#or...ship them to altissia better put

[thisfairytalegonebad]

Muscle Memory - Final Fantasy XV

Fandom: Final Fantasy XV Relationship: Prompto Argentum & Ignis Scientia Word count: 5k Summary:

"So I was thinking, we could try cooking something together? Just something easy, I promise. I’m honestly sick of Monica’s cooking.” The last part is said in a conspiratorial whisper like it’s a secret that Monica’s kind of a terrible cook. Ignis doesn’t quite laugh, but he exhales a little bit more forcefully in a way that could maybe be counted as a laugh if you squint, so Prompto counts it as a win. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” he says softly. It’s not a no, though, so Prompto pushes on.

Read the first ~1.7k below the cut or the whole thing on AO3 here.

Get to Altissia, find Luna. Then, to Gralea. Those were the goals – even at their worst, they always had a goal to work towards, some sort of guideline to follow.

Now, for the first time since Insomnia fell, they’re well and truly lost.

Stationed at Cape Caem for the lack of any better location to be in, things are tense to put it mildly. They’re waiting for Cor, who promised to be there as soon as possible but got held back by the increased demon activity, now that the night isn’t ending anymore.

Gladio is angry, an awful, simmering sort of anger. Prompto hasn’t actually dared to talk to him since they landed, but he’s noticed he’s not the only one avoiding him. Iris is just about the only one who is brave enough to approach him – and probably the only one who is allowed to approach him. Most of the time, he’s off doing gods know what and Prompto only catches glimpses of him for the most part.

He supposes he can’t really blame the guy. Over the years, Prompto has gotten a pretty good idea of the things Gladio got hammered into his head regarding his job. Losing your king inside a godsdamned rock of all things is probably the worst possible outcome right after letting him get killed.

Then, there’s Ignis, haunting the house like a polite ghost. Prompto worries about him, but he’s trying hard not to hover. Since Altissia, he likes to think he’s gotten kind of good at knowing when to help and when to leave Ignis to fend for himself, and in the safety of Caem, Prompto can tell that his help is less and less welcome.

Still, Ignis isn’t doing much at all – not that there is much for him to do. He spends a lot of his time sleeping, and Prompto’s not sure if he’s still not entirely healed from his injuries the curatives didn’t touch, if he’s just trying to kill time somehow, or if it’s the beginning of a depressive episode. The thought of it being the latter scares him, though in reality, it’s probably a little bit of everything.

As for Prompto himself… well. He’s kind of a nervous wreck, but the good thing about everyone dealing with their own shit is that he’s kind of flying under the radar. Much easier to plaster on a smile and pretend nothing’s wrong if no one asks.

He tries to keep busy – helping Dustin and Monica around the house, playing with Talcott, working on the ship with Cid. Filling his days with as much productivity as he can proves pretty effective in trying to ignore his feelings, even though he knows he’ll have to deal with them in all their ugliness sooner rather than later.

Just. Not yet. Not until Cor arrives, at least – he’s no use to anyone if he’s falling apart.

There’s not much Prompto can do for Gladio, so he just has to trust Iris to have that part covered. But surely, there’s gotta be something he can do for Ignis.

He mulls over it for a few days but comes up empty until an opportunity practically presents itself on a figurative silver platter.

In his excitement, it’s hard not to run up the stairs and barge into their room when he goes to fetch Ignis. There’s not even a guarantee that it’s a good idea, it could just as well go badly, but he has to try at least.

He does open the door with enough enthusiasm to make Ignis flinch, but he’s long learnt not to apologise for that kind of thing – Ignis much prefers if it’s not acknowledged at all, and Prompto is happy to play along if it makes him feel better.

“Prompto? Is something wrong?” Ignis asks, stepping out of the bathroom where he’s been attempting to style his hair. He’s limping a little, the unfortunate result of tripping over the uneven terrain of Caem and twisting his ankle yesterday.

It’s not a bad injury, but it serves as a reminder that even something as simple as walking is a challenge now, and it’s enough that Ignis has been in a bad mood ever since. They all can make curatives to a degree like everyone who’s connected to the crystal, but they’re nowhere near as effective as Noct’s, so they’ve agreed to save them for severe injuries for now. That means that Ignis is forced to leave his ankle to heal on its own and therefore continues to be affected by it, which just pisses him off even more.

“How’s your ankle?” Prompto asks, ignoring the question.

“It’s fine,” Ignis says immediately, not that Prompto expected a different answer.

“Fine enough to be standing on it for a while?”

Ignis frowns. “I suppose so. Prompto, what is this about?”

He sounds impatient, which maybe isn’t the best premise for Prompto’s plan, but he tries anyway.

“While we were gone, Monica planted some more veggies in the garden. Y’know, other than those carrots. They were ready for harvest, but Tony will only buy the carrots, so we kinda have a metric ton of veggies we have to use,” Prompto starts to explain.

Ignis looks like he has an idea of where this is going and isn’t looking thrilled about it, but Prompto doesn’t give him the chance to interrupt.

“So I was thinking, we could try cooking something together? Just something easy, I promise. I’m honestly sick of Monica’s cooking.”

The last part is said in a conspiratorial whisper like it’s a secret that Monica’s kind of a terrible cook.

Ignis doesn’t quite laugh, but he exhales a little bit more forcefully in a way that could maybe be counted as a laugh if you squint, so Prompto counts it as a win.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” he says softly.

It’s not a no, though, so Prompto pushes on.

“C’mon, dude, you can make me do all the dirty work, I don’t mind!”

“Prompto…”

“Do you have anything better to do?” Prompto challenges. It’s a bit of a low blow, but it’s worth a shot.

With a sigh that sounds bone-weary, Ignis finally admits, “No. I don’t.”

Prompto cheers and grabs Ignis’ hand, impatiently tugging until he follows down the stairs.

“Okay, so, I was thinking maybe we could do a stir fry? Gladio went to collect mussels and stuff this morning, so we could make it with seafood.”

“There’s a lot of chopping to be done for a stir fry,” Ignis points out.

Prompto shrugs, then remembers that Ignis can’t see that. “That’s fine, I can do it if you want. Just tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”

For a second, Ignis looks like he’s going to take the easy route and agree to Prompto’s suggestion, but then he shakes his head.

“No, I– if I am to cook again, I’ll have to learn to do all of it eventually. I might as well get started right away.”

There’s a hint of his usual fire in his voice – just a spark compared to the bright flame Prompto has gotten used to, before Ignis’ injury, but it’s there and that’s more than enough for now.

“Awesome! Sooo, what’s first?”

Ignis says they're going to do something called a mise en place which Prompto vaguely recognises from some cooking show he used to watch. He gets Prompto to fetch him the tools and ingredients he'll need for the recipe he has in mind but asks for them to be handed to him instead of being placed by Prompto.

“I’ll need to know where everything is, anyway,” he explains when his fingers brush against Prompto’s to grab a knife from him. “If I do it myself, I’ll already be familiar with the layout.”

Then, everything looks ready to Prompto’s untrained eye, but Ignis hesitates over the chopping board.

“Prompto,” he starts, then falls silent as he mulls over his next words. “Are you certain about this?”

The question comes as such a surprise that it has Prompto reeling for a moment. It sounds so much like Ignis is seeking reassurance from him, like he's insecure, and that's just wrong on so many levels.

“Of course I’m sure! Dude, if anyone can do this it’s you!”

Ignis’ shoulders relax somewhat, but he still looks uncomfortable and a little lost in the kitchen that once was his natural habitat.

“I’ll get frustrated,” he warns, one last attempt to get Prompto to back out. “If I cannot manage it right away. I might snap at you. You think me patient, but I have to be honest – this has eaten up just about all of the patience I had left.”

This refers to the loss of his vision, of course. Ignis seems to think it’s shameful somehow, that he’s struggling, and Prompto thinks that’s a load of bullshit.

He doesn’t tell Ignis that, at least not in those words. Instead, he steps closer into Ignis’ space, with enough noise that he doesn’t startle him. Bumping their shoulders together in a silent display of support, he says, “That’s fine. Most people would probably get frustrated, it’s normal. I won’t take it personally.”

A few months ago, hell, a few weeks ago, that would’ve been a lie. The Prompto from a few weeks ago, with his self-worth issues the size of Titan, would have taken anything thrown at him to heart, beaten himself up over it and agonised over it for days after. Especially if it came from Ignis, whose approval has always been so embarrassingly important to him.

It’s different now. It’s different because he has fought his way through Niflheim’s icy hellscape fueled only by Aranea’s promise that his friends were trying to find him. Because they did come to find him. Because Noct told him that they were worried about him. And because they kept loving him even after learning what he really is.

He still doubts many aspects of himself, but the love his friends have for him, at least, is no longer one of them.

Ignis is smiling a little now, leaning into the touch of their shoulders. He’s always given physical affection freely, but he used to rarely accept it for himself. Now, though, he’s more reliant on touch than ever before and even though he never said anything, Prompto can tell he’s grateful for his easy, casual touching.

“Very well. Then… I suppose I should give this a try. If I cut myself, it’ll be your fault,” he threatens, but the last part is teasing enough that Prompto just snorts.

----

Read the rest on AO3

[phillestatos]

incrowrrupted by fireworks

genre: fluff

warnings: none

summary: Phil plans a trip to Altissia to propose to Dan, because there isn’t a more romantic place than Altissia, right? Right. Thing is, he forgot the Moogle-Chocobo Carnival was a thing. It’s just his luck, isn’t it?

words: 1.8k

a/n: My contribution for the @pinofsappreciation project! HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY NIKKI @pinofs!!!!!!! sorry this isn’t a SERIOUS fic, i thought abt something that you could like and TECHNICALLY it’s not a ffxv au…technically. slightly. idk. i thought about this as soon as i found out abt the project and yet the idea it’s not quite a ffxv au. go me.

i wanted to name it something else than The Hell Song I Shall Not Mention, but i thought i could let it pass because the main quest IS named that, and also, it’s a pun bc kenny crow is the only good man in my life

i hope you enjoy this nikki!!!!!! happy birthday!!!! ily!!! :D

Maybe Phil should’ve planned this through.

When he said to his longtime boyfriend, “Hey, let’s go to Altissia,” he meant it so he could have a good place to propose, not…

Phil sighs, staring up at the giant carnival. He just wanted to propose, not to assist to a carnival. He had forgotten entirely of what was going on that day. It’s only his luck that one of the most important days of his life had to also overlap with the Choco-Mog Carnival.

“The Carnival!” Dan exclaims with a bright smile. “I forgot this was going on!”

Phil nods. Yeah, he forgot too.

Before he could reply that it wasn’t on his plans to come to the Carnival, a tall person wearing a Chocobo hat and t-shirt stops in front of them, shaking their hands animatedly.

“Welcome to the Carnival!” he says energetically. “Would you like to wear outfits appropriate for this marvelous time of the year?”

“What…kind of outfits?” Phil asks, wearily. The little box on his jacket weighs a little, but since he’s already here, might as well go with it, right?

The guy points out to their right, where there’s a big clothing shop. In the exhibitions, there are two mannequins – one of them wearing the same outfit the attendant is, and the other one wearing…

“Is that a Mariachi chocobo-moogle outfit?” Dan asks, frowning slightly at the exhibition.

“Why, yes! Would you be interested in wearing them?”

“…I gotta admit the jacket is pretty cool,” Dan hums. “Pretty snazzy.”

“Don’t say that,” Phil laughs a little, but nods at the attendant anyways. “I want the shirt, please.”

“Follow me!”

There’s a bit of meddling around, trying to get past the millions of people, until they finally make it to the store.

As he’s changing, Phil takes a deep breath. It’s fine, he can do this. It’s barely 1pm. He has plenty of time to propose to Dan.

He just needs to be in the highest place for when the firework show begins. Maybe his proposal wouldn’t get so hijacked if he could propose in the middle of the fireworks, right?

He wonders if he’s making a bigger deal out of it than he should. He figures, it’s Dan — they’ve been together for eight years now. He shouldn’t be so nervous about this. But also, it’s Dan, the person he wants to spend the rest of his life with and for some reason the thought is terrifying. There is always the chance that it’s not what they both want, and it’s scaring him to death.

He comes out of the dressing room with his new Chocobo t-shirt, just in time to see Dan fiddling with the sombrero on his hands.

“You should put it on,” Phil grins mischievously. “It’d look great.”

Dan rolls his eyes. “I’m pretty sure it’d just be straight up offensive. I’m good with the jacket, thank you.” He stares at Phil with a smile taking over his face. “You look like a true Chocobo lover.”

Phil spins around a little, staring down at his t-shirt. “I am a Chocobo lover. I feel like I’m in my right nature, you know?” He looks at Dan up and down. “Your outfit is pretty cool, too.”

“Snazz—”

“No. Come on, let’s keep going around.”

—

For lack of better words, Altissia is breathtaking. Phil hasn’t been here often — not like he can, anyway, he’s busy and Altissia is miles away from Insomnia, but every time he comes around the city keeps blowing him away. Dan’s eyes are almost sparkling with excitement as he looks up all around him.

Phil’s not sure what endears him the most — the city, or Dan. He wants to do it; just get down on one knee and open the box, but just as he thinks that, a man walks between them and grabs Phil by his shoulders.

“My baby chicks!” he yells. Phil frowns, staring frantically between Dan and the guy. “They’re lost!”

“Your what?” Dan asks, grabbing the man’s arms and pulling him off Phil. “Chicks?”

“My chocobos,” the man laments, putting his head on his hands. “I’ve lost my baby chocobos, all fifteen of them—”

“Fifteen?” Phil’s frown deepens. “Why would you bring fifteen baby chocobos?”

“It’s a Chocobo-moogle carnival, boy. I wanna show ‘em off. Please,” he sniffs, “please help me find them.”

Dan and Phil look at each other, and Phil already knows the answer: they can’t say no. Immediately, they’re on their way to find the missing fifteen chocobos.

—

“I think we’re lost,” Dan hums after going up and down the same stairs thirty-times.

“Yeah, no kidding,” Phil says, staring up at the sky. The sun is going down, and they only have found two chocobos — both are on Phil’s arms as he jogs up and down the stairs — and have already gotten lost in the big city. “I think we should go all the way up?”

“You think so?” Dan looks at both of the chocobos in Phil’s arms. “You really think baby chocobos will climb that high?”

Phil shrugs as best as he can when he’s carrying two heavy baby birds. “It’s worth the try.”

“You want me to pick one up?”

“Kweh!” the baby Chocobo says, and Dan laughs as he picks it up. “Kweh-kweh-kweh!”

“I think it likes you,” Phil grins a bit. Dan nuzzles the Chocobo and Phil melts on spot.

He really, really wants to propose right now.

“Hey, Dan?”

Dan looks up.

Phil swallows a bit. “I wanted to ask you —” his eyes focus on what’s behind Dan, upstairs. “Hey, another Chocobo!”

They both rush upstairs, and once they get there, they pick up the new Chocobo, already a bit out of breath.

“What did you want to ask?”

“Um…” Phil backtracks. Why did his nerves get the best of him? “How are we gonna carry fifteen chocobos?”

“…You know, I didn’t stop to think about it.” Dan’s lips form a perfectly straight line. “I think we fucked up.”

—

Seven chocobos later and several bad situations where Phil thought about proposing, it’s 6pm, which means there’s about two hours until the firework show begins. And Dan just keeps getting distracted. Phil loves him and all, but he’d love him more if he stopped ruining his plans every five seconds.

He’s been here for twenty minutes as Dan discusses aesthetics with the lady who runs the decorations.

The lady looks like she’s about to hit his boyfriend. “The instructions say ‘for every kweh, there is a kupo’,” she says, barely holding back her rage.

Dan, of course, isn’t chill. “Yeah, but it’s ugly that way. There’s no aesthetic. Two chocobos and two moogles next to each other on a row isn’t a good choice.”

Phil rolls his eyes fondly. Dan’s passionate about a lot of things, even silly things as how chocobos and moogles should be arranged. His heart squeezes, and Phil wonders how awkward it would be for the lady if he just got down in one knee and proposed.

“Dan, just place the things as the instructions say,” Phil pleads, snapping out of his proposal ideas, remembering the chocobos he’s trying to not let go. “We’re wasting our time. We got eight chocobos to go.”

“But…”

“Dan.”

Dan frowns at the lady for a few moments, but ultimately lets it go. “I hope you know I hate you,” he mutters, but still picks up the chocobos and walks close to Phil.

Phil wonders if it’s possible to love someone more.

—

Fifteen baby chocobos delivered in a basket later, Phil finally gets Dan to the boat to get a perfect view of the fireworks. He tries his best to not get motion sick, but again: much like his plan this entire day, he didn’t think this through.

Dan is sitting across him, in awe at the entire scenario developing in front of him. People are getting ready to see the fireworks, and Dan grows more excited every second that passes. Phil is in love, but also, he’s really sick.

A boat wasn’t a good idea, definitely.

Still, he takes a deep breath, and grabs Dan’s hand.

“So, I want to tell you something. Or, more like, I want to ask you something.”

Dan raises his eyebrows. “What is it? Is everything okay? You’re looking slightly green…”

Crap.

“We’ve been together for eight years now, and I love you, and— there is a giant black thing coming at full speed in that boat.”

“What?”

“LOOK OUT!” Phil throws himself on top of Dan, effectively knocking each other off the boat.

The cold water receives Phil with open arms, and he almost yells, until he remembers he’s underwater and that’s not a clever idea. Both he and Dan resurface, taking a deep breath.

“What the fuck happened?” Dan asks, voice shaking.

Phil turns around to look at their boat. The black figure suddenly makes sense for Phil — and it’s both a betrayal and a shocking revelation.

“Kenny Crow is in our boat,” he deadpans, pointing at Kenny, who’s stretching his legs and downing on a bottle of water without stopping to breathe. “He… he kicked us out of our own boat.”

Dan stares at Kenny Crow for a good solid minute. “Kenny fucking Crow stole our boat.” He stops, swallows, and says in the most broken voice in the world: “Do you know how much money I’ve spent at the Crow’s Nest? I… I can’t ever go back!”

“Is he breathing?” Phil asks, concerned, because seriously — he hasn’t stopped to breathe. He’s still drinking the water.

“I’m not sure.” Dan frowns. “Kenny Crow ruined your marriage proposal.”

“Yeah he—wait, what? How did you know?”

“Well, what other kind of questions begins by stating how long we’ve been together?”

Phil pouts. “You don’t know. Maybe I was about to ask you to let me steal one of the baby chocobos.”

Dan snorts. “You’re right, I should’ve known.” He looks at Phil. “My answer is yes, by the way.”

“To the Chocobo or the marriage proposal?”

“The marriage proposal, you idiot.”

Phil’s heart starts racing, but surprisingly, he feels calm. “That’s great. I’m glad you said yes.”

“Yeah, but I expect an actual proposal back in Insomnia, alright?”

“You got it.” Phil stares down. “Hey, maybe we should get out of the water?”

“That’s a good idea!”

Phil gets to the dock and helps Dan up. It’s just in time as the fireworks start. They both sit down at the edge of it, Dan’s head resting on Phil’s shoulder as they see the first firework go off. It feels like a zoo inside Phil’s belly because he’s technically engaged, but also, there’s peace and warmth when he realizes this is what he’ll have for the rest of his life: a companion who’ll stick with him even when Kenny Crow steals their boat.

Just as he’s about to lean down and kiss Dan’s forehead, Kenny Crow speeds by in the boat, showering them in water again.

“MOTHERFUCKER—”

They’re never going back to Crow’s Nest.

[echoes-of-the-clockwork]

Book Two: Sapphire (Ignis x Reader) Chapter III

The next morning, Gladio dragged Noctis out of bed so they could leave. Ignis finished dressing himself and looked around the motel room. He couldn't find Prompto or (Y/n). Having no doubt the boy had taken the spirit again, he walked out of the room. Scanning the area, he immediately found the two. What shocked him was Prompto's position. He was laying down on the ground on his stomach, his legs swinging back and forth. His camera was trained on the skvader as she laid down on the ground.

"C'mon, work with me here, (Y/n)!" Prompto begged. "How about you hide behind the motel and transform? And when you're ready, you can call me."

The spirit yawned, her nose wiggling slightly. She flopped down on her side with a faint grunt. Lowering his camera, Prompto nibbled on his bottom lip. "Okay, that was really adorable, but not what I was looking for."

"Prompto," Ignis called out, stepping off the porch of the motel. "You'll soil your clothes laying on the ground in such a manner."

"Aaand Mama Ignis has appeared," he sighed. Pushing himself off the ground, he held his camera close to his chest. "Morning to you too, Iggy."

(Y/n) shot up at hearing his name. She dashed over to the advisor and climbed up his body until she was situated on his left shoulder. She threw her long tail around his shoulders, nuzzling her body against the side of his neck. Once she was comfortable, she flopped down and allowed her hind legs to dangle from his shoulder.

Just then, Gladio and Noctis exit the motel room. Ignis glances at his other companions before deciding it was time to leave. "Let's see ourselves to Galdin, shall we?"

"Might as well," Noctis mumbled tiredly.

The group climbs into the Regalia and departs from Longwythe Rest Area. (Y/n) remained on Ignis' shoulder as he drove, enjoying the sensation of the wind blowing through her fur. She looked around as they passed through a ravine of sorts as the radio came to life. The station was broadcasting the news of the upcoming wedding between Noctis and Lunafreya. She could hear Gladio teasing the prince slightly when the broadcast ended, but tuned them out and continued to enjoy the scenery. It was her first time outside of the Crown City and she wanted to enjoy every second of it.

When Galdin Quay came into view from the highway, Prompto stood up in his seat in excitement. "Hey! I see the sea!"

"I "sea" it too," Noctis replied, eyes focused on the clear waters of the ocean.

"That's Galdin Quay," Ignis informed the group.

"Kinda wanna go for a dip," Gladio commented.

Noctis noticed the strange rock formation in the distance. "That a big mountain behind it?"

"No, it's an island," the strategist answered.

"Nobody goes to Galdin for an island, though," Prompto stated. "They go to kick back and get massages!"

"And savor the seafood. It's famously delicious."

"Sounds great," Noctis said.

"Somethin' to look forward to," the shield claimed.

(Y/n) couldn't tear her gaze away from the beautiful beaches of Galdin Quay. The water was clear and the sand was pure white. She already knew what she wanted to do, even though it would risk revealing her human form to Noctis, Gladio, and Prompto. She was going to relax on the beach and nothing was going to get in her way, not even Ignis.

Arriving at Galdin Quay, Ignis backed the Regalia up into a parking spot located by the gas pump. Everyone exited the vehicle and headed towards the Mother of Pearl. Walking across the lengthy boardwalk, they reach the entrance of the restaurant/hotel. A member of the staff greeted them, bowing politely with a hand over his chest. Their destination was the docks, which were located in the back.

They didn't make it far before two men approached them. The taller one had unkempt hair and was cladded in multiple layers of dark clothing. The other man had spiky black locks and wore a faded green jacket with a black t-shirt underneath. Below the waist he wore matching combat pants and black boots. Around his neck swayed the dog tags of what appeared to be his identification as a hunter.

The auburn-haired man was the first to speak. "I'm afraid you're out of luck."

"Are we?" Noctis asked, slightly bothered by the men's presences. He wanted them gone as soon as possible and he had no idea why.

"The boats bring you here."

"What about 'em?" Prompto wondered.

"You're not leaving anytime soon," the spiky-haired man answered. "Better get comfortable."

Gladio crosses his arms, glancing between the two strangers. "And what're your stories?"

"We're impatient travelers, ready to turn ship. The ceasefire's getting us nowhere," the auburn-haired man replied. He then gestures to his companion, who tosses a coin at Noctis.

Gladio snatches it out of the air before it can hit the prince. He examined the coin before looking back up at the strange men. "What's this? Some sort of souvenir?"

Prompto saw the coin and gaped. "They make those?"

Noctis also saw the coin and shook his head. "What? No."

"Consider it your allowance," the taller gentleman remarked with a small, unsettling smile.

"Yeah, and who's allowing us?" The shield scoffed.

He bowed slightly. "Men of no consequences." He then patted his companion on the shoulder. "Come, dear friend. Let us set off."

The spiky-haired man stood still as if her feet were nailed to the floor. He didn't budge as his emerald eyes dwelled on the skvader resting on Ignis' shoulder. Her sapphire eyes locked with his, earning a smirk from the stranger before turning to follow his friend.

"Yeah, right," Noctis sneered under his breath.

Prompto fiddled with his fingers in wonderment. "You believe what those guys said about the port being closed?"

"I'm skeptical, though I won't discount the possibility," Ignis replied.

"I say we go check it out for ourselves," Gladio said.

Walking through the Mother of Pearl, they pass by numerous of people who were enjoying what Galdin Quay had to offer. (Y/n) jumped off the strategist's shoulder and flew to the docks ahead of the boys. She sat near the edge of the docks and gazed out across the ocean. There were no boats in sight.

