#i feel so sick thinking about how i have to lead Noctis to the Crystal again in order to progress in the game

[lunarlegend]

.

#i feel so sick thinking about how i have to lead Noctis to the Crystal again in order to progress in the game #it makes me want to throw up #AU of my AU where there is no Crystal because Stella thought it was a giant piece of rock candy and smashed it with her warhammer

[secret-engima]

Ardyn doesn't know his own strength and accidentally helps Niflheim topple Insomnia like, eleven years too early. So he scoops his tiny would-be killer out of the rubble and smuggles him to the Nox Fleurets, presumably to stash for a few years--only, Tenebrae soon falls too, with the rumors of them harboring Prince Noctis (who the Emperor rather badly wants dead, as the Crystal still. won't. accept. him). So now Ardyn has to figure out how to semi-raise Noct into something NOT hopelessly (1/2)

alyss-spazz-penedo

said:

(2/2) civilian and strong enough to fight the gods and fulfill the Prophecy, even as he definitely still hates the child and would quite enjoy seeing him suffer. On Noct's part, he totally knows who Ardyn is and what he wants (thanks Luna), and sure he's glad he wasn't cut down in the raid on the mansion but he's SO unhappy to see Ardyn again.

Me: Oh my word do you even KNOW how angsty I could make this ask? DO YOU EVEN KNOW????? Of course you do you just want to see me suffer.

But just- this could get SO DARK. So abusive. So brutal and even though I would not go full dark there’s still so much ANGST no matter how you look at it.

The worst part is I actually have a bby AU very much like this. Does anyone remember the slightly unstable Imperial!Noctis that showed up in my All Nocti Dissidia AU blurb?

This is basically him.

A Noctis who grew up having lost his home TWICE. First Insomnia, then Tenebrae, both to the same Empire and the same Accursed, and then the Accursed had to RAISE HIM and it was- it was hard. It was brutal. Ardyn raised this Noctis to be a weapon strong enough to destroy him, a politician cunning enough to overthrow him, a scientist smart enough to outthink even Besithia. His only light was Luna, who Ardyn allowed to visit to keep Noctis on his “destined path”, and partially Aranea, who drifted into the young “Chancellor’s Nephew” orbit out of happenstance and then later pity, because she could see the brittle sharp glint in the boy’s eyes and knew an abusive situation when she saw it, and if him hiding in her airship sometimes gave him respite, if that was all she could do to help because Ardyn wasn’t someone she could arrest-.

She tried. At least. She did what she could.

And one of the most angsty bits of this is-

In some warped way, Ardyn and Noctis grow to love each other. Because there are days when Ardyn’s sickness loosens it’s hold enough to let bits of the Healer King and Big Brother shine through, and his touch becomes gentle and his teasing words lose their poison, his hands card through Noctis’s hair and do not scrape at his scalp, and when he speaks of Prophecy there is longing there for rest and repentance rather than poison and mockery for the fate that awaits them both. This is the Ardyn that peaks through when Noctis falls sick after climbing up a mountain in a snowstorm for training, or when he’s too sore to move after a night battling in Ardyn’s daemon training arena learning how to forcibly purify the creatures even though purification is Luna’s magic and not his. This is the Ardyn that holds Noctis close sometimes and sobs apologies into his limp, shivering nephew’s hair because he is aware, at least for a moment, that this child-teen-young-adult is not Somnus and does not deserve to be molded into a weapon of Astral and Accursed alike. This is the Ardyn that Noctis calls Uncle and bitterly, angrily loves in his heart, the one he looks for in the Chancellor’s every morning and quietly mourns when he cannot find him.

The Accursed trains and molds a weapon, a politician, a cunning, sharp mind that can rival his own and someday kill him.

But it’s the little bits and pieces of Ardyn that raise Noctis, a king and a nephew and a son that holds on to the morals Luna gives him with an iron grip, that makes sure Noctis is not completely drowned beneath the Chosen King.

And in the end it is the work of both sides, Accursed and Healer King, that raise up the one who saves the world. It is the Accursed who forged the weapon that hunts down the weapons of the Lucii and steals the lost ring, who steps into the Crystal without flinching and comes out ready to kill.

But it is Noctis who spent years stealing away children from Besithia’s labs so they would not become MT units, who fosters the rebellion and organizes the factions of Lucian, Galahdian, Altissian, Tenebraen, and Niflheim rebels so that they become a more cohesive whole that the Empire cannot isolate and crush beneath it’s boot. It is Noctis who sometimes sneaks into Luna’s rooms at night so that they can just- hold each other, so that Luna can run gentle fingers down his back and remind him what it means to be human, not a weapon, not the King of Light, who shows him the innocent people he must protect and proves to him that they are worth fighting for and keeping safe when it would be so much EASIER to just wage his war and not care about the collateral.

It is Noctis who teaches his stolen not-MT units to be people and to stay safe, Noctis who clings to the sunshine soul of the one who names himself Prompto and follows on his heels into the maw of Ardyn’s brutal training without flinching. It is Noctis who finds Lucis’s Marshal Immortal deep in one of Niflheim’s dungeons and arranges for the rebellion (his rebellion) to break him out. Who gives the Galahdians his magic in the dead of night with a ghoulish mask and cloak to keep his identity hidden from them. It is Noctis who finds the Last Amicitia leading a rebel cell and offers him hope and gains in accidental exchange a protector and Shield. It is Noctis that is tracked down by a young man with glasses and green eyes and loyalty in every fiber, a man who says “I know you are our secret leader, let me help you” and Noctis who is still human enough to be grateful and say yes.

It is Noctis who orchestrated the Empire’s downfall long before he stepped into Crystal, and who’s forces have hemmed and imprisoned the Accursed in the ruins of Noctis’s first home during the ten years he is gone.

It is Noctis, not the Chosen King (weapon, war beast, broken tool) who gently pillows Ardyn’s head in his lap and pets red-violet hair and sings ancient, long-forgotten lullabies as the Accursed (his tormentor, his Uncle, his worst nightmare, his parent) breathes his last.

It is Noctis who ascends the throne of an Empire and reclaims the Crystal (with Luna and a Retinue at his side to keep him from becoming as heartless as the Chosen King that was forged from him) rather than rolling over and dying, because Ardyn gave him training and honed his mind and gave him access to all of Besithia’s knowledge, did he really think Noctis wouldn’t look for a way to weaken and end the Scourge without sacrificing himself for it?

(He thinks perhaps that Ardyn didn’t, that his Uncle-captor-Chancellor-father always intended him to find a loophole in the Prophecy so that he would survive, that even when buried underneath the Accursed, the Healer King still fought to protect the last of his family)

(Then he clutches the cane he has to lean on ever since that final battle and goes to find some wine, because he does not want to think those thoughts. They hurt even worse than his limp and his joints and the lifetime of scars he hides under elaborate black tattoos.)

There.

THERE.

ARE YOU HAPPY NOW?

Or do you want me to ramble about how Cor feels the day he finally meets the mysterious head of the rebellion, who is now the emperor and how he’s suspicious and willing to keep fighting if this man turns out to be corrupt, because he’s heard this is the Chancellor’s nephew, only to feel his heart stop when he sees the profile of the man leaning heavily on a cane and thinks for one second it’s Regis’s ghost before realizing this man is younger and clean-shaven and dressed in a way that shows off the elaborate, scar-hiding tattoos on his arms and shoulders. How he makes some noise in his throat and when their mysterious Chosen turns to look at him Cor finds himself looking into armiger blue eyes and Regis’s face if it had been softened by Aulea’s jawline and made borderline feral by a lifetime of intrigue and abuse thinly veiled as training.

And Cor whispers the name of his best friend’s long-dead son, and the new Emperor’s eyes sharpen as he says, “How do you know my real name? I never told anyone outside my Retinue.” And something in Cor twists with realization.

And there’s also the realizations of Ignis and Gladio years earlier, who don’t KNOW at first who Noctis really is to them until he trusts them enough to reveal his magic and they realize THIS IS THEIR PRINCE. This is their long lost charge who they thought was dead, but has instead been raised by the man who hates him most and yet loves him dearly by turns and all that entails.

And there’s also LUNA. Luna who doesn’t die, but who grows up watching the gentle, smiling boy she first met in Tenebrae get shaped and sharpened and molded into a Chosen King and a beast of war and a tool of destiny, who could so easily become a monster just like the Accursed in all but name, but who FIGHTS it every step of the way even as his light falls away and Luna becomes his only cornerstone for years. His only reminder that there is a life and a purpose outside the Accursed’s plans and the Prophecy that Luna grows to hate, because if it did not exist then the Accursed would have no interest in her friend.

Luna who cries with relief the day the not-MT named Prompto glues himself to Noctis’s side and refuses to leave, because there is an innocent, stubborn light to the boy’s eyes that gently draws Noctis out of the armor that is the Chosen King even when Luna is not there. Luna who rails at the Astrals (at Bahamut, who prevents Shiva and Ramuh from acting) because they can SEE what is happening, yet they will not step in to rescue him, because even now Ardyn is pushing Noctis toward his “destiny” and that is all that matters.

Luna who, years after all is said and done, after the Accursed is laid to final rest and Noctis slowly dissolves the Empire back into free and healthy kingdoms, still has to hold him when he shakes and still has to talk the icy, too-sharp glaze from his eyes when he forgets to be human rather than weapon. Who pushes golden magic into his body even though she knows some scars can never be healed, and who has to talk Noctis down with Ignis’s help from the heights of his utter, visceral horror the day she tells him she is pregnant and Noctis realizes he’s going to be a father, but that he doesn’t know how, because what role model for fatherhood has he ever had and remembered that wasn’t the very man who took his real father away and made him the fractured mess he is?

...

There I think I’m done being brutally angsty now.

Happy notes for an AU like this would be-

Noctis and Luna both live. Ignis does not go blind.

Noctis and Luna have like- five kids and Noctis adores them all once he gets over his visceral panic. He is the gentlest, kindest father. Luna and Ignis and Gladio have to do all the disciplining because Noctis will not raise a hand or voice to them ever, and he has never looked more peaceful then when he is napping with his children in the garden.

Prompto has like- several hundred brothers because Noctis stole bby MT’s whenever he could. Prompto is the unofficial “oldest” brother of them all (even though chronologically he isn't) since he has the ear of the king, and all the clones have fun making themselves unique via hair and accessories and tattoos and clothes and weird names.

Gladio and Aranea are snark buddies, and neither are entirely sure how they got married but they’re pretty sure it was Biggs’ and Wedge’s faults and that Ignis officiated (which isn’t too far off).

Cor gets to spoil all of Regis’s and Clarus’s grandkids like crazy.

Galahd gets rebuilt and gets to be it’s own country. Nyx Ulric and Crowe and all our other fav glaives live and aren’t traitors.

