#that once glauca finds out where prompto was placed

[raven-6-10]

@a-world-in-grey

Alright, so!

Aldercapt finally loses his patience, because he still has no heir - either he didn't manage one with his wife or they died later on - so he orders Besithia to make one in a lab and deliver the kid once it's been "born" and is old enough to travel.

Now, the main labs are out of question - they're all specialised for mass production and the Emperor does not need fifty of the kids - but there are smaller labs that Verstael sometimes uses for more sensitive projects. He can totally do this!

Unfortunately, the smaller labs are also where he stores the back-ups of data from the MT project on off-site servers. And the security there is lower than on the main MT production facility. Low enough that a certain Lucian spy decided it makes a better, safer, target for an infiltration.

In Cor's defence, it's not like he knew what the baby in the lab was for - Besithia labeled it as a personal project into DNA sequencing; he knows better than to even imply it's connected to the Emperor - but the fact remains that Niflheim is in a Very Awkward Situation. Because the Lucians don't know so they won't demand a ransom and the Nifs really don't want to tell them.

(Glauca gets a phone call in Insomnia.)

That Prince Prompto fanart might have possibly spawned another plunny. Wanna hear it?

*looks at enclosure full of bunnies marked “ffxv aus”*

You know what, fuck it, why not, they’re ready spawning more on their own, one more won’t hurt.

[secret-engima]

So questions for the new verse. What is everyone else's reactions to learning about Nox's issues finding a Guide? How do the additional Sensory Issues affect her Quiet Days? How do Nyx and Nox end up bonding? Does Ardyn have any similar issues? Does Titus end up being his Guide in this Verse? What is Nox's reaction the first time Nyx helps her out of a Zone out? (Sorry to send you so many at once.)

It’s okay! I like the enthusiasm. So- to try to answer in maybe order (but probably not) (also keep in mind I’ve read like- two Sentinel-Guide fics in my entire life so my representation of the trope is probably utterly skewed because I’m making it up as I go based off the summaries I read):

-Regis is ... VERY surprised to learn that his eldest daughter is ALSO a Sentinel, since Noctis is the first known LC Sentinel in history (Ardyn laughs very quietly under his breath). Ardyn gently passes off the major coincidence as a side-effect of being an Izunia, as Izunia’s have “long had a tendency to be Sentinels”. Regis lets it go, but worries immensely when he realizes Nox has the same power issues as Noctis has (she doesn’t actually, hers are MUCH WORSE because of the Crystal memories, but she doesn’t tell him that). Clarus promises to look into finding a Guide strong enough to help her, but Nox tells him not to bother. Clarus still tries, because this is Regis’s daughter, but it rapidly becomes clear that the only Guide with a prayer of handling Nox is Titus, but Titus made a snap-bond with Ardyn that everyone is maybe freaking out over so...

-Quiet Days are now pretty much BECAUSE of her sensory issues, because her magic tends to feed into her senses and when she has too many KoL memories crowding in her head they feed into her senses and it HURTS. It hurts like fire and blood and knives of broken glass beneath her skin and she doesn’t so much wander during her Quiet Days has HIDE (Ardyn does too, and is ... honestly astonished by how much easier his Quiet Days are after Titus starts tracking him down and gently pulling him out of them). Everyone is super worried about Nox’s sensory issues, especially after she has a Zone-Out for like- 6 hours that not even Titus can pull her out from. It takes Titus and Regis working together to finally pull her free and she is exhausted by the end of it.

-Yes, Ardyn has similar issues, has had them for YEARS and honestly probably spent a good chunk of his imprisonment locked in a Zone-Out, which did NOTHING good for his sanity and was probably calmed down from them during his time in Niflheim through the use of Besithia-made drugs (which ALSO did nothing good to his sanity). Of course, Titus and Ardyn have accidentally made a snap-bond either during or shortly after the Binding of Glauca incident and so while tensions were high between them at first, Titus is firmly in Overprotective Mode now and has a good handle on dragging Ardyn back to reality, so Nox is actually way worse off than Ardyn (much to his worry).

-Nyx probably ends up bonding during the first time he helps Nox out of a Zone-Out (so when she’s around 16 or so depending on how rare her Zone-Outs are). He very much doesn’t mean to, but he knows that both Princesses have sensory issues as the only recorded LC Sentinels in history (until Ardyn’s Reveal anyway) and how most Guides don’t have a prayer of helping. Now, Nyx has no idea just how strong a Guide he is, because there’s not exactly any formal testing for that and because he’s a Jungle Hick, he knows he’s a Jungle Hick, and with how Insomnians are constantly underestimating Galahdians and Nyx’s only source of comparison are other Galahdians who also have no idea how strong they are, he believes he too would not have a prayer of helping.

-But then word goes out that she’s missing, probably hiding in a Quiet Day and all the Guides are called on to try to track her down. Nyx follows some ... instinct he can’t quite name but has always trusted and finds her tucked away in a corner, wheezing and shaking like a leaf, looking like she’s in pain just from existing. A touch-based Zone-Out, Nyx thinks and he’s heard from Crowe, Lib’s Sentinel, how painful those could be and he forgets all about calling for backup because Nox needs help NOW and Nyx has always been reckless.

-He reaches out with his mind, lets his Shields unfurl to gently ping Nox’s mind and promptly gets dragged under by the strength of her Zone-Out.

-If feels like drowning. If feels like burning. It feels like a thousand things and yet nothing at all (like drifting in a void as lifetimes roll by, an eternity captured in a second and a heartbeat stretched out for an age). Nox feels like she’s angry-happy-sad-old-young-dead-alive in her magic and emotions, so strong that Nyx’s own world blurs in a way he’s never known it could.

-And here is the thing. Nox’s KoL memories give shape to that blurring, give fuel and memory, but they do not create it. Magic does. Here is the thing no one but Ignis and Prompto of Nox’s time and the Ignis of this time know. LC magic will always try to pull in the Guide touching it, try to shape the reality that is being overridden by the hyper-enhanced sense in a sort of failed attempt to fix what magic itself is helping to break. This is the point where most Guides recoil and pull away, afraid of being caught and drowned in the tide when really the secret is to believe you can still breathe, to trust that no matter what magic tries to tell the Guide, reality is still the same, breathing is still the same, and all they have to do is find Noctis/Nox in the middle of it and pull her free. It’s not EASY, but it’s not complicated either. Most of the time. It’s just the terror of being wrenched under the flow of magic that stops most Guides before they can get started.

-But Nyx isn’t like most people. He isn’t afraid of magic, or the tides. He is jungle born and magic forged. Where the others panicked at the magic beneath their skin when they first felt it, struggled to accept the foreign thing as theirs to wield, Nyx had laughed and embraced it, reveled in the taste of ozone warping brought and the heartbeat of fire in his hands. So when Nox’s magic tries to yank him under, instead of recoiling, Nyx reaches out and dives.

-The world becomes a blurry battlefield, and impression of anger and fear as blood flows down too sensitive skin (the trigger of the Zone-Out, the memory of the feeling driving her sense of touch to the max without her consent). There are too many emotions to catch and Nyx feels like the ground could give beneath his feet at any second, and he’s VERY SURE that Guides aren’t supposed to feel or see things when helping a Sentinel, but this is Magic and magic breaks all the rules. So instead of panicking, Nyx takes a breathe, ignores the taste of blood on his tongue, and calls for Nox. He reaches, halfway between magical memory and reality, for Nox in the center of the maelstrom. He calls to her and lets magic pull his voice along rather than fighting it every inch of the way.

-He has an impression of blood red eyes, and then- Nox responds. Jerkily, hesitantly, but its enough for Nyx’s reality to solidify back to the Citadel and Nox’s hiding place, back to the princess shivering under the burning of her own skin, and Nyx doesn’t hesitate to wrap his mental shields around the storm of emotion-magic-memory-life-death that is Nox. Doesn’t hesitate to let her in. The storm is already under his skin anyway, a little more won’t kill him (he hopes).

-And Nox is desperate for the help and Nyx is stronger than he knows, and both those things together causes something between them to snap into place, bright and clear, a bond that lets emotions flow free between them, that lets Nyx feel Nox’s emotions beneath the tangle of KoL memory and let’s Nox anchor herself to the steady flare of Nyx’s soul and ... Nox’s shake stops. She blinks awake and breathes as her sense of touch finally dials back to normal, as she feels the world calm beneath strong shields that feel a little like far off thunder and fresh rain and concealing jungle vines.

-....What?

-Nox focuses on reality, on the BOND she thought was impossible to ever have now singing in her soul and stares at ... Nyx Ulric.

-Nyx stares back in equal shock and thinks that- just maybe- Lib was right about Nyx being destined to someday bite off more than he could chew.

-But Nox feels so relieved, so exhausted and disbelieving and overjoyed, like her entire soul is weeping that someone FINALLY was able to help her, bond with her, and Nyx already knows he will never regret it.

-Of course in about 3 years Nox is going to be 19 and Nyx is going to wake up and realize that his Princess Sentinel is Very Hot and Amazing and he’s head over heels for her and oh no. And then he will very much be a Regret. At least until Nox kisses him. XP.

[rain0205-blog]

Terminal State

Summary:  She tried leaving, submerging herself in work to escape the horrors she had seen. The horrors she kept seeing. She never wanted to go back to that life. But when the Empire takes her home, she’s forced to face her past. Can she move on? Can she cope? Or will she require a bit of help? still bad at summaries, still working on it. ever so slightly more than slight AU gadioxoc

The Next Step

...

Gladiolus and Athenacia returned to the haven just in time for dinner to be finished. As they arrived, Gladio kindly offered her his seat but she refused, going all the way on the other end to sit on the ground near Iris. The man only grinned at her while she pointedly ignored him during their meal. No one bothered to ask them why they were soaked; her sour face and Gladiolus's pride seemed to tell them all they needed to know. Instead, Athenacia engaged in conversation with the younger Amicitia, starting to think she was dating the wrong one and extremely aware of his eyes on them the entire time. Iris was purposely sat beside Noctis while the physician found herself again engrossed in a conversation about them growing up in the Citadel together. She enjoyed hearing about how they were brought up, understanding how close they were with every tale she was told. But they were interested in her as well, in how Cor had raised a child without anyone really knowing about her. To her he was just Cor but to them, he was a legend, so fixated on his own duty that there was never time for a family. Once she had started, they were all listening to her speak.

"It wasn't like a family dynamic," she explained, "I lived there but I only really saw him during training. He was a very busy man."

"But he read to you before bed?" asked Prompto with a laugh.

"Yeah, when I was younger. That kind of stopped after he put a weapon in my hand."

"He's never really focused on just one person before," said Noctis.

"I was a bit special. While I was still living in the orphanage there was this really sick baby. I wasn't very old but they couldn't figure out what was wrong and the child was going to die. But I could see the magic ailment. Once the staff told Cor that's when he seemed to take an interest in me."

"You saw a magic ailment?" inquired Ignis.

She nodded, "Yeah. That's sort of my specialty, why I became a medic. I kept a lot of people alive because I could see the magic disruption beyond their physical wounds. Most of it was burns, easy to treat but sometimes I lost patients."

"That's kind of cool," said Iris.

She smiled, "I suppose. I've always been able to do it."

The conversation shifted after that, moving onto Cor's training with them. Prompto had a crash course before he had left the city and Athenacia was impressed that he had passed. It seemed strange, that they all had a connection with this man and he had isolated her from them. For good reason, she was a Glaive with nothing to do with Crownsguard but still, she was shocked she hadn't run into them once given their involvement at the Citadel. The girl wondered if there was a specific reason for it, or if maybe that's just how things went.

The fire continued to burn and dinner was long since gone. The sound of their laughter and the waves crashing onto the coast was all that was heard in this small haven. Athenacia was finally dry after sitting so close to the flames and feeling warm. Grabbing a change of clothes would have been best but she was running out of semi-clean ones and she was still mostly avoiding Gladiolus, catching his looks toward her. The man appeared to enjoy watching her interact with his sister and the Prince and she wondered if maybe he was looking for any signs of her earlier discontent. Holding a small, sad smile, they began to speak of Altissia. That was where they would part ways and it still made her upset to be away from them, from, however, she would not hinder their cause and she couldn't travel with them, she had unfinished business here first. They had to go meet Lady Lunafreya in Altissia and gain yet another blessing of a god. That woman sure did move fast. Athenacia probably would have been there with her had she not left in the middle of the night - though the young doctor would have done the same thing had she the opportunity.

"The tides will turn once we get the Ring," said Gladiolus.

"The Ring?" asked Athenacia confused.

"The Ring of Lucii," supplied Ignis, "Passed down the royal line, a means to summon the old Kings and Queens of Lucis. They judge who is worthy of their power."

"The Oracle has been holding onto it this entire time," said Prompto in awe.

"She means to pass it onto Noct, him being the heir and Chosen King of Light."

Athenacia frowned in thought, "So if they judge who is worthy, it means that anyone could wear it."

"Certainly, though there aren't any alive to tell the tale."

"No right, I get that. But potentially someone with no ill intentions could put it on without being Caelum and still be granted the power should the old rulers deem them worthy? They could utilize the Power of Kings?"

Noctis looked over at Ignis curiously. The Adviser's face was thoughtful as her words swam through his head. No one spoke, the question hanging in the air. No one had really thought about it since the Ring had never before left Insomnia. Now there seemed to be a whole new set of rules to consider, one that they had never even thought of before. Athenacia kept her gaze on him, needing this answer.

"It's not impossible," he said tentatively, "Though I daresay I cannot perceive a likely situation while the Oracle holds it."

"So that's how he did it," replied Athenacia to herself, her eyes going toward the fire.

"What are you talking about, Doc?" asked Gladiolus.

Athenacia looked up at him, her mouth opening and ready to reply only to be stopped. They were all looking at her, waiting for her to elaborate and she frowned in thought, not sure exactly how to begin. None of them ever asked her much about the fall of the city and she didn't want to bring it up, knowing how hard it was for them to see the aftermath of the attack. Iris refrained from speaking as well and it made her wonder how long the young girl was in there to begin with. Surely her father would have arranged transport knowing there was a mole in the Kingsglaive? Heaving a sigh Athenacia knew that eventually, these boys would want to know and given how intent they were on her at the moment, now was probably the best time.

"The day the city fell, I was in the hospital, working. After Tash had died at my carelessness, I went to find Cor. He was on his way inside the Citadel but I stopped him from going," she looked at Noctis, directly into his eyes, "I wasn't kidding. The wall fell, the crystal was taken and they reigned hell on us the second they could. They fell from the sky without stopping and I'm lucky to be alive. But while I was fighting with Cor to get out I lost the use of magic. We both knew what that meant..." she didn't leave his gaze, knowing that he wanted to finally hear first hand what happened to his home, "I was separated from Cor, fighting my way around the hoards of them and I ran into the Oracle. She was with Nyx-"

"Nyx Ulric?" interjected Noctis.

