#Noct: ...alright so maybe he's a full-out bitch

[promptistrashqueen]

A Royal Commission (6)

This fic references irl shit too, so imagine hollywood/pop culture still exists in Eos?

I started this late today and you guys sent me asks like “Please more” as if I could ever not write more of this… as if my love for @fleetstreetfatality would let me. Also she’s not feeling well so please, bury her in love <3

Loqi’s voice breaks Prompto’s concentration as he finishes touching up some tiny leaves on a young woman’s tattoo, luckily he’s used to it so nothing happens, but it’s still annoying.

“Hey, you’re big client’s back.”

Prompto huffs a sigh, because these days it seems like everyone wants him to work on large pieces so that means nothing to him. He tosses a thumbs up over his shoulder and goes back to finishing up his work, trying not to be too impatient for the store to close.

When he’s done he reminds her how to care for the work and hands her a card in case she needs anything as well as a sheet about touch ups and other things she needs to know. She’s nice enough but Prompto really doesn’t even remember her name and he’s grateful when she doesn’t try to flirt with him or anything, it’s been happening a lot.

When he’s alone again Loqi sticks his head back in, “Seriously, I’m sending them back, the lobby’s getting crowded with people gawking and he looks like a twat out there, surrounded by them.”

Prompto blinks and then he feels his breath rush out of him because oh. That big client. Damn Loqi for not just saying it was Noctis and letting the Prince be harassed instead.

“Seriously? Next time just send him back right away...big client...he’s Noctis ya ass!”

Loqi rolls his eyes but doesn’t leave just yet, leaning against the opening and toying with the curtain that’s still mostly pulled shut.

“He can’t already be back for more after yesterday...Prompto, you’re not, seeing this dude are you?”

Prompto sighs and puts on his best “fuck-you” smile, “Does it matter? You and I ended a while ago and I am an adult.”

Loqi flips him off, “You know why I asked, the Lucian Prince? If he ever finds out where you come from, do you think he’ll want anything to do with you then? It would ruin you, us, everything.”

He doesn’t wait for Prompto’s reply before shoving away and calling back, “I’ll send him.”

Taking deep breaths, Prompto grips the edge of his drafting table hard. He hates to admit the truth in Loqi’s words and curses himself again for letting himself hope, for agreeing to the lunch dates and dinner with Noctis. He squeezes his eyes closed and sighs, “fuck”

“Fuck what? Man, you alright?”

He shoots up and turns, plastering on a smile that does turn more genuine when he see’s Noctis. He can’t help it, the Prince just makes him feel good.

“Yeah, just been a long day, you know?”

Noctis nods and his expression says that he knows all about long days, “Yeah….you like Italian?”

Leave it to Noctis to skip the platitudes. Prompto appreciates his ability to leave things alone though, especially now.

“Love it. As long as I can get something with white sauce? Stomach’s a little bitch otherwise.”

Noctis’ lips quirk at the corner and he nods, “Isn’t white sauce a normal Italian thing? If not, Ignis has been feeding me something weird my whole life?”

Prompto slaps his shoulder, because he knows that tone of voice, that “duh they have it” one that makes him bite back a smile.

“Sasshole.”

“You like it.”

True. He’s so screwed. Prompto looks around his space and decided, screw it, it’s picked up enough he doesn’t have to be methodical every night as long as the hazardous stuff is taken care of.

“The other’s can close tonight, I’ve got a date with noodles….and you I guess.”

He smiles and holds out a hand, Noctis’ expression softens and he takes it, lacing their fingers together and bumping shoulders with Prompto as the artist leads him out.

He cringes a little, the entry is still full of people and they all immediately turn their attention to both Noctis and himself and he curses Maddy again. It only takes a split second before someone gasps, “Ohmygod are they holding hands?”

Fortunately there seem to be some pretty alright people in the crowd because someone replies, “You don’t hold hands with your artist? What kind of trust is that?”

The first camera shutter is followed by a lot of hand waving from a few people and Prompto realizes, grateful, they’re trying to block opportunities to take photos. Noctis pushes him a little and he navigates the cram of bodies to the door, yelling loudly back to Charlie and Loqi, “Good luck! See you tomorrow!”

He vaguely hears Charlie laughing and swearing from Loqi that makes him hope none of the crowd were easily offended.

They’re free and the evening is pretty, the city lights creating the usual halo as they reach for the wall. Prompto finds himself pausing to look at the distant hazy barrier, only slightly visible, it reminds him of how much he doesn’t belong here, with a Prince. Noctis’ fingers tighten around his and he tears his gaze away, offering a reassuring dip of his head to the Prince’s concerned expression.

He’s learning quickly, Noctis isn’t great with words, but that suits Prompto fine. He’s a chatterbox most the time but he’s never been good with deep stuff really. He squeezes Noctis’ hand in thanks and watches the way his shoulders relax.

“The Italian soda’s at Giacamo’s are choice. You have to get one.”

Prompto almost stops again, eyes widening. After Mama Claire’s he’d assumed Noctis would be taking him someplace similar, blue collar and relaxed, where he would fit in.

“Giacamo’s is black tie!”

Noctis shrugs, giving him a look, “I’m the Prince. Rules don’t apply on this one.”

Prompto gawks at him as they come to a stop next to a car, “Okay, but dude! I’m a pleb and a tattoo artist, they’ll probably assume I’m trying to rob them!”

Noctis opens the car door, “Oh no, a robber, I guess you’ll get sent to trial and spend the next ten to fifteen years in jail. If only you knew a charming Prince to help you!”

Prompto just sticks his tongue out. He makes a small surprised noise when Noctis ducks down quickly and swallows the appendage, pressing their lips together and letting his own tongue drag over Prompto’s, playing with the stud in it.

Prompto’s eyes slip closed and he melts a little, fuck Noctis is a good kisser. He leans into the touches, pulling back just enough to tug Noctis’ lower lip and tilt his head before kissing him again.