Titus Drautos was one of Noctis’s most loyal double-agents during the rebellion, and frankly he isn’t sure how his retirement still involves him braincelling his Galahdian idiots, but their islands are pretty and its far, far away from any and all Niflheim/Lucian politics so eh, he’ll take it. Now if Nyx would just STOP using him as a babysitting service for the adorable adopted bby Ulrics of his newly remade Clan, that would help his blood pressure so much.

#SE asks #alyss-spazz-penedo asks #Secret Engima Rambles #Imperial!Noctis verse #angst warning #SO MUCH ANGST #tw: child abuse #referenced child abuse

[ladyhallen]

Holding Secrets Like a Crystal Chapter 3

Read on AO3|FFN

Monica never did get her answers.

Despite being the second to the Marshall of the Crownsguard and basically the one who ran the entire place when the Marshall wasn’t there, she still wasn’t the Marshall. There were some things that were confidential even to her.

And Cor’s mission that took a year…that was clearly beyond confidential.

She decided to keep the name, and Cor’s secret grief, close to her heart.

Occasionally, she would hear his musing on what Prompto was doing. Finally, years of waiting, and the image of a blonde baby held in Cor’s arms surfaced and Monica immediately broke into a coughing fit.

By Bahamut’s fucking shield, did Cor get a kid? And what happened to him? He was clearly alive. Perhaps he was adopted out.

No wonder Cor mourned. He had to give away his son.

Monica had a headache. That was what she got for being so curious.

.

.

“Dustin, I swear to Bahamut, don’t you dare – “ Monica started.

“I triple double dog dare you,” he said. “To a drinking contest, lieutenant.”

Oh Astrals, and he did it in front of witnesses too.

Monica sighed. “Fine. Fuck. Fine.”

.

Ten drinks later, and Monica stared at the bottom of her glass with a quiet expression of immense sadness.

“Cor’s just so nice,” she told Dustin earnestly. “He’s so nice. The best person ever. And not one of you fuckers are nice to him.”

Dustin blinked. “You’re related?” he asked because he was drunk too and selective hearing was a thing.

“By brain!” Monica announced. “We’re related by brain. The brain cell.”

It made immense sense to her. Must have made sense to Dustin too, because he nodded.

“Yes, the brain cell,” Dustin mused. “His sword is so cool.”

Cor arrived at one point, because Monica noticed the rhythm of his brain radio.

“Thank you,” Cor said dryly, making Dustin jump a foot in the air. “For appreciating my sword, Ackers.”

There were several wolf whistles at that, as Dustin blanched at the unintended double entendre.

“S-sir, I didn’t think,” Dustin stammered.

“No you did not,” Cor glowered. He ushered Monica up, who at that point was seeing double. She staggered and he supported her firmly.

“Come now, to bed with you, kid,” he murmured.

Monica blearily looked in his direction with a drunken smile. “Best human ever,” she muttered, before passing out.

.

.

Monica was used to intense headaches that caused her to vomit due to her telepathy. Hangovers were nothing.

The guard, who had expected her to take a leave of absence after the ten shots she did, looked awestruck as she worked like nothing had happened the night before.

“Don’t you get hangovers?” Dustin demanded.

His loud voice made her head throb, but Monica didn’t even show it. She was used to the pain.

“Of course,” she said. “But my pain tolerance is especially high for headaches.”

What the fuck, Monica. “Monica, you must have a head made of steel,” Dustin said.

Cor, who she hadn’t noticed lurking because of the distraction provided by her hangover, loomed. “Monica, why do you have a pain tolerance for headaches?” he demanded. What the hell, kid?

She sighed. “I am prone to debilitating headaches, ever since I was a child. No medicine has ever helped, so I’ve learned to work through it.”

A spike of pain made her brow wrinkle involuntarily before she smoothed it over again. It was too much to hope that Cor wouldn’t notice. Because he did.

“Monica, come with me to medical while we get you diagnosed with actual competent doctors,” Cor ordered.

Monica hated doctors. With a passion. After one doctor had recommended her to be exorcised, she wanted nothing to do with them.

“I’m fine,” she said. “But if you insist sir.”

“I insist.”

Astrals, he was so stubborn.

She radiated extreme dislike the entire time they were in medical. Even if the doctor diagnosed her with better, stronger medication, Monica stared at Cor.

Fuck, this kid is so stubborn. “Have a rest day, Monica,” he said. “If you continue working, I’ll extend it to five days.”

He was absolutely serious. Monica finally allowed a scowl to cross her face. “Sir,” she saluted with a frown.

Monica packed her things and passed by his highness with his retainer. Monica saluted him while stepping aside, and Noctis smiled and waved.

Despite being a very reserved boy, Noctis’s mind was loud. Louder than his father and certainly louder than Dustin.

Oh, it’s Monica! She’s so cool. Scary cool. “Hi lieutenant! You’re going home?” he asked, looking at the bag on her back.

Monica smiled at him, ridiculously fond of the boy. “Yes, your highness. I have a terrible headache and the Marshall has ordered me home.”

She says she has a headache but looks as unmoved as a cucumber. Wow that’s a crazy pain tolerance, Ignis Scientia thought.

“Oh, you’re sick!” Noctis exclaimed. “You better hurry home so you can rest and feel better.”

Monica saluted again. “Thank you, your highness.”

Man, the last time Prompto had a headache, he had to stay home for a week. Monica is really cool. Noctis said, turning away.

Monica’s feet only faltered for a second before she continued walking.

She was giddy with amusement and probably high from the pain and medicine. But still, she had finally found a lead to Prompto.

.

.

Prompto, it turned out, was a blonde teenager with a smile like sunshine and a very cheerful disposition.

Monica, looking at him, realized that Prompto’s everything must have come from the other parent. Because even if the Marshall was in a good mood, she had never seen him smile that much.

“Are we sure we’re authorized to do this?” Dustin asked as she commandeered several city cameras to stalk the boy on his way home.

“Nope,” Monica said blithely. “But if anyone asks, just blame me.”

Hot damn. “Alright boss, as you do. Why are we taking pictures of him though?”

Monica smiled. “It’s for an early birthday present. Also, get me a file of Prompto’s parents.”

Dustin did so with a frown the entire time. Well, maybe she hadn’t said anything when she made Cor sign the forms for Monica to do monitor duty but since Cor didn’t ask, she didn’t say anything. If Cor didn’t know, the King couldn’t scold him.

“Boss,” Dustin said, dread in his voice. “His parents…are the Argentums? But. They’re hardly in Insomnia. I checked their travel records and…”

Monica looked over Dustin’s monitor and frowned. “Check their bank accounts. Are they hiring anyone to take care of him the entire time? And when did this start? Prompto’s what, fourteen?”

Dustin searched and brought up their bank accounts, probably hacking into the Insomnia’s banking guild. But he didn’t say anything. Which was one of the reasons why she really liked Dustin. He didn’t ask unnecessary questions like Cor.

“They started leaving regularly when he was six, boss. No records of anyone hired to watch over him.”

Monica wanted to curse. She wanted this to be a nice surprise for Cor. A little bit of info on his kid. Maybe he signed stipulations that he couldn’t voluntarily seek out the child. So Monica did it for him. But if his kid was being neglected - !

“I’ll back check the camera records of the ones near his house. Is he – “ Monica brought up old files. It was a good thing that the Citadel recorded everything.

“That could take days!” Dustin complained even as he did as he was told.

“Luckily, I already signed our overtime forms,” Monica said.

Dustin sighed. This is revenge for the hangover.

Monica had to hold back giggles.

.

.

It took reviewing the tapes for three days with overtime, but they had everything.

It wasn’t pretty.

“This is a neglect case,” Dustin sighed. After the second day, he’d gotten pretty invested. “Monica, we can’t even report it because the evidence we gathered isn’t authorized by anyone!”

Monica waved that complaint away. “That’s fine. I can just get Cor to sign it and backdate it for me.”

Dustin stared, wide eyed, as Monica did just that.

She presented the files to Cor while Dustin watched from safe distance. Cor’s frown went from his normal frown to a glowering thundercloud that he usually wore blowing up bases in Niflheim.

“Monica,” Cor finally said, tone foreboding.

Monica crossed her arms. “Your kid, sir.”

Cor stood up and Dustin bit his fingers, very sure that Cor was going to - ! Hug her. Cor hugged her.

“Thank you,” Cor said, voice very soft and gentle. “Thank you. I’ll take care of this now.”

Monica nodded, her face flushed. “Yes sir. Don’t worry about the guard, I can take care of everything here.”

He smiled at her, and Dustin blinked. “Best human ever,” Cor said, patting her head.

Dustin and Monica stared blankly as Cor walked away with purpose.

As one, they looked at each other.

“Did he just – “ Monica asked.

“Yup.” And like that, Dustin started to laugh at the awestruck look on Monica’s face.

.

.

Monica still wasn’t sure if Cor knew she could read minds.

Cor didn’t ask, and Monica never said anything.

Still, it was reassuring that Cor never doubted her at all. If she said anything, Cor would believe it without hesitation. Dustin took this as Cor playing favorites.

“That just speaks of my track record,” Monica said. “How many arrests and cases have I solved while working for the guard?”

Dustin dully repeated, “More than any guard has ever done since Cor Leonis himself.” I should know, I checked the facts myself.

Monica nodded. “There. So you see, it is not favoritism.”

“You’re a brat, boss,” Dustin said, to everyone’s resounding “Oooohh’s!”

Monica held a shit eating grin in Dustin’s direction and said, “Still your boss, Dustin.”

.

.

Prompto moved in with Cor, and Monica knew this because the blonde baby that Cor usually imagined when he thought of Prompto, morphed into a blonde teenager with a wide smile.

Not that Cor said anything after he stalked off with the intent to skewer the Argentums with his sword.

“Just to you know,” Cor said. “Prompto will be staying with you when I have my solo missions from the king.”

Monica stared. “Am I equipped to babysit teenagers?” she asked.

“More than I am,” he said. “I didn’t even have a guest room when he moved in.”

The image of a sword storage rose in Cor’s mind and Monica had to hold back a gasp. Fucking Astrals, that was a lot of swords.

“Of course sir,” Monica said after a moment. “He seems to have settled in well despite the swords.”

Which. Uhm. Was a mistake. Because Monica just either a.) admitted to stalking them or b.) read Cor’s mind about it.

Cor stared at her for a long time. Eventually, he slowly said, “Yes. He did.”

Both of them stared at each other, before going back to their respective paperwork.

Honestly, this don’t ask don’t tell policy they had going on was sometimes very awkward, especially if Monica slipped and forgot to pretend to be normal.

Fuck I need a drink, Cor thought, which Monica echoed fervently. Damn, she needed new hobbies.

#fanfiction #ffxv #final fantasy xv #monica elshett #cor leonis #prompto argentum #telepathy au #monica is just like stalking is for your own good! #and cor is just if i don't know anything about it then regis can't give me shit for it later

[a-world-in-grey]

Hi! I love your new AU! Any headcanons on how the Lucis side of things are going while Sola is on her journey to cure Uncle? Especially Regis, Aulea, Cor and Noctis. Do they find out Sola = Alata after the Marilith?

