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mvrtaiswriting · 3 years

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We were 18. - Jotaro Kujo.

Me?? Posting something about Jotaro?? How strange. This piece of work is also dedicated to two of my comfort characters, Kakyoin and Joseph. This artwork is really important to me, it really holds a special place in my heart so.. enjoy!

Neutral reader x Jotaro Kujo

Jojo’s bizzare adventures: Stardust Crusaders (spoilers)

SFW | fluff

Trigger warning: usual jojo violence, reference to grief, insomnia.

Word count: 1760.

The ‘continue reading’ button is there for space purposes, to make the reader avoid any possible spoiler and/or sensible topics.

Hi! Are you a new reader? Check my masterlist for more content!

Please feel free to reblog or leave a comment :) help me support my art (it’s free!),

Since you returned from your tumultuous trip in Egypt, your life has never been the same. Once you came back to your hometown, not a moment passed by when you didn’t remember the terrible scenes you’ve witnessed during the fight with Dio. The memory of Kakyoin’s death was still so vivid in your mind and the more you tried to shake that thought out of your head, the more you kept reliving it – over and over again.

There were times when you swore you saw Kakyoin among a crowd of people; times when you could just hear his voice calling your name. Every time you closed your eyes Avdol, Kakyoin and Iggy were there. You barely slept anymore – most of the times you did so, you had nightmares about what happened in El Cairo. You lost count of how many nights you have spent crying in your bed, curled up in between your sheets in the silence of your lonely house. Living alone didn’t help; you were used to sneak into one of the crusaders’ room whenever you needed a shoulder to cry on or, simply, a place where you could feel safe. It wasn’t unusual for you to wake up squished between Kakyoin and Jotaro or trapped in one of Joseph bear-hugs. But now, you were thousands of kilometres away from the rest of the group, alone in your cold bedroom. There was no one to go to, and no one you could talk about how you felt. It was just you and your painful memories. No one would understand what you’ve been through – how could they? How could you ever explain how intense the 50 days you spent with the crusaders had been?

Another nightmare woke you up, as per usual. You gasped loudly as if you just started to breathe again after a long apnea and quickly sat down in the middle of your bed, holding onto your sheet. You started shaking as your chest moved up and down with rapid movements trying to catch your breath, tears streaming down your face. You were staring at the void in your pitch-dark room, trying to control your sobs and make yourself realise that you were back to reality. You stretched one of your arms to reach the lamp on your bedside table, curling yourself up while you slowly started to calm down. Wiping out the tears from your cheeks with your jumper’s sleeve, you finally dragged yourself out of bed and slowly went to the kitchen, making yourself some tea.

As you sat down to drink your hot beverage hoping it would bring you some comfort, you started to rehearse your dream - as if you could just replay it in your head as one would normally do with songs or movies. It wasn’t very different from any other dreams you had.

Kakyoin’s body was lying lifeless against the roof Dio had thrown him onto, his expression crippled by the excruciating pain he must have felt. An enormous wound had completely swept away part of his body, leaving a big opening in the middle of it. You were screaming at him at the top of your lungs, begging him to spare the last bit of energy he had left in his body. But the ending was the same every damn time; he would use his last breath to reveal to Joseph the secret of The world, Dio’s Stand, and launch his last attack with Emerald Splash. You woke up every time you tried to reach Kakyoin’s body. You were never able to say goodbye to him - not even in your dreams. The same thing happened with Avdol and Iggy too. You never got the chance to see them one last time, because you were busy fighting elsewhere.

You sighed loudly, stopping yourself from having another breakdown and sipping some tea from your cup. It was in that exact moment, that the phone rang. It was 3:00 AM where you lived, so you expected one of the boys to be on the other end of the telephone. You and the rest of the crusaders exchanged your numbers the last time you saw each other at the airport and had kept in contact ever since. To your surprise, the person you talked the most was Jotaro. You were about the same age and had created a strong bond during your trip, even if you would have never bet on it. Kakyoin used to always joke about your crush on Jotaro, always encouraging you to give it a shot. But things turned out to be too frenetic and dangerous to engage any sort of romantic relationship. Despite that, you would never miss a chance to sit next to each other or just spend most of the time together. The two of you even kissed at one point, but never talked about it again – not even during your strangely long phone calls.

Crawling your feet on the floor of your kitchen, you got up and finally answered the phone: “Hello?”

