#like that line where noct says he's like afraid of Nyx

[noxulric]

Please continue the comics of Noct trying to run away from Nyx. They're hilarious.

I’m so happy you find that mini comics hilarious anon! but another continuation might be impossible coz I don’t know what happen next TT__TT

I enjoyed drawing oblivious Noctis so much and tbh this post reminded me of @jazzraft’s nyxnoct fic in Dark at Night series. I love that series so  much particularly that fic~ Noctis finally realizing his feelings for Nyx with Prompto’s help is just 👌👌👌👌👌👌💯💯💯💯💯💯

and yeah, i ended up drawing that scene because i love it!

please forgive me, i’m a comic artist wannabe :’D

[secret-engima]

(Whispers) FFXV ten years younger AU; Noctis is like, 10yrs younger than C!Noct. How do you think that would work out???

HGFDSDHGFDS WAIT WAIT WAIT.

I’M CONFUSED.

Do you mean that Noctis is BORN ten years later and the plot still kicks off? Or that Noctis time-travels and ends up ten years younger. I’m gonna assume you mean the former so here we go. I’m sticking this under read more because I am going to RAMBLE LIKE CRAZY.

-The wedding is not a thing. Because Noctis is TEN.

-It is quite possible that he never got attacked by the Marilith, because by the time he was eight, Tenenbrae might have already been invaded.

-That or the invasion was delayed until Noctis got there, which means Luna would be 22 when she meets Noctis and Ravus is 26 so both are WAY more mature and comfortable in their own skin/morals by the time the invasion happens. Ravus does not beg Regis for help but instead helps with the evacuation, Luna is not dumb enough to stop and let the MTs take her, Sylva may or may not still die, but at least she doesn’t take a flame-thrower to the face (might still get stabbed by Glauca).

-Also Gladio is there because he’s like- 21 at this section of timeline and has taken his Crownsguard oaths. Ignis is there too.

-Imma go with my petty side and say that with two adult oracles, an adult Ravus (who was no doubt trained to be a deadly guardian of his sister), a Very Angry Gladio, and a semi-homicidal and reckless Ignis, Glauca has a Bad Day. Maybe dies, maybe not.

-Luna and Ravus escape with teeny Noct and Regis and take sanctuary in Lucis and denounce the Nifs for what they’ve done (Sylva too if she isn’t dead? Which she might be) and the world goes on something of a mass riot because the reason they didn’t attack the Oracles before was for fear of what the public would do if they found out.

-They’re called consequences you morons. You poisoned your cake now eat it.

-Luna and Nyx are a thing. Because Noctis is way too young to even consider it and Nyx finds this feisty Oracle woman who demands to be trained in the glaive with her brother to be Really Hot.

-Luna becomes the Glaive healer, using the Kingsglaive’s movements to disguise her own from the empire so she can still help people.

-If Glauca is still alive, he Glauca tries something as Titus and is murdered by one very angry Luna and one Super Angry Ravus who now has LC magic on top of whatever brand of magic male Nox Fleuret can use (yes I know oracle magic is a girl only thing but MAGIC, the boy has to get something even if its not healing based) because he joined the Kingsglaive.

-Ravus maybe becomes the new Captain of the Glaive? Either him, Nyx, Libertus, or Luche, who is not a traitor because I’ve grown to like him.

-Noctis loves his Shield and his Oracle Sister and Big Brother Ravus, Luna can feel destiny bearing down on them and often cries in private because Noctis is TEN.

-With the world rioting in fury over the truth of what happened in Tenebrae (which I HC in canon was never leaked because the two royals were being held hostage and the Tenebraen people either didn’t know or where being blackmailed into silence with the lives of their beloved royal children), the Nifs take some serious damage to their power base.

-Nifs offer a ceasefire with Lucis to begin “making reparations” with the Tenebrae line and Lucis two years after the invasion.

-Regis smells a rat.

-The rat looks like Ardyn.

-Still, he DOES have little choice but to accept, BUT with the Oracle’s healing and the world public on his side, Regis has way more leverage in this treaty, demands territories be returned and stuff (Galahd included).

-Nifs agree to the terms and come for the signing, Regis doesn’t send Noctis out of the city because as bad as his feelings are, Noctis is TEN and Ignis and Gladio are just young adults.

-The Nifs still pull their invasion nonsense because- well- NIFLHEIM. The Emperor is pretty power mad at this point and is like “if we crush Lucis the dissenters will shut up out of fear”.

-It’s pretty intense. Fire everywhere, traitors making trouble (NOT in the glaive, the Glaive were lured out of the city with leaked reports of a fleet to get them out of the way, it’s corrupt Nobles and disgruntled citizens that do this).

-Without Glauca there, Regis doesn’t die, but he DOES probably get injured and separated from his son, whom Ignis and Gladio take and flee the Citadel, trying to escape the chaos.

-In the chaos of trying to flee the city, they bump into a rookie Crownsguard who just took his oath like- a WEEK ago and he helps them evacuate the prince with his crack shot aiming skills and his knowledge of the city’s back streets (”I like to take photos of the alley cats okay????”)

-The four end up outside the city, separated from all backup, in a hotwired car that Ignis took (”Since when do YOU know how to hotwire a car?” “Since I thought the skill might come in handy now shut up and watch the road”).

-Insomnia doesn’t fall, but the Empire is freaking stubborn and starts a siege or something, so the bros can’t get back in, and since they encountered some Crownsguard traitors in the chaos so they don’t trust anyone outside their foursome and they’re being actively hunted by the Empire ... 

-Who’s up for a road trip?

-Also Regis probably thinks Noctis is dead because Angst and is furious beyond words and Luna smuggles herself out of the city to go wake up the Astrals and ask what to do now only to find out from a really vague Gentiana that the Chosen Lives so she’s off doing that solo adventure playing Hot-Cold with the bros as they run around trying not to get spotted by Nifs and figuring out WHAT TO DO. HELP.

(and this is the point where I could either make this a horrible tragedy about child kings and sacrificial lambs but I hate sad endings so I won’t so have some crack-flavored Fluff instead)

-Cor smuggles himself out to join the search but Ignis is doing his job a little Too Well so nobody can find these bros as they run around and Noctis ends up befriending Titan through the sheer power of his Cute and then Ramuh comes down to see because the Chosen isn’t old enough to take on his destiny except oh look. BBY. and his Granddadly instincts are roused for the first time in Millenia and so now the group has a doting Grandpa showing up at random to give advice and Smite People.

-Noctis continues to befriend just about Anything That Breathes as Big Bro Gladio, Brother Ignis, and his new Brother Prompto cart him around the wilderness of Lucis trying to figure out how to get safely back in Insomnia when there is a siege happening (the Siege is keeping the Glaives busy btw, which is why they aren’t out in force looking for Noctis).

-At one point Noctis gets separated from his bros in like- Lestallum or something and is wandering around freaking out when he bumps into someone. “Sorry,” he sniffles, trying hard to be dignified but also is so close to crying. The figure turns and ... looks at him. He doesn’t like that look.

-Noctis, who has been repeatedly told that he is in danger and needs to keep a low profile, starts to duck away from the man, afraid of being spotted, but then the man is in front of him, blocking his way and there are no other people around and Noctis is shaking and terrified, magic sparking under his skin as the man REACHES for him with a leer- and Noctis sobs and his magic reaches out instinctively in search of help-someone-please-PLEASE-

-A sword goes through the man’s chest, pinning him to the wall and suddenly there is a stranger there. A stranger with crackling, snapping magic that coils around Noctis, old and deadly and wounded but not- not evil. The new stranger turns and looks at Noctis, something cold and confused in his gaze, and maybe Noctis should be terrified of this man with red hair and tacky clothes and what looks like black makeup that’s all runny like he’s gotten it wet or been crying, but all Noctis can think is that someone rescued him, someone is HERE and that man has magic just like Noctis so he must be safe and-

-Ardyn feels like the wind has been knocked out of him less because of a scrawny ten year old cannoning into his waist in a desperate sobbing hug and more because- because-

-He hadn’t expected the Chosen to be a child.

-He had known, conceptually, that Regis’s son was very young but that- that was different from seeing it. From feeling young, immature magic latch onto his in desperation and needy trust and looking down at this tiny child who was already sobbing his heart out into the waistcoat of a MONSTER.

-The Chosen King is a child.

-And Ardyn can already feel two Covenants burning under the boy’s skin.

-The Astrals mean to make a CHILD their sacrifice? They will not even wait until he is grown?

-And Ardyn is not ... sane really, but no matter what he tells himself he still has standards and underneath the screaming of the scourge the old Healer King, the older brother who did more to raise his sibling than their father ever did, rears its head and snarls NO.

-Gladio, Ignis, and Prompto, who are all losing their minds over getting separated from Noctis, find him sniffling but content on the hip of a strange hobo-like man who smiles false smiles and says nothing with a great deal of words and somehow inserts himself into their group and never leaves. Noctis doesn’t WANT him to leave and the three are terribly astonished when Noctis blurts out that this poor man is sick and has magic like Noctis, but his sickness makes him tired and cranky.

-Ardyn is trying not to laugh to the point of tears over such a SIMPLE explanation of the Starscourge.

-Anyway to make an already stupid long ramble shorter, Noctis cutes his way to victory by melting the heart of the Accursed into going “Mine. My Nephew Now.” The Empire overreaches and gets it’s back broken by mass riots and Lucis’s defense and Altissia and Tenebrae both rising up in a bid for freedom, Ardyn gets medical help from a Very Confused Luna and they end up curing the Starscourge through the Power of Cute and the Power of Spite (aka Noctis and Ardyn) and then come back to Insomnia with a defected chancellor in tow who is now fully cured and mostly sane again and utterly devoted to his cute nephew.

-Regis is too grateful at finding his son alive and well despite prophecy to really care about the ex-Chancellor happily passing Noctis candy under Ignis’s exasperated eye every time Noctis looks the slightest bit Cuter than Normal.

[amarabliss]

Galahdian Dreams - 10 (Nyx Ulric/Reader)

Synopsis: Your father was the king of Insomnia. He was good and just. You never thought you’d meet anyone like him after he was taken from the world. Your Uncle Regis, has taken the throne and followed through on your father’s plans. It was good to see the city in capable hands.

Enter Nyx Ulric, refugee, Glaive, fighter…how is it he can see all your secrets? He knows how to set you off and he’s promised to not let you go…(AU for sure, Regis wasn’t supposed to take the throne, and our lovely Nyx has more of a past then we thought…)

Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four Part Five Part Six Part Seven Part Eight Part Nine

You stared out at everyone setting up the sky sails near the cliff. You had your arms crossed in front of you, securely locked as you leaned against the van. Nyx said you were going sailing…

“Correction…I said we were doing the Galahd version of sailing.” He smiled at you, eyes twinkling.

You wanted to slap that handsome smile right off his face. You were tired still from waking up several hours earlier then you we used to. Rushing about getting ready you didn’t take your meds, and it was only just now that the sun was beginning to rise…now you were faced with a dilemma. Stay back and slightly ruin everyone’s day while they flew about…or get over it and ‘do the thing’, as your cousin Noct would always tell you.

“Hey…” You snapped out of your thoughts as Nyx walked up. He was dressed in a thick long sleeve shirt. A light grey that seemed to make everything about him pop…his skin, his hair, his eyes, “Everyone’s almost ready.”

You looked at his smiling face as he came to a stop in front of you coolly sliding his hands into the back pockets of his dark washed pants. He had a way with body language that instantly put you at ease. You actually found it a little frustrating when you wanted to be irritated with him with him right now.

“That’s good.” You nodded before you looked down to your shoes digging your heel into the red earth.

“Y/N…” You looked up again as he took a step closer concern showing through those cerulean orbs, “I know this isn’t the sailing you were thinking of…”

“Nyx, it’s not even close.” You let your arms fall as you let out a nervous sigh, “Sailing involves water…not cliffs and…heights.”

“You’re afraid heights.” He put a hand to the back of his neck letting out a soft sigh as he bit his lower lip, “I didn’t even think to ask…”

“It’s fine…” You smiled shaking your head a little, “and it’s not a terrible fear, just not my favorite thing to deal with so early in the morning.”

“Well…” He sighed looking back at the four sky sails lined up on the cliff before he looked back at you, “at least I got you outside, right?”

You laughed a little nodding at you pushed off the van. He seemed like he was taking this all really well, “That you did, thank you. It looks like it’s gonna be a nice day.”

“The best.” He smiled at you before holding his hand out to you. You made a face before he scoffed a little, “Well come on…don’t leave me hanging here…”

Maybe not so well as you thought…You swallowed a little before taking his hand. His warm digits intwined around yours as he walked with you toward the nearest sky sail, “Nyx, I’m really fine just by being out…”

“We’re not going.” He stopped you from going on, “But I am going to make you sit in one. Comfiest seats in the world. Made by the deft hands of Pelna and his dad.”

“Pelna made these?” Your eyes widened as you approached the device with him. They had beautiful designs woven in the wings and carved in parts of the frame.

“Yeah, his family had a shop back home.” Nyx smiled as you reached out running your hands over the frame, “They’re the best at it. They supplied most of the rigs for the hunts.”

“Hunts…you’ve mentioned that before. What is that exactly?” You smiled as he opened the small door helping you inside. You sank down into the hammock like seat as he ran around to the other side.

“The hunt…uh…it’s kind of a big tradition thing. Way back when Galahd was divided into tribes. Once a year all the tribes would gather and go on a big hunt.” He smiled getting in taking a seat next to you making the seat swing a little, “It was kind of like a big market day too. Everyone would gather and trade, while the hunters would go out and find a couple of big coeurl to bring back for a feast the next day.”

“And you continue this tradition today?” You shifted a little in your seat as his leg pushed up against yours, it was a pretty tight space for two people.

“Yes, we’re a bit more humane about it now. Coeurl is still pretty tasty, but they’re also beautiful creatures to respect…so we tranquilize it and ensure the area is clear of anything that could harm it. The only thing we take is a tuft of hair from their main. Total catch and release.” He tilted his head a little as he thought back to it, “Hunting one is exhilarating. Here you have this creature that is so intelligent and so evolved that if you’re not careful you go from hunting to being hunted.”

“You’ve participated in a hunt?” You watched him look at you, nodding, “Did you every catch yourself a coeurl?”

He smirked shaking his head, “Gosh, no…would’ve been pretty cool if I had though.”

“And how do the sky sails play into the hunt?” You asked looking up at the pretty design above you.

“Gliders…” You heard him as you let your eyes trace the design on the underside of the wings, “we actually call them gliders, and we use them as eyes in the sky. The hunters used to use smoke signals, maneuvers, and flags to signal where to go. Now, thanks to modern technology, we just radio down for the hunts, but we mostly use them for recreation now.”

You looked at him again and caught him staring at you. He looked away quickly down to his hands as he began chewing his bottom lip, something you’d begun to notice he did when he was thinking hard about something, “Nyx, are okay?”

“I’m fine.” He looked at you again his eyes dimming a little, “Talking about home…I get a little homesick. Nothing about Insomnia is like it…you’re surrounded by desert and mountains. Galahd is...green…so much green…”

“I’m sorry…” You relaxed next to him frowning a little, “Here I am asking all these questions…”

“I like it when you ask me questions.” He took your hand again giving it a squeeze, “Wasn’t it your dad who said, in order to understand one another you have to listen? Sometimes you have to ask questions before you can listen. So, ask anything you want.”

You felt your face get hot looking at his hand over yours. You felt stupid…you knew he was just being kind. He’d always been more physical in conversations with people. You had begun to notice them more recently though. Gentle touches to your arm when in talking in close quarters, touching your back when helping you up and down a ladder, brushing your fingers when handing something off to you…each time you had to find the way to keep your face in check.

This time was no different but being this close to him made it harder to hide. You took in a deep breath looking at him about to say something when there was a shift felt in the glider. You looked up seeing everything as if it was being hacked at, “Nyx…”

When you looked at him he had that familiar glint in his eyes as he reached over grabbing the lap belt connecting it with his side quickly and with ease, “You will thank me later, and you will not regret it.”

“Nyx…no!” You shook your head as you looked back at Libertus and Pelna releasing the tie offs holding the glider to the anchors with small hatchets, “Nyx!”

“We’re gonna be fine.” He told you as he put in an earpiece giving a thumbs up back to them.

“Have fun you two!” You heard Libertus call out to you both as he gave one final hack at the rope.

Everything shifted again as you shook your head as it rolled forward enough for you to see the bottom. You grabbed onto his arm tightly as it began diving over the cliff. You let out a large scream that echoed across the gorge.

Over your scream you could hear Nyx laughing as he grabbed the levers leveling off bringing the glider up. You felt his hand rest on the top of your head, which you had buried into his arm clamping your eyes shut, “You gotta see this view…”

Taking a few deep breaths, you slowly opened your eyes turning your head. You felt the cool morning air slip past you as you faced the rising sun. A majestic orange hue began touching everything in sight. You felt yourself tear up a little basking in the pure beauty that was Eos, “It’s beautiful…”

“Yeah…” You looked back at him, once again catching him looking at you. To your surprise he didn’t look away this time, his cool gaze holding yours until you could no longer take it.

You looked back out taking everything in again. You were still holding onto him like a vice, “That was a dirty trick Nyx Ulric.”