Hi right back! I’m glad you’re loving the new au, it’s fun to write and see everyone’s reactions XD.

-To answer your last part first, no they don’t realize that Sola is Alata yet. Because Sola comes blazing in, blinds everyone present when she creates an explosion of sunlight to kill the Marilith, and Warps back to Loqi with a fatally injured Noctis before anyone finishes blinking away blindspots because she doesn’t want to deal with distractions while trying to heal a fatal wound on her brother’s spine.

-But Regis knows that magic searing across his senses. That’s. That’s his little girl. And he’s so relieved to know for certain that Sola lives and yet grieving all over again because he was too late (but that’s the theme isn’t it? always too late-) and now Sola and Noctis are gone.

-Then Cid calls him, calls him and tells him that his son is on his couch, that Sola brought Noctis to Hammerhead, and Regis doesn’t so much as break the speed limit as leave it in the dust.

-It doesn’t make a difference. Sola is gone by the time he arrives.

-(Too late.)

-As far as Lucis during the years before she shows back up to save Noctis - well, it’s a lot less Power of Stubborn and Cute and far more Angst.

-No one knows who took Sola or even how. Especially because they took all of her things as well and Niflheim is denying anything to do with Sola’s disappearance, and no one’s stepping forward for a ransom.

-They find the note Sola left, and Regis wants to murder whoever took Sola, because he knows his little girl. So fiercely protective of her family and they had used that.

-It’s a year before Regis even thinks about having another child. Because having another child while Sola is still missing feels like replacing her, feels like giving up and accepting that she’s dead. And Regis... he can’t bear the thought of his little girl, his little Sun never coming back.

-Cor throws himself into his work as Marshal. Every possible lead for Sola’s whereabouts is exhausted, even if it takes Cor infiltrating Niflheim himself.

-He doesn’t find Sola. But he finds another child, and Cor cannot let himself fail another child. He rescues the babe and refuses to give him up no matter how difficult being a single parent is.

-Cor almost names the child Elianus, for the sunshine smiles and bright laughter. But it’s too close of a reminder of the child he failed, of his goddaughter who he fails everyday she remains missing, and so instead he names his son Prompto.

-Prompto and Noctis are the bright spots in Cor, Regis, and Aulea’s lives. They keep Cor from taking suicide mission after suicide mission, keep Regis from fading under the demands of the Crystal, and gives Aulea the little extra strength she needs to struggle through the illness doctors thought would kill her, only two years after Noctis’ birth.

-“I want to see my son grow up,” Aulea says, “I want to see my daughter come home.”

-Then Regis learns that Noctis is to be the Chosen King. Bringer of the Dawn.

-And Last of his Line.

-Regis cries.

-And then he Refuses. He’s already lost one child. He Refuses to lose another. If Noctis is to die curing the Starscourge, Regis will make sure there is no Starscourge left to cure.

-And he will end this damn war so Noctis doesn’t have to.

-It’s two months later that Aulea - who took the lead into researching the Scourge when he told her of Noctis’ fate - tells him of the newest research out of Niflheim. Of Alata Mederi, the twelve year old niece to the High Chancellor who has not only researched the Scourge’s weakness, but is also one of the pioneering minds behind the first-ever treatment for Scourge-sickness.

-Regis immediately orders verification and possible implementation of the treatments, and Aulea directs another team to verifying and reproducing Mederi’s research. Because this is more than anyone has had in two thousand years, and unlike the Oracles, Aulea’s family cannot use their magic to cure the Scourge.

-But perhaps it’s time they reached out to the Oracles for help.

-Noctis doesn’t know a lot about Sola. He knows that he has a big sister, has seen the pictures of the little girl who looks so much like Mom and shares his blue eyes. He knows that Sola was kidnapped two years before Noctis was born and that Uncle Cor is still looking for his godsdaughter. He knows that Sola’s disappearance is the reason for the heightened security around him and Prompto and Gladio and Ignis and later little Iris. 

-But it doesn’t really affect him that much. He’s eight. His days consist of lessons and playdates with Prompto and Ignis and learning how to use a sword beside Gladio from Uncle Cor.

-Noctis knows he has a big sister. But he doesn’t usually think about her because Sola’s not there.

-And then she is.

#Sunshine Never Stops au #ffxv #Sola Lucis Caelum #Regis Lucis Caelum #Aulea Lucis Caelum #Noctis Lucis Caelum #Cor Leonis #Prompto Argentum #Prompto Leonis #Aulea Lives #Dad Cor #because as angsty as the Lucis side is gonna be #I Want Fluff #Aulea later teaches Prompto how to use a gun #because anyone looking to get her second child #is going to go through her #and if she finds the ones who took her bby girl #she will go through THEM #asks #hinalycoris asks

[sassycassie-s-writing]

Glaive, Crownsguard, Lucis Caelum

By: SassyShoulderAngel319

Fandom/Character(s): Final Fantasy XV/Ignis Scientia

Rating: PG/K+

Original Idea: Nothing in particular!

Notes: (Masterlist)(By Character)(About Me) This was just so much fun! Probably one of the more epic speeches I’ve ever written.

^^^^^

“Princess!” Ignis called, chasing me through the darkness, weaving through the underbrush with expert ease despite the fact that he couldn’t see anything.

“Stop calling me that, Scientia!” I snapped, jumping over a boulder instead of going around it like a normal person. “I'm not a princess! I'm a daughter of the Crownsguard turned Glaive.”

“With respect, lieutenant,” Ignis said, catching up and grabbing my wrist. He whirled me around to face him. I could see my reflection in his visor, despite the darkness. “You are the only blood relative Noctis has now. With his absence, the line of succession falls to you. You are the natural successor to lead the people through this eternal night.”

“I don’t want the throne. I'm not a leader,” I said, pulling my hand out of his grip. “I'm a Glaive. You’re a Scientia, though. Everyone knows that name as the royal advisors. Claim regency or stewardship or something. You’re a natural leader, Ignis. Not me.”

“I can’t lead what’s left of Lucis and hunt daemons at the same time. And I am much more inclined to hunt. But I promise you, princess, that I will guide you and advise you to the best of my ability. The people of Lucis will look to you for leadership. For comfort and guidance. You do belong to the bloodline of Lucis Caelum—”

“My mother was an illegitimate child,” I said. “Making me an illegitimate heir. And either way there’s no way anyone would believe me. No one except you knows who my mother and I really are and who we come from. There’s no way to even prove it with the Ring of the Lucii gone with Noctis.”

“There is,” Ignis said. “Your magic still works. You are tied to the Crystal. When King Regis died, every other Glaive lost their magic. Except you. Because you are of the line of Lucis.” He sighed and set his hand on my shoulder. “Please, princess—lieutenant. Your people need you.”

“No. They need someone like you.”

“Leading the people of Lucis is not my duty. My royal duty is to advise the True King—and, in his absence, you. You have a duty to your bloodline to serve your people. A duty to your king—your cousin. And it won’t be forever. Upon Noctis’ return, you can relinquish the throne and give it back to him.”

I sighed and closed my eyes. “I’ll think about it. You’ll have your answer when I return from this hunt.”

“That’s all I ask right now.”

“If I say yes—what will I have to do?”

“A public address in front of Lestallum’s city hall, claiming your right to rule and proving your bloodline by revealing your magic. From there, I’ll teach you and guide you. Hopefully you won’t have to be much more than a figurehead. The mayor of Lestallum will still run the city, but our people will look to you for reassurance and comfort. You may have to organize things and give speeches, but we’ll take those as they come. And I promise to aid you where I can.”

“Alright. I’ll think about it. No guarantees,” I said. He smiled and let go of me. I ran into the darkness.

^^^^^

Stepping up to the podium, I looked down at Ignis’ speech cards. He’d had Prompto write the speech so the lines would be even.

Ignis’ speech was beautiful. Eloquent. Full of compelling language and exquisite words.

But they weren’t my words.

I shoved the cards in my pocket. Near the front of the assembly and off to the side, I saw Prompto whisper to Ignis—presumably describing my actions.

“Uh… hello,” I greeted. A quiet murmuring shivered through the crowd. “Some of you know who I am. Most of you do not.” I cleared my throat. “I am a lieutenant of the Kingsglaive and a daughter of the Crownsguard. My name is Estelle Constellatio. Or… that’s how people know me. No one here barring three are aware that I have another name. One in the middle. My true name is Estelle… Lucis… Constellatio.”

Louder whispers rippled through everyone standing in front of the hall.

“I'm guessing a lot of you don’t believe me. Think I'm just some power-hungry twenty-something looking to take advantage of the power vacuum in my cousin’s absence,” I continued. “And yes, I said cousin. The late King Regis is my uncle. My mother is the illegitimate daughter of King Regis’ father—a grandfather I never knew. I joined the Kingsglaive rather than the Crownsguard in order to hide my connection to the Crystal. Those of you who know anything about the members of the Kingsglaive know that their power died the night His Majesty did, as their magic was bound to him.” I clenched my hands into fists at my sides. “To prove to you that I am who I say I am, I’d like to say: if I were just a normal Glaive, I’d no longer be able to do this.”

I raised my hand. Lightning came down and struck it.

People openly talked, a quiet roar rising over their heads, rather than whispering.

I lowered my hand. Everyone went silent. “I stand before you today to claim my birthright as the only blood heir to the line of Lucis Caelum and step up as acting regent of the Lucian throne. And I swear to you that I will do my best to lead you through these hard times.”

I took a deep breath and sighed, peeking a glance at Prompto and Ignis. Prompto nudged Ignis—who nodded at me with an encouraging smile.

I looked out at everyone else again. “I’ll be honest: I don’t want this job. I actively fought Ignis Scientia—one of the royal advisors—against taking up this role. I'm not doing this because I want to. I'm doing it because I have to. I will lead you because it’s my duty.

“As a Glaive, I do this for hearth and home.

“As a daughter of the Crownsguard, I’ll do this for my king.

“And as a granddaughter of the Lucis Caelum House, I do this for my country. And my people.” I put my fist over my heart and bowed to the crowd. “I am humbled, and honored, to work for and with you. And when His Majesty, King Noctis returns, I will happily and readily relinquish the throne to him.” I licked my dry lips. “Thank you for your time, and your support. May the Six bless us to get through this together.”

I stepped away from the podium and bowed.

There was a long silence.

Someone started clapping.

It was Ignis.

Prompto joined him. Then Gladio.

Then everyone started clapping. Someone cheered. Someone else whistled. I put my fist over my heart again and bowed once more before turning and going into the city hall to collapse on the nearest bench and pant from anxiety.

No one liked public speaking much—least of all the girl who’d run away from the spotlight her entire life. That girl being me. The amount of energy and effort it took to seem smooth and confident while facing down what was left of Lucis made me feel like I’d run three miles without stopping.

