#want a wife I can call my wonderful glaive

[secret-engima]

( @sparklecryptid Someday I want to do an xover with Aeon or something, but I apparently love to torture Ace more, so have a Crabby Bookshop Owner meeting a Baffled Bar Owner. Hope this helps your boredom!)

-Cyra is not a fan of today. Susurrus has been screeching all day about things she can’t understand or help with, things like “walls thinning” and “bloody freaking Astrals” and really, Cyra is fully prepared for her day to go sideways somehow. She’s packed extra medical and food things in her armiger rather than her books and she’s ready for something Dumb to happen.

-It’s been like this all day and so far nothing has happened. It is almost closing time and Cyra is just prepping her shop for closing and tentatively starting to wonder if maybe Susurrus’s screeching is about something too far away to effect her.

-Just to prove her wrong, her ENTIRE FREAKING BOOKSHOP gets moved. That’s the only way she can explain it. She can feel strange magic wrap around the entire block and the world blinks and there’s a rattle like something just casually dropped the entire shop and when she opens her eyes she just … KNOWS that she’s not in the right place anymore.

-While Libertus clatters down the stairs to ask WHAT JUST HAPPENED, Cyra yells back that she has no idea and then follows Susurrus’s prompting to go check the backroom.

-Why is there a door in her backroom.

-There was no door there five freaking minutes ago. That wall of the backroom connects to a large and empty storefront that she’s been thinking about buying to expand her store and by extension her apartment but she hasn’t yet and now there’s a DOOR there that really shouldn’t be.

-Cyra sighs, pulls out the kukri Nyx forged for her as a wedding anniversary present, and dares to push the door open.

-A loud thump and cursing on the other side lets her know that she just smacked someone with the Door-That-Shouldn’t-Exist. Cyra calmly steps through into a …

-A bar.

-There is a bar connected to the backroom of her bookshop.

-If ANYONE comes near her books with even whiff of booze on their soul she is going to start with busting kneecaps and work her way up from there.

-It takes a moment to realize that there is an entire audience watching her brood in the doorway-that-shouldn’t-exist and a moment after that she realizes that she KNOWS most of the people staring at her in equal confusion.

-Cyra looks down at her feet and sees Tredd sitting there, clutching his nose and blinking at her without recognition and suddenly remembers that pretty Lucis Caelum girl with a prosthetic leg who had been all to happy to inform her that she was from another universe. That barriers were wishy-washy at best and it was really easy to slip between if you knew what was going on.

-Somehow Cyra doubted the barriers between worlds were wishy-washy enough to warrant moving her ENTIRE SHOP.

-Someone did this intentionally. Susurrus snarls Bahamut’s name and Cyra makes a mental note to kick the Astral’s tail later.

-For now, to deal with the befuddled and borderline angry glaives in the bar that wasn’t there before, “Hello,” she says mildly, “it would appear someone has moved my shop. Can someone tell me where I am?”

-Amidst the general hubbub that breaks out of WHAT and ARE YOU NUTS LADY, a very pretty man with silver eyes and black hair steps out from behind the counter and hesitantly tells her the address. Funny, it’s the empty storefront she was thinking of buying. At least the Astrals were nice enough to keep the general locale the same. Cyra nods, leans on her cane with one hand and fiddles with the kukri in the other (she can see the Bar Nyx blinking at it with wide confused eyes, probably wondering how his handiwork got in her tiny hands), “Lovely. Excuse me, I apparently need to go yell at someone-.”

-She senses her husband enter the backroom and sighs as he appears behind her. There’s no hiding him. He’s too freaking tall. And he’s hardly being subtle as he asks what just happened, why there’s a bar here now, and why everyone’s hanging out in the bar without telling him.

-The silver-eyed bartender jerks back from the sight of Libertus like he’s been slapped and a moment later a SECOND Libertus shoulders his way through the crowd of glaives to stand there bristling at her Libertus over her head.

-She listens to the snarling of Angry Bullheaded Males for five seconds longer than she needed in her life before she calmly starts smacking kneecaps. Order partly restored and only her husband’s kneecaps spared, Cyra turns to the only other reasonable person in the room and smiles, “I’m Cyra Ostium, I do believe I and my shop are from a parallel dimension. And you are?”

-The man blinks, sighs, mutters something about his uncle being at fault for this somehow and replies, “Call me Ace.”

-Cyra nods calmly and flicks her kukri back into her armiger, “Alright then, Ace. No last name or do you just prefer not to flaunt Lucis Caelum around these parts?” Ace’s expression shifts rapidly between surprise at her use of magic and exasperation and there’s a loud WHAT from multiple parts of the bar and Cyra grins without sympathy, “oops. If it helps I’m one too.”

-Behind her, her husband sighs something about “so much for secrecy” but REALLY between her hair and Ace’s facial features was there ever any doubt as to their unwanted blood?

….

-Ace would like to know why his life keeps going sideways please and thank you. Is this a side-effect of being his Uncle’s heir? This feels like it might be Ardyn’s fault somehow. Or possibly the Astrals, they’re jerks enough to do this.

-The tiny alternate dimension wife of Libertus (how had THAT happened) who is also an illegitimate LC like him (thanks for blowing the secret lady) seems to have no issues with the sudden addition of a bar as her neighbor. She also seems confident she can resolve the issue soon.

-He has to admit, underneath his surprise and annoyance, that it’s pretty fun to watch her take out kneecaps whenever the glaives (read: Tredd, Nyx, and Sonitus) give her problems. It’s even funnier to watch his Lib gape at the definitely overprotective husband Lib.

-He offers her a drink, she calmly drags her Libertus over to a seat and then clambers in his lap and accepts on the condition it’s non-alcoholic.

-Ace tries not to flinch when he spots a child Prompto scooting into the bar in curiosity and claim the stool next to Libertus, his Ostium braids swinging and clicking faintly but noticeably and HOW HAD THAT HAPPENED?

-Nyx settles on Married!Lib’s side as something of a buffer between the two Libs, “So …. Married.”

-Married!Lib narrows his eyes, “That a problem, Nyx?”

-Nyx holds his hands up placatingly, “Nope! Not at all, big guy, just … curious. How’d you meet?”

-It was Cyra who answered as she idly patted Prompto’s hair, “I run a bookshop with a cafe inside. He came to my shop looking for a replacement for a book that SOMEONE,” cue a meaningful look in Nyx’s direction, “set on fire. After that he became one of my regulars.”

-Libertus still looks a little too shell-shocked to speak, so Ace asks for him as he slides the drink over to Cyra, “And why did you decide to marry?”

-Cyra smiles over the rim of her drink, “Libertus’s fault. His idea of a first date pickup line was something to the order of ‘hey let’s spite your horrible, controlling relatives by getting married, that way they can’t boss you around’. Obviously, I said yes.”

-Nyx burst out laughing while Libertus gaped at his counterpart and Luche choked on his drink.

(so as some background to this, the Astrals of Ace’s dimension are jerks, and they realized there was a Seer LC in the neighboring universe, so they were like “imma steal that” and snatched the bookshop. Cyra calls down her Astrals and her Astrals have a stern talking to with Ace’s Astrals and she, her husband, her kid, and her shop all get sent home fairly fast, but it’s still enough time for some shenanigans between Ace and the Generally Crabby Joint Pain Cyra. Also Married Lib and Lib staring awkwardly at each other as one tries to figure out what to say and the other struggles to wrap his head around the fact that his counterpart PULLED A NYX. MORE THAN THAT. HIS COUNTERPART PULLED THE VERSION OF A NYX AND AN ACE ALL AT ONCE. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING.

Also probably at some point Ace’s Cor comes sniffing around because of the magical disturbance of displacing an entire bookshop into another dimension and Cyra puts up with his nosiness for maybe twenty seconds before she notices Ace looking a touch panicky and Cor beginning to notice how Ace looks like young Regis and so she proves that Immortal He May Be, Fast Enough To Save His Kneecaps He Is Not and that is a very good distraction from the silver-eyed barkeep thank you.)

[amarabliss]

Oaths and Hearts - 19 (Ignis Scientia/Reader)

You fell through a rift into the fade fighting the demons you swore to protect your world from. When you popped out you were no longer in the lands of Ferelden instead trapped in Insomnia. The gracious king allowed you to say recognizing power when he saw it. One thing led to another and now you were part of the procession of the prince to his wedding years later. Before the final battle, after years of fighting, losses, and love…your friend…your king…Noctis has asked you to change it all…

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11  Part 12  Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16  Part 17  Part 18

Ignis ran a hand through his hair as he adjusted his tie as he walked through the busy halls of the Citadel. He had just ended a meeting with the agricultural committee and it looked like the next year’s budget was going to be spent well.

He pulled out his phone unlocking it easily with one hand and smiled seeing a picture you had sent him or Ulric smiling up at the camera. He was almost a year old now. He stopped in the hallway looking out the window at the city.

The streets were busy with life. The decimation of the city was still evident, but it did not stop the progression. Noctis had done so well in restoring order and opening up relations with Altissa and Tenebrae. Most of the populace had returned when the other countries began sending in their aid and soon everything began falling into place.

“One year…” He let out a sigh as he went back to the text sending a reply.

I – I’m not sure when I’ll be home tonight. Noct has asked for a meeting this afternoon.

Y/N – Take your time, we’ll be here when you get home.

He smiled as he read it before he sent – How lucky am I to have such a patient wife.

Y/N – Love you too <3

You had been so wonderful. Helping where you could, raising Ulric, and all while doing it with a smile. Everyone told him how lucky he was, and he was inclined to tell them that he knew full well. He adjusted the finely braided bracelet around his wrist before he stepped into the royal throne room.

He looked up the great steps seeing Gladio, Prompto, and Cor standing before the king and queen. They all looked back at him as he entered, worried expressions planted on their faces. He slowed down as Noct stood up, “What has happened?”

Noct took Luna’s hand and they both descended down the steps, “Ignis…we have some…”

“Some what?” He took his place in between Gladio and Prompto. The very air was electrified with tension and felt as if it could ignite at any given moment.

Luna reached over touching Noct’s arm giving him a sad smile, “Ignis it has come to our attention…that I cannot have children…”

Ignis felt his heart sinking knowing how much Noct wanted kids, “What?”

“The Starscourge…” Noct licked his lips looking at Luna with an immense amount out pain, “while Luna has been gifted the ability to save people from it…being around it has…it has had toll…”

“…I…I’m so sorry…” Ignis took a step forward looking at them.

“That’s not why we’re here…” Noct looked back to him a serious expression coming to his eyes, “Without being able to produce an heir…then line of Lucis would end with me. But it has been brought to my attention that this is not true…”

Ignis felt the men around him shift, “I’m not following…”

Noct stepped down the stairs walking up to him, “There’s another who can take the throne and already has an heir.”

Ignis stared at him for a long time before he began shaking his head, “Noct…that’s not possible…”

As Noct looked over to Cor he began to speak, “Ignis…it’s the truth. Regis was your biological father.”

Ignis looked at him, “No…”

“Yes…” Cor held out a folder to him, “Aulea…she wasn’t conceiving…so a tradition was called upon…”

Ignis took the folder can began scanning through it. Everything was there. Everything matched up. He felt his throat tighten as he tried to speak, “…w-why…it doesn’t matter. Noctis is king…”

“Yes, for a time…” Cor stepped toward him, “but we need a king who will remain…”

“And he will!” Ignis raised his voice before looking at Noctis, “There are other ways, you don’t need to abandon the throne!”

“Ignis…” Noct shook his head, “I’m not abandoning the throne…I’m ensuring it.”

“…I don’t want it.” Ignis took a step back from him, “I am not a king…I was not…raised…”

“Iggy…” He looked at Gladio who seemed disturbed by this news as well, “you’ve been doing everything for Noct even before we left…you know how to do the job.”

“That doesn’t make me worthy of the throne. Noctis is the Chosen King…” Ignis growled back at him.

“But he fulfilled his duty…” Prompto spoke quietly, “He delivered the land from the darkness…he took the ring and stopped Niflheim from destroying the land…”

“Ignis…” Noctis stepped forward grabbing him by the shoulders. His eyes watered before he smiled a little, “brother…”

Ignis stared at him as this kindling of kinship burned inside of him before he whispered, “…I don’t have the king’s power…”

“We’ll figure that out…” Noct looked at him with the smallest glimmer of happiness showing in his sad eyes.

“We will need to address this…soon…” Cor spoke up looking at them all, “We’ll need to handle it carefully, but honestly.”

“Honest…” Ignis looked at him with a sharpness that could cut, “You speak of honesty now…”

“Iggy…” Gladio frowned watching his friend turn practically running from the hall. The shield conflicted on where to be…began to follow him…

“Gladio…” He stopped looking at Noct, “let him go…”

Ignis ran. Like he’d never ran before…He startled people on the streets as he dove through the crowds. His lungs burned as heavy thoughts began pushing deep into the recesses of his mind.

He’d been lied to his whole life. Called a Scientia…but really a Lucis…

Suddenly all the talks with King Regis became different. Especially the last time he spoke with him…

“Your majesty…” He bowed before Regis in the royal gardens, “You wished to speak with me.”

“Yes…please….” Regis waved his hand to the seat across from him, “How are you doing? I hope Noctis isn’t keeping you too busy.”

“It’s nothing I can’t handle.” Ignis smiled at him as he reached for the tea pot, pouring out two cups, “Sugar?”