He chuckled a little as you felt his muscles move under your clutch pulling at levers, “Yeah…it was a little, but you gotta try everything once and you gotta admit…can’t get a view like this from your precious Citadel.”

“I do not. I do not have to try everything…” You glared at him as he laughed more, “I will get you back for this.”

That silenced him instantly as he looked at you once more, “Oh?”

“You think I won’t?” You smirked a little.

“No, I don’t.” He returned your smirk with one of his own, “I think your full of shit right now.”

He laughed as your mouth dropped open, eyes widening offended, “You just wait, Nyx Ulric! You will never see it coming!”

“Does saying my full name help with the threat or something?” He chuckled as he gradually shifted the glider to turn back.

Facing the cliffs, you could see the other gliders take off. It made your hair stand on in watching them fall and jerk up once they caught the wind, “…I like your name…”

“You like my name?” He quirked an eyebrow up smiling as he moved the glider with ease passing Luche and Kip, “What a weird thing to say…”

“You asked…” You shrugged a little trying to get yourself to relax before you waved at Libertus and Crowe. “I don’t know what to say…it just sounds nice when I say it…”

“Well…fine…if it makes you happy. Nyx Ulric me all you want.” He gave you a small smile with his glance.

You both fell silent as he caught a good breeze pulling the glider up higher. Slowly you could feel yourself relax next to him as you took in the natural splendor of your surroundings. Floating seamlessly over red plateaus and valleys. When you felt safe enough you finally leaned over the edge looking down watching a heard of Anak running below you.

From time to time he’d point something out and encouraged you to look. Comments were made breaking the peaceful silence the two of you held. It was something you both cherished with each other, the small fact that you didn’t have to fill the space with conversations. Just perfectly content with one another’s presence alone.

One other fact…There was nothing that compared to this view.  And you hated to admit that to him…as he seemed the type to never let you live it down. So, you didn’t, you let your pride get the best of you, yet you were sure by the way he kept smiling at you that he knew already.

You asked him after a while, “How long can one of these things stay up?”

He noticed your worried expression returning as he gained more altitude, “Theoretically, forever, as long as you keep catching the wind and go with it.”

“And…and you know how to do that?” You watched him pushed and pulled at the levers turning the glider.

“I promise you were are fine. Just like I swore to your uncle, that I will keep you safe. It will always be true.” He gave you a reassuring smile but easily sensed that it may not be enough this time, “But to put you at ease…how about a flying lesson?”

You smiled as he started explaining everything to you. From how to turn, to catch more lift, down to the small details of the rig you were in. Everything had its place and meaning. Understanding how it worked helped put you settle down enough that your mind began to drift…

You watched as his fingers grasped around the lever’s handle seeing his bicep flex as he pulled it back. You wondered how it would feel grasping you with intent. Your mind wandered further away drifting into a daydream. You were back in the garden hanging a flower basket. You happened to turn a little quickly at the top of the ladder causing it to fall…

You expected to hit the ground but…it never came, instead the feeling of two warm strong arms catching you replaced it. You stared up into his worried face as he set you down. His calloused hands reached up to your face brush gently against your cheek trailing down your neck as he spoke…

You snapped out of it when he began calling to you. He had a concerned look on his face, “You alright?”

“Yes…sorry…” You flushed sitting back licking your lips embarrassed a little, “I didn’t take my meds this morning…I’m feeling a little off....”

“Meds?” He quirked he eyebrow at you, “I thought you handed them all over…”

“I still take some…” You told him quietly as you felt a little shame creep into your chest. You still hated that had been how he first met you, but you couldn’t change it. You were better for it, “I was really sick as a kid. The doctors prescribed me something that helps keep me in balance…at least that’s how they explained it. I didn’t question it, I was twelve…but you interrupted my morning routine by how early we had to get going.”

He nodded slowly opening his mouth about to say something when his earpiece caught his attention, “Copy…we’ll head back now.”

“Something wrong?” You tilted your head a little feeling your heart quicken as the many scenarios began racing through your mind all over again.

“Libertus picked up a dry storm in the area…we gotta head back in.” He looked at you with a bit of worry in his eyes as he turned the glider smoothly.

“Oh…well that’s unfortunate.” You tried not to smile. You were having a good time, but no matter how much you tried you couldn’t relax. You preferred the ground under your feet, but not as such a distance.

“Yeah, I can tell you’re really broke up about it…” He smirked at you tone full of tease as he leveled off. His face changed quickly as he stared at his arm. Your eyes followed his and you could see all the hairs standing up, “Y/N…don’t freak out…”

“Freak out?” Your eyes began to widen as he reached up to his earpiece. You knew how science worked…when your hair stood on end it was because there was a charge in the air. You had experienced it twice. Once when you father staved off a voretooth who wander over during a family picnic with an electric spell, the other time when Nyx was trying to protect you from those bigots…

“Guys…we might be in trouble.” You listened as his voice was calm, but his body was tense as he told them you were in the storm. You swallowed as he started shaking his head, “Don’t come back out…”

He smirked shaking his head a little as you heard the crackling of the earpiece, “Because I said so and you’re supposed to do as I say, right? That’s how it’s supposed to work at least.”

When he looked at you, you couldn’t help but feel a small bit of dread creep inside you, “Nyx, can we outrun this?”

“Ah…” He took a breath in looking forward once more shaking his head, “No, we can’t. If we’re lucky we’ll just glide through it…”

“But…” You looked at him as panic back to rise up to your face.

“I’m not lucky…” He sighed as lightening began to flash in the distance. Thick red clouds began to gather and darken in shade as the further collected energy quickly catch up to their small glider.

You winced closing your eyes tightly clutching onto the glider for dear life as winds began to swirl and rock it, “Nyx…”

“Just…hold on…” Your eyes opened and you could see Nyx struggling to keep the glider level. Then just as he foresaw their luck ran out as lightening blasted around them striking the wing. His arm lurched out across you as you both began to spin wildly out of control, “Y/N!”

Your arm instinctively went over his chest as if some how the pair of you holding each other down in the seat would some how make it all stop spinning. Your eyes danced around frantically, trying to find anything to help the both of you. Your eyes stopped seeing another glider above you, “Look!”

“Close your eyes!” Nyx pulled your head down to his chest just as water splashed over them. Both of you clung to each other feeling forces working together in unison. You looked out from cover blinking the water from your eyes seeing another glider below. You couldn’t see who was leaning out but it looked like they were controlling the wind pushing you back up.

“Shit…Y/N, hold on this is gonna get bumpy…” You followed his gaze as the other two gliders had circled back over head. You could see Luche and Pelna leaning out of them. They looked like they held a hook of some kind as they circled your glider.

Luche quickly lowered his latching it securely as lightening shook the air around them. The glider shook and your grip only tightened around Nyx. You could feel his pulse quickening as his eyes stayed glued to Pelna who was struggling to get his hook go down straight.

“Come on, Pelna…” Nyx whispered as his arms tightend around you protectively. You looked as the glider seemed to just dead weight as the spell below dissipated, “Pelna!”

You felt weightless looking up into Nyx’s eyes. He looked so apologetic as his braids danced around his face. You could see that this is not what he had intended at all…you weren’t mad…it was an act of the gods. No one could be mad at someone for that.

If this was to be your last moments before you departed this world…you suppose it wasn’t a terrible place to be. In the arms of a handsome man, who in his own way cared about you, “Nyx…”

“Got it!” A jerk brought gravity back to your bodies and you slammed back into the seats as the two gliders moved apart distributing the weight of the broken one evenly.

As soon as they were close enough to safely warp back to the cliffside you watched Nyx reach out summoning for the crystal’s power. You envied him being able to feel the rush of it. Being part of it, brought you back to a memory of when you first felt your gifts take hold.

You had been running away from your mentor at the time, no longer wanting to sit still. You had tripped on the steps. Crying out your reached forward to break your fall only to land not as hard halfway across the room on the floor. It felt like being between fire and ice all at once.

And that is how it still felt as he pulled your forward with him landing ungracefully in a pile. He groaned as he skidded on his back some until you both came to a halt. You both stayed in each other’s arms for a long time just taking in deep breaths.

Finally, he sat up looking down at you. His hand cupped your cheek as he spoke, voice heavy with worry, “Are you alright? Are you hurt?”

You stared up at him for a long moment before you sat up wrapping your arms around him, “Thank you…”

He tensed for a moment before he put his arms around you. You were thanking him. You should be yelling at him, telling him that you were right, and he was wrong. Sailing is meant to be in the water not the sky.

But you weren’t and that’s when he found he no longer just thought of you as a charge. Crowe had been right. You were becoming more then just work, and that would be a problem…

He pushed you away a little looking you over again, “Are you okay?”

“I…I was terrified…” You spoke softly before you smiled nodding as your hands drifted from his shoulders to his chest, “But…I think I’m fine…I’m just so grateful to be back on the ground.”

Nyx stared at you as he felt a small laugh escape his mouth. Before he knew it he couldn’t stop it and soon you were laughing with him. They other’s raced over to check on you as you both began to stand laughing.

“Oxygen deprivation…maybe struck by lightning…” Luche started listing of as you both tried hard to contain your laughter.

“Adrenaline…” Libertus crossed his arms with a shrug.

“Stupidity…” Crowe walked forward with a cross look on her face before grabbing you by the wrist taking away toward the back of the van.

“What are you doing?” Nyx asked as she passed by him.

“Seeing as I’m the only one trained in medicine around here, and the only female at the moment, I’m doing my duty and checking the princess out.” Crowe glared at him.

“She doesn’t…” Nyx shook his head but you beat him to the punch.

“I’m not a princess anymore.” You took your wrist back from her a weighted look appearing on your face.

Crowe realized instantly that she had struck a nerve of some kind and bowed her head, “I…apologize. You carry yourself well ma’am…if I could I’d like to examine you to make sure you’re alright…”

Nyx took a step toward you, but you nodded following her disappearing behind the van. He sighed before turning to everyone else, “I thought I told you all to stand down.”

They all looked at him small smiles on their faces before Libertus stepped forward, “Couldn’t very well let out king crash in a ravine…makes for bad press.”

“So, you’re just worried about your brand…can’t sell brews without this face, right?” Nyx smirked flashing a hand around his face.

“Yeah…sure…if it makes you sleep better at night, keep telling yourself that.” Libertus shook his head letting his arms fall before turning to the others, “Come on, let’s pack up.”

Nyx took a deep breath in as they began to turn away from him. He swallowed hanging his head as he spoke firmly, “Thank you…”

They all stopped looking back at him. He looked up seeing each of the them take a closed fist putting it over their heart muttering with a small bow, “Pro aris et focis.”

That was it…nothing else was said as they turned walking toward the gliders. Nothing else needed to be said, it was done for hearth and home.

It didn’t take them long to break everything down and load it up in the vans. He crawled in the front seat next to Libertus and looked back at you, “You alright?”

“I’m fine.” You smiled at him holding up your hands, “Believe me Crowe left no stone unturned.”

“Good…” He nodded a little before turning in his seat. He had been so scared back there. He knew he could probably have survived the fall with you by warping, but so many things went wrong…and not even thinking about how you dealt with heights…he was an idiot. He mulled that over as the rode in silence.

“Nyx…” He looked back at you a while later. You were looking out the window toward something. You had a really sad look on your face.

“What is it?” He unbuckled moving into the back seat taking a seat next to you.

“I didn’t realize where we were this morning…it was so dark…” You looked at him nose getting red, “It’s a really selfish request…”

“Ask it. Pretty sure the day can’t get much crazier.” Libertus scoffed up from making him roll his eyes.

You looked back out the window, “It’s my father’s tomb…”

He sat up straight and before he even looked at Libertus, he was already readjusting course to head down the access road. The chirp of the radio sounded, “’ey, something up?”

Libertus reached over responding, “We’re good, gotta visit some lost family for a bit.”

“Ah, got it.” Chirped back as it was nothing. Nyx smiled at his family. There were so understanding and accepting, never once questioning why things needed to happen. They knew him well enough to know that a request like this was one he would never refuse.

Nyx looked back to you as you welled up with emotion, “You’ve never been here, have you?”

You shook your head, “I couldn’t ever get someone to take me…My uncle had planned to come a little while ago, but…something came up and he couldn’t make it happen.”

He took your hands in his letting his thumb caress over the top of your wrists. Your hands were so small and fragile, perfect for planting things. Unlike his which were rough and coarse, perfect for fighting, “After today, any time you want to come here…I will make it happen.”

You smiled at him sniffing back some tears before you squeezed his hands. He wondered if you knew how much your smile made his day. He wondered if you knew how much he dreamed about you every night. Dreams that made him blush a the thought of them… He wondered if you’d even consider him…a foreigner…as someone worthy to have?

“Thank you…all of you. I can’t imagine having better friends…” You told him looking up to Libertus, “If I can call you that. I’ve only met you once, but I feel such a connection…”

“You seem alright to me Princess.” Libertus gave you a smile and a thumbs up laughing a little as you scowled, “And yea I know you’re not a princess, Princess…but the nickname suits you, so you’re stuck with it.”

“Bit cliché isn’t it?” You sniffed again as Libertus laughed louder, “I suppose…as long as it’s only you guys…”

“What don’t want the whole guard to know? I think that would be a great thing for them to know, especially Gladio.” Nyx smirked, as your mood began to improve the more he teased you, “I think I’ll tell Titus to send out a memo.”

“Nyx Ulric!” You shook your head taking a hand away from his pointing a finger in his face, “You a wracking up a serious pay back…”

“Oh…” Libertus glanced back at him, “That sounds serious, do you need a detail again, Nyx?”

“Knock it off.” Nyx rolled his eyes shaking his head as his friend laughed and you with him, “You’ve been listening to Titus too much.”

“He wants you to have a detail?” You questioned him surprise falling over you features like a mantle.

“He’d prefer it…” Nyx shook his head a little, “If he ever found out you knew about me, he’d probably pester me more about it. Probably tell me to get me to leave the Glaives.”

“He doesn’t know!?” Libertus’ voice raised slightly looking back in the rearview mirror, “Nyx, buddy…”

“Just cram it for a goddamn second…nothing’s changed.” Nyx shook his head a little, “It’s not time yet…”

“But there is a time…isn’t there? A time when you’ll have tell him and things will change?” He looked at you. Your face had become serious suddenly, as if in some way you’d already lost him.

His mouth hung open for a second, “I…maybe, I don’t know. Everything…isn’t…uh… Can we talk about this some other time?”

He nodded toward Libertus as he put a hand on the back of his neck. Your eyes flicked to their friend before you nodded falling quietly residing to your own thoughts. His eyes lingered on yours seeing the wheels moving connecting dots that he hadn’t even thought of yet.

The rest of the ride was silent. When he stepped out of the van his mouth dropped open a little seeing the massive tomb. Large columns lined the walk way leading up to a large tomb that was built into the side of the mountain, “This…this is just for King Malcolm?”

You stepped out next to him nodding slowly as you took it all in for the first time as well, “Yes…inside is not just his body…but a weapon forged with his own soul. One day he’ll pass it on to the next king…Noctis. To be used as a tool for his bidding and protection.”

The other vans came to a halt behind them as you began to step forward. Nyx watched you take each step deliberately, consciously, as if it was a struggle. He had done the same thing when he visited his father grave alone. It got easier, but…the great wall of absence was always felt.

He followed behind you slowly until you stopped outside the door. You stood there staring at it fist balled up, and after a moment he spoke quietly, “Do you need help?”

“It’s not…” You shook your head clearing your throat, “Only a person with the king’s power and key can enter…I have neither. So, I’ll…just have to make do here.”

Nyx blinked several times trying to fathom it as his gaze drifted to beautifully decorated door. How could a society so strong and advanced have such cold customs? Who would lock out one’s loved ones from visiting their resting place? It seemed like every time he learned something new about Insomnia…it was all accompanied with some condition that he found painful to uphold.

“Hi daddy…”  His eyes drifted back to you, as you whispered softly looking over the door, “They did a good job…it looks nice… I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner. My recovery took a lot longer then it should have…I...I’m just…”

You trailed off hanging your head. Nyx swallowed looking back to his Galahdian family. They all stood respectfully at ease waiting at the bottom steps. When you spoke again he began to feel his cheeks burn, “I made a friend…His name is Nyx. If you’ve been looking in on me you’ve probably seen him around…You would like him. He’d make you laugh, that I’m certain of. He’s been keeping me safe in your absence…He’s Queen Selena’s son…somehow fate has brought our nations together still…you were right. Galahd is a beautiful people because of its people…”

You looked up at the door tearing up as your hands unclenched. He knew what it was like wanting to say things to the people you’ve lost, things that once said aloud made them true and hurt all the more, “I miss you daddy…and I miss mama…and I’m so, so sorry that…that I can’t…”

A small sob escaped you mouth as you leaned forward placing your hands flat against the door. When your forehead met the stone, Nyx watched a shimmer ripple outward from you rushing through the veins of the doors desgin. He took a step forward only stopping when you spoke again, “I’m sorry I can’t carry out your legacy in the way you wished…but I promise I will help Noctis build a better future. I will help Insomnia become the beacon you wanted it to be.”

Nyx’s mouth dropped open slightly at what he just saw. Maybe he was tired…but…maybe he wasn’t…He wanted answers but now was not the time to just ask them. He swallowed stepping forward, “Your majesty…”

You lifted your head looking at him. Nyx smiled giving you a reassuring nod, “Nyx Ulric here…first…uh…I should apologize for not coming to meet you all those years ago, when I was supposed to. I was different then and felt I had all the time in the world to learn my place…I paid a heavy price for my negligence.”