She nodded, "Yeah. He was supposed to get her out of the city but Libertus was also there and he took care of that. Nyx was fighting Drautos-"

"Titus Drautos?" asked Ignis incredulously.

"Yeah he..." she stopped, observing their confused faces, "You don't know..."

"Know what?" asked Gladiolus.

"Cor never told you?" she looked back at the Prince incredulously.

"Told me what?" asked Noctis confused.

"About the mole."

"Mole?" asked Prompto.

"The day before the ceremony, I performed an autopsy on a Glaive, Crowe Altius. I discovered that she had been killed and left for dead by another Glaive by the name of Luche. That only told me that there was a mole within the system. She was killed because she was on her way to escort Lady Lunafreya to Altissia to meet you."

Athenacia's voice was hard, her fist balling in her lap as she glared into the fire. The images came to her mind: of Crowe's lifeless face contorted in agony, the smell of fresh trash about her, the residue she had found on the internal organs. A tear rolled down the doctor's cheek. She never had the time to mourn her loss. The small hand placed on her shoulder told her that Iris was offering sympathies. Bless her.

"I'm sorry," said the young girl.

"She was my friend and she was killed by her own people," said Athenacia in that menacing tone.

"Apologies, but I'm failing to see the relation with Drautos," said Ignis.

"Titus Drautos was the mole. He's General Glauca."

The look on Prince's face made her heart wretch. Athenacia wished she wasn't the one that relayed this information, assuming that Cor would have told them what happened. There was really no reason not to, however, the Immortal didn't bother and she felt guilty because it was likely that he was so focused on her that he was rushing them away so he could start his hunt.

"He killed my father," said Noctis in a very low and dangerous voice.

"He's dead," replied Athenacia in a much similar tone, "Nyx killed him with your own power."

She didn't falter her gaze, wishing she knew what was going through his mind.

"Good," he said finally.

"He was able to use the ring?" asked Ignis.

"For a time. It cost him his life," replied Athenacia, "He was also my friend. They all were, even the ones that turned."

"You were from the same place," said Gladiolus.

"What?" she looked at him confused.

"Galahdans. You were both from Galahd."

She blinked, not understanding him at first, "Right, yeah," she shook her head, "Sorry, I... haven't really had the time to reflect on it all."

"None of us have," said Prompto.

"How were you able to escape?" asked Ignis.

He had that suspicious look to him as he regarded her.

"I don't really remember. There was so much going on after I parted ways with everyone," she replied, putting her gaze into the dancing flames.

He was still unconvinced, "But you remained mobile," he stated.

Athenacia nodded, "It's like I told Iris, I crossed swords with someone I had no business fighting. I don't know who he was or what he wants but I wasn't about to bring danger around everyone else," her voice hardened as she shifted her gaze toward him.

If he had something to say he should have just said it, there was no need for this dancing around like she was too stupid to know he was on to her about something. Athenacia didn't have to tell him anything, had no reason to justify her secrets and she was sure he was keeping his suspicions to himself lest others would start to question her about it. Since there was nothing else, she tore her gaze away and sought the comfort of the flames. No one spoke for a time, the note in the air heavy with grief and deep thoughts. But eventually, Prompto brought them out of their negative reverie. Bless him.

The boys eventually fell into the whims of their phone game. Athenacia had no idea what it was nor did she really care to find out, instead, she looked through pictures with Iris. The young doctor had absolutely no idea how Prompto managed to gather them all, especially during the fighting, however, she was thankful he managed to get mostly her good side, hating that purple eye even though it was fading. Athenacia smiled a little as she observed them. There was one of her with all her chains out back in the thicket. Her arms were across her abdomen, her head down with her eyes closed. He had managed to capture it while she was still in mid-air but right before she touched the ground, it was truly a masterpiece. She came across another one, where she was sat on Gladiolus's lap with her face red as she was looking at her hands and he had that usual grin he wore while teasing her. Another picture where she was sitting in a seat and he was leaning against her legs, her hand on top of his head and buried in his hair while they both dozed.

The last one she observed she spent the most time on. It was from earlier today on their way to this very haven. Athenacia was staring into the distance of the ocean, and Gladio had just come to lay his arm around her. What struck her was the way he was looking down at her. It wasn't that grin he wore while teasing her, it was something else, something that made her heart flutter and her breath catch in her throat. The girl couldn't say she had ever seen someone look at her like that and her hazel eyes left the screen to seek him out. Gladiolus had a smile on his face while he played his game, however, he did meet her gaze, winking at her before going back to his phone. Athenacia bit her lip in that usual nervous manner, feeling the heat on her cheeks and a warm feeling spread through her body as she once again looked down at the picture.

...

The dawn came too quickly for Athenacia. With hardly any sleep gained she was up far too frequently throughout the night. It wasn't her nightmares this time, she knew that today they would reach Caem and the journey together would be over. The morning was crisp and the air was still as the water carefully flowed along, ignoring her thoughts. The girl was sat at the end of the small dock, her feet in the water and the only one awake, watching the stars begin to fade and the sky start to lighten up. The lighthouse was looming over her it seemed, easily able to see it up on the cliff. Footsteps were felt in her hands on the wood and she turned around - only to be met with Gladiolus, shirtless and sandy eyed. Athenacia gave him a small smile before returning her gaze back to the calm water, moving aside so that he was able to sit next to her, his own feet dipping into the water as well. Absently his arm snaked around her waist, his right hand on her thigh but not moving it. She leaned into him, wishing to enjoy as much of his company as possible. The man was tense, which was almost as peculiar as the fact that he was up extremely early, telling her one thing.

"Still having that dream?" she asked lightly.

"Yeah," answered Gladio, "But not for long."

"You figured it out?"

"Think so. We'll find out soon."

Athenacia looked up at him, wishing to know what he was thinking. She wouldn't pester him for the information because he never did that to her. Those amber hues were distant, his thoughts plaguing him as he looked out into the ocean. Smiling slightly, she brought her lips to him, planting a gentle kiss under his jaw where his neck met with the bone. The coarse hair prickled her lips but she didn't mind in the slightest. Gladio met her gaze and she felt that same flutter in her heart from the previous night. The way he was looking at her seemed much more intense now that she could see it for herself. Pulse quickening, he pulled her closer and she kissed him once more.

The rest of the morning was quiet. They broke down their camp with minimal words before walking back toward the area where the vehicles were parked. It seemed that none of them wished to end the journey just yet but there was no choice. Moving forward was the only option, they had taken long enough to get here in the first place. So they moved but at a slower pace it seemed. Once everything was packed away, Athenacia got into her truck from the driver's side. Gladiolus took the driver seat and began to follow the Regalia once again. The girl sat against him, keeping her small hand in his own and her head against his shoulder. They entered a tunnel almost immediately, unable to see how much closer they were getting. Coming back into the sunlight made her squint, a small pulsing beginning from behind her right ear. Rubbing it absently, her heart dropped when she saw how much closer the lighthouse was. Once they crossed the bridge then that would be it and it felt that was happening far too fast. As soon as they began to slow down after exiting she internally sighed. This was it.

Athenacia saw the big truck used from Hammerhead, knowing the logo well. Gladiolus pulled up beside it, staying a fair distance from the Regalia as he parked. It was a few moments longer before she released his hand for him to turn off the engine looking over at her and offering a sad smile. The man knew as well that this was where they would part ways, handing her the keys before opening the door and stepping out. Grabbing her two bags and her weapon to bring with her where she would be staying, she exited the vehicle and fell in step with the Shield as they began their ascent toward the massive lighthouse. If anything, she was sure the view up there would be spectacular. Cindy, the young girl Athenacia had likely known longer than anyone she could think of aside from Cor, was waiting for them as they arrived. There was a smile on her face despite the dirt there and she happily greeting them with a compliment to the Regalia.

Immediately Athenacia noticed the look of enamour take over Prompto's face. It made her smile as they followed her up toward the lighthouse. The doctor listened as they spoke of the boat that was in dire need of repair. It seemed they wouldn't be setting sail for Altissia just yet and part of her was a little happy about that, however, it was decided that the boys would leave to find the last piece of the puzzle, Mythril. Where they were going to get it was unheard of just yet but at least Athenacia could spend some more time with them before they left. They were still walking toward the lighthouse but then detoured to the right. The physician was able to see a house sitting there, big enough for refugees that had come from Lestallum. Off to the left was a garden started and people wandering around. So this was where she was going to stay until she met up with Cor, until she could take the next step forward in her own journey. At least there would be work to keep her busy.

"TIA!"

Athenacia's attention snapped toward the source of the noise, hazel hues softening at the sight before her. A very excited Talcott was running as fast as he could from the house toward her. Tossing her weapon and bags aside, she dropped to her knees gently. The young boy was closing in on her and she kept her eyes on him, ready. When he finally was close enough he jumped at her, throwing his little arms around her neck. Athenacia was ready for it, enfolding him in her arms and falling backward with a dramatic grunt. She held him tightly once her back hit the ground, rolling down the hill a few feet before ending up on her back again. The girl was almost a starfish while the boy giggled at her, sitting up over her. Through lidded eyes she was able to decipher where he was, and by the sound of his giggles as she kept her head to the side.

"Get up, Tia," said Talcott between laughs, shaking her slightly.

"I can't I'm dead," she replied, opening one eye and then closing it again.

"What?"

"I'm dead, I can't get up."

"No you're not," he continued to giggle at her.

"I am too!" she looked at him sharply.

"How?"

"I was slain, by the mighty Talcott!" she held the back of her wrist to her forehead in a dramatic pose

He laughed harder at her, "But you can't be dead!"

"Oh? And why not?" she dropped her arm.

"Because dead people can't talk!" he insisted.

"Are you a doctor?" she asked him seriously.

"No."

"Then how do you know?"

"Because you told me!"

"What? I did not!"

"You did!"

"Really?"

"Yeah, you taught me that Tia!"

Athenacia smiled warmly at him as he continued to giggle at her. Gladiolus observed them from where he stood. Her bags and weapon were at his feet and she was still on the ground while Talcott was sitting over her, pushing her to get up from where she was. The Shield couldn't see any of the grief she carried around with her, only a woman that was untainted by anything she had experienced, that had light in her hazel eyes shining like it never had before - almost as if it had never faded in the first place. Gladio felt something as he watched her, something he wasn't sure he could identify. It only grew stronger the more he fixated on it and he couldn't help but smile as he continued to observe them.

"You have to see what I did!" he exclaimed excitedly.

"What did you do?" she asked, her eyes widening in anticipation.

"No, you have to come see!"

"I do?!"

"Yes! Get up Tia!"

"Okay hurry though because I'm about to lose my mind!"

"You have to get up first!" he giggled at her.

She groaned, "I forgot. Quick, before I lose my mind completely!"

Talcott continued to laugh again, moving off of her. Athenacia rose to a sitting position and he grabbed her hand, pulling her arm eagerly. Using her free hand to get to her feet, she scurried with him passed the others and into the house in the distance. Gladiolus watched them go, keeping that same smile on his face before reaching down and picking up her things, walking toward the house with the rest of them. Cindy had left them beforehand, deciding it was best to get back to the garage.

As they came up to the front door, Gladiolus put down Athenacia's things near the side of the house where Iris was waiting for them. Taking a quick look around, he was satisfied with what he was seeing. They would be safe here, especially with the few Crownsguard that were walking around. There wouldn't be a need to worry as much when he left to take care of his business. It would be better once they got everything all up and running as well but at least now they had a doctor on sight that could see to their needs. The door to the house opened and Athenacia stepped through it, that smile on her face and same light in her eyes still - until she caught sight of all of them. Gladio knew that she didn't want them to leave but she would never voice her thoughts like that. Keeping her gaze on them, she walked down the steps and joined them while they spoke with Iris. The doctor stood in between the siblings and waited patiently for them to finish, knowing they would want to hear what Talcott had told her.

"Jared's notebook said Mythril was up north in a lake," said Iris finally.

"That's the Vesperpool," supplied Athenacia, "The ruins there will have what you're looking for. They're impressive, I've seen the outside of it before. The lady in there," she gestured her head toward the house, "Monica? She said it was under Imperial watch so getting in might not be easy."

"You'll want to be prepared before you go," said Iris.

"Yeah, just give us a second," said Gladiolus, looking over at his sister.

The teen nodded, walking into the house. Athenacia took a step back, noticing her things near the entrance and walked toward it, trying to give him the space that he needed. Hurrying back inside, she placed her little belongings off into the corner, not really having any space for herself. Actually, it dawned on her that she would be very awkward once Gladiolus and the others left. No one inside the Crown City was very friendly to her before the fall and now the rumour was she had been the reason they were all in this predicament. Better to find a place to stay that was far away from their hateful eyes, somewhere outside perhaps.

"Do your thing. Not like we could stop you anyway," she heard Noctis speak as she stepped through the exit.

"You know me too well," said Gladiolus smiling.

"You're leaving," stated Athenacia from the door.

Gladiolus found her gaze, barely taking notice of Noctis and the others vacating, giving them their moment now. The girl walked down the steps and came to stand in front of him, looking up into his eyes. That calm hazel stare pierced through him as always, making it impossible to hide anything from her. She was the only one who knew that there was something bothering him and that he planned on taking care of it. Here she was to see him off, somehow knowing that what he planned to do was dangerous.

"Don't worry, Doc, I won't be gone long," he grinned at her.

She smiled, "Who's worried?"

Gladio was about to say something when Talcott had burst out the door and ran toward her again. The man watched that light return to her eyes while she regarded him, that feeling taking over him once more. Athenacia bent down so that they were eye level.

"Tia I fixed it, come see!" he said excitedly.

"Just give me a minute okay?" she asked him gently.

He nodded, running away back into the house. Gladiolus reached for her, letting his emotions run away with him as he pulled her for a kiss. Keeping his arms around her, he watched her small white teeth capture her bottom lip as she looked away for a mere moment before meeting his gaze once more.

"He got attached to you quickly," said Gladiolus amused.

She shrugged, "He's an orphan. I get it."

"You'll be a great mom one day, Doc," he smiled down at her.

He was expecting a blush, a smile, a scoff, something positive for the compliment. However, he frowned, letting his hands drop in confusion. Athenacia had very lightly gasped, tears welling in her eyes as a crestfallen look took over her delicate features.