“You have made my tea hundreds of times…” Regis smiled at him, “You know I like it just as you like yours…”

“I do, yes.” Ignis smiled at him, “Though I suppose how we prepare our tea is not what you wished to speak to me about, is it?”

“No…” Regis sighed a little before he spoke again, “In all the years that I have taken council with you about my son…I want you to know how much I’ve cherished the time. You are a bright individual…”

“Thank you, your majesty. It is an honor to serve the royal family.” Ignis raised his cup up taking a sip.

“Ignis…” Regis looked at him his mouth opening slightly as he searched for words, “I…I hope you know that I wish the best happiness for you. I hope you find everything you want in life…”

Ignis titled his head a little as his eyes brightened with a smile looking past the king, “I believe I am on the right path to achieve everything I desire.”

Regis followed his gaze where it landed on Y/N walking beside a Glaive. You smiled when you saw them both raising a hand waving. Regis smiled nodding toward you before looking back to Ignis, “She is a fine prize.”

“I would never think that I could win her.” Ignis returned his attention to the king, “She isn’t something to achieve…she’s…”

“Someone to share it with.” Regis smile grew as Ignis nodded, “I’m glad to see you are wise…most men my age never figure that part of relationships out.”

The whole time Regis knew…he knew he was his son and he said nothing…yet he was always there offering him advice. Guiding him on the path to here…Noct was supposed to be a final sacrifice…and that meant…

He burst through the door to their home. His chest heaving up and down he strode into the large apartment stopping when he saw you standing near the window holding Ulric as you pointed at a bird on the balcony railing. He felt a peace wash over him as he watched you…

You must have caught his reflection in the window because you turned looking at him with concern, “Ignis…what’s wrong?”

He walked over chest still rising and falling rapidly. He took Ulric from your kissing his head before he pulled you in tightly. He didn’t speak he just held onto the both of you letting the calmness of his family wash over him.

“Ignis…did you run here?” You finally asked him looking at his face with concern before you reached up touching his cheek, “Your face is on fire…”

“I ran…yes…” He spoke softly leaning into your cool touch.

“What happened?” You frowned eyes pooling with protectiveness.

“In a moment…” He kissed your forehead, “Please…just give me this moment…”

You fell back into his embrace before he felt you wrap your arms around him. He didn’t know what was going to happen…but he knew that these moments…these rare few moments were what was going to get him through it.

[tenebraetrash17]

41 Lunoct for the kiss ask meme?

Thanks Anon! I really love this idea tbh!

Send me a Ship and a Number and I will Write a Kiss!

Because the World Is Saved.

The light breaking over the horizon was the last thing Noctis expected to witness, eyes fluttering open to behold the citadel? What? It was a few seconds before Noctis realized he was laying at the foot of the citadel’s steps. The world was strangely quiet, it was as if everything held it’s breath. A part of Noctis wondered if it was really over, or if it all was an illusion. With hesitation, he slowly arose, glancing around before ascending the staircase, looking back much like how he did not even an hour before. Only this time, the sun was high in the sky, and his friends were nowhere to be seen. 

With every step up the stairs, Noctis felt himself grow lighter, although he couldn’t explain it, a smile slowly began to break on his face, feeling as though years that were pressed onto him were shed. The minute his fingertips touched the door, it opened. “Welcome home, your highness.” a friendly voice spoke, one that Noctis didn’t think he’d hear again. Jared stood tall without his cane, bowing to him as Noct walked through the door, looking around curiously.  “I- uh…..Jared? Is that really you?” He stammered out, Jared only smiling and patting his back. “Later my King, there are others who wish to meet you.”

Noctis walked into the lobby with wonder, looking around as he could see Clarus sitting with his wife, looking up to Noctis and giving him a nod before happily resuming his conversation. Near him there was the glaive member Nyx, chatting with some glaives, as well as a young girl and her mother near by. There were many unfamiliar faces as well, although Noctis spotted two who bore a resemblance to Cindy in some manner. For whatever reason, they were helping set up a light system, leaving Noctis looking curious but continuing to walk along. 

Further into the Citadel he went, spotting Queen Sylva along with what he assumed to be her husband setting up flowers, waving to Noctis briefly as another figure broke away from them and strode over, causing Noct to immediately flinch away. “At ease, I’m not here to do you harm….majesty.” Noctis carefully looked up at Ravus, wearing a smile for a rare time in his life. “I see you have done it….just as my sister said you would….I thank you.” Noctis was shocked to see Ravus bow low, but before he could say anything, the other prince was back with his parents, leaving Noctis to continue his path to the elevator. 

“Oh! My dear sweet boy!~ Why, I must thank you for killing me!~” Those were the last words Noctis was expecting as he exited the Elevator, almost immediately squeezed by his former adversary. “I do apologize for making you suffer, you see…once I died, I felt such remorse! Not while I was hurting you, oh no, that I took admitted joy in.” Noctis could do nothing but stare at Ardyn with an open mouth as he rambled. “I’m certain you’ve never heard of my dear sweet Aera? Hmmm?~ Well after you get your greetings settled, you simply must meet her!~” “I-I….” Noctis struggled to speak, unable to process what was going on until someone called Ardyn’s name. “Oh dear, that must be your asshole of an ancestor…if you would excuse me!~” Ardyn flounced away as Noctis shook his head in shock, taking a moment before heading to the throne room.

Noctis continued his way down the hall, making his way into the entrance of the throne hall, seeing two people standing beneath the paintings. His walk broke into a run, King Regis and Queen Aulea turning towards Noctis and catching him as he tightly hugged them. “I-I can’t believe it, you’re here….you’re both here!” he felt tears prick his eyes as his mom and dad pulled back. “Let me get a good look at you! You’ve turned into such a handsome boy! I’m so proud!” Aulea exclaimed, looking at Noctis with a thrilled expression as Regis laughed. “We can catch up later, can’t we, darling? After all, there’s someone who Noctis has been wanting to see.” Aulea paused before nodding, looking at Noctis with a smile and whispering “We’ll be in the lobby with Clarus.” Noctis watched his parents walk away in confusion before looking at the door to the throne room, feeling the tug to push it open, see what was inside….

Within moments, a bright light flooded his eyes, blinding him temporarily, crystals seemed to dance through the air, reflecting rainbows onto the walls as the sunlight hit them. 

And there, at the front of the throne, stood one lone figure in white, gazing up at the seat and not even showing any signs of noticing Noctis was there. Noctis felt his heart leap into his throat, almost sprinting to the throne as Lunafreya turned around, slowly smiling before running to Noctis as well. Catching Luna in his embrace, Noctis held her tightly with a choked sob, running his fingers through her hair as if to make sure she was real. “Please tell me that this isn’t a dream, please…?” “It isn’t…you’re home now…” Luna whispered, blinking away tears as Noctis squeezed her. There were no words that they could say. Noctis slightly pulled back and looked at Luna with a smile. “You saved our star…Noctis.” She whispered as he gently touched her face. “We can get married now, right?” His words took her by surprise, but she nodded all the same. “Nothing would make me happier. I only hope-” Noctis cut Luna off by pressing his lips gently to hers, she hesitated briefly before relaxing into his embrace and returning the kiss. At least now they could finally know peace.

I hope this was good anon! I wanted to put a thing in the ending with Prompto and the bros talking about how Luna and Noctis were watching over them from the stars, but I had no idea on how to put that in! So yee,��I’ll reference it here as just a “This is what I wanted to write but didn’t know how to do it R.I.P”

THIS WAS A LOT MORE FLUFFIER THAN I INTENDED IT TO BE-

[owldearest]

Love Story (Ignis Scientia x OC)

Word Count: 2076 Songfic song: Love Story by Taylor Swift

Tagging: @bleucommelhiver, @lucianhuntress, @angrymarshmallowdamianwayne, @bt7274, @glaive-eve, @singlebecauseofthechocobros, @singergurl91

 We were both young when I first saw you I close my eyes and the flashback starts I'm standing there on a balcony in summer air

“Mr. Scientia,” A voice said from behind him. He turned to see the older man, facing eye to eye with him.

“Mr. Curatrix. It’s an honor to meet you,” the teenaged advisor greeted, nodding his head respectfully to the older man. He ran through a quick biography in his head. This man was Attius Curatrix, a well-known business man who was seeking a connection to the royal court. He and his wife, Alma, had one daughter, as he recalled, named Honoria. He glanced through the crowd, spotting her easily with her vibrant red hair as she leaned on an otherwise unoccupied balcony. He assumed that Attius was here to attempt to get Ignis to dance with the young woman. A connection to any member of the royal court was valuable, no matter the person.

“Likewise,” Attius replied, reaching a hand out for Ignis to take. Ignis flashed him a business-like smile as he took it. “I haven’t seen you dance yet, Mr. Scientia. Shy about your skills?”

“Ah, no. Just haven’t the chance to yet.” He replied, courteously. He inwardly sighed. He wasn’t looking for a wife yet; he had too much to do to prepare Noctis for the throne.

“Well, my daughter is a little shy about her dancing, and I figure dancing with a man like you would boost her confidence considerably.”

‘Ah, so that’s how you’re playing this, Attius.’

“I’ll see about asking her to dance then.”

‘Wait, no! That isn’t what I wanted to say! For Six’s sake.’

“Ah! Splendid!” Attius exclaimed, pushing the young man in the direction of his daughter. “Have fun!”

See the lights, see the party, the ball gowns See you make your way through the crowd And say hello

Ignis made his way to the balcony, weaving between dancing couples as he walked. He cleared his throat, getting the red-head’s attention. He bowed slightly while greeting her, “Ms. Curatrix? Hello, I’m Ignis Scientia. I was wondering if I may have this dance?”

Honoria watched as he extended a hand in invitation, contemplating her choices. Ignis was a handsome man, for sure, with his glasses accenting his facial structure perfectly. Her own glasses didn’t even suit her that well, not to mention just how good he looked with his bangs hanging artfully over his forehead. If she’d tried that, she’d look like she belonged begging on the streets of Insomnia. And in a suit like that, oooh boy. Honoria swore her ovaries exploded right there and then.

She quickly changed her train of thought before she got lost in it. She needed to play the perfect daughter, the proper young businesswoman, the one who would hopefully marry a noble of Lucian birth. She needed to make her parents proud. She took his hand, managing a shy, “Lead on, Mr. Scientia.”

“Please, just call me Ignis. We’re around the same age, after all.”

“Just call me Honoria then, Ignis. Or Norie, like my friends do. That works too.”

“Alright, Honoria.”

They got into position, Honoria standing a little closer than necessary. She wondered what exactly her father had told the bespectacled man in front of her about her dancing. She followed his steps smoothly, with a confidence Ignis was not expecting. They moved gracefully in a Altissian waltz, Honoria dropping into a graceful curtsy when the song ended. They danced together the rest of the night, enjoying each other’s company and chatting about anything they could find in common.

Ignis and Honoria were both pleasantly surprised to have found a friend. Honoria just wished Ignis could see the real her. The her that enjoyed swinging a shortsword at wooden targets, the her that would fight alongside the Crownsguard if she could. But that was the side her mother deemed unworthy.

Little did I know That you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles And my daddy said, "Stay away from Juliet" And I was crying on the staircase Begging you, please, don't go

 And I said, "Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone I'll be waiting, all that's left to do is run You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess It's a love story, baby just say yes

Several months later, Honoria heard the tapping of pebbles hitting her bedroom window. She tried to ignore it, pretending that they didn’t exist. But then she heard a softer tapping, like a finger hitting the window… Oh no.

She turned to the window to see a familiar dirty blonde head of hair poking over the window sill. She rushed over, opening the window to pull him inside.

“What are you doing?” She hissed, “My father said to stay away from me.”

“I heard you crying when he kicked me out. I needed to make sure you were OK, Honoria.”

“I’m fine, Ignis, but you won’t be if he finds you.” She blinked back tears. She couldn’t cry in front of him, not again. She remembered her father’s words clearly.

“You should aim higher. The Amicitia boy would be a good choice. Anything but that Tenebrean advisor boy.” He’d said, glaring daggers at Ignis as he spoke. “Our line is Lucian, and if I have anything to do with it, it’ll stay that way.”

Honoria knew that her mother was truly the one to blame, but that didn’t stop her anger.

“Why isn’t he good enough, father? He’s dear to me!” She shouted, barely restraining herself from swinging at her father. She lowered her voice dangerously, betrayal entering her tone as she tried to hide her sobs. “I thought you said you wanted me to be happy, no matter what I did. When did that change?!”

Honoria found herself clinging to Ignis. “I wish you didn’t have to go. I’m sorry.”

He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her face into his chest. “Don’t be. We’ll figure this out. I promise. “

“We could run away. Run somewhere on the outskirts. Hunters make decent money, and we could survive easily.” She suggested, knowing it was futile, “We could make it, just the two of us, with your daggers and my sword.”

“You know we can’t do that, Honoria.”

“It was worth a suggestion.” Honoria looked up at him, a sad smile on her face. She pulled him into a soft kiss. Ignis couldn’t help but feel that it was a farewell. She whispered against his lips. “Now, you need to go. Before my parents find you.”

So I sneak out to the garden to see you We keep quiet 'cause we're dead if they knew So close your eyes, escape this town for a little while 'Cause you were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter And my daddy said "Stay away from Juliet" But you were everything to me, I was begging you, please, don't go.

Honoria found her peaceful place to be with Ignis. He’d found an old garden that was rarely used, so they snuck in every couple of nights to be together. She always sat next to him, her arms wrapped tightly around him as she rested her head on his shoulder. His arm rested around her shoulders, his eyes closed as they listened to the sounds of the night together.