Noctis steps back, Prompto leaning forward in an instinctual chase, “You keep kissing me like that, we’re going to miss dinner.”

Noctis seems surprised at himself as the words come, like they were a thought that’s escape, it’s a feeling Prompto understands because he can’t seem to stop himself from answering, “Maybe I’m not so hungry.”

They stare at each other and Noctis takes a step forward, like he’s going to give in. Before he can reach him though Prompto actually sees the car he’s sitting in.

“Holy Shit!”

“What?” Noctis’ face pinches and the heat turns to confusion and it’s really pretty cute but Prompto’s too busy being blown away for that.

“Am I touching...did you put me in a fucking Aston Martin?”

Noctis blinks and then he starts to laugh, despite the way Prompto is frowning at him with large, shocked eyes.

“Dude, Prince remember? I don’t like it either, but I mentioned a date and Gladiolus refused to give me the keys to anything else!”

Prompto just nods, “Uh-huh, blame him. You just wanted to give me heart attack. The car, Giacamo’s? What’s next, a diamond necklace?”

Noctis looks sudden sheepish and shifts a little, rubbing the back of his neck, “Er-actually….”

Prompto’s face is trying to do things he’s not familiar with and he opens his mouth but can’t find the words. Fortunately Noctis starts to laugh again, shoulders shaking, “No! But you should’ve seen the face you just made!”

Prompto briefly wonders what the penalty for strangling a member of the royal family is, but Noctis’ bright eyed laughter is too infectious for him to stay upset and he laughs along until Noctis is buckled in beside him, pulling smoothly into traffic.

The restaurant looks exactly like the photos of it and Prompto swallows the nerves he feels as he looks at the building, but Noctis is calm beside him as they pull up. He gets out and has a word with the valet, the fucking valet. Prompto tells himself it’s either get out with Noct or have a really bizarre drive with a valet and opens his door.

He can’t afford this, is the next thing he thinks that’s not just whoa. They’ve been greeted without any question to their dress, and seated in a private booth without having to see more than a glimpse of the elegant people dining in other parts of the business. Prompto’s pretty sure the waiter-or maitre’d or whatever has shoes worth more than his entire life, except the shop of course.

“Uh, I’ll get the uh..is there any way to get just water and a leaf of lettuce because that still might break the bank here.”

Noctis glares at him over the top of the menu Prompto is using to try and hide his embarrassment over not being able to pay.

“Yes, I choose an insanely expensive restaurant so you could pay. Who do you think I am, a Kardashian?”

Prompto snorts at that but his anxiety eases some, “Fine. You keep spending money on me and I’m going to feel terrible charging for your tattoo.”

Noctis shrugs, “I model it for your little pleb shop and we call it even?”

“Aaaand I’ve changed my mind. Double charged.”

They lapse into silence as Prompto looks over the menu, trying not to cringe a little. Not that the prices are even listed, that’s how he knew. “So, uh, how did you end up doing it? The shop and everything?”

Settling on what he wants, and firmly not thinking about the cost, Prompto sets the menus down, fiddling with his bracelets thoughtfully.

“I...I guess I didn’t really fall into it, but that’s what it feels like? I got really into photography when I was younger, my early memories are pretty vague and I guess I wanted to create new ones I wouldn’t forget so easy? I dunno dude, I just eventually started drawing from my photos and after a field trip to see some surrealist art at school...I fell in love? Putting it on my skin seemed like the next step, holding on to memories you know, and they saw my sketches and we started talking and before I knew it I had my own gun. Charlie and Loqi and I were all shop mice around the same time and when old Lima retired we decided to start our own place. So I guess, I never found anything else to do?”

Noctis listens carefully and Prompto hopes he doesn’t pick up on the small lie, because he remembers his childhood with a clarity he wishes on no one.

“That’s...really cool.”

Prompto grins at him, “Yeah, not as cool as being a Prince or whatever but..eh.”

Noctis rolls his eyes but his smile falls a little, “Sure. At least you got to choose.”

They both get quiet, but then Prompto bumps Noctis’ foot with his own and reaches to take his hand, offering him support.

“Oh! There’s a new arcade bar that opened like, two blocks from my house and…”

They fall into a conversation about games and drinking as their food comes and before either of them are really aware of it their sitting, full as they could manage on good food and sucking on after dinner mints.

Prompto’s relaxed and it’s nice and probably pretty good because he didn’t even try to look at the bill..he really doesn’t want to know and Noctis didn’t even blink.

They stand and Noctis takes his hand again, going back the way they came with a togo bag hanging from his free wrist.

The valet is already waiting for them and Prompto tries to look cool as he gets back into the ridiculously expensive car after a meal at a ridiculously expensive restaurant where he was exempted from the dress code.

Noctis laughs, he must be making a face, and leans across the center to kiss his cheek.

“I’ll take you home, give me your address.”

Prompto shakes his head, “Not after that you won’t. Can’t have you seeing my shack. Besides I’ve got to walk off some of the noodles. The shop is fine.”

Noctis huffs at him but shrugs, “Alright, but by the fourth date I expect to be able to drive you home.”

“Four? My glass of wine wasn’t aired long enough and you’re expecting two more dates?”

He’s flicked for that one and chuckles a little to himself before closing his eyes contently, enjoying Noctis’ presence as he drives him back.

When he opens them again Noctis’ seat is empty and he turns his head to find the Prince leaning into his space through his open door.

“Sleepy?”

“Mmmm” Prompto feels like he’s not fallen asleep but he must have. Noctis’ eyes are soft and the curve of his lips gentle as he leans in, pressing their foreheads together and cupping Prompto’s cheek.

He kisses him slowly, their lips just touching as he breaths in and then slowly moulding together as Noctis uses his hand to tilt Prompto’s chin. It’s one of the best kisse Prompto thinks he’s ever had, all warmth and affection and the promise of another meeting.