He let out a heavy sigh as he looked at the door, he could hear his heart beating in his ears, “It’s been privilege watching over your daughter, sir. She is the apple of your eye. My mother told me you were a bright soul and I can see there is none brighter than Y/N…you would be very proud of her.”

“But…what I really want to say…is…I want to pledge before you, as I did your brother the King Regis, that I will always be by Y/N’s side.” He looked back to you seeing tears beginning to fall down your cheeks, “I swear to be whatever she needs me to be. Her friend, her confidant…her guard. I will do whatever it takes to see her plans through. She will want for nothing and in my presence only know safety and peace.”

“Nyx…” You whispered as he too placed his hands on the door bowing his head. No shimmer…he let his hands fall. It wasn’t just a show…just an opportunity. However, he did mean it, every word sworn to the memory of a dead king, “You didn’t need…”

“I did.” He placed a hand over his heart bowing to you speaking from the heart, the oath that all his guards swore to him years ago, “I am your sword and your shield…you need  only point and I will go. Speak your words and I will make them actions. I do this freely and under no duress…I am yours to command.”

“I…I don’t know what to say to this…” He watched you place a hand over your stomach. You were acting as if you were embarrassed by the attention. The last time he swore to protect you was in the presence of your uncle and members of the guard, was it so different for him to do it in your presence alone, “It’s…you’ve already sworn an oath to protect me…”

“I swore that oath to Insomnia, to Regis.” He stepped toward you a serious look in his eyes. Maybe it was the near-death experience or the sudden realization that he cared for you a great deal that made him do this. At a certain point I didn’t matter why he was saying it, only that he meant it, “And I’ve made promises to you…but now before the gods and your father…I am swearing to be yours.”

[merlevum]

Dormiens rex De Aurora

Chapters: 3/? Fandom: Final Fantasy XV Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Gladiolus Amicitia/Ignis Scientia, Prompto Argentum/Noctis Lucis Caelum Characters: Gladiolus Amicitia, Ignis Scientia, Prompto Argentum, Noctis Lucis Caelum, Nyx Ulric Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, cyrofreeze, cryovat Summary: Gladio must travel through a fall Insomnia. Ignis does his best not to let him dwell on his thoughts. 

Gladio regained his strength and retained his body heat without needing extra clothing or the thermal blankets after the second day. The moment Gladio was given the go-ahead, he started his usual routine of stretching and limbering out his stiff body. A thousand years certainly had not been kind in that regard, but after the third day, he was feeling at least somewhat better. Ignis brought him clothes, showing him to a shower they had brought the second day Gladio was more fully awake. They warned him about taking too hot of a shower before leaving him.

The clothes, while not exactly his usual Crownsguard uniform, were comfortable enough. Supple leather pants and a fitted shirt accompanied by combat boots and a set of boxers and socks. Well, it was better than what he had before. His Shield tattoo peaked out where his shirt stopped, but that didn’t bother him. Not really. It was meant to be seen and meant to warn people to step the hell away from him or anyone he was with. Every shield from the Amicitia family had gotten something either a tattoo, a pendant, badge, whatever to show exactly who they were. Though the Amicitia genes probably did more for him than the tattoo. Even his father had a tattoo of the bird with wings wide open on his shoulder. Apparently, his old man had worn more sleeveless shirts than even Gladio. Slicking back his hair, he noticed at least he didn’t need to cut it for a while, guess being frozen had some perks. Though, it looked like he could do with a bit of a shave. Maybe he could ask Ignis for some stuff.

The week passed in a flurry of trying to get his body back into condition and watching over Noct. Ignis and Prompto were in and out throughout the week, making sure the pretense they had come up with was kept when it came to their scientist. Gladio still wasn’t sure about all of this, but he was going to be damned if he was going to stay in this room for one more day. Aside from sitting still, he hated having to hide like this. The four walls around him were starting to get rather cramped, but he couldn’t leave with Noct still asleep.

No one said what they speculated, but Gladio was starting to worry if fears of Noct ever waking up were going to be confirmed one day. The prince was known for napping, but this was getting ridiculous, but then there had been that one time. Gladio shoved the thought away as he straightened his form a bit and focused on his push-ups. He had worked up a decent sweat and working on a cool down.

“Good afternoon, Gladio. I’m glad to see that you are able to move around without too much trouble,” Ignis stood in the doorway, shifting his glasses. Gladio noticed the slight twinge to the assistant’s cheeks but figured it was from walking here from the outpost. Apparently, Ignis had explained earlier that week, the climb from cryovat building to the outpost was a bit of a distance. “Have the doctors finished clearing you?”

‘Yeah, perfect bill of health. More than I can say for sleeping beauty though.”

Gladio knew he was being bitter and irritable, but he couldn’t help it. A week in a room without windows, or any sense of what was going on outside of the room was really grating on him. He still couldn’t pull his sword from the Amiger, so he was forced to continue to strengthen his core. Without some form of protection, Gladio knew he would need to be ready to protect Noct with his own body for when he finally woke up. Still, he couldn’t figure out why he couldn’t get access. Was it because of Noct, or was it because of King Regis?

“That’s not fair, Gladio and you know that,” Ignis said with a sigh.

“Fair or not, I’ve been stuck in this room. Noct hasn’t woken up, and I’m damn tired of just standing here doing nothing.”

Gladio practically prowled the room he was confined to. Ignis could have compared him to a coeurl if he hadn’t felt a twinge of guilt. The medical team had already alerted him to Gladio’s foul mood. Perhaps it was time he let Gladio see what the outside world looked like now after a thousand years. He bit his lip, wondering if he really should let Gladio go out. They would have to go through Insomnia first and foremost and then come back down through Insomnia to get back here. Was Gladio ready to face that?

“Gladio would you--” he stepped closer to the Shield, putting a hand on the other’s shoulder. “Would you join me for a walk? You’ll want to put on the jacket, it’s rather cold out there and we can’t have someone recognize you’re not from here because of your skin.”

“My skin? What’s wrong with my skin?” Gladio was not in the mood for half baked truths today and frankly, he didn’t give a damn about hurting Ignis’s feelings at the moment either. He shrugged out of the comforting hand to face him.

Gladio was taller, but then he was used to towering over people. He was an Amicitia after all, and their male line tended to be rather tall. Still, Ignis wasn’t small by any means and if the grip he felt the past week and the way he had gotten him out of the cryovat, Ignis wasn’t weak either. But if Ignis thought they weren’t going to be butting heads or Gladio was just going to follow everything Ignis wanted, he had another thing coming. Gladio didn’t follow blindly.

“If you haven’t noticed, Prompto and I are both fairly light skinned. When Insomnia fell, according to history, so too did daylight. The nights grew longer until there was no sunlight. Since then, people have had to make due with artificial light. When it comes back, we will all have to adjust to the actual sunlight again. Since you’ve been frozen, your skin has not had to go through the lack of sunlight. You’ll stick out like a sore thumb, I’m afraid. And while I trust our little outpost, there is always the chance that someone loyal to the empire will spot you.”

There was no sunlight? Ignis and Prompto had never seen a sunset or even a sunrise? Their world was just dark? “W-Wait, what do you mean? Why is night? Wasn’t that connected to the Starscourge?”

“It was and still is. Gladio, we haven’t solved the problem of the Starscourge completely. We've only been able to reverse the effects of those who are infected but not yet turned.” Ignis leaned against the wall, watching Gladio. “Why don’t we continue this while we head to the outpost. Talk like this scares the medical team and I dare say you could do with a bit of fresh air.”

Grunting in response, Gladio grabbed the jacket he supposed would have gone knee length for most, but only to his own waist. It covered up his tattoo and skin. Ignis handed him a pair of leather gloves and a hat. Gladio didn’t like hiding. He wasn’t a spy, he wasn’t some outlaw, and yet he here he was. He technically was supposed to be dead and the only place he could even think to call home was supposedly gone. Begrudgingly he dawned on what Ignis gave him and then followed him out of the room.

Unlike when his father had taken him down, Gladio found there was a broken down stairwell that they used instead of the elevator. Who knew if the elevator was still operational? Or maybe, just maybe, they didn’t know how to use it? You needed a code to get it working, especially to come down here, but the stairs worked too. He could use the exercise honestly.

“The Starscourge, did you ever figure out what it truly was?” Ignis asked, shifting his glasses as he led Gladio through the building.

“We didn’t. All we knew was the Oracle had the power to cure it. If King Regis or anyone else knew, they didn’t tell Noct or me.” Gladio grunted. His legs protested a little as they started their incline. At least he was moving now, he could focus on the way his body moved instead of how helpless he was in the room.

“Right.” Ignis seemed accustomed to the climb making Gladio wonder how many times had he come down here? “The Starscourge is actually an organism which takes away the light. People have described it as “drinking the light” away. I don’t think they’re wrong necessarily, since many of the victims, start showing signs of darkening and black skin, along with a black fluid coming from the body. Once the scourge takes over the body completely, the person turns into a daemon.”

Ignis glanced back when he didn’t hear the familiar sound of Gladio’s boots. The Shield had stopped, staring at him with his mouth agape.

“Are you kidding? Those things? Those creatures were human once? How the hell--” Gladio ran a hand over his face. Ignis frowned, unsure of why such news would come as a surprise. “You said the cure you have doesn’t actually reverse this, right? So, with no daylight and you telling me about the daemons, then it means that you still have issues with it."

Ignis nodded, eyes working towards the conclusion that Gladio and the others from Insomnia had fought daemons but knew nothing of their origins.

"Great. Another thing to add to my growing list of shit to worry about.” Gladio started walking again. Just another damned thing to mull over until Noct woke up.

Ignis hummed. “You won’t have to worry about daemons until you leave the outpost. For some reason, Insomnia is one of the few places daemons dare not to venture after it’s fall. We’re still not exactly sure why though.”

The way Ignis spoke, Gladio knew he couldn’t fault the guy. They were just part of two different worlds. Insomnia was his home and standing strong before he was under. Ignis was trying to spare him, Gladio could tell, but the way Ignis spoke, it was clear Insomnia was just history. Insomnia was just a pile of ruins. But nothing could have fully prepared Gladio for what he saw when they stepped through the front doors of the cryovat building and into the streets of Insomnia.

What Gladio remembered and felt was just yesterday, was nothing like what he compared it now. Standing at the entrance of the building, all he could do was stare. He had grown up on these streets. Played and goofed off with others. He drank with the Glaives at certain bars and even picked up his sister. All of it. It was just all gone. Where once tall buildings stood, with streets winding this way and that to connect all of Insomnia, lay in ruins. Even the more crowded areas he could remember where the Glaive stayed, or the barracks of some of the Crownsguard, it was all different. There was no music coming from the streets and vendors he used to frequent. No car engines purring as they drove past. There was no sound of the wall guards or anyone he knew. It was deadly silent, save the humming of the large floodlights that illuminate the path Ignis wanted them to take.

“Gladio....if you need time--”

“We should keep moving.” He would have to face this some time or another. Now or never, so he could start to move forward. “Insomnia fell, and it won’t be coming back the same way. Not when you said something was built on top of it.”

Ignis stayed quiet but stayed close as he followed the floodlights. Gladio was grateful, not really wanting to talk about the Starscourge or Insomnia anymore, not when his home looked like this. Mostly though, he just didn’t trust his voice to break. Not when he saw all the destruction Niflheim had done to his home. What the Starscourge had done to the people he loved.

All of this was just too much for the Shield, but if he just shoved it down, at least for now, everything would be okay. But this wasn’t just someplace he didn’t know. This was his home. Some of the roads were still there from what Gladio could see in the pitch black of night and the black structure that was built overhead. As they walked there were pieces of buildings and craters in the streets, things they had to avoid. The way Ignis took them, it was to one of the main roads that would lead out of the city. Overhead, he could barely make out a distinct dome structure thanks to the floodlights. It was solid, yes, but what was it made out of? How would Noct react to all of this? Gladio was barely taking it in because of how dark it was and focusing on anything but who might have lived there or if he recognized a storefront at all.

“.....Fucking, Six.” Gladio’s breath hitched at seeing the remains of his own home thanks to a floodlight.

Breathe.

In.

Out.

His fucking home was half destroyed and in ruins. Iris. Jared. Talcott. Shit. He couldn’t keep it together. The tears started again as he sank to the ground. Ignis turned when he heard the curse. Staring in the direction Gladio looked, he pursed his lips.

“Gladio....” Ignis reached out but let his hand fall. How was he supposed to comfort the Shield? There was nothing he could say, no consolation that might provide some hope. This happened a thousand years ago. “Gladio, it’s best not to dwell on this. At least not yet.”

The Shield looked up at Ignis, eyes filled with confusion before his brows knitted together and Ignis knew he had said the wrong thing.

“Not dwell on this? Shit, Ignis! Yesterday I was fucking around with the Glaives and making plans to go out drinking at the bar that was just down the road from here.” He stood, clenching his fists, but Ignis didn’t move. “That house--That’s my house. How can I not dwell on it! My family is gone. My home is gone! How the fuck should I feel?”

Ignis looked away from Gladio lips a thin line. He expected Gladio to crack, but now he had to choose his words carefully if he was going to get the Shield to come around again.

“Gladio, grieve all you like, but it won’t change the circumstances. If you dwell on this, put the blame on yourself or the empire, or whoever, you’ll spiral deep to a path you’ll not come away from unscathed. Revenge does things to a person. His highness needs you when he wakes, but not someone who is bent on only revenge and doesn't think with a clear head.”

“If he wakes,” Gladio said through clenched jaws.

“Gladiolus! Listen to your--”

“I wouldn’t say another word Ignis.” Gladio drew up to his full height, eyes narrowed. “You won’t like what happens next.”

“Is that a threat? For fuck's sake.” Ignis sighed. He rolled up his sleeves, staring at Gladio from above his glasses. “You won’t listen to reason, will you? No, you’re the type that needs to be reminded you aren’t at the top of the class.”

Gladio clenched his fists. How dare Ignis think he can lecture him. Neither of them knew shit about each other.

“If that’s how you wish this to go, Gladiolus. Just remember, I did not want it to come to this. But it seems you think I don’t care. When I know what it’s like to lose those close to you. I might not understand what it must be like to see your homes in ruins like this, but then I’ve never really had a place to call home.”

What? Gladio let go of the breath he seemed to have held without him realizing. Ignis watched him, rather unimpressed, but Gladio relaxed a little. What the hell was he doing? Ignis had done nothing but try to help him and this was how he returned his thanks? He rubbed his hand over his face, letting out a long sigh, the anger was suddenly gone.

“I....I’m sorry,” he said, not looking at Ignis. “I just--”

“It’s a lot to take in. I understand that much, Gladio.” Ignis seemed satisfied with Gladio’s lack of rushing at him to step closer again. “Listen, you can grieve and you can yell and be mad at the world, but it won’t change what has happened. But you and his highness obviously have something you must do otherwise you wouldn’t have been put into the cryovat. You have a job, Gladio.”

He nodded. Of course, he had a job to do. Gladio wiped the tears from his eyes. He didn’t know how to really come to terms with all of this, but Ignis was right. It was the duty of the prince to keep moving forward and Gladio would have to do the same.

“Walk tall....”

“Excuse me?” Ignis asked, rather confused.

“It’s what his majesty would say so those who left to go on a mission. He’d tell them to walk tall.” Gladio gave the man a half smile. “I shouldn’t have....threatened you like that. You’re only trying to help.”

Ignis nodded. “Then we should best be on our way. There are makeshift stairs from where this road leads out of Insomnia. The outpost is just above us, where we can find Nyx.”

Gladio followed Ignis’s lead once again. Though he couldn’t help but glance back at his home.

Missing a step, he realized that he needed to go back to his house. At least once. There would be the family armoury there. If he couldn’t summon anything from the Amiger, at least he’d have a weapon to defend himself from daemons. He didn’t care if Ignis thought they were safe here if it was perpetually dark, no place was safe. Besides, Ignis was right, he had a job to do. Protect Noct and in turn the people who were left to the fate of Niflheim and for that his resolve strengthened. Insomnia might have been in ruins, but it’s people weren’t. That much was clear when he traced the pattern of some symbol that’s on the labcoat Ignis was wearing. The motif of Insomnia was there even if it was combined with that of Niflheim. He wondered if Ignis knew? Where there other signs of Insomnia still out there now? Catching Ignis watching him, Gladio looked down at the ground, his cheeks burning.

The road to come out of the city was long, even by car. Walking it was rather tedious and Gladio could feel the intrusive thoughts starting to creep back. The sooner they were out of Insomnia the better.

“Hey, Iggy? C-Can you just talk about something? Anything’s fine. Just something.”

“If you’re sure,” Ignis said, continuing on the road, careful of a small crater. Gladio stared at Ignis’s back so he didn’t have to look down in the crater and see something that might trigger more memories. “Well, since you’ve been asleep for so long, why don’t I talk to you about the outpost a bit.”

“Sure.” He could see the muscles pulling and straining of Ignis’s back as they made the steady climb up towards where the old wall of Insomnia still held in parts.