Someone dropped onto the bench next to me. A gloved hand found mine where it was resting on my knee with surprising accuracy. “Impressive speech,” Ignis said. “Better than mine. Did you make it up off the top of your head?”

“Sorta. I thought about it a little while I was out hunting,” I said. “For hearth and home. For my king, country, and people. Some of that. And you’re right. This is my duty. I didn’t ask to be connected to the Crystal—to be the daughter of an illegitimate daughter of a long-passed king. But I am. And sometimes we have to suck up what we want to do in order to do what we have to do.”

“That’s very wise of you, princess—I mean, my queen.”

“Oh no, Ignis. Please don’t. Don’t with the titles. I’ll play the part of the acting queen but I don’t want to actually be a real queen.”

“Just as it’s your duty to serve the people, it’s my duty to serve you—as the acting queen. All you have to do is ask.”

“Oh trust me, you’re gonna get sick of me because I'm gonna ask so many questions. I don’t know how to be a leader—royal or otherwise. I'm trained to fight and to follow orders. To use my magic to vanquish MTs and daemons. Queenly stuff isn’t me. You’re gonna have to teach me a lot.”

Ignis chuckled. “I understand that,” he said. “I pray you are a better pupil than Noct.” He sounded amused.

“I’ll try to be. Out of necessity.”

“In that case, I look forward to working with you, m’lady.” Ignis stuck his hand out.

I shook it. “Me too. But please, if you can call my cousin Noct, you can call me Stell. Everyone does.”

“Alright. Stell it is,” he said with a smile. “Shall we start? I did have a few notes on your delivery.”

“From my speech?”

“Quite.”

“Play nice, Ignis. I’ve never done public speaking much before.”

“Playing nice has nothing to do with it,” Ignis said. “Your voice was confident, but some of your pauses and throat clearings came across as scared. If you must pause, try not to clear your throat so much. And try not to lead with ‘Uh.’”

“I’ll bear that in mind.”

“Splendid. Now, I must say, you do have a gift for words. For making that speech up on the spot, it sounded like something a real queen would say. I have the utmost confidence that the foreseeable future with you as acting regent will go well.”

“Thanks. That makes one of us.”

“We’ll get through this, Stell. Together. It’s going to be hard on everyone.” He set his hand on my knee. “But we can do this. Don’t be afraid to let Gladio, Prompto, and myself help you.”

“I won’t. Promise.”

“Good. Now, go get some rest. We have a lot to cover, but we can make a real queen of you yet.”

“Thank you, Ignis.”

“Of course.” He patted my knee. “I’ll see you in a few hours.” He paused. “Well. Technically I won’t see you—but I’ll meet with you again in a few hours.”

I chuckled. “Right. You get some rest too,” I said. “You’re gonna need all your strength to turn this Glaive into a queen.”

He kissed my hand. “I have faith in you.”

“I'm honored. See ya later.”

“Until then,” he agreed.

#Glaive Crowsguard Lucis Caelum #ignis scientia #ignis scientia imagine #ignis scientia fanfiction #Ignis #ignis imagine #ignis fanfiction #Final Fantasy #final fantasy xv #final fantasy 15 #final fantasy xv fanfiction #final fantasy xv imagine #ffxv #ffxv imagine #ffxv fanfiction #ff15 #ff15 imagine #ff15 fanfiction

[queeranarchist]

Dear Writer

Thanks for reading this! I’ve tried to lay this out in a fairly readable script but I’m not sure how much I’ve succeeded! This letter is just suggestions so feel free to go in whichever direction you wish and have fun!!

General Likes: Trans characters, queer themes, queer solidarity, character development, strong gen. relationships and just interactions with characters outside of a relationship, dialogue driven story, non-linear narrative, animals 

General Dislikes: Plots in which miscommunication is the main plot (to elaborate on this I’m totally fine with characters pining for each other and not realising the other is doing the same but you know plots that just make you want to tear your hair out), gratuitous violence for the sake of it, soulmate aus/general destiny based stuff (angrily going against destiny stuff I’m very down for though)

DNW: NSFW with under age characters, a/b/o, non-con

Final Fantasy XV I really like the whole gang here and how they interact with one another! I’d love the story to include all of them and how they are a massive part of each other’s lives.

I’m a massive sucker for trans Gladio! But also in my heart none of the gang are straight or cis so like feel free to head cannon whatever you wish The conversation Prompto and Noctis have on the roof about Prompto not feeling good enough to be around them – more of that please! I love some good internal angst! Maybe working this in with a sort of awkward getting together story (be it Prompto/Noctis or Prompto/Noctis/Gladio/Ignis)

I’d like a story that looks at the complications between duty and following one’s heart (yeah very cliché) but Noctis comes in being expected to marry Luna, lead the kingdom and hold off imperial forces, whether you want to go with a more romance based side by looking at Prompto/Noctis or Prompto/Noctis/Gladio/Ignis or going with a gen. fic this is something I’d like to be explored

A fix it fic!!! Oh my god there are very little of these and I just want to give my boys a happy ending – again this could be looked at through either of the relationships or gen. – but yes give me a post cannon where Noct lives or is brought back to life? – I am totally okay if you just want to ignore the whole him dying thing though at the same time I’m also Here! for watching the rest of the gang grieve and Noctis then rocking up like oh yeah death didn’t stick. Anyway, you can play with that however you wish But my favourite head cannons for what would happen post that are:

Focus on taking down the imperial army – no rest for the wicked and also you know getting a satisfying ending would be nice – especially considering the world had just completely gone to hell while Noctis was in his crystal

Blatantly ignore the shadow world, Prompto and Noctis marry and start a chocobo ranch, Gladio does the heavy lifting and Ignis does finances (okay okay that’s super cliché have them doing Whatever you wish) the story line is just fluff and cute, a sick chocobo, a missing baby chocobo, the big chocobo race – was I the classic horse kid in primary school and just want to relive those stories but gayer and with giant birds now yes, yes I do Stardew Valley

I love stardew valley, not only do you get to be a gay farmer but you also have this super cool world with a wizard, magic beasts, and evil overlord company, an adventurer’s guild….and then nothing is expanded on – So I am very down for world building!

If doing a ship, I’m really only down for Sam/Sebastian, if you prefer to write general I am down with any character (personal favs being, Shane, Sebastian, Abigail, and Sam) but feel free to write about whomever you wish – though as it’s a small town I’m Very down for everyone interacting and knowing each Naruto

For some misguided reason I love Naruto, my main thing with any Naruto fic is pleaaaase don’t side line Sakura, even if you’re writing Sasuke/Naruto let her exist as an important character in the story.

My fav head cannon with her is that she did do the whole obsessed with Sasuke thing as a small one but realised that hmmm that was not a good life choice and is now an actually put together legit person – bonus points if she’s gay, bonus bonus points if Ino had a similar realisation –they don’t necessarily need to be in a relationship but realising that Sasuke wasn’t all that and wlw solidarity is quality

I Love the summons, particularly I love Naruto’s toads, though also Kakashi’s dogs I would love for them to be included in the fic, I also very much love Naruto being trans, and Rock Lee in general

I would really like a fic in which Sasuke can’t be saved and Naruto has to kill him – or Naruto ends up unable to do so and Sakura does it. Basically, I just want some severe angst!

On the opposite end of the spectrum I’m here for Team Seven just going on a mission and it just being some good quality bonding and team building

BNHA 

I am only slightly past the anime so please largely stick to that cannon

General likes: All characters being valued, Bakugou being more than just angry, Aizawa having a cat, inclusion of a fair amount of class members  Aizawa/Hizashi I really would like a fic of them in their twenties, figuring out their hero lives and being teachers. I like both of them being trans, but am especially partial to trans Aizawa. I also very much like them to be in a good relationship aka minimal jokes about Aizawa not liking how loud Mic is please.

I’m also down for a Slice of Life of them just being at the stage of life in which they currently are right now, with all the things that are going on in UA

Kirishima/Bakugou

I head cannon both of them as trans and I really like their dynamic in terms of Bakugou doing his best to be super intimidating and Kirishima just being like haha awesome that’s so manly. 

Bakugou & Kirishima & Mina & Denki

I’d like to state that I nomed the Group: Bakugou & Kirishima & Mina & Denki and just…. flat-out forgot about Sero in that moment – please feel free to include him in that group if you go that way – also feel free to combine this with Kirishima/Bakugou

I would just like to see what sort of shenanigans these idiots get up, after all they’re teenagers. I would love them breaking the rules for some stupid prank that they somehow manage to drag Bakugou into, maybe worried he’d get indicted regardless of actual involvement and he doesn’t trust his friends to keep out of trouble on their own, maybe actually genuinely worrying about his friends getting in trouble, maybe he thinks the person being pranked really deserves it, who knows

They adopt a cat – they find a stray somewhere and bring it to the dorm, nonsense ensues as they try to keep it hidden from the teachers in the dorm

#writing #fandom5k #letter

[cottoncandyspider]

Animal Charmer Noctis AU

Noctis has a special connection with animals.

World

no war with Niflheim

the royal family of Lucis and Crystal exist, but more to establish that there is magic in the world and that Noct’s gift is an anomaly

Noctis

not part of the royal family

but part of a minor noble family

has a gift that allows him to befriend animals

for the longest time, he was able to hide this gift while living in Insomnia

dogs, cats, and birds would follow him around, but it was easy to write off as him feeding them sometimes

his gift was found out on a school trip outside of Insomnia, where wild animals were moving closer to more populated areas and becoming aggressive

rather than leaving the animals be or letting them be killed by hunters, Noctis approached the animals and managed to persuade them away from the outpost

this was, unfortunately, seen by some of the biggest gossips at school and everybody knew about it before Noct returned from the where he had left the animals

when he returned, Noctis was bombarded by his peers, asked question after question:

Is it true?

How did you do that?

Why can you do that?

What are you, some kind of freak?

which then devolved into insults and calling him a freak for having powers when he’s not part of the royal family or even a crownsguard/glaive

it didn’t get better after returning to the city, where he was constantly harassed and insulted

physical harassment came to a quick halt when the local birds started attacking the other students when Noct was distressed

after a few weeks of this, Noctis’ father contacts a friend outside the city, hoping there would be somewhere his son could go where he wouldn’t be harassed for his gift

the friend in question, Cid, introduces Noctis to Wiz, who hears about Noctis’ gift and immediately thinks that it would be a great asset for his outpost

Noctis moves to the Chocobo Post, helping with taking care of the birds and being sent out to check on wild chocobos

The other Chocobros

all three are part of the Crownsguard, along with other duties

Gladio’s family is still from a long line of Shields

Ignis works in records

Prompto does freelance photography

Prompto joined the Crownsguard after becoming friends with Ignis and Gladio

Prompto met Noctis when he got a chance to visit the Chocobo Post for his birthday and has been trying to convince the other two to come meet him

Prompto doesn’t find out about Noctis’ gift until after the other two meet him

When they finally relent, Noctis isn’t there, having been sent out to find an injured/sick chocobo

Gladio takes it as an opportunity to explore the world outside of Insomnia

Ignis and Prompto agree, because it sounds like fun

Hunters

Noctis occasionally has altercations with the hunters, especially if they are bothering animals that aren’t bothering anyone

like, seriously, the hunters do some dumb shit

he managed to talk them out of hunting animals that have become aggressive because people have moved into their territory

instead, warnings are posted about dangerous animals in the wild

Noctis reports any animals that have gone rabid and can’t be calmed

it breaks his heart to call the hunters, but killing them is better than leaving them to suffer

How Noctis met the other three

when Deadeye became a problem around the Chocobo Post, Noctis wanted to take care of it himself

Wiz had to talk him into waiting for someone to come help

that help was, of course, Gladio, Prompto, and Ignis

The other three don’t find out about Noct’s gift until he has to save one of them (Ignis) while they’re on a hunt

What? I’m shamelessly hinting at this being Ignoct, so what?