“Hey.” Jotaro’s deep voice replied. “How come you’re awake? It’s late where you are.” he added.

“You called. Is this a good excuse?” you said lightly laughing, trying to hide the sadness in your voice.

When the sun rose, you were still talking to Jotaro. He asked you about your dream – he knew about your insomnia and your recurring nightmares and just wanted to be there for you. He wasn’t the best at comforting, and most of the time he never dared to say a word; but you knew it was a sensible topic for him too, and the fact that he would let you confide in him was more than enough.

“It’s a big deal for me too.” he said. You just hummed, allowing him to talk freely about what was going on inside his head – and heart. “Sometimes I can barely breathe. I just wish everything was over.” he cut short, clearing his throat immediately after finishing his sentence. Hearing those words from him just broke your heart; he always showed himself as a cold, calm and collected person and never allowed his emotions to have the best of him. He could often come off as an emotionless brute, but you knew it was all a façade that hid a more sensible and soft side of him. A comfortable silence fell between the two of you, only broken by the sound of your breaths. “Don’t hang up.” you said ultimately, letting out a big sigh.

“I won’t. I’m here.” His voice replied, sounding velvet through the telephone.

The plane landed after what felt like an eternity, the flight from your country took countless hours to arrive in Japan. At the airport, a member of the Speedwagon foundation was waiting for you, Holly standing next to him. As soon as you got closer to them, Holly quickly fell into your arms, hugging you tightly. ‘I’m so glad you’re here!’ she squeaked, while cupping your cheeks in her hands and showering you with affection. You let out an embarrassed laugh, and after that warm welcome you finally reached the car. You seated in the backseat, tiredly resting your head against the window of your car’s door. You took a quick look at the clock and closed your eyes, trying to get some rest.

When you arrived, Holly gently woke you up. The car was parked in front of the Kujo’s residence, the place where it all started. A fast sequence of memories flashed in front of your eyes as you meticulously watched the house in front of you, remembering exactly how you felt when you arrived the first time, and how you felt when you left. Holly placed and hand on your shoulder and nodded, indicating to you Jotaro’s room. “He wasn’t in a great mood today, he hasn’t been in a while” she said hopelessly. “Just excuse him if he speaks to you rudely.” she added, feeling sorry for the harsh manners her son always displayed. You reassured her smiling, before walking to his room.

Once you stood in front of his door, your heart started beating so loud. A part of you was dying to see the boy you heart belonged to, the other was afraid to see him broken into pieces. But that was the reason why you went there in the first place. You didn’t want to leave him alone anymore. He needed a shoulder to cry on as much as you did – maybe more, if it was possible. You had to be there.

Taking a deep breath, you knocked on the door. Heavy footsteps came your way before the door opened, revealing Jotaro’s figure towering over you.

“(Y/N)? What are you doing he-“ he tried to ask, before getting interrupted by your hug; you almost pushed yourself against his body, making him take a step back to not lose balance. You wrapped your arms around his strong torso, breathing in his perfume and holding him as close as humanly possible to you. Being in his arms felt like being at home – a feeling you hadn’t experienced in a while. It wasn’t long before Jotaro reciprocated your hug, hiding his face into your hair and leaving a soft kiss on your head. He closed the door behind you and just held you in his embrace, enjoying the wonderful feeling of being reunited with you. “You don’t know how much I missed you.” he said, not even trying to let you go. You hinted a small laugh, rubbing his muscled back with your right hand. “I can imagine.”, you replied. He slowly distanced himself from you, placing his hands over your cheeks, staring at you with his eyes full of tears. He was scanning every inch of your face and figure, almost as if he wanted to convince himself that you were real, that you were there. He rested his forehead on yours, locking his gaze on yours, making it impossible to break eye contact. “I don’t want to lose you anymore” you whispered. “You saved my life so many times, in so many ways. I always thought it was the wrong time, I always ran away from my feelings but..” you continued, but before you could finish your sentence, he quickly put his lips on yours – shutting you up with a kiss. You could feel tears running on his face. You grabbed the fabric of his shirt and pulled him closer to you, reciprocating the kiss.

“I have loved you since we were 18.” he whispered.

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danddymaro · 3 years

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Thankfulness | Jean Pierre Polnareff x Reader

Aftermath of the final battle with DIO

Angsty, but ends well

Romance? Perhaps more friendmance?? (IDEK lol)

Flashbacks are in italics : Example

Thoughts are italics in quotes : ‘Example’

Word count : 2299

Thankfulness

Her (e/c) colored eyes blankly dropped down to the thin layer of blankets covering her lap, and all the while, the deep (e/c) colored hues were dimmed, holding a much duskier tone than they had possessed just a few days ago.