Noctis slowly pulls away, hand lingering on Prompto’s cheek as he does before he allows Prompto to get out of the car.

“See you soon blondie.”

Prompto smiles at that, “You too charmless.”

[ichigopanhpff]

Ignis x Reader Fic: Next To You Pt. 8

This was one of the tougher chapters to write. I intended it to go a different route, but ultimately decided to go with this. That and I’m a sadistic af writer who love torturing her readers xD

While you’re reading, I’d like for you to listen this ONE OK ROCK song. I think it best reflects the mood of what I was trying to capture.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9

Last night felt like a dream. Dinner and dessert was perfect. Then it all came crashing down.

(Y/N)’s eyes lazily fluttered open with a blanket wrapped around her like a cocoon. She found herself in the darkness of her bedroom. Streams of light snuck through the small break in the blinds, suggesting it was near noon. She sighed aloud and turned to the other side, hugging a stray pillow.

Being alone was fine. She didn’t have to hurt anyone nor anyone her. This was predestined for those of the (Y/LN)s. Build bonds only to break them. Love only to use them. Blackmail only for self-gain.

She felt herself regressing back to being numb to everything as the pain radiated in her chest. Her world was turning back into the monochromatic one she’s grown so accustomed to from her youth. Mechanically reaching for her phone, she debated messaging Ignis but decided against it. She’s done enough.

She lost her one and only friend, her confidante. If someone were to jump into her room and kill her right now, she wouldn’t even put up a fight.

As (Y/N) drifted back into a dreamless sleep, her phone suddenly chimed with a message, jolting her up. Her eyes desperately scanned the notification, only to leave her disappointed.

“Don’t be stupid...” she assured herself aloud, feeling her eyes heat up with the need to cry again. She tossed her phone back on the nightstand with a clatter. “He’s already rejected you.”

How foolish of her to think she could be in the brilliant light like him while running from her shadows. They were at opposite ends of the same coin, always parallel to each other. As much as she reached out, no one could reach back to save her from herself. Unable to sleep anymore, (Y/N) rolled to the opposite end of her bed and reached for her phone again to check the message.

It was from her father; there was to be a family meeting at the house tomorrow and she had to dress up. No exceptions. A sudden uncomfortable feeling rose up from the pit of her stomach; tomorrow was the treaty signing with Niflheim. The timing’s all too coincidental.

What could they be scheming?

Maybe it’s time to dive back onto the Dark Net for some intel. It’ll make for some good emotional distraction.

–

When the morning of the treaty signing came, she hesitantly reached for a box buried underneath her bed and pulled it out. The top was lightly covered with dust bunnies and cobwebs. This was one of the many things she never wished to show Ignis. Reaching for the lid with shaky hands, (Y/N) balled them up tightly into a fist to steady herself. She had to remind herself she’s only wearing it to appease her parents and won’t become what it represents. Taking in a calming breath, she lifted the lid and revealed a neatly folded black garment.

The Phantom Fatigues, the only known signature clothing from her family. 

Made of air light breathable material and resistant to almost all the elements, it allowed the wearer maximum mobility and speed without making a sound. Wearing this also allowed them to vanish at will and into stealth mode; perfect for sneaking in and out of places. As nice as that sounds, it always felt suffocating for her as it was a constant reminder of her being bound to her so-called weighty family legacy. Each piece she put on heightened her anxiety to the point where she physically shook. Taking deep, drawn out breaths to calm down, she squeezed her eyes close to find her happy place.

The first person that came to mind was him. (Y/N) never realized how dependent she was on Ignis up until now. Almost every aspect of her life revolved around the crown adviser. How did that happen? Whatever the reason may be, it worked. Nervously taking a step forward, she walked up to the small full length mirror leaning on the wall. Gods, the outfit was exactly how she remembered it. She didn’t care her face looked like shit from crying and drinking whiskey.

The long sleeve loose fitting asymmetric top with a hood draped just past her hips. Her bottoms consisted of bandaged leggings with mesh panels and a pair of black shorts on top. To complete the ensemble, a pair of sturdy black leather boots with interior sheaths for weapons. Sighing heavily at her appearance, she figured the sooner she got this done, the sooner she can get out of these clothes.

Grabbing her go-bag, she took one more look around her apartment and left. Making her way out to the street, she looked at her phone again.

“Stupid girl,” she uttered to herself. “Ig’s gone. Let it go.”

(Y/N) closed her eyes to collect her focus and emotions. She reopened them and ducked into a narrow side street and jumped up to a building rooftop like a dragoon. She couldn’t possibly take the train in these clothes. Even regular Lucians would find her suspect. Throwing the hood over her head, she willed herself to vanish and made tracks to her parents’ house. The Kingsglaive would be on high alert and seeing someone jump on rooftops wouldn’t help calm them down either. After hopping over a variety of city buildings and admiring the skyline of Insomnia and the oncoming parade for Niflheim, she arrived with a few minutes to spare before the meeting time and reappeared after making sure no one was around.

She’s always hated her familial home. The concrete fort-like exterior with dark window frames always made it feel more like a prison than anything. The only sunlight the house got were in the hallways leading to the study and dining room. As a child, she’d often stay there, staring out at those very same windows wondering about the world outside; wondering if she’d ever be able to bask in the light like everyone else. Her room was often dark as it was at the far end of the house. When she had the chance to leave, she did so without hesitation and opted for a place with the best angle for natural lighting.

Staring at the cold, intimidating structure, she took a breath and went through the small entrance gate. Her presence was greeted with faint, echoing footsteps from far away and deafening silence. Before going to the meeting spot, she stashed her bag behind one of the many curtains in the main hallway to make a quick getaway; hiding it in her old room would be too obvious and she’d be trapped. She removed her hood and heard two sets of footsteps approaching her way. (Y/N) quickly turned to see her brothers in their respective fatigues and dark slacks.