When she turned around, her eyes landed on a well-dressed young man who was sitting on one of the benches with his legs crossed. She realized he was staring at her with a wide-eyed expression. Carefully approaching him, she sat down a few inches from him. Her tail swished behind her as she squeaked at him, startling him.

The young man, having never met a guardian before, leant down and outstretched his hand to pet her. He was hesitant, but he pushed his fear aside when she stood up on her hind legs and nudged her head against his hand. "Well, aren't yous a friendly one."

(Y/n) looked away from the man when she heard Prompto groan out, "Aw, man. Not a ship in sight. What gives?"

The guardian turned around to see the boys were searching the docks for boats. The young man who was petting her stopped and addressed her companions. "According to my sources, the empire, giving strict orders not to let any vessels leave the docks of Altissia. Real shame if you were late to your own wedding-right, Prince Noctis? Name's Dino, by the way. Pleasure. The crown prince of Lucis, bounty hunting in his fancy car... Surely you didn't think it'd go unnoticed-at least not by this reporter? Lucky for you, this reporter has integrity. If you wanna remain incognito, I'll respect your wish...in exchange for a favor."

Noctis glared at him and kept himself from lashing out in anger at the man's threat. "What do you want?"

"Hey, I knew you'd come around!" Dino cheered. "Lemme see your map."

Reluctantly, the prince hands over the map. Dino pulls out a pen from his pocket and circles an area on the map. Putting the pen away, he handed the map back to Noctis. "Marked where you need to go on your map. All you gotta do is find me some rough gemstones-like this one. Do this, and your ship'll come in. Don't, and the papers'll run you outta town. Capisce?"

(Y/n) stared Dino down as the boys walked away. She didn't blink, which frightened him slightly. Although he was trying to hide his emotions behind a mask, she could tell from his silver gaze he would never truly blow Noctis' cover.

Satisfied with her analysis, she let out a final squeak before flying off to rejoin the others. She caught up with them just as they were stepping off the boardwalk. She wound up crash-landing on Noctis' head. She hung limply from his head with a faint huff. The prince tensed slightly when she collided with his head, but this wasn't the first time she's done so. He grabbed her small body and held her at eye level a few inches from his face. "Don't think I didn't see you with that reporter. You on his side now?"

Outstretching her front paws, (Y/n) made sure her sable claws were retracted before placing her paws on Noctis' cheeks. She squeaked, tapping her soft paws against his face lightly. A smile blossomed on the prince's face. He couldn't help but find her actions adorable. "Yeah, I know you would never betray us. You and Specs are attached at the hip."

The skvader climbed across Noctis' arm the moment he released her. She perched herself on his shoulder as he entered the backseat of the Regalia. Ignis, Gladio, and Prompto followed suit and it wasn't long before they left Galdin Quay to find what Dino requested.

Not far down the road, Ignis pulled the car over to the shoulder and parked. Everyone stepped out of the vehicle and followed Noctis up a stony path. They crossed over a rocky overhang that spanned across the road below. The prince, along with (Y/n) who was still on his shoulder, carefully examined the map before putting it away.

Eventually, they reach an outcrop where they find an enormous bird slumbering. It ruffled its feathers in its sleep, burying its beak against its puffed out chest. Prompto gasped at the sight of the immense beast. "Oh em gee. We're supposed to get near that thing?"

"Pipe down before you wake it up," Gladio hissed just above a whisper.

Crouching, Noctis took the lead and carefully maneuvered around the bird. The others were close behind him, eyes focused on the creature as they held their breath. (Y/n) flattened her small form against the prince's shoulder as they circled around the front of the bird. She could sense just how powerful it was due to its size alone.

Successfully making it past the zu, Noctis stalked over towards a mineral deposit. He grabbed one of the loose pieces of garnet stone and put it into his pocket. He glanced at (Y/n) from the corner of his eye once receiving a soft squeak in response to being able to find and secure what Dino wanted. "Better get it back to him," he whispered to her. She nodded her head in response.

Turning around, Noctis proceeded back the way they came. Ignis was by his side as they rounded around the zu. Unfortunately, the large bird was awoken by a seemingly unknown force. It unfurls its wings, flapping them as hard as it could and creating a powerful gust of wind. (Y/n) dug her claws into Noctis' jacket in a desperate attempt to keep herself from being blown away. Morosely, it wasn't enough. Her small body was sent sailing through the air as the zu took off.

Luckily, Ignis was close by and saw what happened. He snatched her body out of the air and held her close. He loosened his grip on her after the wind died down and the bird was out of sight. "Off it goes..."

Noctis inhaled deeply to calm his racing heart. "Oh, we made it out alive."

"Barely. I seriously thought we were at journey's end," Prompto whimpered.

"But that feat was fit for a king," Gladio commented.

"We've acquired what we came for. Time to return to Galdin," the advisor said. He released (Y/n) and watched her fly around without the fear of being blown away. She went ahead of the boys and returned to the Regalia.

Prompto had also been watching her until she vanished from sight. "You're not scared she'll fly off and never return, Iggy?"

"Not in the slightest," the tactician answered without hesitation. "The bond we share is unquestionable."

"In other words, you both like each other so much you stick together," Gladio smirked with a chuckle.

""Like" is not a plausible word to describe the bond between (Y/n) and I," Ignis corrected the shield. "What we share is far beyond "like"."

"Just saying how I see it."

The advisor's eyes narrowed at him. He wanted to question him, but he walked off before he could. With a sigh, he shook his head and followed after his friends.

During the car ride back to Galdin Quay, (Y/n) was in the backseat with Noctis and Gladio. Descending the windy road leading to their destination, she shoved her head into the prince's pocket, startling him. "H-Hey, (Y/n)!" Looking down, he saw her head pop out of his pocket with the fragment of garnet in her mouth. He wondered what she was going to do with it until he watched her fly out of the car and towards Galdin Quay. "Someone's impatient..."

The skvader was indeed impatient. She was eager to relax on the beach and that would only happen as soon as she could sneak away from the group and transform. She thought delivering the garnet to Dino herself would speed up the process. Why? She wasn't exactly sure.

Landing on the bench beside Dino, she placed the stone down and nudged it towards him with her nose. He picked it up, examining it closely to ensure it was what he asked for. A mix between a smirk and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Would yous look at that? Just what I asked for!" He immediately got to work creating his newest piece of jewelry. (Y/n) watched in amazement as he turned the small stone into a beautiful bracelet with what supplies he had with him. Once he was done, he admired his craftsmanship. "Gotta say, this is my best piece so far."

Just then, the boys arrived. Dino reveals his newest creation to them and handed it to Noctis. "Nice work, kid! Sorry for giving you such a hard time. I just had to get my hands on this, even if it meant blackmail. You understand, don't ya? Y'see, I'm a reporter by day, and an amateur jeweler by night. This elusive little beauty's gonna become a masterpiece. To make it up to you, I'll share a little scoop. That special coin you got-it commemorates the Oracle's ascension. That guy was tossing 'em out to everyone. Musta picked 'em up back in Niflheim. And speaking of freebies, here's one from me. Come back if you wanna buy more!"

Ignis eyed the fine piece of jewelry as Noctis accepted it from Dino. "I doubt a souvenir like that could make its way into the hands of an ordinary citizen."

"Well, it's our pocket change now," Prompto commented.

"As promised, I'm in the process of securing your ferry tickets right now. Told ya, I'm a man of integrity. Should be smooth sailing from here, so lemme know when you're ready to ship out," Dino stated.

The prince crossed his arms. "We've been ready."

"Guess I should've expected that," the reporter cackled. "The ship won't arrive 'til tomorrow! How 'bout you find a place to spend the night?"

Prompto glanced around at his friends. "Do we even have the money to spend the night?"

"We could always go camping instead," the brute spoke up.

"We do have the funds to secure a hotel room. Although, it will be the only one for a while until we procure more funds," Ignis explained.

"No way I'm camping if we can afford a hotel room," Noctis said. "You guys go do that. I'm gonna do some fishing."

"Can't let His Highness go alone," Gladio stated. "I'll go with you."

"Me too!" Prompto waves his hand in the air. "I wanna take pictures of the beach!"

"Then (Y/n) and I shall make arrangements," the advisor informed the others. Noctis, Gladio, and Prompto left the docks to head to the beach. Ignis and (Y/n) headed towards the rooms available inside the restaurant and paid 10,000 gil for one. They entered the large, beautiful room where the spirit changed forms. She sat on the edge of the bed for a few seconds before flopping down on her back. Her (h/c) locks fanned out across the sheets as she stared up at the ceiling.

"Feeling enervated?" Ignis questioned as he had been watching her.

"A little," she confessed. "Sleeping has been difficult to do ever since we left the city. Even napping is difficult."

"Something plagues your mind?" He inquired.

"Nothing like that, but..." The sapphire-eyed girl sat up. She placed her hands in her lap, staring at the floor. "I hear a voice in my sleep, and even sometimes when I'm awake. I've tried to push it aside as nothing, but something tells me I need to listen. Maybe I'm finally going crazy."

"Shall we investigate this voice?"

She shook her head. "No, don't worry about it." Standing up, she walked over to the windows, which made up one entire wall of the room. She admired the beautiful, glistening ocean for some time. She then focused on her reflection in the window. Alongside herself, she saw Ignis sitting down in one of the chairs. He was flipping through the book that held all his recipes. With a huff, she spun around. Her heels clacked against the floor as she walked towards the door.

Ignis looked up the moment she strolled past him. Looking over his shoulder, he called out to her. "(Y/n), where are you heading?"

"The beach. I've been dying to relax ever since we first came here. It'll also help me sort out my thoughts," the guardian replied.

"What of the others?"

"They won't know it's me." She opened the door. "I'll be back soon, Iggy."

Stepping out of the room, she closed the door behind her. Walking through the Mother of Pearl, she could already feel eyes on her as she sauntered by many people. She tried her best to ignore the stares, knowing not many people have seen a guardian due to their scarcity. She clamped a hand over the sapphire gemstone embedded in her chest. She held her breath and sped up her pace so she could reach the exit quicker.

(Y/n) exhaled heavily. She dropped her hand from her chest the moment she was walking across the long boardwalk. She thought she was in the clear, but her eyes widened when she saw Noctis, Gladio, and Prompto were already on their way back. She thought they would've been gone longer. Pushing her thoughts aside, she looked away from them and prayed to the Astrals they would simply stroll past her. However, her prayer went unanswered. The moment her eyes locked with Prompto's, her body tensed. She immediately looked away and continued walking. As she walked past the blonde, she did force herself to look back at him and offer a kind, shy smile.

What she didn't see was Prompto's wide-eyed expression. His jaw was unhinged, hanging in disbelief. He nearly dropped his camera because of the shock he was in. Gladio also took notice of (Y/n), not recognizing who she was. He crossed his arms with a smirk as his eyes watched her head to the beach. "Now there's a woman."

Wondering who his friends were staring at, Noctis looked at the guardian. Just by looking at her, he could feel a sense of familiarity but pushed it aside since he didn't recognize her. He looked away and saw Prompto and Gladio still had their eyes focused on her. "Why're you guys staring?"

"Dude, are you seriously that blind?" Prompto gasped. "We just came across another goddess! That's two in two days!"

"If you're so interested, go talk to her."

"M-Me?"

Gladio smacked him on the back. "Go for it, pipsqueak. If you fail, I'll take over."

"I'll try...."

Meanwhile on the beach, (Y/n) took her heels off and walked across the sand. She didn't mind the sand sticking to the bottom of her tights since she could easily brush it off later. She admired the lapping waves and the various fish swimming around. The salty breeze blew through her (h/c) locks, a sensation she came to enjoy. Even the sun's warmth against her skin felt different. She wasn't sure what it was about the beach that made the sensation different from anywhere else.

A few peaceful minutes ticked by before (Y/n)'s attention was drawn by a small 'click' and a flash. Looking to her left, she saw Prompto with his camera raised. Her eyes widened in surprise at seeing him. She could even see the faint blush on his cheeks, not sure if it was from the sun or embarrassment.

"I-I'm so sorry!" He quickly apologized. "I-I should've asked before taking your picture."

The guardian smiled, desperately trying to suppress her shyness. Morosely, she wasn't successful. "I-It's okay. Is, um...is there something I can help you with?"

The boy shook his head. "N-No, I just thought y-you were really beautiful and it's my job a-as a photographer to capture everything beautiful."

Her smile widened at his pure heart. "That's very sweet of you."

Prompto quickly looked away, his blush deepening. "S-Sorry to bother you."

Before she could reply, he stormed off. She watched him run all the way to the Mother of Pearl, blinking in surprise at how fast he was sprinting. She hadn't expected Prompto to say such a kind, sweet thing to her. Now it was going to be awkward when she would introduce herself to him and the others in the near future.

Sighing, she combed her slightly disheveled hair behind her ears. She closed her eyes for a few minutes, listening to the waves as they lapped against the white sand of the beach. Just like before, her blissful moment was cut short when sensing the presence of another. This time, she was all-too-familiar with the presence and knew who it was before even looking. "Come to join me, Iggy?" Turning her head, she met his emerald gaze. Unlike with Prompto, she didn't stutter. Ignis was the only person she wasn't shy around because of how long they'd been together.

"I have," the strategist answered. "Although under false pretenses."

(Y/n) looked off in the distance and saw Noctis, Prompto, and Gladio watching them closely from the parking lot. They were trying to hide themselves behind one of the vehicles parked. "Oh, no... Is this their plan?"

"More of Gladio's than Noct's or Prompto's."

She placed her heels in the sand. "Is this another bet to see if you can get a woman?" It wouldn't have been the first time the boys had forced Ignis to speak to a woman to see if he did have any charm.

He pinched in the bridge of his nose. "Indeed..."

(Y/n) reminisced in the many memories she's made with him. "Now that I think about it, you never did bring home anyone. I know you're really serious about your dedication to Noctis, but that doesn't mean you don't have time for your own life. Your happiness matters, too."

Ignis casted his gaze to the ocean. He already knew why he hadn't brought home anyone, not even during his high school years. While he had been occupied with juggling school and his duties to the Crown, he always found time for himself in order to keep his sanity in check. Unlike many people his age who were bringing home a special someone, he didn't have to go search for someone who captured his heart. The young woman beside him already captivated his heart without her knowing. He'd been infatuated with her for many years now, but he kept his true feelings bottled up. He was frightened she wouldn't want him in return and even if she did, he was worried he couldn't commit himself fully to the relationship being the advisor of the prince. He didn't want her to feel as if she came second because of his duties.

What Ignis didn't know was that she already felt second in his heart. Ever since formally becoming Noctis' advisor, she was no longer first in his world. She was placed on the back-burner, knowing her life wasn't as important as Noctis'. In her mind, she was disposable. The prince wasn't. Just like Ignis, (Y/n) kept her deepest emotions buried in the darkest corner of her heart. She admired his conviction to his position, not angered in the slightest when she was no longer the most important person to him.

"Ignis?" The guardian gently called out his name after a prolonged silence.

The advisor reconnected his gaze with hers. "Yes?"

"You will find your own happiness, won't you?"

"I will in due time. As should you, (Y/n)."

She didn't care about her own happiness, only his. Faking a convincing smile, she nodded. "I'm sure I will find that special someone soon." It was a bitter lie on her tongue. She clutched the hem of her dress, bunching up the fabric before releasing it. Bending down, she grabbed her heels. Her eyes drifted over to the other boys, smirking slightly when seeing their flabbergasted expressions. "I think we can safely assume you win this bet. Make sure Gladio pays his dues. I'll see you back in the hotel room." She went to walk past him, but stopped. She decided to add a little spice to the mix and kissed him on the cheek. With a prideful smirk, she glanced one last time towards the trio hiding behind a car. "That'll give them something to talk about."

Ignis watched (Y/n) as she slipped on her heels and left the beach. He placed a hand on his hip, remembering how soft her lips were against his cheek. She'd kiss him like that many times before, but this time it felt different. He wasn't sure why, though. From where he stood on the beach, he could hear Prompto's wails of disbelief. He could hear him complaining about how he was able to score a kiss on a cheek from the girl before she left. His own smirk tugged at the corners of his lips, but it never came to fruition. (Y/n) truly did stir up the pot with such a simple action. Now, he would have to spin a tale to prevent the others from figuring out who she truly was.

Previous Chapter || Next Chapter || Masterlist

[sylleblosscm]

I have this theory, if you’ll indulge me, that Lunoct would have been a better ship and a more valuable addition to XV if they simply changed a few small aspects. Namely: they should have appropriately subverted Ardyn and Aera’s characters properly, and Luna and Noct’s engagement should have lasted longer. Imagine for me, if you will, this scenario, and tell me it’s not a million times more intense than anything they did with these two in canon: 

 In the game they have this kind of, “Childhood friends who are forced to marry, only they have feelings for each other probably maybe” vibe. So let’s say, for instance, something something Chosen King and his Oracle kept together for vague plot purposes, and thus, the engagement was decised upon before they were even born. (If Square won’t explain itself, neither will I.) Hence the initial visit to Tenebrae, straying beyond the safety of Insomnia. That, and the whole healer matter of course. This already shifts the focus of their relationship into a more specifically romantic lens without being outright, explicitly romantic (yet). They still have a chance to build a friendship first.

 Noct has just lost his mother, is in a wheelchair, and is dealing with a lot of trauma. He’s used to people treating him like a Prince, sharing his grief, looking down at this poor, sweet, tragic boy. Well-intentioned though they may be, it’s a miserable situation for a child. Really, growing up as royalty is difficult enough without this added strain. 

 Fortunately, Luna understands at least that much. Rather than spending time twiddling their thumbs and sitting in big rooms, the two of them do whatever real children do when you put them together: Cause Problems On Purpose. Luna is utterly unfazed by Noct’s disability as they wreak all kinds of havoc, make all kinds of mess, and adopt several stray cats. They get to be children for a while and it’s the best. 

 (By the by, this would tie into changes with Luna and Regis’ relationship as well. He already has some fatherly affection for her, but this would center her as always having been a potential daughter to him. Furthermore, it would make the foundation of that affection more positive than some guilt about “letting” her get captured. She made his son smile for the first time since the worse day of his life, of course he’d die for her. Regis is, so we’re told and rarely shown, the type of man to raise Noct as his beloved child rather than future heir. This would give him grounds to believe they have a chance at happiness together. But I digress.)

 The notebook is cute and I fucking love it. I just wish we saw more of it, you know? Anyways, despite liking each other very much, they’re both put off when the wedding is pulled forward for all the same plot reasons as last time. After all, they’ve not seen one another in person, what if they don’t get along as well as they do on paper? But then Insomnia is attacked, the treaty is off, and eventually Luna and Noct reunite. And no, she doesn’t die in Altissia, because the medallion says that’s stupid so we’re not going to do it. 

 All the while, Noctis’ perception of his fate is slowly shifting. His title has always been a site of pain for him. It indirectly took his mother, whittled away at his father’s health, and ultimately left the responsibility for the destruction of his home on his shoulders. We see him as a teenager, he’s clearly going through it, and things only get worse as mass murder tends to make happen. He doesn’t go to his own meetings, he doesn’t want the crown weighing him down. 

 At least to my mind, a major factor in Noct embracing his role is spending time among the people. He was a recluse when he was young, but now he’s been forced into the wild green yonder. He does some fishing, feeds a cat, realises it isn’t so bad out here. He likes his people. He wants to help them. He wants to take care of them. And he can do it, with the support of the people he loves. 

 Just like how Ardyn began, dedicated to his people but turning on them as he was consumed by darkness, Noct finds himself emerging from a different kind of darkness, and a newfound dedication to his people. 

 Now Luna. Wholly devoted to her cause, selfless, sweet Luna. Suppressing her every desire, every whim, every want and idea, sitting dutifully behind closed doors. Be it the Empire or the Gods themselves, she’s never had a say in what she does or how she does it. Truly, she genuinely wants to help others, but is never permitted to do so on her own terms. And ultimately, it leads to her destruction. Just like Aera.

 So what if she did...not that. Instead, much like Noctis, she’s given the chance to experience the world. Not like her usual venturing as the Oracle, but just another person. What if she finds that same joy, and a renewed devotion? A way to help others on her own terms, in her own way, that doesn’t demand so much sacrifice? What if she chooses Noctis over the Gods? 

 And before you “Dawn of the Future” me please, Square has already taken so much of my money I’m living off salt and good vibes at this point. 

Well, now that nobody’s forcing an arrangement of any kind of them, Noctis and Luna are free to choose their own paths. There’s still the small matter of saving the world, but they can decide how they get there on their own. Their values and beliefs, the things they cherish, where they find joy, where they find sorrow, all these things are given a chance to align. We see them grow closer as people, atop a foundation of trust, communication, and mutual respect. And then one day, of their own accord, they look at each other from across the campfire and go, “Huh. You know, I probably wouldn’t kick you out of bed. Let’s do this whole thing together.”

 Or, alternatively, you could do none of that, kill off Luna before she’s had a chance to do anything, and swear it’s love. Go girl, give us nothing. But I’m not bitter.  

[bgn846]

Satum Novum Chapter 3: The Hunt FFXV Gladnis

<Previous Chapter 2

Prompto stared out into the vastness of the sea.  They’d left Altissia hours ago, and had plotted a course for a random no named island.   The blond was piloting the boat since Gladio was otherwise engaged.  He could also feel the beginnings of a headache threatening to overtake him.  Their current course of action had taken quite a bit of discussion and planning to craft.

They’d all sat in the common room for almost two hours, trying to decipher the coded message from the radio.  Prompto had never been involved in such a deep conversation in his life.  The history of the Eos was raked back and forth and then some.  Ancient battles and prophesies about salvation were dissected for hidden meanings.

They were looking for the exact location of where the savior of Eos had come, some five hundred years ago.  Scholars had been debating that for centuries, and here they’d been trying to crack it in a few hours.   How the bad guys had figured it out was a mystery, or perhaps they too had it wrong.  The whole idea was like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

Surprisingly between the lot of them, they’d been able to create a list of possible locations. Four areas had been flagged and they were enroute to the first one.    Taking a glance behind him Prompto checked on Ignis, he was bundled up in a blanket and passed out on the bench seat.  Gladio was sitting next to him with his nose buried in a book, and his free arm slung over Ignis’ shoulder.  Prompto tried to crane his neck better to double check, but it also looked like Ignis’ head was actually resting in Gladio’s lap.

Interesting, the blond was going to have to ask his friend about that move later.

Earlier Ignis had gotten very excited about their plan, and had rushed to stand when they’d finished plotting a course.  However, his body had reached its limits and he’d literally passed out mid step.   Gladio had been close enough to catch him but it was still hard to see. The poor guy was pushing himself to try and save his friend.   Prompto still didn’t quite understand why Gladio hadn’t taken Ignis back to a cabin. The beds were comfy and the man needed rest.  His friend had merely stated that if Ignis woke up, he’d be desperate to know where they were.    This way he’d get an answer right away and perhaps rest easier.

The blond could never figure out why Gladio viewed things in a different light sometimes.   He knew he’d been through special training as a teenager, and he was scarily smart when it mattered.  Though the big guy wasn’t great with complicated technology, he still appreciated it.

They were about thirty minutes from their destination.  Prompto hoped they were on the right track, if they didn’t find the prince in time he might die.  A sudden noise caused the blond to turn again quickly.   Ignis had woken up and was sitting up blinking owlishly at him.

He was still shirtless, and the blanket that had been wrapped around his lean shoulders had fallen off slightly.  “What’s happened?” He rasped.

“We are close to the first stop Ignis.” Prompto offered.

Ignis simply sighed and went to swing his legs onto the floor. “We must get ready.”

Gladio reached out and stopped Ignis from standing.  “Take it slowly, you still haven’t recovered from earlier.”

The advisor seemed to listen this time and stayed seated.  Instead he gathered the blanket up over his shoulders again and leaned back into the bench.  “What is the plan of attack?”

“We need to find a place to dock the boat, and then we can go up on shore and check things out.” Gladio announced as he put his book away.

Prompto turned back around and kept the boat on course.  After ten minutes he could see an island ahead.  “I think I see it.” He exclaimed.

“Good let’s see if there is place to drop anchor.” Gladio added.

Twenty five minutes later, and it appeared that the horrible little patch of rock in the middle of the sea had no harbor.  They would have no choice but to drop the small dingy on board and approach that way.   However, when Gladio started reviewing the navigation map he realized there was one other way.

“There is one spot that is pretty close to the shore, Prompto if you can navigate the boat there.” He pointed on the chart.  “I can jump over and swim ashore.  That way I could scout the place quickly to see if the prince is there.   We are under a deadline and I want to make sure we don’t waste time.” He replied.

“What if you get attacked, we can’t help you.” Ignis added.  

“We’ve circled this island twice already, and I’ve not seen a single footprint or sign of life on the beach.   I don’t think this is the place.  Let me swim ashore and check, it’ll save time, trust me.” Gladio urged.