Her bottom lip trembled before it was caged between her two rows of teeth, the woman keeping it crushed between the pair of sharp edges before she swallowed down a horridly tart taste that was very faint, yet familiar.

As the fine ends of her teeth began to dig into the flesh of her lip furthermore she could taste a hint of metal, and she was so close to having it splash into her mouth that she could feel her stomach clench, twisting and turning as it spun to retch the contents back up as soon as it traveled down.

'Blood...' She inwardly thought to herself, holding spite to even the word itself.

Her right hand trembled as she fisted it over the sheets until the material on her lap was wound in a tight ball, and soon after, harsh pants resonated from her as she tried to calm herself down.

'Blood...All of their blood...' She inwardly rambled, trying to rid herself of the thought.

Whereas silence would bring any other person calm, it only brought her more distress, her entire body raking with shutters as she tried to calm the voices in her head, the very ones that were so familiar and precious, it brought her actual pain.

'Did...Did we really win?' she asked herself, struck by a reality that felt as though it'd been basked by defeat.

' because It doesn't feel like it.' She then added, slowly hanging her head, a small, almost inaudible sound that was akin to a croak escaping her parted lips.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

As his eyes fell onto her, he dropped the small flower arrangement, quickly making it to her bedside in a single leap, his eyes brightened by the sight of her finally conscious.

The man had waited what felt like an agonizingly long eternity to finally meet her again, and now that she was fully there, he could drop his shoulders down in relief,

" Thank goo-" he began to speak, but she cut him off quickly,

"- Who do you think you are? ," she said lowly, her voice sharp and seething, making his heart still as she used the tart tone with him, because rarely had he ever heard her speak with such venom.

She had been smiles and cheers, perhaps a clever tongue here and there, but it wasn't anything he really took to heart, and in the end, always found enjoyment in.

- But then again, that was all before their final battle in Cairo.

"Mon Cherie…" he said softly, going to capture her hand when he stopped entirely, regretting doing so.

An action that was always welcomed with a sweet, appreciative smile was abruptly stopped, and it was all because he simply couldn't continue.

It was impossible to.

Retracting his own hand, he fisted it instead, keeping it close to his side as his face morphed into a hard etched grimace, one that was of regret.

"Go on right ahead," she invited him, looking up at him with wet (e/c) eyes, and for just a moment, the sizzling boil she felt calmed to show him more pain than rage,

"why don't you take a hold of it?" She asked him, using the same, soft, delicate voice that quivered, urging him to answer in spite of already knowing why he held back, already aware of the factor stopping him.

With guilt written over his face, he strayed his eyes from her for a moment, uttering once again the endearment, "Mon Cherie ...I…"

"You should have left me there," she breathed, her good hand falling over the side of her shoulder, gliding down to feel it mostly flat, a small bump which was all that was left over from her limb being the only thing there for her to find.

" You should have let him take all of me," She then added, desperately trying to hold back tears, because she knew that once they fell, there would be no stopping them.

'Why did you risk yourself for me?' She asked herself, 'Why did you even bother?'

All the beautiful words he could utter to her would be nothing in comparison to the pain that would consume everything until her heart became a bitter black, and by that point, they both knew it.

But even then, he continued,

"I'm glad you're alright," He said to her, and at that, she choked.

"I should be dead!" She said in a strangled tone, "I miss the point of it all!" She added, closing her eyes tightly, and it damned her to feel the limb there, when she knew that in reality, it was nothing but a ghost now, existing only in her mind.

'I don't have an arm,' She thought to herself, but that was the least of her grievances,

'I don't have Avdol.

I don't have Iggy.

I don't have kakyoin here either.

They're all gone...but I'm still here...' She lamented, knowing that by that point, they were also just ghosts, exiting in her head, haunting her every thought.

'Why...?' She asked herself, soon muttering the word in a breathy state, "Why?" She then asked the silver-haired male.

"I'm missing the point of me still being here!" She heaved, "why am I still here when they aren't?" She asked him, wanting to know just how she, of the handful, was one of the lucky ones out.

' Kakyoin was smarter...,

Avdol was much stronger…

Iggy was braver, a million times more than I am!'

