the visor. Power Rangers Fossil Rail: The Shadowtracks discover the remains of a group of DeVoid monsters and infuse them with Shadow energy and revive them, this causes the Fossil Rangers to return to help the Rail Warriors fight them. Power Rangers Fossil Spirits <————-Powerverse———-> Power Rangers Shinobi Strike

[blackestfang]

Ch3: questline part 2

The group woke up early, well as early as they could having to drag Noctis out of his bed as the sleepy prince whined. After gearing up they headed to the garage where a car awaited them, they looked around it peeking in as Cindy opened the trunk inside were two boxes one labeled Longwythe and the other marked Gauldin.

“Pretty simple task really, i’ll show ya’ll how to drive this so you can get these sent out.”

“Alright, i’ll drive,” Ignis said as Cindy got in the car and started showing him how to drive. After about an hour Ignis got ahold of the basics of driving. Prompto called dibs on the front seat climbing in, Noct and gladio had no choice but the void their sword and shield to make room to fit in.

“Urg, I barely fit like this,” Gadio complained trying to get comfortable.

“Sorry big guy but shouldn't take that long, much faster and easier than walking.”

He sighed, “Yeah, fine let's get this over with.”

“We’ll be back within a day or two if all goes well miss Cindy,” Prompto grinned.

“Alright ya’ll take care.” she said back up as Ignis started it and slowly pulled out driving to Longwythe.

Noct looked out the window, “I’ve ridden in carriages but this is my first time in a car.”

Prompto turned, “Really? I figure you would have rode in at least one.”

Noct shook his head, “No but i’ve ridden in a train.”

“Oh! So have I!” Prompto grinned.

“When?” Noct asked a it confused,”there aren’t any trains in Insomnia.”

“Oh, uh, well I was really young.don’t remember it too well but I know I did.” Prompto said a bit nervous.

Noct leaned back keeping his confused look, ‘alright?” He glanced over at Gladio who was still trying to get comfortable having a bit of a chuckle. Gladio noticed punching his arm as Prompto laughed at the two.

“Settle down back there,I’m still not use to using this thing,” Ignis warned a Prompto turned back around leaning back. “Oh, there it is.”

“Whoa, that was much faster!” Prompto grinned amazed by the speed of travel.

They pulled up close by the Inn, Gladio got out of the car as fast as he could stretching out in relief as Prompto got out opening up the trunk grabbing the box.

“Oh man it’s heavy,” he groaned holding it the best he could, Gladiolus came up taking it hefting it up with ease. They headed to the inn where the owner thanked them opening it up telling them to wait there while they check the contents.

After a few minutes the owner call them over with two envelops, “the first is payment to Hammerhead for the parts, but this second one is addressed to a Ranger that's taking a break here, Dave I think his name was. If it’s not too much to ask can you give it to him?”

Noct took both of them, “Yeah, no problem, where is he?”

“I think he went outside to feed his dog.”

“Alright,” he headed out looking around the area finding Dave feeding and grooming his dog companion, “Hey there Dave.”

Dave turned, ‘Oh heya boys, thanks for takin care of that dualhorn. I owe ya one.”

Noct handed him the envelope, “Make it two.”

Dave took it, ‘Hmm? What’s this?” he opens it up reading it with a sigh, “Oh dear..”

“Everything ok?” Prompto asked.

“No, another hunter got killed.” Dave says solemnly, “I need to go find his tag and get it to his folks.”

Before Dave could even get up Noct put his hands on his hips, “We can do it.”

“Boys that’s real nice but this is my duty,” he replied standing up.

“Well we can go get the tag for you, could be dangerous for just you and your dog.”

Dave chuckled, “True, alright here.” he hands them the note, “that has the area where the hunter died, just get it and bring it back.”

Ignis peeked at it, “That’s close by we can do that besides the sabertuskes could be trouble for other travelers.”

They headed out and Gladio grinned, “You’re getting really into this.”

Noct shrugged, “Part of the passage is proving to the people I’m worthy, so doing these tasks can do that and help us get stronger.”

“Fair point, just don’t go running to headlong into danger.”

“yeah , yeah I know, Oh there it is.” they found some sabertusks roaming around an area chewing on bones and clothing of the fallen hunter, seeing this made Noctis angry he summoned his blade as Prompto grabbed his cape.

“Dude, calm down.”

Noct takes several deep breathes, ‘Sorry, can’t help it..”

Prompto lets go and begins chanting a spell as the others got ready to fight. Noct did the first move ding a warp strike followed by a slash to a sabertusk on the far end of the small pack. Gladio came charging with his blade hitting the hind legs of one of the closer ones, Ignis threw a few kunai hitting two and slashing the one Gladio hit to finish it off. Noct finished off the one he was dealing with warp striking to another one knocking it over. Prompto finished his chant telling the others to get out of the way as he cast a fire spell killing two of them leaving Noct to finishing off the final Sabertusk.