Prompto could tell Ignis was struggling with the decision.  “Fine, but how will we know if you are in trouble or not?”

“That’s easy, I don’t come back.” The taller man added dryly.  “I’m taking my hunting knife and I’ll take a flare as well.  I’ll set it off if I run into trouble.  Is that acceptable?”

The advisor sat and pondered for a minute.  “Yes, I suppose that will do.  I can come with --.”

“NO.” Gladio spit out.  “You need to take it easy, your body isn’t fully healed yet.  Stay here with Prom and I’ll go scout the place.”

The discussion ended, and Prompto worked to maneuver the boat close to the shore without hitting the reef and rocks nearby.  He dropped anchor and they all went out on the stern of the boat.   Surprisingly Ignis allowed Gladio to gently push him down by the shoulders, so he was sitting cross legged on the deck.  

“Seriously, don’t get up until I get back, I’m not sure Prompto’s strong enough to fish you outta the water if you fall in.”  Gladio chided.

Prompto watched as Gladio took off his shirt and shoes and climbed over the railing.  He left a rope out hanging over the side, so he could climb back up when he returned.  With a nod he jumped in and surfaced a moment later.  The blond sat down next to Ignis and watched his friend swim towards shore.

“Do you think he’ll be alright?” Ignis asked worriedly.

Turning to face the other man Prompto smiled. “Yeah, he’ll be okay.   He knows how to stay out of trouble.”  Ignis didn’t respond but nodded, as he continued to watch Gladio’s form swim towards the beach.  The blond could see the bags under Ignis’ eyes, he really needed rest.  The fact that he didn’t put up a fight, when Gladio forced him to sit, was telling.

Within a few minutes Prompto could see Gladio wading up the beach.   He had his knife out and was walking cautiously.  They watched him comb the beach, and then disappear on the other side of the island.

“How far is the next island?” Ignis asked quietly.  “I’m loath to admit it, but I do agree that this place seems rather uninhabited.”

“It should be another forty minutes to an hour depending on the current.” He offered.  “Don’t worry we’ll find your friend.  I’m sure of it.”

Ignis stayed quiet and focused his gaze on the island, waiting for Gladio to reappear.  Soon enough his hulking from could be seen through the vegetation.  Once he was on the beach, he put his knife away and walked into the sea again.   That must have meant he didn’t find anything.

It took another few minutes for Gladio to swim back to the boat.   Once he’d grabbed hold of the rope dangling in the water he yelled instructions. “Prompto, haul up the anchor and let’s get out of here.”

He nodded and ran off to go get things prepped.  Guess there was nothing on the island.  What if the next stop didn’t have anyone or any clues either?  Things were looking a little grim.

--

Gladio gripped the rope and pulled himself up.  Ignis was sitting and waiting for him at the top with a discouraged look.  Before he could say anything the advisor spoke up.  “What if he’s dead?  What if I’m too late?”

“You can’t live life based off ‘what ifs’ and I know you’re already aware of that.  You’re a smart guy.” Gladio huffed in between breaths as he coiled the rope up.

“I wish I could help more.”

“We aren’t sure what we will encounter when we find him, so resting again would be helpful.”

Ignis cracked a wry smile.  “Fine, but is there any chance I could get a shirt to wear?”

“Don’t like going around shirtless?” Gladio asked with a quirked eyebrow.  “It’s really comfy.”

“That, it is, but I don’t like being cold.”

Gladio went to respond, but he took a minute to really look at Ignis.  The man was still clutching the blanket around his shoulders and looked worn out.   “I’ll have Prompto find you something; my selection is mostly t-shirts and tank tops.   I don’t think you normally wear that type of clothing do you?”  

Ignis shook his head and made to stand up.  Gladio helped him up, and hovered behind while they walked back to the bridge.   Prompto was almost done navigating the boat away from the rocks and reef.  The blond looked over for confirmation that they were good to go, and Gladio nodded his approval.

“Hey kiddo, do you think you might have a dress shirt that would fit Ignis?”

“Huh?” Prompto furrowed his brows turning to look at the pair.  “I mean it might fit, Ignis has broader shoulders than me but it’s better than your nonexistent wardrobe.”

“This is what I put up with on a regular basis Ignis.”  Gladio deadpanned.

“Come on lets go check out my stash of stuff.” Prompto enthused as he escorted Ignis towards his cabin.

“Take a freaking nap while your down there, I’m good up here.” He shouted, hoping the man would take his advice.

Gladio wasn’t sure what had transpired when neither of them came back upstairs after ten minutes.  Good, maybe Ignis had laid down to rest.   Hoping the next destination would have more clues than the last, Gladio steered the ship towards location number two.

After about thirty minutes he could see two arch shaped spires sticking up out of the Eos.  The coordinates matched his map, this must be the place.  Using the intercom Gladio called down to the other men.

It only took a few minutes for Prompto and Ignis to return.  The advisor looked slightly better; maybe he’d taken a nap.  He was wearing a nice clean white dress shirt.  It fit him fairly well, considering that Prompto was shorter and not as broad shouldered.  The sleeves were rolled up, either for comfort or because they were too short.  Gladio didn’t ask but pointed to the island instead.

“Do you think there will be a place to harbor the boat?” Ignis asked quickly.

“Not sure yet, but we can hope.”

“Look! Look --.” Prompto yelped as he bolted out of the bridge.   “There’s oil in the water over there.  Do you think a ships been here recently?” he shouted from outside.

“That’s not an exact science.” Gladio yelled back.

As they approached, Prompto quickly started gesturing towards a place to dock the boat.  It was a rock outcropping that featured a carved pair of steps.  This place had been inhabited at some point.

“I’m coming with you this time.” Ignis announced.  “Before you cast an opinion, I did take a short nap.  Prompto stayed with me so you can ask him, if you don’t believe me.”

“Hey now, it’s not that I wouldn’t believe you, I just know you’re pushing yourself to hard.  If there is trouble when we land, please try and let me help.”

“I’ll keep it in mind.”  Ignis replied calmly.

However, Gladio could tell the advisor was struggling to keep his emotions in check.  They needed to find the prince, time was running out.  “Prompto, have you found a way to secure the boat?” He ventured as he watched the young man peer over the railing.

Prompto came running back inside a moment later. “There is a cleat but I can’t reach it.  You might be able to, otherwise we can drop anchor and row over.”

“I’ll have a look, hold on.”  Thankfully Gladio’s longer arms enabled him to reach the cleat.  It was a weathered and beaten thing.  He was surprised it was still holding fast to the rock, it looked to be centuries old.  Grabbing the rope Prompto had left in position he secured the boat.  The blond had already thrown over the rubber buoys, so the boat wouldn’t scrape the ancient dock.  Next he lowered the walkway, Prompto and Ignis were already there waiting to cross.   “Prompto did you do that thing we do sometimes?” He asked.

“Yeah, I did, we are good.” He chirped.

Ignis looked at the two of them oddly, but didn’t say anything.  He merely motioned for Gladio to go first.  He could feel his heart hammering away as they crossed to the stone dock.  If someone had been there recently, they’d not left any signs.

There was a narrow path that led from the harbor to the beach.  They were forced to go single file as they moved forward.

“Should we call his name?” Prompto whispered from the back.  “Are we the only ones here?”

“I would advise against it at this time.” Ignis answered.

They continued on in silence until the path split.  The right stayed on the beach; the left continued up more stone carved steps, and turned a corner.  Gladio went first and had his knife out just in case.  Manmade features began appearing as they ascended.  Symbols representing the six were everywhere.  This place was definitely sacred.

After climbing for another few minutes they finally reached the top of the path.  The view changed drastically.  It was like a giant had come and moved stones about.  Prompto was the first to lose his composure.

“Holy shit!” He squealed and then promptly clamped his hands over his mouth.  “Sorry.” He mumbled a second later.

Gladio couldn’t blame him.   The sight that had greeted them was giant gold staves thrust into the ground.  These were surrounding a rock outcropping in the center.  

“I see an entrance with more stairs.” Ignis uttered quickly.  “We must check in there.”

The three ran across the grass field towards the opening in the rock face.  Looking in revealed a steep pair of stairs going up.  Gladio didn’t wait and bounded up the stairs, that’s when he heard a voice yelling for help.  The shouting was getting more frantic as he neared the top.  However, his view was obstructed until he’d cleared the stairwell completely.

A dark haired youth appeared before him a second later, chained up by his wrists and standing on a wooden crate.  “I gotcha highness.” Gladio exclaimed as he ran forward.  However, due to the excitement of it all, the prince moved too quickly and toppled the box under his feet.  It went sideways and the youth’s full weight was suddenly on his wrists.   Throwing his head back he cried out in pain.

Thinking quickly Gladio lifted the prince up; grabbing the youth’s thighs and resting the weight on his broad shoulder.  The younger man gasped in relief and started to list backwards.  Grabbing a fist full of his shirt, Gladio managed to keep him in place.  He could feel the poor kid shaking from the adrenaline rush.  

“Help me!” The prince begged.  “Please – I --.” He stopped midsentence when he finally saw Ignis and immediately went hysterical.   “I – I thought – you -- you were dead!” He sputtered in between sobs.

Ignis and Prompto worked as fast as they could to release the restraints around the prince’s wrists. “Noct it’s alright, you’re safe.” Ignis breathed out in a rush.  “I’m okay, try and calm down, everything will be alright.”  

“But they said –they said -- you fell overboard!” He managed through his tears.

“It doesn’t matter right now, we need to get you looked after.” Ignis replied worriedly.

It didn’t take long before the prince was free of the chains.  Gladio chose to carefully resituate the youth in his arms so he could carry him.  This move elicited a reaction.

“I – I can walk.” He whimpered, though with tears still streaming down his pale face, Gladio didn’t think it was a very believable statement.

“I know you can, but I figured you might want a change of scenery first.” He ventured.  The prince sucked back a sob and relaxed slightly in his hold.  The youth nodded and looked over at Ignis who had come to stand next to Gladio.

The advisor’s eyes were watery, as he checked on his prince.  Gladio could see his green eyes roving around looking for injuries.  Ignis paused on the odd contraption around the prince’s neck but didn’t directly ask about it.  “We have some potions available if you’re in pain.” He offered instead.  

“Yes, please.” He pleaded.

Gladio interrupted before Ignis could respond.  “There is a small knoll outside the entrance, we can rest there for now.”

The sunlight was warm and reassuring as they exited the sacred place.  Gladio walked over to the grass covered spot and placed the prince on the ground.  He winced as soon as Gladio moved his arms away. “Sorry, did I hurt you?!” Gladio exclaimed.

The prince shook his head and curled up on his side.  “My back hurts from standing for so long.” He groaned.  “Iggy?” The youth questioned.   “Help.”

Ignis was there a second later tugging the dark haired man into his arms.  “Gladio, may I have a potion please.”

Gladio looked to Prompto, and motioned for the kid to hand over the messenger bag he’d been carrying.   The blond complied and scooted closer to them.  “Here ya go.”

This simple transaction caught the prince’s attention.  “My magic is sealed right now.  So where did you get a potion?”  He asked looking up at Ignis.

“Sealed? How?” Ignis asked with worry.

“This thing.” The youth lamented, pointing to the collar around his neck.

Prompto spoke up first. “Oh, I might be able to remove it, if you let me take a look.”

The prince looked right at the blond and blinked a few times.  “Drautos said it could shock me, so be careful okay.”

“Promise, I won’t hurt you.” Prompto swore eagerly as he crawled over.

Ignis maintained his death grip on the prince as Prompto examined the collar.

Gladio took the opportunity to fish out a potion and handed it to Ignis.  The advisor helped the prince to break it, and the youth sighed heavily once the magic had taken effect.

“Um – highness.” Prompto cautiously interrupted.  “I need you to turn to the left for me.”

“Mmm – you both can call me Noct.” He responded weakly.

Prompto looked to Ignis for approval before he spoke again. “Ok Noct, I’m gonna pop the little panel open on the side and take a look.  Let me know if you need me to stop.”   Noct nodded and closed his eyes.

The blond worked in silence as he carefully examined the collar.   After about ten minutes he looked up with a smile.  “I can remove it, but you have to help me Gladdy.”

“Whoa!  Wait.” Noct exclaimed hoarsely after forcing his eyes open.  “As in Iris’ big brother?”

“Yep that’s me.” Gladio admitted.

“Guess that explains the tattoo.” Noct breathed, as he reached out a trembling hand to touch Gladio’s arm.  “I remember the few times Iris visited Clarus at the citadel.  She’d always be talking about her big brother Gladdy.”

“Sorry we never had a chance to meet until now, and feel free to call me Gladio.”

“I like Gladio.” Noct hummed as he rested his head against Ignis’ chest.  “I think that’s what your dad calls you.”

Gladio nodded at the thought.  He missed his father but life had gone a different direction for him.  He wasn’t the prince’s shield, but looking at the scene before him Gladio questioned that choice heavily.   Noct could have easily died if they hadn’t arrived in time.

“Big guy?” Prompto questioned softly.  “I still need your help, I don’t want the bad guys to set this off remotely, now that we rescued the prince.”

“Shit, that’s a good point.” Gladio exclaimed as he moved next to the blond.  Prompto showed him what to hold, and when he produced a pair of small wire cutters from his pocket Gladio rolled his eyes.  “Do I want to know why you carry those around with you?”

“I need small tools sometimes, they help.  Now focus, and hold that green wire out of the way.”

Prompto furrowed his brow and bit his tongue slightly as he worked.   The younger man began cutting wires and tugging on things inside the device.  When a harsh clicking noise broke the silence they all flinched.  The collar was finally loose.  Gladio gently pushed Prompto’s hands aside and unlatched the offending item.  Noct looked like he might start to cry again when Gladio removed it entirely.

“Thank the six.” Ignis sighed.  “Do you have access to the armiger again?”

Noct lifted his hand and summoned a potion.  He banished it in a shimmer of blue light a second later.   “What’s next?” The prince asked quietly.

“We go back to the boat and get outta here.  Where do you want to go next Ignis?” Gladio asked.

“I – I.” Ignis tried to start a sentence but faltered and blinked slowly.  “Uh – I’m not feeling well.” He managed.  “Gladio, I may need some assistance.”

“Prompto, help Noct sit up for a second.” Gladio ordered as he stood quickly to resituate nearer to the advisor.  “I told you to take it easy.  Do you need a potion or a fucking nap?” He asked urgently.    

“It’s the blood loss that’s done this.  A potion won’t help.”

Gladio gently gripped Ignis’ upper arm in case he fell over.   However, all this did was cause the man to lean into him for support.

“Blood loss!” Noct yelped.  “Wha --.”

“Not right now.” Gladio begged.  The prince shut his mouth thankfully, and was free of Ignis’ arms and resting against Prompto.   “Come on, do you think you can make it back to the boat?”

“No.” Ignis whispered as he began tilting more heavily.

“Shit! Uh – well here, lie down.” Gladio responded worriedly, as he maneuvered Ignis down on the grass.   “Noct do you have anything in the, ah – armiger we can use to cushion Ignis’ head with?”

The prince nodded and in another blue flash a coat appeared in his hands.  Gladio assumed it was probably Ignis’ as it had the same styling as the shirt he’d been found in.  Rolling it up, Gladio was able to gingerly lift Ignis’ head up and shove the coat in place.

“Are you comfortable?” Gladio asked.

“Can I rest for a bit?  If we need to go I can --.”

“No! “ Gladio exclaimed and then he shook his head wincing.   “I mean yes, you can rest and no, we don’t need to leave right away.”  He watched as Ignis nodded slightly and closed his eyes.  “Please rest, everything is fine.”

“Does he need a potion?” Noct asked nervously from where he was still leaning against the blond.

“No, he had a run in with a dirty glaive earlier and suffered the consequences.  I used a potion already to close the wound but he lost blood.  He’s refused to take a fucking break until he found you.”

“Yeah, that’s Iggy for ya.” Noct offered. “Um can I lie down too?”

“Yeah sure!  Do you need anything more?  A blanket or anything?”

“No, I figured Ignis would have told you already, I’m the prince of naps.  I can fall asleep anywhere, anytime.”  He replied yawning.   “Thanks for saving me.  I don’t want to go through that ever again.”

Gladio had enough sense to give the prince a bottle of water before he lay down in the grass next to Ignis.  It didn’t take long and the dark haired youth was asleep.  

“Feel free to join them blondie.  I have a feeling we will be spending the afternoon here until they wake up.”

“Do you mind if I go take some pictures, this place is amazing looking.”

Smiling Gladio nodded his approval.  His friend loved to take pictures and this place was picturesque. “Be careful and run the hell away if you see something bad.”

“Got it.”

Leaning against the knoll Gladio got comfortable and kept watch.  He could only hope the bad guys weren’t planning on coming back.   Prompto had been tooling around for at least two hours, but he finally seemed tired when he got back.

“Should I go get some food to snack on?” He asked hopeful.

“Sure, wouldn’t hurt to check on the boat.  I’m surprised you didn’t go there already.”

“I got distracted.” Prompto admitted sheepishly.  “There was a lot to take pictures of but I’ll be back soon.” He smiled.

Prompto took the messenger bag, and walked back towards the stairs and path that led to the stone harbor.  His tuft of blond hair soon disappeared and Gladio sighed.  He was hungry; he hoped Prompto would bring back good stuff.

Suddenly a shout broke his train of thought.  He looked to the top of the stairs, as Prompto came bounding back up them with a panicked look.  He was yelling and pointing behind him.  “It’s the traitors!” He hollered.

This got Gladio’s blood pumping.  He stood drawing his knife as the blond ran closer.  Then he saw it, a flash of blue light, the same as the asshole from the alley in Altissia.  Shit.  Prompto wasn’t going to make it in time; the glaive was going to get him first. 

>Next Chapter 4

[prompreg17]

Thank you so much, anon, I’m happy to be back! And I hope you both enjoy this drabble!

Featuring: Prompto and Ignis captured in Zegnatus Keep, forced to give birth at the same time.

Warnings: mpreg; trans preg, forced preg, graphic depictions of birth.

===

Right after Altissia; the city that had taken Luna from the world and Ignis’ sight from him and Noct’s hope away, Ignis had prayed to the six that they had finally put the worst behind them. Surely nothing could be quite so devastating and earth-shattering after that.

But Ardyn loved to test those limits; had been all along, and it seemed just when Ignis let himself hope that the future might be better, Ardyn came in like a winged hell beast intent to spirit him away. It might not have been so bad had the man only taken him; now arguably the weakest link in their already rusting chain, but when he’d grabbed Ignis’ arm and pulled him into the drop ship, Prompto had flung himself in after them. The boy really did have the purest heart; his selflessness was both to be admired and admonished.

Perhaps he had intended to save Ignis, but instead he had just allowed them both to be ensnared in Ardyn’s web. The vile way he had purred as he shackled them both in the Keep had left no room for doubt that it had been his intention, and his pleasure, to capture them both. Ignis remembered the way Ardyn had looked at Prompto, and knowing he had no way of protecting the boy from him left his blood boiling and his stomach in knots.

Luckily, they weren’t often separated. As they were tied down onto cold, hard tables and violated with instruments, Prompto hummed all the while as if to remind Ignis that he wasn’t alone. And when they were thrown into their cold cell together afterward, Ignis wrapped Prompto in his arms as tight as he could to remind him of the same.

==

They didn’t need Ardyn to tell them what had been done to them, not when their stomachs began to swell. He did so love to them anyway, about how they were full with his spawn, growing his army for him. He especially loved to torment Prompto about the barcode stamped onto his wrist, about how he had been born much the same way and had always been intended for this purpose.

He sobbed most nights, and as Ignis held him he begged that Ignis not leave him even though it was what he deserved. Ignis’ eyes might not have been able to see, but they could still cry, and he found himself doing it more than he ever had before as he rocked Prompto through the harder nights and promised him he could never love him any less.

The pregnancies were as awful as they were short. Whatever was growing inside them, or whatever treatments the doctors were giving them, shortened the gestation considerably and sucked as much out of them as it possibly could. Ignis had never felt so weak in his life; his stomach was impossibly big before he knew it, his skin stretched thin around its whole swollen mass as the rest of him struggled to keep up. He knew Prompto fared no better, though he was clearly trying to keep up appearances for Ignis’ sake.

It was almost a relief when the doctor broke his water and instructed him it was time. Of course the thought of giving birth was a terrifying one, especially when he was at his captors’ mercy and unable to even see his surroundings, but knowing he would soon be rid of the implanted child eating away at him was nearly enough to push him through.

At least, until he was unshackled from his table and dragged back to his cell.

“Normally we wouldn’t require the hosts give birth unaided,” Ardyn said from the doorway after dropping Ignis unceremoniously to his knees, “but I must admit I’m quite looking forward to the show.”

As Prompto crawled to his side and wrapped his arms around him in a clear show of protection, Ardyn laughed and closed their cell door with more force than necessary.

“Do make it a good one won’t you?” He said, calling back to them as he walked down the hallway. The echo of each footfall felt like a hammer, nailing his coffin shut.

The contractions were already coming, and as Prompto cupped his face in his hands and told him it was all going to be alright, all Ignis could do was clutch at himself and will it all to be over.

==

Though the pregnancy itself had been short, the labor was arduous. Ignis found himself unable to get comfortable on the cold, hard floor, and each contraction only made the whole process even worse. He was tired and in pain, and it was only after hours of terrible cramps that he finally felt the urge to push.

“It’s coming,” he gasped, and reached desperately for Prompto, who took his hand immediately. “Six, I can feel it!”

“Let it happen,” he heard Prompto encourage. But there was no denying this, not now, as the child’s head finally began to crown. Ignis had built up an impressive pain tolerance, honed through many years of training, but as his lips were mercilessly stretched around the infant’s wide girth, he found himself unable to hold back his scream of pain.

The labor had been slow and painful but it felt like the birth was happening too fast, stretching him much too quickly. He was squatting with Prompto’s help, leaning against him heavily, and as the widest part of the head forced him ever wider he nearly shot up in an effort to get away from it.

“Oh, Gods!” he sobbed, gripping Prompto tightly and willing his legs to stop shaking. It was only once the pain of the contraction had finally passed and he was given time to catch his breath that he realized Prompto was holding on to him just as tightly.

“Prompto?” He asked, breathing hard and still trembling. The head was no doubt lodged between his legs, half birthed, and he burned more terribly than he thought possible.

“Everything’s okay,” Prompto said, but there was something off about his voice, “B-baby’s head is almost out, Iggy. You’re amazing.”

“Prompto,” Ignis said again, cursing his inability to see more than he ever had before, “What’s wrong?”

It took Prompto several moments to reply, and Ignis felt his body stiffen up beneath him during the pause.

“N-nothing,” He said, breathless, and Ignis cursed himself for not paying near enough attention.

“Are you in labor?” He asked, almost afraid of the answer, and when Prompto finally let out a shaky breath and whispered his affirmative, Ignis had to force himself to remain calm.

“How far?”

“I’m okay,” Prompto replied too quickly, “You’re doing great, Ig--ah!” As Prompto hunched in on him, clearly trembling with effort, Ignis reached a hand between Prompto’s legs and sucked in a harsh breath at the way Prompto’s thin underwear strained around a protruding head.

“You can’t just keep this to yourself!” He admonished, sick with himself for not noticing the pain his friend was in.

Another contraction struck him with less force than a sledgehammer might. The babe’s head was stretching him so wide it felt like he might snap at any moment and the contraction only forced it down more. Ignis pushed with all his might, praying that it would just slip out all at once so he could focus on his friend who was straining into his underwear and unable to get relief. But the gods were not merciful, and the babe didn’t budge.

“Prompto,” he said again, voice thin. Prompto was practically draped across him, body trembling and hands gripping him hard enough to bruise.

“Sorry!” He gasped, and moved to pull away, but Ignis held him close.

“Don’t ever apologize for your pain. You need to remove your underwear.”

“I’m f-fine,” Prompto said, but his voice was so thin there was no believing the clear lie, especially not when he stiffened up like a board and finally showed his pain in the form of an impressive scream.

Ignis reached hands toward Prompto and felt along his swollen stomach down to his hips. The position was hard, due to both of their huge stomachs getting in the way, but he pushed Prompto’s thin underwear down as much as he could from the impossible angle.

After a moment Prompto’s hands joined his in desperately clawing at the thin material. They had barely pushed it halfway down his thighs when Prompto pitched forward into him with a hoarse cry. Unfortunately, that was the moment Ignis’ next contraction hit.

His own scream of pain joined Prompto’s and he clung to the man as best he could as he pushed, desperately trying to expel the child through the pain. This time, he felt it move slightly. It burned terribly but he bore into it, spread legs trembling. Against him, Prompto drew in a frantic breath and screamed again.

Ignis felt something shift, probably the child turning through his pelvis, and had to quickly reach hands down to catch it. Prompto, now unsupported, wobbled and tipped forward. Ignis felt like going down himself but he forced himself to remain upright as he grasped the child and guided the last of it through his slackened hole.