Adding a little bit of detail to the school trip mentioned earlier:

High school trip; Noctis is 16 when he goes to live with Wiz

Any rumors about his being sent away have some suspicion that he was sent away out of shame

Some details for Noctis’ family

Their last name is Caelum

They’re very distantly related to the royal family, whose name is Lucis Caelum

Regis is a distant cousin of the queen

And, just because I can, I decided to say fuck the timeline and make the current ruling monarch the Rogue Queen

Also, so that I can reference a name if need be

Like, to the point that their main connection is the Caelum name

Hence, why Noct’s family is a minor nobility

The media’s only interest in them is the fact that they share a name with the royal family

Concerning gossip around Noctis being sent to live with Wiz

Ignis, being the type to keep abreast of any and all goings on with the Citadel and anyone associated with it, did look into any rumors that cropped up around the time of Noct’s departure

He promptly dismisses them when the idea of Noct being able to talk to animals comes up

Gladio wasn’t all that interested but did listen when Ignis told him of what he found and had the same thoughts about the rumors

Remember the Mind the Traps side quest?

A couple of months after living with Wiz, Noctis is sent out to get a feel for being out in the field

Along the way, he comes across some traps and decides to get rid of them

Or he accidentally finds one by stepping on a hidden one

Seriously, one’s in a bush; I spent five minutes looking for it

Either way, Noct gets his leg caught in a trap and ends up stuck where he is for a couple of days

He’s found when it’s noticed that animals in the area seem particularly agitated

The strangest phenomenon is when the local predators will approach people, stare at them, and then turn to start walking away before glancing back like they’re expecting to be followed

Driven by immense curiosity, Sania is the one to risk following a coeurl and finding Noct

Noct being hurt and vulnerable (the perfect prey for any predator,) found propped up against a coeurl, clinging to its fur for dear life, is what convinces the hunters that, yes, he can communicate with animals

Of course, Regis and Aulea are informed of what happened and visit him in whatever hospital he was taken to

When she’s calmed down from fussing over Noctis, Aulea braves the wilds around where he was found and thanks the coeurls who kept him safe and helped him

Most everyone is perplexed that Noct’s parents have no problem with the fact that their son had been surrounded by vicious animals

The damage done to his leg leads to Noctis having a limp

#noctis lucis caelum #final fantasy xv #story prompt #animal charmer noctis #sorry if you're tired of seeing me post this au again #but i want to be sure everybody can see them #because some people prefer to use just mobile for tumblr #so i want to make it easier for them #i'll post two new aus later today so you'll have something new to play with #long post

[prophetparadox]

Birds of a Feather: Sudden Surprise (Prompto x OC Soulmate AU)

AO3/Masterlist

Word count: 2067

Oops, I accidentally took too long to get this done. In my defense, I did get FFXV for Christmas and have been playing it a lot lately, so I’ve been distracted. I can say with certainty though that my next fic won’t take as long! I plan on having something out for Valentine’s Day so keep an eye out for it! I just wanted to finally get this done before I started working on it. Anyway, this is an idea I’ve wanted to write for a while now, so I hope you all enjoy it!

Tagging: @blind-bae, @cupnoodle-queen, @nifwrites, @themissimmortal, @takuahijackedthetardis, @lunarlapin, @fujinhildr, @grumpyoldmoogle, @neontonberry, and @pandorias-box. Still don’t remember everyone who wants to be tagged, but if you want to be added to the list then let me know!

Three years had passed since Noctis had gone into the Crystal, and despite everything that happened, Katia and Prompto had managed to make a life for themselves in Hammerhead. It wasn't easy, but they were able to handle it. They had a room for themselves, a temporary set-up until they could get a proper place, went on enough hunts to keep them strong, and had each other to keep them grounded. All things considered, they were happy, and that was what mattered. Of course, things can happen unexpectedly, and not even their world was safe from sudden change.

Prompto was out on a hunt, a difficult one that would take a few days but nothing he said he couldn't handle. Katia had wanted to go with him, but she found herself feeling tired more often than usual and she was having mild headaches. He insisted that she was in no condition to fight and should stay back, and she had no reason to argue. So she found herself chatting with other hunters and Cindy, hoping that whatever was happening would quickly pass.

But two days after he left, she began to feel worse.

Cindy had gone to check up on her that morning, finding the bathroom door open and Katia slumped over the toilet. The mechanic walked over and rubbed her back, hoping to soothe her. "You okay there, hun? Ya look like a mess." she said.

Katia raised her head with a groan, flushing the toilet as she grabbed hold of her head. "I'm fine. Just vomiting my guts out." she tried to laugh.

Cindy helped her stand up, concern all over her face. "What happened? Food poisoning or something?"

"No, it just came out of nowhere," Katia said, going over to her bed and sitting down. "I was about to make something to eat when I just felt nauseous out of nowhere. I don't know what kind of illness this is, but I'm pretty sick of it, no pun intended."

Cindy joined her on the couch. "I thought ya didn't get sick."

"No, I just don't get sick often. I've just always been like that. Regardless, this is pretty weird even for how I usually get when sick. I don't have any temperature changes, but I don't feel good at all."

Cindy stood up and headed for the door. "Wait here for a sec. I need to go grab somethin'." she said, stepping out. It was only about five minutes or so before she came back with a small box in hand. She handed a stick to Katia, leaving her to stare at it for a moment before laughing.

"Uh, Cindy, this is a pregnancy test."

"I know. I want you to take it."

"Okay, ignoring the question of why you have these in the first place, I don't think I'm pregnant," she insisted. "That's just silly."

"Just humor me for a sec, will ya?" Cindy asked, a serious look on her face. "Besides, when's the last time ya had yer period?"

Katia thought for a moment, trying to recall when that was. "I dunno. A month ago maybe? I don't exactly keep track of these things anymore, and it's not like missing one is a sure sign."

"Just give it a shot, okay?" Cindy asked, shoving Katia back into the bathroom.

Without any other options, Katia sighed and did as told. She followed the directions on the box and waited, though she felt certain that she knew what the answer would be already. While her and Prompto did want kids, they weren't even sure if they could. He was a clone and she was a test tube baby, it was likely that one or both of them could be infertile because of that. And even then, they'd already decided to wait until the sun returned before they even thought about trying to have a kid. So they always practiced safe sex, and even when there was a slip-up it didn't get her automatically pregnant. So there was no way that could be the issue.

A beeping noise sounded out in the bathroom, indicating the test was done. She looked down at it, already convinced about what she'd see, only for her eyes to widen in shock.

There was a pink plus symbol staring back at her.

Katia screamed.

Cindy rushed into the bathroom, about to ask what was wrong but stopped as the pregnancy test was held up in front of her. "Cindy, I'm pregnant!" Katia shouted, caught up in a state of panic.

"Just as I thought," Cindy said. "But why're ya so worked up about it, I thought you'd be excited."

"Cindy, you don't understand! I don't know anything about being a mom! Oh six, how do I tell Prom? We weren't even ready to have a kid yet! How did this even happen?! What am I gonna do?!" Katia's heart was thumping in her chest. She was pacing around the room, all of her worries spilling out.

"Woah, calm down there for a sec!" Cindy placed her hands on Katia's shoulders, trying to calm her down. "Yer about ta turn into a cryin' mess, let's get ya sittin' down at least," The mechanic lead the distraught woman over to the couch, sitting her down. "Alright, now I know yer freakin' out, but this ain't a bad thing."

Katia was close to hyperventilating. "Cindy, we wanted to wait until the world was safe again before trying to have kids," she explained as she tried to steady her breathing. "We don't live in Lestallum where it's safe and sound, we're out here at a garage. This is no safe place for raising a baby! Especially since we don't know how!"

"Didn't Ignis have a kid recently? I'm sure he can help ya." It was true, Ignis and Eleiza had a son that was almost two. Surely she could ask them for advice.

"Okay, but what am I supposed to tell Prom? I mean, he's still out on that hunt! I don't wanna freak him out when he walks in the door!"

Cindy placed a hand over Katia's. "Hun, I've known you two fer a long time now. No matter what ya say to 'im, he's gonna stick by ya. He loves ya more than anythin'. Just be honest and tell 'im the truth. He'll understand."

"It's not that, I know Prom would never leave me or anything. I just don't wanna put him into shock! And he's supposed to be back any day now, I don't have time to prepare!"

"Well not if yer freakin' out like this," Cindy stood up, pulling the distraught hunter off the couch. "Ya got nine months ta get ready fer this kid, and I know that Prompto and the others are gonna help ya. If the two of ya can raise a dog and a chocobo chick, I think a baby won't be that hard. As fer tellin' 'im, just try ta calm down and I can help ya figure it out, okay?"

Katia nodded her head, Cindy was right. Freaking out like this wasn't going to help at all. She needed to think positively. "Think you can make something to eat first? I still haven't had breakfast."

Cindy smiled. "Sure thing, hun."

---------------------------------------

Prompto was exhausted.

That hunt took a lot out of him, and he wanted nothing more than to return to Hammerhead and fall onto his bed. But checking on Katia was his top priority, he'd been worried about her since he left and his thoughts had kept returning to her. He wanted to make sure she was okay first, maybe convince her to cuddle up with him on the bed. He just hoped she was feeling better than when he'd left.

When he entered their little living space, he noticed that it was strangely quiet. Usually when he came back from long hunts he'd hear some music playing in the background, but not this time. In fact the only sound he heard was what sounded like vomiting from the bathroom. He put his stuff down and knocked on the door. "Kat? You okay in there?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Katia replied, her vomiting ceased. "I'll be out in a sec."

Prompto felt concerned. She hadn't been throwing up when he left. But surely she'd tell him what was going on. He sat down on the couch and got comfortable, waiting for his fiance to be done.

A few minutes passed and Katia came out, joining Prompto on the couch. Without a word, the two kissed each other, happy to see each other again. They didn't even need to say anything. "Sorry, I had to brush my teeth after that," Katia said. "Didn't want to kiss you with vomit breath, that's gross."