"- I froze! " She reminded the French male, " I could barely move...but I was the lucky one out?" She asked him, and as he watched her, his gaze slowly fell, his blue eyes filling with misery, because he couldn't console her when all throughout the events that occurred afterward, he wondered the same thing.

'It's a pain we'll all bear,' He silently spoke, 'not just you and I...but Mr. Joestar, as well as Jotaro.' he continued on, only finding one single certainty within all the doubt and pain that came from barely scraping by the battle.

"My luck wasn't to make it alive..." He started, "It wasn't to make it out alone," He told her.

"It was to somehow have made it out alive... with you in my arms," He revealed to her, remembering that after the battle with Ice it was his one solace.

"It was to be able to make it out, only because I didn't want to lose you.

-Because I didn't want their sacrifices to go in vain." he added with a voice that wavered, holding a truth that was unmoved.

Even with a dark cloud raining over her, washing away all of her former illuminances, he couldn't look away from her. He spoke to her the only way he could, by looking directly at her, silently thanking the world for giving him the opportunity to do so.

'Even with all this pain...

Even with the dimness in your eyes at this very moment...

Even if right now you feel resentment towards me...

You're still so beautiful. You still hold my heart.'

"I'm glad you're here," he assured her, bending down to pick up the fallen blossoms, the beautiful colors of the batch reminding him of their travel.

'The red reminds me of a comforting glow.' he thought while his eyes immediately gravitated to the most passionate color that was in the collection, looking down at it with fondness.

'It's of his flames.

it's of the ones he'd share with us to keep us warm.

it's of all the protection he provided, right until he last selfless moment.' he reflected upon as his body memorized the comforting warmness.

'And this flower here is the same mix of blue and violet, reminding me of loneliness that fades,' he added while thinking of the younger he'd traveled with, realizing that it was almost the same color as his eyes.

'It's of friendship I never thought I could attain,' he went on, musing at the thought of befriending such a young brat, one so different from him.

' And the thorns that protect this flower are mature, they're hidden beneath the young blossoms, underestimated and burrowed, but always there, hidden cleverly.

Sometimes they are a hassle, but after all this, I don't think I will ever find it in me to remove them,' He thought with amusement, his heart filled with comfort while knowing that the thorny vines of their group remained just as vivacious as ever.

'And then there is this stubborn little shit,' He mused while looking down at a particular, little, yellow flower. Most of its petals were slightly withered, one even torn.

'I don't know how you made the final cut, but you did,' he wordlessly spoke to it, 'You really did fit in,' He then added, for just a moment, his thoughts straying to the expressly annoying beast that had traveled with them.

'Stupid dog,' he thought with fondness.

A black band snugly held the stems together, elegantly tied into a little bow, and he thought about the man that helped him pick it out,

"This one's nice," Kujo commented, his index and middle caressing the silken material between the spaces of the fingers.

"Black?" Polnareff said with skepticism, staring at the ribbon with hesitance, "you really think it fits? I mean... it's such a morbid color," He questioned the younger, finishing off with a grumble.

"...For a bouquet nonetheless," he added, having wanted to give something lovely to the woman, desiring to decorate the room with the various fragrances and colors to liven up the quiet space for when she woke.

'For this situation,' he went on, silently speaking as he watched Jotaro quietly marvel at the ribbon.

His sea colored eyes had dimmed, and for the time being, he looked like he wasn't really there, at least, not in mind.

"...I like it." Kujo repeated, breathing out the words in a flat state before he let a low, blue sigh leave him, one that temporarily washed away the grim thoughts.

"She'll like it," He then added, fully aware it was a color she liked, and much more, would more than likely be something she’d use to accessorize.

'She'll put it in her hair.

Or She'll wrap it around her neck in a little bow.

Or she'll just put it somewhere safe,' He thought with certainty, having discovered how much she appreciated the little things,

'If she gets a hold of one soon, she might just stick it in a book,' He then added.

"this one for sure," He concluded, willing to bet on her loving it.

'- You're missing much more than I am,' Jean-Pierre recognized, watching her sit quietly, noiselessly observing the flowers.

'Because right now... even while I'm still in mourning, I feel struck by luck, just a small hint of it,' He thought to himself, watching as gradually, a hint of a smile graced her gloomy features.

After the outburst, she'd seemed to calm, falling into a somber hush that soon mellowed, and he lived through every moment with her, not bothering to disrupt their peace with any words, because, after all, he understood where she came from.