[autumn-maple13]

Lost to Time - Chapter 10

Child of Ardyn FFXV Fanfic

SPOILER WARNING FOR KINGSGLAIVE MOVIE (just in case)

Chapter 10: Day of Reckoning

Crowe had never returned from her mission. Libertus had left the Glaive soon after receiving the news, blaming her death on the king, on Lucis. Amara and Nyx were powerless to stop him as he hobbled away.

The guys had left by then, heading wherever it was Regis had told them to go. Amara hadn’t been able to see them before they left, though Ignis had called her to let her know they had made it out of the city in one piece, despite the fact it was Prompto driving for now. She once again wished them luck, adding in a congratulations this time, and promising to meet them when they returned.

Shock had chilled her blood when she heard the news of Lady Lunafreya’s arrival, and she stood by the entrance to the throne room to greet the former Princess and Nyx, who was acting as her escort and guard for the time being. Luna hadn’t been able to hide the slight shock that flashed across her features when she first laid eyes on the younger Glaive, though it had been quickly replaced by a slight smile and a dip of the head. She had been able to speak to the Oracle at the rooftop party that had been setup to celebrate the signing though, and after finding out that Noctis had mentioned her several times to his dear fiancee she came to find out that Luna’s shock had been due to Noctis leaving out the fact that his friend had become such a high-ranking Glaive. She had arrived thinking Amara was a just a friend he had kept after high school - not a friend that had risen to answer the King’s call to action as a Glaive. Amara actually quite liked the blonde, enough to even “slip up” about a few, more embarrassing, stories about all the places she and Prompto had caught the sleepy prince conked out.

Now Amara stood in the briefing room, listening in horror as Nyx revealed the princess had been stolen away by a Niflheim fleet that was posed ready to head for Insomnia. The king had given them orders to deploy almost as soon as he had been told.

“Amara, you’re staying here as a liaison between the Glaive and the Guard.” Nyx gave her a nod as she met his gaze. “You’re the only one of us who can get any updates about the situations to who they need to get to.”

“Yes sir.”

Despite the order, she still suited up alongside the rest of the Glaive, wishing them luck before warping off to find Cor. Knowing Clarus would be with the king heading for the signing ceremony left the Marshall as her commanding officer for the time being, though as she tried to make her way to him she couldn’t help but wonder where the hell Drautos was.

Less than twenty minutes from the signing treaty she received word that her fellow Glaives had reached the cliff overlooking the basin the Imperial Dreadnoughts were using to hide in. Drautos made himself known then, though Amara and Cor exchanged an incredulous look before she took off for the Citadel, leaving the Marshall to his post. The radio chatter died down from the frequency, leaving her in the dark as she tried to push away her growing anxiety to focus on her task. It was as she approached the large screen before the Citadel that her anxiety exploded into dread: the magic scars on the King’s face held a faint glow just barely visible to her trained eye under the glare of light across the screen.

He was activating his magic.

Explosions wracked the large roundabout before the Citadel as she launched through the gates, car bombs, she realized as she began to warp over top of the panicking crowd.

Then - a blood-chilling radio call.

{The crystal! They’re after the crystal!}

She couldn’t move fast enough: using every ounce of her training she began to warp up the side of the building, reaching higher and higher with every recovery of her blade. Then another explosion shook the air around her, and she watched in horror, hanging from a blade she had barely managed to spear into the side of the building, as the tower of magic that fed the Wall retracted. Amara snarled, ripping her blade from the stone face to begin her warp again, trying to ignore the wall as it shattered and began to rain crystalline dust upon the city. She had to reached the top of the Citadel - she had to reach the council room!

Another explosion in the sky above her brought her attention to the approaching Imperial ships, the very ones that her fellow Glaives were on, as one began to break apart and fall into another. The sounds of whirling mechanics urged her on, the huge pieces of metal that shielded the Dreadnoughts massive cannons falling away. Dropships were approaching faster than she could warp, leaving her helpless against the MTs that jumped from the bays, breaching the windows high above her where her destination was awaiting. She was aware of gunfire, but had no choice but to pause on a lower balcony to regain some of her stamina. Stasis, as the Glaives called it, made her entire body recoil in pain as she waiting, more impatient, than ever for some of her energy to return. She realized with a start that it could be due to his Majesty using his power to a greater extent than he had in a while, ricocheting down the line to where she was desperately using it.

Ignoring the explosions of the wrecked Dreadnought behind her, she forced herself to begin warping again, and was grateful to the MTs as she reached the broken metal that had once formed the window frame. Perching on a large piece of twisted metal, she watched her King fry the attacking MTs with a large Thundaga before allowing the barrier he had formed around himself and the council to disperse.

“Come, we must escape while we can.” Clarus spoke with his usual authority, looking more pissed than worried. Though, King Regis paused instead of following after his friend.

“No Clarus!” the older man whipped back around to look at him, though the King’s attention turned from his friend’s face to the window where Amara was perched. He gave her a look as if telling her to move as soon as he locked eyes with her. “I fear escape is no longer an option.”

Aware of a strange sound coming up behind her the woman jumped on down to the inner balcony that overlooked the council room, and just in time as none of than General Glauca himself came through the window where she had just been. Using his magitek armor to catch his landing he was soon on his feet facing the old friends.

“General Glauca,” she could hear the pain in the King’s voice.

The council rushed in front of the King and Shield, the weapons summoned to them by the King ready in their hands as Clarus raised his own sword. “It’s been a long time since I fought at your side old friend.”

Regis took a half step behind his shield, almost on instinct. “But this time it is not your fight. If you wish to leave, go now.”

“And abandon my king? I think not! Besides, our magic is bound to you. If you fall, Lucis falls.” there was truth to what he was saying, and Amara tried to focus on the strength in her captain’s voice as she used the balcony to sneak around to the General’s blindspot.

“Then let’s once more into the fray, old friend.”

Almost on cue, General Glauca lunged forward and took out the council members with a single sweep of his blade. She was aware of a building collapsing somewhere in the distance, and wondered briefly about the situation outside as she tried to find an opportunity to leap into the fight unfolding beneath her. Clarus made good use of that broadsword of his, forcing the Nif back a few paces as Regis charged up another Thundaga blast that he fired off as soon as he friend sidestepped, leaving him to swing his sword upward against their enemy, though Glauca grabbed the Shield’s arm and threw him effortlessly into the chairs littering the floor off to the side before launching himself into the air to try and bring his own sword down on the King. Regis blocked the attack with several swords he summoned before him, crystal shards filling the air around him once more as Clarus got back to his feet. The Shield charged at the General, and was just about to bring his weapon down on him when the enemy whipped around and brought his armored fist against the older man, making him lurch backward.

He had no time to recover from the blow before Glauca grabbed him, flinging him through the air high over the King’s head. Catching the man’s sword as it flipped through the air he spun on his heel and hurled it like a dagger, impaling the man against the wall.

His scream lasted only a moment.

“Clarus!” Regis was distracted now, looking in horror and pain at his friend, hardly noticing the Niflheim dropship rising through the air beside the window, though she noticed the two figures standing in the open bay door.

Emperor Aldercapt and Chancellor Izunia, the sight of them made her remember the vow she had taken when she became a Glaive. She grit her teeth and glared down at Glauca once more, watching her King block his sword with a barrier.

“You have the crystal! What more would you take from me?!”

Glauca shattered the barrier, grabbing the king’s arm and yanking him forward. As his cane fell from his open grasp the General spun around and dropped his sword.

Amara watched blood splatter across the papers littering the floor, and listened to the sound of metal rolling across tile. Regis had lost several fingers from his left hand, and staggered away - dropping his sword in the process. The woman watched a familiar looking blond clad in white walk over to where the King’s ring had stopped rolling, and stooped down to retrieve it as Regis looked at him in shock.

“The Ring of the Lucii… I lost my mother, my country, my birthright! Niflheim was the only life left to me... “ Regis clearly didn’t want to believe what he was hearing, and looked to her like he was on the verge of tears that maybe weren’t just from the pain wracking him. “But all of that was for this!” She was aware of Glauce shifting, and footsteps in the hallway leading to the room. “The ring belongs to me now.”

Glauca launched forward as the blond slipped the ring onto his finger, Nyx and Luna had just entered the room, and she was shocked as time suddenly seemed to crawl. A strange energy rushed through her, and those voices from so long ago flooded her head again. When the feeling faded, the ring had hit the floor once more and the blond’s arm was inflamed. Glauca landed on his feet as though he had made to take down the man, and even Nyx and Luna looked confused for a split second as their feet landed on the floor of the council room, though Luna’s expression became aghast when she saw the white clad man on the floor screaming in pain as his arm burned.

Regis retrieved the ring, just in time for Luna to take off for him. “Look out!”

Nyx hurled a blade at the Nif General that was knocked aside, leaving him warping into the chairs off to the side as Luna helped Regis to his feet. Enraged, the Glaive launched a thundaga of his own at the enemy, and Amara used that moment to jump down to her King’s side.

“Majesty!” she took his other arm, listening to her superior fighting the General as she helped Luna get the king out of the way. They headed for the other end of the room, where Regis used his magic to open a set of panels that hid an elevator. She and Luna stepped inside as Regis turned, calling out to Nyx as he charged another Thundaga blast.

“Quickly, through here!”

The blast of magic allowed Nyx to fling a blade through the doors, warping in a moment before the doors closed. As he tried to catch his breath, Luna focused on tending to the King’s injured hand. Regis looked between the three younger people for a moment before speaking.

“This leads to a hidden passageway, follow it. Once you are away, make for Altissa, Noctis awaits you there.”

Luna’s concern was clear. “Majesty?”

“You knew this was coming?” Nyx’s voice although quiet was filled with a rising rage.

“Yes,” Regis nodded. “It was the only way to draw their wrath from Noctis.”

Nyx was getting angrier by the the second. “Is that the way of our King? Sacrifice Lucian sons, to save his own?!”

Luna had a strength to her as she met his glare. “To save the world.”

Amara was curious about what she meant, but the tension in the air would not allow her to speak up before Regis ripped a painful gaze from the Princess to look at the two Glaives.

“See Luna safely to Altissia.” Nyx huffed quietly, prompting Regis to put on a begging look. “This is not an order from a King to his Glaives, this a plea from one man. Please you two, keep her safe! For the future of all…”

“The future?” Nyx’s mutter was barely audible, but a crash above them kept him from saying anything further. The King reached into his pocket, retrieving his ring, which he held out to Luna.

“Here, take this. It is time it passed to another’s keeping.” Luna shakily took it, her fearful look not leaving the man’s face. A sad look passed between them before the elevator doors opened, and Amara stepped out at Nyx’s side so that the two could walk together. The blonde woman held onto the older man’s shaky hand, tugging him gently onward across the floor of the room the elevator had opened into. Amara could here Regis struggling, but dared not look at him until a loud bang of the tip of his cane against the floor made her turn. He had pulled away from Luna, and now stood in the center of the room. Pain flashed across his face as he and Luna stayed locked in a gaze she dared not try to understand, but a gasp ripped from her lips as his hand began to glow. Regis raised it, and shocked them all when a large barrier began to form, cutting him off from the trio.

“No, please! Don’t!” Luna cried, launching forward but finding herself unable to reach him as Nyx shouted for her to get back. “Please! Don’t leave us!”

The older Glaive gently grabbed her shoulders, pulling her back as Amara found herself unable to wrap her head around what was happening.

Regis gave a sad smile. “I know you mother would wish the same as me… that you and Noctis live happily. All those years held captive because I failed you… Not again. Locked doors will seal your fate no longer.”

“King Regis.”

A rumbling from the elevator shaft distracted them for a moment before Regis looked at them again with a sense of urgency.

“Our hope goes with you now Nyx Ulric, Amara Solis. Godspeed.”

Amara nodded, and watched Nyx pull Lunafreya around and begin urging her out of the room. The crashing of the elevator and the entry of General Glauca made them freeze, and the redhead watched with a sickening feeling at the enemy bowed, drawing the tip of his sword across the floor in front of him before raising his hand, and then his sword - holding it before him at attention. Regis threw aside his cane, standing defiantly before him as he started across the room, firing off a blast of thunder as Glauca began to bring down his sword. It launched him across the room, crashing into a stone column that shattered beneath him, but he was quickly back on his feet. Readying his sword once more he was prepared for Regis to blast him again, using his sword to shield himself though Amara could see bits of his armor melting where it was hit.

“Behold the King of Lucis, who hoarded tranquility within his precious walls. Here is your tranquility now King?” he was getting closer and closer. “Here is your peace! My steel’s swift descent!”

She saw Regis shake his head for a moment before Glauca knocked his arm aside, the force making the unstable King turn to face them. As the General turned away from them he brought his sword down, they just barely noticed Luna launching at the barrier again as the enemy’s sword impaled their King, his shocked gasp making Luna cringe away into Nyx’s arms. Glauca seemed to roar before force his sword further through the King’s body. Amara watched, unable to believe he hadn’t died instantly, as Regis’s hand shot up to grasp desperately at the blade stuck in him before looking up at them in.

“Go…” he managed to whisper, and then the blade from ripped from him. Glauca turned as the man stood straight once more, staring unblinking at them, giving them a moment that would burn the image into their minds before shoving the King.

He crumbled before them.

[alia-turin]

So I’m sitting here at the pool in Tampa and decided to finish my cowboy AU. I’m really grateful for all of you who kept track on this story. Your comments did help a lot and motivate me to keep going even if I fell into terrible writers bloc couple of weeks ago. I hope the epilogue is no a disappointment to anyone. There will be a new au coming from me soon, it would be structured slightly different however, more like individual stories, but in the same universe. But about that some other time. 

Fic Title: Take It and Run [cowboy au] Chapter: Epilogue Previous Chapters:  Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 |  Chapter 3 |  Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11| Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 Rating: G (there is character death in this chapter) Characters: Cor, Luche, Noctis, Glado, Ignis, Nyx, Luna, Ravus, Libertus, Crowe.

Tagging: @birdsandivory @jojopitcher @lazarustrashpit @yourcoolfriendwithallthecandy (you have your happy ending I promise) @kairakara101 @littlestfangirl @ladychocoberry @parjiljehavey

Nyx sat the train station cautious of someone actually seeing his face. He had no idea if there was an actual wanted posters with his face like with all famous criminals. Truth was he wasn’t a famous criminal. He wasn’t a criminal at all. Someone heard something wrong and here he was.

Luna was sitting on the bench, her eyes just fixed ahead, expressing nothing. He felt terrible seeing her like that. It wasn’t the first time life had slipped away from her, but she had started getting used to her new life. Now…

Nyx didn’t say anything there were no words that could make her feel better or even if there were he didn’t know them. He just grabbed her hand in his and squeezed as hard as he could without making it painful.