“Hey, Iggy.” Honoria said, breaking the silence. “Hmm?”

“What would happen if we were found here? Y’know, by the rest of the guard or by the glaive?”

Ignis pulled away from her, looking earnestly into her eyes before deadpanning, “We’d be put to death.”

Honoria’s eyes widened in shock before she caught the little quirk of his lips that betrayed his joke. “You jerk. I almost believed you.”

“They don’t come here, and even if they did, my dear, you’re with me. “

“So, we’d be dead if they knew? Got it.”

Ignis sighed at her antics, pulling her close. “Darling, just close your eyes. Let’s escape for a little while.”

She did as he asked, praying that the weeks to come would be as blissful as that night.

____________________________

Romeo save me, they're trying to tell me how to feel This love is difficult, but it's real Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess It's a love story, baby just say "Yes"

 I got tired of waiting Wondering if you were ever coming around My faith in you was fading When I met you on the outskirts of town

________________________________________

           “Honoria, you need to give up on him! He’s not good for this family!” Alma shouted, bracing her arms on her husband’s desk. Attius stayed silent, looking apologetically at his daughter. “This sneaking out to see him needs to come to an end! That Tenebrean needs to go!”

           “But mo—” Honoria started before her mother started in again.

           “You are Lucian. We are Lucian, and our line will stay such.” Alma stared at her daughter, irritation and anger shining in her eyes. “You cannot love him.”

           “He’s Lucian too! More so than you, it seems.” Honoria snapped, “I love him, mother, and whether you like it or not, I will continue to do so.”

With that, Honoria turned on her heel, stepping confidently out of her father’s office. She made it to her room, closing and locking the door before breaking down. She found her phone, sending a message to Ignis.

Hey. So, apparently, I’m not allowed to have feelings of my own.

She waited for his reply, cracking a sad smile when it came.

Your mother again?

Who else? Babe, save me. I can’t take this anymore.            Just hold on a little longer, darling. Meet me at the citadel tomorrow. I’ve got something for you.

If my mom sees me, I don’t know what she’ll do.

Don’t worry about it. Just be there. Let’s say at 3:00. Alright?

Ok. I’ll see you then.

The next day came. Honoria sat on the steps of the citadel, watching and waiting for her advisor in his silky purple shirt. Hours passed, and she still remained. She sent text after text, but got no response. She felt tears pricking at her eyes as she stood up, smoothing out the back of the jeans she wore.

Just then, a figure caught her eye.

“You’re late!” She called out bitterly, getting an apology in reply.

And I said "Romeo save me, I've been feeling so alone I keep waiting for you but you never come Is this in my head? I don't know what to think"

 He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring and said "Marry me, Juliet, you'll never have to be alone I love you and that's all I really know I talked to your dad, go pick out a white dress It's a love story, baby just say yes"

           “Ignis, I can’t keep doing this. I can’t keep hiding. If we can’t figure something out-,” Honoria started, Ignis shushing her before she could finish her sentence. “Don’t you shush me!”

           Ignis rolled his eyes, kneeling and reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a black box, holding it out to her. “Honoria, you’ve been the balancing force in my life since the day we met, and I can’t live without you. I talked to your dad, and I have his blessing. He’s working to convince your mother.”

           “Ignis, what-,” Honoria started again, getting cut off by a pointed look from the brunet in front of her.

           “Honoria Pax Curatrix, my love, will you do me the honor of marrying me?”

_____________________________

“Mama! Mama! Did that all really happen?” A little girl asked, sitting on her mother’s lap. The mother leaned down to press a kiss to the little girl’s head.

“Sure did. Right, babe?” She looked at her husband, blinded and scarred, but still so handsome. He smiled in her direction.

“That is absolutely what happened. “ He answered, sarcasm dripping from his voice. His wife stood up, carrying their daughter over and sitting her in her father’s lap. She leaned down to whisper in his ear.

“It’s a love story, baby. Just say yes.”

He turned his head to face her as best as he could. She gently reached out to correct the angle, as had become her habit.

“Well, my love, we were both young when I first saw you.”

[insomniasix]

The Oneiromancer Part II

For the wonderful @fieryfantasy

Shout out to some amazing people: @fieryfantasy @themissimmortal @cupnoodle-queen @blindbae  @swords-light @itshaejinju @rubyphilomela and @glaive-eve (If you’re not following, go do it! They are all amazing and you will not regret it!)

(If you want to be tagged or removed please let me know, I don’t want to bother)

Feedback is always appreciated! Thank you for taking the time to stand by me! <3

Words: 1700

Characters: Sa’van Blacke, Six Ulric, Gladiolus Amicitia, Ignis Scientia, Prompto Argentum, Noctis Lucis Caelum, Nyx Ulric, Libertus Ostium, The Forsaken Twins, Ardyn Izunia, Ifrit

“Alright, so, how do we get you to sleep?” Gladio asked once they all agreed Six would be the one to go with Sa’van.

“Shouldn’t be hard” Libertus thought out loud “I mean, you were traveling for what? Seven hours straight. Aren’t you tired? Like at all?”

“The heat of the upcoming battle is keeping her vigilant.” Ignis smiled, knowing, as always, what was going on through her mind.

“Here, read this while you’re holding my hand.” Sa’van instructed, passing Six a piece of paper with a spell written on it “I’ll go sleep first. You just lay down, hold my hand and read this. It will take you right were you need to be.”

Six agreed as she read the enchantment in her mind “Have you ever done this before?”

“No?” Sa’van answered hesitantly, searching for Gladio’s eyes.

He still didn’t agree with the whole plan, his guts being tied to a knot as he run his hand up and down Six’s back, his eyes glued to her facial features.

“It’s going to be alright.” Six smiled warmly as she caressed his cheek.

“I’ll be right here.” His voice broke a little from the worry that run through his entire body.

“Mother, you don’t have to do this.” Sa’van warned one last time as she laid on her bed “I can take Prompto.” She teased the blond boy who hadn’t said a word this entire time.

“I’d really rather not!” he smiled awkwardly.

“As would I” Six answered, rubbing his shoulder “If anyone should come with you it’s me.”

“Alright.” Libertus said after looking at the flowery clock on Sa’van’s desk “It’s time to go to sleep young lady.”

“I’m older than you, brother, don’t forget that.” She teased as she got comfortable between the sheets.

Gladio huffed a smile at the similarity of Six’s and Sa’van’s answers, finally convincing himself his wife was doing the right thing.

“Sa’van, honey?” Six said after a couple of minutes of letting sleep fall over her.

“She’s gone.” Prompto said “You should follow. Don’t wanna leave her alone in there if those things are after her.”

“Right” Six agreed, lying next to her daughter, taking a few seconds for herself as she let her eyes travel to everyone in the room, silently wishing Noctis and Nyx were there with them “Let’s take care of this.”

Gladio quickly moved to sit next to her, hovering his upper body above her as he kissed her on the lips “Be careful”

“I promised!” she smiled warmly and started reading the spell Sa’van had given her as her eyes got heavier, not realizing how tired she really was and how quickly she had fallen asleep.

…

“Mother?” Six blinked a few times after hearing Sa’van’s voice again “Mother!”

“What?” she whispered, wondering how she had gotten where she was.

“Thank the Astrals,” Sa’van hugged her in relief “I thought the spell had gone wrong. I must’ve called you out ten times.”

“Sorry baby, I’m a heavy sleeper” Six joked, getting Sa’van’s mind off her as she laughed “Where are we?”

Six let her eyes wonder on the surroundings. They were in a garden by the looks of it. The walls were covered by purple orchids and there was a scent of freshness in the air that made her calm and peaceful. She could also hear running waters from somewhere in the distance. “Am I dead? Is this the Beyond?”

“No, mother, this is the Dream Realm.” Sa’van pointed out, helping her on her feet.

“Right, I don’t think I’d be in the Beyond if I died anyway.” Six thought out loud, making Sa’van drop her eyes to the green grass under their feel because of the self-hatred her mother still had over herself.

“What happened to our clothes?” Six asked after looking at her reaction to her words, wanting to take her mind off it once more.

The clothes they were wearing before were changed, the large T-shirt Sa’van wore and the pair of jeans and black top Six was wearing had given their place to new pieces of clothing.

Sa’van was now wearing a tight leather no-sleeve coverall that hugged her carves perfectly, along with the high end boots that reached up to her knees, all various shades of white and brown. Half her hair was up in a middle braid and there were earthly shades of brown and gold to her make-up. Her gun holstered in its brown thigh holster, ready for use if needed.

“I though they looked good. Do you like yours?” Sa’van smiled proud of the powers she possessed inside the Dream Realm.

Six’s clothing was a little darker than Sa’van’s as her daughter knew about her styling ideas. She was wearing a long, asymmetrical, one sleeve top that was reaching down to her thighs, covering her dark tight pair of leather jeans and dark brown middle heeled boots. The color was the same as the belt on her torso, underneath her breasts, hugging her greatly and making the top a lot sexier than it would be without it. The scabbard on her back drew her attention as she never needed one before, having only to think of her blade to summon it.

“We look like we came out of King’s Knight” Six laughed, watching the crystalline scaring on the arm her top wasn’t covering.

“If you want I can change the sleeve.” Sa’van said after seeing the way Six looked at her burned arm.

“No. It’s fine. These are amazing!” she said, pointing to the new clothes “Wish we could take them with us.”

“I can probably make it for you if you want.” Sa’van smiled at how happy she looked.

Six agreed to the idea. They made it a promise, if they got out of the Dream Realm alive and well, Sa’van would re-create their uniforms. It was as good a reason as any to fight.

“So where are we going?” Six asked after a while of walking on the open field.

“Forward.” Sa’van smiled, seemingly enjoying her mother’s company.

“Sa’van” Six warned “Do you actually know what we’re doing?”

“No” she smiled again.

“Sa’van!” Six was serious now, fear taking its toll on her mind “You should be taking this seriously. Those things don’t get tired, they don’t sleep, they don’t eat and they won’t stop until they get their hands on you.”

“We’re gonna be-“ she started to tell her mother how they would be alright, the sun warming her body had made her forget for a second that none of this was real, that they were in danger.

“Go!” Six ordered as darkness fell and the Twins’ horrid laughter was heard from afar “There’re here!”

Sa’van and Six run to the nearest cover; it being an abandoned building that looked a lot like their home back in Galahd.

“We can feel you around, Six Ulric” the Twins said in unison, floating above the rubble of the house “We can sense your fear!” they voices sounded like creepy screeching and their united laugh was even worse. Six wasn’t afraid of them as they said but they sure did freak her out. She didn’t know exactly what she was dealing with, but she was ready to fight for Sa’van.

“What are you doing here?” a voice was heard alongside the Twins’ laugh. Six knew that voice, she hadn’t heard it for a couple of years though “You are not allowed here”

“Wait, is that –“ she started to move out of their hiding space when there was a loud noise, like an explosion and Six moved back, quickly covering Sa’van with her body as the fire spread along every opening of the house.

Once she was sure Sa’van was alright, Six moved out to the open, blade at hand as she didn’t know what to expect.

The man she heard before stood tall in front of the house entrance, fire hugging his hand as he was the reason for the explosion “It’s safe to come out now, mom” he said, turning around to meet her eyes.

“Nyx?!” Six dropped her sword to the ground and run to hug him, only to run through him and freeze as she realized he wasn’t really there; tears forming in her eyes from the feeling of losing him again.

“I’m sorry. You can’t do that.” Sa’van said sadly.

“What is this?” Six asked, voice breaking as she moved her hand to caress his cheek, unable to touch him once again.

“I’m just a memory” he said, smiling warmly up at her “Your memory.”

“Memories are powerful things, mother.” Sa’van said, moving closer to them “You called him here to help with the Twins.”

“But, I didn’t –“

“It was your subconscious, this was our house, so he was the first to come to mind.” Sa’van explained.

“Alright,” Six sniffed as she cleared the tears from her eyes “He burned them though.”

“They are creatures of the Dark, you are not.” Nyx explained, still smiling.

“I might be able to help with that.” Sa’van smiled. She moved to touch both their shoulders, a bright light appeared at the touch.

“What did you do?” Six asked calmly, trying to understand what was happening.

Sa’van didn’t answer, she just nodded at Nyx and he moved, wrapping his hands around Six shoulders and hugging her tightly as she held her breath at his touch, tears streaming down her face.

“I missed you” he said, and Six broke down in tears and sharp breaths. Not wanting to let him go again.

“I’m so proud of you” she looked at him in the eyes and he gave her a cocky smile as he started to fade away “I know”

Six’s hand stood there, in front of her, still caressing the air that took his place as she tried to calm herself.

“Mother?” Sa’van’s sweet voice was low, not wanting to bring her back. Six let her hand fall and raised her head, eyes looking at Sa’van with such love, she was so proud and thankful for her actions.

“Let’s go save your life” she said while picking her blade from the ground and putting it back in its place.

[blondechocobobutt]

One Last Photo ||Prompto x OC|| ||Chapter 1||

Alright here it is! I’m so excited its finally here! My OC story! Please enjoy it! I am going to tag a few people to show them and because I look up to them! I hope they don't mind >w< Word Count: 4,370 Tagging: @itshaejinju @poisonous-panda @blindbae (Please get better buubuu) @fortheloveofeos  @louisvuittontrashbags think thats it for now!