“The history between Insomnia and the creation of the outpost is hazy at best, but from what Nyx and I have gathered, it seems the outpost is where the current resistance started. We had no idea about Insomnia bellow it’s depths, but we found that the area was free of daemons. As I've stated before we don't know why, but we took it as a sign that this place would be safe.’ Ignis glanced back. “I say we, but I mean the people who started the outpost almost 800 years ago.”

Gladio nodded, trying not to look at the buildings they passed. If he focused on Ignis's voice, everything didn't feel like it was crushing around him. Not to mention he caught Ignis looking at him with those concerned green eyes of his.

“The world was plunged in darkness, Niflheim included, but they were prepared for the daemons and anything else that might have happened as if they were aware of it. Regardless, the outpost started off like any other, just trying to protect it’s people. Now though, it is the unofficial start of the Hunters. They protect the people when they can, but mostly they are considered hunters of the daemons.”

Gladio furrowed his brows. Start of the hunters? "Wait, Ignis. There were already hunters when Insomnia was...well you know. What happened to them?"

"Hmm. We weren't aware that there were. I did say our research had holes and gaps. Perhaps something happened to the original band of Hunters.”

The two came upon the man-made steps Ignis warned of. Looking up, Gladio took a deep breath. It would be a bit of a climb and his legs were already starting to hurt from just the trek here. He really needed to get back into training his tired muscles. He nodded for Ignis to continue when the other glanced at him as if calculating if Gladio needed a break or not. The steps were made from clay, but they were well used, meaning Ignis and the others came down here pretty frequently. Did they check Insomnia as someone would ruins? No, he didn’t want to think about that right now.

“--Nyx always did say that they served a purpose here.”

Shit. Ignis had kept talking. “Um...What about you? Are you part of the Hunters?”

“Me? Gods no. I’m a man of the sciences, not of a man to go traipsing about after daemons. No, I’ll leave that one to Nyx. He’s much better suited that I am.” Ignis gave Gladio a smile. “But I do know the signs, and I do help them when they need something.”

Gladio didn’t believe that for one minute. Ignis was ready to tussle with him earlier as if he was confident enough to know he could beat Gladio in a fight. There was no way someone confident enough for that didn’t go out and help the Hunters with fighting daemons, but Gladio said none of this. If Ignis didn’t want to tell him everything that was fine, so long as it didn’t hinder Noct and the mission they were on. His legs hurt, muscles he supposed that haven't been used for a thousand years and encased with ice, he couldn't expect his body to react the same way it normally would.

“Signs?” Gladio could tell Ignis was slowing down to match Gladio's steps for his sake, to which he was eternally grateful.

‘Yes, the Hunters have certain signs to show where their loyalty lies. Those who wear certain badges or who make certain gestures are loyal to the resistance. I did mention the resistance started here. Over the last two hundred years, we have certainly expanded, but we’re still without a way of bringing about the dawn. But now that we know you and his Highness are here, I’m sure the Hunters will have a different outlook.”

Ignis waved his hand to dismiss the comments, but Gladio could see the hope behind Ignis’s glasses. They had all been fighting to preserve themselves without any real promise of finding the answer to the empire and the Starscourge. Gladio looked away, not sure if Noct and he would even be able to provide that. They didn’t know any secrets that might help and if the Astrals knew, they were certainly quiet about it all.

"Hasn't the empire caught on to it?" Gladio asked, trying to find some badge or way of knowing that Ignis was part of the resistance.

"Gladio, we've been around for two hundred years, we know how to hide things well enough. Do you see the symbol on my back? Within it, and only if you look closely and know where to look you will find a crest the resistance first found in some book. Nyx said it was from the Kingsglaive? But perhaps you would know better than us." Ignis shrugged out of his lab coat as he came to a stop. He pointed where the crest was on the symbol.

Sure enough, Gladio recognized the crest of the Kingsglaive.

"Did you know what they did?" Gladio asked, as he handed the coat back to Ignis and they continued walking.

"I'm afraid not. We know they were an organization, but other than that nothing. Much of Insomnia's history before the fall was either burned or left in rubble." Ignis watched Gladio's face twist in discomfort, but at least the Shield was holding on.

"The Kingsglaive were a group of people who were....outlanders as some called them. They were from Lucian territories whose homes were destroyed by the Niffs. They sought refuge in Insomnia and a lot of them went into the service of the Kingsglaive for various reasons. They used the magic the king offered to them to be able to warp and use magic themselves, but they had to learn how to. Drautos was the head of them." Gladio supposed if he couldn't access the Amiger, he doubted any of the Glaives could have accessed that power either if there were any. With what Ignis told him, he doubted they had, perhaps Niflheim had gotten rid of them all.  

"Magic? Fascinating. Do you possess this power as well?" Ignis asked, pulling out a little notebook from one of the pockets on his lab coat.

"Not at the moment. I think since freezing, that power is supposed to pass on to Noct, but since he hasn't touched the crystal or worn the ring, he doesn't have that power yet." Gladio wondered if they would get that power back if Noct wore the ring. Maybe, but if his lessons as shield and protecting Noct were right, Noct would need to touch the crystal first.

"I see. Well, let's hope we can wake his highness. I'd very much like to see this magic in action. Though, if the crystal is involved somehow, then there might be a problem. The crystal lies in Niflheim." Ignis watched Gladio, waiting for him to grow in despair, but the Shield only sighed.

"If that's the case, then we have a long road ahead of us."

Gladio's breathing was laboured by the time they reached the top of the stairs with a thin layer of sweat settling on his skin.

"Though, I honestly can say I don’t understand much about magic. I was only part of the Kingsglaive for a short period of time before I was put at the task of being the Prince's Shield. I had different lessons to learn then."

Ignis hummed as he punched in a code on a panel to make the metal door before them open, letting in a cool breeze that felt wonderful against his flushed cheeks. Motioning for Gladio to go through first, the Shield stepped up and into the night sky and open land.

Instead of the barren lands surrounding Insomnia, Gladio found that bits of forestry had started to reclaim the land again. Perhaps the fall of Insomnia meant that the land could repair itself from the harm that the Lucians and Niffs had done to the land. Seeing the trees, and feeling the breeze for Gladio felt like the first time in a long time. Sure they wind and breezes in Insomnia, but there was just something about the outdoors like this that really helped to relax the mind. He loved camping, and his father had taken him a few times, it was nothing like this. Those times were orchestrated and in special environments.

"Enjoying the view?" Ignis asked, closing the door. "We keep it sealed with a code only we know so that no one else can get in."

Gladio nodded, still drinking in his surrounding. Ignis smirked, knowing the Shield had not even turned around yet. When Gladio did, the awe in his turned into complete and utter surprise.

"What the--" Gladio smacked Ignis on the arm, sending the poor man pitching forward. "Iggy, you said this was supposed to be an outpost. This is like a city!"

The outpost was almost the size of Insomnia. There were plenty of buildings, though none of them had the same regal appearance as Insomnia once held. These were more crudely built, but safe enough to house in. Lights illuminated the city from the middle to the outside with floodlights, probably to keep the daemons and other creatures at bay. Smoke rose above the structures, sending wonderful smells of food that Gladio hadn't had for a week. Oh, they were going to hit a vendor or two before they headed back down to Noct. There was some music, but the biggest difference Gladio loved about this place, there were people. Laughter, conversations, yelling, everything! It wasn't deathly quiet, or silent to leave him with only his thoughts. This place was alive. The world had succumbed to the darkness, but the people were still very much alive and thriving.

Iggy laughed, a sound that had Gladio stare at him. He straightened his glasses, watching Gladio.

"It is an outpost. A rather large one, at least on a map. Forgive me, I thought you might enjoy seeing it for yourself instead of me trying to describe it to you. The less Niflheim knows the better. Come on, we need to get through the residential area before we get to Nyx." Pulling out a phone, Ignis texted Nyx now that he had reception. "By the way Gladio, why are you calling me Iggy?"

[alia-turin]

This chapter is a bit darker, after all things happen after Noct had already disappeared and we all know how the world looks after that. The game doesn’t really touch (even Comrades) on a lot of the things I imagine happen in Lestallum, like provision shortages etc so I kind of tried to add that here. Hope y’all enjoy, Sorry for the angst. 

Fic Title: Back to Life Chapter number: Act IV Previous Chapters: Act I, Act II, Act III Rating/Warnings: M (sex, swearing, drinking, Tredd) Pairing: Tredd x Reader Summary: Reader has nice a career and wants to grow it, relationships are not her thing so meeting Tredd at a bar turns out to be exactly what she needs after a long day at work. Notes: Story  moves to Lestallum, Noct is already gone so the world is sinking into darkness. I always wanted more canon info on how Lestallum was operating, for the normal people, refugees etc. not just the game characters since I cannot imagine it was a fun place considering everything.

If you feel like supporting this writer consider buying me a coffee: Ko-Fi

Tagging: @birdsandivory @lazarustrashpit @jojopitcher @yourcoolfriendwithallthecandy @kairakara101 @ladychocoberry @demidemon09  @mysticrainpain @mp938368

It has been one of these long days that you wanted to end as soon as it started. Not that it really mattered, every single day in Lestallum for the past year or so has been the exact same thing. Ever since the darkness happened and people started barricading the city. Going out wasn’t safe and nobody did it unless they had to. Staying in was an absolutely nightmare. It was safe, but wherever you went it was the same faces and you can see the hope vanishing from their eyes with every single day. People had even stopped asking where the young king was.

You were sitting in one of the tents rolling bandages, it was the only thing you had the strength to do. That was your new profession, not rolling bandages but you had learned thing or two about nursing. As it turns out nobody needed an interior designer when the world was ending. Another reminder for you how unprepared you were for a life like that. You often wondered what the point of all that was, you haven’t seen the sun more than two months and it seemed like it would never come around again. At first Lestallum had been a shelter, a place where you hoped that eventually you might rebuild life, but what happens when all life was dying? Lestallum was safe, but you helped in the clinic, you knew what the hunters, crownsguard and leftovers of the glaive were saying. The world was falling into ruins.

At first when you moved to Lestallum you thought you would miss the luxuries in life. Having nice hot bath, gym, hairstylist and clothes that costed more than they should. It wasn’t that, these things are easy to live without after couple of months. The routine was killing you. Nothing was happening. Same people, tired of what life had served them. Sure, every day in the clinic was different. Today someone had broken an arm, the next day someone would come with the flu. But that wasn’t life. Loneliness. That was probably the worst part of it. You never managed to make friends in Lestallum, and everybody you knew from before that was dead. Including him, that bastard.

On days like that you often caught yourself thinking about him. Maybe he got the better deal at the end anyway. He wasn’t sitting here rolling bandages until it was dinner time because there was nothing better to do. Probably lambs at a slaughter house felt better than you since lambs didn’t know what was happening to them, you were aware that if nothing changed, sooner or later you all would be going to the slaughter house.

Your thoughts went to him again. He would call you a spoiled brat and tell you to get a hold of yourself. He has always been right you were a spoiled brat. The only reason you managed to get to Lestallum in the first place is because he told you to do so and you were just stuck here when the darkness came. In a sense he had saved your life and you hated him. Not for saving you but for even having the need to be saved. He was one of the many reasons you were where you were and if he hadn’t died you were going to kill him.

The bandage you were rolling had long been rolled and you left it in the box with the rest. You didn’t want to think about that anymore. You haven’t thought about him in days and now all your thoughts and feelings were rolling in your head like avalanche. Did you still love him? Maybe the thought of him, but you also hated what he did.

You were distracted by shouting coming from outside and decided to check. Maybe there was finally something happening in the monotone day of Lestallum.

You walked just in time to say that Libertus was one of the people shouting, there was a man in front of him that was obviously on the receiving end. Couple more glaives were around them. As you started coming closer, you saw Libertus punching the other man in the gut. The man made a step backwards, his body bending from the hit.

“You were always a stupid dick, Libertus.” The man said and you froze. You were probably going insane, that voice…no it couldn’t be. He was dead. Libertus had seen it, he told you he was dead.

Then the man straightened himself and jumped on Libertus, the other glaives grabbed him and you could finally see him…It was Tredd. Stubble was covering his face and he seemed like he had lost some weight but it was him. He tried to fight the glaives that were holding him, he tried to fight his way to Libertus but it didn’t work.

“Why don’t you tell them to let go of me, huh?” Tredd spat on the ground in front of Lib’s feet. “You are afraid I will rip your fuckin head off. Not so brave when Nyx is not around to save your ass, are you?”

“I don’t have time to deal with you.” Libertus eventually said and started walking away. “Stay around, I’m sure the Marshal would love to chat with you.”

“Yeah I’d gladly tell him as well where he can stick it.” Tredd shouted as the glaives let go of him.

You were standing there finding it hard to believe what was happening. Why was that happening? How was it happening? Tredd noticed you eventually and just stared at you as well.

“Fucking finally someone who is happy to see me.” He said and walked towards you but as soon as he reached you, you slapped him as hard as you could, tears running down your eyes. “What is your fucking problem, what is everyone’s fucking problem?”

“You were dead!” you shouted at him and tried to clean the wetness of your face. It wasn’t tears of grief or happiness, it was tears for everything that had happened so far. Him dying, your life being taken away, living one day for the next without knowing when a demon would just breach the city.

“So, I have been told, feel pretty alive.” he chuckled but there was something sad in his smile. “Come on, I need a rundown on what is happening. I feel like I have massive memory loss.”

You just stared at him wanting to slap him again for your broken heart. You mourned him. You cried for him, and now he was here acting as if he has no idea what was happening. He got you all in that!

You just walked toward the place that you were calling home and you heard his steps after you. He was fucking dead, how was he walking and talking. Sure, there were a lot of people who had vanished under Insomnia and appeared later but…weeks later, not almost two years. Not after someone had seen their dead body. Was Libertus lying? Why would he lie?

Your new home was in one of the older buildings of Lestallum, very small apartment, but it wasn’t like you owned anything to put in it. Just some clothes and that was it.

“You have certainly downgraded.” Tredd said as he walked in and you regretted not having a weapon to just kill him on the spot.

“And whose fault is that?” you kicked one of the two chairs as an invitation for him to sit, he didn’t but you did. “Welcome to my new life, you will be happy to hear I don’t have thirty pairs of overly expensive shoes or a whole drawer with make up. Oh also occasionally I don’t have a meal for couple of days because delivery trucks get attacked by demons and the city is not yet fully self sufficient.”

“How is any of that my fault?” Tredd said absolutely innocent even a bit hurt.

“Really, Tredd? You recall trying to kill the king or something of these lines?” you couldn’t believe it. He had always been stubborn ignorant asshole, but that was beyond him.

“First of all, it was the Captain who did the killing I was otherwise occupied. Second I have massive memory loss and I have no idea what happened between that night in Insomnia and literary three days ago when I just woke up on the side of a road.” He came closer to you grabbing your hands in his almost gently. “Third, if my calculations are correct, I have been out of things for months and judging by the feeling of my balls I haven’t fucked anything in that time so…”

“You should have stayed dead.” You said quietly and pulled your hands away from his. As soon as the words left your mouth you regretted them, but it was too late already.

“Stop being such a bitch? What have I done to you? I told you to leave town, you would be fucking dead if it wasn’t for me.” He got up obviously angry. “Why did I even think you’d be happy to see me? You are most likely riding every fucking cock in that city from the moment you arrived.”

“I mourned you!” you got up kicking the chair behind. “I waited for you, then I started hearing stories about what the Kingsglaive did. About what you did. Then one day I met Libertus and he told me that he saw you dead. Until that moment I was hoping you are alive and just hiding somewhere, but then I realized you were just dead. I mourned you, Tredd, I cried, my heart was broken. I hated you for what you did then I forgave you, then the sun was gone and I hated you again. I tried to forget you. To move on…” your voice broke. Tears were running down your face again and he was just standing there like a statue. “Get out of here!” you shouted at him not wanting to show weakness.

“You know what?” his voice was calm but you could feel the anger. “Fuck you. Go back to riding Libertus’ dick or whoever else you are fucking, I’m done with your ass.”

“I’m not fucking anybody, you ignorant piece of shit!” you shouted after him as he shut the door behind himself.

 Time moved even slower and more painful in Lestallum. Somehow Tredd was always in front of your eyes and people were making sure to point that out to you. You wanted to avoid him, but was impossible. You knew about everything he was doing without actually wanting to find that out. Apparently Libertus brought him to the Marshal. There were several conflicting stories how that went down, and people made sure to tell you every single one of them despite you protesting it. Regardless of what happened in that room, at all ended with Tredd joining the Kingsglaive again. Good for him you thought and returned to your monotone duties in the clinic.

Then it was all the talk about the girls he was flirting on or sleeping with. People would tell you who was the girl they saw him with and then give you the ‘I’m so sorry look’. You weren’t sure if you hated him more or the people who somehow thought that was information you wanted to hear. Turns out you never managed to move on from him, it was just easier not to think about his sorry ass when he was presumed dead. But now he was here, doing what Tredd did and you wished more often than not for a demon to breach these walls and eat him alive. At least like that you can return to silent mourning.

One day as you were walking in the examination room in the clinic, if that tent could be called a room at all, you saw him sitting there, there was a long deep cut on his arm.

“I will call someone else.” You said as your eyes met.

“Why? Scared you will start crying?” he teased you and look for the closest pair of scissors that you can shove in his eye.

“How did that happen.” You were trying to keep your voice completely flat as you reached for bandages and something to clean the wound. It would need stitches as well which was great news since you were low painkillers.