“Azrael, Chronos,” she tersely greeted her older brothers. “What the hell happened to your face?” Azrael asked with contempt. “So sorry the way I was born offends you so much,” she snarked back and rolled her eyes.

Her brother merely huffed an annoyed breath and the three slowly made their way to the study.

“Either one of you have any idea what this meeting’s about?” “I overheard we’re to have some guests arrive,” Chronos replied and had to do a double take at (Y/N). “You’re in uniform.” “At the request of father,” she listlessly pointed out. “I’m surprised it still fits you,” Azrael sneered. “You and me both.”

They walked on in tense silence with the midday sunlight dancing past them from the wide french styled windows. Every nerve in her body was screaming danger up ahead as her mind played through the infinite amount of scenarios in what it could be; and the information she found on the Dark Net wasn’t helping any either.

“Why are you nervous, (Y/N)?” Azrael pointed out, noticing her fidgeting fingers at her sides. “I’m sure whatever we’re meeting ‘bout doesn’t concern you.”

She stopped in her steps and turned to her brothers, pausing their pace.

“Don’t you think it’s weird dad called us here on the day of the treaty signing?” she abruptly blurted out. “What do you mean?” Chronos asked and saw the hesitation in her expression. “I think… it’s some kind of trap,” she quietly spoke with bated breath. “Mom n’ dad would never set us up like that,” Azrael dismissed the theory and placed his hands on his hips. “With you, maybe.” “But what if they are?” she challenged. “They’ve been bitching non-stop about reclaiming our proper place.” “You know how they are: they shoot the shit to pass the time. They’d never side with the Niffs,” Azrael firmly concluded. “We may be fuck-ups in the eyes of the Lucis Caelems, but we’d never stoop that low for influence.” “That may be, but what do we have to lose now that the King’s agreed to the ceasefire?” she argued back. Chronos saw the top of the her dagger handles sticking out of the sides of her boots and inquired, “Is that why you brought those, (Y/N)?” “Call it insurance.” “We shouldn’t dawdle,” her middle brother dismissed her theory and walked ahead. “Let’s go, (Y/N),” Chronos called.

Her palms were sweaty and her heart was beating like a double-pedaled bass drum at her throat. Everything felt heavy and off. But what choice did she have?

It was time for a ‘go as you see fit’ strategy as she entered the Lion’s Den.

–

Days passed and news of Insomnia’s fall hit the radio waves and papers. Mixed emotions hit the four royal travelers: anger, worry, fear, rage, and most of all, revenge. After retrieving one of Noct’s Royal Arms with Cor’s help, they received a call from Iris to confirm her safety and slowly made their way to Lestallum from Hammerhead. While resting at a camper at Coernix Bypass at night, Ignis’ mind wandered to (Y/N). He’d tried to reach her on several occasions unsuccessfully when he was alone. Sighing and staring at his blackened phone screen, he decided to give it one more try, hoping to the Six she’s alright.

Hearing the phone ring twice on the line, a click suddenly connected. His heart leapt anxiously and heard the most discouraging message.

“I’m sorry. The number you have reached has been disconnected.”

Disconnected…

Did the Niffs capture her? Or was she already among the dead? Reaching up to his necklace, he unconsciously ran his thumb over the hand-carved skull she made for him, trying his best not to think of the worse case scenario. There were still so many things left unsaid between them since their kiss. But that would have to wait; his priority right now is to get to Lestallum and regroup with Iris. (Y/N)’s whereabouts had to be second.

Gladio entered the camper and noticed his friend’s sullen expression in the breakfast nook area.

“Iggy, you alright?”

His head jolted up and nodded.

“Yes, thanks for the concern,” he dryly responded, his face still full of worry. “Have you heard anythin’ from (Y/N)?” “Unfortunately, no.” “I’m sure she’s fine,” the Shield tried to persuade his friend. “She’s a fighter.” “That she is…”

He suddenly clapped his hand on Ignis’ shoulder, making him look up.

“Trust in her like you trust us.”

After a few rounds of “King’s Knight,” the four turned in for the night and it’s back on the road at the break of dawn. The change in the air was very noticeable as they drove through the Clegine area. The humidity clung onto their skin even when standing still. And wearing full leather attire certainly didn’t help either. They pulled over to the side for a quick photo op Prompto requested.

“Ugh, it’s so damn hot,” Noct complained after the photo was taken and wiped some sweat off of his forehead with his arm. “It’s most likely because we’re so close to the astral shard,” Ignis remarked and rolled up his sleeves. He left his jacket back in the car. “Alright, let’s head out!” Prompto called and retracted his tripod.

Placing their personal effects back into the Regalia, they hit the road again and arrived at Lestallum an hour and a half later. Feeling the wind and humidity blow past them in the underpass, the city welcomed them with a sultry sun above. Ignis parked the car and they all exited the vehicle.

“Nice little town,” Prompto remarked and looked around, taking in the relaxing atmosphere. “People seem friendly enough.”

The aroma of food coming from the stalls danced around the humid air, catching Gladio’s nose. “I smell meat skewers. Let’s get some after we meet up with Iris.”

The four explored the town to take in the local flavor and energy. It was certainly different from Crown City and was definitely a nice change of pace from hunting beasts and cave explorations. Gladio’s wandering eyes couldn’t help but look at all the females passing by in local clothing.

“The women here are… really well built,” he muttered to himself and checked out another one with an ice cream cone in hand, nearly breaking his neck in the process.

While walking along, Ignis couldn’t help but feel like they were being watched. He quickly looked over his shoulder with suspicion and found no one in the vicinity. As he turned back, he could’ve sworn he spotted a someone from his peripheral. They were already gone by the time he darted his eyes back.