They had to leave Ravus with a surgeon in town. The man insisted, Luna argued, but Nyx knew that was better. His hand was getting worse by the minute and the doctor they found didn’t have good prognosis for it. He was going to lose it if he didn’t want to lose his life. But Nyx couldn’t sit and wait for that, he was in danger and everything Ravus told him on the way about Ardyn made him think that Luna was in danger as well. He might have been just paranoid, but better safe than sorry. They were going as west as possible, leaving that territory and finding new and better life.

“How will Ravus find us…” Luna whispered, still not looking at him shocked at what was happening.

“He will find us. I will find a way. Plus I am not sure he is very happy you are left with me. He might find us out of spite but he will.” He could see a faint smile on Luna’s lips and that made him feel a bit better. “I will be with you. I promise.”

He reached for her face and gently made her look at him.

“I’m not leaving you.” He repeated. “I guess it was time for me to find a new life as well.”

“You don’t feel bad for leaving? You don’t want to clean your names?” She was squeezing his hand back and something in Nyx’s chest made him film even warmer under the hot son.

“I should have stopped doing what I’m doing anyway.” He sighed. Of course, he wanted to clean his name, but he also was scared. How bad were things? What if he couldn’t? Or what if it took too long? Or what if he was hanged, no questions asked? He was told that the marshal was by the book man, but would he be that much by the book if he had witnesses placing him at events Nyx barely knew anything about. No, it was better that way. Plus, he had promise to keep, he had said that he would keep Luna safe and he was going to do it no matter what.

“What are we going to do when we get there?” Luna asked, still looking in his eyes and Nyx felt himself completely lost in her gaze.

“Well, there is more land there.” He realized that was a bit stupid statement. There was land here. Land wasn’t the problem. Someone doing him a ‘favour’ was the problem. “Territories pay money if you settle and work a piece f land. You know horses. I know cattle. We can figure it out.”

He realized he didn’t sound very reassuring but he didn’t want to misled her or lie to her. It wasn’t going to be easy. They had some of Ravus insignificant funds, that was enough to buy train tickets and maybe survive for about a week or two. To her credit Luna didn’t seem distressed or angry. She nodded once he stopped speaking and accepted everything he had said. She seemed more confident and probably even stronger than him in her determination, for which he could only admire her.

 Cor watched as Glauca was walked to the gallows.

“You made a promise, Marshal.” The man reminded him with a calm voice.

“I didn’t. The sheriff did. I never told you that you can walk free.” Cor couldn’t sleep through the night trying to fight with himself was that the right thing to do. Probably it wasn’t, after all there was the promise Noctis did on the table. He couldn’t force himself to follow it. He remembered that once Clarus told him that against evil, sometimes you might have to step over your principles. That created a whole argument between the two of them what makes you different than a criminal when you go against your own principle, but he could see and feel right now what Clarus meant.

Titus Drautos, or Glauca, was an evil man. He had killed his two best friends and any others serving a man who was even worse than he was. If he let him go that was as if denying these men existed and depriving them for justice. He couldn’t do that. The man was responsible for that. He had to pay.

Titus was walked up, the hangman and the priest started doing his job. Cor looked at the crowd that had gathered, people were silent. No screaming, no shouting just silent. He didn’t blame them. The events from last year had wounded many, some financially some had lost loved ones. Even worse now it was known that their mayor, the man many of them voted for, was partially to blame for that. Cor still didn’t know to what extended was Ardyn involved, a lot of the things Glauca had said made sense to him, but he couldn’t just connect them.

There was no trace of Ardyn, however. He had contacted other counties and territories to start a search, but the man had disappeared. He wondered if someone warned him or he just got wind of all that himself. After all, Ravus had managed to escape and so was Nyx Ulric. To be honest Cor didn’t know what to do with either of them. He knew that Ravus was injured so it was a matter of time before he found him. Ulric however…his participation didn’t make a lot of sense. Or maybe it did? Maybe he had the right man in prison for a while, just for the wrong reasons.

In any case things weren’t over, but a big chunk of the mystery had been resolved. He didn’t watch Glauca hang, he had zero interest in that and he wasn’t cruel to feel any sort of happiness in another man’s death. After all he was just doing his job. He looked however at the people that had gathered and could see the relief in their eyes. Noctis was standing right next to the gallows with Ignis and Prompto. The young sheriff didn’t even try to convince Cor to change his mind, even if he was the one to promise Glauca protection. Prompto was whispering in Ignis’ ear what was happening, another sad even in their small used-to-be peaceful town. He hoped there might be a way for Ignis to continue his life, somehow, although it seemed almost impossible here in the west. Horses, shooting…all that needed at leas an eye, he had lost both.

His eyes found Ada in the crowd, standing a bit to the side with one of the cowboys he had arrested. Yes, the guy was going to work with her now. He wasn’t completely sure that was a good idea so he was going to make sure she was safe. Who knew maybe one of these boys was the key to his missing pieces.

He turned his eyes back to the gallows where all the nasty business was already over. He had told the executioner that they he doesn’t want any pictures, no expositor of the body and all these silly things people did to show that an outlaw was dead. None of that. Glauca was a general after all, a disgraced one, but not all of his actions deserved humiliation. On account of the handful of good deeds he had done, and Cor’s consciousness he was going to give the man a decent funeral.

[onceuponaprime]

23. Last kiss - Cor & Drautos

Thank you for giving me an excuse to make this one shot i was planning even worse here ya go~

Got a little long so im just gonna throw a link to ao3  and hope the read more worksas my allergies take me to hell

Insomnia was bathed in light, and it seemed like a taunt, the way the city glowed in the darkness.

“Bring us down before the gate. Best not risk the ship until we know what to expect in the city.”

“That was the plan,” The mercenary woman replied from beside him. “You heard the man, boys. Take us down.”

“You got it, Lady A,” said the pilot, and the ship hummed a new tune as it began it's decent.

“So,” Aranea began, stepping away from the pilot’s seat and making her way to the center of the small ship. “What’s the plan, Mister Immortal?” His brow twitched in irritation at the nickname, and he followed her slowly, unused to having a ship beneath his feet.

“We scout, bit by bit. I doubt we’ll be able to get close to the citadel, but we need to at least take a bridge. Hopefully we pave a path for His Majesty’s return.”

“Our primary goal is to access a library,” Monica added, tapping the notepad on her lap.

“And hope you find something on Chancellor freakshow?” Cor nodded and Aranea shrugged, leaning against the wall of the ship with a casualness that felt misplaced. Like they weren’t about to drop into the ruins of Insomnia in the dead of their new eternal night. In all truth Cor still wasn’t sure what to think of the woman. Prompto, Gladio, and Ignis had vouched for her fiercely, and he owed her for their safe return, but trust was something he hadn’t yet reached.

They landed then, cutting off any further conversation as the ship settled on the ground. Monica took a moment to find her balance as she stood up from where she’d settled herself on the floor during the flight from Lestallum. She looked a little green, but the motion sickness would wear off soon, and she waved off his concerned look.

“Well at least he’s keeping the lights on,” Aranea said once the disembarked. The street lights at the West Gate flickered in response.

“Keep your guard up, those aren’t strong enough to ward off daemons,” he replied, scanning the dark, hand instinctively coming to rest on the hilt of his blade.

“Might not keep out daemons, but I’ve got a feeling that might keep out unwanted guests.” Aranea’s tone turned suddenly serious, and Cor turned his attention up to where she was pointing. An armored figure was strung up above the gate, arms extended and held by what might have been chains. Maybe a warning or an example, Cor wasn’t sure, Ardyn Izunia’s twisted methods were beyond him. In the dark it was hard to make much out, but some parts of the metal shone in the light, just enough for him to make out the almost familiar shape, preserved by whatever dark magic their foe was so fond of using.

"Is that-"

"General Glauca,” Aranea finished for him, squinting up at the figure through the gloom. “Yep.” Poor guy.”

“Did you know him?” Monica asked and Aranea shrugged.

“Not really, only met him once. Quiet for the most part, a bit dramatic, but not as bad as I thought he'd be. Better than the rest of the Empire’s lackeys at least. Well except for me and these two of course.” Cor huffed and somehow managed to keep his eyes from rolling, and wondered if the woman was ever serious. Doubtful, he decided, given what he’d seen. Still, it was cruel to be left in such a way.

“Get him down,” Cor said. “No one deserves that, not even someone like him.” Then he turned his attention to scanning the area around them, watching out for any terrors lurking in the dark, only half listening to what was going on behind him.

“You got it,” Aranea replied and Cor could hear her leap into the air and land on top of the wall with an easy grace. “Oh, yikes.”

“Is he still alive?” Monica called up to her in response.

“I hope not, that would suck.” Was all Aranea said before she fell silent. “Alright boys, I’m gonna need you to brace and catch.”

“Right!”

“Got it!”

“Bombs away!” The second chain broke louder than the first, and the ring of chains was quickly followed by a hard thump as what was left of General Glauca hit the men below. A muffled argument broke out, Cor wasn’t eavesdropping enough to understand, but the sudden horrified gasp quickly snapped his attention back around to his companions. Monica staggered back toward him, a hand over her mouth.

“Monica what is it?” She only shook her head, turning away from him like the question hurt.

Concerned he reached the body, the men who caught having retreated a fair distance after Monica’s outburst. Half the helmet had been broken away and the face beneath it made his blood run cold because he knew it. Knew it all too well. Titus Drautos looked pained in the peace of death, whatever battle corroded the armor had taken a greater toll. As Cor knelt beside him he noticed more, but he could hardly process what his eyes were telling him, violently rejecting what it meant.

“What kind of cruel trick is this?”

“No tricks here I assure you.” Cor was back on his feet in an instant, sword drawn and ready in his hand as he shot Ardyn Izunia an icy glare. To his right Aranea was poised and ready for a fight, and to his right Monica cocked her gun.

“What did you do to him?” Cor demanded, anger burning through him. Ardyn chuckled.

“Nothing he didn’t ask for,” he replied with a sinister grin and made his way further into the light.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Aranea voiced Cor’s thought before he could speak it himself and so he simply waited for the answers he was desperate for.

“Years ago Nifleheim took a quaint little village by the sea. I met a boy there and gave him an opportunity, serve the Empire and his home would be spared and oh how eager he was for that bargain when next we met. Killing the king was just an added bonus for both of us. You see, Captain Drautos was against you all along. Almost poetic, isn’t it?” It had to be lies, he wanted it so desperately to be lies. Something in him knew it was the truth, and it made it all the worse. Betrayal stung worse than he ever imagined, but the pure rage boiling forth eclipsed it by far.

“You bastard!” Cor lunged, sword singing as it slashed through suddenly empty air.

“Please there’s no need for that, Marshal,” and the way Ardyn rolled the title off his tongue made it sound like a mockery. “Truth be told I was saving him for dear old Noct, but I’m starting to think this is so much better.”

“You’ll pay for this!” And Cor lashed out again, catching the former chancellor in the middle and. There was silence and for a moment all Cor could hear was his huffing breath and the blood roaring in his ears as his anger dulled to something he could once again control. Ardyn returned soon enough, his expression one of mild irritation.

“I did wonder why you were spared, quite the tragedy,” he said close to Cor’s ear. “But there is only one immortal in this world, Marshal, and I am getting quite sick of sharing my title.” Then he snapped, and before Cor could strike again he was gone.

“Leonis, we have a problem!” Aranea pulled his attention back to the scene behind him and what he saw made him taste bile.

Purple swirled around Glauca’s armored form as he rose from both the ground and the dead, the sickly black of the Scourge creeping over the places where the armor was still intact.

“No more,” he groaned in a voice that sounded nothing like the one Cor knew. Aranea recovered from the shock first, lashing out with her spear as Glauca lashed out with a gauntlet that was quickly becoming twisted and sharp. Pulling himself together, Cor threw himself into the ensuing fray.

“Fight it,” he begged as he crossed his blade with that rapidly transforming arm.

“I don’t think he can,” Aranea snapped, narrowly jumping over a low swipe and twisting herself in the air to counter with a jab of her lance. She was right, Cor knew she was, but knowing didn’t make it any easier, and despite the stakes of the fight Cor found himself holding back. So he kept speaking, almost pleading, and Aranea kept cursing as they battled for their lives, keeping Glauca occupied and away from the others.

Perhaps it was their frantic attempt at distraction that drew Glauca’s attention away, or maybe it was his own words. Whatever it was Cor watched that single eye, surrounded by sickly black, move away from them and towards Monica, standing back with Biggs and Wedge, unable to do anything but watch the scene unfold. Glauca parried his attack, knocking Aranea back with the force, and lurched toward the group with an uncanny speed. Cor was faster. Before Glauca could strike he was there, thrusting his blade into the place where the blackened armor seemed weak across his chest. Everything stopped, and Cor watched in abject horror as the darkness began to melt away, revealing the man beneath.

“Cor?” Titus gasped, voice his own once more before he fell back, and Cor followed.

Kotetsu had struck true, and Cor felt the long blade enter the ground where it had pierced through the armored back it was buried in. Cor landed on his knees, harsh against the cracked pavement, almost cradled against a side he’d once known so intimately. He was going into shock. Quick breath and shaking limbs. A weak hand reached up towards his face and Cor caught it and brought it to his cheek, pressing against it, rough metal against soft skin. Grounding himself with the touch. Titus wanted to speak, a thousand words trapped in his eye, warm grey clearing from the taint of the Scourge in his final moments.

“Glad it was you,” he breathed out, hoarse and quiet. It didn’t make much sense to Cor, but he knew there was a meaning behind it deeper than he could fathom.

“Save your strength, Titus,” Cor insisted like it would somehow make a difference.

With his free hand he smoothed back the dying man’s hair. Titus shuddered against the soothing touch, eye fluttering like he was fighting to keep it open. Wordlessly his mouth moved, whatever final words he had lost with his failing strength. So Cor kissed him, trying to convey everything through that familiar touch. Titus reciprocated, weak but sure, cold lips pressing against his, and something passed between them that Cor couldn’t ever hope to name. It was awkward, the right side of his face scraping against the edge of the partially crumbled helm. Despite the discomfort he kept close, like the gentle connection of their mouths could stave off the inevitable. But it couldn't. Soon Titus exhaled, a soft puff of air tickling Cor’s face, and then he went slack beneath him.

Cor pulled away slowly, vision blurred just so as he watched the man dissolve, flaking away in bright sparks as the astrals claimed him at last. There was a cruel beauty to it, but Cor knew that at least in the end, Titus had known peace. His lips tasted like salt and ash and countless questions that would never be answered. The one thing he had now was closure, which settled the pieces of his broken heart into something that was almost whole.