"You feeling okay? You weren't throwing up before. Have you gotten worse?" Prompto asked, his smile turning into a frown. He couldn't help but feel worried at this point. Katia's smile vanished as well. She scooted a bit away from him and took a deep breath.

"Okay, I have some big news I need to tell you," she said, looking down at her legs. "Now, promise you won't freak out or anything, because this is gonna shock you," Prompto just nodded his head, worry over what she had to say flowing through him. She took another deep breath and took his hand in hers, squeezing it and then placing it over her stomach. Before he could ask anything, another deep breath interrupted him as she looked straight at him. "Prompto, I'm pregnant. You're...gonna be a dad."

The room went silent as Prompto took it all in. Katia was pregnant. With his child. They were going to be parents. They could have children. He was going to be a father. He pinched himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming, only to find him still sitting on the couch with Katia.

"I know we were gonna wait until Noct came back, but this was a shock for me too. And I know we're not ready for this but I still want to have this kid. Cindy and the guys already know, so-" Katia's rambling was cut off as Prompto suddenly brought her into a hug. She could feel her shoulder getting damp from tears. "Prom? You okay?"

"I can't believe it, we're gonna be parents!" Prompto exclaimed. "We're gonna have a family! We're gonna have a son, or daughter, and they'll be ours!"

"You're not upset?"

"Why would I be upset, Kat?" he asked, breaking away from the hug and looking at her. "Sure, it's earlier than we expected, but that doesn't matter! And this just means we can have another kid later! Because we can have kids!"

Katia began to smile. "You're not worried either?"

"Of course not! I'm just happy this is happening!" If he was being honest, Prompto was very worried. His track record with his parents wasn't the best so he had no idea how to be a father. He was concerned that the child wouldn't like him or that he'd be a bad father. But in the moment, none of that mattered. He was just too happy. He could address his fears later, Katia wouldn't think they were stupid.

Some tears slipped down Katia's face. She'd been worried over nothing after all. "Even though I'm still kinda worried about things, I'm happy too. After all, I got the greatest man in the world by my side."

Prompto kissed her cheek, holding her close. "We'll get to those things when the time comes. For now, I'm just happy that I'm gonna have a super cute kid with my soulmate."

"How do you know they'll be cute?"

"Because you're their mom of course! And you're the most adorable woman I know. If our kid doesn't get your cuteness I'll be shocked."

"If this kid is inheriting cuteness from anyone, it's you."

The two of them laughed with each other as they sank into the couch. Even with their worries, the two of them knew that with each other by their side things would be alright. They'd been through a lot worse in the past, having a child would be easy by comparison. While it was certainly unexpected, that didn't matter. Because they had each other, and their future child. Even in a world of eternal night, they'd make it work.

#Prompto #Prompto Argentum #Prompto x OC #Final Fantasy XV #Final Fantasy 15 #Prophet posts #Soulmate AU #Silver and Iron #Birds of a Feather

[insomniasix]

Chapter V -Dark Clouds | Part I|

A/N: Italics are Noctis’ memory. 

Previous 

 Several days after the battle with Titan and his goodbye, Six found herself waking up in the same RV she had in the dream. She wondered for a few seconds if this was another’s realm; if the Archean had summoned her, so could the rest.

The thought left her mind once she heard Prompto’s voice.

She looked at her phone. Why were they up this early, and more importantly, why were they so loud?

She wore her jacket, knowing it was about to rain outside –she loved the smell of the falling rain, it was one of the reasons she was the last to wake up. The other being her stomach twisting, as she thought she was coming down with a flu. Six moved to the door of the RV, getting out and stretching her arms before looking at her shoulder. She was fully healed by now.

Gladio was the first one to see her. He waved his hand at her with a warm smile and she moved closer to the rest.

“I still can’t believe it.” Prompto said while Gladio placed a kiss on Six’s forehead, wrapping an arm around her waist “I mean, shouldn’t the car have turned up by now?”

“We should wait until Cindy’s done asking around the local garages before we despair.” Ignis said after nodding a ‘good morning’ to her.

“Let’s not fool ourselves.” Gladio said, tightening his hug when Six closed her eyes to fight of her nausea “The empire has it.”

“Six? Are you feeling alright?” Ignis asked, curious of her behavior.

“Yeah, Iggy.” Six run her hand through her hair “I just… I think I’m coming down with something.”

“You wanna visit a doctor?” Prompto asked, worry filling his blue eyes.

“No, I think I’ll be fine. I rarely get sick, and it usually doesn’t stick for long.” She smiled sweetly at their worry “Gladio’s right. The Empire is sure to have the old girl somewhere close to them.” She changed the subject back to the Regalia.

“Then maybe we could ask Ardyn to help us out again, right?” Prompto asked, making Six raise an eyebrow at his question.

“The imperial chancellor.” Gladio mocked, speaking everyone’s mind.

“He represents a problem, not a solution.” Ignis crossed his arms in front of his chest.

“So where does that leave us?”

“Stranded, awaiting word from Hammerhead.”

“In the meantime, we’ll have to hoof it.” Gladio pointed out, drawing a certain whining from all three; Prompto, Noctis and Six, who were obviously not up to it.

“Look, it’s Umbra!” Prompto said, pointing at the dark furred friend of the Prince, sitting right behind them.

Once Noctis was close enough, Umbra barked and started running off in the other direction, turning every now and then to check if the company followed.

“Someone’s sending us a message.” Six pointed out, following Umbra close behind before everyone follower her lead.

Umbra led them away from the Chocobo Post and into the tree line, where Noctis stopped and turned around, feeling her presence “…Gentiana.” He breathed. Six stood back, arms crossed on her chest as she smiled at the way Gentiana still stood tall, even after all these years.

“Hear me, O King of the Stone.” She said and her velvet voice was as Six remembered it. She and Gentiana hadn’t seen each other for a long time, even if neither of them had aged a day “By the Stormsender’s blessing will the path to the Stone be opened. The Oracle goes hence in her King’s name.”

Gentiana’s words made Six take a step forward, closer to her King “Luna,” Noctis asked “where is she now?”

“The eye of the Storm.” Gentiana’s answer was simple “When the covenant is forged, the Oracle and ring shall await their King at the Walls of Water.”

“Altissia.” Six breathed, feeling a wave of uncertainty running down her spine.

“Stray not from the path.” Gentiana continued before disappearing into thin air, leaving behind an upset Noctis and a very confused Prompto.

“Who…” Prompto stuttered “What…”

“She’s a Messenger,” Six explained as simply as she could “a spirit faithful to the Oracle.”

“For real?” Prompto asked, taken aback from the word spirit.

“We’re going beyond real now, pal.” Gladio huffed a laugh, moving to stand next to Six who was still staring to where Gentiana stood “What’s she to you, babe?”

“She’s an old friend.” Six smiled at the memory of their friendship. Gentiana and Six knew each other even before the Royal family of Lucis saw her in Tenebrae. It caught the attention of both kingdoms at the time, until they realized: Gentiana, the Messenger, was the one to leave Six at the stairs of the Chantry when she was an infant. It didn’t take long for King Regis and Queen Sylva to connect the dots, and when they did, they left the matter as it was. Not getting in the way of the Gods, as both women where sent by them.

“Noct?” Six asked, drawing his attention “You should let Lunafreya know we’re on our way.”

“Right.” He nodded, moving closer to Umbra and getting the notebook from his pack. Reading Luna’s message and sending Umbra off with his own “Let Luna know, I’m okay, and she won’t have to wait much longer –we’ll be together soon.” He said the words as his mind run back to the days they spent together in Tenebrae.

“The Crystal was gifted to mankind that we might know lasting prosperity…” Luna said, showing him the book she always held close as Six kept a close eye on the two from the entrance of the room. Smiling proudly at Luna’s knowledge.

“If the Crystal belongs to everyone, how come only Lucis gets to use it?” young Noctis asked.

“The kings of Lucis do not simply use the Crystal; they also protect it.” Luna answered simply, sure of her answer to the young Prince.

“Wait, so my dad’s guarding it?”

“Yes!”

“I had no idea.” Noctis was so proud of his father, making Six smile at the way his eyes sparkled, thinking back to him.

“To crown the King of Light is the calling of the Crystal.” Lunafreya continued “And keeping the Crystal safe until that day falls to the line of Lucis.”

“And I’m the Chosen?” a tear rolled off Six’s eyes as she knew what that meant; but she quickly covered it and stood tall to her post again, listening in on their conversation.

“Yes. Only the True King, anointed by the Crystal, can purge our star of its scourge.”

“You really think I can do that?” Noctis asked, unsure of his abilities, pressing down on his wounded leg.

“As Oracle, I will see to it.” Luna reassured him “To aid the King is the Oracle’s calling.”

Noctis didn’t hesitate for a second before he gave her his answer “Then… I guess I can do it. I won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t.”

The smile on Six’s face showed Noctis she knew –as always –what was going on in his mind. Where it run back to, he returned it as he stood up, before she spoke “As your Glaive, I will see to it too.” She said, ruffling his hair, earning herself a playful, royal grunt “You can do this!”

Noctis nodded at her “I won’t let you down.”

“Unto the King alone, this voice is heard.” Noctis heard Gentiana’s voice in his head, turning around to look as Six flinched in pain, wondering if the Messenger’s words were true “To follow the words is to follow the chosen path. Bridging heaven and earth it strikes, the Storm’s ephemeral yet eternal Light. To the Light must go the King.”

“You alright?” Gladio asked, moving closer to Six and letting his hand stand on the small of her back.

“Yeah, just a headache.”

She couldn’t hear Gentiana’s voice, that much was clear. It was softer waves than the ones Titan send, but the headaches were there.

“Lady Lunafreya has done well to keep the ring from falling into enemy hands.” Ignis pointed out.

“All we need to do is hit Altissia.” Prompto agreed.

“That entails passage aboard a ship.” Ignis said “Caem may serve us now as it did them then.”

“The hidden harbor…” Gladio agreed “Hmph, just might work. I’ll have Iris set it up.”

“So in the meantime…”

“We head into the Storm.” Six finished Prompto’s line for him while putting her hood on, not wanting to feel any sicker than she already did.

After Gentiana had disappeared, the light rain had started purring down.

“Another day, another deity.” Prompto said, rubbing a finger over his nose where some drops of rain had fallen as they started for the first rune stone of Ramuh’s power.

Next

Feedback is always appreciated! 