Just then, the door to her room was tapped, signaling new visitors,

"Coming in," Joseph said lowly, his expression changing from neutral, to completely elated,

"Well, look who's up!" He exclaimed, shooting the female a grin, one that was wide and bright.

Slowly, her eyes went up to watch him enter, witnessing the man's grandson also following in suit.

At the very moment, her eyes met with the younger's sea green, and the action caused a small smile to find its way on his face, giving her a greeting that she took in with appreciation.

"Glad you're ok," the teen said with true relief, and even if he'd held back so much more, she could see the glow in his eyes that spoke much more than he could ever say.

‘I’m glad I didn’t lose you,’ Jotaro said in silence.

Again, she brought her eyes down where the sight of the flowers greeting her.

The little bouquet in her hand was gently held, and as she looked down at it, she watched the little blossoms capture little, fallen drops before they slid off of their petals.

'I'm not,' She corrected him, though not having the heart to tell him, because, she knew that really, he couldn't be in any better state.

'I don't think any of us really are,' She thought to herself, regretful for having attacked the silver-haired male as he'd greeted her, because she was certain he was also in pain.

By then, she'd become understanding of not only her grief but everyone else's.

"Me too," She then told them, not wanting to take for granted the chance she got, much more not willing to make the sacrifices that went in play go in vain.

'I won't do that to you guys,' She thought with certainty. ' I won't do that to any of us.'

"Thank you." She said with gratitude.

'Thank you all...' She added with a loving smile, the gratitude dedicated for everyone in the room, which included the ones there in body, as well as those who now traveled in their hearts.

She then found herself looking right at the blue-eyed male, her gaze especially sweet as it touched him, knowing that if there was one person she really had to thank, and it was him.

'I think...I’m really glad to be here, because of all of you.'

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sassycassie-s-writing · 5 years

Text

An Argument

By: SassyShoulderAngel319

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

Rating: PG-11 (for arguing)

Original Idea: The argument Talcott tells Noctis about in my last one-shot: The Original Story.

Notes: (Masterlist)(By Character)(About Me) This one has some arguing so if you don’t like that sort of thing, be advised it’s here. Also, I swear I didn’t mean for it to get this long... (2,250 words XD)

^^^^^

“Princess?” Talcott asked quietly, the door to my bedroom opening. I turned around.

“Hey kiddo. What’s up?”

“The meeting’s about to start. They’re just waiting for you.”

“Ah shoot. Totally spaced it started now. I thought it was in a half-hour. Thank you so much, Talcott. Let’s go!” I followed him out of my room and through the halls of the hotel—which really was functioning as more of an Insomnia city hall. In Lestallum. Most of the government of Insomnia who made it out or was being rebuilt tended to meet in the Leville.

In the conference room, there were seven other people, not including me and Talcott. Iris, Ignis, Prompto, Gladiolus, Cor, Cid, and Cid’s granddaughter. I could never remember if her name was Cindy or Cidney.

“Sooo sorry I'm late. I thought the meeting was in a half-hour,” I said, taking my seat at the head of the table. Ignis sat at my right hand, as he always had. He was brilliant and a fantastic strategist, and he’d taken up the role of “royal advisor” flawlessly. He’d been training for it since we were kids, after all. “To the matter at hand, Miranda and her son Garrett went missing two days ago and haven’t been seen. Last anyone saw them they were venturing away from Lestallum for a brief search for a specific type of plant that doesn’t grow domestically.”

“Correct,” Ignis said.

“All things considered, two days is a long time in a daemon-infested eternal night. I don’t want to assume the worst, but I’ve been trying to abide by the philosophy of ‘Hope for the best, plan for the worst.’ So, I'm thinking a search party. As many people as we can get. The more the better. No one will be allowed to go alone and unarmed. Groups of two or three, maybe more, and everyone has a weapon,” I said. “There are a lot of daemons out there.”

“Very good,” Ignis agreed.

“By the way, Cindy, Prompto: thanks for making your way here from Hammerhead for this. We’re gonna need some skilled people on the party.”

“Well, sure thing, Highness,” Cindy—I'm sticking with Cindy because she didn’t correct me—said with a smile.

“Yeah, you got it,” Prompto said.

I nodded with a smile. “Now, we need to gather people. Volunteers. Everyone needs flashlights as usual. And we’re going to start sweeping after the dinner shifts are over.”