When Aranea suggested they head back to Hammerhead Cor didn’t protest. The trip back was silent and Cor was so lost in his own thoughts he would not have noticed speaking anyway. Monica’s hand against his pulled him back to the present, and he looked down as she laced their fingers and squeezed with all the comfort she could offer. For now that was enough. It had to be.

[alia-turin]

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

Rating:M (NSFW) Characters: OC, Libertus Ostium, Cor Leonis,  Luche Lazarus (mentioned), Titus Drautos | Glauca (mentioned), Nyx Ulric (mentioned), Gladiolus Amicitia, Crowe Altius (mentioned), Iris Amicitia, Prompto, Ignis Summary:  Final chapter

Notes: I’m a terrible person. Or am i? Tagging: @birdsandivory @jojopitcher @lazarustrashpit @yourcoolfriendwithallthecandy @fromunseeliecourt

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

Ada slammed the door of her apartment and stood still for few moments.

“Damn you, Cor.” She whispered in the dark. What could she do? Follow his ‘orders’. Fuck his orders. She wasn’t going to abandon the Kingsglaive again when they needed every able body. First time she didn’t really have a choice, now…

…then again, she didn’t want to go into another shouting match with Libertus. She knew him too well and if Cor had really spoken with him, he would side with Cor. Damn him as well.

Slowly she moved to the closet and pulled out her backpack and started shoving clothes in it. Some of her stuff were at Cor’s place but damn him, he could keep them or burn them, she didn’t really care.

Maybe that was for the best. After all, neither she nor Cor were big on sharing and talking about feelings. It always took a fight or some other similar situation for one of them to say something about how they felt about each other. She had to be extremely angry to spit out in her rage that she loved him. But there was that, love or no love, Cor Leonis could go and order someone else around.

Ada had loved two men in her entire life, still loved both of them and couldn’t be with either of them. One was dead, the other couldn’t understand what she was telling him. She wasn’t Cor’s girlfriend or lover or partner or whatever. She was a Glaive and had a duty before being Cor’s anything. She shouldn’t have gotten involved with him. She should have stuck to loving one man, a dead man, but at least all the damage he could have done was already done. Luche couldn’t come from the grave to tell her how to live her life.

“Ada.” Cor knocked on her door very loudly.

“I don’t want to talk with you.” She closed her backpack and went looking for her second pair of boots.

“Ada, I’m not below kicking that door open, I will talk with you one way or another.” He responded and there was still anger in his voice. Didn’t he have enough fighting? Why was he here for more?

She ignored him, he was free to do whatever he wanted with that door, she was going to leave that place anyway. She was strapping her boots to each side of her backpack as a loud thud came. Then a second one and the door opened violently with a crack. Ada was still kneeling next to her backpack she turned around to see Cor, all anger, storm the room and rush towards her. She didn’t have much time to react, while she was attempting to get up he was already on her pinning her against the cold floor.

“Cor, let me go!” she tried to free her hands but he just trapped her wrists harder against the floor.

“No.” he was just standing on top of her icy blue eyes fixed on hers. “I love you. I shouldn’t have ordered you. I should have asked you. I should have told you I love you and that’s why I don’t want you to go to Angelgard.” He said all that in the same breath as if he was practicing all the way from his office to here.

They stood like that neither of them saying anything else. Ada could feel her hands hurting because he was stopping her blood flow, but she didn’t care about that right now. She could try fighting him off her of course, which wouldn’t end in her favour. He was twice her size and weight and his fighting abilities were superior. She also didn’t want to be away from him. She might have spat it in anger but it was true, she did love him, and what he said right now was probably the most romantic thing he ever said. The more she looked into his eyes the harder it was becoming to decide if she wanted to stay or to kick him.

“You are hurting me. My hands.” She said eventually and he eased his grip a bit but didn’t let go of her.

“Will you stay?” he asked moving his face closer to hers, their noses almost touching.

“Cor…” she said that as he leaned further and kissed her neck. “Cor…” he kissed her again. “I love you but…” he continued kissing her and she could feel her mind going in a direction opposite of the anger she felt until now. “I wasn’t angry, because you ordered me. I was, but not only. I don’t deserve the special treatment, I don’t deserve to live and have someone else to die in my place.” He wasn’t stopping his kisses. “Cor, are you listening to me?”

“I’m.” he stopped kissing her which was frustrating, but she wanted to talk.

“Cor, sex won’t fix that.” She said that with as much determination as she could, since sex was a pleasant alternative to arguing.

“Can I try to prove you wrong?” he grinned, but it was obvious he was joking. “Nobody is dying because of you. Your duty is not to die. Yes, I am giving you a special treatment, but I’m doing it only because I love you and I want you to be close to me. You are useful here and I don’t want to lose you. I cannot lose you. That’s the one and only time I have done something to protect you from danger and I have wanted to do it so many other times. Every time you go out on a hunt alone I want to go with you because I’m worried. Every time I know you will ask Monica for a job I want to tell her to give you a broom and make you sweep Lestallum. I know you are capable, by the Six, I know if you decide to fight me now you will give me a good run for my money, I will still win, but I know you are strong and I don’t doubt that, I just care about you so much and I don’t want to lose you. Not you. I have lost everything in my life. My best friends died and I was helpless. Half of the Crownsguard died with them and I was helpless. The Prince is gone and I am helpless. There is one thing I can protect and keep whole and that is you. I should have told you all that. Not even today, I should have said it weeks ago, I should have said it the moment I realized I love you.” He sighed. “I don’t think I have ever spoken so much in my entire life.”

Her heart was breaking as she was listening to him. She could understand him far too well. She had lost everything as well in the ruins of Insomnia. Friends, a lover, most of her senses, the ability to smile at silly things, sleep eight hours blissfully and her purpose. Perhaps going to Angelgard was exactly that, finding that lost purpose. She did love him, he made her smile again and feel somehow whole, but was that enough to just ignore her duty. Then again how much of that was her duty? She had followed her so called duty once before, ignoring her heart, allowing it to break, and where did that lead her? She was alive with the knowledge she had stood her ground, but for what? A year of pain and self-destruction? But that was different wasn’t it? It wasn’t about picking sides, and deciding who is right or wrong. It was about how selfish she wanted to be. What was more selfish of her? To leave everything just because he was ordering her to stay, out of love and concern, or to stay with him and let the other Glaives face their destiny.

‘Your unselfish choice fills you with selfishness’ she remembered hearing that somewhere and it somehow fit.

“I will stay.” She said the words barely loud enough for him to hear it. Cor’s lips curved in a smile. “But…you might have to show me how you fix it with sex. And you owe me one from this morning.” she added lauder and smiled back at him.

“Vixen.” Cor laughed and pushed his hips against hers making her feel his hardness.

“Long emotional arguments make you hard?” Ada moved her head up and kissed the smile on his lips.

“Being on top of you and pinning you to the ground does that for me. Adrenalin from arguments as well.” He kissed her cheek and moved down to her neck but he suddenly stopped and stared laughing.

“What?” Ada was confused and a bit disappointed that he had to interrupt his kisses.

“Nothing I just remembered something Clarus, Gladio’s dad, told me some time ago. See, before he married he was a bit like his son, or his son is like him. Lady’s man. Anyway, one day in moment of wisdom or heartache, I’m not sure, he told me that every man meets at least one redhead through his lifetime and they will usually turn his life upside down.” There was warmth in Cor’s voice every time he spoke about old memories of the King or his shield and Ada found that so gentle and kind. So different from the stern, serious man he usually was. “I think I met my redhead.”

“I’m turning your life upside down?” Ada wrapped her legs around him and pulled him closer teasingly.

“You make me feel alive. That’s a serious change of pace.” He grabbed her left hand and moved it to his chest. His heart was beating so fast Ada didn’t even need to press her palm against him to feel it. He didn’t say anything anymore, but continued kissing her neck, leaving wet marks. He let go of her hands and moved to unbuttoning her shirt, using the weight of his body as much as possible to keep her pinned to the floor. His movements were filled with lust and desire, he wasn’t gentle but somehow every kiss and every touch of his rough hands felt filled with love. His lips started leaving dark red marks over the exposed skin of her breasts and Ada moaned loudly arching her body towards him as much as his weight allowed her.

“You are mine.” He groaned between kisses as his hands moved between her legs and started undoing her jeans. Ada could feel the heat and desire in her raising, her underwear was already soaked and she wanted him in her.

“Prove it.” She challenged him with a smile and Cor stopped his kisses to look at her.

“You should be careful what you wish for.” With one quick move he pulled her jeans and underwear down. He moved up to remove his t-shirt and unbutton his pants. Ada reached to help him, but he completely ignored her. Without even pulling his pants all the way down, he leaned towards her again, his cold blue eyes pinned on hers and he rammed his full length in her. The sound Ada made was between scream and moan, not expecting the pleasant intrusion. He didn’t wait for her to relax but started moving his hips mercilessly, trying to prove a point. Ada tried to reach for his face, to pull him for a kiss, but her move seemed clumsy and more like a desperate attempt to grab him. She couldn’t silence her loud moans, and the more pleasure she was receiving from him the lauder she was getting.

“Cor..” she managed to say with soar voice between two moans and he leaned forward pressing his lips against her and pushing his tongue in her mouth. His thrusts were still strong and forceful, but pleasant hitting all the right places in her. “Harder.” She whispered in his ear as he pulled away from her kiss. The Marshal didn’t need second invitation for that, he was a good soldier and following orders was easy. He moved one hand between her legs his fingers rubbing her exactly where she needed. Ada could feel her body getting all rigid and she came hard around him, but the Marshal didn’t seem to pay any attention to that. He continued rocking in her hard and fast, her body clenching around him, until he finally found his own release and collapsed on top of her, his chest moving with deep rapid breaths.

They both stood like that, Ada finding his weight on top of her pleasant, trying to come back to her sense, Cor just breathing heavy, his whole body limp and tired.

“I’m sorry…” he mumbled as he rolled on the floor next to her, his pants still around his knees.

“What for?” She moved her hand to his chest and lazily started caressing his wet skin.

“If I hurt you, I didn’t mean to.” He pushed himself up and rolled on his side, his eyes staring at hers.

“I do recall asking you to go harder…” Ada smiled and touched his face with the back of her hand. He was so rough and handsome.

“You did?” he seemed puzzled but accepted it. He reached over her to the bed and pulled down the blanket covering both of them. “I was thinking, the Leville has an apartment on the top floor. Why don’t we move there? I need to open the hotel for common use anyway since we are having so many refugees.”

“Are you asking me to move in with you?” Ada could feel her heart beating so fast it felt like trying to break her ribs.

“I am.” he kissed her cheek gently. “We already established we love each other, under terrible circumstances, I guess we can do that one thing right.”

Ada looked around her apartment or more like her room, she had no attachment to this place and the only memories she had associated with it were the occasional night spent with Cor. Somehow, she felt that leaving this dark place would also mean leaving her loneliness and that seemed scary, but not terrifying. Even better, she was happy. She nodded in agreement and he pulled her closer to himself.

“That place needs a new door anyway.” They both laugh as he said that.

[alia-turin]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The kings could be cruel.” Ignis added.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[alia-turin]

Since I finished Comrades I have been a bit disappointed of the lack of details regarding what is happening with pretty much everyone so I decided to provide myself (and you guys) with an explanation from the POV of an OC. It would be multichapter fic, and the whole point is to go through what is happening in Lestallum (beside hunts) how are the characters (Cor, Gladio, Ignis, Prompto etc.) dealing with Noct being gone. 

Title: Broken Bonds [Chapter I] Characters: OC, Libertus Ostium, Nyx Ulric (mentioned), Luche Lazarus (mentioned), Titus Drautos | Glauca (mentioned) Warning: SFW for work, next chapters might not be but there will be warning. Notes: Story starts just as Libertus meets the Avatar in Comrades. there are no major spoilers in this chapter as long as you know how the first 5 minutes of Comrades develop, you are spoiler safe. This chapter is A BIT too long, the rest would be most likely shorter.

Tagging: @birdsandivory   @yourcoolfriendwithallthecandy @jojopitcher @fromunseeliecourt (tagging you because you commented on my OC post few days ago, if you don’t want to te tagged please let me know) @xanxusthot @lazarustrashpit @littlestfangirl 

If anyone wants to be tagged (or untagged) in the future please let me know.

Ada found a small hut that seemed good enough for a shelter during the night. She was starving and had finished her last drop of water few hours ago. With any luck there would be someone in the hut or there might be supplies. Even a rotten vegetable seemed like a feast at that point.

The door was unlocked which was good news, she wasn’t sure if breaking the door was within her physical abilities at the moment. The hut was empty and looted. The furniture was broken or stolen, there was broken glass from what she assumed were cupboards and pieces of torn clothing. She started systematically going around the place looking for food or water but she had no luck. Shelter was the only things he could get from that place and it was still better than nothing.

She gathered few of the clothes and put them in one of the corners. That was going to serve as her bed for tonight. She sat on top of the pile, her back facing the corner, her eyes having view to every possible entrance of the place. Next to her foot there was a small wooden stick, and Ada reached for it. With some imagination it looked like a candle. She held it in her fingers and lit the stick with magic.

“Happy birthday to me.” She whispered sadly.  

Years ago, when she still lived in Galahd with her family she had them and her friends to celebrate. Then they were forced to move out since the Empire was treating them worse and worse with every passing year. Still even as e refugee she had her family and then when she joined the Kingsglaive, there was that. But now her family and the Glaive were gone, and she was homeless and alone.

She sank into dark sleep, having the same nightmares she has been having since Insomnia fell. She was alone running out of the city, bleeding heavily and her head hurting as if someone put a nail in it. Then she dreamt of her argument with Luche. They argued until he lost his temper and slammed her hard against the wall. At that point she realized arguing is not how thing would go down. They fought and he won, leaving her almost dead. In the months that followed she still couldn’t decide what hurt more, the wounds or the fact she was betrayed and helpless. The wounds have healed since then, but she was still having nightmares and flashbacks.

Ada woke up from the sound of demons roaring outside.

“Everybody I know is either death or a traitor.”

It has been one year since all that happened and her mind was still not free of the guilt. She spent the rest of the night staring in the darkness unable to calm her mind.

 Morning came and it was time for her to move on. If she didn’t find water today she was going die very soon.