“Ignis?” Prompto called. “You alright?” “Yes...” he hesitantly answered and glanced around once more for good measure before rejoining the group to The Leville. Everyone was relieved to see Gladio reunite with Iris, Talcott and Jared as they greeted one another at the hotel lobby. At least one good thing came from the trip. With everyone tired from traveling, they decided to check into the hotel and rest up. The front desk clerk called for Ignis after their accommodations were set up by Jared.

“Is something the matter with our rooms?” “No, sir. It’s just that there was something left for you,” the clerk responded and reached into a nearby drawer. He took out an envelope and handed it to him. “Did you see who gave this to you?” “Unfortunately not, sir. I couldn’t get a good look at their face.” “I see… Thank you.”

Ignis looked at the unaddressed item with furrowed eyebrows, unsure of who it could be from. Erring on the side of caution, he pocketed it and decided to read it upstairs in the room. After spending some time to catch up with what happened within Insomnia with Iris, the four boys were emotionally and mentally exhausted. Once everyone fell asleep, Ignis snuck out to the balcony for some privacy with the letter.

Staring at it with unease, he opened it and read the contents. It was from (Y/N). When they were children, they created a system and code names for each other in the event either one came into a life threatening situation. Should their messages get intercepted, it’d look like nothing more than gibberish to the third party.

He let out a small breath of disbelief upon reading it. From what he could decipher, her parents turned their allegiance to Niflheim, her brothers were killed and she’s either on the run or in hiding. The Niff’s attacks will start coming their way at a more aggressive pace and may be a while until they can see each other again. His disbelief then turned over to concern.

She used the initials W.R. as a sign off. It was the abbreviated codename her parents gave her.

Had she finally decided to fully embrace the part she fought so hard to deny?

“(Y/N)...” he whispered to himself and gripped the edge of the letter. “Please be safe.”

A few more days passed by and the boys found themselves staying around Cleigne occupied with hunts for funds, helping out the locals and getting the second Royal Arm. Upon blowing up the first nearby Niflheim base to exact revenge for Jared’s death, they realized they needed more information on the enemy. Vyv, the local tipster slash editor in chief for a magazine publishing company, reached out to them for pictures for some Niflheim bases.

When asked where he found out about the locations, all he said was his source wished to remain anonymous. Knowing they won’t get any more out of him, they hit the road to locate the bases. Pulling the Regalia aside upon finding the second base, Ignis noticed a figure surveying something at the top of the wall with the sun setting behind them. Squinting his eyes to get a better look, he was interrupted by Noct calling for him.

“We’re good, specs! Let’s get outta here before they decide to give us the full welcome wagon,” the prince noted.

The adviser nodded and made tracks to regroup with his friends. He turned to look back again, only to find the person was already gone.

“Iggy, you alright?” Gladio asked. “Yes...” he trailed off. “Just seeing things.” “Maybe you should clean your glasses,” Noct joked. “A fine idea.”

The four lost track of time wandering and going after extra hunts as the night crept up. Nearing a safe haven, exhausted and dirty from nature, a Red Giant suddenly ambushed the four with a swing of its blazing sword. Just the force from the aftershock alone knocked them all down. Prompto was the first to get up and fired a Starshell up in the air while Noct Warp-Striked the daemon as it flinched in pain. Gladio and Ignis backed Noct up by taking the creature’s blind spots. Frustrated with the two-legged ants, the beast roared angrily struck the ground, knocked them all off their feet from the shaking.

Having exhausted the last of their curatives from the previous hunt, they had to make a tactical retreat. With the daemon slowly creeping up to them step by thunderous step, the four conserved what stamina they had left to make a sprint for it. As it raised its sword above its head, the monster swung down at Ignis’ direction, only to have it intercepted by an invisible force. He staggered backwards from the reverberating ring of the clash of metals.

The figure he saw earlier at the top of the fort wall appeared out of thin air in front of him. The adviser quickly noticed the unmarked clothing made of flowing, air-light material; they were Phantom Fatigues.

There was only one family he knew who wore those. She faced the Red Giant with unflinching bravado with a pair of fabricated curved blades at her hands. The daemon quickly parried her attack with its giant sword and she quickly jumped back. The figure then wrote something illegible in the air followed with swirling red wisps surrounding her. Lunging at the creature again, she jumped up into the starlit night sky and landed the dual blades onto the shoulder blade of its sword arm. The giant roared in pain as she freed one blade, turned and beheaded it with one swift movement from behind.

Holy Ifrit. She took down a Red Giant alone.

As the daemon melted back into the black puddle it spawned from, the four boys saw their savior dismount back on the grassy earth, waver and collapse on the ground in a short beat. They slowly picked themselves back up and gathered near her fallen form.

“Who the hell is she?” Gladio panted out. “Whoever it is, they saved us,” Prompto chimed in. “That’s all that matters to me.” “It’s (Y/N),” Ignis finally answered in a hushed voice. “It appears she’s been watching us.” “Let’s get outta here first before more of these things wanna come out to play,” Noct finalized with a huff of breath.

Ignis scooped her up into his arms and hurriedly made their way to the haven. He felt (Y/N)’s muscles were stressed and heavy, her breathing shallow like she was teetering at Death’s door. While Gladio, Noct and Prompto set up the camping equipment, Ignis stayed by (Y/N)’s side to make sure she was comfortable. He folded his jacket up into a makeshift pillow for her. Upon removing her hood, he found it strange the glasses he was so used to seeing her wear were replaced with a mesh fabric blindfold. His worries and concerns were slowly drifting away now that she was in front of him.

When she slowly came to, a soft groan escaped her lips and her eyes fluttered open. They gradually widened to meet Ignis’ worried ones. Before he could say anything, (Y/N) jumped up and assumed a defensive position as panic rose up. Gladio and Noct jumped while Prompto and Ignis remained neutral. Heaving hard breaths, she looked like a cornered feral animal ready to pounce. 