“Princess, if I may,” Ignis piped up quietly. I turned. “You keep saying ‘we,’ implying that you’re joining the search party.”

“A Lucian mother and her son have gone missing. Of course I'm joining the search party.”

“With all due respect, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why?” I challenged in frustration.

“Noctis has been missing for a year. At this point it’d be a good idea to prepare for his absence enduring an even longer amount of time,” Ignis said. “With that in mind, our people are looking to you as the leader, princess. It would be wise for you to remain behind.”

“‘Remain behind’?” I quoted in disbelief. “C’mon, Ignis. You know me better than that. Noctis would be the one leading the charge out into the darkness.”

“Noctis is not here and you are not Noctis—as you always seemed keen on reminding me,” Ignis said. I clenched my jaw to rein in the flare of my temper. “We lost King Regis and Prince Noctis within an extremely short time of one another. Noctis is not dead, of course, but who knows how long he will be cradled within the Crystal. The people of Lucis need a strong, constant leader. They need to see that you are strong and you will be here to serve them through this darkness.”

“And the best way to serve the people is to show it,” I insisted.

“Not if you die out there!” Ignis exclaimed.

“Awkward…” Prompto whispered to Talcott. Ignis and I ignored him.

“Princess, you are the closest thing we have to a monarch right now. The closest thing we have to… to Noctis,” Ignis continued. “You must stay here. It’s dangerous out there and the Lucian people cannot lose the last remnant of the throne so soon after Regis and Noctis.”

“Are you going to stay here too, Ignis?” I demanded. “I mean, after all, you can’t see!”

Talcott gasped. Prompto looked surprised. Everyone exchanged looks.

If I wasn’t so angry I would have clapped my hand over my mouth and immediately apologized for being insensitive. As it was, I wasn’t thinking too much about that. Ignis was a big boy. He could take it.

“This isn’t about me, princess!” Ignis snapped. For the first time in my life, he used the title Regis had given me in a derisive, sarcastic tone. Gladio called me “princess” in a mocking tone all the time to tease me, but Ignis had always used it to be respectful. “This is about you! Whether you like it or not, you are acting Queen of Lucis right now. You cannot take unnecessary risks to your life.”

“And being branded a coward?”

“Living to lead another day is not cowardice.”

“I don’t get it, Ignis!” I exclaimed. “You know me! I'm perfectly capable of handling myself. Noctis might have been a slacker when we were in our late teens but I wasn’t! I never skipped training. Or lessons. I studied for my exams. You know I’d be just fine out there! You’d let Noctis go! Why are you fighting to keep me here?!”

“Because I let Noctis risk his life and now look what’s happened! He’s gone and unlikely to return in the near future. I was raised and educated to be an advisor to the True King and in his absence, to you. I intend to advise you to the best of my ability and wisdom, princess,” he said.

“Don’t lie to me, Ignis,” I snapped. “You were protective of Noctis too—but this is going too far. This is overprotective! Why are you being so overprotective?”

“Because I love you!” Ignis shouted.

The whispers and uncomfortable paper shuffling in the conference room went absolutely silent. All I could do was sit there in stunned silence as well. I stared at Ignis’ dark glasses, jaw hanging open. His head was facing me, but his eyes weren’t quite at mine. He appeared to be looking at my upper lip.

“I… I…” I tried to say. All words seemed strangled in my throat. I couldn’t even come up with a response to that—not one that didn’t sound totally stupid, anyway.

I was pretty sure I saw Prompto and Gladio exchange a few gil across the table in the corner of my vision.

“What?” I finally said.

“You heard me,” Ignis said.

Years. Literal, actual years of awkward half-flirtations and acting like I totally didn’t have a crush on him leading to that. I’d developed a schoolgirl crush on Ignis about a week after I met him when King Regis took me in. He was around Noctis and I all the time when we were kids. He was smart and four years older than me and cute and I was six when I first jokingly told Noctis when we were supposed to be in bed, but weren’t, that I was going to marry Ignis. Noc had given me a look like I was crazy and told me I couldn’t marry Ignis because he was four years older than me and wore glasses.

Oh, the good times when things like that were the reasons I couldn’t marry Ignis.

“Excuse me for a minute,” I said, pushing away from the table. “Iris, I'm leaving the planning to you.” I ran out of the conference room.

“Princess!” Talcott called, running after me. How old was this kid? Like, ten? Max? “Princess what’s wrong?”