Noct dispelled his sword and shield going to the remains finding the tag by the skull half torn up, he held back his vomit as he picked it up, “Alright, lets go.” The others nodded and headed back to Dave, Noct held out the tag and note, “Got it..”

Dave took it, “you ok? Look kinda pale.”

“Y..yeah, the sabertusks were..” he gulps and Dave puts his hand on his shoulder.

“Thanks to you we can give this tag to his family and let them have peace knowing the tusks that took that hunter’s life are no more.”

Noct smiled calming down, “Yeah.”

“Anyway I owe you boys some favors so how about I pay ya back?”

Noct was a bit taken back, “Oh, I was kidding about the pay back you know.”

Dave laughed going to his baggage, “You deserve it, you’ve been such a great help. Now lets see, you in the back you a mage? What type?”

“Oh? Me?” Prompto said a bit confused, “Blue but I also do black.”

“Ok what Black spells? Got a few tombs in here I think.”

“Fire, blizzard, and thunder.”

“Basic elements? Alright hmmm...ahaha!” He pulls out a tomb handing it over, “here’s a tomb for slow, found it awhile go but my job doesn’t need it so you take it.”

Prompto takes it with a big grin, “alright! This is awesome thanks!”

Dave kept digging, “lets see what else I got..ummm.ah!” he takes out a few potions and eithers, “Take this too.”

Gladio took it, “isn’t this a bit much?”

“I owed you and now we’re even.”

Gladio chuckled, “Alright.”

“Now you boys take care of yourselves.”

“You too,” Prompto cheers as they wave goodbye heading back to the car. Gladio complained squeezing himself in as Noct put the payment for delivery into his void for safe keeping. Prompto opened the tomb and began the process of absorbing the context to learn the spell, Ignis began to drive as Noct settled in shutting his eyes for a nap.

They arrived in Galdin at sunset, and once again Gladiolus couldn’t get out of the car fast enough, Prompto had finished learning the spell as the book vanished as he got out a proud smile on his face. Ignis turned poking Noct until he woke up before getting out himself. Gladio grabbed the package as Noct looked around, a hotel on the water, but also where they would return to end his quest and marry his fiance. His mind drifted a bit thinking about Lunafreya, how many years has it been? It felt like forever, though the marriage was for sake of peace he would be lying if he didn’t want this for himself as well. He couldn’t help but smile followed by a yelp in surprise as Prompto smacked his rear.

“You commin?” Prompto asked following after Gladio and Ignis.

Noct started to run after him, “Why you!”

“Yeek!” Prompto started to run as Ignis and gladio couldn’t help but laugh watching their friends running around like children. The two stopped as they entered the restaurant that leads to the main area where the actual inn and docks are.

“Here for the boats? I’m afraid you are out of luck.” The group walked forward as a man. He was dressed in black and purple armor, a ripped black cape with a red lining. Medium red violet hair, framing his face, amber eyes scanning the group. Prompto backed up a bit feeling uneasy.

“What do you mean out of luck?” Ignis asked getting a kunai ready aso having uneasy feeling around the man.

“It seems the empire has put a halt on all rides to Altissia, not sure why but nothing I can do,” the man says walking past with a shrug. He stopped, “Oh, one more thing.” He produced a coin and tossed it at Noct. Ignis caught it looking at it confused, “A collectible coin, consider it a consolation prize to make up for not getting a boat, but then again it looks like you are here on other business so consider it a friendly gesture.”

“Who are you?” Noct asked glaring a bit at the strange man.

“Me? I’m just a traveling knight,” he says walking off.

“That guy is bad news..” Prompto said quietly looking nervous.

“Come on, let’s just deliver this and head to bed,” Ignis said pocketing the coin to check it out more later.

They headed to the woman running the restaurant and she opened it up checking the insides. After confirming everything was there she handed them the payment and told them to use one of their special rooms for the night since it would be dark soon. They agreed but did a little shopping on the shore, they found a few spell tombs of white and black magic. After that was finished they settled into the hotel room learning the new spells and chatting.

Noct woke up a bit late to see Prompto and Gladiolus standing around worried, “What’s wrong?”

The two looked at him both a bit pale, and then Ignis came in with the same solemn look, he looked at the other two and nodded. Prompto started to cry and Gladio punched the wall.

“What the hell is going on?!” Noct demanded.

Ignis sighed, “Insomnia..fell to the empire.”