“You know, saving the world.” He chuckled and you raised an eyebrow. It was his fucking fault the world needed saving to begin with. He flinched as you started cleaning the wound but didn’t say anything. Part of you expected that he would call you a bitch and accuse you of causing him pain on purpose, but he didn’t. Tredd just accepted it.

“Heard the Marshal pardoned you.” You said as you started stitching the wound. He was still holding well even if it was obvious he was feeling pain.

“No, he wanted to kill me. Libertus defended me and vouched for me, no idea why.” That was something you didn’t know. “He said I’m useful in a fight and should atone for what I have done. As if I care, ouch!” he shouted as you stuck the needle harder than before. “At first I thought he was really fucking you that’s why he is trying to save my ass.”

“How did you even reach to that conclusion? The only reason I ever talked to Libertus because I saw him in his uniform and wanted to ask what had happened to you. That’s how I met him, the only times he talks to me is when he needs something from the clinic.” You sighed and started bandaging his arm. You had no straight to fight him.

“I was pissed okay?” he raised his voice and you just gave him a tired look. “You said he told you I was dead, and I am obviously not dead. You were angry at me for no reason. I thought…”

“You thought what Tredd? That he seduced me while I was crying over you? Between trying to figure out my life and sobbing over your ass I haven’t had time to figure out who would be invited between my legs.” you checked the bandage and got off the chair you were sitting on. “You are done, you can go. It needs to be changed tomorrow, so make sure you stop by.” You turned around and you were about to leave as he grabbed you by the wrist and squeezed hard. “You are hurting me.” You turned around and looked at him, he wasn’t saying anything, just looking at you and holding your wrist firmly. “Tredd, let go of me.” You repeated trying to free your hand, but you couldn’t.

Eventually he did and started walking toward the exit but then stopped, turned around and pushed you against the examination table making you sit on it.

“Tredd, stop what are you doing…” you moaned as he kissed you and moved his hands on your ass pulling you closer to him.

“Fixing things by trying to fuck you.” He mumbled in your kiss as he started undoing his pants.

“Who said I want you to fuck me?” you said as you pulled your lips away from his, your hands were helping him pull his pants down. “That won’t fix…” you moaned.

“Stop me then.” You didn’t stop him. You are angry with him for everything he had done and messing up your life but you still wanted him and loved him. Funny how two years of living on the essentials makes you brave enough to admit your own feelings at least in front of yourself.

You help him pull his pants down, then you both managed to take yours off and without waiting any further he started fucking you there in the examination room. You moaned louder with each thrust, it has been such a long time and you missed him, feeling him close to you and inside you. You wrapped your arms around his shoulder pulling him closer and you had to dig your teeth in his t-shirt since you were getting too loud.

“Fuck, forgot how nice you feel.” He groaned as he picked up his pace pushing you into an orgasm. It has been too long, that made it too easy for to push you over the end. Took him a bit longer to follow you but once he came he didn’t move, you were both just standing there, his arms around your waist, yours around his shoulders.

As soon as some logical thought appeared in your head you knew that was a mistake. Your problems weren’t going to be fixed with sex, although you had to admit you did feel a bit better now. You had to say something, you had to talk to him because he wasn’t going to do it. You doubted that dead made him more aware of his own emotions.

Eventually he pulled out slowly and started buttoning his pants. You did the same in complete silence, words just didn’t come to your mind. You wanted him back, but you weren’t going to beg for it.

“I will see you around when I come for the bandage tomorrow.” He walked toward the entrance and stopped again. You saw his whole body move as he took a deep breath, held it and then his shoulders sank as if he wanted to say something else, but never did.

You stood there alone realizing that you just made a bigger mess than you had before. You should have either tried to patch things up or end them once and for all but not fuck him just for the sake of fucking him.

“Fuck!” you slammed the table in frustration, your hand hurt but you didn’t care. Apparently, you haven’t grown as much as you thought as a person. What was the purpose of admitting in front of yourself that you loved him, if you couldn’t tell him that. Of course there was the small detail that you were talking about Tredd after all, and saying stuff like I love you was going to force him to make ten offensive jokes and probably pretend to be dead again.

[insomniasix]

Tragedia Coram Amandum Quae |Part IV|

A/N: This took forever.

Words: 2116

OCs: Six Ulric , Morticia Blackwell (Mentions) , Valeo Vult (Mention)

Warning: Swearing (As always) , Nightmares 

Part III

The magic of Ignis’ long awaited kiss faded at the sound of Cor clearing his throat. Smooth, boss. I thought turning around, but the look I gave made him take a small step back.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, Ulric.” He said. Ulric. It sounds so different coming from him. Respectful even. Everyone in jail said it as an insult –and I gracefully took it as one. But Cor was always nice to me, respected, trusted and cared for me; even when I gave him every reason not to. He told us we should be on our way to meet with the guy who was going to accompany us, saying it would be a good idea to get out gear ready as well.

“That ass’s not gonna let me train is he?”

“I’m afraid no.” he gave me a faint smile, crossing his arms at his chest.

“We will have time to hone your skills.” Ignis said lowly.

“I was hoping to do other things, instead of training.” I winked at him, melting as he smiled.

“We will have time for that too.” His deep voice always made me weak on the knees, something that Cor caught right away, clearing his throat as his scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

“When are we to depart?” Ignis asked, placing a hand on my lower back and sending shivers down my whole body.

“First thing tomorrow.” His voice was filled with… disappointment? No, worry. Well, I was never really good at reading people. The failed first marriage and the Kingdom I work for should be enough of an explanation.

“He’s throwing us into the mouth of the behemoth.” Ignis thought out loud, getting close enough to me that I was able to feel the heat, radiating from his body.

“My offer still stands.” Cor said simply and I was taken by surprise when Ignis was the one to take the words right out of my mouth.

“We appreciate it, Marshal. But we shall do what we’re supposed to. We are not running away.”

I felt so proud of him. Of us. Doing what’s right, even when we both know how stupid it is.

Cor nodded and started for the barracks, where the man was waiting for us.

Reaching the shooting ranch we saw him. Kinna short and not so build. He looked like a child from where I stood. His blond hair looked like a chocobo’s butt and his eyes… he looked so tired. Someone had sure deprived that kid some sleep. He had a… thing… on his chin. It looked like a goatee; a weird one. Maybe it’s not fully grown, I thought when he came closer, not sure if I was talking about the hair on his chin or the boy himself.

“Heyas!” he waved at us with a smile.

I knew him! Prompto Argentum, the Marksman of the Faint Smile. Funny name. “Argentum, right?” I said, moving inside his personal space, snatching his gun off its holster and examining it. Great craftsmanship is rare in this Kingdom, but this was amazingly created.

“Children shouldn’t play with guns.” I said, not taking my eyes off the masterpiece in my hands.

“Who said I was playing?” he asked, moving to his target and bringing it closer to me. All headshots! The hole in the paper was thin enough to be made by one bullet only, but judging from the loud noises I was hearing on the way here, he’d shot at least five times before he stopped to greed us. Nice.

“Your reputation presides you, sunshine.”

“Don’t call me that.” I swear his eyes fell for a second, but he recovered quickly; smiling again and greeting Cor.

“Prompto, these are the people the king has you escort.” Cor explained.

“Right, King Regis said I should keep an eye out for the assassin.” He said looking at Ignis, probably trying to understand why his eyes were milky white.

“I’m the assassin.” I said simply and Ignis huffed a laugh at my tone. I won’t lie, I was kinna offended.

“You’re the assassin they hired?” Prompto was taken aback, looking at me from head to tows “I figured you’d look more… threatening.”

Alright, I take it back. I’m not even mad. That was correct, to say the least; but a year in jail tents to make you look like an old hag. “Touché.” I’m kinna proud of what he pulled off me. Nice going.

“King Regis –“ he started and I’ve already had enough of listening about him.

“King Regis is an ass who terrorizes people.” I cut him off as Cor took a look around, making sure no one listened to my big mouth “I know. I’m the one doing it for him.”

“Wait” he said, suddenly realizing who I was, did I really look that bad? “You’re Six Ulric!”

Shocking! “I’m Six Scientia now. Don’t you see my clothes?” I pointed at… well, all of me.

“No, I mean –“

“Yes,” I let out an exasperated sigh “Nyx Ulric is my father.”

“Sorry.” He answered simply, scratching the back of his head.

I believed him. “Don’t be. He left to join Lady Lunafreya because he couldn’t keep his dick in his pants.” I smiled giving him back his gun “I just paid the price.”

“If you’re done with the drama, we should move on.” Cor interrupted. In a way, I think he did it more for me; so I wouldn’t have to talk about it again.

I nodded, silently thanking him and we all moved to get our gear. Ah! My sword! I missed this blade. Ignis can tell as I stare up at it in adoration.

“You wanna keep staring at me, beautiful?” I smirked, not taking my eyes off the blade until the last second “Or do you wanna kiss me?”

Ignis moved closer to me from behind, placing both his hands on my waist and pulling me close to him as he whispered in my ear, his hot breath sending tingles down my every cell.

“I’m afraid” he whispered in a deep voice “if I kissed you, I wouldn’t be able to stop.”

God-damn-it!

Stay cool.

Fuck, that was hot.

“That’s gotta be the lamest pick up line ever, Iggy.” I laugh as I move away, now was not the time to play games. I hadn’t been touched in a year. I was dangerous! And there were people around –not that it mattered before.

“Don’t worry.” He smirked “This was only my first plan.”

“What’s the second, Advisor?”

“Kidnap you.” the words left his lips like it was the most obvious thing in the world and I have to admit, I wondered for a second if he was serious.

“Hey boss?” I yelled back at Cor, who was standing on the other side of the room talking with Argentum; my eyes never leaving Ignis’ as we both smirked devilishly, thinking of the same thing.

“Yeah, Ulric?” Cor knew too.

“Is there anything else? Cause we really need to go.” I said, glancing down at Ignis’ crotch and biting my lower lip “Something came up!”

“Fine” he breathed. Iggy grabbed my hand and dragged me out of the room and towards our apartment, I managed to hear Cor saying something about being there bright and early so Morta could bless out mission and blah blah. I didn’t pay much attention.

…

I woke up in the middle of the night, entangled inside his arms. I could feel his steady breath on my hair as he held me close. That feeling is worth everything we’d ever been through.

I moved slowly out of Ignis’ embrace and found myself sitting on the kitchen table –like, ON it. With all the fluffy rugs on our floors, the table was the hardest surface I could sit my ass upon.

I was hunkered down, my legs crossed at the calves, taking in my apartment. I used to hate how small it was. The kitchen being one with the living room; I hated that the apartment only had three doors, one for the bedroom, one for the bathroom and one for the exit. It wasn’t all bad though, the large windows looking out to the City were amazing.

I remember begging Ignis to get a bigger one, somewhere closer to the City Square; but now; after spending a year in the Citadel’s cells –that looked a lot like my small bathroom; the only difference being the bed that was way too close to the toilet for my comfort –now, my apartment looked like a castle.

Deep into my thoughts, I hadn’t realized Ignis had woken up. He’d silently made his way to the kitchen and tried to wrap his arms around me. I jumped up as the small wave of air his movements made hit the back of my arms. I fell on him, stranded him on the floor as I already had a knife against his neck.

“It’s me!” he managed to say, drawing me back to reality.

“Ignis? Oh, Noct… what am I doing?” my breath picked up as I threw the knife into the wall next to us. Ignis made quick work of my emotion and hugged my tight as I tried to wrap my head at what I’d done.

“It’s alright. I am right here.” He whispered, caressing my hair.

I got back on my feet and helped him up in silence, not even looking at him as I was… scared. The things I could have done if he hadn’t managed to pull me back.

“Are you alright?” he asked, placing both his hands on my shoulders and looking into my eyes.

“Me?” I wondered “I just tried to kill you and you care if I’m alright?” I don’t know why, but I was pissed at his concern at the moment. It looked… unnecessary.

“It was not my intention to scare you. I know what you’ve been through in there. I should have been more careful with my approach.” He said and the only way I could cover the tears falling from my eyes was hug him for dear life.

I kept crying in his arms for a few more minutes as he caressed me silently, his touch making everything better. I hated the fact that I was so vulnerable. A year in jail wasn’t supposed to be something I couldn’t handle; but being in there, with every soul I had condemned was unbearable. Every day was a fight for my life! The others, they were people I had incarcerated, they were people seeking revenge for being there –for me putting them there. Each finding a way to make my days a living hell.

I hated that Ignis knew. I know it must’ve killed him inside; being unable to help.

“Why don’t you try to get some sleep, my love? Tomorrow will be the beginning of a difficult journey.” Ignis said, moving a strand of hair behind my ear when I was finally calm.

“I don’t sleep.” I answered, debating whether I should make this his concern as well or not; but he pressed on the matter gently, as he always did.

“What’s the matter?”

“My mind has the capability of being dark and demented.” I huffed a weary smile.

“You are afraid of your dreams.” He said; it wasn’t a question. He’d gotten the point even before the cryptic words had left my lips.

“Yes.” I nodded silently.

“Alright,” he answered, getting hold of my hand and gently pulling me to the couch in front of the TV “Let us watch some television then, there’s bound to be something entertaining.”

He wasn’t wrong. No, there was nothing on TV, but Ignis had fallen asleep a few minutes later. His head on my legs as I caressed his hair. His relaxed breathing and the way he kept running his fingers along my thigh even when he was sleeping. This was my kind of entertainment. The kind I wouldn’t change for anything in the world.

Someone in my profession is not supposed to be sentimental. But I swear, I will end anyone who tries to come across this feeling. Anyone who tries to get between us again.

I woke up in the morning with a note stuck on my forehead.

There is breakfast on the kitchen table.

We are to meet with the King and High Priestesses for the blessing.

A young hunter by the name of Valeo Vult will be joining us. They are in need of help and the Priestess has asked for us to help.

I will see you at the Barracks at 9.

I adore you, my light.

Love, Ignis.

Shit, it’s already 8:30!

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[amidalogicdive]

A Cute Seduction

Okay, here we go, @nicrt asked for the following prompt: 60. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were trying to seduce me.” for nyxnoct? :D

Sorry, this is un-beta'ed and all mistakes are mine!

A03 link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/11344110

~*~

The Kid, as Nyx had come to call him, didn’t look like he could be any older than sixteen when he’d first caught a glimpse of him. He’d been hanging out at the Kingsglaive compound for about a month, always sticking to the shadows and trying his best to not draw any attention to himself. Seeing that he was dressed in black, a norm for anyone in service to the royal family, Nyx figured that he was either a new recruit or the kid of some high ranking official that worked for the King of Lucis.

It was a week later when the Kid caught his eye again standing under the covered walkway, he was holding a discussion with their Captain and Nyx could only think that maybe he’d been right and he was a new recruit. Either way, it wasn’t his concern so he brushed it off and continued on with his training, noticing later that the Kid had been watching him the whole time. Throwing his dagger to the top of a column, he quickly followed it in a shower of shattered crystalline blue. It had long been broken from bouts of training and games of warp tag, but it had a beautiful view. Despite that, his eyes fell to the Kid who Nyx couldn’t help but think looked too young to be a glaive. That aside, he couldn’t help but think that he was a pretty little thing from where he stood, perhaps a little too pretty.

Ebony hair hung low obscuring his eyes, with pale skin that reminded him of fresh milk and looked like he hadn’t seen a day of work in his entire life. Nyx decided that he had to be one of the council’s kids, a bunch of spoiled brats who didn’t know what it was like to have to work for a living. Figured he was here to see how the other half lived, slaving away just to be able to survive yet always on the outside and hated for existing within the walls. If that was the case, then it wasn’t his problem. This Kid would be bored in a few days, find some other hobby or group to scrutinize and Nyx would never see him again.

Yet he did see him again, it was a week later and the Kid was talking with Crowe over by the entrance to the arena. Watching them for a moment, it looked like she was enjoying the Kids company, laughing lightly as she gently shoved his shoulder. Deciding to get a closer look, he made his way across the hard packed dirt, taking the steps two at a time before stopping beside the woman.

“Nyx, meet Noct.” Jabbing him in the side with her elbow, she grinned up at him. “You be nice, he might be training here with us. He’s a bit quiet, but I’m sure we can knock that out of him!” Crowe reached over to ruffle his hair, laughing as he tried to duck out of her reach at the last moment. “Said he’s been training with some of the Crownsguard boys,” Noct nodded, looking up at Nyx. “But we are much better so I know we can teach him some new tricks.”

Her voice drowned away as he met those amazing fucking eyes. They were bewitching, deep pools of endless, swirling ink that crackled with power. Eos, herself, could have come and plucked the entire universe from the heavens, placing them within those damned eyes. Nyx couldn’t look away, he was suffocating, drowning, and could feel magic crashing against him like waves against a cliff side. This wasn’t the King’s magic, which was easy to wield, molding it to his needs and wishes. No, he could feel this magic forcing its way into his body, feeding him with a power he’d never known existed. The power was like a hurricane, whipping through him; rough, powerful, wild and untamed. It scared him to feel this, he wanted to submit to this raw dangerous power, and that intrigued him and made him want more. Still, those eyes watched him and Nyx held that gaze like a lifeline. He knew at that moment, whoever this Kid was, it was not just another pretty face.

“Hello, Nyx! You alive in there?” Their eye contact broke as Noct turned to smile at the woman and Crowe just laughed at the older glaive. “Sorry, he’s like this at times.”