“Go back to the meeting, Talcott,” I said, fumbling in my pocket for the key to my hotel room. “Ah crap. Musta dropped it or left it in my room.”

“Princess, you and Ignis are friends, right?”

“Yeah. Yeah we are.”

“So why were you mad at each other? And why did you run away when he said he loved you?”

“Ignis wants to keep me safe—for some of the right and wrong reasons. But I want to do the right thing by my people and I can’t just leave a mother and her child out in the wild without looking for them myself and I understand the reasons he wants to keep me safe but he can be so… stubborn.”

“It’s a good thing he loves you, though, right?”

“Yeah kiddo,” I said, going back along the path I’d come trying to find my key. “Gosh dang it. Where did I leave it…?”

“Looking for this?” a familiar voice asked ahead. Ignis held my key up in his free hand—the one that wasn’t holding his cane. There was a slight smile on his face. “Heard it fall from your pocket as you fled the conference room.”

“Attentive, as always,” I said, taking it from him.

“Princess, I am sorry for how that meeting turned out,” he said.

“Talcott, head back inside the conference room. Help Iris plan the search parties. I’ll explain everything later,” I told the kid. He nodded and ran off. I looked at Ignis. “Me too. I got angry. I shouldn’t have said what I did about your vision. If anything, you’re better-suited to all this eternal nighttime business than I am. I'm sorry, Ignis. Can you forgive me? Eventually?”

He smiled. “I can forgive you right now if you can forgive me eventually,” he said. “I shouldn’t have said what I did about my feelings. It was unprofessional. Especially in front of an audience. I swear I didn’t mean to manipulate you in any way.”

“No, no. I know,” I said. I pulled on his shirtsleeve towards my room. He followed after me. “I can forgive you right now too.”

We made it back to my room.

I opened the door. “C’mon in. I think we need to chat.”

“Fascinating that you didn’t say ‘talk.’”

“Well ‘we need to talk’ sounds like it’ll always be followed by bad news,” I said.

“Indeed.”

I kicked the door closed and sat on my bed. Ignis perched next to me. “Iggy… well. Full disclosure: I’ve had a crush on you since I was six. Started out as a simple schoolgirl crush since I was so young, but it grew and developed over the last… thirteen years.” I told him the story about me telling Noctis that I was going to marry Ignis. Which made him laugh. “The thing is, though,” I carried on, “with Noc gone… it seems… wrong, almost—to find happiness when the world is full of despair.”

“I agree, actually,” Ignis said. “That being said, I know Noct better than I know myself. He would want the two of us to find happiness. Whether it be together or… not.”

I sighed. “I know,” I said. “I just… I don’t want everyone to think I'm… unfocused. They want me to be the acting queen. You want me to be the acting queen. I don’t want our people to lose faith in me because they think I'm distracted by romance.”

Ignis nodded. “I understand that completely. If you should wish to pursue a relationship, perhaps at this particular juncture a private one would be most beneficial.”

I stared at him for a moment. “What, like, secretly date?”

“That is one term for it.”

I bit my lower lip and thought. “I don’t like the idea of lying.”

“You wouldn’t have to so long as no one asked. And why would they? We have greater problems to deal with than your love life.”

“Right.” I scratched the back of my head. “I'm in love with you, Ignis. I probably shouldn’t be for the sake of our people and I feel bad that it’s now. But I'm done keeping it to myself. Done fighting it down. So yeah. Yeah. If you’re willing, let’s play the secretly-dating game. I hate the idea of Noctis not being here but you’re right.”

Ignis smiled. His hand reached out and found my elbow. His glove was softer than it used to be—more well-worn—as it slid up my bare arm to my short sleeve and paused. After a moment, he let go and brushed my hair behind my shoulder with surprising accuracy.

“Of course I'm willing,” he said.

I shook the hair on the other side of my head out of my face and cupped the side of his face in my hand. “Then let’s try.”

“Yes. Let’s,” he agreed.

We both leaned forward at the same time. I closed my eyes and let my hesitations go—just for a few minutes—to kiss him without caring about how this would impact everything else. Nothing would ever be the same between he and I, but I wasn’t sure I minded. Not yet anyway. Sometimes change was for the better—something Ignis had told me growing up that I’d never liked. I didn’t like change. Getting adopted by the king was a huge change and it frightened me back then.

Ignis had comforted me then with the same warmth he kissed me with now.

My heart soared and I had a feeling that, for now at least, some things would turn out alright.