[blackestfang]

Ch2: first quest line

They arrived in HammerHead a few minutes after the sun had set, Prompto sat on a curb catching his breath as Ignis looked over the small pitstop, a store, a restaurant, a small inn, and strangest of all a large building surrounded by metal contraptions.

“What’s that suppose to be?” Noct asked pulling Prompto to his feet as he whined.

“I believe that is the garage we were told about, if memory serves a member of his majesty’s party runs this stop,” Ignis addressed fixing his glasses.

A woman came out walking towards them, “Ya’ll must be Noct and his party for the passage am I right?” She wore a yellow vest, blue shorts, suspenders, boots gloves, and a cap pushing her curly blond hair down a bit, “Name’s Cindy I’m what’s called a Gadgeteer and in charge of the work in the garage.”

“We were told a member of the king’s passage worked here though,” Gladio remarked giving a puzzled look.

“Oh ya’ll mean Paw paw, yeah he’s here but a bit busy puttin the finishin touches on a car.”

“Car? You have those here?” Noct asked a tad excited.

“Sure do, but anyway that’s not why ya’ll are here.” she put her hands on her hips,”got a message bird from the king the other day saying we need to give ya a few quests to check your teamwork.” Noct groaned as she kept talking, “Don’t worry ya’ll get rewarded for the work you do, two free days at the inn, a little gil and some potions.”

“Sounds easy enough, what’s the catch?” Gladio chuckled.

“Smart fella ain’t ya? You got three main jobs to do, first we got some pest causing trouble for travelers so ya need to get rid of them. Three small groups of scorpstings so nothin too bad, then we got a message from a Ranger in a it of trouble held up in a shack so help him out and whatever he needs, last thing we need is for you to make some deliveries don’t worry we’ll loan ya a car for the deliveries just be sure to bring it back.”

Ignis couldn't help but chuckle, “that’s quite the chore list.”

“Paw paw came up with it, wantin to test ya’ll more considerin the war.”

“But the treaty should stop the fighting,” Prompto comments.

Cindy shrugged, “Paw paw just wants what's best for ya’ll. Come by the garage in the morning if ya wanna chat with him he’s already gone to bed and I suggest ya’ll do the same.”

“Good idea,” Noct says with a yawn, “Come on guys.” the others nod and head to the inn getting a room.

Gladio sighed in relief as his armor came off and he ran his hand through his hair trying to undo his helmet hair, Ignis pulled down his mask down heading for the kitchen and began to work on dinner. Prompto feel onto the bed pulling out a sketchpad and pen starting to draw as noct hung up his cape and armor.

“You brought that?” Noct asks sitting by Prompto.

“Yep! I’m gonna draw things from our travels and keep it all in this book. Right now i’m drawing HammerHead our first stop on our epic adventure.”

Noct’s stomach growled and prompto laughed as Noct punched his leg, “so Iggy what’s for dinner?”

“Croque madame,”he answered cracking an egg into a pan.

“Sounds great,” he replies sitting in a chair with a yawn. After dinner Prompto happily showed off his drawing and then the group went to bed.

The next morning after breakfast they geared up and went to the garage to speak with Cid, he looked up from his book his old age was the first to be noticed but considering he was part of Regis’s passage that wasn’t too surprising, a cap on his balding head, a red vest, black pants, and a gruff voice.

“Prince Noctis, here on your passage aren’t you?”

Noct nodded,”Yeah it’s nice to finally meet you. My father said your skills as a gadgeteer came in handy.”

Cid chuckled putting his book down, “Reggie said that did he? Well when you run head long in danger you need a distance fighter.” he looked over the group,”Interesting choice of party.” He looked at Gladio, “Ain’t you Clarus’s boy?”

Gladio nodded, “Yeah, my dad has mentioned you a few times but normally it’s not in full fondness.”

Cid laughed,” Yeah that sounds like your old man. Anyway Cindy gave ya’ll the chore list right?”

“Yes sir,” Noct replied, “Kill some pests, help a ranger, come back and do some deliveries.”

“Break a leg out there boys,” Cid said going back to his book.

Noct turned, “you guys heard him, let’s get going to the first stop.” The others nodded with a smile. Heading out a bit rather close by they found the first group of Scorpstings. Noct held ut his hand summoning a sword to his hand and slung his shield down, Ignis held out his hands summoning two daggers, Gladiolus pulled his giant sword off his back and Prompto summoned a staff.

Noct made the first move tossing his sword and teleporting to it stabbing one and using his weight to push it in deeper, the others hissed as gladio ran behind one swinging down cutting off a few legs as that one screeched  turning to him. Ignis ran to the one Gladio hit stabbing it with his daggers. The first beast died, Noct finished off the one he hit as Prompto stood back chanting a spell, Noct raised his shield blocking an attack as ignis threw a kunai at it wounding it as Noct swung his blade down finishing it. Prompto pointed his staff and lite the last two on fire killing them.