It felt human in his hands, and he swiped a finger into its mouth to clear it. As unnatural as the pregnancy had been, the child itself was innocent and Ignis prayed for it to cry as he groped for Prompto.

He wasn’t far, still within reach, and Ignis felt himself weak with relief when both the baby in his arm and his friend on the floor both made sound.

Tearing off his shirt, Ignis hastilly wrapped the child in it and set it aside, close enough that the cord still inside him didn’t pull uncomfortably, and pried Prompto’s thighs apart and his underwear finally off, hands searching.

“Prompto, talk to me!” He practically begged when his friend made no move to speak. Without his sight, Ignis had no idea what was happening, until his hands found the half-birthed baby. It didn’t feel like a head under his hands, and Ignis gasped when he realized what it was.

“Prompto, the child is breech, but it’s almost done.”

“Ignis, it hurts so much,” Prompto finally spoke, voice cutting off with a cry as another contraction no doubt ripped through him.

“It’s almost over,” he soothed, and groped for the discarded underwear. He wrapped it around the child and pulled as Prompto pushed, prying the last of its body from him as gently as he could. The head was still inside but Prompto collapsed as the contraction ended and Ignis ran a hand down his leg in an action he hoped was soothing.

Beside him, his own child continued to cry.

“All that’s left is the head, Prompto,” he said, still petting Prompto’s leg. “When you’re ready you need to push with all your strength. Can you do that for me?”

Prompto took in a shaky breath that sounded suspiciously like a sob.

“I’ll try,” he finally said, and when he stiffened back up and breathed through his next contraction Ignis stretched his legs back as far as he could as Prompto pushed with all his might. The sound Prompto made was full of agony as at last the head popped free. Ignis took the child in hand and swiped its mouth the way he had his own, again praying for a cry. When its cries joined the ones from his own baby, he finally relaxed, feeling boneless with relief and fatigue.

The door to their cell opened with a bang and there was suddenly a flurry of movement. Ignis couldn’t see what was happening, but the child was abruptly taken from his hands. He reached for it, and for Prompto, but before he could even process what was happening a sharp prick in his neck stole his attention, and then his consciousness. He knew no more.

[tenebraetrash17]

how exactly are ravus and lightning alike? I think they're too different from each other since ravus was evil :/

W e l l, yeet, you have a point, Ravus was kind of “evil” but it was more of a necessary one? He was doing what he could to protect his sister and wanted to make sure she wouldn’t suffer too much.

But ok! Onto the points! I’m going to be looking at this with FACTS AND LOGIC and not a ship standpoint, so I remain a neutral ground!

Ok! 

APPEARANCE.

So first off, we can go into design choices, I’ve made joke posts about this before, but the manner of dress these two have is actually quite similar. 

Lightning’s theme is consistent with mostly white collared tops, other than her “Knight Of Etro Garb” and in her “Savior’s Garb” she adorns a strange armored piece-shield on her left arm, which looks more fancy than practical tbh.

On the flip side we have Ravus, who is only ever seen in one costume, Tenebrae Raiment, which consists of a white collared coat-thing and a gauntlet on his left arm

Interestingly enough! If you happen to put them up side by side

You can kinda see a bit of a theme here, not to mention thigh high boots and apparently battle undies. 

We’ve got the gray-black, the white, and the coloring! Which the purple and red are pretty close on the spectrum too I suppose, or are a bit of complimentary colors?I guess it depends on points of view!

Ok, but slightly similar clothing is not enough to convince anyone, I hope.

So here we go:

STORY.

Revolves around their sister.

M O V I N G O N-

okok just kidding!

But this is honestly the truth of the matter, Luna/Serah is the end goal. Serah/Luna is why they did all this. The reason they sacrificed everything? Why they gave up their childhood? The reason why they were willing to, and in Ravus’ case, give their life away? 

It was all for Serah and Luna.

Stories can often be boiled down to a single point.

Motive.

And the motive behind Ravus and Lightning? Saving their sisters from fate.

Although…in Ravus’ case, he didn’t succeed, but that will be touched upon later.

PERSONALITY/CHARACTER TRAITS (?).

Ok, so, here we go!

Two stone cold soldiers, born and raised lacking in parents, their only weakness is for their sister, yet they slowly learn to trust others.

Well that was oddly simple.

Although I feel as if I should go more in depth because I’m trying to explain…so…

Ravus and Lightning both became emotionless out of necessity, Ravus out of need to let the Empire think his loyalty remained only to them, and Lightning because she felt the need to be more mature. And since they were both young, they decided that was the best way to do it.

They both have, in a sense, a pretty fancy way of speaking, or at least talking too much. Because, alright, let’s admit it, Ravus is a chatter box who rants and Lightning vents a lot because the world is going to shit for both of them and DAMNIT THEY NEED THIS.

Also, a little thing which kind of amuses me!Sister has a fiancé? HATE THEM WITH EVERY FIBER OF YOUR BEING, THEY ARE IDIOTS AND THEY ARE UNDESERVING OF YOUR PRECIOUS LITTLE LIGHT OF YOUR WORLD, HIT THEM, CHOKE THEM, A N Y T H I N G. But, y’know, eventually grow to have a begrudging respect and not hate them nearly as much as you once did. Friendship is wild yo.

The enlisted in the army part isn’t really a “character trait” and Square likes that theme, so you know, perhaps not the strongest thing going for them.

RANDOM/STUFF I DIDN’T KNOW WHERE TO PUT IT.

I had no idea what to call this section.

Ok, so I’ve seen a few people talk about how “Versus XIII″ was supposed to be, in a sense, an anti to 13. While XIII was meant to be about “Change your fate”, Versus XIII and XV are about accepting it.

VERSUS [vur-suh s, -suh z]

Against (used especially to indicate an action brought by one party against another in a court of law, or to denotecompeting teams or players in a sports contest):Smith versus Jones; Army versus Navy.As compared to or as one of two choices; in contrast with:traveling by plane versus traveling by train.Abbreviation : v., vs.

Versus XIII was to contrast XIII, and it carried over in XV as LITERALLY NO ONE decides. “Hey, you know what? I know it says this, but let’s do this instead!” 

Ravus remains as the only person to keep this mentality, his ffbe profile even goes as far as to have him speak about slaying the gods. SLAYING THE G O D S.

He tries multiple times to save his sister, willing to tear apart the prophecy and basically insist that she won’t die. He won’t allow it. He says follow your calling, but in reality he meant for himself overturn it. He raced through Altissia hoping he wouldn’t be too late!

And even in the end, his death is nigh, it’s probably foretold, but he believes he can win. He believes he can see it through to the end. Only he can’t. Because he’s not the protagonist. He can’t defy fate.

An interesting thing to note is that it’s Ravus who screws over the prophecy in the Episode Ignis ending, making it so Noctis doesn’t die. So I guess in a sense, he does overturn fate, although it wasn’t the outcome he wanted because Luna is still dead.

Ok, that was a bunch of rambling about the whole fate thing, but it is interesting since Ravus is the only one who had that mentality in cannon throughout the game. While the same could be said for Ignis, keep in mind that it was only the Alternate ending where he decided he wouldn’t let the gods have their say.

Oh yeah, not to mention that he’s the only one with the “Daemon Transformation” but it looks more like a Cei’th one. Just a little thing I’d throw in because I forgot this was talking about how alike Raves and Light are and not another one of my “last connections to versus” rambles oops.

ANOTHER POINT

Lightning: Serah! Wait, don’t go! Please! Don’t leave me alone!

Ravus: Oh sister, please don’t go! Please don’t leave me….

Like, sure, it’s probably a basic plea, but it’s almost word for word? 

If you want to talk parallels, let’s talk this!

Let’s also get into how Lightning was considered holy as “the Savior” while Ravus comes from the holiest bloodline? Which in fact, purges the darkness from one’s body and soul while Lightning….YEP, saves them souls! Gets them gains! whatamItalkingabouthere?

Ok, back on subject, remember how I said I would address Ravus loosing Luna again?

Well, I actually wonder if Ravus is Lightning but led astray in a sense, it might seem crazy, but his story apparently hasn’t changed since the Versus days from what most sources say. So given that he still has a stronger link with XIII, would it be so crazy to assume that Nomura would want to explore that possibility? Because rumors have it that Ravus was also going to be another ‘chosen one.’

Ravus could very well be considered as Lightning, but he never could achieve victory. Because unlike Lightning, he still lost his sister, the world still fell into ruin, and he still lost his life. And he even went as far as to fall into the chaos scourge.

Yeet, it’s a far stretch, but given the somewhat strange and weirdly specific personalities, I wouldn’t leave anything out.

But one thing to note is that while, despite similarities, they are different characters, so they will not be exactly alike!

I do realize that despite my previous posts, this isn’t an attempt to convince anyone to ship them, just kind of take note of just how many similarities the two have because it kind of is an interesting study! Especially considering the shared universe background they started out with!

This all sounded so much better in my head, it’s like, I had thoughts that were all super factual but I couldn’t write them ????

Oh well. Hope this satisfies you!!

OH YEAH, I ALSO FORGOT THAT THEY BE STORM RELATED!! SHOCKY SHOCKY BANG BANG!

[autumn-maple13]

Lost to Time - Chapter 27

Chapter 27: Heading for Caem

Amara and Ignis awoke long before the guys did, dressing quickly to steal away to the café they had visited so many days before. The owner had welcomed them warmly, making sure they were okay as she made them coffee and breakfast, and even joining them while they ate – though she did leave them to their own devices when Amara produced the map of the locations of the Royal Arms.

And yet, despite the time they spent there, they still returned to the hotel before everyone had awoken, arriving just in time to say goodbye to Talcott before Monica and Dustin took him and their luggage to the Cape to begin their side of the preparations. Iris met them in the lobby, smiling at them before she took a moment to let Ignis know she would be riding with them, as the Guards had only enough room for Talcott once everything was loaded. Amara cringed as she thought about the amount of room the Regalia's backseat actually had with Gladiolus and Noctis hogging it.

"You could ride with me instead, so you don't have to be so cramped," the redhead offered, making the Amicitia look at her in concern.

"Do you really think Gladdy would let me ride on your motorcycle?"

"I think he knows I'm a very safe driver, so why not?"

"Safe, but a tad unpredictable at times. Perhaps it would be better for her to take one of our spots in the Regalia, while one of us rides with you instead."

"Have fun Specs!" the trio turned to watch the other part of the group come down the stairs with all their bags, including Amara's from her room. Noctis smirked at his advisor, not even trying to hide how amused he was. "I don't think any of us need to get near her after yesterday."

"Noct, as your friend and a Glaive fully capable of kicking your ass into next week, shut up." Amara smiled sweetly, "Unless of course, you want me to run off to Altissia ahead of you and spill everything to Lunafreya. I'm sure I could find some way across the sea, just for the sake of embarrassing you."

"Speaking of, don't think I've forgotten that I need to find out what you've already told her."

"My lips are sealed."

"Ignis, I command you to find out for me."

"Sorry Noct, but this one is above my paygrade as either a Crownsguard officer or your advisor."

"Don't you outrank her though?"

"No, she's actually currently one of the only four officially ranked officers left. Our activities with the Guard are more for practicalities sake since we're technically both your first and last line of defense. Gladio is the only one among the three of us with a rank, though he doesn't have an officer's title."

"You have to actually fulfill Crownsguard assignments to gain rank, and he didn't have too many opportunities since he's your Shield." Amara nodded, smirking in triumph for a few seconds before something hit her. "Hey, wait, what do you mean after yesterday?"

"Wait, were you just threatening me without even paying attention to why?"

"It's kinda just force of habit to threaten embarrassment upon you at this point. I heard 'I don't think' and just kinda zoned out on the rest."

Gladiolus grinned, walking over so he stood beside the duo and leaning into them. "He means the way Ignis acted when he found out you might be on the base."

Amara flushed brightly when a glance to the side showed Ignis fidgeting slightly, suddenly very interested in the lens of his glasses, before she began glaring at the taller man and then at her snickering former classmates. "You two can it."

"Ah, it's good to hear her fussing again," Prompto laughed, walking over and slinging an arm around Amara's neck. "Come on Ams, I'm sure you already know we were all freaking out trying to get you back."

"Of course, she knows, Ignis isn't the only one around here that cares about her," Noctis added, pulling the blond's arm off the woman. "Let's get going already. Specs, you ride with Amara. I'll drive the Regalia."

"Alright, but just so you are aware we should make a stop at Malmalam Thicket on the way there to procure another of the Arms."

"Alright."

It only took a few minutes for all of them to make their way to the vehicles and re-stow everything away. Iris was the first to get settled in the Regalia, taking Noct's usual seat in the back. Unusually, all the guys were quick to buckle up once they took their own spots, leaving Amara and Ignis to exchange amused looks before climbing onto the redhead's motorcycle. The man wrapped a steady arm around his partner's waist as she turned the engine, letting her wave to the others before heading up the ramp and out of the parking area. Noctis was quick to follow her out of the city, though Ignis was chuckling in her ear about the distance he was keeping between them.

Heading in the direction of the waterfall tomb, the little journey looked like it would be smooth sailing for them all the way to the Thicket – until a buzz filled Amara's ear. Looking up, she growled at the sight of one of the Empire's flying fortresses coming in above them. The sound of the Regalia's engine roaring closer was the only interruption, with Noctis pulling alongside them with a grim look. Ignis shifted slightly behind her.

"We should find a spot to pull over," his hand tightened on his partner's hip, no doubt reminded of the news he had received the previous night.

Amara nodded, glancing at her friend's. "Old Lestallum is just ahead! We can stop there!"

Falling back behind the Glaive, the group looked ahead of them to the small town that was quickly approaching. They were quick to pull into the parking lot of the hotel on the main street, parking there and asking Iris to stay put while they went to take care of things. Deciding to take the Regalia, despite her previous 'capture', the group hopped in with Amara behind the wheel, letting her take them out of the city towards the old Lucian base the Fortress had landed in.

"Surprised to see them this far out," Noctis grumbled, adjusting the bracer on his arm and making Prompto sigh.

"Leave no plot of land unconquered."

"Those aren't conquering numbers," Gladio pointed out, a growl to his voice.

Ignis nodded, looking over at Amara as she gripped the wheel a bit tighter. "Likely building a supply line it would behoove us to cut."

The redhead agreed, turning down a street that led away from the Base's entrance and following the tall walls as the guys made a few comments about how the base looked. Pulling over not far beyond the wall's uphill curve, Amara sliced the wires acting as a guardrail before climbing back into the car and maneuvering it carefully off the road. After a quick (and careful) disguise job, the group was following the Glaive up the hill, through the brush. Heading quickly up the slope Amara soon found an unwatchable part of fencing that acted as a makeshift wall between the base and some of its supply pipes, cutting them a hole in the shadow of the inner walls and motioning towards a concrete slope that stretched upward some feet in front of them. Looking up they could see a guard tower situated on the upper level and looked to Amara questioning.

"Noct and I will take out the guards, the rest of you stay out of view for now." She was speaking quieter than they had heard in some time, motioning for everyone to follow her, then at Noctis when they reached the crest. The King threw the first warp, taking out a sniper on the stairs of the tower as Amara threw one of her Kukris, warping over to take care of a Trooper in the tower's shadow. Hearing the sound of metal hit the ground made the other few troops in the area show themselves, only to be taken out with expert precision before they could ever fire off a shot. The others joined the duo soon after, and followed Amara up the stairs to the lookout, sharing a few curses and groans at the sight below them. The base was already much farther set up than anticipated, with the fortress's tail acting as a conduit to spread the MT generator's power across the area.

Noctis sighed, looking over it again before turning to his friends. "So, what's our plan?"

Ignis took a moment to think, then looked at Amara. "Find the base commander and take him into custody. Targeting metal men will yield little in the way of reconnaissance, but bones bend easily. We'll split into two groups."

Amara shook her head. "No, three. I'm going to head for the generator."

The men looked at her for a moment but nodded when they saw her glaring down at the machine. Ignis sighed softly, shaking his head.

"Prompto and Gladio can generate a diversion."

"Aw, yeah! Making a scene's what I do best." The man laughed, cracking his knuckles.

The taller blonde smiled for a moment, then looked to his King. "Noct, are you prepared?"

He got a nod in response, making Prompto smack his friend's shoulder lightly. "Operation: To Catch a Commander is go!"

Amara looked at the guys but only took a moment to wish them luck before losing a kukri down to a sheltered area behind some shipping crates. It had taken them a bit longer to get to the base than she had realized, she noticed, as she slinked through the shadows that were growing darker by the minute. She didn't want to risk checking the sky to confirm her suspicions, so hoped the guys were being careful to avoid any demonic distractions the Niffs had held on several bases she had infiltrated in the past.

Slipping beneath a tarp when she heard metal clad feet getting close to her, she willed herself out of sight using Noct's magic as she had been trained to do with King Regis's, and tried to ignore the slightly more red tint bleeding into the purple edging the crystalline fragments surrounding her from the magic.

Not moving until she was sure she was in the clear, the woman snuck back out, dispersing her magic so she wouldn't drain herself further as she slipped through the shelter of more supplies until she found herself nearing her target. Watching for any patrol before making her next move, she slipped along the edge of the inner wall, ducking behind what she could to avoid being lit up by the harsh lighting of the center of the area. Heading quickly up behind the Generator when she was close enough, she set to rigging a Firaga flask to its base, then warping herself up onto a platform before she threw a lower level flask at it, igniting it with a loud explosion that sent a shock through the base – setting off alarms and awakening a large MT armor that she hadn't realized was manned, but the Generator stayed running, though it was fluctuating wildly.

Realizing they must have re-enforced them somehow after the last base was taken out of commission, she was happy to hear the guys joining her before she dove headlong into attacking the MT power supply, letting them handle the armor. Hacking at it with strong blows of a broadsword was enough to dispatch it after the explosion had weakened it, so she found herself quickly warping in to help the guys. With Gladio and Noctis attacking the armor's legs and Prompto sniping its joints, she set to disarming it – though she and Noctis were warping after it when the surprisingly agile armor leaped into the air and landed several feet away, perfectly situated to rain missiles on them.

The duo were quick to remove the launcher from action as their grounded companions moved in, and were successful in setting one of them off directly in the face of the armor – making it succumb even faster despite themselves barely missing being caught in to close range explosion. Between the four of them, it didn't take much longer, leaving them darting out of range before it exploded itself.

Hearing the laser gate locking them in with the armor die out, the group turned to watch a peeved Ignis approach, frowning as he looked at them.

"Glad to see you lot were successful."

"Does that mean you weren't?" Noctis almost sounded shocked, with agreeing expressions on their faces as they looked in surprise at the advisor. He made some sort of motion at them as he shook his head.

"I placed our captive into the Hunters' custody, but I've just been informed he's fled… He lives to die another day."

"And I'll gladly help him with that," Noct growled, rubbing his shoulder. "For now, let's head back to town."

The group muttered their agreements, following the Advisor back out of the area and heading for their exit.

They had hardly made it into the open when the sound of a grunt from above them left the guys looking at Amara in shock when she summoned a crystal barrier over their heads and a sword to her hand. Jumping in front of Noctis she blocked the incoming spear of a woman clad in Niff emblemed clothing, letting her barrier dissipate when the woman kicked herself free, only to launch another blow that locked them close together.

"Hey pretty girl," the woman seemed to purr before launching herself backward and away from them, landing gracefully a few feet away as she laughed. Gladiolus darted in front of the King as the redhead dissipated her sword to draw her kukris, looking at the Niff female with a smirk.

"Hey Aranea, long-time no ass-kicking."

"Oh, so you remembered me? How sweet! Unfortunately, I'm not here for you today Glaive."

"You're not getting Noctis." She was aware of the others jumping in front of their charge, though she didn't risk a glance to see who was where.

"Well, let's see what you can do!" Aranea had hardly finished speaking before she shifted her weight and darted around the group at an incredible pace – directly into her target, who was lucky to warp through her strike and avoid it. Knowing his fighting style wasn't suited to dealing with the Niff's heavy dragoon lance, Amara used one of her old tricks and left Gladio trying to not fall on his ass when she leaped up onto his shoulder, then off of it into the air where she summoned her own lance.

Quickly balancing herself, the redhead brought the full force of her body weight down with the lance between the other woman and the King, cracking the ground from the force of it. Warping through the enemy's attacks, the Glaive dispersed her spear and switched back to her kukris, using the small blades to knock away the lunges of the lance trying to hit her. Aranea was getting angrier by the second, and finally shoved her away before leaping high into the air – hovering there long enough to begin spinning quickly as she rest her foot on the hilt of her spear, building up speed and torque that would be sure to do a lot of damage.

Realizing what was at stake, Noctis and Amara both warped after her and left the others to deal with the MTs that were starting to arrive on dropships no doubt alerted by any number of alarms on the base. They were cleared out easily enough as the duo chased the bigger threat through the air and from platform to platform, at one point managing to slam her face first into a metal beam, until she finally managed to knock both back to the ground below, only to perch rather unimpressed on another platform above them – looking like she was checking her watch of all things as she peeled her helmet off.

"Aw, is it that time already?"

"What time?" came the question from the more than confused king as he rubbed his wrenched wrist, looking less upset by the whole situation than he had earlier.

"Quittin' time," Aranea shrugged. "Sorry, but this girl doesn't work after hours. I could, but there wouldn't be a single gil in it for me. Hey, we should play again sometime, pretty girl."

Amara tried to come up with a retort, but the Niff had already leaped high into the air, and into a waiting dropship that was an oddly bright shade of red. As it took off from the base, Noctis couldn't help but look over at the Glaive with an even more confused look.

"Who the hell was she?"

"I'll have to explain later, for now…"

Prompto sent a nod her way, turning to his friends. "I'm still worried about Iris."

"I imagine she's fine," Ignis didn't seem particularly concerned, instead using a potion on his liege then tossing one to the redhead, but Gladiolus seemed a bit more worried.

"But we shouldn't keep her waiting."

It was a quick agreement before the group was hurrying from the base, pausing at the edge of the lights to look down at the dark expanse separating them from the Regalia.

"Amara, I don't suppose…?"

"Prompto, you and your flares are coming with me this time."

"What? Why me?!"

[clairelutra]

stars are falling all for us (1/1)

Summary: In which Noctis saves Luna. Ageswap!AU

(ao3 link)

When Noctis met Lady Lunafreya of Tenebrae, she was eight, and he was twelve.

He'd thought she was kind of weird at first, with her too-formal way of talking and her somber stare and her talk of Kings and Oracles and destinies, but then he'd decided to call her 'Luna' and it had made her giggle, and a piece of her had lodged itself so deep in his heart he'd never dig it back out again.

Not that he'd tried much.

The thing was... the Oracle was invincible. The Oracle was a child prodigy who pulled off miracle after feat after triumph, otherworldly magic and worldly salvation poured into the shell of a young girl. The Oracle had awakened Shiva when she was ten, had begun traveling to cure the Scourge when she was twelve, had become a public figurehead when she was fourteen.

In the eyes of the world, the Oracle wasn't quite human.

But Luna was just a girl.

And it was that Luna that wrote to him in their shared notebook. That Luna was scared of the whole world and forging through it anyway, sometimes confessing her worries in shaky handwriting and apologizing with borders of animal stickers, sometimes sheepishly asking for advice after barely packing a tightly scrawled story within the confines of the paper, sometimes covering her whole page with sketched flowers and mountains and people and letting her innocent musings and gentle poetry weave through the cracks.

She was delicate and precious and vulnerable and it drove him up the wall that no one else seemed to see it—or care.

But if advising her and cheerleading her in secret helped, he could do that. If she needed consoling or reassuring or sympathy, he could do that too. If offering to kick the ass of anyone who made her sad meant that he was offering to take on the whole world for her, well...

Someone had to do it.

But for eight long years, he was an ocean away. Words were all he had to give her, and the pain of helplessness set up shop right over that piece of her. She deserved all the good things in the world, deserved to be cherished and protected until she was ready, and if he could switch places her, he would do it in a heartbeat. If he could join her quest to keep her safe then that was all he dreamed of. If he could pay a price for her to wake up somewhere safe and warm with no prophesies or duties or pain to weigh on her slight shoulders, he'd have paid it ages ago.

And that was why he was so profoundly relieved to learn that they'd gotten engaged. Sure, it'd be on paper more than anything else, but even if he barely ever saw her, he could still do things like send the Kingsglaive with her, pay her way to better hotels, and make sure she had decent food on the road.

All he had to do was get to Altissia.

And then everything went to shit.

He wasn't quite paying as much attention as he probably should be to his battle with a literal god, but the altar where Luna stood was crumbling with every one of the Hydrean's brutal passes and he was milliseconds from warping down there, grabbing her, and getting the hell out, city be damned.

(The flicker of the look on her face when she'd met his eyes after her speech was still stuck in his mind—heartbreak and resignation and gratitude—and it was making him want to crawl out of his skin.)