The darkness had not left completely. It has been months since she had seen fully lit day. Right now, the sky looked mostly like a sunset and she knew it will continue looking like that for the rest of the day. Ada looked around for some familial landmarks. She had lost her map and her phone was broken so navigation was difficult especially when there was no sun. She decided on a direction but before she could make even a step further something roared from behind her. She didn’t need to wonder what that might be, it was vary recognizable sound. She pulled a knife in one hand and prepared a fire spell in the other.

In front of her was standing a giant flan. Ada took a deep breath realizing she had the strength to fight for no more than five minutes.

 Pain was the first thing that came to her mind as she slowly regained consciousness. It wasn’t pain at particular location, it was all over the body, every muscle, every joint every bone hurt. Distantly, somewhere far away somebody was talking to her. She couldn’t hear actual words but there was a voice and if there was a voice there had to be someone speaking.

“Ada!”

Yes, that was her name…who was calling her? She knew she had to open her eyes, but that seemed too difficult right now.

“Ada!”

She slowly opened her eyes. First everything was blurry, ten there was almost no light. For a second she thought something was wrong with her sight, the light was really weird, but as soon as the person in front of her came to focus she realized it wasn’t her sight it was the sky that was wrong. That was right, the sky has been like that for some time now. Her brain slowly started switching into gear.  

“Libertus…” she mumbled recognizing the man kneeling in front of her. That had to be some sort of a dream or probably she hit her head very bad.

“There you go, few more minutes and I was going to slap you.” He helped her up and passed her a bottle of water. “You seem like you need that.”

She took the water looking at him with suspicion. From all the places in the world to meet another Glaive it happened now. It felt strange. The last Glaive she talked to almost killed her.

‘I was too weak to stop him’ the invited thought just appeared in her mind.

“Thanks, Libertus. You are sight for sore eyes.” She decided to act normal, but at the back of her head she couldn’t stop her defense mechanisms kicking. What if he was after her? What if he had betrayed the King as well?

“I don’t hear that very often.” He passed her two knives. Does where her knives, maybe she lost them during the fight? If he was passing her the knives, maybe he wasn’t after her head. “Hey, we are trying to restore Lestallum and to be honest we desperately need help. Do you think you want to join us?”

Ada bit the inside of her cheek. She has been on her own for almost one year and it was difficult, recently it became even more difficult, but…could she trust Libertus? The Glaives did betray the king and she has not heard from any of them for a year. Not that she ever looked to hear from any of them but there was a reason for it. Luche was one of her best friends since her first day with the Glaives and her head hurt for a month after the encounter with him. Ada wondered if she could take Libertus and the answer was no. Few months ago, probably,  but now she was starving and weak.

“Come on. We have roof over our heads and we don’t get attacked by demons all the time.” Libertus offered her an encouraging smile, but it was the roof over her head that won her over.

She nodded and so she found herself in a truck with Libertus and bunch of meteor shards.

“What are these for?” Ada asked pointing to the meteors. They were strangely pretty even if they were just piled in an old crate.

“Lestallum power station. It’s the only way we can keep the city up and running and of course avoid demons.” Libertus explained, but he wasn’t looking at her. His gaze was somewhere behind probably looking if demons would follow them.

“What did you do after Insomnia?” she decided to address the elephant in the room eventually. After all, once they reached Lestallum she might end up dead.

“Went back to Galahd. I was hoping Nyx would join me but…he never came.” It was strange selection of words. She knew the two of them were close, even if Ada was coming from Galahd as well she never was part of their gang. Compared to them she was relatively new in the Kingsglaive and so she had to find her own crowd. “Eventually decided there were more important things than just sit and wait and heard that the Marshal is trying to bring some civilization to the world.”

“What…happened? In Insomnia.” She slowly moved her hand towards her knife and started preparing a spell. If she didn’t like the answer, she wasn’t going to continue on that journey.

“You don’t remember?” He sounded surprised.

“I wasn’t conscious. Luche left me for death after I refused to participate in his plot. I know the Glaive helped the Niffs, but…when I woke up it was already night and Insomnia was gone.” Her chest was hurting just to talk about that. It has been almost a year and she was still not over it. She was helpless and useless to do the one thing she was supposed to do – defend the king and the people. She had ended up beaten and dying and the best she could do was to run. Maybe she should have died. Maybe Luche leaving her alive was bigger punishment than killing her.

“Whoa!” he almost shouted, staring at her as if she was suddenly growing a second head. “There is a lot you have missed. Well to bring you up to speed, some of the Glaives did betray the king. Luche included. The king was killed by General Glauca, I helped the Oracle escape Insomnia….” He suddenly felt silent.

“What happened with the Captain?” All these months she had blamed herself for not going to him to tell him about Luche, instead she thought she can convince Luche to stop or to stop him whichever worked. Stupid naïve girl….

“Luche really knocked you out very hard if you have missed that as well.” Libertus seemed even more surprised now at her ignorance. “The Captain was in fact General Glauca. Or General Glauca was the Captain, I’m not really sure who came first. The Captain killed the King and he tried to kill the Oracle. Nyx stopped him or I assume he did since nobody has heard from Glauca ever since and somebody else was made a leader of the Niff armies.”

Ada’s head was spinning. Titus Drautos…Glauca? How did that happen? The man was leading the Glaive, the man was fighting with them against the Imperials. He was next to them, he was supporting them, training them, teaching them. So, it wasn’t Luche that was behind the betrayal, something she thought all along. It was way deeper and Luche was just following orders. She wondered what would have happened if Drautos had come to her. If he had told her they were about to kill the king. Would she have said yes as well? She had the utmost admiration for the man, she respected him and now even that was gone.

‘My home is gone; my friends are gone and my teacher is gone.’ The words alone and loneliness suddenly reached whole new scale.

“How about Nyx? You said he never came to Galahd?”

Libertus just shook his head and Ada nodded. What she saw in the eyes of her fellow Glaive was very familiar denial. Same denial she saw in her own eyes every time she looked at her reflection. Nyx Ulric was dead, but Libertus had yet to admit it to himself. The exact same way she had to admit to herself her own failure and weakness.

“Luche was killed as well.” Libertus finally said. “He deserved what he got. Burned to death that idiot.” There was a faint smile on his lips. It wasn’t mockery, but more like relief that an enemy has fallen. Ada couldn’t sympathize with that. Not now at least. “I’m sorry, I know you two were close.” Libertus added quickly.

Ada just shook her head. Luche’s death was his own doing. They were friends, he was the first one to greet her in the Glaive and they happened to come from the same island of Galahd which made it easier to bond. Yet, despite everything he did, she missed him even if she hated him. Sometimes at night she wondered if she was stupid or masochistic.

“Here it is!” Libertus got up and pointed ahead of them.

Lestallum was…beautiful despite the ugly fences and barricades. Best of all there was light. Artificial light, but it was the brightest thing she had seen in months.

“Come on, we need to drop that” he pointed to the meteor shards. “And I need to introduce you to the Marshal.”

[alia-turin]

Title: Broken Bonds [Chapter VII] Previous chapters: Chapter I, Chapter II, Chapter III, Chapter IV Chapter V Chapter VI AO3

Characters:

OC, Libertus Ostium, Cor Leonis,  Luche Lazarus (mentioned), Titus Drautos | Glauca (mentioned), Nyx Ulric (mentioned), Gladiolus Amicitia, Crowe Altius (mentioned), Iris Amicitia, Prompto, Ignis

Warning:

This one is very much SFW, no kinky stuff.

Notes

So Cor finally learns from Gentiana where Noct is, three t-shirts joke makes cameo

Tagging: @birdsandivoryy  @yourcoolfriendwithallthecandy @jojopitcher@fromunseeliecourt @lazarustrashpit @littlestfangirl @kairakara101 (tagging you because some time ago you asked me to tag you on Luche related stuff, that’s not 100% related to him, but there is something related to him in pretty much every chapter)

If you want to be tagged (or untagged) please do let me know. Tagging is not some exlusive club, so I’m absolutely not bothered by your requests to be tagged.

Ada was walking down the Lestallum streets, tired and absentminded. She had spent three days in the wastelands trying to find more meteor pieces and other resources they needed. She was also avoiding everyone especially the Marshal and Libertus hence her choice to spend all that time outside of Lestallum instead of returning.

“Did you hear?” her ears caught a conversation between two of the towns people. “Some black-haired witch told the Marshal to stop looking for the prince. Now he is calling off all the hunters and crownsguard. That’s some trick if you ask me and he fell right into the trap.”

Ada slowed down her pace to hear the whole thing and stared at the men until they noticed her and looked back at her. She quickly pretended she wasn’t listening to them, last thing she needed was another outburst of the townspeople against the treacherous glaive.

She had planned to go to her apartment, rest couple of hours and then leave again, but given that information she went looking for Libertus. She found him close to the barricades barking orders at some new recruits. Ada patiently waited for him to finish, she wasn’t getting in the middle of that.

“Well, well look who is back.” He gave her a warm hug as if he hasn’t seen her in months. “I was almost worried the Marshal killed you and hid your corpse somewhere.”

“I just wanted to get some things done.” It wasn’t technically a lie if there was some truth in it. Maybe a half lie.

“Right. You have a lot of things to tell me.” Libertus grabbed her and pulled her aside, in one of the tinny alleys where no one could hear them. “So, the Marshal?”

“That can wait. What’s that about black-haired witch and the prince?” Ada knew she wouldn’t be able to avoid talking about Cor with Libertus, but the other matter was more pressing in her mind.

“Don’t know much. I know the rumor which you have heard apparently. The other thing I know is that the Marshal suspended the search for the prince which caused a bit of drama from his highness’ retainers, but eventually they calmed down. Wanted to speak with the Marshal but Monica hinted it’s not a good time.”

Things were bad then if Gladio and the rest were involved in that. Part of Ada had hoped that was just some town’s talk, gossip and rumors but little to no truth. And what was all that about black-haired witch? Part of her was happy no one had started rumor of redheaded witch or she might be burning on a stake somewhere with all the love people around had for the Kingsglaive.

“I will check on him.” Ada tried to leave without talking any further with him but he grabbed her wrist.

“Oh, no you are not going now. You were absent for three days, not a single word where were you going and not even telling me how that date with the Marshal went.” Libertus moved so he could block her way out of there.

“I don’t know what to tell you it was good…it was fun and he is great…” She really didn’t know what else to tell him. The only person she ever talked with about dates and such was Crowe.

“Anything in particular…any details...” Libertus was acting like a teenager trying to get information from his buddies and that entrained her a lot. They all used to do that back in Insomnia, tease each other and make fun of each other. Sticking the nose in other’s personal business was just natural.  

“For some reason he wears three t-shirts.” She finally said, that was the most innocent things he could think about.

“Three t-shirts.” He lifted three fingers in front of her eyes. “So, you saw him naked or you just stopped at the second t-shirt?” he was laughing at that point.

“No, I saw him naked...” that was a childish conversation but somewhere deep in her she was enjoying it too much.

“And it was so bad that you ran out of town on extended vacation?” he was still laughing.

“No, it was…” that was hard to explain. “It was good. It was great, he is great. He is not the reason I have been avoiding everything.” Loneliness was an addiction and she has been walking for couple of weeks now on the that thin line that stood between shutting herself out and allowing people to walk in her life again. The Marshal had reminded her how good it was to finally be free of that isolation, but loneliness was a drug, one it was hard to get rid of.

“You need to move on.” Libertus wasn’t laughing anymore, he was his friendly, loving self. “I know how hard it is to move on, I waited for Nyx almost a year before I moved on, but you need to do it, or that will kill you.”

“I know.” She forced a smile on her lips and place her hand on his shoulder. “Thank you. You are a good friend.”

They parted ways like that, he still had things to do and she wanted to check on Cor. Probably it was just her imagination but whole Lestallum seemed strangely quit. People were usually busy with stuff or just hanging around but now it seemed like everybody was on their own, and minding their own business.

Ada walked in the hotel, Monica was hanging around by the reception.

“I would advice against…” she started but Ada gave her a friendly smile and continued walking towards the Marshal’s office at which the other woman just nodded.

She knocked once, there was no sound or anything coming from there so she just walked in. As soon as she saw the state of his office, she walked in quickly and closed the door behind herself. One of the bookshelves was pushed down, all the books and items that had been on it have fallen on the floor. The papers and maps from his desk were also on the ground, some of them ripped. The chair which was usually behind his desk was either kicked or thrown to the other end of the room. Cor was sitting on his desk, holding his right hand which was bleeding.

“What happened?” Ada rushed towards him and grabbed his hand, it didn’t seem too bad, the blood was coming from bruised knuckles.

“You are back.” He completely ignored her question and the state that his office was in.

“Let me look at that.” She ran her fingers gently over his skin until green light appeared around them. The spell acted immediately. Few seconds later the bruises on his hand were gone, only the dried blood was left.

“Thank you.” He moved his fingers, then clenched them in a fist and eventually relaxed them. “Doesn’t hurt anymore.”

“Is that because of let me quote ‘a black-haired witch who told you to stop looking or the prince?” Ada wanted to hug him and tell him things would be okay, but she was guilty of disappearing without a trace so she was going to leave the first step in that regard to him.

“Black haired-witch?” He looked confused.

“It’s what the people around town say.”

“How…” he didn’t finish that sentence just gave a frustrated sigh. “It’s not a black-haired witch. It was the messenger of the gods. She told me to stop looking for the prince, and that when the time is right he will appear at Angelgard. That it is not up to me or anyone else, I assume she means his friends, to find him, but he will come when he is ready.” She could feel the anger in him as he was saying that. Then he continued without Ada asking him anything which was surpassing. “I have served three kings, and I failed each one of them in a different way. Cor the Immortal.” He smirked. “More like Cor the Unable.”

“You are blaming yourself for too much.” She reached for the hand she had just healed and held it in hers.

“Am I? According to everyone I’m the most skillful swordsman, deadliest man on the star. My skills are nothing if I cannot use them in protection of my king.” He said all that with his eyes fix fixed somewhere in the distance but not at her.

“Look at me.” She lifted his chin and forced him to look her in the eyes. “Your duty is not just to your king. That’s part of your duty, as it is part of mine. King or no king you still have duty toward his kingdom and the people who live in it. The prince is not dead. He will be back, if the messenger of the gods says he will be back, it will happen. You can sit here and destroy the whole hotel in anger, or do something useful. Didn’t you tell me something like that few weeks ago?”

They stood like that for a while, his eyes pinned on hers.  

“I’m terrible at following my own advice.” He finally said.

“Then follow mine.” She moved her hand to his chest, placing it just over his heart. “The prince will be back. It’s up to you if he will be back to a graveyard filled with demons, or to something that reminds civilization.”

“Thank you. I needed that.” He kissed her forehead.