Everyone who summoned a weapon dispelled them as Gladio put his sword on his back, “not bad for our first real fight.”

“Hey big guy wouldn’t it be easier to put that in Noct’s void?”Prompto asked walking up.

“Same reason I keep my shield out, he says he doesn’t want to have to wait for the summon,” Noct said walking to the next spot as the other followed.

After slaying the last two groups they began the next job, find the ranger, after some searching they found the hut surrounded by voreteeth. Ignis looked to Prompto, “don’t cast fire or blizzard. The ranger is in the hut.”

Prompto nodded, “alright i’ll do thunder.”

“Yeah that should be fine.” Ignis said readying his daggers as Prompto begins to chant.

Noct noticed a high tree branch and wrapped himself to the branch looking down, he could see the door had a bit of damage from them trying to get inside, he waved his hand and Gladiolus ran forth doing a wide sweep knocking some of them over as Nct warps down killing one, Ignis came up stabbing one and throwing a Kunai at one that tried to go after Prompto. Prompto stumbled dodging the attack and casted thunder taking it out as gladio cut off the head of another. Noct blocked a bite only to be tackled using his sword to hold back it’s chomping jaws. Ignis hurried over killing it. Noct sighed in relief sending his sword away as gladio helped him to his feet.

Noct walked to the door knocking, “Hey rescue team is here.”

The door opened to show a man in his early thirties wearing green and brown leather armor and a bow and quiver behind him, “Thank the six you’re here.” Noct noticed some bandaging on his leg.

“You’re wounded!” Noct said making him sit, “hold still I can fix you up.” a short chant and Noct cast cure closing the wound.

The ranger smiled, “thanks a lot, name’s Dave by the way. I assume you are Noctis and his group?”

“You assume correctly,” Ignis said with a nod.

“Thanks for the cure, now then I got a favor I wasn’t hunting a dualhorn when those vermin jumped me is it too much to ask you get it for me?”

“No problem, which way is it?”

Dave pointed north, “Should be that way, it’s got red horns shouldn't be to hard to miss, I’m gonna get back to Hammerhead and head out to my next mission.”

“Take care!” Prompto said with a grin as Dave walked off, “well guys lets get going, try to make it back to Hammerhead before night time.”

They followed Dave’s tip finding it wandering around the area, Prompto looked over the beast as Noct looked confused at it, “Doesn’t look that bad.”

“No,” Prompto says, “It’s strides aren’t proper and.” He points to the horns emanating a small black smoke, “that’s not suppose to happen.”

“Good eye Prompto!” Noct says patting his back as Prompto chuckled.

“So how shall we handle this?” Gladio asked ready with his blade.

“Prompto and I shall keep our distance, he will ready blizzard and I shall keep it in his range with my kunai. Noct and gladio shall go down to it and keep it busy.” Ignis said removing his glasses and pocketing them, being far sighted this would be a great help to focusing on it’s legs. Prompto and Ignis got into their spots as Gladiolus charged with Noct behind him.

The beast roared charging them as Gladio dug his feet into the ground using his sword to push back the attack, Noct circled around slashing its side. The dualhorn turned and charged, Nct warped to the side and Ignis threw a kunai stabbing it’s foot making it turn back to the fight as Gladio swung his blade down cutting it’s head but not enough to be fatal. He charges Gladio who rolls to the side as Ignis once again forced it to turn. Prompto pointed his staff at it, taking notices Noct and Gladio get back as the spell is fired. The dualhorn roars following over and struggling to get back up, Noct threw his blade warp striking it in the head finishing it off. Noct and Gladio panted as Prompto and Ignis hopped over, Ignis putting his glasses back on.

“Alright mission complete,” Noct says with a large smile, “one thing left.”

“Lets hurry back! I’m tired and hungry!” Prompto whined as Noct laughed at his comment.

“It is going to be night soon anyways,” Gladio said with a shrug walking.

The group could see the lights of Hammerhead when the sun set, running a bit behind on time they had to run as fast as they could. They hurried past seeing  a few daemons rise from the earth roaring, some tried to attack just barely missing the group. The group fell over gaping except for Ignis feeling winded, Cindy and Cid walked up with some water handing it to them.

“Ya’ll done good, congratulations,” Cindy grinned.

“Little early for congrats, they have one more task,” Cid corrects.

“Right, but for now ya’ll get a good night sleep. Before ya go on the deliveries we’ll give ya some of your prize to help ya out.”

“Thank you,” Nocts says finishing his water. So the group dragged themselves to the inn and getting a very deep sleep.