It had been a hard few years. The Empire was moving in deeper and deeper into the Lucian country. Families were torn apart by the war and homes were destroyed. The people were constantly moving away from the fighting and trying to be safe.

One family of three were in Leide, the desert lands of Lucis as the Niflheim army approached closer and closer.  Bence Bonifaas having joined the King's Glaive years before his daughters birth knew what he had to do. He had to move his wife and daughter behind the wall.

Bence was a muscular man with a chiseled jaw and brown eyes that were sharp. He stood rather tall over most people given his work as a farmer. When the Niff's invaded Lucis he left that life and his parents to join the Glaive and serve his country. While still a young Glaivesman he was sent to the City of Altissia for a recognizance mission. There had been rumors that they were creating an army. This had worried the king so he sent his best. There he met Fleta Altin.

Having been raised in the city she was a thin woman with pale skin. Her hair blonde as it could get and her eyes as green as emeralds. Her face was soft and welcoming. However, she could change that in an instant to spread fear into anyone's heart. Fleta's upbringing was from her family having high social class in Altissia. She was prim and proper. However a momentary lapse of judgment, she laid with the Lucian.

Months passed while Bence infiltrated the Niflheim. It took awhile but they got what they came after. Bence was never informed of the 'package' but the leader Cor was extremely secretive about it. When Bence was days from returning to Lucis, he found Fleta was carrying his child.

It didn't take much convincing for her to return with him to Lucis, simply due to the fact her mother was furious at her and rejected her and the child forming in her. It was of Lucian blood. How her family despised the Lucians for this needless war.

When Bence returned with Fleta they got married. It was the right thing for him to do since she was with his child. He wanted to support her and give her all the love he could possibly give.

However, his wife, Fleta saw it as a prison of Lucian design. Being with Bence had caused nothing but pain and unhappiness since she came to Lucis.

However, her daughter was the light of her life. It made it bearable for now.

Danielle was a small girl with chocolate brown hair she received from her father and her green eyes from her mother. Danielle had the soft features of her mother and the same thin frame.

However, her eyes had been poor as a young child and she needed the aid of glasses. The only ones they could afford with oval shaped with a thin rim. Coming from the country Danielle's hair seemed to have a will of its own and puffed out from the heat. Her hair was extremely curly like her fathers. It was unmanageable so she just would tie her bangs back to keep it out of her face.

Being in the city was intimidating at first but all the people seeming to be so happy and carefree to what was happening outside gave Danielle comfort. Her father told her she was safe under the King’s protection and she would grow up happy here.

Danielle admired her father's strength and need to protect her. She grew up to be daddy's little girl. Anything her father would say she would hang onto every word. From the stories, he told about the great Kingdom of Lucis to the bedtimes stories he would read her. She loved her father with all her heart. He was her hero.

Danielle even desired to be like her father. She wanted to be strong like him. She wanted to be a Glaive.

When it came time to get her enrolled in school she was nervous. Having to bounce from town to town didn't give her much of a chance to make friends or even have an education. Her mother was able to educate her the best she could. Due to her mother's education and the best tutors in her life, Danielle's level of education was past her age group. She did well enough to enroll in the grade with children her age.

It was the long-awaited first day of middle school in Insomnia. Insomnia Middle School. It was the best school in the city. Danielle had to take a few subway trains with her mother before it was a long three block walk. She held her mother's hand tightly as she put another hand on her backpack strap. She looked around smiling widely at the bustling streets.

Seeing so many people in one area, it was overwhelming but it was fun to see different kinds of people going about their daily lives.

Being only twelve she was ready to explore the world. Next year she would be in middle school and the thought of getting older excited her. Soon Danielle would be able to be just like her dad. She had a deep desire to join the Glaive.

Danielle began to move slightly faster. The faster she got to school, the faster days would go, the faster days would go, the sooner she could join the Glaive Academy.

"Danielle." Her mother reprimanded. "Ladies do not run." Danielle slowed down. Fleta was raised in a high standing family. She refused to let her daughter have nothing less than a proper upbringing. She would be a sophisticated lady.

"But mommy...I want to hurry and get to school. So that way I can learn a lot. Then I want to join the Glaive Academy as soon as I can!" Danielle's eyes shined with her aspirations. She wanted to defend her country and her King.

Danielle's father always spun a tale of how good the king was to the people of Lucis, that he only had their best interests in mind. That's why he put the shield up to protect as many as he could.

Fleta looked down at her daughter. Her face bore the look of disapproval. "Women don't join the army or the Glaive Danielle." It was a half-truth. Some women really do talking and some prefer to let the men do the fighting. Six be damned if her daughter was one of those women who joined.

"But mom..." Danielle whispered and looked up at her mother more confidence entering her heart. "I want to help daddy, and I want to help the king." She said her hand tightening around her mothers. At such a young age all she wanted to do was protect the land she was from.

"I said, no Danielle. You will do no such thing." Fleta ended the conversation there.

The small brunette looked down as they walked the rest of the way in silence. It was always like this. Danielle, however, would never let it go.

Once at the school gate Danielle was excited to go in. She pulled her hand out of her mothers quickly. Her steps were quick. Danielle only turned back to give her mother a brief "Bye, mom!"

"Danielle! What did I say?!" She called after her daughter but the mousy brunette was already halfway to the door.

Frustrated at her daughter she sighed and began to head back toward the subway that would take her to the small house they called home.

Danielle's bright emerald eyes looked around at the kids her age. So many of them were talking and laughing. It looked to be a lot of fun and she wanted to join in as soon as she could. She moved and fished her documents out of her pocket. Danielle needed to find her foot locker first to put her shoes on. Gazing over the locker numbers she found hers. Right below it was her name. She smiled widely and began to open it.

Danielle changed her shoes as quickly as she could. Once they were slipped on she smiled and put her street shoes away. She turned on her heel heading for the hallways. With a quick push of her glasses to see the paper clearly, she headed down the hall. Once she reached a set of staircases she climbed them with confidence. It was the first day after all. There was a desire to prove she wasn't scared or intimidated by the large school body.

Once she reached the proper floor she looked down the hall from left to right. "2-1..." Her feet began to carry her down the hall as she looked up at the signs signifying which room was which.

"2-1" she whispered softly. "Ah." She smiled and opened the door. Danielle was hit with loud noises and chatter. There were her classmates. Every person in the room had a potential to become her friend.

They were all broken up into their groups and were talking and laughing with one another. It was obvious that people already formed their friendships from the prior year. It would be hard to be accepted but, the Lucian people had been kind so far.

The brunette found her seat and hung up her bag as she nervously sat down and looked at the commotion in the room. Everyone seemed so happy. No one worried about the war outside the shield. They were protected. Danielle was still getting used to the thought of never having to worry or wake up in the middle of the night hearing explosions.

The door opened up again, revealing a heavy set blond boy. His blue eyes were kept down on his camera as he walked in. He sidled with some difficulty through the throngs of children to get to his seat in the back corner of the room, he sat down, his head still down as the classroom hummed with children's morning activities.

He yawned slightly before he looked up for the first time. He scanned the room. Just the same old people. He looked down and let out a sigh flipping through another nature shot. A new girl? He blushed, looking down when she looked at her. She was cute! Her glasses seemed to suit her so perfectly! He wondered what she would say if he asked for a picture of her because she was so pretty....

Danielle smiled and stood slowly gaining confidence. She was going to talk to some girls that were talking about their barrettes and hair accessories. She swallowed and stood next to them. Their conversation stopped and they turned to look at her.

"M-my name is Danielle Bonifaas..” She said, obviously completely nervous, her heart pounding in her chest. “Nice to meet you! I hope we can become friends!" In her nervousness, she had spoken overly loud causing the entire classroom to went silent. She turned red.

The girls looked at her and one soon began to laugh causing the rest of them to laugh.

"Sorry, we don't become friends with immigrants. You don't belong here." The tone she had was condescending filled with hate.

It was obvious that she wasn't from Insomnia. Danielle froze and she looked down. The entire room began to whisper and she went back to her seat. She sat down and just decided to pull her books out as the girls laughed.

"My dad says it’s people like her who are turning our city into a slum."

Danielle felt more pain. Was her mother right? Were the Insomnia people as heartless as she said? But she was still a Lucian. Weren't they all one people?

Prompto looked at her and gulped. "D-don't mind them... they're in their own little world." He said with a small smile. "I'm Prompto, by the way." He continued blushing a little. He couldn’t believe he was talking to a girl

Danielle looked up. "Um...Danielle," She said softly, her emerald eyes showing signs of being close to tears. She then looked away from him. Before he could get in another word class started.

Everyone got to their seats and Danielle just went through the motions of the day. When lunch came around she had vanished to the bathroom to be left alone. She could hear the girls and the rest of the class talking about her. Most of them were saying what their parents said. Danielle had lost her appetite for her lunch. So far Insomnia wasn't growing on her. She wanted to go back to Leide. At least there she was happy.

The bell rang and she wiped her tears away and sighed as she opened the stall door and headed back to her class and took her seat for the second round of classes. She sat down and sighed softly as she looked to the board and continued her work.

The day finished up and she headed to her foot locker and slipped on her shoes. She then began to head out to the gate and sit on the bench to wait for her mother. She kicked her feet slightly as she sat there.

"So much for this being fun dad..." she muttered.

While Danielle sat alone on the bench, Prompto saw her. She had taken off so fast he didn't get a chance to speak to her again. However, when he tried to approach her he was cut off by two boys.

"Where do you think you are going tubbo?" The brunette asked smiling widely.

Prompto took a step back. "Please Adrian, not today..." He whispered holding his camera tightly in his hands.

"Yakov, get him!" Adrain yelled to the raven haired boy.

The two boys grabbed prompto pulling him to the ground. They both tried to reach for the camera as they laughed at the blonde begging for them to stop.

"Ouch! No, not the camera!" Prompto begged as he pulled it close, the two boys kicking him as he laid on the ground.

It only lasted a few minutes due to Adrian and Yakov not wanting to be caught by other teachers or students. To them, Prompto was simply an easy target. He couldn't run very fast and he had no one to stick up for him.

After a few moments, the boys stopped and looked down at him in anger.

"Tch, you're no fun. Fatty,” Adrian said before they all turned tail and ran.

Prompto sat up, looking at his camera. It was dusty, but it was still operational. He sighed, grabbing his bag and getting up to walk toward the entrance of the school to walk home. It was then he saw Danielle sitting by herself in the most beautiful way. His eyes shined, getting his camera ready. The lighting around her was perfect. She sat there with the sunset seeming to glow around her like she was an Astral.

With the touch of his finger, he smiled. The camera shuttered loudly and he looked down right away to check if it was good enough or if he had to take another.

While sitting there Danielle heard a camera snap and her head turned to the source of the sound. It was the kid who tried to talk to her that morning. She rose a brow and looked shocked.

Prompto was satisfied with the photo. It was pure perfection. He got the right angle, the lighting was amazing, and the model was perfect. He rarely took pictures of people. He tended to take photos of the scenery in Insomnia.

Prompto looked up and his eyes widened slightly. Had she noticed?

That was it.

Danielle already had a horrible day and now he was taking a photo without permission?! She stood and her body tensed as she approached him.

"What? Taking a picture of the immigrant so you can show your friends and laugh at me?!" She asked tears threatening to fall.

"W-what? N-no it's not-" Prompto tried to say but Danielle simply kept going.

"Well go ahead! Make fun of me!" She yelled. "My mother was right! The city people here are horrible! They only care about themselves and ignore people who try and come in to live their life!" Her fists were tight and she was obviously shaking.

"I hate people in Insomnia!" That's when tears began to fall from her eyes. They ran down her cheeks. She sniffled trying to wipe them away. "I just wanted to make friends..."

"W-wait... no, I just..." He turned the camera. "I just thought... you looked really pretty..." he said softly.

Danielle looked at the camera and she blinked. She had never liked a photo of herself before. She actually did look pretty.

The setting sun was perfectly around her. She almost could say she looked like a goddess. She looked up to the blonde boy and then felt so ashamed.

"I'm...I'm sorry, I didn't..." she then looked like she was about to cry again.

"No, it's okay! I just... want friends, too, Danni.." Prompto's face flushed. "I mean, Danielle!"

He closed his eyes, wondering if she'll hit him for shortening her name. He knew some girls didn't like that.

Danielle blinked. She was taken back from that. Did he call her Danni? She began to laugh slightly as she dried her eyes.

"No one but my dad calls me that." She said softly her smile coming through.

It was the first time that day she really smiled.

"My mom doesn't like people shortening my name. Something about it not being my proper name." She said softly and looked at him.

"Prompto, right?" She asked as she held onto her backpack straps. She had gotten all the tears off her face.

"Yeah, that's my name." He smiled, feeling a little more confident. "Just the fat kid in class." He blushed immensely.

Danielle chuckled again and looked at him. "So what?" She asked. "Your outer appearance shouldn't matter at all."

Prompto smiled slightly as he looked over his glasses at her. "Thanks." He whispered.

Behind the two children, Fleta stood staring them down. That's when she cleared her throat to grab her daughters attention.

"Danielle." She called.

The brunette turned. "Coming mom!" She called. "So I'll see you tomorrow Prompto?"

Prompto's eyes lit up. "Yeah!" He said with a grin. "See ya tomorrow, Danielle!" He waved.

Danielle waved back as she walked to her mother who took her hand like she was still five.

The two walked in silence the entire way home. Each train stop was full of people on their way home from their jobs and classes. Danielle had a bright smile on her face as she kicked her feet freely. Her mother touched her legs and that's when she stopped.