But she was standing, standing, bleeding but standing, and there was a rampaging Astral in front of him who wasn't listening and technically he had bigger problems.

And then she wasn't standing anymore, stumbling to her knees and stilling, and Noctis went cold all over.

He was warping down before he'd made the conscious choice to do so.

A blink between and she was in her arms, unbearably fragile and terrifyingly cold.

"Noctis? The Hydrean—"

But Noctis was looking behind her.

"My, my. Saving the girl instead of the city? How downright heroic of you."

Ardyn, with all his slime and crooked edges and unscrupulous leers, was entirely too close to Luna, Noctis decided. That he was getting closer was untenable.

"Now what kind of look is that? I'm only here to he—"

Ultima materialized in Noctis's palm, the tip pointed at Ardyn's throat as close to the jugular as Noctis could manage with numb, slippery fingers and shaking hands.

The smile on Ardyn's face froze, then slunk away. "Tetchy, are we?"

"Get lost."

"Now—"

"Get. Lost."

Luna let her nose dip into the crook of Noctis's neck, her hands feebly fisting in the material of his shirt, silent and trusting.

There was a long moment in which Ardyn wasn't smiling at all, and the cold, calculating look it left behind was almost comforting in its honesty. It said that he was sizing up how easy it would be to kill them, and whether it would be worth it in the end.

That was okay. Noctis was analyzing what Ardyn's fighting style might be like and running through possible ways to get Luna to solid, unwrecked ground so he could fight without worry.

Then the tension released, Ardyn's oily leer making a reappearance as he rocked back on his heels. "Then might I offer the happy couple my congratulations?"

"No."

A flicker of irritation. "A few words of advice then."

"No." Noctis bared his teeth. "Get lost."

Ardyn shrugged it off in a too-graceful motion. "Have it your way, I suppose."

Noctis didn't lower his sword until Ardyn had reboarded the Niflheim ship and the whine of the engines had faded into the crashing waves.

"Hey," he said as soon as he could breathe again. "You okay?"

Up this close, it was obvious to anyone who cared to look that Luna wasn't. Even below the new pallor, her eyes were fever-glassy, her grasp painfully weak. Her own breathing rasped, sitting like her body didn't want to hold her up anymore.

"Leviathan—" she started, then blinked and gave her head a little shake. Behind them, the waves claimed another few of the altar's stones. "No, the— the ring. Your father sent me to deliver the ring."

The ring.

Noctis felt sick.

The Ring of Lucii. The ring that no one but Lucian royalty was supposed to wear, that smited all others—if Luna had been carrying it since Insomnia went down...

She fumbled a chain from around her neck, pulling it over her head and setting its makeshift pendant, the thick-banded ring Noctis had seen on his father's hand all his life, in her open palm. On some metaphysical level, it smelled like death.

Death that was connected to the Oracle's magic, and slowly but surely siphoning it away and taking her lifeforce with it.

Noctis picked up the ring, unceremoniously snapped the chain, and jammed it on his finger, shoving his own magic into it to sever the link.

The results were immediate.

First and foremost, Noctis had an intense urge to go take a nap. The demands of the ring settled under his skin like a cool mist, a gentle downer. It took him a minute to adjust to it, the press of other on his brainstem only coming to bear once the sleepiness had passed—and that was an unpleasant ordeal all on its own.

In the time it took Noctis to acclimate to that, Luna started breathing easier. It was impossible to miss it up this close. How much of it was because he'd taken the ring and how much of it was because the seas had calmed, he didn't know—

—because the seas had calmed. Leviathan had traded city-wrecking for just hovering above the altar, inscrutable.

Then she spoke, that screeching-grinding-otherworldly language of the Astrals, and Noctis was the one burying his face in the crook of Luna's neck this time, a splitting headache crashing over him in the waves Leviathan was known for.

And then it was over, and Luna had just enough time to shout a thank you! at the goddess before she was gone.

The tempest subsided, indiscriminately dropping boats and debris alike into the water.

"...Ow," said Noctis plainly.

The delicate shoulder that pressed against his nose shook with laughter. Quiet laughter, but clear laughter. Already her lungs sounded better.

He raised his head, and—

She was smiling. Dark eyelashes beaded with seawater, blonde hair plastered against her forehead and temples, full mouth resting in the happy curve it was just made for.

—and he wanted to cry.

"You're okay," he said, his voice cracking as the realization hit his numb chest in full.

"I am," she murmured, rasping but reassuring.

"You're okay," he repeated, trying to convince himself because this was all so real and yet not real at all. He cupped her face, feeling the soft give of her cheeks, the strength of the muscles in her jaw, the solid reality of the bone below it—she felt real. "You're okay," he marveled.

"Mhm," she agreed, her smile taking a turn for the fond.

The tears barely stopped as a lump in his throat before they were blurring his vision and making hot tracks down his cheeks through the wet chill.

He brought their foreheads together so he could feel the hot rush of her breath on his face, see those eyes up close. His voice broke into a whisper when he said, "You're okay."

There was a subtle strength coming back into her delicate fingers, and he could feel it when she reached up to curl them around his wrist. "And so are you."

And so they were.

She'd grown during the ten years he'd spent in the crystal.

Obviously—she was twenty-six now, not sixteen. If Prompto and Gladio and Ignis had changed and matured in the past decade, then it could only be expected that she would double it.

It still put a funny swoop in his stomach to see her like this, grounded and graceful and steady.

"You're staring," she noted with a musical lilt.

Noctis flinched, flustered. Power and wisdom of a hundred late kings and he still got shy around her. Smiling sheepishly, and he said, "You're... pretty nice to stare at."

It made her blush, and the sight sank into his heart about as much as his ego.

It was a quiet moment in the middle of the rebuilding efforts—one of those moments when he could slip into the apartment across from his and watch Luna press flowers or help her clean her counters or play human pillow while she napped—and it was in this particular moment that it occurred to him that... there was no reason why he couldn't kiss her.

Aside from the bit where she was all the way across the table from him and it would be a lot of work to get up and walk around to her side, but in general. In the spirit of it.

And in the spirit of that...

"We should get married," he decided, apropos of nothing.

She paused, paper-thin sylleblossom held halfway between the press and the big paper envelope where she was keeping them until she got a better storage case. "Pardon?"

Aw hell, even if kissing her wasn't jumping the gun, this definitely was. "I mean." He cleared his throat. "We're still engaged, aren't we?"

"That was not our choice," she said, bemused. Which was probably a clear enough answer on its own. "And the point of it is rather defeated at this point, is it not?"

"...Yeah, I guess." He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye as she put the pressed sylleblossom away. He didn't really want to give this up without getting a clear no, but what could he say?

Luna spoke again before he could decide. Blushing rosy enough to match the pink carnation in her hand, she confessed, "I... I think I'd rather like to marry you though, if you found it agreeable."

"Yeah?" Noctis rose out of his chair. Suddenly, he found that it was worth the effort of walking to her side of the table for the sake of kissing her. Weird how these things happened.

She nodded, flushing a little deeper. She was always beautiful, but he could watch the little crease at the corner of her mouth for hours right now. "It... it would put the people's minds at ease if you were to take a queen, after all, and a wedding might be just the thing to lift their spirits in a time like this."

He half-leaned, half-sat against the edge of the table next to her chair. "That's pretty... rational."

She nodded, a slow, tiny motion, her fingers curling on the worn, polished wood of the old table as she stared at them like they held the secrets of the universe.

Not that the view from here wasn't pretty nice, but he wanted to see her face, and it gave him the perfect excuse to touch her. Trailing his knuckles over the curve of her jaw, he encouraged her to look up at him. "...Can I still kiss you?"

That corner of her mouth jumped into a shy smile. "...If it would please you."

If the words in themselves were cool, then the eager, almost possessive way her arms circled around his neck to yank him closer sure wasn't, her nails scratching his back through his thin t-shirt and her cheek warm in his palm.

Warm, warm, warm and heady, seductive in its innocence and calming in its fervor. It had him bracing his weight against the back of her chair before long, and then on the table too, that piece of her in his chest heavy and aching and needing and singing.

"All those years ago... I was so excited to marry you," she whispered between kisses. "I think the servants must have become quite sick of me by the time came, I could talk of little else. I... I loved you so, and I was f-finally going to see you again, and it was like this. I only wished..."

"Only wished what?" he asked in a croak. Maybe he'd give her anything she asked right now, anything at all, but that wasn't special. That was just a given.

He wanted a bed. Not for sex, just so he could wrap her in a million blankets and protect her from everything that came her way, But then, that was just a given, too.

The smile was back again, and he could taste it this time. "Only wished that you had been the one to ask me."

Of all the—

He pulled back as far as she would let him so he could squint at her.

She diverted her eyes, flushing deeper again. She looked distractingly kissed.

There was really only one reply he could give to that.

"Hey Luna," he breathed, resting his forehead against hers. "Will you marry me?"

It was unfair how delighted she looked. He was almost tempted to ask again.

"Yes," she breathed.

"Good," he said fervently, and kissed her again.

[sky-writes-daydreams]

How They Met Part Three

A;N: Hey. I’m going ahead and posting this today. I’ve got things to do this weekend so I don’t really know when I’m going to post the next part. Hopefully this can keep you guys at bay till then lmao. Um I just want to say... All of the likes and reblogs and the oh so kind messages have been really helping. Work has been kicking my ass but when I go to break and see that you people have blown up my phone... It really makes me feel awesome So thank you all. :) As always, Feel free to send an ask or dm me if you want to talk. I don’t bite much.

@valkyrieofardyn @mooshinspace @shigekihizashi (finally let me tag you lmao) 

As always.... Enjoy. 

Next Chapter     Masterpost

All I heard was knocking. I was slowly waking up but then I heard it. I sighed then and slowly got up. I had crashed hard last night after my date. I walked over in my pjs sliding on an overshirt over my tank just in case. I opened the door and stopped. It was one of the boys from the hotel.

“Hello miss, Sorry to wake you.”

“No it’s ok… What’s up?”

“I was told to give this to you by a mister Ardyn.” He held out a thick folded letter. I stopped then and he smiled.

“He said you might have need of them. I didn’t ask what that meant.”

“No it’s alright…” I took them carefully then and smiled.

“Thanks hon..”

“It’s nothing. Anything else?”

“Yeah… Does that store here sell ebony?”

“Yes miss.”

“Sweet. Thanks.” He nodded and headed back then. I closed the door and sat at the table unfolding them. The first page was a note.

Dear Skylar,

Last night was amazing. I didn’t say so but it had been a long time for myself as well. I couldn’t have found a better date though.

Now the important part. I don’t know when they will get these to you. The papers behind here are what you will need to get back into duscae. I have no use for them being who I am. That being said, Sometime in the upcoming week, I will be in lestallum for some time. If you make it that far and so wish, Please find me. I’d love to talk with you again.

From the espresso and the best cinnamon roll in lucis.

I quickly dropped the letter on the table and looked. These were papers needed to get through any imperial barricade! Papers like this weren’t easy to get ahold of right now.  So how…? I quickly put them down and ran to get dressed. I stayed in the tank top and over shirt and put on jeans with my boots before running out. I had to find him. Only I didn’t realize what time it was. I had slept past noon.

Stepping outside almost blinded me. I hissed at the light and quickly looked around. Only Then I saw some people I recognized walking away from the hotel. I gasped and ran over.

“Boys!” They looked up and I saw their shock. The blonde one came running though and hugged me. I jumped a bit but hugged him back.

“Prompto, hey.”

“Hey! We thought we missed you!”

“No. The ferry’s shut down…. I didn’t have a way of telling you all before now.”

“Quite alright.” Ignis said smiling.

“Looks like you slept well.”

“Huh? Oh yeah. Um… look I can chat in a second but I have to know. Have you seen a man in a long coat? He’s got red hair.”

“Yeah…. Why?”

“I need to kick his ass over something. Is he still here?”

“No. He left about an hour ago.” I growled a bit then.

“Damn it….” Gladio smiled then.

“Date and run?”

“Something like that…” They chuckled then and Noctis smiled.

“Come chill with us then. We’ve got someone who might be able to get us a ride.”

“Nice… Yeah. let me pack up and then I’ll join you for a bit. I’ve got to get home today though…. I’ve been gone too long.” They nodded and honestly helped me get my bags back into my jeep. I had my sword on again and while noct fished for a cat, we just talked about what all they had been up to. They were really good hunters now and had made some serious gil. They already had enough to afford a room at the hotel. I was seriously impressed honestly. Then they invited me to go hunting with them. I figured it couldn’t hurt. Some of the hunts around here had some higher level beasts on them. A little backup never hurt anything.

Only by the time we finished, It was too late for me to be trying to go home. I might have the new headlights but I didn’t want to risk it. Thankfully I had more than enough saved up, between selling a few things and the hunts to afford a room at the hotel. I easily paid and got one next to the boys. It had been a good day honestly.

That got ruined by sunrise. I had gotten up early, hoping to get a headstart on the road. I was packing up what I had gotten out last night when someone knocked. I finished before going to the door. It was Ignis. Only the look on his face instantly worried me.

“Ignis…?”

“Come to our room. Quickly.” I nodded and followed him. He had a paper in his hand. We went in and Noct stood up.

“What’s with the look…?” He handed it to gladio and I saw it on his face as well. Prompto read it outloud though.

“Insomnia…. Falls.” I froze then. There was no way. There was supposed to be peace.

“This your idea of a joke?” Noct was pissed.

“Noct. I need you to calm down so I can explain.”

“I’m as calm as I’m gonna get!” He came close and I went closer to prompto. Noctis was kind of scary right now. I started reading the paper while gladio held it.

“There was an attack. The imperial army has taken the crown city.”

“As treaty room tempers flared, Blasts lit the night sky. When the smoke cleared from the Citadel, The king was found… Dead.” Gladio read aloud. You could hear it. They were crushed. This was insane.

“No…”

“We had no way of knowing….”

“Knowing what!?”

“That the signing was last night. That insomnia…”

“But the wedding! Altissia!”

“That was the plan. Yet Every headline says the same thing. How could they all be wrong?” I couldn’t even believe it. This was….

“We can’t believe this without seeing it for ourselves.”

“It might not be safe for us there!”

“It might not be safe for us here.” I nodded then.

“I’m going to ask Cid…. If anyone knows the truth, it’s that old man.” Noct nodded then.

“Go and ask him… Gladio, Give her our numbers. Call us when you find out.” I nodded then and we quickly exchanged numbers while ignis and prompto packed. I put my phone up then and looked to noct.

“Look…. If you guys make it to duscae for any reason… Call me. I’ve got a place there. You can hide with me ok?” He nodded then.

“Thanks… Be careful yourself ok?” I nodded then.

“I’m sorry…” He just nodded and I had to go. This had to be a lie. There was no way the peace would have failed so quickly.

There were imperial Dreadnoughts flying all over the area. I had put my top on before the rain hit this morning and now, I was driving as carefully as I could. I was still gunning it. I had to find out the truth. Only I knew the car parked outside the garage. I quickly drifted over by takkas and parked it before running. Cid was inside with the marshall. I ran in and the look on Cid’s face told me everything.

“No….” He looked up then.

“Hey kid… Thought you were hitting the city on the water.”

“They shut down the ferry… No ships in or out….”

“Did you see the prince?”

“He got there yesterday…. We…. It’s true!?” Cid nodded then.

“Afraid so….” I looked to the Marshall then and he nodded.

“Have you seen Noctis?”

“They’re heading back to insomnia… He’s pissed… Lunafreya…”

“We don’t honestly know. We think some of the glavie members who didn’t turn got her out.” I nodded then.

“The boys… They won’t be able to get back in, will they?”

“No. There’s an imperial checkpoint right outside the city. Liede is locked off.” I nodded then.

“I’ve got to call them…”

“Let me.” The marshall was serious.

“They all have my number. They’ll call me soon.”

“Ok….” I had to process this. It was insane honestly.

“What do I need to do?” He stopped then.

“Excuse me?”

“I’m not from the city…. I’m not even part of the guard. Just a hunter…. But I can still fight.” Cid nodded then. The marshall sighed then.

“Call me Leonis then. Get to lestallum. If you’ve got room in your jeep, offer refugees rides if you can. Get them to the city. It’s the safest spot. I’ve got to stay around here to help the prince out with something.” I nodded then.

“Alright. Cid… You gonna be ok old man?”

“I can hope.” I nodded then.

“Call me if you need me.”

“Will do hon.” I gave his shoulder a tight squeeze then before taking off. There was no time to lose.

It was about an hour from sunset when fate had some fun with me. I got to the barricade quickly after leaving cid’s and let a few different people hop in the jeep with me. A lot of others were doing the same thing. I had the papers ardyn left me on the dash and I was glad of it. They took one look and I was let through. The people riding with me were so relieved. I was in total shock but still got them to the city safely. A lot of people were coming in right now. I was heading back to see if anyone else needed a ride through when I saw it. The maroon car Ardyn drove off in. I quickly pulled over in front of him and jumped out running over.

“Ardyn!” He peeked around the trunk and smiled.

“Skylar. Fancy seeing you like this. Glad to see the papers worked.”

“Yeah… What happened?”

“Oh… I hit something. Gave me a flat tire… Which I apparently have no way of changing.” I laughed then and looked in the trunk. There was an umbrella and a spare tire but that was it.

“Wow….” He nodded then and I smiled.

“Then be glad I found you. I’ve got what you need.” He looked over but I was already headed back to the jeep. I opened the back hatch and got the jack and my lug wrench and a big rock I kept in case.

“A tip if you’re going to be in this country for long… get a jack and a lug wrench… and a first aid kit.”

“Is it that bad?”

“Pretty much.” I went over by the flat front tire and had the rock secure it before I started loosening the lug nuts. It was hard though. They had been put on with a drill.

“You know how to do this?”

“Used to help at a friend’s shop. I know how to change a tire, Change the oil in most cars, and check fluids… oh and replace headlights to a point.”

“Wow… So you can do basic car care, You hunt, You can be a cute waitress…. What can’t you do?”

“Um… Dance.” He laughed then as he came close. I got up then and stomped on the wrench. I felt it pop then and I smiled.

“There we go.”

“Did you just…?”

“You gotta break the resistance!” He sighed then but I got it to work every time. I was making quick work of it.

“So…. Did you hear?”

“About what?” I looked up as I got the last one loose enough.

“Insomnia.” I stopped then. I had been ignoring it.

“Yeah… I heard.” I got the jack under the frame then and started raising the car up quickly.

“Skylar…” I shook my head then and focused. I got it up high enough and quickly got the nuts off then.

“Talk to me.”

“Why? You already know what happened….” I put the nuts down then and looked down at the ground.

“I haven’t heard from any of my friends inside… I know of two kids who have lost parents… No three cus he has a sister…. The oracle could be dead for all any of us know…. Or captured…. Your country just destroyed a nation from the inside…. And I bet that damn chancellor doesn’t give a damn.”

“That’s a bit harsh.”

“Like killing our king wasn’t!? I’m friends now with his son! He’s crushed… His dad was all he had left…. He honestly believed in the peace and now…. Because of your damn bosses, no one is ever going to trust that word again.” I got the tire free then and dropped it by the car. I was honestly pissed. I wasn’t even part of the city but I had respect for the king. He had always done right by these areas.

“I’m not one of the spoiled city people… but he was a fair king. He offered chances to all of us.. Not just those in the city…. His son does the same the best he can but he’s got a long way to go… a way he’s now having to run down so he can hopefully keep himself alive.” I got up then and looked at him.

“I don’t hate you ardyn…. But I’ll be damned if I don’t hate nifelheim…” He nodded then.

“I understand hon…” I nodded back and soon got his spare tire out. It was a real tire so It would be fine to drive on for a while. I got it back on in silence then. I was still so ticked off and honestly… I was scared. What was going to happen now? I got the tire back on easily and soon lowered the car carefully.

“There… That should get you back on the road…”

“Thank you. I would have helped if you let me.”

“You can put the flat up.” He laughed then but did it. I put everything up then and just sat in the trunk. He put it up and closed his before coming over.

“Skylar…”

“What?”

“I’m sorry….” I looked up. His expression… He was sad as well.

“I wasn’t there when it started… I had to leave the quay to catch a ship to take me there. Only by then… it was in full swing. It was horrible to see honestly. I don’t understand why they wasted so many lives..” I nodded then looking down.

“They don’t care about us…. We’re just the enemy Ardyn… Lucis and niflheim… We weren’t ever going to get along.”

“Well some of us can try.” I laughed a bit then and he came closer.

“Come here.”

“Huh?”

“You look like you need a hug.” I laughed a bit then smiling and nodded. I jumped down and hugged him. At first it was light but slowly I tightened it up. Just something about him screamed safety and security. I didn’t want to let go.

“It’ll be ok. There is no thing I’ve learned about your people hon… You guys don’t ever quit. This is just a setback. I know it’ll work out in the end.” I nodded then taking a deep breathe.

“Thanks Ardyn…”

“Anytime.” I laughed then and relaxed. He smelled really good too. It wasn’t a scent I’d forget anytime soon. I let go first, very slowly and just smiled.

“You’re a Strange man Ardyn…”

“Oh like you’re totally normal.” He made me look up gently then.

“I like it though.” I felt myself blush then.

“Glad to know…. Um…”

“Yes?”

“It’s close to night…. I’m pretty sure you don’t have the repelling headlights so.. You need to go soon. It’ll be dangerous after dark.” He let me go then and I smiled.

“It’ll be the smartest move.”

“I know…” He sighed then. I remembered then.

“Oh yeah.”

“What?”

“How did you know I needed those papers?”

“You mentioned this region. I figured it meant you lived around here. Plus the bags in your jeep?” He motioned towards them and I smiled.

“Nice… Yeah. I’m like a few miles away right now….”

“Then you better get going too huh?” I nodded then and smiled.

“Well… If you hang around the city close by, I’ll probably see you. I help out around there a lot.”

“Good to know hon. See you next time?”

“Yeah. Maybe next time It’ll be where I can buy a drink or two.” He chuckled then as he got into his car.

“I doubt you could afford my tastes.”

“Try me next time then…. Just be careful.”

“You too.” I nodded and quickly got into my jeep and started her up. I waited for him to leave before I turned around and found my road. A few of us hunters lived out here in a community honestly. I pulled in and waved to the ones outside before heading in. We just had to have hope. We could make it through this. We’d make those nifs pay for taking down insomnia.

[zer0pm]

Photo taken and edited by me~ (Dammit, he’s too handsome) 

Tropes Pt. 2 for my upcoming project.  Alas, the con at the end of this month is taking much of my time, however, I am making strides with making the fancomic mainly in writing that focuses on the interactions of Ardyn and his crew.  So without further ado, here ya go!  Fair warning, long read ahead.

Feel free to leave insight, commentary, heck even stuff that you would like to see come to life between the Ardynights~  For those who are just learning about this project for the first time, you can refer to the link below of the crew I have created for Trash Jesus during his time as a mortal man and hero to his people 2000 years ago:

Ardyn and his crew

Ardyn & The Lancer

If It’s You, It’s Okay – The Lancer lets Ardyn get away with a lot of things, granted he’ll more or less talk his ear off for it

Seeker: “Why do you let him do what he does if you are so vocal in your dislike for his choices?”

Lancer: “Once you’re in his company long enough, you’ll understand.”

Shield: “Ardyn is just…Ardyn.”

Ardyn: “Did someone call my name?”

Straight Man and Wise Guy – The Lancer as the Straight Man and Ardyn as the Wise Guy respectively

Ardyn and his team travel to what would later be known as Altissia to make a pact with Leviathan, the goddess of the seas who is known to treat those who so much as annoy her with an unbridled wrath.

Ardyn: “We board ship, commune with the Hyrdraean, and move that much closer to defeating the ultimate evil.  Sound like a plan?”

Lancer: “The Hydraean is not known for her kindness, Ardyn.  We must proceed with caution.  The wrath of the sea would surely be upon us if we so much as look at her the wrong way.”

Ardyn: “Come now.  I am the Astrals’ Chosen.  What could possibly go wrong?”

(scene cuts to Ardyn and his crew holding onto the collapsing mast of the ship struggling against the goddess’ seastorm)

Lancer: “ARDYN, YOU POMPOUS TWIT!”

Ardyn: “I KNOW, I’M WORKING ON IT!”

Ardyn & The Shield

Get a Hold of Yourself, Man! – The Shield does this to Ardyn as he loses confidence in himself as Chosen.  They brawl it out with the Shield seemingly having the upper hand despite Ardyn possessing superior abilities which further damages Ardyn’s ego, but at the right moment the latter sets his pride aside and overcomes his friend who smiles and proudly accepts his defeat.

Shield: “If you cannot defeat me, then you cannot defeat the daemons.  You cannot defeat the Starscourge.  So allow me to do us all a favor and end your life now since you have already surrendered to your failures.” (moves to attack Ardyn)

Ardyn: (dodges) “Shield!  Have you gone mad?!”