“Whoa! Whoa!” Prompto soothed with his palms up. “(Y/N), i-it’s us! You’re safe.” “Where...” She spoke through a clenched jaw, still hyper-sensitive of her surroundings. Her veiled eyes darted around with fear. “Where are we?” “Camp,” the blond boy tranquilly answered. “We’re at a safe haven.”

She softened her stance and collapsed on the ground, letting a drawn out shaky breath. Her hand reached up and gripped the side of her head, lightly hissing in pain.

“(Y/N)...” Ignis softly called and reached out to her, only to have her violently flinch away. “Don’t touch me!” she screamed and shook in place.

He tried to get a good look at her; her fragile state of mind and heightened senses indicated she hadn’t slept much, if at all. Even the smallest sound could scare her away. He needed to act quickly before she decided to run.

“(Y/N)… I received your letter. At the hotel in Lestallum,” he quietly spoke. “I’m sorry about what happened.”

She merely nodded and wiped away some stray tears streaking down her cheek.

“Stay with us tonight. You’ll be safe here,” Ignis suggested in a soothing voice. 

She silently agreed with another nod of her head while the prince and the Shield let out a small breath of relief. The four boys then gathered at one end of the haven.

“So what should we do?” Noct asked and looked over his shoulder at (Y/N), placing his hands on his hips. “Leave her be,” Ignis replied. “Let’s get the fire going first and I’ll start food.” “Iggy, we can’t leave her like this,” Prompto objected. “Look at her!” “Prompto, just trust me,” he tiredly insisted. “There’s nothing we can do right now.” “You’ve… seen her like this before, haven’t you?” Gladio quietly inquired. “Unfortunately, yes.” He sighed and pushed his glasses up. “From when she locked herself away from the world.”

They went about their usual tasks while (Y/N) stayed stationary and silently observed. The pain from her temples died down to a pulsating numbing sensation like a caffeine withdrawal. Her eyes then wandered to Ignis’ back profile, who was in the middle of preparing dinner. She never realized how wide they were, as if he could shoulder the weight of the world on them. Sensing a presence to her left, her head quickly jerked to see Gladio with a cup in his hands.

“Here,” he softly said and handed her the mug. “Iggy said the tea would help.”

Meekly thanking the muscular man, she took it from him and slowly sipped it, taking in the aromas of honey and chrysanthemum. The two sat quietly. Eventually, Noct and Prompto made their way over to her end.

“How’re you feeling, (Y/N)?” Prompto gently asked with worried blue eyes. “Bit better, thanks,” she quietly answered hoarsely. “You really saved our asses back there,” Noct chimed in and rubbed the back of his head. “Thanks.”

She curtly nodded at the prince and went back to sipping from her cup, exuding an aura of not wanting to talk. Dinner was ready after a short moment and Ignis handed out everyone’s portion. He then gestured to (Y/N) to sit in his chair, to which she shook her head and declined.

“I’m fine on the ground,” she muttered out and stirred her food with her spoon. Tonight was Dry-Aged Tender Roast Stew. She took a small bite of food and paused to take in the flavor. She then took a bigger bite, as if trying to make sense of something. Her body felt like it was being healed and comforted with every spoonful.

It tasted different than his usual cooking, it was… deeper. She glanced up at his side profile, focused on eating and deep in thought. Did he make this with her in mind?

Ignis felt (Y/N)’s stare and turned to her.

“Is the food not to your liking?” “N-No. No...” She immediately looked down at her now empty bowl. “It was… delicious.” “I can see that.” Gladio noticed the amount of earth on her clothes and asked, “How long have you been out here by yourself?” “Four, five days, maybe...” “When was the last time you slept or ate?” “Four, five days...” “That would explain the paranoia and disorientation,” Ignis concluded. “Earlier today… that was you on top of the Niflheim fort, wasn’t it?” “I was looking for weak points,” (Y/N) responded emotionlessly and set her bowl down. “To infiltrate.” “By yourself?! You lookin’ to die?!” Gladio scolded. “I refuse sit by and watch everything burn.” She stared down the tattooed man down through her blindfold. “Not anymore.”

The five sat in silence while the fire crackled into the dark night. Prompto was the first to break the ice.

“So how come you’re wearing a blindfold, (Y/N)?”

She unconsciously reached up and gently touched it, trying to think of the words to explain.

“It’s… complicated.” “But you can still see, right?” the blond gunslinger asked with concern. “My vision’s more than substantial, yes...” She took a small breath and lightly sighed, fully aware of what’s running through their minds. “I’m sure you all have questions about what happened and I’ll… try my best to answer them.” Gladio was the first to jump at the opportunity. “So how were you able to take on that Giant alone?” She searched for the right way to answer him. “You were awakened,” Ignis assumed. “Forcefully, yes,” she dejectedly confirmed. “Awakened?” Noct asked. “Everyone in the (YL/N) have a different ability based on their personality,” she explained. “There are three ways to awaken; Kill someone closest to us, experience a traumatizing situation or willingly transfer your powers to the last person you’re thinking of before dying.”

She took a brief pause before continuing.

“It’s rare an ability’s repeated in our bloodline, but it’s happened. It’s considered a blessing from our ancestors. Both my brothers, Azrael and Chronos had that. It was only natural for my parents to think they were the gifted ones.” “So what’s your ability?” the crown prince enquired. “Remember how I told you at the start I was a taker?”

She inhaled and raised her right hand up. She scribbled the kanji of “sound” with her index finger. The character then dissipated into a wisp of air and almost instantaneously, a loud buzzing rang in their ears as they looked around in confusion. Prompto opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. He grabbed his throat and tried again, only to be met with silence and started panicking. She then negated her previous action with a simple wave of her hand.