Danielle's emerald eyes gazed out the window looking over the skyline of Insomnia. It was gorgeous at night and during the sunset.

After getting off the last train of the night they walked two large blocks back to the small home. Fleta unlocked the door and opened it for her daughter.

"Take off your shoes Danielle." She said taking off her coat and then moved to her shoes.

However, Danielle bolted inside and rushed to her father who was in the kitchen.

"Dad!" She yelled and jumped into his arms.

"Ah, there's my little Chocobo!" He said holding her and spinning her around as she giggled.

Fleta blinked slightly. She was not in approval of these kinds of actions. However, she let it go. She was tired and headed upstairs to her bed.

Bence didn't mind where his wife went. He was too enamored by his daughter. "So what do you want for dinner?" He asked smiling.

"Um! How about burgers!" She said and took his hand when he put her down.

"Burgers! Alright. Sounds good. How was your day at school?" He asked, leading her to the table.

Danielle's smile fell for a moment. "It..." she sighed. "It was bad." She admitted. "No one wanted to be my friend cause I was an immigrant..." she said as she sat at the table.

Bence frowned. "Honey, you aren't an immigrant..." He brushed her hair behind her ear. "You're a Lucian..." He said, then brushing a callused thumb across her cheek. "And you're sure no one wanted to be your friend...?"

She then smiled her green eyes lighting up. "There was one! His name is Prompto and he said I was pretty!" She then looked down.

"He took a picture of me and I thought he was going to make fun of me but he said I was pretty. He showed me the picture and I looked so pretty!" A small smile came to her lips. "He was nice to me Daddy."

"That's awesome, Danni. I'd like to meet him next time." He said with a wide grin.

Danielle nodded and she smiled widely. "He even called me Danni."

"He even called you Danni? Wow.. no one but me calls you that." He smiled at his beautiful little girl.

Danielle nodded and grinned softly. "Yeah!" She beamed. "I didn't even ask him to!"

"That's great, little Chocobo." He said, kissing her forehead. "Now. I'm going to make dinner, so try and get some homework done before then, alright?" He asked, petting her head.

Danielle nodded obeying her father. She went back to the entryway and put her shoes there like her mother asked her to before she ran in.

Once she returned to the kitchen she tossed her bag onto the table. Her hands pulled out a few sheets of paper and a large book. She then paused and took a moment to talk to her father more. "How's the Glave daddy?"

"Hard, hard work, sweet pea." He replied, working the spices into the meat with his washed hands.

Danielle thought. "Well, have you met the king?"

"Ah, not yet." He smiled. He was still low in the ranks of the Glaive. However, with his connections to the higher-ups, he should become a Lieutenant soon.

Danielle nodded and returned to her school work. Having had her mother teach her for awhile excelled Danielle into a further grade than most of her classmates. However, she wanted to be around her own age group so some of the work she was doing was fairly easy. Just some extra practice. Maybe she would learn something her mother forgot?

Soon Fleta came down after changing and looked at her daughter and began to examine her work.

"What on Eos is your teacher showing you? You are way past this grade level." She said looking at the work in distaste.

Bence looked back at his wife. "Fleta she is in a middle school. They are going to teach that grade level."

Fleta rolled her eyes at her husband and picked up some of Danielle's work. Her eyes glanced over it with her judgemental eyes.

"She's at least at a high school level." She scoffed and set down the papers. "The Altissian school system seems to be better than the Lucian."

"Let her be, Fleta." Bence sighed. "She's only 12." He reminded her. "Let her be herself."

"She is better than this." She said as she crossed her arms. "I told you we should have left for Altissia." She added as she moved to get something to drink. "Our daughter could be much more successful there."

Danielle looked up at her mother. "But I like it here...I made a friend already."

Fleta sighed and looked at her daughter. "I heard you tell your father, but the rest of the children were mean to you. It's not good to have just one friend."

"One friend can be more than enough," Bence answered. "Popularity isn't everything." He poured bread crumbs into the mix. "Besides, it's only the first day. I'm sure they'll come around."

"It does when all you are seen as is scum to those who live here." Fleta set down her drink and continued "We are compared to sewer rats, Bence." She crossed her arms. "Danielle could have a better life if you just realize it and give up a fight for a king that doesn't give a shit about us."

"Fleta, language!" Bence said, glaring at her. "The king cares plenty for us. He's not fighting uselessly. Unlike the Altissians who refuse to help." He said, insulting his wife underhandedly.

Fleta glared. "A senseless war between the Niffs and Lucians! What does the king do?! Hide behind his damn shield while our home got destroyed!" She yelled. "At least in Altissia we don't have to live in fear!"

"Enough." Bence snapped. "We're here in Lucis now, safe and sound. That's all that matters. End of argument..."

Fleta glared and shook her head. She wanted to say something but she turned and left the room.

Danielle was staring at her paper. Her hand had stopped writing. This was a common occurrence in their home. No matter where they were. She was used to these fights. It only got worse when they got to Insomnia.

Bence looked at Danni. "Sorry, Sweetheart... mom and I should stop fighting so much, huh?"

"Yeah..." she said softly. "I'm used to it...I know mommy wants to go to Altissia to be with her family..." she said softly as she kicked her legs.

"Yeah..." He said softly. "She does..."

Danielle looked down. "Daddy I love you and I like living here."

"I love you, too, sugar pea..." He said softly, kissing her forehead before going back to cooking.

Danielle smiled and began to finish up her homework. Her mind was on tomorrow. She would be going back to school and seeing Prompto.

[heyymonkey2]

First Night Back in Fuuga Ch 37: Reigning Down

AO3 Link to Chapter 37

Summary: Yona is so done -- she takes charge, her way

The air is charged in the vast clearing between the forest and palace walls.

Six armed Sky Tribe soldiers stare in shock.

Yona faces them, hands empty but expression serious.

“Don’t just stand there,” a Sky soldier orders his comrades, “There’s only one way now -- kill her and the messenger!”

Hak’s eyes flash, the messenger pinned beneath him.

A seventh soldier appears out of nowhere behind Yona. Hak doesn’t breath -- he’s off the messenger instantly, sprinting toward his pregnant wife. Five armed men step in between.

"Big mistake," Hak growls.

A sixth warrior heads for the messenger.

As Yona sees the men around Hak flying in odd directions, she feels the soldier behind her. Hears the metal of his armor scrape as he lifts his sword.

Hak sees the scene in the distance, that blade reach toward the sky, his worst nightmare on replay.

“The messenger!” Yona calls out to Hak before glancing over her shoulder fiercely at the insubordinate Koukan behind her.

Muscle memory, Yona twists from the blade’s downward path in a move that Hak taught her well.

THCK! The blade sticks in the dirt. The baffled soldier looks toward Yona. She’s already charging.

“What the…!” he lets go of the stuck blade and staggers backward.

Yona knees him in the groin, then juts the palm of her hand up under his chin, sending him falling backwards.

Cool, Yona is amazed that worked -- Hak never actually let her do that move on him, just taught it in theory. With a little more confidence and pride, Yona moves quickly to the blade stuck in the ground, strategically kicks the flat part to loosen it, then yanks it free. Why, thank you, Hak-sensei.

Five gravely damaged warriors lay on the ground around the Thunder Beast. He looks desperately toward Yona in the distance -- and is amazed to see the soldier down, Yona pointing that guy's blade at him. Hak finally breathes with a proud smile, “Atta girl...”

Then he sees the rogue soldier that’d gone after the messenger standing over a motionless body and training an arrow on Yona in the distance.

“Princess!” Hak cries out as he starts to run again.

Yona looks toward Hak, not understanding what danger he’s signaling. Now anxious, she looks over to what’s been approaching in the distance since she first stepped out of the woods, closes her eyes in hope, then looks down at the warrior looking up at her.

“Why?!” she pleads, “For who are you doing this?”

The warrior sadly shakes his head. Yona can see it in his eyes -- a man desperate to answer, but who can’t. Then her face pales as she realizes: she recognizes this man. From earlier days at the palace.

“DOWN!” Hak screams as his thrown glaive misses the arrow flying for Yona.

Yona falls forward onto the soldier. He tripped her?! She can feel the air stir above her body as the arrow meant for her whooshes past.

The soldier pins Yona on her back, knocking the wind out of her and regaining his sword. He points it at her neck, catching out of the corner of his eye what’s fast approaching from the distance. He makes no move to harm her, but also none to free her. He just waits for a split second for what's coming--

PIERCE! The speed with which Joo-Doh flies off his horse and ends his turned warrior’s life is incredible. Yona sees the blood that has splattered onto her robes, then looks up to see the Sky General’s look of sheer terror and disgust at what he just witnessed.

Hak is only a second behind him, instantly on his knees at Yona’s side, “Are you hurt?”

“The… messenger…,” Yona is still getting her air back as she points beyond the men.

Hak looks back over his shoulder, “There was another guy. He’s gotta still be around here somewhere.”

“What the hell were you two doing out here?!” Joo-Doh chides as he glances over the field turned battleground.

Hak rises, in no mood for an interrogation -- “I told you not to speak in front of the princess like that. And we could ask you the same thing.”

“It’s my job to keep you two safe,” Joo-Doh clarifies.

“Then keep a closer eye on your tribe, I’ll take care of us,” Hak cuts.

“That’s what I was doing!”

“Boys,” Yona is now on her feet next to them, “The messenger.”

The three reach the messenger’s body -- now only an empty shell of a man.

“Killed their own guy,” Hak shakes his head in disgust.

Yona is deeply troubled. Whatever this corruption is, how long has it been going on? How dark could it be? She looks up at Joo-Doh, searching the general’s face. He’s deep in thought looking down at the messenger, processing this terrible occurrence. Then he turns to her looking at him. It’s a powerful moment of apology and all Yona needed to see from this man right now.

“We need answers, but the only warrior left alive got away... and it all happened so fast I don't think we could recognize him,” Yona frowns.

“There’s a chance…,” Joo-Doh bends down and furiously digs in the messenger’s clothes. His hands suddenly stop, then he gently pulls a rolled up piece of parchment out of a fold. He hands it to Yona.

Her eyes brighten just a little as she unrolls the scroll and scans over it, “Hak, look -- it’s written in a code. Like Soo-Won used with Ogi.”

“Then it's probably something…” Hak confirms.

“Let’s get it to Min-Soo right away!”

Yona starts marching up toward the castle with determination.

Joo-Doh is about to say something as he gestures toward his horse, but Hak lifts a hand to stop him, “I know. But it’ll only slow her down.”

Joo-Doh nods. At this point, he knows well that Yona is not still the little girl he remembers.

As the men begin to walk, Hak continues, “And thanks… for saving her back there. I… I wasn’t sure what you’d do.”

Joo-Doh admits, “Likewise... in however a terrible way, to know you were telling the truth that a Sky Soldier raised a sword to her, I'm comforted. I’ve now seen it with my own eyes. And I’m ashamed. I am going to get to put an end to this.”

Somehow after those two not quite compliments, the men feel a peaceful understanding.

Hak adds in agreement, “Let’s weed them out.”

Lili and Jae-Ha are still chatting in a palace courtyard when--

��Didn’t Yona go away with Hak last night?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Cause holy shit what’d he do?”

“Oh my,” Jae-Ha rises at the sight.

Yona approaches them, hyper-focused, blood-splattered across her robe, and her hair the only feature looking as expected -- as though she’d just been ravaged in the woods.

“Yona Dear, are you hurt?”

Not even noticing her friends’ shocked expressions, Yona smiles up at the green dragon, “Don’t worry, Jae-Ha, we can catch up over dinner tonight,” then turns to her raven-haired friend, “Lili, I’m so relieved you’re here. I really need to talk to you right away. But first, I’ve got to get this to Min-Soo. Follow me!”

Lili chases after Yona who has already marched halfway across the courtyard because her pace is insane.

Jae-Ha scratches his head watching after the girls, then turns to see Hak and Joo-Doh entering.

“Don’t. Say a word,” Hak warns, following after the girls, looking like he’s about to kill someone. Or an entire tribe of someones.

Joo-Doh looks deep in thought. Distant and disturbed.

Jae-Ha takes a seat, "Alright, dinner then."

Yona rises in the study, leaving the scroll with Min-Soo who studies over it furiously. She approaches Lili who’s been waiting patiently at a table in the center of the room.

“They attacked you?!”

“It’s not even the first time,” Yona frowns, then she takes Lily’s hands in hers, “Please, don’t mention this anybody just yet. I’m sure we’ll get to the bottom of it before long and until then… there are a couple very important things that need to happen.”

Lili nods.

“You’re my precious friend, Lili, and I would never want to put you in danger. You’re also someone I admire and trust most. There’s something I’d like to ask of you, which… just let me know how you feel about it in your heart. However you feel, I want you to know it’s OK.”

“Anything.”

“Would you be interested and willing to take on the role of the next Water Tribe General?”

Lili feels her jaw drop, then quickly pops it back up and tries to look professional, “G-general?”

“I know you didn’t meet them, but I can tell you all about some female warriors in Xing who were as powerful as any man.”

“I can just look at you for that,” Lili smiles, “But… I don’t know how to fight.”

“I’m still learning myself,” Yona encourages, “It’s for your unique contributions beyond fighting that I think you’re a strength we very much need in our leadership. Still, I think, if we have another of the generals train you in some technique to gain understanding, you’ll do great.”

“Another general…,” an image of Geun-Tae appears front and center in Lili’s mind.