“Shut the fuck up, Crowe.” Glancing back over at the young boy, Nyx nodded. “Nice to meet ya, hope you enjoy training with us.”

“I’m sure I will, thank you for your help.” Turning to go, Noctis smiled at the two and bowed his head. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

After that meeting Noct, as they had come to know him, became a regular fixture at the Kingsglaive compound. It was always the same, he would show up three times a week at the same time every week and warm up with the glaives, and then join in on the bouts and training that would do. He had even found himself pulled into a few games of warp tag, which were often bet on when a few of them found out he could give the ’Hero’ a run for his money. Nyx had to admit that it was fun, Noct wasn’t afraid to get dirty or play rough and fit in rather well. He also had to admit, he enjoyed the younger man’s company. The way he laughed, smiled or tried to hide his face when he’d blush… but still, there was that wave of power, crashing against him and drawing him in deeper like a siren’s song.

He’d never met anyone who could control the magic of Lucis as well as he could, and the thought that he was more than he let on wouldn’t leave him alone. HIs friends seemed to like him, which in his opinion was a good sign. Libs didn’t have much to say about the kid, but that was a good thing when came to Nyx long time friend. Crowe loved to tease Noct, seeing how easy it was to make the kid blush and despite his quiet nature, he seemed very upfront when asked a question.

Crowe also noticed that Noct enjoyed watching Nyx, which she found beyond cute. At times she would just go up to him, asking how he liked the view. Other times she would push him out to go join the older glaive. Even now she was plotting ways to get the two closer together, and that was when the perfect idea had come to mind.

Nyx had been making his way down the hall towards the exit when Libertus had grabbed his arm. “Hey.”

“Yeah so, Crowe wants to invite the kid to come with us to dinner. So we are going to dinner.” Nyx glanced back at Crowe, who had an arm tossed over Noct’s shoulder and the biggest shit-eating grin he’d ever seen her wear. Right then, he should have realized that he was in trouble.

“He’s up for it, so let’s go eat and teach this boy how to get drunk!”

Figuring that he should at least try and be the responsible adult that he was, Nyx crossed his arms and gave Noct a once over. “Aren’t you a bit too young to go out and get drunk?” The look he got was more along the lines of ’what the fuck are you talking about’, instead of ’oh shit I’ve been caught’ which made the glaive blink. “What?”

“I’m twenty.”

“No… wait, what the fuck?” Libertus started to laugh as Crowe simply shook her head, utterly disappointed in the man she considered a friend. “So you two knew how old he was?”

“Of course dumbass, he told us. Didn’t you ever ask,” arching a brow, Crowe met his icy stare. “Or just assume, and not say anything?”

“Well obviously he assumed, now can we please go eat and get drunk?”

Nodding, the mage pulled Noct with her as they walked towards the exit. “Don’t worry, that’s just the way he is. Sometimes you just can’t teach an old dog new tricks, maybe it’s time to consider putting him out of his misery.”

“That’s just wrong, Crowe.” Still, Libertus shook his head as a chuckle fell from him. Noct could only smile as he shook his head at the woman, and Crowe, she just looked entirely too proud of herself.

“Are you seriously comparing me to a fucking dog, and I’m not that old!” He knew he would live to regret going with them and didn’t know what the hell he was getting himself into, but he was never one to pass up drinking.

It was several hours, one restaurant, two bars and a small hole-in-the-wall skewers shop later that they had found themselves sitting at an old wooden table and their party had grown in size. Somewhere along the line, Pelna had shown up, which had taken up all of Crowe’s attention. Then they had run into Tredd and Luche, who seemed equally drunk, as they made their way to their last stop. A pile of meaty goodness sat in the middle of the table as they ate spicy food and drank bad beer. It was perfect.

Nyx glanced over at the younger man, smiling as Noct finished off another beer before pushing it away. “You ok, kid?”

Noct looked up, meeting his gaze as a light blush crossed his cheeks. “I’m not a kid, just Noct.” Setting his elbow on the table, he rested his head against his hand and smiled. “You have beautiful eyes, like… icy crystals or something blue like that. Really pretty.” Nyx chuckled, taking another drink as Noct continued to watch him. “I mean it, and the way you warp and disappear and reappear somewhere else is just, wow. Your hands are nice too, I like how they hold things.”

“Really?” He knew the poor guy was just wasted, but it was really cute to watch him try and fumble over words and try to make some sense out of them.

“Yeah, you know how you um…” A very serious look crosses his features, trying to find the words he wanted, After a moment, Noct just shrugged and gave up. “Why are you so good looking… it should be a crime. Your tattoos are amazing, I really just… wanna touch them. You can touch me too, but I don’t have any tattoos.”

“You know, Noct.” He paused, just watching the younger man for a moment. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were trying to seduce me.”

The elbow holding up his head slipped as Noct slammed his hands down on the table hard enough that even Nyx jumped. “I’m ok… I got it. The table tried to throw me off…” That was it, he couldn’t take it anymore, Nyx just broke down laughing as Noct watched him. “It’s not fair to laugh at someone when a table attacked them!”

“Noct, your elbow slipped.”

“…oh.” There was a moment of silence as he reached for another bottle of beer. “Then I will forgive the table.”

When he actually looked down, telling the piece of wood it was forgiven, that was it for the glaive. “Nope, you’re cut off. No more.” He grabbed the bottle away from him as a long drawn out whine left the younger male. Nyx stood to grab his jacket, slipping it on. “I’m taking you home. Come on, where you live?”

“Seriously?!” Glacier eyes glanced over at the woman, hands on her hips as she leveled a death glare at him. “He’s completely wasted and you’re just gonna drop him off at home and let him fend for himself? That is a dick move, Ulric!” She was right, and at the moment it looked like Noct wouldn’t remember where his home was anyway.

“Fine then, I got him and I’ll make sure he makes it safely home tomorrow. Happy now?”

“Very, have a nice night~!” Turning her attentions back to Pelna, she couldn’t hide the smirk that was plastered across her face.

It was late and slow going as the two made their way through the lower streets of Insomnia, even the refugees in the Galahd district has started turning in for the night. Four blocks later, and three pit stops so the prince could empty the contents of his stomach, they had finally made it to Nyx apartment. Helping the man down the stairs, he heard a light mutter fall from the other’s lips. “Hm, what was that?”

Coughing, Noct looked up at him. “Did it work?”

“What?”

Noct let out a deep breath, resting his forehead on Nyx chest. “Seducing you… cuz you know? You’re just really fucking good looking and I didn’t know how you tell you.”

He blinked, taking in the words, and then blinked again. He’d actually been trying to hit on him, and that disaster was his best attempt? Funny thing was, Nyx had honestly found it cute, endearing to see Noct like that. “Yeah, I guess it did. You know, you’re quite pretty yourself.”

“Pretty?” He let Nyx lead him down the rest of the stairs and to his front door. “Can a guy be pretty?”

“Cute?”

“Nyx shut the fuck up.”

Laughing, he unlocked the door and helped Noct into his place. “It’s not much but it’s home. You can have the bed, and I have a spare toothbrush. Why don’t you jump in the shower and I’ll find you something to wear.” Surprisingly, Noct did as he asked and brushed his teeth as Nyx started the shower for him. By the time he came back to the bathroom, the younger man was in the shower. “I left you a towel and some clothes, just come out when you’re ready.” The only response he got was an arm-wave through the frosted glass. Leaving the bathroom, Nyx changed into his own sleepwear and then went back over to the kitchen to grab a cup of water setting another aside for his guest.

Noct exited the bathroom shortly after, his hair wet and sticking everywhere from a quick towel drying. The sleeping pants barely clung to his hips and the long sleeved shirt had been rolled up a few times so he could actually see his hands. “Fuck, I feel like shit.”

“At least the table isn’t attacking you anymore.” He said with a chuckle, watching as Noct flipped him off. “Ok I’m sorry, but it was really cute.” Making his way over, he placed a few pills in his hand and held out the water. “You’ll thank me in the morning.” Nodding, Noct took the pills and finished off the glass of water before sitting back on the couch. “Any better?”

“Depends, are you asking about my head, my stomach or my pride?” Burying his face into his hands, fingers started to rub circles against his temples. “Head’s ok, stomachs empty… prides bruised.”

“I see,” Moving across the room, he took a seat beside him and buried tanned fingers in his hair so he could rub the back of his neck. Noct let out a moan, leaning into the touch as midnight orbs closed. “Better?”

“You can never stop doing that…” He whispered, rolling his head a bit. “Mm, feels really good.”

“I bet. Now we know your limit, so next time we can cut back a bit.”

“Next time?” Glancing up at the glaive, a smile tugged at the corner of his lip. “Will there be a next time?”

He nodded, rubbing a bit lowers on his neck as he met Noct’s eyes. “Gotta give you another chance to seduce me, don’t I?” He was quiet as his eyes looked down at the floor, biting his lip as he thought those words over. “You ok?”

He nodded, moving suddenly to straddle the other’s lap. “Do… I have to wait to try and seduce you again?” Nyx hands fell from his neck to Noct’s hips, holding him in place. “I mean, you did say you thought it was cute. So maybe it was a bit successful?”

“Maybe, a bit…” They watched one another for a moment, dark and pale eyes seemed to study one another as they sat in silence. Noct played with the ends of the too long sleeves as Nyx rubbed gentle circles into pale hips. “Nyx,”

Before he could speak, Nyx cut him off. “You watch me a lot, I know because I watch you.” Noct thought that over as the glaive smiled. “Always thought you were cute but young.”

“I’m twenty.”

“Yeah I know, and you don’t look it.” He countered, seeing him frown. “That’s why I didn’t do anything, just kinda brushed off the attention.” One hand rose to caress his jawline, leaning forward slightly. “Now I know better, and I really want to kiss you.” Pressing forward without any more encouragement, Noct kissed him before he could react. A moment later, he wrapped his arms around the pale man and deepened it.

When they finally pulled away, Noct was smiling once again. “That was nice.”

“Got a nicer bed right over there… if you wanna go try it out?” The grin that Noct gave him was the only thing he needed to see as he picked up the smaller man and carried him over to the bed.

It was hours later when the buzzing of a phone from him out of his peaceful sleep, groaning slightly as the annoying sound stopped. Look to his right, he found a very lovely, very tired and very naked man curled up against his body. He’d been buzzed, and Noct had been drunk… maybe having sex hadn’t been the smartest idea, but he couldn’t change what had been done. Nyx just hoped that Noct didn’t wake up regretting it. When those dark eyes opened, smiling up at him as he nuzzled his face into his neck, he knew everything would be ok.

“Morning beautiful, how did you sleep?” He whispered, brushing fingers through thick, dark hair.

“Mm good, but a little sore.” Noct was about to speak again when a phone buzzing broke the silence.

“Fuck,” Reaching down blindly, he grabbed the offending piece of technology and swiped it on. “What?”

There was silence for a moment, then a voice that Nyx knew more than well echoed into his ear. “May I ask who this is, and why you have my son’s phone?” Pale eyes grew wide as he looked at the man beside him. “Hello, who is this?”

“Sir, Majesty sir… This is Nyx Ulric, sir.” Noct was looking at him with a mix of amusement and shock, realizing that the glaive had answered his phone and was currently speaking with his father.

“Ah, Sir Ulric. Yes, I know well of you. Captain Drautos always has interesting tales to regale us with.” A light chuckle fell for a moment, then the King cleared his throat. “That doesn’t explain why you have my son’s phone, is Noctis there?”

Noct… Noctis. Why hadn’t he realized it? While it was true that few people actually knew what the prince looked like, how could he have missed the fact that their names were so similar? Of course, it didn’t help that the man really looked nothing like this father. “Sir, he was training late with us and we invited him out to eat. By the time we were done it was late, and none of us felt comfortable with him going home alone.” He was actually proud of himself for pulling this story out of his ass, like hell he was going to tell the king he son got drunk and then slept with a glaive.

“I see, that was wise if you. My son could not be in safer hands if he’s with you, Sir Ulric.” There was a stab of guilt, yes he was lying but… anyone would line in this circumstance. “May I speak with my son?”

Nyx shot the young prince a look that could have killed. “Yes sir, the Prince happens to be right here. Hold on, one moment.” Pulling the phone away, he placed his hand over the mic. “Seriously, Prince?! Are you trying to get me killed?”

“I thought you knew.”

Once again, Lib’s and Crowe’s comments of him just assuming hit home. “Fuck me…” Holding out the phone, Noct… no Noctis took it from his hands.

“Hey, dad…” Pulling the blanket around him, Noctis watched as the glaive started to pace the small apartment. “Training has been going really well. Nyx and Crowe are great teachers. Mm, yeah… I didn’t think you’d mind. I was surrounded but glaives all night.” Noctis smiled, and Nyx heart leapt. He was fucking beautiful when he smiled like that. “No, totally safe. Yeah, he let me use his bed.” The prince looked up at Nyx, smirking. “He was well behaved, I can see why he’s one of your best. Yeah, ok I’ll see you for dinner tonight.” Rolling his eyes, he nodded. “Yeah, love ya too dad. Bye.”

“Prince…” The glaive stood there with his arms crossed and completely naked. He wanted to be angry, honestly, he did but he also should have asked a hell of a lot more questions about him. “Prince Noctis…”

Tossing the phone on the bed, he leaned back against the wall. “Yes, Prince Noctis Lucis Caelum, heir apparent to the throne of Lucis and King Regis only child.” They just watched one another for a moment, then Nyx shook his head. “I’m sorry, I really thought you knew.”

“Did Crowe? Libs?” Noct nodded, watching Nyx rub his face. “They never told you… Crowe knew I thought you were good looking and she said you wouldn’t mind. That I shouldn’t let my title or who I am me from going after what I want. You just… the way you acted at first I thought you knew.”

Walking over, Nyx sat on the bed beside him. “This is awkward as shit… I’m a glaive and you’re the future king. I’m going to regret saying this,” He could see the prince curling up on himself, waiting for the rejection. “So when can we see each other again?” HIs head shot up, looking at the glaive for a moment. “I know a nice little place, but we are not drinking like we did last night.”

“You want to see me again?” He nodded. “Even though I’m the heir?”

“No, I want to see you again because you’re Noct. Fucking cute as shit, and just happen to be some hot shot in Insomnia.” Shrugging, Nyx leaned forward. “Look, if I have to get my head cut off, might as well die a happy man. So you wanna?”

“Yeah, ok.” The smile that broke out was full of so much happiness, Nyx couldn’t help but kiss the man again. Maybe he would regret it later on, it may not work out between them or the king might kill him.

But at the moment, he was the happiest man in Insomnia and no one was going to take that away.

[promptistrashqueen]

Rí Gealach/Rí Ghrian

Knights and Kings AU 3

The King’s shoulders are tight, his back straight, and his dark hair brushed back in a way that Prompto is not used to seeing. The curving silver circlet, shaped like the tendrils of magic that he’s seen pour from the man’s hands, sits gracefully. Prompto knows though, the weight of the crown, the weight of the ring that graces slender fingers as his King gestures for the Oracle, High Priestess of Shiva and the Vanishing Isle, to approach.

Lunafreya’s beauty has been said to still mortal men but Prompto finds his gaze drawn to the light colored Fyglia at her heels instead, the dog-shaped being seems to be amused at this as it tilts its head and makes a small yipping sound that the rest discount.

“Lady Lunafreya, you grace us with your presence here. To what do we owe the attention of the White Lady?”

Noctis’ voice is strong and Prompto’s gaze returns to him. He stands just behind Gladiolus to the King’s right, his traditional place as the third member of Noctis’ guard, Ignis stands at Noctis’ shoulder, advisor to the King. The Lady’s gaze flashes to him and he blinks in surprise, Lunafreya is not known for her distraction.

“My thanks, King Noctis, for your welcome. I have come to heal those touched by the Unseelie blight and to make report of your rule to our order. The Mad God has been stirring of late and we believe he may pay you a visit soon, it would be prudent to be sure you are all prepared.”

The last she addresses to the room at large and Prompto see’s the way that Clarus, Regis, and Cor glance at one another from their positions at the front of the receiving Nobles. Nyx and Crowe, stationed at the back wall draw his attention next, their tension obvious to those who know them. He forces himself to pay attention to Noctis and Lunafreya though, as they are not yet finished.

“My Lady, we welcome your counsel on such matters and thank you sincerely for the offer of healing. You are free to do as you see fit in all such regard, but I am sure you are tired and we are near finished with the matters of the day. Please, find comfort in these halls and join me for dinner?”

Prompto tries not to be jealous of the warmth that Noctis carries for his old friend, or of the way that many of the nobles titter of a joining of the Order of Shiva and the Lucian bloodline. He mostly succeeds as Lunafreya curtsies gracefully and assents to the King’s wishes.

Noctis is quick to dismiss court for the evening afterward and Prompto swallows the feeling of being forgotten when the King sweeps out of the room (really it’s only sweeping because of the cape that Ignis put on him, otherwise it’s just slouching). Gladiolus follows Noctis but he presses a hand quickly to Prompto’s shoulder and the blonde briefly wishes he were not so transparent.

Ignis stays beside him and they watch the room clear together before the advisor turns to him.

“He’s merely excited, Lunafreya did not have time for idle chatter after the coronation. Now, you and I have some stances to work through I believe?”