“Plus, the list of people to blame for the current situation is very long and you are not even on top of it. I believe even I am head of you.” She smiled, hoping that this stupid joke will change the mood in the room a bit.  

“Let’s not make a competition out of that, I have been around longer than you and I might be able to come up with few more points.” He moved his hands on her waist pulling her closer to him. “Would you stay tonight with me?”

“I…” she started and then closed her mouth. Nervously she bit her lips and realized that answer was taking her longer than it should. “I will stay. I will also help you clean that mess here.”

 “He likes you” Crowe elbowed her and Ada almost spit her beer in the other woman’s face.

“Who?”

“Luche! Come on haven’t you noticed the way he looks at you?” Crowe literary pointed at the four guys playing billiard. “He is imagining you naked every time he turns his head that way.”

“Bull. Shit.” Ada drank from the bottle. In all fairness she didn’t mind seeing him naked. “He might be imagining you naked.”

“He looks at me as ‘one of the guys’, that certainly is not ‘one of the guys’ look.”

Ada attempted to say something but then Nyx came to their table and interrupted her.

“Hey Pelna and Axis are leaving and we need two players, want to join?”

“I don’t know how to play.” Ada said which made Crowe and Nyx stare at her.

“You have never played billiard?” Nyx finally asked looking for conformation if he heard right.

“Well…you know we don’t have that in Galahd….” She stared making an excuse.

“Okay we need to teach you.” Crowe pulled her up grabbing both of their beers.

“Luche, why you never taught her how to play billard?” Nyx shouted at the other man.

The other man just shrugged but threw a one of the billiard sticks at Ada.

“There is first time for everything.” He had already arranged the balls on the pool table in a neat triangle. “I’ll play with her, I’m better than the two of you combined anyway.”

Nyx and Crowe snorted loudly in disagreement at the exact same time. Luche started explaining the rules, but she remembered very little of what he said. Every time her eyes fell on his, she wondered if what Crowe had said was true.

“Okay bend down.” She followed the instruction bending over the table. He came just behind her, helping her place the stick correctly. “Now you need to hit them hard but not too hard.”

Ada followed the instruction but as soon as the she aimed the room went completely dark. That wasn’t right, that wasn’t how things worked out, that…

…dim light came on and she saw Luche standing in front of her, the pool table was gone, gun pointed at Crowe’s head.

“She deserved it.” Those were the exact same words he had told her that night when they fought.

“Don’t do it, she was your friend!” Ada screamed.

Luche just shrugged and pulled the trigger, Crowe’s blood and brains flying all over the place.

  Ada opened her eyes the mental image of gore still appearing in her mind even after she was awake. She could feel Cor’s rhythmic breathing behind her, at least one of them was getting some sleep. Carefully she sneaked out of the bed and gathered her clothing from the floor. She needed some fresh air.

[alia-turin]

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

Rating:M (This chapter has some NSFW moments) Characters: OC, Libertus Ostium, Cor Leonis,  Luche Lazarus (mentioned), Titus Drautos | Glauca (mentioned), Nyx Ulric (mentioned), Gladiolus Amicitia, Crowe Altius (mentioned), Iris Amicitia, Prompto, Ignis Summary:  Ignis finally gets the restaurant they all have been planning for him and Ada has to face Cor. Notes: There are two songs mentioned in that fic. First one is The Best is Yet to Come, second one is sea shanty known as the Trooper and the maid. Just fyi if you were interested. Tagging: @birdsandivory  @yourcoolfriendwithallthecandy @jojopitcher @fromunseeliecourt @lazarustrashpit  

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

Three days had passed since Ada’s little chat with Ignis and here they were. Galdin Quay was witnessing the opening of its new restaurant. Prompto had come with a brilliant idea, make the first night ‘free’ where everyone can come and eat whatever Iggy has prepared, but they had to pay entrance fee. Since Ada and Gladio had taken care of all the ingredients the day before they agreed that they didn’t need any reward for that. However, everybody who visited had to pay a fee, the amount depending entirely on the patron. The income collected from these fees was going to be used to helped orphaned children. Everybody loved Prompto’s idea so here they were.

Gladio was standing at the entrance, directing people and collecting the entrance fee, Prompto was having hard time in the kitchen following Ignis’ instructions and literary being his eyes. Ada had agreed to help Iris with waitressing, they even managed to find (almost) matching black dresses which actually was harder than finding all the things Ignis had requested for.  

“Prompto!” Iggy roared and Ada rushed to make sure the kid wasn’t being massacred with kitchen knife. “I said tea spoon of sugar not table spoon. Table spoons are big ones, tea spoons are the small ones.”

“Hey Prom, why don’t you help Iris, I think I have more experience in the kitchen than you do.” Ada suggested as she grabbed an apron. Prompto was more than eager to escape from the kitchen.

“I might have pushed him a bit too far.” Ignis said after the blond man was gone.

“He needs to learn to work under pressure.” Ada smiled and Iggy did the same. “What do you need me to do.”

“Everything is prepared in the boxes right behind you.” It still amused her he knew where exactly was she standing and what was behind her. “You just need to help me put them in the pans and pots whenever ordered.”

That was easier said than done. Ignis was strict in the kitchen and as brutal as that sounded a pedant. Everything had to be perfect, which she appreciated but his lack of sight had made me way more cautions. At some point Prompto came back to apologize for being clumsy, and Ignis was kind enough to give him second chance. Ada was happy to give him the apron and run from the kitchen as fast as she could. Even Titus Drautos wasn’t as scary as the prince’s adviser.

“Is Prompto going to live?” Gladio asked passing her a glass of wine. She had no idea where or how he had found the wine, but she was grateful for it.

“That remains to be seen. He is at round two right now.” Ada finished her glass quickly and could feel it hitting her harder than it should. Of course, she hasn’t touched anything alcoholic in more than one year probably just the smell of wine could make her tipsy. “You have any more of that?” she pointed at the glass.  

“Of course, I do!” Gladio reached behind the bar and poured her another glass. Ada decided to go slower with this one. “So, you and the Marshal?” Gladio smirked as he said that and she suddenly regretted for not just grabbing the bottle.

“How do you know?” she could feel panic creeping in her mind.

“I didn’t. You just confirmed it.” His smirk has turned into a very wild smile. “I had a suspicion. You seem to be very eager to stay away from Lestallum, and even if you are not the only person who goes away for days, you are the only person he ever asked me about.”

“I’m not trying to stay away from Lestallum.” Ada said in her defense but realized she sounded a bit like a child who had just made terrible mess and was trying to deny it to her parents. “It’s just complicated.”

“Well don’t make it more complicated that it already is.” Gladio gave her reassuring smile and she knew he was right, but it wasn’t that easy. “I would kill for some music.” He randomly added. “There is a piano there, and Iggy is so good at it but….” He didn’t have to finish that sentence.

“If you help your sister with waitressing, I can sort out your music problem.” Ada winked at him.

“You can play the piano?” Gladio seemed pleasantly surprised.

“I haven’t been slashing and hacking at demons all my life. My mother used to be music teacher and she insisted I learn.” Ada was literary tortured as kid to play the piano, but she learned. “Help your sister.”

“I can do that” he offered her his fist for a fist bump and she hit hers gently against it. “By the way, the Marshal is here.” He just pointed with his head.

Ada followed his gesture and could feel her heart beating faster her eyes finally located Cor. He was chatting with Libertus and the moment she turned towards them, the Marshal’s eyes fell on hers.

“I need another one of these.” She drank her glass on one go and poured herself another one. “I will sort out your music problem.”

Gladio just chuckled as he saw her walk toward the piano. Ada knew she had to speak with Cor, but she also could use some distraction and time to arrange her thoughts before doing it. After all she wasn’t just avoiding him physically she was trying to think about him as little as possible which wasn’t working very well.

She sat in front of the piano and ran her fingers over the white keys without actually pressing any of them. It has been too long since she had played so that might turn out more embarrassing than she thought. She regretted not grabbing the whole wine bottle. She took a deep breath and exhaled loudly, pressing one key, then another. She let her fingers roam freely on the keyboard, the song she was thinking about just magically coming from under her fingertips. She didn’t sing but the lyrics of the song were running in her head as the sounds were coming from the piano.

It was a song from Galadh, ironically a love song, about lost love and heartbreak. Very fitting.

Once she finished that song she could hear Gladio cheering from somewhere behind her. That made her smile.

“Are you taking requests?” Libertus sat next to her.

“I can try.” Ada smiled. That felt a lot like the past. When things were way simpler. Or complicated, depending on the point of view.

“It’s an old shanty. I don’t recall the name however. It’s about a soldier and the girl he was trying to get laid with.” Libertus tried to explain as best as possible.

“That one?” Ada played few notes from the song she was thinking about.

“Yes!” he sounded way too excited.

“That is highly inappropriate song!” it wasn’t even a song it was just a shanty the sailors in Galahd would sing.

“Do you think anyone here cares about appropriate?” he pointed toward the people around. Galdin Quay might have been nice and fancy place some time ago but now was gathering of hunters, refugees, crownsguard and glaives. Maybe the song was appropriate.

“Fine. But you will sing with me.” Ada started the beginning of the song and Libertus gulped the content of his glass which seemed like whiskey or similar.

“A trooper lad came here at night, with riding he was weary, a trooper lad came here at night, when the moon shone bright and clearly.” They both sang together and it felt strangely good and familiar. Libertus had terrible voice so that was making her feel a bit better about herself. “Bonnie lassie, will you gang with me, bonnie lass, will ye lie near me, I'll get all your ribbons reel, in the morning ere I leave ye.”

The song went on and on, for Ada’s surprise she could see the people around enjoying it. She didn’t expect that a dirty shanty from Galahd’s docks would inspire such…positive reaction. Once they were done everyone clapped and laughed someone even whistled loudly.

“Know your audience.” Libertus laughed.

Ada didn’t even want to look at Ignis who was probably on the verge of killing both of them and she had no doubt he was capable to do so.

“You can continue entraining your audience, I have something to do.” She finished her wine and got up. She wasn’t drunk but there was pleasant buzz in her head. Good, that was going to make things much easier.

Cor was sitting at the bar chatting with Gladio who seemed like he was keeping an eye on Ignis and Prompto and probably making sure the latter doesn’t get stabbed with a kitchen knife.

“Can we talk?” Ada asked the Marshal as she approached them.

“Weren’t we supposed to talk three days ago?” he said with absolutely no feeling in his voice.

“Please?” Ada knew she fucked up, she didn’t need him to be a dick about it even if he had every right to act as one.

“Marshal, if you don’t talk with her, I will and that song was highly inspirational.” Gladio chuckled but his smile froze quickly on his lips as Cor fixed his eyes on the younger man. “It was a joke.” He added quickly.

“Come.” Cor grabbed her hand a walked her away without saying anything else. They went past the hotel down to the dock where it was dark and quiet. She could still hear the laughs and Libertus’ terrible singing but it all seemed muffed by the waves below them.

“First.” Ada started. “Let me apologize. It was childish of me, and if I said I will talk with you I should have done it.”

“Ada, you cannot continue like that.” He didn’t seem angry which probably was good thing, but at the same time she couldn’t even guess how he was feeling by his voice. It expressed…nothing. “One day you are in my arms, then you are gone with not even a ‘goodbye’, then you are back again offering me support and then you are gone again. I don’t have the patience for that. I like you, you are pretty, you make me laugh and the sex is great, but I am not fifteen.”

“Right.” She has been worried that her behavior might have pushed him too far away and seemed like she was right about that. Subconsciously she had done what consciously he didn’t want to do. “Can I explain? When I am done you can go if you wish. The Astrals know I deserve it.” He didn’t say anything but nodded for her to continue. “I like you. I’m attracted to you and you are right the sex is great. But I’m scared and I’m hurt.” Admitting that to him was terrible. She had admitted some of it to Libertus but she knew Libertus for more than five-six years now. It was easier. “The last person I trusted the way I want to trust you almost ended me.” She saw him opening his mouth to protest, but she didn’t allow him to continue. “No, just listen. He didn’t just betray me.” Technically he probably didn’t betray her, judging by the last test message he sent her, but she didn’t want to think about it. Ever. “It’s not about him turning against me. He betrayed everything. My friends, the place I was starting to call home, the things I thought we both believed in. It wasn’t just about some stupid relationship. I have lost my home twice now. That makes losing friends, family and everything I know, twice. The first time thanks to the empire, second time was more personal. How do you trust people after that? The Kingsglaive was my family. My second family. Turns out daddy was just cosplaying as Titus Drautos and half of my siblings killed the other half. I fought next to the people who betrayed the king. I have saved their asses multiple times same way they have saved mine. We bled, we laughed and at times cried together. You said it yourself when we met, your trust towards the Glaive has to be earned. But you trust the Crownsguard, you trust Monica, Gladio and the rest. I trusted my family. Didn’t work out very well.” She realized she barely had breathed while saying all that. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to avoid you or mislead you…I want you. I’m just terrified.”

“Are you done?” he asked and Ada just nodded sure he would just walk away now. “I didn’t trust the Kingsglaive. I didn’t trust Libertus when I first met him, but trust is earned not given. Don’t trust me. Let me earn it. But you have to allow me to try. I cannot do it if you disappear every time I attempt to do so.”

Ada looked in his eyes and knew that she was completely lost. She was happy he didn’t walk away, but what he wanted seemed so…difficult. She had opened to him more then she had to anyone else in the past twelve months, and that was freaking her out at the moment.

“No more running.” She finally said very quiet.

“Good.” He stepped closer to her, Ada had to lift her head up in order to be able to see him. “Now that’s out of the way can we just go to the pleasant part?”

She looked at him puzzled but the Marshal didn’t allow her to ask anything. He pushed her gently against the wall behind her and pressed his lips against hers. Ada opened her mouth allowing his tongue to touch hers. That was when the very familiar click from a camera’s flashlight came. They both turned towards the direction of the sound to see Prompto standing on the stairs, holding his camera and grinning.

“Prompto!” Cor roared, but the young man was quick to run up the stairs. “I will kill him.” He groaned. “In a bit.”

“In a bit?” Ada laughed.

“Don’t know where you found that dress, but getting under it right now seems more pleasant than killing a kid.” Cor chuckled and ran his hand up her leg and under the dress. He leaned forward and started kissing Ada’s neck.

“Cor, somebody might come.” She protested but a moan escaped her lips as she was doing it. His hand had already reached between her legs and was teasing her.

“So? We are not doing anything.” He grabbed her underwear and yanked it down.

She looked towards the stairs to make sure nobody else was standing there. It was just the two of them and the waves crushing against the docks. Ada stepped on her tiptoes and kissed him, her arms wrapping around him.