---

Ardyn: “I know what you’re trying to do.” (sword pointing at the Shield)

Shield: (ended in a kneeling position and was unarmed by Ardyn’s last strike, he bows his head respectfully) “Is the king now ready to take his crown?”

I Owe You My Life – Ardyn saved The Shield when they were children, the former was too young to remember as he himself was in the mindset of playing the game of Hero.  The Shield on the other hand remembers everything and dedicates his life to protecting Ardyn even after the fall of Solheim.

Ardyn: “What made you chase after the profession of soldier?”

Shield: “A little boy.  He saved me from a fire when I was a young lad myself.”

Ardyn: “You of all people required saving?”

Shield: (nods) “Since then, I wanted to become stronger.  To have the same resolve and courage as he did…does.”

Ardyn: “Ah, so you think he’s still alive?  That’s good!  It would be a great honor to meet him, my friend.”

Shield: (smiles)

(flashback – Ardyn single-handedly drags The Shield from the burning and collapsing building.  Both boys coughing as they gasp for clean air)

Young Ardyn: (after he regains his breath) “…Are you alright?”

Young Shield: “I…I think so.”

Young Ardyn: (looks at him and smiles gleefully) “That was a most excellent time!  I can’t wait to tell, Lancer!  Let’s play again, yes?” (scurries off)

Young Shield: “……” (looks at the retreating boy with slight awe)

(flashback ends)

Lancer: “So that was you.  And after all this time, I thought it was a story he made up.”

Ardyn & The Seeker

Only Friend – The Seeker has made many ties whilst wandering Eos in her personal quest, these people including the Oracle; however, she outright states that she never allows herself or anyone to get close emotionally.  Over time, however…

Seeker: “It…has been a long time since I can openly admit to trusting someone.”

Ardyn: (shrugs) “You trust us enough to travel with us in our perilous journey.  Three men, I imagine, is not ideal company for a lady.”

Seeker: “That is different.  Saving Eos forces one to place reliance onto others because that is what is demanded.  But trust…that’s a sentiment, a gift.  Something I scarce allow…”

Ardyn: (smiles) “Is this the part where you confess your love to me?  At long last?”

Seeker: “No.”

Ardyn: (fakes being emotionally hurt by her rejection)

Seeker: (she smiles slightly in response) “You are strange, Chosen.” (moves to prepare for their next objective)

Ardyn: “Seeker.”

Seeker: (turns to him) “?”

Ardyn: “I trust you too.”

Ship Tease - for the most part, this relationship seems very one-sided as Ardyn is a persistent flirt while the Seeker does not appear to be one for romance.  Still, they have a interesting enough dynamic for this trope to properly be referenced to and one of many banters to match.

(Seeker treating Ardyn’s wounds)

Seeker: “Hold still.”

Ardyn: “It’s not that ba-hss!” (winces)

Seeker: “True.  Lucky for you, you will not have scars.”

Ardyn: “Ahh, but the female masses fancy scars. Look at the Shield.”

Shield: (a short distance away, surrounded by fawning/fussing women though he nary gives them attention in return)

Ardyn: “See what I mean?”

Seeker: “I’m sure you can find safer ways to appeal to them.”

Ardyn: “I will try everything, risks and all.”

Seeker: “Sounds like a lot of effort to attract attention. You do plenty of that without even trying.”

Ardyn: “Whatever it takes to keep your eyes on mine.  If scars are to mar my person on a regular basis to ensure the promise of your hands and attention tending to me…then the pain is worth it.  I seek only to appeal to you.”

Seeker: (finishes dressing his wounds and dismisses him) “Enough of that.  Go tend to the others, Chosen.”

Ardyn: “As you wish, my temptress.”

Seeker: (sighs)

You Are Better Than You Think You Are - they give each other lectures of this in the fluffiest of ways, here are my favorite moments.

(The Seeker telling this to Ardyn)

Seeker: “Ardyn, that is not true. The ring and the Crystal does not define who you are. It does not tell you that you are less.”

Ardyn: “Then who am I? What more could I be?”

Seeker: “A good man…that has taken the burdens none could carry to save the lives of all. One who evidently believes himself to be… a man of no consequence.” (A/N: I squealed when I wrote this tbh)

Ardyn: (chuckles)

Seeker: (smiles) “Ah, there is that man.”

---

(Ardyn telling this to the Seeker)

Ardyn: “Seeker…”

Seeker: “If this is another one of your advances to make light of the situation then hurry up and get it over with.”

Ardyn: “I just wanted to say…that you are worth more than you make yourself out to be, that despite your words and your actions, you are a good soul and the bravest person I know.  It is your side that I will proudly stand by until the end itself.” (after a long-filled silence, he moves to leave her to her thoughts, but is stopped when she grips his sleeve, preventing him from going.  He looks back at her questioningly and is taken aback when she further initiates physical contact by embracing him.  No words were shared and he embraces her wholly, offering the comfort she wanted)

The Lancer & The Shield

Cultured Warrior – when not under the threat of daemons or battle, The Lancer passes the time with fine spirits and engages in deep political discussions, mostly pertaining to the recovery of Solheim should they succeed in their mission to purge the Starscourge.  The Shield prefers discussing literature, but will not turn down a drink when offered.

Lancer: “Shield, whilst they are handling this task, I have a spotted a promising tavern nearby.  We should discuss recovery efforts of the lands.”

Shield: “You just want to drink.”

Lancer: (sighs) “Very well.  Pass me enough spirits and you can share your thoughts on your latest read.”

Worthy Opponent – The Lancer considers The Shield this.

Ardyn: “Back at home, Lancer and Shield would be sparring on the training grounds constantly.”

Seeker: “I’m guessing The Shield rose victorious after each session?”

Lancer: “Admittedly that is the case.”

Shield: “You came close, Lancer.”

Lancer: “Closer each time.”

Shield: (nods) “Then I look forward to the next.”

The Lancer & The Seeker

Deadpan Snarker – They can have a battle and we’ll never know who will win.  This one is mixed with If You Ever Do Anything to Hurt Him...

Lancer: “Ardyn has told me that I should apologize for my words about your home earlier.”

Seeker: “And yet by your approach, the gesture will not be made.”

Lancer: “How very keen.”

Seeker: “So then what is it that you wish to say?”

Lancer: “My brother is easily ensnared by the…fairer sex.  He will trust you without reason.  He has a warn heart.” (steps closer to her) “If broken at any time, the next moment will be my spear through yours.”

Seeker: “….” (glares at him, but then looks down)

Lancer: (follows her gaze to see a dagger pressed against his lower abdomen)

Seeker: (carefully puts the dagger away) “Sorry, reflex.” (with one last glare, she walks away)

Headbutting Heroes - when they first meet, Lancer was extremely distrustful of her, being a stranger that can hold her own in a fight and all of mysterious origins, and the Shield is not too keen on sharing personal information let alone her intentions either

Lancer: “Abstaining to share only makes us suspicious of your character.”

Seeker: “Look, if I wished for your demise, I would have left you all for the daemons to ravenously pick at back at the surface.”

Revenge Before Reason – They hate the daemons more than anyone considering their Dark and Troubled Past

(recounting why he wants vengeance)

Lancer: “I trust…you will not tell Ardyn what you saw.  If he knew…”

Seeker: “I won’t.  And I understand.”

Lancer: “….Thank you.”

Seeker: “They will pay.”

Lancer: (nods) “Every last one of them.”

---

(when the Seeker pursues her own vengeance)

Ardyn: “Lancer…did you know of this?”

Lancer: “Some fury cannot be quenched by love and comfort alone.”

Ardyn: “She will die!  And you let her go?!”

Lancer: “When there is a wrath that burns that ferociously, the only price is blood.”

The Shield & The Seeker

Birds of a Feather - they both have made oaths to protect

Shield: “We share the same oath.”

Seeker: “Yours pertains to one ward, mine extends to all.”

Shield: “My ward has all resting on his shoulders.”

Hidden Depths – all have shades of this. The Shield is an avid reader and actually collects books during the journey.

Seeker: “Sir Shield.”

Shield: “Lady Seeker.”

Seeker: “I have taken notice of your souvenirs and could not help but recognize one of them.”

Shield: “Which one?”

Seeker: “The Indigo Character.  We had the copies of the same story back in Memento.”

Shield: “A good read?”

Seeker: “You will not be able to put the book down.”

Shield: (smiles slightly, almost enthused) “That is what I hope for.”

---

Shield: “Here.” (hands the Seeker a book)

Seeker: “What is this?”

Shield: “A journal.  The previous owner was a researcher that studied flora all across Eos.”

Seeker: “I am not one for flowers, truthfully.”

Shield: “Give it a look.” (this even would lead to the Seeker learning something from her homeland)

[eirenare]

FFXV: Royal Edition — interesting details of the fight vs The Mystic + a new theory

I noticed this at, like, the 2nd or 3rd watch, but for one reason or another I haven’t posted it until now.

I realized that the footage they showed of the fight with the Ruler of Yore called “The Mystic” (Iaksa in Spanish —in Spanish the Royal Arms are called by names and then the title is said in the description—, Yasha/Yaksha in Japanese according to the Wikia) has a... quite interesting background. 

The first moments shown, he appears on the hall of the paintings, before you reach the throne room; he seems to be facing that room itself. That is kind of interesting, given the fact that you fight “The Fierce” in the lowest part of the Citadel: since we don’t see any footage vs the queen called “The Rogue”, and it’s said we’re getting an expanded map of Insomnia, either we’re going to have “another stop” between the lowest part and the Throne Room., or we fight her in that same lowest floor.

Given the fact that the 3 Kings of Yore shown appear as watchers when the fight with Ardyn its reaching its end, it wouldn’t be crazy if we would have to fight the other two as well. I would love to fight them all, though.

However, what caught my interest the most, and a lot... was that there’s more footage of the fight with “The Mystic” but, this time, for the footage of the fight, you’re in another place...

That “etheral” and swirling background around then just looks like the vortex seen in the cinematic after Noctis dies, before he confronts Ardyn for the last time; like that vortex that surrounds Noctis as he warps to its center before finding Ardyn. The thing is... you’re with the other bros, for what it seems.

Oh, and if you look at the minimap at that part of the footage you can see that the map looks very similar to the one of the throne room, althought you look like being “out of the map”. It could just be another floor or something, or the same floor as the throne room maybe... but then, why not “show/put” that part of the minimap and have the minimap like that? That’s a bit weird.

Another thing that I’ve noticed just now, after watching again the trailer, is that I can’t, for the life of me, recognize the sword that Noctis calls upon in the scene before fighting “The Mystic”. At first I thought he was summoning Regis’ sword, or the one of the same king he’s fighting, but for what I’ve seen, it doesn’t look to me that the form corresponds with either of them.

EXTRA — Theory time!

Is it me or Noctis looks like... kind of “angry” in that scene in which he calls upon that sword to fight “The Mystic”? I mean, I don’t know you, but he gives me these vibes, more than simple concentration. 

But well, imagine this... Noctis and the group get called by Cor saying that, before heading to Altissia, they could use the Royal Vessel to go take a look at what looks like a tomb that’s only accesible using a ship (or better accessed to by using a ship). Imagine that that is... not exactly a tomb, or an almost destroyed tomb, with a 14th royal arm: Ardyn’s weapon. Imagine that that is the sword that Noctis summons in that little scene before fighting “The Mystic”...

Man, I would LOVE this so much. Chances of this happening I would say are non-existant, but I would love to see something like this nonetheless.

Oh, and bonus points if the place to where you have to go pick up the sword is Angelgard’s stone prison, instead of a tomb. 

P.D.: RIP MY HEART, I forgot silence my phone and the freaking sound that I have for notifications, of the chirp of a chocobo, rang LOUD. JEEZ.

[thechocobros]

Lunyx | Dirty Dancing Au | ch.3

Couple: Lunafreya Nox Fleuret/Nyx Ulric

Words: 7562

AO3 Link: message me if you need it ;)

Summary: Princess Lunafreya Lucis Caelum - the daughter of Regis Lucis Caelum and Sylva Nox Fleuret and the sister of Ravus and Noctis - is a very good mannered, intelligent, innocent and curios young girl. She sneaks out of Insomnia’s palace to join the Glaives in the slums, only to find Nyx and Crowe enjoying their hours of freedom by dancing senseless some galahdian dances in front of hundreds of people. When Crowe gets badly injured during her guard duty, Nyx needs to find a good partner before the dance competition of next month. That may be the hardest thing to find in Insomnia. Until Luna offers.

Comment: First of all, I’m sorry for the awfully long waiting. I have to thank @rsasai for editing this chapter in spite of everything, so I was finally able to publish it :3 thank you, darling, I really appreciate it. 

The next (and last) chapter is ready to be published too, and just for your information I tell you I’m focusing now on the “see Luna safe to Altissia” fic, the other big finale I know a lot of you are waiting for xD After seeing Episode Ignis, I finally have all the material I need for finish it, so expect that soon. 

Back to Dirty Dancing, look at Lunyx in this chapter, being sexy and so fricking in love and you’ll have a vague idea of hard I still ship it. I fear I will never get over them. 

Crowe was allowed to stand up from her bed only to move to the couch. Libertus was luckier than her, because — having only a leg broken — he could move around with crutches.

On a day when she was free from her royal appointments, Luna picked some sylleblossoms from the gardens and decided to pay to Crowe a visit for the first time since she decided to help with the dancing. She had some difficulties in finding her home, as all the Glaives lived in uniform block homes and no one seemed particularly keen on bringing her there. But Luna won in the end— as she always did — and she had her safe ride to the building. It was nothing more than a huge gray box divided in sections where every Glaive had their own apartment. It took Luna fifteen minutes to find Crowe's and when she did, she found Pelna in the kitchen, cooking only Pelna knew what. Luna couldn't recognize the smell so she supposed it was some kind of Galahdian food.

"Oh, Your Highness! What a surprise!" Pelna bowed when he saw the Princess enter, before he led the way to Crowe's room. The mage was there, lazily watching tv with a bored expression.

Luna waved the flowers to her, and the Glaive bursted out in a laugh and asked in a mocking tone, ”Do I look like a flower girl?"

"Next time I'll bring you chocolate,” Luna answered with a smile, making her way to the bed where her former bodyguard was situated.

"Do you want a cup of tea, Princess? Or an Ebony, maybe?" Pelna asked, but Luna only shook her head. Before he left, he made sure to bow again, far too deeply for Luna’s liking.

“Really, I'm fine,” the Princess said, trying to put him at ease, but considering his pulled face she knew that would have been a challenge.

"Ok... So, uhm, have fun?” When Pelna left, Luna slowly turned around to glance at Crowe, with a highly raised eyebrow.

"... You and Pelna, huh?" Crowe rolled her eyes and sighed, frustrated.

"Not what you think. He's a friend and he helps me with food and other things since I can't get out of this bed." The brunette seemed almost irritated by the insinuation and since Luna didn't come to start a fight, the only thing she could do was to let it go. Luna was hundred percent positive that Pelna didn't consider Crowe just a friend, even if Crowe didn’t quite see it in the same light.

“That’s fine, don't get mad at me, now. How do you feel?" Crowe sighed and pointed at her feet, both closed in plaster.

"They won't let me move for a least another couple of weeks. But Princess … I’m so bored."

Luna could only imagine the stress Crowe felt, as she would have felt the same way. Thanks to the Stars, she had Nyx protecting her with his own body when the accident happened, otherwise she would have been in the same condition. Or… maybe she would have been dead. Luna realized she owed Nyx more than she had ever said, and maybe that was the true reason as to why she really wanted to help him with the dance contest.

While she was listening to Crowe complain, the Princess went searching through Crowe’s apartment for a nice vase, putting the flowers in it. The two girls chatted a bit and then finally they touched on the subject they cared for the most.

"So how’s the training going?" Luna gazed at her friend and sighed. Crowe seemed to get the idea pretty fast. "Oh. How bad?"

"No, no, I mean, Nyx is amazing, but ..."

"Is he ...?" It was Crowe's turn to raise her eyebrows. Luna grimaced before putting on a smile.

"Well, he may be stern sometimes. But he's not the problem. It's me. I ... am not at his level."

"Of course you're not. He’s been dancing since he was 16, while you stared three weeks ago."

"That's what he says, too. But excuses won't win competitions. And I ... just ... don't want to let Nyx down." Luna swallowed, feeling her heart breaking in her chest. She let herself fall onto the bed next to Crowe. Crowe felt like she had to comfort her somehow so she just reached for her hand, causing herself some pain when her ribs creaked.

“I think that with a good wig, people won’t even notice the difference between you and I. And even if you don’t win, remember that it's just a competition. Nyx’ll understand."

"But you all need money to go back to Galahd… And you wouldn’t ever accept a personal donation, right? So you have to win. You deserve the chance to start a new life, to not be considered only ‘immigrants.' You’re more than that."

Crowe grimaced. "Nyx told you about those things, didn't he?" Luna nodded, so the other girl just shook her head. "It is the truth, being immigrants in Insomnia is hard. We were chosen because of our affinity with the King's magic on the battlefield, but this doesn't mean we’re treated any better because of it. It’s actually the opposite. The fact we have to live in here, in apartments made of cement instead of the wood houses we were used to in Galahd is evidence of low we are on the list. But this shouldn’t be a weight on your shoulders. Even if you're the Princess, you can't change the mentality of an entire city." Luna felt tears prickling her eyes but she pushed them back. She was stronger than that, at least for now.

"But I want to do something. That’s why I have to help Nyx win that competition." Crowe moved with difficulty on the bed, trying to look her in the face.

“You're helping already. If these are your feelings, I'm sure Nyx is able understand them the same way I do. Just your willingness to support us. it means the world to me.”

------------

"So, Nyx. What have you been up to lately? We don't see you at the club anymore." Tredd Furia entered in the locker room where Nyx and Libertus -—still hobbling on his crutches — where chatting after their daily training. He was accompanied by Luche and Axis, all of whom seemed bored enough to take the chance to torment their colleagues with their typical bullshit. Thanks to the Stars, even with the treaty on stake, there were no scuffles inside or outside the city, so none of the Kingsglaive were needed on the battlefield. This allowed them to have calm days with easy schedules.

"If you didn't notice, Crowe was badly injured. Why should I come to the club if she’s not there? To dance with you?" Nyx joked, covering his muscled and tattooed chest with a simple t-shirt. He hoped that sarcasm would help him avoid the dangerous possibility of slipping up just a little too much… the one where he accidentally betrayed the Princess.

Tredd looked at his two malicious friends beside him and crossed arms. "We all thought you had a secret date. After all, you didn't retire from the contest, right? So, who's gonna take Crowe's place?"

Nyx hesitated. "Not your business,” he answered, knowing that he was a bad liar. Silence was the better option.

"So, there's a secret date."

"Hey, shut your mouth!" Libertus intervened.

But Tredd didn't seem to care as he continued, "I hope she can stand at Crowe's level, because the other dancers are gonna be tough to beat,” he said, pointing at himself. It was no secret he was one of the participants, too. Nyx rolled the eyes.

"Oh, please. Don’t make me laugh.”

"It would be a shame to see you fail when you're so close to fleeing from Insomnia,” Tredd insisted. He was perfectly aware of what was at stake, and everyone knew he aimed for the contest prize with the same motivation Nyx had. Tredd took his things from the locker and blinked slowly at Nyx, trying to provoke him. It worked in a way, because his mere presence was enough to infuriate him, but Nyx knew better than to pick a fight.

"We'll discuss it on the stage,” he said, trying to keep his voice calm. He looked at Tredd like he could burn him with his gaze alone before closing the locker and leaving, Libertus following him at a hobble on his crutches.

-----------

Nyx intensified the trainings, fueled by spite, but with much frustration from Luna. Nyx's hopes of her doing the infamous jump seemed, however, to be in vain. She was just not coordinated enough, or maybe (as Nyx was convinced) she was far too scared and lacked the trust required to do the scene. This created some quarrels and tension between the two. Nyx got clearly more nervous after Tredd challenged him so directly and Luna started to have some problems in putting up with the ever-raising difficulty of the training.

"I am not a flexible doll— you just can't throw me up in the sky hoping that I move the way you want!" she yelled one day after a catastrophic near-fall, because of Nyx's impulsivity. Of course, Nyx wouldn't ever let her fall and he had managed to catch her by the skin of his teeth, yet the unexpected move frightened the Princess.

"I know what I’m doing!" the Glaive yelled back, opening his arms.

"Well, I don't!" Luna stopped the stereo with a sharp movement. Now she was tired and upset.

"You have to trust me, Princess! You. Have. To. Trust. Me."

"I trust you, it's just ..." And she didn't finish the sentence. She didn't even know what to say. Whatever the real reason, it was beyond her ability to jump correctly.

They just had to cut that part out from the dance, rendering the choreography far less interesting but manageable for Luna. Nyx hoped that the rest of the dance would be so perfect that the judges wouldn't even notice the absence of it. Otherwise, they surely would lose the competition.

---------

The day of the selection arrived far too soon and Luna didn't feel ready for it.

As soon as she arranged the perfect excuse with her family, she ran downstairs where she found Nyx, ready to pick her up as promised. He took her to the theater where the first phase of competition would take place. Even if Nyx assured her that the selection would be the easiest part, she was so nervous it was clear it wouldn't end well. When they arrived backstage, Nyx tried his best to be gentle and understanding.

"Princess, you have to calm down,” he said, adjusting her wig so it wouldn't fall down to her forehead during the show. His gesture was sweet indeed and Luna appreciated it a lot. “You've become a great dancer really quick. Come what may, you’ve nothing to embarrass yourself."

But no matter how reassuring the Glaive could be, Luna couldn't really share the same feeling. She watched her image at the mirror, barely recognizing herself under weight of the brown wig and the tribal costume which let her skin very exposed. She still had the feeling of not being prepared enough niggling its way through her guts. Behind her, Nyx was dressed to match her outfit, but he was shirtless, some symbols painted on his bare skin. He was looking at her with worried eyes; it was like he was expecting to see her crumble right before the competition.

When a voice called out Nyx Ulric's and Crowe Altius' names and they reached the stage, Luna felt like all their efforts in the last month had been nothing but a waste of time.

The lights were blinding.

The Princess could barely see the people beyond it, but she knew they were there. She could hear them breathe, whispering comments. What if someone recognized her? Or worse, what if she tripped or made the wrong move?

Nyx pulled her hand, forcing her to look him straight in the eye. "Remember: don't look at anything else but me. It's just you and me. The rest of the world doesn't exist." His voice was the only thing capable to give her the strength to not faint.

She swallowed and the music started. The rhythm had become familiar to Luna in the last weeks, so she just had to try to relax a bit and imagine they were alone in the room. Nyx's presence was reassuring in the same way as the music. Somehow, he had become the magnet that pushed and pulled her, which allowed them to move perfectly in spite of all the stress. Their bodies entwined exactly like they were supposed to. Their moves were smooth, precise…

Mechanical.

The nervousness on the Princess' face couldn't be erased in a matter of seconds. It was easy to predict, Luna moved beautifully... and far too technically.

Nyx wasn't one to not expect it, since he had grown to know her well in those weeks. He knew the way her mind tricked her, he knew her fears, her insecurities. Halfway through the dance he was pretty sure it would have been better to blindfold her once again if he wanted to dance with Luna instead of a robot. When they finished the dance — of course without the damn jump — Luna was ready to cry. The applause covered her sniffs, while Nyx's hug covered her red cheeks, so the public didn't notice how broken the young ballerina was feeling.

------------

The ride back to the palace was stiflingly silent.

After two minutes behind the wheel, Nyx tried to say something that would give a modicum of comfort, "We passed the first round, so don’t worry. We still have a chance to win."

But Luna just blinked at him, eyes full of angry tears. She was not angry at him, of course. She was so angry with herself, for not being able to stand at his level. Nyx sighed, trying not to let her hear him. He wasn't in the mood to put up with her frustration, since he wasn't in the mood for anything actually. It was just hard being the one giving comfort when he was the one feeling down. He knew he couldn't blame the Princess, since she was trying her best, yet he would have gladly asked the universe why he could never have something good happen in his life. He really wanted to win that contest, and even if he initially was one of the favorites now things were looking very different; Tredd Furia passed the first round too and presented himself like one of the best, possibly even the frontrunner. If he won, Nyx would have to deal with his obnoxious bragging for the rest of the year, and Nyx was sure the entire Kingsglaive's department wasn't ready for that.

For now, Nyx had to force himself to focus on driving, but in reality, all he thought about was the horrible feeling of having his heart broken as he watched his dreams of going back to Galhad getting further and further away.

-----------

The next morning, Nyx didn't show up to his usual guard duty. For the first time in his entire career as a Kingsglaive, he left a message that said he felt sick, and Captain Drautos didn't have any other choice but to let him stay home.