Prompto usually groans about training with Ignis, but it’s a welcome offer of distraction now. His skin has felt too small for several days and he knows he’s being ridiculously edgy lately, especially with this whole thing. It’s never bothered him this much when Luna comes and he can’t place why he feels like he’s going to turn inside out.

Ignis’ brow furrows in concern and he straightens his own cloak, heavy and formal, that conveniently hides the button down shirt and slacks he prefers to the robes of his station. Prompto takes a deep breath and nods to him.

“I’ve got a change of clothes in the chamber, it’ll give Noct and Luna time to catch up before dinner.”

Ignis accepts his answer but he can see the concern still lacing the man's expression as they walk together toward the training halls. He can feel it again, the well of something in his gut and it’s made worse by the heavy traditional armor he wears to court. The black metal is annoying, though the body suit beneath is quite functional and he toys with the idea of simply training in it instead of bothering to put back on his tank top and cargo pants.

When they finish Prompto feels pleasantly stretched. His mental walls are growing stronger and his ability to call on Noctis’ magic seems to be growing despite Ignis’ assertions that he appears to have a block around it. It’s no where near as strong as it should be, he knows that. He may have the best line on following the magic back to Noctis and might just be the closest to the King but he can barely cast for himself.

He usually jokes about his shortcomings but now, laying on the mat as Ignis changes into his own fresh clothing for dinner, he can’t help but compare his very limited abilities to Lunafreya’s. The growing frustration makes his out of place feeling worse and he sighs, closing his eyes and trying to focus again on finding that tiny notch in his mind that allows him to access the flow of Lucian power.

He’s so deep that he doesn’t realize Ignis is trying to warn him until Gladio’s playful movement is made dangerous. The big man spotted him and made a quick motion with his sword, fully expecting Prompto to roll away from the flat edge of the blade before it could do any damage.

The shield yells his name as soon as it’s clear it’s going to hit with bruising force. Prompto’s blue eyes are gold when they snap open and there’s an odd moment of blur. Gladiolus’ blade slams into the mat but he and Ignis are both staring at Prompto who’s standing next to the far wall with fading golden light dancing over his skin.

“Wha-what?”

He stutters out, swaying and collapsing as the magic takes it’s toll. Ignis turns to Gladio with wide eyes, spotting King Noctis frozen in the doorway beyond, eyes locked on his consort.

His voice is strong however as he commands, “Bring Luna.”

“A changeling?”

Lunafreya nods as the small brownie rolls it’s eyes at the King, clearly exasperated with the way he keeps asking the same questions. The small fey appeared as soon as they moved Prompto to the medical wing and started clambering over the blonde, chattering in a language lost to man before switching to very old gaelic, something Ignis could mostly grasp at least.

“Changelings are supposed to only stay with humans until they’re teenagers though! They feel the call of the faerie realm and leave us after a time and Prompto’s nearing his twenty-first autumn...I don’t understand.”

Noctis no longer sounds like a King, he sounds and looks likes a kid with messy hair who’s afraid for his best friend and it pulls at Lunafreya’s heart. She watches as Noctis moves to stand at the head of Prompto’s bed, gently moving hair out of his face and studying him. It’s clearer now, after the magic had burst through. There’s a shimmer over his skin and his hair appears to be haloed in light despite the lack of any source.

The brownie watches Noctis closely, his small face pinched in concentration, before he moves, walking over the mattress beside Prompto’s shoulder, small salve bottles hanging from his belt clinking with his steps.

Gladiolus tracks the little man’s movement so carefully Luna would think he expects him to grow ten feet at attack, but she supposes it’s his job.

His small brown hands come to rest on the King’s thumb, covering half of the digit but stilling Noctis just the same.

“Sun rí tá codlata amháin, eagla ní ghealach na linne. Is breá leis tú, agus nach féidir a fhágáil.”

The small man’s voice is deep and Noctis frowns at him, understanding only pieces of the mostly dead language. Ignis though makes a low noise and Lunafreya’s eyes widen.

“Noctis you did not say you had found a lover…”

Noctis’ head jerks at the words, it was meant to be a secret after all and he looks at the little brownie again but the small man is patting Prompto’s freckled cheek and grumbling as he searches his patchwork pockets for something.

“I-I didn’t...we were never...what did he say?”

Luna smiles at the concern and stress she see’s in the King and repeats the brownie’s words. “Leighas says “Sun King is only sleeping, fear not our moon. He loves you, and can not leave.” He...it appears your Prompto is someone very important to the Fae and I’d bet that Leighas was answering your question about changelings. Prompto has stayed with us mortals all this time because he loves you so. Has he been acting strange lately?”

Noctis frowns but Ignis is the one who answers her, “Yes, he’s been unfocused and fidgets a great deal more than usual. He’s a great painter but I have not seen him work for many days. He confided in me earlier this evening that he felt as though his own skin was the wrong size...I think we can safely say why now.”

Luna hums as Noctis nods in confirmation of the words, his gaze returning to Prompto’s face as Leighas carefully spreads thin lines of red over his cheekbones, the little brownie ignoring them in favor of painting the blonde’s skin.

“We can decide little while he rests. I’m sure that it is simply the toll of using so much power in one go, since he has little enough experience with it still, that keeps him from us now. I will to bed, dinner will have to wait until another day I’m afraid Noctis...for now we need to decide how to proceed. If Leighas is correct, Prompto is a Faerie King whose heart has chosen you...it would be prudent to seek the council of the Seelie Court, especially if the Mad God is coming.”

Noctis nods to her but she can see his focus is still on Prompto who is starting to look very unearthly with his power shimmering around him and Leighas careful designs dancing over his flesh.

Ignis and her leave without a word, Gladiolus settling against the wall to give Noctis space as he pulls a chair close to the narrow bed Prompto lays on. The brownie glances at him and Noctis devotes himself to watching the small man work.

“He’ll be alright. Kids tough, and hell, apparently magical as you.”

“Thanks Gladio...I’m sure you’re right.”

The shield makes a grunting agreement and they lapse back into silence. Noctis isn’t so worried about Prompto’s health now, but about how he’s going to be changed now that his heritage has been unlocked. He can already see the alien fae under the familiar face and his heart clenches...he has heard of many changelings wearing a glamour...what does Prompto truly look like?

[jazzraft]

ok ok but like you got me hooked on noctnyx thanks for dragging me to this beautiful hell btw and i was wondering if you could write something from this dialogue but if you don't want to that's ok obviously! - “Don’t you have to be stupid somewhere else?” “Not until four.”

i can’t believe you sent me a spongebob reference for a prompt… and i can’t believe that this is what i came up with for it.

Nyx froze in the bathroom doorway, saying nothing. He leaneda shoulder against the frame, careful not to make the wood groan and alert theenchanting creature shuffling through his kitchen.

It wasn’t so much the fact that Noctis was voluntarily outof bed at three in the morning that made Nyx smile. It was more so that thesight of his coat over his slight frame was so charming.

If he could wake up every morning for the rest of his lifeto Noct in nothing but his Kingsglaive coat, Nyx would be a very happy man.

It was far too big for the boy. The sleeves dropped rightover his hands, just the tips of his fingers peering out as he prepared coffeefor the two of them. It fell to the backs of his knees, bare legs stark beneaththe black fabric. The collar on one side kept slipping down one shoulder totease at luscious moonlight skin, peppered with pink love bites, before Noctisshrugged it back into place.

Nyx didn’t want to move. He wanted to stop time right there, as Noctis caught himstaring. Catch the quiet surprise in his sleepy stare, every line of his facesoftened by sex and slumber. Or take the shot right there, yeah. On that smile. The slow tug of those lips upwards,still swollen by Nyx’s kisses from the hours before. The lazy blink of hiseyes, hooding as he looked at Nyx. A stare of such open adoration it made Nyx’schest hurt.

“This is some kind of felony, isn’t it?” Noctis groanedthen, indicating the coat hanging from his shoulders. “Impersonating an officerof the law or something?”

“Afraid so,” Nyx snorted. “Have to take you down to thestation.”

Noctis laughed, his voice rough from over-use. Nyx couldcoax all kinds of things from that pretty mouth of his. Noctis poured coffeewhile Nyx continued admiring him. Something about that coat on him… Like, yes. This boy was his. He didn’t share that coat with anyone because there was no oneto share it with. All of his friends had one of their own. No one had everpulled through those sleeves except for Nyx. And now Noct.

Noct pausing with his fingers tickling the rim of the coffeecup in front of him as he caught Nyx’s stare. Noct smirking a little lessinnocently, eyes hooding a little lower, glinting up from beneath mussedmidnight locks. Noct slowly coming around to the other side of the counter,fingers brushing the edge of it from beneath those over-sized sleeves. Nyx’seyes traveled down as he moved, enjoying the show. Enjoying how the coatbrushed against those thighs that clutched around him each night like anchorsdragging him down to drown in Noct. Enjoying the splinter of skin peeking frombetween where the zipper was undone.

“Am I really in trouble, Sir Ulric?” Noctis asked as heapproached, voice dropped low and making Nyx shiver.

“Law’s the law, citizen.”

“Citizen?” Noctis pouted, standing in front of Nyx, handssplaying across his bare chest. “I was a little more than that to you lastnight.”

“Think you’re above the law just because we sleep together,huh?”

Nyx’s hands snuck inside the coat, fingers whispering overNoct’s sides. Noctis’s fingers tip-toed leisurely up the length of his chest,his body following to fill each point he touched. Until his arms were wrappedaround Nyx’s neck, pressed flush to him, Nyx’s hands on his hips beneath thecoat. The back pulled up to the top of those thighs, a leisurely reveal of skin that could have looked silver inthe barest light of the dawn.

“I was cold,” hiscriminal whined. Batting his eyelashesat him the fucking brat.

“Still broke the law, yourhighness,” Nyx said, turning his mouth just over Noct’s. Making him grinwith the way he said his title. Like he’d said it to him all night long.

“It smelled like you,” Noctis continued to defend himself,winding the braids in Nyx’s hair gently around his fingers. “I missed you.”

“Oh, well, in thatcase, I’m gonna have to clear you of all charges, huh?”

Noctis snorted in laughter, pulling a hand from Nyx’s hairto bat at his chest. Nyx slipped his fingers around his wrist, tugging him inand kissing him deep. Noct crooked his knee and leaned all his weight into Nyx,mouth pressed so heavy and warm on his.

“Mmm, trying to bribe an official?” he hummed as Noctis pulledaway.

“Don’t you have to be stupid somewhere else?” Noctis sighed,finally breaking character.

“Not until four.”

Nyx peered at the alarm clock on the bedside table, the beditself just a quick toss of his boyfriend away. He grinned down at Noctis,jerking his head at the tangled sheets and the glowing red numbers on the clockgiving them an hour. Noctis reached up to slip the coat off his shoulders. Theway it pooled down by his elbows and bared his shoulders… gods. Nyx stilled Noct’s arms before he could drop the coat to theground, pulling his lips down to his ear with a harsh, hungry whisper.

“Leave it on.”

[merlevum]

Dormiens rex De Aurora

Chapters: 6/?

Fandom: Final Fantasy XV Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Gladiolus Amicitia/Ignis Scientia, Prompto Argentum/Noctis Lucis Caelum Characters: Gladiolus Amicitia, Ignis Scientia, Prompto Argentum, Noctis Lucis Caelum, Nyx Ulric Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, cyrofreeze, cryovat Summary: They make their plans to tackle the power plant. 

Updates every Monday

The rest of the way to the power plant was quiet. Any other daemons that showed up were generally too far away or easily outrun thanks to the truck. Ignis directed Gladio to stop at the guard station that was supposed to be manned when they arrived on a long stretch of road that lead to the powerplant.

“Be careful, Iggy,” Gladio said as he kept the truck running.

He didn’t like the fact Ignis was going alone, but if things were truly as bad as Ignis suspected, they might have to quickly regroup somewhere else. Prompto must have had the same feeling because Gladio heard the distinct sound of him undoing the safety. Good, Gladio thought, knowing that he would not be much help behind the wheel if something attacked ignis. Watching Ignis walk up to the station, Gladio could see part of his reflection in the window. Those green eyes grew wide, probably at whatever he saw beyond the window pane. Gladio didn't need Ignis to voice what he saw, his white face and green eyes were enough. Gladio just hoped the others didn't the same reaction as he had.

Ignis gave them the all clear.

“What do you think it means, Igs?” Prompto asked from the bed of the truck. “I know the guys who were here, they wouldn’t have just up and left.”

“You’re not wrong, but there is no indication that anyone has been here for quite some time. There was dust on the panels.” Ignis climbed back into his seat. He turned to the group in the bed of the truck. His face having returned to its normal complexion. Whatever he saw, Gladio was thankful it wasn't the mauled bodies of the guards, but that might mean the daemons were getting a bit bolder or there was a monster or two loose too. “This power plant must have been compromised before even now. We should stay alert and at the ready.”

There was a round of nodding heads. The techs didn’t exactly look happy, but then Gladio couldn’t blame them. This could mean any of their deaths.

“So where to? The front of the power plant?”

Ignis nodded. “It’s best we get there as soon as possible to assess the situation.”

“Right. Noct, you sure you’re up for this with your back?” Gladio asked, looking at his prince through the rearview mirror.

“Yeah. Just no crazy stunts,” Noct said as he took out a pair of daggers from the armiger.

Gladio put the car back into drive and sped to the front of the power plant. The plant itself was a rather large building with different thick cables running in different directions. Some followed the path towards Tandem, others to the north and east. For a moment Gladio realised there might be other cities or outposts like Tandem that would be without power. While it seemed Tandem could certainly hold it’s own, others probably wouldn’t be that lucky. They really needed to get the power back on.

“Hey, Gladio, watch out up ahead. I think there are some goblins running on some of the lines.” Noctis pointed to a few of them, though Gladio couldn't tell where exactly they were.

“Should I take them out?” Prompto asked as he readied his gun once more. It reassured Gladio to know they had someone who could do distance attacks like this. It made fighting that much easier.

“A waste of bullets I’m afraid. If they ambush us later, we’ll deal with them, but let’s save as much ammo that you have for what’s truly inside of the power plant,” Ignis said tapping his hand on his leg.

Gladio could feel the nervous tension coming from him, but there was nothing he could say or do to really relieve that. No, they would need to get the power plant back up and running for that to be a thing. It took another two minutes for Gladio to pull up and park the truck before they were at the front steps of the power plant.

“Right, let’s go over some tactics before we--”

Gladio glared at the sudden ringtone that went off. Ignis fumbled with his pocket, giving the shield an apologetic look. Gladio shook his head, as he turned back to the others. Whoever was calling, it had to be important if Ignis took it.

“Noct and I are best fighting together. Though with the looks of the powerplant, I don’t think it’s going to be wise for me to use my sword, so I’m going to use my shield for the most part Noct.” Gladio patted the buckler on his arm. “You’ll be taking up point then.”

Noct nodded, switching the daggers for his engine blade. “Got it.”

“Pelna, Axis, you two know the power plant as much as Ignis. How many ways to the centre are there?”

“Three in total, though we already passed one. So two now.” Pelna pulled out a map for Gladio. He used a small flashlight he clipped to his shirt earlier to read it. He pointed to one spot and then another. “These two here.”

“Good. We’ll split into two groups--”

“What? Bloody hell. Tell her that Nyx is better used in--Yes, I’m well aware of her position--”

Gladio glanced over to Ignis who started pacing. It was clear things were not as easy back in Tandem as it had seemed. Pelna shrunk a little seeming to know exactly who Ignis was talking about. Giving the hunter a questionable look, Pelna only shook his head. Best not to know at the moment. Right, they had a mission to do after all.

“Anyway, we’ll split the groups. Noctis and I will take Prompto for sure. You take Ignis with you and the rest of the techs.” Gladio scanned the map, trying to remember all the turns they would need to take in case Prompto wouldn’t know where to go. "You'll need more protection with the added techs."

“With all due respect, take Ignis with you. We’ll take the safer route here with these three techs. You take that one, the more dangerous path because we’ll need both routes cleared anyway,” Pelna said. He was glad to be back on the topic what they were doing here rather than on Ignis.

“Why?” Noct asked, staring at the moment.

“For one thing, buddy, we need access to this hallway here and that one. Once we get the core of the power plant running again with Igni’s magic, we’ll need to reboot the system. It’s why we have more than just one tech with us.” Prompto pointed at the three and then back to himself. As much as techs were technically vulnerable, they were important when it came to running the power plant.

“I see. And how are we going to stay in contact? Because I’m not waiting around for you in case something happens.” Gladio shifted his weight.

“Or the other way around. Just because you fought the daemon earlier, doesn’t mean that we’re not just as capable. You forget, we’ve survived this long without you around,” Axis said, matching Gladio’s stance, almost sizing him up. “We don’t need some hero suddenly. That I can promise you.”

“Nah, you already got one of those.” Gladio was glad to see Pelna and Axis still ready to fight.

“Damn straight. Just give us your number, we’ll just keep in contact in case there is something that happens.” Axis pulled out his phone.

Shit, would their phones work? They were all set up with Insomnia in mind and with Insomnia in ruins, Gladio pulled out his phone. Pointless really, the thing was dead. Probably died within a month of being frozen. Shit. Noct shrugged. Gladio wondered if Noct had tried to use his phone earlier.

“Uhh-”

“Just get in contact with me Axis,” Prompto said with a bright smile. “You got Igs’s number too.”