#ffxv fanfiction #ffxv #ffxv game rewrite #ffxv x oc #six ulric #gladiolus amicitia #gladio x oc #gladio x six #noctis lucis caelum #ignis scientia #prompto argentum #gentiana #astrals #ramuh #chapter 5 part 1 #for hearth and home

[cherryblossomcheesecake]

How Rare & Beautiful: Chapter 6 - A FFXV OC Fanfic

New chapter out on time, go me! Thank you to those who favourited/followed the story. We get to see portions of the anime here, and Soo-Min talks to a rock lol. So the song that I listened to while writing this was "the crystal chamber" by James Newton Howard for the movie Atlantis, which I adore. Anything in Bold Italics is astral speech. POSTED: 05.19.17 EDITED: 12.19.17 WORD COUNT: 3,130 Master List Previous Chapter

The Crystal Chamber - James Newton Howard

We had spent all day by the water, Noctis fishing under the supervision of some members of the Crownsguard, while I collected shells with the nanny who accompanied us. But the day's mood had been a bit lackluster due to the absence of Noctis' father.

Noctis and I sat side by side in the car the following evening, tired from our day at the coast. I leaned against the car door, tucking my feet up beside me as I dozed, the quiet rumble of the engine lulling me to sleep.

In my half awake state, I could hear Noctis speaking with the nanny, Lyssa.

"The fireflies were so pretty. Shoulda brought a bottle…" the prince muttered tiredly, leaning against the woman in exhaustion.

Lyssa smiled before replying, "Your father will be happy to hear about your day, Prince Noctis. It's such a pity he couldn't make it today."

I was able to see the dark haired boy tense at the mention of his father not being able to join us for the day, offering a stiff rebuttal of "He doesn't care."

I frowned at my friend, opening my eyes before saying, "You know that's not true, your father loves you." and slumping down further into my seat while the prince narrowed his tired eyes at me.

The car was filled with silence for a time, allowing Noctis and I to fall into a light sleep.

However we were suddenly awoken by an explosion outside the car. Startled out of my slumber, I quickly sat upright, straining to see what was happening outside. The driver quickly pulled the car over, the third car stopping behind us as we watched the lead car be engulfed by flames and explode.

Noctis and I leaned towards the window as the fire continued to burn, Lyssa trying to pull us close to her side in shock.

One of the Crownsguard in the car unbuckled his seatbelt as he announced he was going to have a look around to see why the car had gone up in flames, only to be stopped by the driver. "Wait." the guard stated, straining his eyes to look through the smoke. I followed their gazes, peering into the smoke and catching some movement. And whatever it was, it was pretty big.

A large serpent-like form slithered across the ground, the front of the creature rising from behind the burning wreckage. It resembled a woman somewhat, the skin of it a pale blue, and all six arms were wielding a sword, the fire serving to make the thing appear more terrifying.

"A daemon?!" one of the guards stated in shock. He whipped around in his seat to face us, giving orders to Lyssa. "Protect the prince and Soo-Min!"

That was all he could say before the daemon's swords were piercing the body of the car, taking out the passenger side window and windshield, brutally killing both guards. Noctis and I screamed at the top of our lungs, Lyssa fumbling with the door beside me before herding us outside.

We ran as fast as we could, Lyssa shielding our backs as we fled from the daemon, the car we had just been in moments ago exploding into flames. I grasped Noctis' hand tightly, panting for breath as Lyssa pushed us forward, the distant growling and hissing of the daemon growing closer by the second.

All too soon, the burn of running was replaced by the searing hot pain of the daemon's blades as they cut through us. Lyssa gave a short cry of agony before collapsing to the ground, her dead weight dragging down the prince and I.

My thighs felt as if they were burning as hot as the cars behind us, my blood soaking through the skirt of my sundress and staining the grey fabric black. I cried silent tears of pain as shock set in, Lyssa's blood pooling beneath her dead body and spreading under the prince and I.

I could see Noctis in my peripheral vision, shifting his arm as he took in the prone form of his deceased nanny before looking upwards in terror. Moving my head slightly, I could see the daemon staring at us from a few feet away, snarling and raising its blades menacingly. My eyes widened in fear, my hand grasping my friend's tightly as we looked back the monster that we were certain was going to kill us.

Out of nowhere blades of light slashed at the daemon, directing the creature's attention away from us. The monster bellowed in rage, screaming at her attacker. Noctis and Lyssa's body was obscuring my vision of who had come to rescue us, but I was able to pick up on the shouting of orders from members of the Crownsguard as they attacked the daemon.

Some of the guards managed to remove Noctis and I from Lyssa's dead body, immediately looking over our injuries. I let out a scream of pain as a guard tied a bandage across the cut on my upper thigh, the tears streaming down my cheeks a stark contrast to Noctis' unresponsive form as he stared off to the side while he was being treated.

The world became hazy eventually, the pain becoming too much and forcing me to fall unconscious as the king called Noctis' name desperately.

When I came to, I found myself within one of the citadel guest chambers; Myung-Hee was face down at the foot of the bed as she slept in a kneeling position on the ground, while Aetius is seated in a chair at my side. My father carefully grasps my hand as I wake, moving from the chair to sit beside me on the bed.

"Soo-Min… I'm so glad you're alright, sweetheart. Your mother and I have been worried sick about you…" he whispered to me, careful to not wake up my mother. I took in the changes to his face—the worry lines that had appeared on his forehead, his cheeks looked more hollow than I remembered and there were shadows beneath his eyes.

"What happened… What happened with the daemon?" I questioned, my voice hoarse from disuse. My father looked at me with tearful eyes and caressed my cheek while he considered his answer.

"King Regis took care of it. The daemon won't be able to hurt you anymore. You're safe"

I nodded lightly, glancing around the room before clearing my throat to ask my next question. "What did the daemon do to me? What did it do to Noctis? There was so much blood and pain, I…" I closed my eyes tightly, my breath hitching as the fear from before hit me like a tidal wave. Aetius immediately began trying to soothe me and fend off my tears, kissing my forehead and cradling my hands in his much larger ones.

"You're going to be fine, the end of the daemon's blades caught the backs of your thighs. The doctor thinks it will heal in less than a month, especially since your body managed to reject the Star Scourge so quickly. After a bit of bed rest and physical therapy, all that'll be left of all this is a scar…" my father assured me, wiping away some of my tears that had fallen free.

"And Noctis?" I pressed, worrying over my friend and his health. I watched my father's face fall, his green eyes looking away from my chocolate brown ones.

"The prince fell into a coma. His spine was severed by the daemon's blades, and he has been infected with the scourge. The doctors operated on him to repair the damage as best they could, but even if he manages to fend off the scourge, the prince may never walk again, Soo-Min… His fate is in the hands of the gods now." Aetius told me with a heavy sigh, dragging his thumb over the top of my hand in soothing circles.

I stared up at the ceiling, my vision blurring as my eyes filled with tears. A lump began to build up in my throat, my refusal to let my sobs free while tears slid down the sides of my face. I swallowed in order to clear my throat and hold back my sorrow.

"Can I have a moment alone please? And maybe could I have some food?" I requested, wanting some time alone to wallow in grief. My father only nodded before rising from my bed and silently leaving the room.

I cried in silence, unsure of what to do now that my only friend lay on the brink of life and death. I didn't want him to die, I wanted him to live a full life brimming with love and happiness. I wanted him to just live without all this political bullshit surrounding him constantly, but that's something I couldn't change. I thought on my father's words, that Noctis' life was in the hands of the gods, and it was up to them if the scourge was to claim him or pass. And in my last life, if you wanted something from a god, you prayed to them.

Swinging my legs out from under the covers, I gingerly began to lower myself onto the floor, clinging to the bedside table for support. A dull ache appeared in my thighs, forcing me to bite back groans of discomfort as I used the walls and furniture to guide me to the doors of my room. I stuck my head out into the hall before shakily stepping into the empty corridor, ignoring the burning of my thighs. I pushed myself to the wall next to the door, pausing to rest and figure out where the crystal was; if I was going to be praying to the gods, I was going to make sure they could damn well hear me.

I could feel the power of the crystal radiating from the center of the citadel, burning as bright as the sun, while the king and Noctis were candles in the night. I travelled the silent halls slowly, keeping to the walls and shadows to hide myself when a servant would pass by. My journey put strain on my thighs, the burn eventually becoming an inferno of pain that had me biting my lip in order to contain my cries.

The stairs leading up to the room where the crystal was kept was most likely the worst part of the whole thing. I used the guardrail to heave my body up the stairs, clinging to it for dear life when my legs needed a rest. Upon reaching the top, I peered around the corner, watching the guard patrol walk past the chamber doors and turn the corner.

I moved as swiftly as my exhausted legs could carry me, pulling on the door handle and slipping inside the chamber.

The dark room hummed with power from the crystal, pulsing gently as it projected the wall around Insomnia. I knelt on the ground in front of the suspended geode, letting its eerie light reflect onto me while began to pray.

"You are not of the Caelum line, mortal. What is your purpose for addressing the gods?" demanded a voice that screamed of power beyond imagining.

Despite reading in the Cosmogony about the astrals physically existing in various locations on Eos, I didn't expect any of them to answer my prayers personally or to address me. I cleared my throat before speaking, my voice like sandpaper on wood to my ears.

"Soo-Min, of the Han-Farron family. I come to beg the gods for mercy on behalf of the prince, Noctis." There was silence for a heartbeat following my reply before the voice was speaking to me once more.

"You are not who you claim to be, your soul bears no resemblance to those of this star. And yet, you willingly reveal yourself to the gods and pray to us for the return of the Chosen King."

I winced in pain as the voice pounded on my head with a force stronger than a migraine, tears welling in my eyes. I looked up from my lap only to come face to face with what could only be the Draconian, Bahamut. The world around me faded into nothingness as I stared up into the inhumanly blue eyes of the astral, letting my tears fall freely.

"I would do anything for Noctis, he's my only friend in this world. So do what you want with my soul; purge it from this world or keep it as a souvenir, I don't care. Just please, answer my prayer and return him to his father." I pleaded, begging the unmoving god.

"Let judgement be passed upon your soul, so it may be known if your presence is harmful to this star and worthy of the astrals' benevolence." Bahamut decreed, his armoured hand pulling me closer to his face so that his eyes could inspect my very being. 

It was invasive, the god analyzing everything I had done in my past life up until that moment, determining whether my intentions were evil based on my character and actions. What was seventeen years of memories took only mere minutes to sift through before the Draconian retreated to pass his judgement.

"Your soul is pure and bears no ill will towards this realm and its people. It is also incorruptible, as the perverse magic of the scourge cannot taint you due to its foreign nature." the god stated, remaining impassive and cold towards me. I became hopeful at this admission, looking up to the astral pleadingly.

"Will you return Noctis then, and return him to us?" I asked, hope flooding my voice, almost certain that the god would fulfill my request.

"Such a thing is not within my power, the scourge has the King of Kings shackled within his mind. However, I can grant you the gift needed to guide him back to the light, at a price." the Draconian stated, drawing me away from his face.

"I already told you, I would do anything for Noctis. He's my best friend." I replied certainly, my eyes never straying from the astral's face.