“–DUNGEON ALL OVER AGAIN–” the blond boy screamed and abruptly stopped by clasping his mouth shut with his hands. His voice echoed into the vast darkness, where distant roar from a daemon replied. “Do go on, (Y/N),” Ignis disregarded the blond boy’s outburst and casually rubbed his ear. “My ability, ‘Spirited Away,’ allows me to take things and use it to my advantage. When I took away ‘sound’, I could fully utilize my stealth and efficiently eliminate a threat. With the Red Giant, I took its ‘strength,’” she revealed. “However, I can only use half of what I take and the time-limit has built up to around three to four minutes.” “Do you have conditions that need to be met when you use it? What about the rebounds?” Ignis questioned with concern. “As expected of a Scientia to do their research...” she applauded. “It seems the only condition so far is the opposite party can’t know my ability exists. Otherwise, its effects are nullified. As for the rebound, well...” she wryly chuckled. “You saw for yourself.” “If your ability’s to ‘steal’ something, how was it that you used dual blades with the Red Giant then?” Noct questioned. “The answer to that is condition number three.” “Your brothers…” Ignis concluded. She merely nodded in silence as a confirmation and sighed heavily. “The blades, Silentium Ferro,” She held her hand out and summoned one with a grey haze exuding out of her arm. The curved black blade gleamed with ill will from the reflection of the camp fire. “Were Azrael’s. And…” (Y/N) removed her blindfold and slowly opened her eyes, revealing golden orange colored orbs. “These were Chronos’. The blood binding us makes rejecting them impossible. Our powers feed on the darkness of our souls, so the more we kill...” “The stronger you become,” Gladio finished.

(Y/N) then released Ferro from her hand and dissipated back into the air. Her expression was dark and emotionless, as if the memory of how she obtained her brothers’ relics played on repeat in her mind. “Their abilities are much more draining to use due to the weight of their sins compared to my own.” “You said your family forcefully awakened you...” Noct circled back. “What exactly happened?”

(Y/N) sighed and looked down at the rocky ground. “It started with the day of the treaty signing...”

[lesphantom]

FFXV: A Retelling...  ish.

Still feeling bold… or stupid depending on who you ask…  This story I’m posting now has been the plague of my existence for the past 3 months.  My computer decided to eat it and I had to retype 95 pages of typed text that I lost.  This is why I write with pen and paper first.  Anyway…  This is the first part.  

Final Fantasy XV: A Retelling… ish

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 1: 

I groaned.  Pain shot through my stomach.  I opened an eye and I glanced around.  Yep.  No sign of Steve or Trisha.  'Fuck me…’ I thought.  I opened both eyes and I slowly looked around.  

There were about a dozen hornet looking creatures buzzing around my head and a giant cat like creature on the ground a few feet away from me. ‘Killer bees and a coeurl… Fuck a duck backwards…’ I tried to stand up.  I hissed in pain and I glanced at my oozing stomach wound. Unfortunately for me, the couerl and killer bees heard my painful cries and they were beginning to converge around my position.

My vision was fading in and out and I could feel the coeurl’s hot breath on my neck.  'This is how I die…  RIP Mina…  Well, might as well go out with a bang…’ I thought.  With the last of my strength I reached for my splintered spear on the ground next to me.  I brought it up through what I hoped was the coeurl’s neck.  My eyes fluttered shut and I lost consciousness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~THIRD PERSON POV~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The princely retinue was barreling back through Eos.  They were heading toward Hammerhead after taking on a quest for Takka.  Ignis sipped his ebony as he drove, his gloved left hand never leaving the wheel. Prompto captured pictures of the desert like scenery with his camera. Noctis was snoozing in the backseat, his head lolling to the side. Gladio was reading.  Gladio looked up from his book and he glanced out of the window.  He did a double take when he spotted an unusual group of daemons.

“Oh shit… Look over there, guys.” Gladio called.

“A coeurl and killer bees working together?”  said Prompto, snapping a quick picture.

“That’s unusual…” said Ignis, glancing over in concern.

“They’re not attacking each other…” said Gladio.  “That concerns me.   Someone could be hurt over there…”

“Let’s go check it out.” said Noctis, with a yawn.

“Excellent idea.” said Ignis.  “That combination of daemons is not normal.”

Ignis pulled the car over to the side of the road.  The crew drew their weapons  and they approached the daemons.  Something eerie was in the air as they approached.  Without thinking, Noctis charged in against the coeurl.

“NOCT!” Ignis shouted.

“Oh shit… There’s someone over by the group of killer bees.” Gladio said, swinging his sword at them.

“I’m on it!” Noctis said.

“Wait! We should have some semblance of a plan…” said Ignis

“Iggy, there’s no time.  It’s already getting dark and whoever is over there could be hurt…”said Prompto.

“So, plan; attack.” said Ignis, quickly slicing into the coeurl as it came closer to him.

“Right.” said Gladio.

The boys fought the coeurl and the killer bees swiftly.  Ignis immediately hurried over to the wounded person.  He saw her chest rise and fall but yet he still felt for a pulse.  The others were close behind.

“Miss…? Miss, can you hear me?” said Ignis.  “Damn… she’s unconscious…”

“That wound looks really nasty.” said Gladio.

“And painful…” said Prompto.

Ignis looked down at the woman’s wound.  It was a deep red in color and Prompto was correct; it looked painful.  Ignis sighed and he pulled a small first aid kit from his pocket.  He fished out a pair of tweezers.  He very gently pulled back the white shirt the girl wore.

Ignis nonchalantly took the girl in as he worked.  She was beautiful, even with the dirt and grime caked on her face.  She had shoulder-length auburn hair and olive colored skin.  She was thin, but she was built. The shaft of a splintered spear was tightly gripped in her right hand.  Ignis frowned.

“Is she alright?” came Prompto’s innocent voice.

“I’m not sure.  She is severely hurt.  Knowing what the killer bees can do, that wound is probably full of poison.” Ignis explained. “It… doesn’t look good.”