Luna felt like the hole she was trying to fill inside her chest suddenly became larger than a ravine. The sense of guilt didn't ease the entire day. She was firmly convinced it was her fault, and even if she knew he probably only wanted to be alone right now, when the sun set, she felt a need growing inside her—she needed to see him.

She had dinner with her family and if they noticed something was off, they didn't say anything. Except Noctis, of course. He knew her better than almost anyone else in the world, and was the only one who pulled her to the side.

"What happened?" he asked in a whisper as they made their way to the fireplace room. They stayed a bit behind in the corridor, following after the others. Ravus blinked at them but he never dared disturb their little talks. It was clear that he had no intention of starting now as he headed into the room.

"I'm fine."

Noct almost seemed offended by her lie. ”Last time you didn't touch Ignis' spaghetti was when you had measles,” he replied, salty. "C'mon, what's going on?"

Luna entwined her fingers in front of her chest, not knowing how to hide her heartbreak anymore. She kept still.

"So, how's your gym course? Are you making any progress?" Noctis insisted, knowing what buttons to press to get a reaction. This time his voice was illusive, which made Luna jump, just the slightest of movements that gave her away. She took her brother's hand and pushed him aside in the corridor, checking to make sure their parents were out of hearing and seeing distance. Thank Bahamut they were far enough away.

"What do you know about my training?"

Noctis shrugged. “Nothing… Well, except that it isn't a gym course." The calm in his voice would have broken a saint.

"And what makes you think of that?"

"Well, where do you want me to start? Three to four hours of gym every evening is a long time for someone who wants to just stay in shape. Then you went on insisted that your training was outside of the Citadel? Like that didn’t set off red flags for me. Let’s see… the new expensive clothes. ... And that’s a nice perfume. Since when do you wear perfume?” Luna couldn’t stop her eyes from widening in dawning horror as Noctis lifted up finger after finger. It looked like he really had a long list. "Your daydreaming expression when —“

"Fine, fine!" Luna raised her hands in surrender, before he could continue any further. "I get it. You're a good detective."

Noctis crossed his arms, resting his back on the wall and abandoning himself to a very indulgent pose.

"So, who's he?" he asked, taking out his phone, tapping on the screen as he utterly ignored Luna’s panic.

"Why should it be—?” Noctis blinked coldly at her, lips pursed. Luna sighed. "The personal trainer,” she admitted in the end, lowering her shoulders in sign of guilty admission.

"A classic." Luna would have laughed at his tone but she really didn't have anything to laugh about.

"He's actually more than a personal trainer. It's... One of daddy's Glaives. He teaches me how to dance Galahdian's tribal dances."

Noctis furrowed the eyebrows, curious.  "Which one?"

"Nyx Ulric."

"The hero?" Noctis was clearly surprised by the identity of his sister's secret date, but his brain aimed at another more important question, "But aren't Galahdian dances supposed to be ... Well. You know." Luna's silence was answer enough. Her cheeks turned a deeper shade of fluorescent red. "Wow, sis. Is this your version of 'go big or go home'?"

"Noctis, please."

"If dad finds out, you're dead, you know. If Ravus finds out, Ulric is too."

"That's the reason why you aren’t going to tell a soul, Noctis. Please!" Luna looked pretty distressed by the whole situation and Noctis was willing to let it go.

"Fine by me. But what you told me didn't explain why you feel down today."

Luna sighed and briefly told him what happened the day before. She told him about the first phase of the contest, and about her failure. Noctis listened patiently like the good brother he wanted to be, but Luna knew he couldn't wait to give his opinion, so he could quickly go back to playing King's Knight with Prompto or Gladio. As soon as she finished explaining, she looked at him, waiting for his reply. Noctis pouted his lips, stayed silent for the longest she had seen him since he was born, and then said, "Go to him, I'll cover you."

Luna almost panicked. "Go to him to say what, exactly?” Noctis started to walk towards the fireplace's room, where the rest of the family waited.

"I don't know. Your business, not mine. But you need to face him sooner rather than later, otherwise you’re gunna go bonkers. And he will too, even if he doesn't know it yet. "

For some reason, her brother's words lightened a bit the burden on Luna's heart.

Without even thinking twice, she was already turning her toward the exit of the Citadel. Noctis trusted her to go alone, thinking she was mature enough to deal with this kind of misunderstanding. Her entire family trusted her in general, because she had always been the wisest among the royal children, among the entire aristocratic youth. But that night, dealing for the first time in her life with new and complicated feelings, Luna felt her heart going so numb that her usual maturity became nothing but a hazy memory.

She snuck out of the Citadel, not even caring if someone noticed her absence. She found herself in front of Nyx’s apartment before she could fully comprehend where her crazy actions were leading her.

——————

Nyx opened the door and stared at Luna in shock. He swallowed after a moment of holding his breath, eyeing her simple white sweater, and jeans.

She was alone, in front of his apartment wearing nothing but an informal outfit to boot— it was not difficult to figure she snuck out of the Citadel once again.

“Hi…” Luna waved at him, shy and hesitant. She held herself in her own arms, like she was fearing her heart would have jumped out of her chest if she let go. “Can I come in?”

Nyx squeezed the eyes for a second, then nodded and moved to the side. Luna stepped ahead, walking far too close to him during the process. For some reason, this made the Glaive shiver.

Luna looked around, observing the simplicity of the apartment. She had never been inside the Glaive’s home, and it reminded her of Crowe’s. Just a simple bed, a couch, a table, a small kitchen, and a tv turned on to a music program. It was a bit of a mess, the curtains were closed and the room smelled of him. Even so — even if it was so different from the sophisticated chambers she was used to in the palace — Luna felt like her heart was lighter just being there… almost like it was home.

“You didn’t come to work today,” the Princess started, turning around to watch him close the door.

“I, uhm. Didn’t feel well.” Nyx put his hands in his pockets, probably aware he was not a good liar and his hands quivering showed that.

“You weren’t in the mood,” Luna corrected him, biting her down lip. “It’s because of my terrible performance yesterday, isn’t it?” Nyx breathed out, shaking his head.

“You weren’t terrible at all. You did amazing for a starter.” As Luna realized the meaning of his words, she felt tears tugging at her eyes once again.

“Yes, for a starter. But I was supposed to look like a professional. I’m so sorry, Nyx. I—I let… you down.” Nyx stepped a bit closer but stopped halfway, frowning and hesitating. The instinct to hug her was strong but too many things were prevent him from acting on that desire. He tried to follow the conversation instead of his natural instinct.

“You didn’t let me down, not at all. I’m not upset with you. I’m not upset with anyone but me.”

That affirmation surprised the girl. “… You?”

“I really need to apologize. You … You’re a Princess,” he started. All of a sudden, he closed his eyes and shook the head, gesturing at her in frustration. “What was I even thinking? You’re a Princess, you’re not supposed to humiliate yourself by dancing on a stage with a Glaive touching you… so inappropriately. It was stupid. I shouldn’t have accepted.”

“You say this only because I failed you.”

“No, you didn’t fail me. You—” Nyx breathed heavily, not even remembering the last time he struggled with words so much. “You honored me with your dedication to such a stupid cause! And I just can’t bear the idea you feel like you failed, when you should only be proud of yourself for all the effort you put in!” He couldn’t stop himself from continuing, “You lied to your family—“ he used the fingers to count the points on the list, "you never skipped a lesson, you put up with me and my teaching experiments, you sweated and damn-near broke your back during the trainings... Not even an immigrant from Galhad would have done something like that! And now you come to me to apologize because you didn’t dance like a pro? I can’t accept it. I don’t want to allow you to feel sorry for being gentle with me. You didn’t have to help me, yet you did because you’re brave and kind!”

The expression on Luna’s face changed drastically when she heard him speaking with such fervor. Her tears dried. Since she came to pay him a visit thinking he was avoiding her because of her bad performance on the stage, she really hadn’t expected him to confess his admiration instead. Her body reacted so strangely that she had to hold on the nearby table to mask her weakness. She didn’t even blush, she just kept staring at him in awe.

Nyx noticed immediately what reaction he had provoked with his words, so he broke eye contact, ashamed of having let his feelings pour out.

"You don't deserve to go this low for me. You belong to a shiny world while I .... I’m nothing." Such a statement truly touched Luna's heart. There was a deeper note in it that let the Princess understand he was not only referring to the dance anymore.

"That's not true, you're everything!"

Nyx swallowed but couldn't accept her words. He just rolled the eyes.

"You don't understand the way it is. People from Galahd or similar provinces aren’t allowed to elevate our status. We’re not allowed to be more than just immigrants. Your smallest bathroom is as big as two apartments in this building, but we are forced to live here, y’know? We tried to move to a bigger house but immigration laws said that no matter what service we glaives offer to the country, we can't leave this structure. It’s because 'the King said it's more practical'.

But we know the truth: Your father is just trying to stop us from spreading all around the corners of the city, where he won’t be able to control us. You can waltz and participate to fancy parties in pretty dresses, while we’re forced to eat at Yama's and dance in a pub in the middle of the slums. We’re also forced to do this in secret because if the Captain or the King found out, we’d be fired and banished from Insomnia.Immigrants Glaives aren’t allowed to perpetuate such an immoral Galahdian tradition.

You can offer to pay the entire prize for the contest if we didn’t win it… But I’m still here, with nothing left but my Galahdian pride to say 'no, I don't want your money.’ Long story short, I really am nothing compared to you — or to some Insomnian civvie— and there's no way anyone can deny it. I shouldn’t have forced you to dance with me for some stupid contest."

"First of all, you didn’t force me. Second, I’ll do my best to make things change and ... I will speak with my father and Noctis, they’ll be willing to help if they realize what's going on beyond the surface!" she replied, her cheeks burning because of the conviction of her words. Everything in her shined so truly; the passion and the honesty were gasoline for her courageous soul. Nyx looked at her, just amazed by how naive yet beautiful she really was.

“I've never known someone like you,” he admitted. "You look at the world like you can change it and make it a better place."

"As you said, I’m the Princess of Lucis. I must believe the world can change."

"It takes a lot of guts to do it,” he replied. ”You're brave. It looks like you're not scared of anything."

"I am scared of everything! I am scared of failure, I am scared of what I could do, of what I did and, and ..." Her entire body trembled in anticipation because of the adrenaline running through her veins, while her voice cracked before gaining the courage to speak what she was really thinking, her guilty admission, "Most of all I’m scared of walking out of this room and never feeling for the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I’m with you!"

After such a scream, the silence fell like iron between them. The tv buzzed in the background.

Echoing inside his chest like a torment, fear was the first feeling Nyx was able to sense once his rationality came back. He knew he was screwed. If Lunafreya was really confessing her true sentiments and not only joking around, he was so screwed. There was no way a Princess could feel that way for a Glaive, not in this world nor in another. He shouldn't have allowed it. Yet he stood still, watching her, enchanted by her perfect face, by the sound of those surreal words echoing in his ears.

Luna swallowed and waited for his reaction, understanding clearly to what she was exposing herself with such an admission. A refusal would have killed her at that point, but it was too late to take back what she had confessed and all that remained for her to do was wait. Her heart started to beat so fast she could barely avoid to have a heart attack.

In that very moment, the music program on the tv announced the start of a new video and the first notes where introduced. Like the record wanted, the song was a Galahdian one, yet with a slower rhythm. It was like someone took the tribal song they used to dance and deleted the hysterical drums from it, replacing them with a softer tambour. This was a sweet song, a ballad. The singer started to voice out how much she missed her distant lover.

Luna shyly gazed at Nyx, noticing how uneasy the whole situation made him feel. The same was for her too actually, so she chose to ease the burden and alleviate the drama in the only way they both knew.

"Dance with me,” she whispered, as she slowly stepped ahead, reaching for his hand.

Nyx gulped and looked surprised. "Here?" Luna tried to smile as she raised his hand to her lips, kissing his fingers with an alluring tenderness.

"Here."

Her blues were glowing at the soft light of the room, being the perfect diamonds against her ivory skin. Such a pureness belonged to goddesses, to fairies and to sirens, not humans. Maybe she really was one of those and Nyx couldn't help but to fall under her spell. He felt every single fiber in his body reclaiming the chance of touching her like he had so many times already, but slightly differently now.

So he reached for her lower back, pushing her against him, giving in to his basic instinct.

Luna kept lifting her chin, so that their lips were extremely close. His masculine smell and her fruity one mixed, creating a new sensational scent. Theirs.

Luna let her finger wander from his wrists to his shoulder, slowly, delicately, leaving a shiver behind. Then she started to follow the rhythm, closing her eyes and letting him taking the lead, as always.

Her moving hips turned Nyx on like they never had before. He immediately rested his fingers on them, not able to stop the rush he felt in his veins. Swallowing hard, he understood he wouldn't be able to resist much longer. He wanted her so badly. He leaned down, sinking the nose in her hair, pressing the lips on her neck. Luna held on to his shoulders instead and kept dancing, letting her entire back fall backward, while Nyx kissed her collarbone then the space between her breasts under the sweater. It was the first time he did it and it felt like paradise. She fitted him so perfectly, their bodies were like two pieces of a puzzle, entwining into each other.

"Princess ..." he whispered in her ear as she came back to him again, but she didn't listen to his plea. She just abandoned his arms for a short time to turn around his body, moving slowly, touching the muscles on his back, feeling them tend nervously under the t-shirt. She finally acknowledged the power she had on him: she had a Glaive on his knees and he would have done everything for her now. He wasn't the one taking the lead anymore: It was her. The discovery lit her senses and gave her strength, so she moved until she could face him again.

They weren’t even dancing anymore. They were just getting lost in each other.

"I want you, Nyx,” she whispered when their foreheads touched. He sighed deeply, trying to find some self control again.

"You ... would regret it."

"No."

“Yes," he admitted. In spite of his words, he decided to pull her close again, lifting her knee and putting it around his hip. After a month of training, that position should have felt familiar for both of them — and in a way it was — but it became more than just that. They were desperately glued to each other, seeking a way to touch their bodies without crossing the line. It was like playing with fire in the vain attempt to not get burned.

Luna stretched until he forced him to kiss her neck again and encouraged him by sinking her fingers in his hair, greedily touching his jaw. It was safe to say she was all but climbing on him by now.

"I won't leave if I don't get your kiss." Nyx bit delicately the soft skin on her throat, causing her to moan, and opened his way to her lips. There he stopped, blinded by the desire.

"You'd be lucky if you'll leave with only that,” he murmured. And he kissed her soft lips, breathing her in.

----------

Luna kept looking at the clock, impatient.

When someone finally knocked, Luna immediately jumped up and gave the permission of coming in. Exactly like she expected, her favorite Glaive entered, greeting her with a military salute and a half smirk.

In the morning daylight, Nyx had a different look. He was a man of the night, made to appear breathtaking and wild in the shadows, but when the sun came up, his skin got pale and somehow less magical, yet more genuine and human. Luna couldn't help but recognize that both versions made her heartbeat increase.

"Hi ..." she whispered, looking like an idiot in the center of her royal and huge white room.

Nyx wasn't in better condition, but at least he managed to put together more than just one syllable. "Good morning, your Highness."

They both silenced for a minute, trying to face the fact that everything changed between them in the strangest way. The feeling they were victims to was something new and exciting, surely forbidden and inappropriate, but at least they stopped denying its existence. They needed to talk about it, to understand how to handle it, but not now. Now they just wanted to get lost in it without any obstacle and enjoy the sense of momentary freedom.

"I, uhm, should escort you to your first morning meeting."

"You don't say,” Luna commented, wondering who did he pay to be in charge of her security that morning.

Nyx smirked. "Pelna is waiting outside,” he specified, to make clear that they wouldn't be alone.

"Let's go then."

“Princess, yesterday—”

"Nyx. Let’s go” she said, cutting him off with a gentle and lovely smile.

Nyx sighed, starry eyes glued to her angelic face, wondering how he ended up in such a mess. He wouldn’t come out of it undamaged, and neither would she. Luna reassured him by passing next to him and delicately touching his fingers with a shy smile. She looked so innocent and naive that Nyx could hardly believe she was the same person that the night before seduced him into a relationship that would no doubt be the end of him.

When they left the Princess' room, they found Pelna in the elegant corridors made of black and white marble, a bizarre picture frame for Galahdian people like them.

"Princess." He bowed.

"How's Crowe?" Luna asked him as they walked, causing a violent blush to darken his cheeks.

"Why are you asking me, Your Highness?" Pelna got fluttered at the only mention of the brunette.

"Because I figured you wouldn't have lost her,” Luna casually answered, deciding to let the conversation go as she noticed the embarrassment on the Glaive's face. “Never mind. What’s the Kingsglaive’s schedule for next week? Other than the treaty ceremony on the rooftop of my father’s hotels, of course.” That event began to be organized as soon as Nifelheim decided to agree with Lucis’ attempts of peace and King Regis was very worried about it. He asked to Lunafreya — his only precious and wise daughter — to take care of invitations and entertainment. The security part was under Ravus’ control, so Luna still didn’t know how many Crownsguard and Glaives would be present.

“Captain Drautos and Prince Ravus are still arranging the details, but I guess we’ll be arrayed near the royal family.”

Luna blinked at Nyx then, finding his expression totally absorbed by her presence. She wondered if he would be present to the ceremony too, or in the case that they won, if he would have fled from Insomnia as soon as possible, leaving her behind. She didn’t want to lose him now that he was hers and suddenly hated the idea of winning the dance contest. She tried to suffocate those dark thoughts by remembering he was an amazing man who deserved to make whatever decision he wanted, yet a subtle malaise stayed there, making her fear grow in her stomach. Along with a similar dread, she felt an urge inside her bones, an urge that only he ever instigated in her, a desire which was similar to a need.

"Oh, I forgot the phone in my room!" she said as soon as they arrived downstairs to the hall.

Nyx and Pelna looked at each other, one perfectly knowing what was going on, the other completely naive and still distracted by Crowe's image in his mind.

"I'll stay with the Princess,” Nyx offered, acting his part so that Pelna didn’t notice.

"Ok, I'll go grab the phone. I’ll be right back."

In the very moment when Pelna disappeared from the hall, Nyx pulled the Princess through a smaller door in the corner, not caring if he didn't know exactly what was the place was for. Luna recognized the chamber instead: it was a standard one, used for receiving guests. It was small and it would be perfect for the next five minutes.

They barely looked around to check if they really were alone before finally smashing their lips together, half laughing and half seeking a way to alleviate the stress of being parted. Luna put the arms around his neck, stood on the tip toes and arched her back to welcome the passion of his kiss. The fear of seeing him leaving from Insomnia was momentarily shelved to make space to a more beautiful kind of fear: the one of letting herself go.

"So now we're this,” Nyx commented, barely able to breathe with her lips on his. “I shouldn’t have let you drag me into this.”

“You really want to use your breath to complain?” she smiled, distancing herself and looking at him in the eye. Nyx’s expression sweetened.

“I wasn’t complaining, sorry for giving you the wrong impression.” He smiled, caressing her cheek and kissing her slowly this time. His entire face was the portrait of bliss. “Still, I shouldn’t have let you drag me into this. I shouldn’t have accepted your offer to take Crowe’s place and I shouldn’t have fallen at your feet so damn easily.”

Luna welcomed his tenderness and moments of truth but immediately tried to begin the kissing again. She moved his hands from her waist to her legs, indicating where she wanted to be touched. Nyx didn't oppose and just lifted her body up, pushing her against the wall and kissing her mouth and chin. "Pelna is good in finding things. He’ll be back in a minute with your phone."

“He can't find things that are just not there,” Luna moaned, as he moved his lips to her neck. "I never had a phone."

Nyx's smile enlarged. "Ok, this means we have at least three minutes?" Luna sank her fingers into his hair and adjusted herself so she could kiss the Glaive back. If she didn't know the shape of his body perfectly after one month of hard training, she wouldn’t have been able to stay balanced in such a complicated position. She snuck her little hand underneath his jacket, touching the muscle of his chest, his neck, his shoulders, while she used the other hand to hold on.

"Nyx ..." Her whisper was so delicious when it reached his ear. Nyx couldn't help but taste her more with his tongue. "Will we continue this later?"

"Later when?" Nyx's mind was so blurry by the fire burning inside him he couldn't remember.

"At our usual training session,” Luna snorted in a laugh. It took awhile to the Glaive to remember.

"No, later we really gotta work hard. And this ..." His eyes in hers were melted silver. "This is a distraction."

"It is,” Luna agreed.

"We have the finale tomorrow. We gotta focus on priorities. No time for romance."

For someone who always forced himself into hard training and concealed emotions, he infringed on his own rules pretty often. This time would have been the same story all over again.

Out of a sudden, a voice called out for them from the main room.

"Damn, Pelna’s back already." Nyx put Luna down again and she reluctantly adjusted the skirt he lifted. "You're so beautiful,” he commented then, looking at her like she was the eighth marvel of the world and adjusting a braid on her forehead. The compliment made Luna's eyes glow.

"Let me talk with Pelna; he won't suspect anything."

Nyx knew from experience how good she was in enchanting people and to bend them to her will, so he didn't protest. He just followed her out of the small room, certain than Pelna wouldn’t know.

What neither of them noticed was another small door in a corner, a door involuntarily left half open. Tredd Furia stepped ahead, biting his lip to hide a mischievous smirk which seemed to promise the wittiest evil.

---------

Like it was easy to foresee, keeping to the training like nothing happened became pretty impossible. Now that they discovered the flavor of each other's lips, dancing so close without kissing each other was ridiculously complicated, especially since they were alone in the entire theater.

In spite of this, they managed at least to refresh the moves and try the choreography a couple of times.

And more important than anything, they accurately avoided to talk about the future. Neither of them were ready for such a conversation now. They kept saying to each other that focusing on the contest was all that mattered and so they did. Winning was the priority. However, as Nyx watched the Princess putting her shoes on after training, he understood he already won something way better than a dance competition's prize: he had those moments with her, unrepeatable moments where she really seemed to care and yearn for him. It didn't matter if it was just a lie, it didn't matter if it would be over soon. They were together now. Luna caught him staring and smiled back.

Nyx took her by the hand, pulling her out of the theater where they trained over the past several weeks. They decided to leave a bit earlier that night so they would have the time to get some rest before the finale.

When they entered in the car, anyway, Nyx's ear device started to ring and he answered. "Crowe? What's happening?"

"Where the hell are you?"

"I was training."

"Is the Princess with you?" Nyx didn't like her tone.

"Yeah, but what's wrong?"

“King Regis met with Captain Drautos. And it looks like you’re the topic of the conversation.”

Nyx wide opened his eyes and then slowly turned towards Luna, looking at her like his dreams — and his entire life — were instantly crushed in front of him for the second time, while he helplessly fell at its feet.

[ikkinthekitsune]

Regarding putting the FFXV DLC episodes in the main game in chronilogical order, how would such an implementation work without having a paywall attached?

Four words: Final Fantasy XV International (EDIT: Actually, Royal Edition!].  ;)  Let people with the Season Pass upgrade to International for free, let people with the game buy the Season Pass to upgrade to International, and ship all new copies in the new International format.

The trickier part is to figure out what goes where, but my own ideal looks something like this:

The opening cutscene of Episode Gladio (at the campfire) triggers when you get back to Cape Caem after Gladio’s return to the party.  You get the choice to continue with the quest or not.  If you don’t, it’s unlocked on the main menu and accessible from there.

A slightly modified version of Episode Ignis plays immediately after the CG cutscene in Altissia.  This version is stripped of the parts of its opening intended as framing (i.e. the scene with Regis and the flashback segment), which keeps the events in Altissia flowing naturally.  It’s also modified so that Bahamut talks in Astral speech (i.e. reversed) without subtitles so Ignis’ vision can function as foreshadowing rather than outright spoilers.  Finally, the end credits are suppressed.  As this section really shouldn’t be optional, there’s no need for the Episode to be immediately unlocked in the menu.  Instead, the Episode can unlocked as a game completion bonus, and a message makes it clear that another path is available if you play it that way.  To ensure that people who play the Episode for Chapter 3 Verse 2 understand the context properly, you have to play the entire episode again (with its framing this time) to access Chapter 3 Verse 2.

The additions to Chapter 12 remain in place.

Chapter 13 Verse 2 triggers when Noct falls off the bridge in Zegnautus Keep.  You play through the entire section before being returned to see Noct find Ravus’ body.

Prompto talks to you after he returns to your party in Zegnautus and says he wants to let you know what happened.  Cue the choice to play Episode Prompto.  If you don’t, it’s unlocked on the main menu and accessible from there.

A Glaive appears in Hammerhead in Chapter 14.  When you talk to them, you are given the option of launching immediately into Comrades and Comrades is unlocked on the main menu.

Bizzarely enough, this would probably make the game’s pacing more coherent.  Episode Gladio would put a linear section of significant length into the game shortly before its transformation from largely-open world to largely-linear, while Episodes Ignis and Prompto would add significant new open world elements to parts of the game that had been almost entirely linear. 