"So be it. You will be able to enter the Chosen King's mind, and free him from the scourge, but at a price. As long as he lives, you must guide the King of Kings, and bear witness to the future unfolding before you and you alone. Unable to warn them of what comes, you must ensure that the prophecy is fulfilled when the time comes to pass. This is your duty as the Seer. Now go, see your prayer and duty fulfilled." Bahamut announced, releasing me from his phantom grasp and bestowing his divine blessing. The rush of magic that forced its way into my body felt like being punched in the gut by a boxer, throwing me back into the chamber that contained the crystal.

However, I was not returned to my body; I continued to exist outside of myself, a projection of who I once was. I had been returned to my past appearance, although my form was opaque and ever shifting, never solid as a normal human would be. My school uniform was present once more, no doubt making me appear as I did the day I died.

I collected my unconscious physical form, and strode out of the chamber. I walked through the halls of the citadel, passing by the servants and Crownsguard without care, for they could not see me if I did not want them to. I returned my body to my temporary chambers, thankful that my father had yet to return, before moving on.

I could sense the magic rolling off the king and Noctis from across the citadel, the flickering of Noctis' waning strength and power drawing me to the boy. I entered Noctis' chambers soundlessly, coming to observe my friend in his forced slumber. At his bedside sat the hollow-faced and weary king, his brow furrowed as he watched over his son.

The pain engraved on the king's face was unbearable, his desperation made known by the small figurine set on the bedside table—the familiar shape of Carbuncle drawing a small smile to my face.

I willed myself to be seen, speaking directly to the king so that my presence would be known.

"Choosing Carbuncle to watch over Noctis' dreams is a wise decision, your Majesty." I observed quietly, hoping that my sudden appearance would not startle the king too greatly. The man's head whipped towards me at an intense speed, tensing in preparation to protect his vulnerable son. I didn't move from my spot at the foot of the boy's bed, making myself calm and unfearful of the man before me.

"If you've come to take my son from me, reaper, you're mistaken. The afterlife won't be gaining his soul just yet." the king warned me, the threat apparent in his voice, making me smile at his devotion.

"I can assure you, King Regis, I am not here to lead your son to the afterlife. But may I inquire what gave you that impression?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"You have the type of head wound that would kill a person, no matter how healed it appears. And the blood staining your collar and face is not subtracting from the grim appearance…" the king described to me, as I wasn't aware that the wound that had sent me here had been present.

"Fair enough… But I am not a reaper, your Majesty."

"Then what are you?" the man questioned, still not trusting me completely. I considered my answer carefully, not wanting to give away too much about my identity.

"I'm a Seer. I've been sent to make sure the prince lives so that fate may continue to run its course. You have no need to fear me, I will guide Noctis back to the light." I offered Regis, willing him to see the honesty in my brown eyes. The king stared for a few moments, observing my form before heaving a tired sigh.

"If the astrals sent you, then do what you must to save my son." he relented, allowing me to approach the boy as he collapsed into his chair.

"I promise, I will return him to you, and continue to watch over him after this, your Majesty." I assured the weary king, receiving a tired nod before proceeding.

I sat on the boy's left side, leaning over him to observe the pained and exhausted face of my only friend. Phantom tears began to well in my eyes before I was able to blink them away, falling from my translucent cheeks to land on his porcelain face. I pressed my lips to the hair hiding his forehead, allowing myself to be swallowed up by the prince's dream world.

Next Chapter

#ffxv #original characters #noctis lucis caelum #ffxv fanfic #my fics

[sadspottedpanda]

The Cold Road to Redemption (FFXV Fanfic) : Part 3

Screams. That's all Prompto could hear from his locked cage deep inside the bowels of Gralea's Zegnautus Keep. He's sickened by that fact that Ardyn had caused all this mayhem. Daemons were crawling all over the city, slaughtering whoever they could feast on as the Starscourge spread and mutated everything it touched. He knew all too well what happens to humans infected with Starscourge and Luna was no longer around to help kill that horrible disease.

Niflheim was all but destroyed and the rest of Eos was next. Prompto's mind turned to all the people he cared about. There was Cid and Cindy in Hammerhead, Iris in Cape Caem, and, of course, his friends. Were his friends coming? Were they even still alive? He was worried sick about all of them. Worried that the moment the Starscouge bled into Lucis, all of them would be swept away and turned into daemons. Meanwhile, Ardyn had injected him with a weird serum. Even though nothing was happening to him yet, he felt really groggy

"It must be nice to have friends.."

Ardyn's disembodied voice suddenly echoed throughout the empty halls.

"I hope you find your dear Prompto soon."

Prompto was confused. Did he hear that right? Was someone coming to get him? His friends? Were they here?! That was enough to spark a little bit more hope in him. His friends were alive and they were coming to get him! All he had to do was wait. Wait for that door to open and his friends to come through.

Ardyn's menacing voice came over the intercoms again, taunting Noctis and telling him about the MT's. How they came into being and how they were raised as weapons for the Empire. Promto shuddered, thinking that if he never escaped when he was a child, he would've ended up a hollow, fighting monster - a fate worse than a machine's. Thankfully, his friends made him feel that he was one of them. Human. He felt guilty about hiding who he really was from them, but he didn't want to risk losing them. they made him feel alive and happy. He was never lonely with them. Even though they were just sitting in silence, their presence was enough to make him feel he belonged somewhere.

The minutes dragged on, and the door stayed shut. Even Ardyn became quiet. Prompto musted up all his strength to stop himself from thinking that his friends had been killed. "They can't be dead..." He thought to himself. Then he saw the thin, dark lines forming on his arms. The serum had finally made its way through Prompto's entire bloodstream and it was starting to attack him from the inside. He was expecting it to be painful, but he didn't even notice until now.

"No...not now..."

The door finally flew open with Noct, Gladio, and Ignis rushing through, immediately grabbing at the restraints immobilizing Prompto. They were obviously worried, asking him if he was ok and how he was holding up.

"I...I'm fine. Were you worried about me?"

"Of course we were. what kind of a question is that?" Noct replies with and smirk.

Prompto smiles to himself. He was safe now. Noct helps him to his feet and embraces him tightly. He could feel him slightly trembling as he hoarsely whispers, "Dude, I'm sorry...please, forgive me...I don't want to lose you again..." The tears start flowing. Prompto knew his time was limited. He was starting to feel the serum's effects on his body as it targeted his organs and infected it with its sickening darkness.

"Prom, you don't look so good. What did they do to you?"

It was hard to lie to Noct. Prompto was never a good liar anyway and even if he's tried lying before, Noct just saw past it. It's especially hard to lie now, given that they were trapped in the heart of the Empire with daemons all over the place, but he just couldn't tell Noct that he was going to die after all he and his friends went through just to find him.

"Look, if you're gonna lie, I'm going to see right past you. You suck at lying."

Prompto chuckles. "I'm good. Really. Just a bit tired, that's all."

Noct stays silent for a minute. "Fine. Just don't die on me, alright. We gotta get the crystal and get out of here before it's too late." Prompto nods and leans on Noct for support.

Gladio takes the lead with Ignis. "We'll clear the way in front of you. Try not to get killed from behind, alright? Stay sharp." Noct and Prompto follow the two, slashing and shooting at anything that dared accost them. As far as they knew and based on what they've seen, the four of them were the only ones alive in the facility, probably all of Gralea.

As the two leading men turn a corner, Noct looks straight into Prompto's eyes with a pleading look.

"Prom...please, tell me the truth."

"The truth?"

"Now's not the time to play cute and dumb. I mean, I like it when you do it, but this isn't the place or time for it."

Prompto sighs. The words don't come out easily, but he can't keep this from his best friend. It was too obvious.

"Ardyn...he found me after I fell off the train. He...He injected something in me. Something bad. Dude, I'm scared. It hurts. I can feel it in me and I don't know what it is. I...I..." Prompto breaks down in Noct's arms and Noct is fuming.

"The son of a bitch! I'm gonna kill him!"

"Hey, you two still alive? I was-" Gladio's taken aback by the scene in front of him. "What's going on here? everything ok?"

"No! Everything's not ok!" Noct screams. "That bastard did something to Prompto! Injected him with some fucking shit! Look at him!" Gladio looks at Prompto and his face contorts into an expression of pure rage. The thin black lines on Prompto's arm are slowly creeping up his veins. His skin is getting paler by the minute and it's obvious that he's struggling to even walk right now.

Ignis was blind and couldn't see the extent of Prompto's condition, but he could sense that Ardyn had done something horrible to his friend. "Prompto..." for the first time in a really long time, Ignis is speechless.

Prompto looks up and smiles at his friends. "Go."

The word enacts a collective "What?!" from all three men. "We started this together, and I'm not leaving with one man down!" shouts Noct. "I agree. We'll get you out, Prom." Gladio chimes in. "Perhaps we could find a cure while we're here. We must make haste." says Ignis calmly. The reactions touch Prompto's heart, but he knew better. If he went with them, he might end up killing them if he suddenly turned into something. He opens his mouth to argue, but Noct and Gladio are already picking him up.

Noct gives Prompto a reassuring look. "We're gonna save you, Prom. You have my word. It's not like the first time we've done it either." "Hey, what's that...supposed to mean?" Prompto manages a smile before a violently coughing. Particles of blood stained black splatter on the floor. "Hey, we gotta hurry. C'mon!" Gladio urges them to move. "We've passed so many labs, one of them ought to have at least something!"

Noctis had a look of pure panic on his face, tears trickling down as he ran with Prompto in his arms. "Damn it!" He could already feel Prompto slipping away with each passing second. Potions were useless. Not even precious elixirs had any positive effect on Prompto's condition.

"Stop...Guys...Please..." pleads Prompto weakly. "Enough..."

"Hang on, Prom. We're gonna find something. I am not losing you, goddamnit!" Noct was close to his breaking point. His best friend was dying in his arms and he refused to believe that there was nothing to be done. He runs into a lab while Ignis and Gladio look for anything that could help in another.

"Noct!" Prompto gripped Noct's arm. "Stop..." The black lines were now up to Prompto's neck, sucking whatver precious life and humanity he had left. "I...I don't want...to die like this...I want to die...human."

"What are you saying?! You're not going to die, Prom! I promised! I promised I'd save you!" Noct falls to his knees and cradles Prompto in his arms, outright sobbing and his chest heaving.

"You can still save me...Noct." Prompto shakily puts his gun in Noct's hand. The cold metal makes contact with Noctis' fingers and instantly elicits a violent reaction. "No, Prom...anything but that...there has to be a way..."

"I'm running out...of time, Noct...Don't worry...I'll be ok..."

Finally realizing that there was nothing else he could do, Noct nods and pulls Prompto close to him with one arm. He hums Prom's favorite chocobo song slowly and gently rocks him like a mother would to a baby.  He lifts the gun with his other hand, pointing it at Prompto's head.

"Take it easy, buddy. Look after Luna for me, ok?"

"You can...count on it, buddy." Prompto smiles and closes his eyes. It's been awhile since he's felt peace. He could get used to it.

#ffxv fanfic