Yona wonders why Lili just got lost in her head and is smiling so big, “Is that a yes?”

Lili snaps her attention back into the room. She thinks for a second about the water crest, her people, her father, even about Jae-Ha’s respect. About the moments in her life that made her realize she needs to step up and do more. To save lives.

A corner of her mouth rises, “I’m honored. Yes.”

Yona’s fists tighten in excitement, “I’m so relieved! Our first Generals Meeting is later today. I’ll make the announcement then.”

Whoa. Lili feels apprehension swell in her chest, but she feels something right deep inside -- she’s got to make this work, “I’ll be there.”

Yona exits the study and starts down the hall. Hak is already at her side.

“Did you find Mundok?”

“Not yet, I… didn’t want to leave you.”

“You were out there that whole time? You’re not my bodyguard anymore, Hak. You should have come in!”

“I know that conversation was really important to you, I didn’t want to intrude. Besides, I sorta needed to calm down.”

Yona pauses to look at him. Hak's brows are pulled together with such a sadness, his hands slightly shaking from remnant adrenaline.

“My heart stopped out there,” he admits, his voice cracking.

“Hak…” Yona takes his hands in hers, suddenly feeling awful for having neglected his feelings after what happened -- she's absolutely taken for granted that he's so strong all the time. She nuzzles against his chest, hears his burdened heart beat, “Oh, Hak, it’s OK. I’m OK.”

He lowers his face into her hair, taking in her scent, tenderly kissing the top of her head, then he wraps his arms around her body, holding her close, feeling her warmth and realness.

“I’m not going anywhere. You taught me too well. You made me love you too much. I’m not going anywhere.”

He smiles at that as he weaves a hand into the beautiful crimson hair that could only be hers, “I thought that night was the worst pain I could ever feel. I was wrong.”

“Shhh,” Yona squeezes him tight, then caresses his tense back, “I’m right here with you.”

Yona reaches up and pulls his face down to hers, their lips meeting in a deep, treasured kiss -- savoring each other, beyond grateful for continued life together.

Then Yona pulls back to tell him, “You were so romantic last night. I want you to know I won’t ever forget how perfect it was. Thank you.”

Hak laughs a little looking down at the blood on her robes, “I’m gonna kill those guys.”

“You… did.”

“The other ones.”

“Calm down, Hak,” she strokes his cheek, her other hand in his dark hair as she stares up into his pained sky blue eyes, “We’ll find the best way to restore peace here. You should talk with Mundok while I get cleaned up for the Generals Meeting.”

Hak nods, knowing he’s in a very bad way right now and Mundok could definitely help talk him down back into his cool and controlled usual state.

Still having trouble letting go of her though, Hak requests, “Please… don’t leave my side until we get to the source of this corruption. And when that’s not possible, keep Droopy Eyes with you.”

“I’ll carry a blade, too,” Yona promises.

Hak sighs, really wishing that wasn’t necessary.

“I saved my own life today thanks to you. I don’t exactly feel rested after our getaway, but I do feel motivated and a little stronger.”

Hak smiles, “I’m also feeling very motivated.”

“We're going to make it through this. For Kouka, too. See you at the Generals Meeting,” Yona reaches up and pulls her love into one more kiss for encouragement and very much looking forward to the warmth of his motivated, safe arms tonight.

[thechocobros]

“SEE LUNA SAFE TO ALTISSIA” - part 2

Pair: Nyx Ulric / Lunafreya Nox Fleuret

Words: 2896

Plot: Luna and Nyx didn’t fell in the Empire’s trap, Nyx didn’t had to use the ring and he survived. What would have happened if Nyx really had the chance to ‘see Luna safe to Altissia’, like he promised to Regis? Here the part 2: Nyx and Luna start their journey and arrive in Hammerhead.

Personal Comment: It starts getting more painful to write, but thank heaven I have loveiscosmicsin to help me out with my english <3 So here we are, Nyx and Luna start chatting a bit more, there’s sass (because sassy Nyx is damn hot ok) and some new characters, like Gentiana and Takka (let’s credit a bit more these characters lol). I took the chance to explain some things that Tabata never mentioned like: where the hell did Luna change her outfit? How did Luna travelled around Eos in shorter time than Noctis? (coming soon answers: where is the Luna’s necklace coming from? When how and why Luna went back to Tenabrae before going to Altissia? What about her health situation? etc etc)

The start of lunyx relationship will be slow, I want it to be natural, so no wonder if they still don’t act like lovers. Let’s make them go deep in the knowledge of each other, in the caring of each other, let’s make them growing in affection, friendship, respect, and sense of duty, etc etc before throwing them in an angsty romance xD Also, I hope I’ll treat Noctis right in this because he suffered enough in the canon already. Stay tuned, babes, updates are coming <3 be patient <3

The road was empty and the atmosphere was calm. Daylight started to spark in the distance as the sun came out. The dawn didn’t care about how many people died that night. The dawn didn’t care about Insomnia being lost.

“Don’t look at me as I change my clothes, understand?” Luna said, moving a bit in the backseat of the Tenebraen black car. Instinctively, Nyx glanced at the rearview mirror. “I said, don’t look!”

Nyx forced himself to keep his eyes straight on the road ahead and smiled sheeplishly, “Wasn’t that reverse psychology?”

She giggled a bit, even though she clearly was very tired: “No, it was not. Sir Ulric, please.” It’s that ‘please’ again. By the Stars, that girl knew how to manipulate him.

“All right, all right! Sorry. You know, I’m not really a maniac. It’s just very hard for me to follow orders. I instinctively do the opposite.”

“Oh, is that so? Then, please, Nyx Ulric, watch me taking my clothes off!” Nyx smiled widely, keeping his eyes on the road this time.

“You know, inverse psychology’s really working out for me.”

Luna took five minutes to change her tattered outfit with a clean one. This one was pretty cute and also a bit more comfortable.

“I knew that leaving a clothes changing in the car was a good idea.” She commented, adjusting a pin with the crest of Tenabrae on her white lace. She found a black band somewhere in the baggage and she decided to put it on her arm to remind her of the tragedies that took place last night. “Nyx Ulric?”

“You can stick to just Nyx.”

She tried again, uncertainty encircled one syllable. “Nyx?”

“Yes?”

“I’m sorry that I dragged you in all this. You surely left family and friends in Insomnia. You would have preferred to stay with them, right?” Nyx bit his own lip.

“I’ll catch up with Libertus again someday, I’m sure he didn’t die. He may not be the brightest tool in the shed, but he can take care of himself.”

“That’s it? Libertus is all you have left in Insomnia?”

“Yeah, no family, remember?”

“Right, you told me about your little sister. So, no father, no mother?”

“They both died years ago, too.”

“No wife? Or girlfriend?” Luna’s tone changed when the Glaive grimaced. “Er, a lover?” Those are probabilities.

Nyx smiled. “Getting personal already, princess?”

“Oh sorry… I didn’t mean to be unprofessional, I was just…”

“Nah, it’s fine. Actually there’s nothing to tell about it. No wife. No girl. Life at the Kingsglaive department is pretty similar to a losers’ one.”

After the initial embarrassment for neglecting her manners, Luna relaxed a bit. “Don’t say that.” She smiled.

“What I mean is… It may sound weird but …” He stopped for a moment, looking for the best words to express his thinking. “If I got it right, by carrying that ring, you’re carrying the future of the world in your hands, princess. I’d be honored if I can support you even without my magic. If I can have a small part in all this then… I��m glad that I’m the one you dragged in with you.” He scratched his nose and added, “Also, King Regis asked me first, not you. I’m here because he told me to and I will do anything to pursue one man’s last wish.”

Luna stretched out a bit because she wanted to see his eyes. She wanted to make sure he wasn’t deceiving her. He had no reason to lie, but she needed the assurance. When she saw them in the rearview mirror, she sighed her relief, “You really are a hero, Sir Ulric.”

“Nyx.” He corrected her again.

“Nyx.” She smiled. “We will see the ring to Noctis. The future of all will be safe, I promise.” Nyx seriously nodded.

Suddenly, Luna winced and wide opened her eyes: “Nyx, watch out!” she screamed making him pushing on the brake. He lost control of the car for a moment and when he was able to use the wheel again he was out of the road already.

“What the hell, princess?” he shouted back, turning to see her getting out of the car as fast as possible: “Hey, what happened? Are you okay?” He followed her out, under the light of the lighting sun. Luna was stepping ahead to meet two beautiful dogs, one white and the other one black. She immediately kneeled down in front of them, making clear her intent. Nyx opened his mouth and his arms, in an hilarious expression of disbelief. “Dogs? We almost crashed the car and got ourselves killed because you wanted to pet some dogs?”

“They’re very special dogs. The white one is Pryna, the other is Umbra.”

“Oh, special dogs. This explains everything!” He quipped sarcastically, rolling eyes.

“Umbra has a message from Noctis.”

Nyx stopped, suddenly curious. “You mean … The prince?” He got closer, watching Luna as she took a red notebook from Umbra’s collar and brought the cover to her forehead. She seemed so happy to have that object back, treating it like a priceless relic. “You do this… often? These dogs just carry back messages you send each other?” Even if Nyx wanted to take it seriously, there was incredulity in his voice.

“It’s the only way Noctis and I could stay in touch. We did so in the last twelve years.”

“Twelve years?” He blurted out. This time he was totally shocked. “You two couldn’t talk in person for twelve years? I thought that…” Luna lifted her eyes, watching him with a strange expression which was a mix between sorrow, anger, and expectation. In the end, Nyx lost the words he really wanted to say and all he said out was something lame, “Sorry, I thought the marriage was something the two of you had a say in.”

Luna was about to reply something back when a woman appeared in front of them. She had long black hair, her eyes were closed, her outfit black as well. Even though a mysterious aura surrounded her pretty figure, Luna seemed to recognize her well. The Oracle simply rose to her feet and showed her the Ring of the Lucii she was carrying in the palm of her hand, like she was showing a long-yearned memento.

The mysterious lady nodded, silently continuing a conversation she and Luna probably had before: “The time has come and the Oracle’s fate sealed. The One is waiting for you to fulfill your duty.”

“I know and I will.”

“Much I can expect from you. The Six will adhere to the strength and purity of your heart. Awaken them from their dreamless stupor. Pave the way so the King of Kings may reclaim his throne and defeat the darkness once and for all.”

“That I will.” The woman suddenly opened her eyes, like she heard her name be called in the distance. She looked ahead but she wasn’t really looking, a faraway look in her emerald eyes, but gravity of their expression was heavy in her gaze.

“Is she blind?” Nyx asked in a whisper at Luna’s ear. He must had got closer in the meantime and since he didn’t understand a thing about the subject of their conversation, he was pretty determined to learn more with a sequence of irreverent questions.

“No, she’s not.”

“So she talks in her sleep?” The situation was too serious for her to start laughing. Luna really had to struggle to keep her self-control.

“The wolf will never take his eyes off the moon so fate could not have found a better loyal guardian than he.” The dark-haired woman casually added, before closing her eyes again and turn away. Lunafreya watched her go with a certain apprehension this time. She glanced at Nyx, put at unease by something said by the mysterious lady. Nyx returned the stare, even more curious now.

Luna couldn’t avoid an explanation this time. “She’s Gentiana and she is known by few people as a divine messenger. In reality, she’s one of the Six.” Nyx wide opened his mouth.

“I just stood in front of a goddess?” Luna nodded.

Nyx couldn’t believe it. He really had a lot of questions like. The Six really existed? Why were they sleeping and why that Gentiana was awake already? Lunafreya really had the ability of speaking with the Six? What were they talking about? How was he supposed to protect a woman which was exposed to such supernatural events he never dealt up with before? Suddenly he understood the real weight of what they were going to do and this made him thoughtful. When he couldn’t bare the stressful feeling of powerlessness anymore, he said, “This may be the right time to discuss the details of our mission, princess.”

Back again on the road, Luna took a little nap before they arrived in Hammerhead. She was exhausted after all what happened, so she couldn’t resist. Nyx kept glancing at her in the rearview mirror, watching over her like he was fearing some supernatural force could hurt her somehow out of a sudden. After their meeting with Gentiana, Luna explained him what they were going to do now: no going to Altissia to have a ball at her wedding, no, something far more dangerous. They were going to look for the divinity in their world, wake them up from their sleep so they would ‘probably’ helped the Chosen King Noctis Lucis Caelum to succeed in his duty. Easier said than done, but all this would actually have required time. The Astrals were tempermental beings and don’t bestow their blessings to humans easily. To make matters worse, the Empire was tracking them down. And they were alone against it. Nyx didn’t know if he was able to see the princess safe to Altissia like he promised to King Regis. Back at that time, he still had his magic. Now without supernatural powers, would he be able to protect Luna from supernatural dangers? He glanced at her once more. She was sleeping in the backseat of the car, looking like a golden angel. She seemed so vulnerable now. He knew she actually wasn’t (he remembered too well about her courage - or better said, unconsciously) but still in that very moment, she was. And he felt like he was ready to give his life to safeguard her graceful and strong fragility.

He finally saw a colorful sign, which reported Hammerhead location. He thought about going straight ahead, without any break, but honestly he was tired too and this place looked safe enough to offer them a bit of rest. He pulled over and parked the car as far as he can from the restaurant and the famous garage.

“Princess?” He gently moved her arm, rousing her awake. “We’re at Hammerhead.” She slowly opened her eyes, looking around like she had forgotten the basis of talking in that very moment.