Gladio relaxed a little, glad to have the blonde along. Prompto winked.

“I apologize for that,” Ignis said as he rejoined them. Irate was one of the words Gladio would describe Ignis, but beneath that there was something else there too. Whatever, so long as Ignis focused on the battle, Gladio would help him deal with the phone call later. “Now, do we have a plan?”

“Yup. You and me are going with Noct and the big guy. We’re taking this route while the others take this one.” Prompto beamed up at Ignis. How the hell the kid could be so happy about this sort of situation was beyond Gladio. But then Prompto had been cheerful most of the time he saw him. Maybe it was just the way Prompto was. Not a bad thing to have around, especially with how dark the world seemed now.

“Alright, then. Whenever everyone is ready.” Ignis patted Prompto’s shoulder, giving him a small smile.

It didn’t take long for Gladio and Noct to delve up some of the potions from the armiger, explaining how to use them. Ignis didn't seem pleased by the action, but the others at least thanked them for a means to heal each other if the need arose. While the others wouldn’t have access to the armiger to store things, the potions were still valuable and worked without Noct needing to be nearby. The techs carried more than Axis or Pelna, but then the techs would be more for support rather than for fighting it seemed, sort of the way Prompto acted, though none of them had guns. Gladio didn’t worry too much about how they were going to fight, more he was steeling himself for whatever they might find in the power plant if the goblins above them were anything to go by. Shutting off a whole power plant was not something mere goblins could have done. They would find something else inside. He would stake his Crownsguard badge on it.

“Hey, Gladio?” Noct asked as Prompto double checked his ammo. The two were sitting on the edge of the truck bed.

“Yeah?” Gladio came over, crossing his arms. It was clear as day that something was eating at Noct.

“....You’re not going to give me hell for not wearing the thing?” Noct looked anywhere but at Gladio, who sighed.

“Noct, I can’t make you do something you don’t want. You get about as stubborn as Garula. So, no I’m not going to give you hell.” Gladio could tell this was more than just about the ring. Noct was never really good at talking about shit, but Gladio was patient. Not always, but sometimes. Eventually, whatever Noct wanted to get out would.

“Even if you’re right?” Noct glanced at the two hunters ushering the techs in the direction they needed to go. Prompto glanced up, but was wise enough not to say anything.

“If you feel guilty, do something about it. Decide. Either put on the ring and give them access to the armiger and magic, or don’t. I’m not going to make you feel better about not doing something you should. And I’m not going to make you do it either for the same reason.”

He could see Noct biting his lip. The kid was smart and could play games, but this was one Gladio was not going to entertain. Not this time. There was more at stake than just some pastry he didn’t get or training that he skipped. No, Noct was playing with lives. He needed to do the right thing and he would have to do it on his own. Six forbidden they would get separated and Noct would have to make some decisions on his own. Gladio just hoped Noct would be ready if it ever happened. These sorts of decisions made or break the kind of king of Noct would become. If they actually restored him to a throne.

“.....” Noct opened his mouth a few times only to close it.

“Better hurry before they’re gone and out of range.” Gladio stared at his prince, hoping for once he would just do his duty. Even if these hunters were not Lucians from Insomnia, they were still here.

“Axis! Pelna! Wait.” Noct turned to face them. “Ignis, Prompto, you too. T-There’s something we need to do before we head out.”

Gladio could see his shoulders shaking. Letting Pelna and Axis access to the same magic meant revealing who they were and honestly, he didn’t much care. Ignis had called Noct his highness a few times already. If the hunters thought it was just a nickname, well they were in for a treat. Noct and Gladio were in a weird position anyway and the more allies they had the better.

“What is it Noct?” Prompto asked, practically hopping over.

“Yeah, we got a job to do kid.” Axis raised an eyebrow, as he and Pelna came back over.

“...Remember how you asked me if you could learn to warp?”

The four nod.

“There is. I just…..What I tell you can’t get out. At least not yet,” Noct said as he shrugged. “Prom and Iggy already know, but I’m actually from Insomnia. The city that’s beneath Tandem. I was frozen along with Gladio in hopes of securing a future my father didn’t think was possible then. But that’s not all. The reason we’re able to use magic and conjure weapons is because of the armiger.”

Gladio put a hand on Noct’s shoulder, squeezing it reassuringly. They were doing the right thing. He wasn’t sure if there was a way to terminate the connection once made, but if they needed to cross that bridge they would figure it out. For now, he just had to help Noct get through this.

"With the exception of Prompto and I, we don't have this armiger," Ignis clarified when Axis glared at them.

“I can give you access to it. The armiger, it will make your magic stronger,” Noct held up a ring looking at Prompto and Noct. “If I put this one and keep wearing it, I can give that power to others." This time he looked at Axis and Plena. "Their own armiger and their own magic. It’s all tied back to this crystal that the empire has, but since we’re still able to use it, the crystal is still very much there. So, I ask. Do y-you want me to give you that power?”

Silence filled the air as the four stood there. Ignis broke it first.

“Your majesty, as much as I appreciate the gesture, it’s clear you’re not ready to accept that burden. Being close to you and able to use the magic as I have is enough for me.” Ignis nudged Prompto who nodded.

“Yeah! When you’re ready we can do all that magic stuff, but only then.” Prompto held up his arm like Noct had shown him before. Noct gave his arm a bump and returned the smile before turning to Axis and Pelna. It was hard to gauge what those two were thinking, well perhaps more so Axis than Pelna.

“I’m with Ignis. We don’t want you to do something you don’t want, but umm...why did you call him ‘his majesty’?” Pelna stared at Noct as if the kid had suddenly grown another head or something. Gladio couldn't help the small chuckle.

“That is because he is the prince of Lucis. Or I suppose king now,” Ignis said without missing a beat.

“K-King? Fucking Six, Axis, we’ve been--”

“Yeah,” Axis glared at Ignis and then at Noct. “What about this guy?”

“Me?” Gladio asked, scoffing. “I’m just a shield.”

“Gladio!” Noct glared. “You’re more than just that. Geez. Anyway, what about you, Axis?”

“I don’t need some foreign king’s power. No, I’ll be fine. We all will.” Axis turned away from Noct, who flinched at the words 'foreign king'.

That was how this world saw Noct. He was a foreign king to them. Things were different. Maybe restoring the throne wasn't going to be something they could do. Gladio thought about the reason for them having gone through the cryofreeze in the first place. Axis stopped short only to look at Noct. “

You shouldn’t offer that kind of power to just anyone. You don’t know who you can trust just yet, right?”

“Axis!” Pelna rushed after Axis, who simply left after giving that piece of advice.

Noct let out a long sigh, probably from the relief of having not being pressured into wearing the ring. Gladio was actually surprised none of them wanted to use the magic that only the king could offer. But more than that, that they all seemed to think of Noctis as a person. It dawned on Gladio that these people had survived years without a king, or a prince for that matter. These people didn’t know what it meant to be connected to a king and the crystal, like Cor and he was. Maybe, they didn’t need to use the crystal power, because maybe they didn’t need to restore the monarchy. They still had to take down the Niffs, but their futures after that, well it was just as open if they survived that long.

[alia-turin]

Fic Title: Broken Bonds [Chapter VIII]   All Chapters: Master List

Rating:T Characters: OC, Libertus Ostium, Cor Leonis,  Luche Lazarus (mentioned), Titus Drautos | Glauca (mentioned), Nyx Ulric (mentioned), Gladiolus Amicitia, Crowe Altius (mentioned), Iris Amicitia, Prompto, Ignis Summary: Finally I reached ‘Iggy’s chapter’. Somelight hearted conversation between Ignis and Ada about Altissia, the ring and the upcoming Ignis restaurant. Things with Cor getting messier.  Notes: There is small Episode Ignis spoiler Tagging:  @birdsandivory  @yourcoolfriendwithallthecandy @jojopitcher @fromunseeliecourt @lazarustrashpit  @littlestfangirl

(if you wish to be tagged or untagged, please let me know)

Ada was at the bridge waiting for Gladio for their usual early morning work-out. She had spent the rest of the night on the wall taking over someone else’s duties. The hunters could use some rest and she couldn’t sleep anyway. She had yet again abandoned the Marshal in the middle of his sleep but she was struggling with how to deal with him. Of course, the problem wasn’t Cor, the problem was in her and she knew that sooner or later he would get bored of her bullshit and just tell her to leave him alone. Maybe subconsciously that was what she was trying to do? Maybe she was so scared of getting close to another human being that’s he was sabotaging herself.

“I’m afraid Gladio is busy this morning.” Ada turned around to see Ignis standing almost behind her. How on earth didn’t she hear him? “But if you want I can spar with you, it has been a while since I have had any sort of training.”

“But you are…” Ada was going to say ‘blind’ but stopped herself. How do you point that out without sounding like absolutely bitch?

“Blind?” the man suggested. “It is inconvenient but I have learned to find my way around it.”

She looked at him, glad that he cannot see the doubt covering her face. On one hand she was curious. She knew he lost his sight in Altissia but continued to follow the Prince long after, and the Prince’s journey certainly was eventful. Ignis had found his way around it, literary, but she still wasn’t sure she wanted to be the person who set the helpless retainer on fire.

“Okay…” she finally said. “But I won’t hold back.”

“I would be disappointed if you do.” He made a step back and adjusted one of his gloves.

Just now Ada realized she knew nothing about how he fights. Gladio was a powerhouse and that was his weakness as well. Prompto was their gun guy but physically he was easy to win over even for someone as small as she was. She has never seen Ignis fight.

She started casting a spell but before she finished there was a snowstorm around her and she knew it wasn’t hers.

‘That’s my trick…’ Ada thought but before she could even decide what to do Ignis appeared out of nowhere and swing at her with iced dagger. She had to wrap in the last possible second in order to avoid the hit. A very accurate hit which was going to end in her chest if she didn’t wrap. It was hard to admit but it wasn’t skill that saved her ass, it was pure instinct.

The storm was beginning to pass and she could see him, slowly but confidently walking toward her. She wrapped behind him, her dagger aiming for the back of his neck, but he somehow avoided that. She followed with series of knife attacks and wraps, but he was avoiding all of them. Casting her favourite snowstorm was going to be useless, he couldn’t see anyway, it was only her line of sight that was going to be affected. That exchange continued for a while, he was blocking or just evading every single attack she was making and even she managed to trip him few times he would always roll away just before the final blow. He cast a snowstorm again and Ada could feel her patients disappearing. She rushed towards him in all or nothing attack and it turned out to be nothing. She could barely see him, and he turned out to be closer than she thought. He tripped her, Ada fell hard, hitting her head in the cold ground. She tried to wrap but his cold dagger was pressed against her throat.

“I believe that’s my win.” She could see the man smiling and she smiled back even if she was sure he couldn’t see that.

“Well fought.” She responded and pushed herself up. Ignis was already standing, offering her a hand. It was amazing how during the fight she could swear he could see every move she made, but now…his hand was offered to her but it was a bit in general direction so it was up to her to find it and grab it.

“How do you do that?” she took his hand and found herself on her feet.

“I’m not completely helpless. Plus, lack of sight helps me focus on other senses and even feelings.”

“This glaive’s arrogance probably helped you.” At least she could admit she was beaten. She remembered a time when Tredd pulled pranks on her for a week because she kicked his ass.

“If you were arrogant, you wouldn’t take the loss so well.” He adjusted jus gloves and added. “Can ask you something?”

“Sure. It’s your right as a winner” Ada teased and walked with him towards the railing of the bridge.

“I know that the Marshal agreed to the idea about the restaurant and he had some conditions abut it and I also know that you, Gladio and Prompto managed to fulfil his conditions.”

At first Ada nodded but stupidly realized he couldn’t see that.

“Yes, we have.” She voiced her motion.

“Would it be extremely ungrateful of me, if I ask you to change the location?” he continued.

“No, especially since you ask so nicely.” Ada was more than impressed with his way of speaking. Part of her was even jealous. “But, where and why?”

“Galdin Quay.” He said calmly. “It is the place on this continent closer to Angelgard and I want to be as close as possible once the prince awakens.” He fell silent of a moment then continued. “Plus, they used to have excellent restaurant and as far as I am told must of their equipment is still there.”

“I really don’t see an issue with that.” Ada found the devotion Ignis had to the young prince more than admirable. Then again, the prince was their only hope for actual survival, she would probably camp in the water if that was possible and was going to bring him back to this world. “You might need to run that past Cor. I mean the Marshal.”

“I am aware who Cor is.” He gave her a teasing half smile and Ada realized she was blushing. Did he somehow know… “Did the Marshal give you trouble for that? Your voice was shacking when you mentioned him.”

“No, it’s not about that. We had a disagreement about something, but is unrelated.” It wasn’t actually a lie. It was just that she had a disagreement, with herself regarding him. At what point of her life did she become so unsure and scared of everything… “Can I ask you something. It’s fine if you don’t want to respond.” She decided to change the topic quickly before he sensed something else in her voice.

“Go ahead.” He had raised one of his eyebrows in curious expression.

“After Altissia…how…I mean it’s one thing to fight with me in more or less controlled environment, but you guys travelled so far. How?” She hoped that wasn’t pushing it too far.

“I had friends with me.” He didn’t even hesitate to answer. “And I had no choice. I have sworn to serve my prince and I would do anything I can to do so. Even if it wasn’t my oath, Noct means more to me than I can put into words. In Altissia I was ready to die for him, and that hasn’t changed ever since. Losing my sight is inconvenient, but as long as I could help him and support him, I will do that until I am breathing.”

Ada just stared at him admiring his devotion and wondering what kind of person was the young prince to inspire that. She had never spoken with the prince, just seen him few times. The royal family was rarely a responsibility of the glaives. She had a lot of respect of his father, but again it wasn’t because she knew the father but because of his actions. Ironically same actions that provoked respect in her had born anger in others.

“Did you know the glaive that put on the king’s ring?” Ignis’ question surprised her.

“Which one, there were two?” Ada could feel heart sinking somewhere in her stomach.

“Two? I always thought there was one. The glaive that defeated general Glauca.” He seemed surprised and Ada didn’t blame him. “I know that he passed away after the event, I tried to speak with Libertus but he avoided the topic.”

“They were close friends. We were all kind of close. You develop certain sort of affection toward people who fight and bleed with you even if you wouldn’t be friends in other circumstances, but these two knew each other before they joined the Kingsglaive. I think Libertus still hopes that Nyx is somewhere there but, if he was, we would have known. Also, no offence, but Nyx died after he put the ring, and here you are. I’m sure Libertus doesn’t hate you, it’s not your fault, but he probably cannot come to terms with the fact Nyx wasn’t so…lucky. If that could be called luck.” Ada was surprised at her own words. She never thought about that before, mostly because she had learned to accept things as they were long time ago. Ever since her family left Galahd she had been accepting what life was throwing her way and just fighting for her survival. She had accepted Nyx’s death and even if she mourned the loss of her friend in her own way, she knew no amount of ager or regret will bring him back. Too bad she couldn’t say the same about Luche’s death.

“You said there was another glaive?” she was hoping her words were forgotten but that wasn’t the case apparently.

“Libertus probably knows more about that than me.” Even if she was trying hard to avoid the topic, she actually knew very little about that. “He was somebody close to me, but decided to go where I couldn’t follow. Libertus told me he put the ring and the old kings killed him on the spot. That’s all I know.”

“The kings could be cruel.” Ignis added.

They both fell in silence after that. She had to fight her urge to defend Luche. She knew he messed up and he did deserve a punishment, but death? Losing a limb was going to be more than sufficient. And of course, there was Nyx. He didn’t deserve what he got either, but here they were.

“I will travel to Galdin Quay with Iris to set things up.” Ada said finally. “If you can just run it past the Marshal…” as she said that she saw a familiar figure approaching in the distance. ‘Fuck.’ Ada suddenly wished she could wrap somewhere but that wasn’t really an option. “I need to go.”

“Thank you, Ada” Ignis almost shouted after her since she was already on her way.

There was no avoiding that now. She took a deep breath and walked toward the city, same direction where the man she wanted to avoid was coming from. She tried to pass as far as possible from him but that didn’t work out. Her heart was beating so hard in her chest she thought she might drop down any moment now with a heart attack.

“I was hoping to wake up next to you today.” Cor had grabbed her wrist as she walked past him. It wasn’t a strong grip, in fact she didn’t even have to jerk her hand away in order to get free, but somehow, she found herself unable to release her wrist.

“I needed some fresh air.” She felt fourteen again, avoiding responsibilities with stupid excuses.

“Are you avoiding me again?” he let go of her and Ada was free to continue on her way but now she found it difficult to move away from him.  Everything about him was driving her crazy. His smell, his body, his voice, his eyes…she wanted him. Not just physically, she wanted all of him and it was strangely painful to realize that, but at the same time she couldn’t relax around him exactly because she wanted him so much.

“No, I just have things to do…” she did but none of these things had to be completed now. “I will drop by once I’m done, also I think Ignis wants to speak with you.” She said all that way to fast and her body was finally released from whatever spell or madness had taken over her. “Please, don’t be angry with me.”

She didn’t wait for his response just walked away as fast as she could, hoping that at least part of her body was showing some sort of purpose, because clearly, she had none. Ironically, her avoidance of any personal issues had motivated her to work harder and help the people of Lestallum, but sooner or later she had to face the mess she had already created. Ada hoped that a demon was going to kill her before that happened.