Furthermore, practically all of the bosses that felt missing in the main game – Gilgamesh, Caligo, Ravus, Aldercapt, Verstael, and Bahamut – would show up where you expect them if you didn’t skip anything that you were offered.

Other benefits?  Ravus’ role would be far more coherent if Episode Gladio, Episode Ignis, and Chapter 13:2 were played in chronological order.  Episode Ignis’ hour-plus setpiece would probably offset some of the disappointment that some players felt at the way the Leviathan setpiece turned out.  Chapter 13:2 and Episode Prompto would break up Chapter 13 quite nicely and probably keep players from getting as frustrated as they did in the original cut.  Overall, I think the game would feel a lot better that way, especially since each of the DLCs address the main game’s theme of acceptance in one way or another.

[folightening]

Valentine's Worry

Final Fantasy XV

Ship: Ravus/Loqi

Characters: Ravus, Loqi, Aranea

Rating: T

Summary: Planning requires thinking. Sometimes thinking brings to light things you don't want to think about. (I hate that summary)

AO3

*****

-1-

It occurred to him for a brief moment that he could wrap himself in ribbons and gift himself to Ravus, like he had with previous lovers. That was a plan doomed to failure. Not only was Ravus... actually pretty awkward and shy about intimacy, but it wouldn't be special if he did for Ravus what he had done with every other boyfriend.

No. Ravus deserved better than that. He deserved something meaningful. Something to make the holiday actually special.

Loqi leaned back in his chair and groaned at the ceiling. Every thing he thought of was a no go.

Ice skating; neither of them knew how. A date was too simple. Cooking was completely out of the question unless Loqi wanted to present the love of his life with black stuff vaguely resembling food. Ravus didn't wear or want jewelry, so giving him something from one of the numerous commercials was pointless and didn't really show that he loved him. He did like sweets, but that was cliche. And flowers... this was Ravus, not Lunafreya.

For lack of anything better to do, Loqi pulled out his phone. Four days to Valentine's Day, and he had no plans.

Ravus was probably working that day anyway. It wasn't that important of a holiday.

-2-

Seeing Lunafreya leave with Ulric for their week-long Valentine's trip to Altissia reminded Ravus that he had neglected to plan anything for the day himself. After so many years of the day meaning nothing to him beyond a wider variety of sweets and chocolates to choose from, it hadn't occurred to him.

No doubt Loqi would want something big. Or sexual. Possibly both. The thought caused Ravus' frown to deepen. It would be cheesy, romantic timing for their first time together. If only he was actually prepared.

Ravus turned off the car's radio. The so-called love songs were aggravating when they weren't the only thing played on the radio. Why everyone made such a big deal out of a day dedicated to being with your special someone, he... Ravus sighed heavily through his nose. He did understand. Companies wanted to make more money, and what better way than to ruin what holidays were supposed to be about?

Regardless, Loqi would want something special. He wanted everything to be special, and Ravus wanted to give that to him. Especially since he had a tendency to be so terrible at letting the blond know how much he really did love him. Company-made excuse to get more money or not, it gave him more reason to try harder at his relationship.

Being with Loqi made him happier than he'd been in a long time; he just didn't know how to show that.

-3-

Nearly two hours at the mall, and still nothing.

"You could just get him a card," Aranea unhelpfully suggested. "Or go unoriginal and get him a box of chocolates. Ravus likes chocolate."

"It has to be special," Loqi whined.

Aranea raised a brow at him. Which was Aranea's way of asking for an explanation, or so Loqi understood.

"Ravus is- I have never felt this way with someone before."

"Didn't you say the same thing about that jackass three years ago?"

"I was young and stupid then."

"You're still young and stupid."

Loqi half-heartedly glared at her. He had grown a lot since that incident.

"You know what I mean," he huffed. He sighed and slouched on the bench. "I should have asked Prompto to come with me."

At that, she snorted and pushed his leg to the side so she could take a seat beside him.

"Like Shortcake would've been any help. He's barely got himself figured out."

"And he has a great relationship with a boyfriend who loves him. Once they realize what's in front of them and start dating." Loqi chewed his lip for a few moments. "This isn't like three years ago, is it?"

"Sounds to me like what you two need is to talk."

"No. I just need to... Really show him how much he means to me and-"

"You're doing it again."

"I don't want to lose Ravus." Loqi stared down at his hands. "It's real this time. I know it is. But I'm clingy, and overbearing, and I'm sure he... I don't want to bother him too much, but he's important to me."

Aranea gave him a pat on the back. After a few long moments of silence, she sighed.

"Here's an idea. Get him some chocolate, one you know he loves. Tell him how you feel. Really tell him. Communication is the most important thing in a relationship, and it sounds like you and Ravus are in need of some."

-4-

It should not have been so difficult to show someone how much you love them. Ravus knew he was neglecting to properly show Loqi affection. He just... did not know how. Cuddling, he could do. Holding hands was easy. Kissing, he was comfortable with now. After Loqi had given him countless.

Ravus frowned at the paperwork in front of him. Loqi put far more effort into their relationship than Ravus. He wouldn't even try to deny it. Loqi was the reason they had gotten anywhere, with the way he was always trying to do things together. Loqi was also the one to plan every date they've ever had.

What did Ravus do? Cook because Loqi's hopeless in the kitchen. Go along with what Loqi wanted to do without voicing his own killjoy opinion. He just... let Loqi pull him along and tried to keep up.

Ravus was a boyfriend who couldn't do the simplest displays of affection without being urged one way or another. It wouldn't surprise him if... Loqi... Being as physical as he is...

Leaning forward to place his face in his hands, Ravus took a breath. It didn't calm him much. Getting this upset over it was stupid. So what if he lost a relationship he'd barely put any effort into? It would serve him right.

-5-

The actual day was spent together at home. Watching television- mocking the repetitive romances playing all day- and not much else. Ravus read, and Loqi cuddled up to his side switching his attention between the television and his phone. Nothing special.

When it was time for dinner, Loqi walked into the dining room and whistled. Not about the food, though that looked great as well and Loqi definitely noticed that Ravus had actually pulled out wine for this, but about the room itself. Ravus hadn't bothered turning the lights on. Instead, candles lit the table. Which was covered in rose petals. Loqi could feel Ravus shift nervously behind him in the doorway.

"So this is why you told me I wasn't allowed to help," Loqi said.

"It is rather cliche-"

Loqi's kiss cut him off. When the blond finally drew back, he smiled up at Ravus.

"I gave you chocolates in bed, so we're both cliche."

Loqi grabbed Ravus' hand and led him to the table, insisting on pulling out his chair for him before getting in his own seat.

"Have I told you that I love you today?" Loqi asked after a few minutes of relative silence.

"Only a hundred times."

Loqi nodded and took his time chewing and swallowing his food.

"I'm sorry," Loqi said. "For always being so clingy. And pushy. And dragging you out to places you don't want to go. And-"

"Do not apologize for being yourself," Ravus interrupted. "Do you honestly think I fell in love with a version of you that does not exist?"

"Well, no. I just... You mean a lot to me, and I was worried that I may have been bothering you."

As much as Ravus wanted to lie, they needed this. He set his fork down and looked across the table to Loqi.

"At times, I do find you rather irksome. However, a little annoyance at times is hardly cause for me to love you any less." Ravus held up his hand when Loqi went to speak. "It is I who ought to apologize. I put barely any effort into our relationship."

"It's only been what, four months? I figured it'd take you a while to really get used to being in a relationship."

Ravus frowned, pouted more like, and Loqi grinned.

"It is still unfair of me. You should not be the only-"

"You do plenty," Loqi laughed. "Last time I got sick, you took care of me. You go out with me and try to have fun even though you hate going out. You're the one to initiate cuddles. Cooking because I'm hopeless in the kitchen, helped me decorate, cheer me up when I need it..."

"Those are-"

"Little things also important in a relationship."

Loqi paused to eat more, and Ravus took the chance to speak.

"I never thought of it that way."

"It took me a while to figure that out too."

There was at least a minute of not talking before Ravus spoke again.

"It really means a lot to me that you would put up with my inability to properly express my emotions. And that you, being as physical as you are, have so much patience with me and my problems with the physical aspects of a relationship."

"Well, I love you. Being with you is more important to me than having sex with you. So I can wait as long as you need."

A smile came with the flush, and Loqi didn't hesitate to smile wider in return.

"Now that's a rare sight," he teased. "Guess today was special after all."

[his-pair-of-spare-glasses]

All for you - Ignoct Secret Santa

Dear @recipeh-for-disaster, it’s your Secret Santa here! First of all I wish you a very merry Ignoctmas with much love and neverending ships~ <3

I initially wanted to draw something for you, but from the sketch emerged a story and in the end a story it became. I tried for fluff, it went a bit angsty, but I still I hope you are going to enjoy this little sequence from your personal @ignoctsecretsanta 2017!

You can read it either under the cut or on Ao3!

Title: All for you Rating: General Warnings: / Summary: Before leaving for Altissia Noctis and Ignis talk in the Regalia.

All for you

It was later that day when the Regalia parked before the hill that was leading up to the cliff of Cape Caem and its beacon. The sky was lighting up in vibrant colours, reflecting in the glistening mass of water that spread out at its feet. Gladio jumped out of the car before it had even stopped. He claimed that he just couldn’t sit in that tight space for a second longer, as Ignis reprimanded him to keep his recklessness to a minimum. They couldn’t have His Highness’ sworn shield scuffed before even having made use of it. Iris giggled at their conversation as Prompto helped her get out of the car, while Noctis still pretended to be asleep.

“Oh, come on Noct, wake up! We’re here!” Prompto pinched Noctis’ cheek, only to have his hand slapped away in lazy annoyance by the Crown Prince. “Ouch! Cut it out man!” The blond rubbed his hand with a pout. Gladio rolled his eyes and gently shoved his sister aside to get to the car. “Hey, your Highness. Time to get your princely butt out of there. And I’m sure you don’t want me to help.”

No reaction.

How often had they already experienced situations like this? It should have felt normal by now, but after that long ride everyone’s nerves were a little on edge. Ignis heaved a sigh. Gladio was just about to rip Noctis out of the leather seat when Ignis firmly called out to him.

“It is alright Gladio. I will take care of His Highness. May I ask you in return to already get our luggage to the shed?” The bulky man rolled his eyes theatrically and started picking up things from the trunk instead. “Prompto, I was talking to both of you.” The blond boy, who had started chatting with Iris jerked around his head and let out a sound in protest. Ignis gave him an irritated look. Why did he always have to remind people of what they should be doing and what not? Babbling something about Ignis being no fun, Prompto joined Gladio and both of them started walking up the hill, arms packed with bags and food supplies.

Ignis slid off his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. Just a few steps away Iris chuckled. “They’ve got it tough on you, huh Iggy?” He let out another sigh before putting his glasses back on. “I think it is mainly due to the travel. They are not much different from usual, but the long driving hours didn’t leave my nerves spared either, I’m afraid.”

“Yeah. Gladdy can get really mopey. I’m really impressed how you always keep being so relaxed.”

“It takes some years of training but I daresay I got the hang of it.” Ignis gave her a smile. “Now then, I will take care of His Highness now. Would you please be so kind to show Gladio and Prompto around? And make sure they put away our luggage decently?”

“Sure! Leave it to me.” Iris waved at him as she chased after the other two, who already had walked up half way.

“Well…” Ignis stretched both of his leather gloved hands with a creak of the fabric and turned around. What he saw made him instantly wish for Prompto’s camera. Noctis was sitting on his usual seat in the Regalia, the one behind the driver. If it was not him driving he was always sitting behind the driver and questioning this was of no use. His head had a slight tilt to the shoulder and his eyes were closed behind his fringe, chest slowly lifting under an even breath. The light of the setting sun painted him in hues of pinks and golds, making him look like a gracious and mystical statuette. Noctis was the core of Ignis’ life and his life looked nothing less than beautiful in this moment. The way the sun reflected on his pale skin and in his pitch-black hair, making it sparkle in colours of the sweet berry wine they had served at the Prince’s coming of age festivities. The way the wind made it sway. The way his lips curved softly under his slender nose. The way he always managed to prop up his chin one hand while asleep.

Ignis had to remind himself to breathe.

“Highness?”

The chamberlain carefully approached the royal car in silence. He was trying to wake the Prince in a much more affective way than then the other two men had tried before. That much he wanted to offer him. But Noctis didn’t move. Of course he wouldn’t. Ignis smiled and huffed out another silent sigh before he bent over from the vacant seat.

“Noct?”

Noctis’ long lashed eyes fluttered open and revealed the most beautiful and deep blue eyes. Ignis felt as if he was being looked at by the night sky itself, gemmed with thousands of tiny golden stars.

“Are they… gone?” The words came out lazily and in a husky voice. Ignis turned his head around quickly, only to confirm that their remaining companions were nowhere to be seen.

“I believe Iris is so kind to keep both Prompto and Gladio busy for a while”, he answered when he strode over to open the door of the Regalia for his prince. Just as the chamberlain was about to pull the handle Noctis let his own hand drop from under his chin and onto Ignis’ leathered knuckles. Ignis could feel the pale and slender fingers tighten their grip just the slightest bit and so he stopped in motion, looking at the man who was sitting right in front of him. Noctis had lowered his head and his night sky eyes were locked onto something invisible at the tip of his shoes. Ignis pulled his brows together in a worried frown.

“Is… something the matter, Noct?”, he asked gingerly. Ignis could make out that Noctis was biting his lip through the black strands of hair that were falling into his face. The grip on his leather gloves tightened. A soft sigh escaped from Ignis’ lips. He stepped closer to the car and set his free hand on top of Noctis’. He had been like that as long as Ignis could remember. Never much of a talkative person. When they had been to the Moogle Carnival in Altissia at the age of eight and ten with the King and his Shield, Noctis would not say a word about what he had wanted to see or where he had wanted to go. But the little tugs on Ignis’ shirt, the soft pulls on his arm and the almost unnoticeable squeezes of those tiny hands had spoken to the bespectacled boy just as any other language would have. And they still used to.

“Noct”, he whispered and knelt down on the side of the car to be able to take better look at his face than only through his bangs. “Look, I am aware that there is something troubling your mind and I assume that it has to do with our departure to Altissia being close? But I’m afraid you might have to tell me once in a while.”

Noctis turned away his face and Ignis could have sworn that it was not only the sunlight that had tinted his cheeks that moment. His hand was yet gripped tighter. “Please?” The black figure in front of him shivered just a bit but put him off as he wanted to offer him his jacket. The prince inhaled deeply and hesitated just a moment.

“Uhm. Can I… Would you mind if…”

Ignis tilted his head in worried anticipation. “Yes?”

Noctis let out a frustrated sound. “Specs, can you just… sit down here for a moment? With me?” He almost tripped over the words as he awkwardly gestured to the vacant leather seat next to him, his face still turned away from his most trusted adviser and friend.

Ignis inclined his head, not taking his eyes away from Noctis’ slumped figure in front of him. “But of course.” He gently squeezed the slender hand between his own before he rounded the Regalia again and sat down on the seat Gladio usually occupied. Their shoulders and knees barely touched but he could feel the familiar warmth of their bodies radiating against each other under the slowly cooling evening sky. Noctis’ eyes were still glued to his feet, his jaw clenched. Ignis wasn’t sure if he should speak up but after some silent moments had passed the prince still didn’t show any inclination to either speak or move. This was really unusual. It had to be something important then because they always talked about everything. With a concerned look on his face Ignis reached out and softly placed his hand on Noctis’ shoulder. The younger man unexpectedly winced and yanked his head in his direction. Ignis carefully withdrew his hand again and shot him a sorrowful look. Two blue spheres wide with panic were directed at him.

“Noct, I ah…” He had to turn away his gaze to not lose his composure. He cleared his throat. “Apologies. I didn’t mean to intrude.” Confused by the mismatch of what Noctis had asked of him before and how he had behaved just now Ignis felt like he might best take his leave. He didn’t want to make the prince uncomfortable by his presence or anything he did. This was not the point in this. Ignis wanted to make him feel at ease. “I should be starting the preparations for dinner. Please make sure to join us whenever you’re ready, Your Highness.” He was just turning his legs towards the backseat door, when Noctis abruptly grabbed his wrist.

“Ignis, don’t…!” His voice was urgent and Ignis could feel his hand was trembling. “Please Ignis, don’t leave me…”

The panic was all too visible on Noctis’ face and Ignis inhaled a sharp breath. It made him uneasy to see him like this. “I was only about to take a look at our accommodations, Your Highness”, he assured with a soft voice as he turned himself towards the prince again.

“That’s not what I meant!” Noctis’ other hand grabbed the button border of Ignis’ shirt. “And cut out the formalities, dammit!” His black hair rustled in movement as he heavily shook his head and flung himself fully into the arms of his adviser, burying his face in his chest. Ignis froze in place, startled by the sudden and unexpected movement towards him.

“Noct, I—“

“No Specs, don’t! Don’t say anything!” Noctis’ voice was nothing more than a muffled sob, the warmth of his breath against Ignis’ neck. The chamberlain carefully lowered his arms and gently wrapped them around his Prince’s shoulders, pulling him closer in a gentle hug.

“Well… I suggest that you let it out then?” He let his hand softly move over his upper back in circular motion.

After a moment Noctis slid both of his arms behind Ignis’ back and clenched them around his waist, wriggling his face only deeper in his broad shoulder before he started to speak in a low and broken voice.

“I can’t do this. Specs I… I just can’t do this.” Noctis let out a strangled gasp.

“Ssh, it’s quite alright. I can imagine the whole situation to be very overwhelming.”

“No, Ignis no! Believe me, you have no idea. All this—this whole mess we’ve been going through? Being sent away from Insomnia only to have it completely wrecked the next day out of the blue? Only to get to know that this was a lost game all along, that my… That my father knew of all this. That he sent me away, didn’t even give me a chance to fight by his side. That I will never even get the chance to ask him why. It makes me feel so worthless. I… I could have protected him, I wouldn’t… Maybe I…” His breath hitched. “Maybe I wouldn’t have lost him. Gods…”

Ignis stilled his circling hand and brought it up to caress Noctis hair at the back of his head. The prince was dry sobbing and trembling under his touch.

“And now… Now we’re setting off for Altissia, where I will have to marry Luna. Luna! Because of some political issues I didn’t even get the chance to know about before. I never wanted that! And I never wanted Luna to! She… I… I wished for her to be happy, to live a happy life and to marry in love. Not something like… this. Not someone like me. I will never… I will never make her happy. And I know it will never make me happy.”

Noctis’ hands shifted and his fingers dug into the thin fabric of Ignis’ shirt, right under his jacket. Ignis felt a faint sting on several spots on his back but he didn’t mind.

“Look, Noct.” He swallowed and gently ruffled the black hair. “The wedding is something neither of you expected so it is only natural to feel unsure about it. Maybe reluctant even.” Just the way he himself had felt when he had first heard of the engagement. Ignis had wanted to fight the words of his King, yet he knew that it was beyond his range and capabilities. Even if it had been crystal clear that he would never be that close to the Crown Prince of Lucis the way he wanted to, it felt as if the wedding was ripping him away and throw him into an entirely different dimension. It had taken time to sink in and time to process until Ignis had been able to accept the fact. He knew that he would never have Noct but he was determined to stand by him, make him as happy as he in his position possibly could and cherish the time they were allowed together. Noctis Lucis Caelum was his life and he wanted this life to always be at its best. He would fully devote himself, all too well knowing that he eventually would have to let him go. Ignis minutely shook his head. The thoughts had been wandering off and he had to force himself back out of his memories and away from the urge to just run off with the man in his arms.

“What I mean is, that you certainly will grow accustomed to it in time. And I am sure happiness comes with that time.” It was not what his heart wanted him to tell but what his head needed him to.

Suddenly Noctis pulled at the back of Ignis’ shirt, having the latter lose his balance. Ignis had to free his hand from the dark locks to keep himself upright. Black eyebrows were tilted upwards in despair and framed the pair of night sky eyes, rimmed with tears. The pale skin on his cheeks looked flushed – Ignis couldn’t tell if it was due to agitation or the lighting. It made his heart throb painfully in his chest.

“No. No…” Noctis’ voice was merely a whisper. “You… you don’t understand. Don’t you see? As soon as I choose her… as soon as I marry Luna, I…” He bit his lip and swallowed hard. “As soon as I’m with her, I will lose you.”

Ignis was completely put off his stride. He blinked fast and readjusted his glasses. His mind was spinning. “Ah, I… I’m afraid I really don’t quite understand.”

Noctis let go of his adviser’s shirt and locked his hands on the lapel of his leathern blazer instead. He took a shaky breath. “When I’m with Luna, this means we’re married.”

“Yes?”

“And, when we’re married, we’re supposed to share the same bed.”

Ignis nodded slowly. “Yes? I still don’t see what this has to—“

“And this means I will be no longer staying close to you, dammit Ignis!”

Oh… Ignis’ green eyes widened in understanding. From the day they had left Insomnia they had been sleeping side by side. No, not merely side by side. Since Noctis had started to experience those severe headache attacks, he had adopted the habit of falling asleep in Ignis’ arms, just the way he had when they had still been children and Ignis had to shield his Prince from another nightmare. Ignis had never questioned it. He had been comfortable with Noctis’ warmth against his own and had allowed himself to indulge in the moment. It always had felt like he was protecting him. Naturally they would have ended up side by side, curled into another when they slept in hotels too.

Ignis sat up straight again, laying down his hand on Noctis’ shoulder and squeezing it just a little. How come he hadn’t realised that he was apparently not the only one, for whom this had had a special meaning on their journey? Only one of so many things… He forced a smile onto his lips and looked straight into Noctis’ eyes. He had to deescalate this and calm him down or this was going to end in a disaster. He could not let this happen, by all means. He was his steadiness.

“Now, now. I’m inclined to think that this would not change anything in our… relation. You will have to bear with me I fear, married or not. I am your adviser after all and I won’t be going anywhere.” It’s all for Noct, always for Noct. Ignis repeated this countless times in his head, hoping to convince himself at some point.

“My adviser?” Noctis huffed out a panicked laugh. “Do you mean all of this means nothing to you? Are you trying to tell me all of your caring was part of your job, right from the beginning?”

Although his mind kept telling him to stay composed, Ignis’ heart was now drowning that inner voice. He answered in a firm and sincere tone. “Noct, I swear to the Gods that nothing else in the world has ever meant more to me. I…” He hesitated a moment but continued anyways. He couldn’t silence himself any longer. “I want you to know that you are the only thing that matters to me and that this… circumstance is most unrelated to my job.”

Ignis could have cursed himself for saying this aloud but now it was done and part of him was glad that he did. When he locked his green and affectionate eyes with the royal blue he had to fight back tears himself.

“But… but this means…” Noctis stammered around, softening the grip on Ignis’ blazer, tears glistening in his eyes. He slowly shook his head to let this sink in.

“Why wouldn’t you tell me?” Ignis only pursed his lips.

“Six, Ignis! You’ve been there for me all along and I could talk to you about everything. I am… scared when you’re not around. I feel helpless and alone and… I can never make it without you by my side! Please, don’t make me do this! I want to stay with you, the way it has always been. I need you! Ignis, I lo—“

Ignis stopped Noctis from talking any further by quickly pressing his gloved palm on his lips. He closed his eyes and inclined his head, a defeated but darling smile adorning his face. “Some things are not meant to be said out aloud”, Ignis reprimanded him gently. “Some things are meant to be kept in your heart and never to be let out. As giving them words and names dissolves the moment’s magic.”

When he lifted his head again a single tear rolled down his cheek.

“I only wish I could do more for you, Noct”, he whispered and closed the distance between them to press a firm kiss onto the palm that was separating their lips.

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

“Now look at that. Telling us stuff about how he’ll take care of our princess, and there they still are. I thought Iggy was more reliable”, Gladio snorted. He had come back to the Regalia with Prompto and Iris to check on what took both of them so long. And because Prompto was whining about being hungry.

Iris chuckled. “I think they’re kind of cute together. Any chance you could still call off the wedding?”

“We’d have to ask Lady Lunafreya about that. Maybe she’ll just say yes if we show her a picture”, Prompto grinned and pulled out his camera.

“His Highness will get sulky, if you take that one.”

“Naaaw, come on, don’t be that way! I love the lighting! And besiiides, we don’t have to tell them at all”, the blond giggled and snapped away to his hearts content.

The photo Prompto took that day would turn out to be Noctis’ favourite picture a few years later. A picture he decided to take with him in the inner pocket of his vest, close to his heart. It was just both of them, him and Ignis, fast asleep and cuddled together on the backseat of the unmarred and shiny Regalia. Ignis had protectively flung his arms around the smaller man’s body, one hand around his waist, the other in his hair. Noctis had both of his hands crossed over Ignis’ broad shoulders, his head buried in the crook of his neck. The whole scene was painted in warm tones, as the sun sent her last rays of light before the night fell and she had a long time preparing for a new dawn.

The dawn he would now bring. It was all for Ignis. Always Ignis.