“Hammerhead?”

“Yeah. You should get a proper bed for that beauty rest, don’t you think?”

“Is it safe?”

Nyx looked out of the window. “There’s not a huge crowd. You can stay in the car while I go exploring the area a bit, anyway. I can also buy some food if you want and over there we can rent a caravan.” She didn’t answer so Nyx turned to look at her. “You can relax. The caravan’s for you. I’ll sleep in the car.“

"No, this was not what I was thinking, it’s…” Yes, it was. This was exactly what she was thinking. She never shared her bedchambers with a man before.

Nyx decided to ignore her embarrassment and continued: “I only have few gil, but I’ll score some favors to earn more, I suppose. Stay here, I’ll do a perimeter search.” Nyx wasn’t comfortable with leaving her in the car but he didn’t have a choice. He took directly the restaurant direction, avoiding every possible stare. Surely his dilapidated kingsglaive outfit was drawing enough attention to him already, even without his jacket on. The guy on the counter introduced himself as Takka and highly recommended him the menu of the day. Nyx decided to follow his advice and spent all the few gil he had in his leather pants’ pockets for it.

“To go, thank you,” he specified and then waved at him to come closer. “Listen, I have a very special girl waiting for me in the car and I’d like to offer a proper bed for her to rest. Do you have a job which will allow me to pay for it?”

Takka took a long second to answer, in which he probably wondered what ‘special girl’ could mean. Nyx had specifically chosen that definition, leaving it up to free interpretation. If he was lucky enough, Takka would have assume his secret date was waiting for him, so he wouldn’t have asked any more information.

“Well, uh… Yeah, I could pay you 1500 gilif you kill off some nasty monsters around this area. They’re called Reapertails. You sure you’re up to the task?” Nyx smiled smugly.

“Reapertails? Really? For something so simple I won’t even need magic.”

“Excuse me?”

“It’s fine. Consider the job it done.”

“I like your enthusiasm, son, but honestly, it will be dark in two hours. You shouldn’t stay out at night. Nobody shouldn’t.”

“So, I guess I will complete my mission… in two hours?”

Takka seemed to panic a bit.“You’re crazy. No, no. Okay, listen. You said you need a bed for your girl, right?”

“That’s not what I said, but whatever. What’s the point?”

“I’ll give you the caravan for tonight. You’ll pay me tomorrow.” He held up a hand, enunciating sternly of the condition that followed with the charity, “After you’ll finish the job.”

“And who guarantees you that tomorrow I’ll actually pay you?”

“You seem to be a man of honor, that’s the guarantee. Talking about trust here so don’t let me down. Anyway, I’d prefer to lose gil for an unpaid debt than to lose another human life to the daemons. I know the feeling, son. Please, don’t go out in the dark. So, here the keys for your girl.” Nyx took the keys Takka gave him and was about to thank him when Takka added: “So, do you know what happened to Insomnia?”

Nyx swallowed hard. “No, do you?”

“Nah, the communications have been interrupted, I’m still waiting for some news. Prince Noctis was here yesterday, but he seemed just having fun with his friends, he really didn’t look worried at all, I don’t know…”

Nyx was surprised by that.“Prince Noctis was here?”

“I shouldn’t have told ya, sorry…” Nyx wanted to ask more, to learn more, mostly because of curiosity, but even though Takka seemed pretty naive, he didn’t want to make him suspicious anyway.

“Well, well, royalty mingling with the commonfolk! Isn’t that nice? Maybe his princess is here somewhere too,” He kept his tone light-heartedlike a common citizen talking to his barman. “Whatever, who cares about royalty?” Okay, that last one was a bit exagerated, better to cut it off now. “Have a good night, Takka, and thanks. Tomorrow, I’ll bring you the Reapertails stingers.”

After that, Nyx ran to the car, tapping on the window and Luna quickly lowered it to talk with him. Nyx leaned in.

“Okay, princess. This is your meal, I bet you’re starving” He said as he handed her a very welcomed boxed lunch. “And these…” he added, showing her the keys with a smugly pride, “are for the caravan. So you can stretch your feet and make yourself comfortable while I’m on guard duty.”

“That’s surprising! How did you do it?”

Nyx smiled her.“You said that once: not all miracles are made by magic. I guess I made a good first impression. Also, I promised to take care of one job tomorrow. I’ll try to fit it into the schedule, don’t worry.”

Luna cautiously got out of the vehicle, she didn’t want people to see her now.

“Are you going to sleep in the car? Really?”

“What’s the alternative? Are you going to invite me in? Don’t worry, princess. This car is far better than the appartment I used to live in Insomnia.”

Luna smiled delicately, keeping the boxed lunch and keys close to her like they were special gifts. She should have say goodnight now, but she foolishly chose to prolong the moment somehow.

“Thank you so much, Nyx Ulric…” The Oracle shook her head, ridding herself of the habit.“Nyx.” The Glaive raised his eyebrows slightly, noting that she seemed to actually enjoy saying his name even when she had his full attention. “All this would have been very trying without you.”

Nyx bit his lower lip, suffocating a smile instead of correcting her. He always felt sort of uncomfortable when people used thank him. This time was nice though.

“That’s good to hear. Go to bed now and have some rest.” They glanced at each other for a very short moment and then Luna stepped away, headed to the caravan. She didn’t turn back as she entered.

Nyx watched her go, keeping his hands on his hips.

He chose not to tell her about Prince Noctis being there in Hammerhead just the day before and - as he sighed deeply - he started to wonder why.

[the-short-stouts-tavern]

Dweit & Pals - The Tomb of the ‘Uber Riches

“Give me back my hat.”

Dweit sat at a small, wooden table in a dimmly-lit tent. The only light in the place was from a lone candle in the center of the table. On the other side of him was...another goblin. The darkness covered the figure in darkness, but Dweit already knew how ugly the poor sapper was.

He also knew that the goblin had the audacity to wear his hat. Who does that?

“Zinkin’ about vhen yer friendzk vill arrive, mine captive?” The figure spoke as one of his large oaf minions pressed Dweit down into his chair.

“‘ey, hands off. Tell your mook to stop tryin’ to manhandle the goods, yea?”

One motion from the hand of the small figure and the oaf moved his giant hand away from the shoulder of the captive. “Mine apologiez.”

“Yeah, yeah.” The captive moved his hand over his shoulder, dusting it off and muttering. “So what do youse bozos want with me?”

“You and me, ve are tvo sidez of zhe zame coin, Mr. Dveit.” The figure moved a hand out and laid down a small gold coin. “Ve vere both burned badly via our previousk employerzk.” The figure was interrupted by a howling wind flying into the tent where they both sat. “Close zhe flap. Zhe sand vill...ruin our converzation.”

The oaf nodded and moved to the flap, trying to close it. Through a continued muttering of drowned out frustration via the zipper getting stuck at the top, the oaf moved his entire body to cover up the doorway. A simple solution.

“Ahh, zhat’s better.”

“So you were sayin’ somethin’ about two sides of a coin or somethin’ stupid like that.”

“Ah, right. Mine apologiez for not gettin’ to zhe point.” The figure shifted and moved a coin bag onto the table. “You are but vone coin in zhe empire of goblins forzked into zervitude by Gallyvickz. A vayvard pennilezk zoul aftervards...but zhe goblin lawz kept you zecure.”

“.....what of it?” Dweit narrowed his eyes.

“I vas not born yesterday, Zhe zhree of you came to Uldum to find zhe fortune before zhe haughty ex found it firzt.”

Dweit grimaced.

“Ah, zhe face you make iz vone of great clarity, so I zhall get to zhe point.” The figure moved forward, the light barely hitting his grotesque face. “Vhere is zhe treasure?”

Dweit figgited in his seat. “All of this for my treasure? Why?”

“It is in mine nature, Mr. Dveit.” Through the darkness the goblin could see a small glint of a smile creep along the figure’s face. “I know zhere iz zometink very preciouz zhat iz kept zhere. Zometink...empire-topplink.”

“..........fine. But before I do, you gotta listen to my tale.”

“Ahhhhh, zhe tranzparent attempt to buy fer time. But thiz is good. I vant to know everytink.”

“Fine...so you’re probably wondering how I got into this mess...” Dweit stared at the figure, one eye closed while the other kept itself trained on the shadowy figure.

“Yezk...zat is vhat I zaid.”

---

Days prior.

“MAMA DWEIT...NO!” Dweit fell to the ground before the bloody, headless corpse of a sweet old lady, tears streaming down his gaunt face and-

---

“Vait, vait, vait. Back up von zeckond.”

“What? You want me to tell the story or not?”

“Aren’t you...zkippink ahead a bit?”

Dweit rolled his eyes. “Oh, so I actually wanna save you time an’ you decide to make me unabridge it. Fine, fine, whatever ‘yer lordship’ wants.”

---

A Few More Days Prior.

So, as it turns out, the Broken Isles don’t really have much in terms of things for us to profit from. Elven ruins were already tapped, and everyone an’ their mother was in Suramar grabbing the wine. Sure, we were there to promote the message of Horde unity and saving the world from the Legion and blah-blah-blah, but...welll, you know goblins. We ain’t going for something we can’t profit from.

So me and my associates decide to leave Dalaran and partake in scavenging on the Broken Shore. That area hadn’t been given a foothold yet and we figure a few ships would have to have something.

But then I had a glaive to my throat.

The hustle and bustle of The Filthy Animal was temporarily interrupted by a demon hunter slamming Dweit into the wall while a blood elf pointed his sword to his side.

“What...did I...do?” Dweit couldn’t help but give the demon hunter a smile. “Did I offend your senses?”

After a moment, Dweit realized who it was who had him against the wall. “Oh, right...you’re Holly’s bae, right?”

“Urrrrrgh...”  Denarye did not look well after he said that, but he had surely been called worse, right? He was also gripping the goblin’s neck tighter. “You will call me Denarye.”

“Right, right, sorry. So...w-what can I do for you?” Dweit looked over to Tendorel at his side, wondering if he was going to do anything useful. Tendorel had his eyes transfixed on the demon hunter, blade nestled firmly into the air and ready to strike at any point.

"Ohohohoho!”

And then Dweit’s last bastion of hope was shattered, when his vision focused to the right and saw Holly walk forward, her hands gripping her giant axe with a smile only a crazed psychopath could love.

“What’s this all about, Holly Nitwit?” Dweit attempted once more to try and loosen the demon hunter’s grip, but it turns out the demon hunter MO really is never letting go.

“Oh, I wanted ta’ make shure ya didn’t skip outta town yet, Dweeb. Not before I gets ta’ kill ya.”

“.......why?” Dweit grimaced.

“Because yer not needed anymore, bozo. I just need ta go to my good-fer-nothin’ ex-mother-in-law an’ get on my way ta’ the big bucks!”

“Your ex-m-...” Dweit’s eyes widened. Then they shot over right to Tendorel. “TENDOREL.”

“Huh, what?”

“You told them?! Why?! Why did you tell them!?”

“W-...hey, it could’ve been Ace!” Tendorel shot back at him, his face shocked at the accusation.

“Ace is surprisingly not dumb enough to keep in contact with the enemy!” Dweit shot a look at Denarye after looking towards Tendorel accusingly.

At this, Tendorel’s ears popped up. He then looked away, coughing. Denarye, to his credit, was not shaken in the least. “So...what, maybe after a drink or two, I-”

“How could you do that to me, Tendorel?!” Dweit exclaimed, letting go of the demon hunter’s grip and grasping in the air in front of Tendorel, hoping his arms would suddenly grow long enough to strangle his warrior companion.

“I...look, I’m sorry. It was late, we were...enjoying each other’s company....I can’t keep my mouth shut when I’m looking into those eyes.”

“CAN YOU THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU JUST-?” Dweit was interrupted by the hand firmly grasping his throat for a moment.

Denarye let out a small cough. Even he was getting a little embarrassed. “Be that as it may, we have what we need from you.”

“Thaaaaat’s right, babe.” Holly smirked, sauntering over to Dweit with a gleam in her eyes. “And all I need ta do is get it outta Mamma Dweit...after I kill you, of course.”

Dweit’s expression darkened as he closed his eyes. So this is how it was going to end? Being choked to death for the insurance money by his ex-wife’s new boyfriend who just slept with his bodyguard?

A solid 8 out of 10 on predictability.

"Is there a problem here, friends?”

Dweit opened his eyes. Oh, good, saved by an archmage.

“Oh, come on. Leave us alone, this is Horde business.”

“Oh, for....” The archmage’s expression turned to frustration rather quickly. “I am a blood elf! I’m a part of the Horde!” He seemed very upset about this. “Look, see? See my green eyes?”

“No.”

“They’re not bad.”

“Keep it in your pants, Tender.”

The archmage sighed and pointed his staff at the demon hunter. “Regardless, we are under constant surveillance by the Council of Six. Though Lady Jaina is not with them anymore, they will not hesitate to kick the Horde out of the city. And I don’t think I need to remind you about your obligations being a figurehead for the Illidari, Denarye.”

The demon hunter grimaced. “Hmph...of course not, Archmage Sotoris.” With that, he loosened the grip and allowed the goblin to fall face-first on the ground.

Holly, meanwhile, was growling, her grip on the axe tightening. She turned around and began to step towards the mage. “I have been waitin’.....for so long for this moment, you pencil-pushin’ thin-skinned, pretty-boy magic-fellatin’-”

Tendorel walked over to Dweit and helped his boss up from the ground. “Hey, uh....sorry for that.”