Cor didn’t seem to be in mood for any further teasing and playing. He bent down a bit and placed his hands on her ass, lifting her up. Ada wrapped her legs around him, her arms still around his neck. He kissed her fiercely barely allowing her to take a breath. She never heard him undoing his belt or zipper, but apparently, he had done it since next thing she felt was his full length going all the way in her. Ada almost screamed with pleasure and surprise in their kiss.

“Don’t make a sound, someone might hear us.” He whispered in her ear as his hips were moving almost violently against hers.  

At the pace he was keeping it didn’t take too long for both of them to finish, Ada was grateful he didn’t drop her down when he came, that would have been embarrassing.

“No more running.” He warned her as he was buckling his belt.

“Where is my underwear?” Ada pulled her phone out for some light.

“You don’t need it.” Cor chuckled.

[alia-turin]

Title: Broken Bonds [Chapter IV] Previous chapters: Chapter I, Chapter II, Chapter III AO3

Characters:

OC, Libertus Ostium, Cor Leonis,  Luche Lazarus (mentioned), Titus Drautos | Glauca (mentioned), Nyx Ulric (mentioned), Gladiolus Amicitia, Crowe Altius (mentioned), Iris Amicitia, Prompto, Ignis

Warning:

SFW. probably minor Comrades spoilers

Notes

Too much angst in the previous 4 chapters so now is time for something slightly more relaxing. I needed to write that because the angst was getting too much even for me. Next couple of chapters would be a bit more cheerful. Special mention of @birdsandivory for allowing me to use her AMZING tinder edits for inspiration. Please go check them here and laugh your asses off: http://birdsandivory.tumblr.com/kingsglaive

Tagging: @birdsandivory  @yourcoolfriendwithallthecandy @jojopitcher @fromunseeliecourt @xanxusthot @lazarustrashpit (I promise Luche wasn’t always a dick) @littlestfangirl

This dream, as many of her dreams, was just an old memory.

She woke up from the sound of somebody entering her apartment. Ada got up, knife in hand and wrapped straight to the intruder.

“Easy now. It’s just me.” Luche was holding his hand in the air and she let go.

“Why…how did you get in.”

“I broke in.” he showed her his tools. “You didn’t s how up yesterday or today and you didn’t answer your phone or respond to any of my text messages.”

Her eyes fell on the phone lying lonely on the coffee table, the light for missed call blinking angrily.

“I didn’t hear it.” She didn’t even remember leaving her phone there. “I told the captain I will be away.”

“He is gone for some business. You should have told me as well.” He was getting to his bossy self but raised an eyebrow teasingly. “What’s with the dress?”

She had to look at herself to realize she was still wearing the black dress from yesterday.

“I was at a funeral.” She answered.

“Somebody I know?” his sounded concerned.

“My dad.”

“I’m sorry to hear that” he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “You should have told me, I would have come with you, you shouldn’t be alone.”

She stared at him not sure what to say. It didn’t even cross her mind to ask anyone to come with her. She had told Drautos she needed leave and the reason, he told her to take a week off and that was it. Truth was that her father has been sick for such a long time that it was expected and she didn’t feel like there is a need to ask someone to come with her.

“Come on change in something more comfortable. I will make you breakfast.” He pushed her gently toward her bedroom.

“You don’t have to…” she started but he interrupted her.

“Yes, I do. Come on, I promise I won’t poison you.”

As she was changing her clothes she could hear him going through her pans, pots, plates and swearing as he dropped something on the ground.

“Do you need help?” she shouted from the bedroom.

“I will not be defeated by a pan, don’t worry.”

When she walked back in the kitchen he was frying eggs and bacon. Smelling the food made her realize how hungry she was.

“Thank you.” Ada said, but that was when the dream went out of hand. In her memories what he did then was turn around and ask her if she wanted him to stay for the day. Her dream had chosen different course of actions. Instead as Luche turned he was holding his gun and shot her in the chest.

Ada woke up sweating and shaking. These dreams never stopped. Ever since she left Insomnia she was having these dreams, memories turning into nightmares. Sometimes they weren’t memories, but close enough, small details were different, but essentially it was her previous life ending with everyone dying.

There was no chance she would be able to sleep more so she just got out of the bed. She went through her backpack in attempt to unpack and make this place a bit more ‘hers’ but there was nothing in that backpack that could help. The only item that was somehow related to her old life was her phone and it had died on her months ago. She made a mental note to find someone to fix it.

Since there was nothing better to do, Ada walked out. The town was sleeping excluding few guards on the wall and around the entrances. The demons roaming outside the barricades could be heard but by now she was so used to their sound that it didn’t bother her. Walking down the streets, she found her way to the hotel where she saw the Marshal. He was alone, just standing there like a statue. Ada wondered if interrupting him would be a good idea, but apparently, they both had issues sleeping so why not kill time till breakfast.

“Cannot sleep?” The Marshal offered her the bottle he was holding and Ada was going to question his senses for drinking alone in the middle of the night but as she touched the liquid with her lips she realized it was water.

“Nightmares. I used to have them now and then while I was in Insomnia but since the city fell it has been every night.”

“You want to share?” he sounded somehow different. Not like the Marshal but friendlier.

“Not much to share. I dream mostly memories. Things that happened and it all ends messed up. Hanging out with friends, having fun and then suddenly they all die or I die.” Her brain had managed to ruin every single good memory she had and turn them all into parade of broken or burned bodies.

“Oh those.” He agreed as if he was an expert on nightmares. “It ruins everything, doesn’t it? Every single memory you have, good or bad ends up being just a graveyard.”

Ada didn’t answer at first. She didn’t know what to say exactly. He was right of course, everything and everyone she ever loved had turned into zombie trying to kill her.

“You need to let go.” Cor continued since she didn’t answer. “If you don’t let go, it just kills you.” Another pause then he continued again. “If you couldn’t help the people you love, you can help them.” He made a gesture with his hand toward the dark buildings in Lestallum.  

Ada opened her mouth to argue with him, but what Libertus told her last night also hit her at the same time. It wasn’t hear fault, and regardless how much guilt she felt about everything, rationally there was nothing she could have done.

“How do you let go?” she asked after they both stood in silence.

“You cannot let go because you had a purpose. Protect the king, win the war, protect your home, protect your friends, make sure they all come home alive. Now the king is dead, the kingdom is gone and there is nothing left. You are wrong. The kingdom is here and needs people with skills, people who can stop them.” He pointed with his head toward the demons roaring outside. “Trust me, I am an expert on the topic of letting go and not letting go.” He gave her a friendly smile and for some reason Ada felt like a massive weight had fallen off her chest. What he was saying wasn’t solving any of her problems of course. Her brain wasn’t going to completely forget everything just because Cor the Immortal said so, although he did manage to hit a spot.

“Thank you, Marshal.” Ada smiled back at him and for first time in months it was an honest smile. Not a sad one or forced one, she was truly feeling better.

“Now you need to do something for me. I promised someone I will train with them before breakfast, but something came up and I will be leaving Lestallum probably until tomorrow or the day after. If you go to the power station, just next to the bridge he should be there around sunrise. His name is Gladio, hard to miss him, bug guy, scars across his face…”

“I met him yesterday.” Ada interrupted the description.

She spent the time before sunrise going around town and chatting with some of the hunters. Ada wondered if she shouldn’t talk with Libertus but common sense won and she decided he won’t like her more for waking him up so early. Instead she just walked up to the power station and waited for Gladio to appear. The man was exactly on time which honestly surprised her. The people around town have complained about the prince’s retainers and she expected him to be fashionably late. He was just on time, probably a bit early.

“You are way too good looking to be Cor.” He was carrying a massive sword with himself, the weapon was probably larger and heavier than Ada.

“He is busy. Told me to keep you company.” Ada pulled one of her knives and tossed it in her hand.

“If I win, you are having breakfast with me.” Gladio chuckled and walked toward the bridge that was between the city and the power station.

Ada laughed, she was sure she would lose, but on the other hand breakfast sounded amazing.

They started slow. Gladio made one attack which Ada hoped is not his best because it honestly was too easy to see. She wrapped once aiming for his throat but he threw her flying away towards the wall.

“If that’s what the glaive is made of, I’m honestly disappointed.” Gladio taunted her, but she ignored him. Taunting each other was what the Glaives did in their free time, that wasn’t going to ruin her concentration.

They fought for probably fifteen minutes, neither of them getting an upper hand. Gladio wasn’t very fast but he was hellishly strong and was good at avoiding her magic attacks. She was trying to find an opening, but it was hard when her opponent was twice her size and every attack was counter attacked with strength she could barely stop. Eventually Ada decided to play dirty. She stopped attacking him and was focusing only on building a spell and avoiding his attacks. Once she was done with the spell she unleashed it on him. The weather around Gladio suddenly changed, snow and wind wrapped around him blocking his visibility.

She could hear him cursing and wrapped towards the storm. She hated this spell because it affected everyone, friend or foe, herself included. For her surprise he still had pretty good instinct where to find her, but this time she was faster. She tripped him making him lose his balance, wrapped again, on top of him as he was falling, her thighs squeezing hard his neck.

As the storm cleared Gladio just stared at her, his head between her legs.

“I’m not sure if I’m aroused right now or scared.” He tapped on the ground. “I will give you that one.”

“Whoaaa that was so good!” they had managed to collect small audience which made Ada feel a bit uncomfortable. She let go of Gladio and gave him a hand to stand up.

“It’s not every day that Gladio falls on his ass.” A bubbly blond boy with camera in his hand came towards them. “Can’t wait to show you the pictures.”

“Prompto, shut up or you are next.” Gladio roared at the younger man.

“Gladi, you are such a bad loser. She won fair and square.” Iris had joined them as well, she seemed in very good spirits for someone who just saw their brother falling flat on his ass.

“Crownsguard zero, Kingsglaive one.” Ada looked confused at Libertus as he said that. She was sure he was too upset with her, but nothing like that was visible on his face. “Even the Marshal was impressed.” He continued.

“I thought he left town?” Ada asked.

“He did but he watched for a bit.” Libertus answered and gave her friendly punch on her shoulder.

“Come on big guy, Iggy made breakfast.” Prompro didn’t seemed concerned with the larger man’s threats. “You guys should join us.”

Ada followed Libertus and the rest in silence. Iris was walking next to her telling her how much she loved to see her fighting and she wanted to learn to fight like that which earned her a disapproving look from Gladio but Ada just winked at the girl.

They didn’t go back to the canteen, but one of the calmer places in town. She hasn’t been there, but for her surprise she saw there were some tables and chairs left. Probably there used to be a restaurant around here or something.

“You are finally here.” A very well-dressed man was standing next to one of the tables, with few baskets which Ada hoped were filled with food.

“Iggy you should have been there to see Gladio getting his as kicked.” Prompto seemed way to happy by the fact his friend lost the fight.

“Even if I was there I can’t exactly see it, Prom.” Just now Ada noticed his eyes. He was wearing glasses but that wasn’t unusual so it didn’t raise her suspicion, but under the glasses she could see heavily scared tissue. “Help me with the food.”

The blond man seemed a bit ashamed of what he said and without protesting helped setting the table. Iris proceeded to introduce the two guys Ada didn’t know. Ignis and Prompto turned out to be two of the prince’s retainers. They had just arrived in Lestallum and were helping with the rebuilding efforts.

“You should open a restaurant.” Ada said as soon as she tried the food. “Honestly that is the best thing I have eaten in my life.”

“I second that.” Prompto added. “There is so much free space around Lestallum now, people will love to try your food!”

“And will be good for moral.” Libertus added.

“It would be hard to find the ingredients.” Ignis objected but nobody else was buying it.

“Make it exclusive! Ignis’ special for the day.” Gladio suggested. “Only the best meats and spices brought to you by the hunters and cooked by chef Ignis. That should be your tag line.”

“It’s too long for a tag line.” Ignis corrected him.

Gladio proceeded to offer even more ridiculous tag lines which the other man just denied.

“Libertus.” Ada turned towards her fellow glaive. “Do you know where I can fix my phone?” she pulled the device from her pocket and showed it to the man.

“I can fix it!” Promto said and pulled the phone from her hand. Ada just stared at the blond as he started dissembling the phone and looking at various parts inside. Couple of minutes later he put it back together and turned it on.

“How did you…” Ada had tried everything she could in order to get it up and running, but she never could. The phone vibrated as all the missed calls and text messages started arriving.

“Hey who are these guys?” Prompto smiled showing her the home screen of her phone. It was an old picture of Ada with Luche, Nyx and Crowe. She opened her mouth to say something but couldn’t.

“Hey didn’t I take this one, when Crowe almost killed me?” Libertus managed to come to her rescue and Ada was once again surprised how much he had changed. He had grown up, he was dealing with things.

“Yeah it was after you and Nyx made that dating site profile for her.” They both laughed.

“Wish I knew she had dating site profile.” Gladio was looking at the picture since everyone was occupied with that now. Libertus gave him a slightly angry look and Ada had to hold her laughter. Crowe would have smacked both of them.

“It was a game we used to play.” Libertus explained. “We would steal each other’s phone and make absolutely ridiculous dating profiles. Crowe almost killed me when we did one for her. In my defense I just had lunch and I couldn’t wrap very fast.”

Ada laughed almost with tears, remembering Libertus and Nyx screaming and wrapping and Crowe shouting after them. Those were good memories. Bitter sweet right now, but she preferred to remember her friends laughing rather than dying.

“Nyx,” Ada pointed at him on the picture since technically only she and Libertus knew who Nyx was, “He stole the captain’s phone and created a profile. It had few hits, but then that guy” she pointed at Luche “Changed it to something of the sort the captain can do anything in under 2 minutes. The messages he started receiving were…terrible.”

“Nyx ended up cleaning shoes for a month and I was made to clean the locker rooms. Somehow Crowe didn’t get a punishment and Luche managed to get your ass out if it.” Libertus explained while laughing very hard. “Somehow Nyx and myself were the only people punished.”

“No that is not true. The captain created a profile for Tredd and honestly I think Tredd would have gladly cleaned shoes.” She wished she had screenshot of what the captain wrote because Tredd had been grumpy for a week after that. It was so hard to believe the Captain was General Glauca given how he treated them.

It was strange feeling, one that she had forgotten completely. Yes, Crowe, Nyx and Luche were gone, one of them probably deserving, but she didn’t feel sad for first time in months. There was nostalgia and she missed them all more than anything, but maybe she had started to move on. She had to find the Marshal to thank him one for the advice and two for setting her up to train with Gladio since none of that would have happened if it wasn’t for Cor the Immortal.