“D'you think that a potion would help until we can get her the medical care she needs?”

“It wouldn’t hurt…” said Ignis.

Prompto handed Ignis a hi-potion and he backed up out of the way.  Ignis sighed and he broke the hi-potion over her wound. He frowned as he looked at the wound more closely.  It was slowly knitting itself back together, but Ignis remained concerned.

“We can’t just leave her here.  Especially in the condition she is in.” Gladio said. “Ignis, can we take her to Hammerhead?”

“That is do-able.  It is the closest place…  I’m growing more and more concerned the longer I look at it…”  Ignis said.

“I’ll find a medic on our way back.”  said Prompto.

“Great idea, Prom.” said Noctis

“I’ll carry her.” said Gladio.

Gladio bent down and he gently picked the woman up off the ground.  A whimper escaped her lips.  The gang looked at each other and they nodded.  Ignis stood up, grabbing both the spear and the girl’s blue backpack.  He jogged ahead of the group, reaching the Regalia first. He held the door open for Gladio as he adjusted himself in the backseat with the woman on his lap.  Noctis gently climbed in as well, slightly moving her feet.  Ignis and Prompto hopped back into the front seat and Ignis drove off.

Ignis drove to Hammerhead as quickly and carefully as he could.  As soon as they arrived, Prompto exited the Regalia, talking animatedly on the phone while running in to grab Cindy.  Gladio gently picked up the girl and he carried her into the garage.  Cindy came running down the way towards the group.

“Y'all know I’m a mechanic, not a medic right?” Cindy said.

“I’m calling a medic now.” said Prompto.

“See if he can get here as soon as possible,” said Ignis, checking on the girl.  “I don’t think she has very long….”

Prompto exited the garage still talking on his phone.  Cindy cleared off an area of counter space.  She motioned for Gladio to bring the girl over, which he did.   Cindy couldn’t tear her eyes away from the girl’s wound.

“Oh My…” Cindy said,  “Do you reckon she’s got anyone lookin’ for her?”

“Seems doubtful.”  Ignis said.  “All that was out there was her backpack and her spear.  Both of which are in the trunk of the Regalia.”

“We could get an ID on her if we went through that backpack…” said Noctis.

“Yeah… maybe.  But that would be an invasion of her privacy.” said Gladio.

“Right.” said Ignis.

Prompto ran back in, a grin plastered on his face. “I got a hold of a medic.  He’s about ten minutes out..”

“Awesome!” said Noctis.

“Yes… Let’s hope she holds on that long…” said Ignis.

Gladio frowned.  “I hope she does.”

Moments later a car zoomed into the small service station.  Almost as soon as it had stopped moving, a medic popped up out of it.  He rushed over to the small crowd and the guys let him pass.  The medic said nothing as he went to work.  He swiftly treated the young woman’s wounds.  He broke a few curatives that Ignis didn’t recognize over the young woman’s wound.  He let out a tired sigh as he stepped away from the girl.

“You’re lucky you got her here when you did…” The medic said.

“That bad, huh?” said Noctis.

“That wound was riddled with poison.  She has also lost a considerable amount of blood.  I recommend a blood transfusion..” said the medic.

“Do what you can, sir.” said Gladio.

“Another hour and she wouldn’t have made it…” the medic said, hooking up the IV with the bag of blood.

The medic sighed and he pulled out a few remedies, antidotes and other curatives out of his bag.  He handed them to Ignis.  Ignis took them gratefully.  He began packing up his things.

“I’ll be back for the IV pole in a few days.  It’s on the house since I happened to be in the area.  Just take care of her.”

“Thanks…” said Prompto.

“We’ll take care of her.” said Ignis.

The medic sent the crew a wave before hopping back in his car and driving off.  Gladio sighed and he looked back at the woman, who was resting comfortably.  Ignis approached the unconscious woman and he examined her closely.  He sighed.

“We don’t know anything about this girl…” Noctis commented.  “What if she’s an ungrateful bitch about this whole scenario?”

“Then we’ll deal with that when we come to it.” said Gladio.  “For now… we’ll just wait.”

“Yeah… I guess… Poor girl.” said Prompto.

“Yes… She’s been dealt a pretty atrocious hand.” said Ignis.

Cindy entered the garage once more.  “Is she gonna be OK?”

“I hope so…” said Ignis.

“Are y'all worried?” said Cindy.

The boys nodded.  Cindy smiled slightly.  She pointed to the R.V.  

“Y'all can stay for free.  Just this once though.” said Cindy

“Really?!? Thanks Cindy!” said Prompto

“Don’t thank me!” Cindy said, “Thank paw paw…”

Gladio, Prompto, Noctis and Cindy started walking toward the R.V.  Ignis on the other hand, continued checking on the young woman, worry furrowing the young adviser’s brow.  He could feel the stress beginning to build in his neck and back.  He pulled a nearby chair close to the woman and he sat down. He let out a long sigh.

“I don’t even know you, miss, but I am worried for you.  No one should have to endure trauma as you have alone.” Ignis said.  “I don’t even know if you can hear me right now…”

“Ignis?” came Cindy’s voice.

“Yes?” Ignis said.

“The garage ain’t much but… it’ll be warm and keep out the daemons tonight.  You’re welcome to stay in here tonight…”

Ignis gave Cindy a warm smile.  “Thank you, Cindy.”

Cindy gave Ignis a grin.  She crossed the room and she dug out two warm looking blankets.  She gave them both to Ignis and she headed out of the garage.  Ignis gently covered the young woman with the blanket and she made a contented noise.  He smiled gently.  Ignis went to the Regalia and grabbed a few cans of ebony.  He headed back into the garage settling back down in the chair.  He watched carefully as the girl’s chest rose and fell.  He opened a can of ebony and he took a long swig of it.  It was going to be a long night.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapters:

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1