Dweit smacked the warrior’s hand away after getting up, rubbing his throat. “Eh...whatever...”

Nodding, Tendorel looked over. Holly was still at it, stomping very slowly towards the mage as her expletives began to gain more bite. Sotoris, for his part, was only stepping back with the same rhythm as she stepped forward, though sweat slowly began to form on his forehead.

“Is she always like that?” Tendorel asked.

“Yeup.”

“Yes.”

Denarye looked toward Holly. Through his special vision, it felt almost like she was being enveloped by a seething cloud of anger. It seemed nigh-demonic but he knew all too well that it was not.

“...-robe-wearin-probably-with-nothin-under-like-some-sorta-freak, book-nerdin’, staff-holdin’-”

“Lady Holly. It is time we depart.”

Holly’s intensity shot a quick glare towards Denarye, her eyes looking like they could bring even the greatest of monsters down with just sheer fear. But to Denarye, it was nothing. And after a moment, Holly’s expression shifted to an annoyed grin.

“Wellllll, fine. I guess Dweit can live fer now.” She moved her axe onto her back and smiled at the poor goblin. “Though if you follow me an’ I see you, you’re going to be cut up into so many pieces that a sapper will be jealous, capisce?”

Dweit glared at her, but said nothing. Satisfied with that, Holly and Denarye took their leave, Holly grinning all the way through.

Tendorel sighed, putting his weapon onto his belt and his shield on his back. He looked over at Dweit. “I am sorry”, he repeated.

Dweit shrugged. “It’s fine, I get it.” After a moment, he looked over to Sotoris. “Thank you for your help, Archmage.”

“Ah.” Sotoris coughed, wiping off the sweat that formed on his head. “It was nothing, really. I did not want the work done by those adventurers to be undermined. The fact that an Alliance hero was the one who suggested the Horde return with Archmage Khadgar was the only reason the council budged on the issue. I...didn’t want that to be squandered, of course, and-”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Dweit waved at the mage. “Thank you again, so...scram, will ya?”

Sotoris winced at this, then sighed. “You’re welcome.” With a swing of his staff, he disappeared.

A few moments after the encounter, the bustle of the inn began in earnest once again. It was then that Ace walked in, holding a giant backpack of scrolls and inkwells. She looked pleased with herself as she plopped them down onto the table and sat down. “Ah...there we are.”

She looked over to her friends and noticed that they looked a lot worse for wear than before.

“...did I miss something?”

Dweit sighed, rubbing his hands into his brow. Tendorel, meanwhile, was nervously looking away, a shade of blush on his face.

“..................they know it’s Mamma Dweit, don’t th-”

“YES.” Dweit yelled out in frustration, taking the moment to punch Tendorel in the arm.

Tendorel frowned.

Ace looked at the two of them, then sighed with a bit of frustration. “Then we need to go to Gadgetzan. How fun. I really was hoping we could avoid that city...

Espeically after last Winter Veil.”

---

“So now it was time for us to head to Gadgetzan an-”

“Vait, vait...”

Dweit growled. “Oh, what is it now?”

“Vhat happened last Vinter Veil?”

“If I tell you about that, it’s going to take a little bit of time. You sure?”

“Oh, Mr. Dveit. I azzhure you, ve have all zhe time in zhe vorld.” The disfigured goblin smiled.

TO BE CONTINUED

[heyymonkey2]

First Night Back in Fuuga Ch 34: Somewhere Only We Know

AO3 Link to Chapter 34

Summary: Hak whisks Yona away for a night of romance

Yona is surprised when Hak leaves her in Mundok’s care for the afternoon. It isn’t like him to leave her when he’s concerned. Even stranger, it isn’t like him to go make preparations.

Sure, historically he’s been known venture off on his own… but to weapon shops. And obviously he’s well-versed in making preparations when it’s for a battle.

But this is neither of those things. This is beyond what Yona understands to be the scope of any Wind boys’ activities in general. Hak is off making preparations for her. A girl. His lover.

Yona is so curious she can barely stand it.

It’s hours later when Hak returns. But the room he left Yona in is empty.

He can’t help it when his heart speeds up and his mind starts racing through unlikely and terrible scenarios. Of course, he weighs them all as though they probably just happened.

So now he’s rushing through the palace halls, breaking into a full run and looking around frantically. He's sweating -- and he’s not the kind of guy who sweats even while training with a dozen men.

Hak tries to imagine where she could have gone. But she’s not in her room. Not with the dragons and Yun. Not with Min-Soo. Just when his hand starts itching for a glaive and his eyes begin to narrow into beast mode--

--there’s Mundok standing outside Hak’s old room.

Oh? She went here? Hak’s surprised, alright. He approaches to set his heart at ease.

“Couldn’t have stayed in one place, eh?”

Mundok glances sideways at his fired-up grandson, “You can’t leave a flower in a dark room and expect it to grow. She needed fresh air.”

“The air in there is definitely not fresh,” Hak cringes, staring at his door.

Mundok looks upward as though speaking to the gods, “The princess misses him and he still complains.”

Hak shakes his head as he passes and enters his room to find her -- and there she is at the window, perfectly framed, the light reflecting off her mesmerizing crimson locks.

Yona turns with a bright smile to see him, “It was so rare for me to ever come in here.”

“I wasn’t aware you ever did…” Hak scratches the back of his head, still in disbelief that she’s even in here now. The room's not much compared to what she was used to.

“Well,” Yona comes to him, wraps her arms around his firm waist, and snuggles her face against his chest. Oh, I missed you… “Sometimes when I wanted to come get you, I stood there in the door when you opened it. I may have peeked a little...”

Hak laughs in a breath as he recalls -- he was always shocked back in those moments, too. Why come for him when she had dozens of servants at her beck and call? Yet he was always secretly pleased when she did. He always wanted to be near her. Speaking of... “You never stay put when I ask you to, did you know that?”

Yona can hear his still-rapid heartbeat, “Were you worried?”

“Terrified.”

She looks up at his serious expression and her countenance slips into concern.

Seeing that, Hak adds, “But every time I get to be this relieved,” and he brushes a strand of hair away as he caresses her cheek.

“I’m glad,” Yona reaches her hands up and pulls his face down to hers. The return of his lips is so needy it takes her breath away. And she realizes just how concerned he truly must have been.

When they pull apart… “So… where do I get to be alone with you tonight?”

Hak looks to the side of the simple room, his cheeks turning pink, “Just come along. You’ll see.”

Yona feels something glow deep inside her. Aww, Hak’s embarrassed...

The moon is full in the sky, trees casting deep shadows and fireflies aglow as Hak leads Yona cloaked on horseback along a trail lined by tall grass.

Yona is thoroughly enjoying her view. Tonight Hak is wearing those formal Wind Tribe robes she likes so much. Though she hasn’t yet let go of the fact that he didn’t give her time to put on anything particularly ornate herself -- just a simple day dress. How is it fair that he gets to look so good while her hair is unruly and body cloaked?

Yona stops her pouty train of thought when she sees it -- a gorgeous bath house on the edge of this forest just beyond the palace grounds. It appears so welcoming. Warm light spills out into the foliage. Clear pools of water from natural springs spill off to the side and out behind the edifice.

“Hak…” Yona’s mouth is agape, her eyes taking in the pretty, secret wonder.

Hak's still looking forward as he leads her, “I promised I would do my best to do everything right if it’s with you,” finally he stops and turns to her, so shy but sincere, “In the Wind Tribe, when a husband learns his wife is with child, it’s tradition for him to honor her and celebrate together. A night alone, a special feast, and thanks to the gods.”

“Hak…” Yona is still speechless.

Hak blushes as he helps Yona down from the horse so she can take in this beautiful place she’s never been. Unlike Hak, who has countless secret spots in the woods around Fuuga from his childhood, Yona was never allowed to step foot outside the palace to find special places. That's a major part of why he chose here.

“If you’d like… this can be somewhere only we know,” he reaches out for her hand.

Yona places her hand in his, "I'd love that," then as he leads her, “This is incredible. How did you find it?”

“Well, technically Mundok knows about it and the servants who prepared it tonight. But few know it exists because it was your mother’s.”

“Hhh,” Yona gasps, tears welling in her eyes.

Hak turns, “Is it OK?”

But Yona’s smiling now, “It’s perfect,” looking up at Hak, “I’ve never been to a place I knew was special to my mother and father before. ...you taking me here to celebrate our baby and give thanks… it feels… like maybe somehow, somewhere they can feel this happiness with us.”

Hak squeezes Yona’s hand. I like that thought, too. When they reach the threshold, Hak stops them, “There’s one condition.”

“Hm?”

“You’re not a princess tonight.”

Yona looks up at Hak in shock, “Is that part of the tradition?!”

Hak searches, “Sort of… technically there are no princesses in the Wind Tribe. But what I mean is… I want you to relax. Pretend we’re just a boy and a girl from a village. On this kind of night, they’re allowed one responsibility only,” he’s serious now, “to love and be loved.”

“Hhh!” Yona gasps again as Hak so suddenly scoops her up in his arms and carries her over the threshold. It's a beautiful, perfectly-sized room with sitting and sleeping arrangements. Yona's cheeks are pink, eyes sparkling. Hak is being so romantic…?!

Hak gently sits her down on tatami mats at a low table on the floor and kisses the top of her head before heading to the other side of the room.

Yona watches him return with a tray of various foods already prepared for them. Hak notices Yona is off in her head, almost frowning at the tray.

“Not hungry?” he offers as though he’d happily whisk it all away as quickly as he brought it.

“Oh!” Yona regains herself and then with a little embarrassment, “Sorry, I was thinking of you as a village boy and me a village girl and then realized… you never would have married me.”

“I would have.”

Wow, there was zero hesitation there. But... Yona pleads, “No way! Remember when you brought me back to the Wind Tribe the first time? All the elders were at a loss at how I could be so… I can’t do any of the things a wife should,” she looks down at the tray and laments, “I can’t cook at all.”

Hak lifts the towel off one of the baskets.

Yona looks down, “Bean jam buns?!” her eyes widen at the meaning behind these for she and Hak -- from a time when they were both at the palace before, “Did you ask for these to be here?”

“I wonder…” he feigns innocence.

“You hated when I made these for you!”

He lifts one and takes a bite, “Relax, Princess…,” then correcting himself, “I mean, Yona. Do you know why I ate all of them that day?”

“You said it was so no one else would be poisoned.”

“Because you said you wanted to make something for someone you loved. And…” now he’s blushing big time, “you said you were making them for me.”

Yona’s breathing quickens. He remembered. But, “Then why did you tell my dad they were awful?”

“They were truly terrible. I could barely keep them down.”

Pouting, “You’re not making any sense, Hak. Why are you bringing this up like that’s a good memory?”

Looking straight in her eyes, “Bean jam buns have been my favorite food since that day.”

In the second Yona feels that sentiment hit her heart, Hak leans over the table and steals a kiss from her lips. When he pulls away he affirms, “I would have married you.”

Yona stares at this crazy man.

Hak goes on, “When you love someone… doesn’t anything that comes from them become precious?” then smirking, “If we were villagers, I would have died from your food. ...but I would have died happy.”

Yona is half-glowing and half-ready-to-hit-him. As she reaches to enjoy a bun with him, she notices the wedding band on her finger. Hak had spent most of the money he’d earned from being her bodyguard and saved in Fuuga in order to get it on the day of their wedding. It’s true that men like Tae-Jun or Soo-Won could have afforded something triple the expense and beyond. But to Yona, this ring is the most precious, perfect piece of jewelry she’ll ever own.

“Hak,” Yona starts as she works on an enormous bite.

“Hmm?” He responds, chewing his own.

“I would have married you, too.”

He stops chewing for a second. Yona knows he naturally doesn’t believe her.

“You think I didn’t ever notice you.”

Still not chewing.

Yona wipes some red bean from off her cheek with mild embarrassment, “I wouldn’t have been so self-conscious all the time if I didn’t know you were there.”

Hak smiles a little as he begins to chew again.

“Always making those rude remarks!” Yona doesn’t let go, then, “But you were always looking out for me. I don’t know how to describe it… I always felt comfortable with you. Safe.”

Making his point, “You can feel that way with friends though. You don’t necessarily marry your friends.”

“Hak,” she demands he listen, “if you were a village boy and I was a village girl, I would have married you. Even in the palace when,” she hates saying it, but, “there were reasons I should have looked other places for suitors first, didn’t I always come running to you for everything? Ask you to come with me everywhere? More than anyone else. I didn’t recognize it at first because I was so used to you always being there and I didn’t have any context. ...but the feeling was always there. You were always special to me. More special than just a friend.”

Hak looks down at the tray of food as he tries to regulate his body so he doesn’t look as moved as he is. Yona knows every behavior of his, so of course she notices. But she just enjoys watching the struggle and doesn’t say a word.

Still looking down, Hak moves a hand over one of Yona's, then musters something, if even a new topic, “I’m relieved to see you ate something.”

Yona bites her lower lip, “When I’m with you, my body gets so at ease sometimes it forgets there was ever any discomfort.”

Hak slowly looks up from their hands, following the line of her beautiful extended slender arm to her face, lip still trapped under her gentle bite.

Oh no. Hak’s plan was not to pressure Yona into anything physical tonight. He wants her body to heal and be rested. But the way she’s looking at him now… well maybe he can control himself?

So he does what he always can't not with this girl he loves, “If you have the energy… the moon is still out. Wanna go for a swim?”