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randomfandomimagine · 7 years

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Sunshine in the Moonlight. Chapter 3: First Day

Fandom: Final Fantasy XV

Pairing: Prompto x Alexandria (OC)

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Wattpad - AO3

A/N: If anyone happens to be interested in it, you can always ask me to tag you when I post this series so you’ll be notified as soon as a new chapter is posted! :D

Prompto triumphantly hummed a catchy tune to celebrate our victory. I locked eyes with him, and the light chuckle he let out next made me smile a tiny bit.

We were done taking on the pests that Cindy asked us to take care of. In this last fight, I took a look at everyone’s fighting abilities instead of focusing on my own to prove myself.

Noctis was surprisingly very skilled, and his warp strikes were neat. Prompto mainly used guns and had a really good aim, even if I hadn’t gotten used to the sound of gunfire around me and I kept getting startled because of it.

I was familiar already with Ignis and Gladiolus’ styles, so I didn’t take much notice of them, really. Even though it was still impressive and skilled nonetheless.

“Sounds like you’re having fun” Gladio humored the bubbly boy, who had just finished humming.

“Everyone alright?” Ignis looked over his shoulder to check on us.

“Yup” Noctis replied calmly, and I nodded as well.

“It’s gotten dark, though” Prompto observed, looking up to the sky.

It was already of a dark blue color and stars were starting to appear, shining bright. It was beautiful to see them without any city light shadowing their glow.

“We should camp” Observed Gladiolus, stretching his arms after the battle.

“I agree” The tawny-haired man nodded his head.

“Yay, dinner!” Prompto jumped around, leading the march to get to a good camping spot.

“What’s in the menu today, Specs?” Noctis grinned in amusement, his eyes on the blond even if he was speaking to Ignis.

To be honest, the stress and activity of the day was starting to weight on me. It was the first time I would camp and I knew it wouldn’t be as comfortable as a bed, but I was so exhausted that I couldn’t wait to lie down nonetheless.

In fact, I began to zone out and I heard the conversation absently.

“I was thinking about cooking some rice balls”

“Do we have Cup Noodle?”

“We can’t live on ramen, Gladio”

“Who cares about food? I’m sleepy!”

“What a surprise, Noct”

“Guys, in here!” The only thing that took my attention was Prompto excitedly running toward us.

I stared at him, wondering where he got all that energy from. Was he not exhausted? Even Ignis and Gladiolus were obviously weary. Not to mention Prince Noctis, who wouldn’t stop yawning.

We dragged ourselves along as we followed the bubbly boy, making small talk to get over the long way up there in the small ledge that he had pointed us to.

I had the urge to rest a hand over Gladiolus or Ignis’ shoulder and lean my weight on them, as I was so sore and fatigued. But I held it back and lazily dragged my feet instead.

“I sure hope Cindy fixed the car” Prince Noctis mumbled, accompanying his words with yet another yawn.

I internally cursed him when I did the same, infected with the yawning.

“That’s right!” Prompto responded a bit further away. “Tomorrow we get to see her again!”

“Easy, lover boy” Gladiolus laughed, amused by his obvious crush on her.

“You have way too much energy” I piped up to back his comment up.

That directed his attention to me since I had been so quiet, his vibrant blue eyes falling over me. He nimbly moved to stay to my left and rested an elbow on my shoulder and began to chat with me.

“How are you, Alexandria?” It was almost smug, as though he knew what I would answer yet wanted to hear it.

“Tired and moody”

I supposed his intentions were to lighten the mood seeing how grumpy I was, but I couldn’t be bothered to go along with him. He gave up in the end, and neither did the rest try themselves.

My only goal was to get to our camping spot and sit down, rejoicing in the taste of Ignis’ delicious supper and resting.

Being so tired was new to me, as I wasn’t used to so much physical effort. The life of a royal advisor was quite uneventful and sedentary. So I didn’t even realize I could part take in their lively conversation until Ignis nudged me gently.

“Anything the matter?” His green eyes pierced me with interest.

“I just can’t wait to go to sleep” I rubbed my eyes, already feeling groggy.

”Little Alex is not a warrior like we are” Gladiolus teased me a little.

“Yep” I acknowledged, not bothering to say anything witty or interesting back.

To be quite honest, my brain could hardly even process what they were saying anymore.

“How did you like the first day with the entourage?” Prompto piped up.

“Wasn’t too bad” I smiled a little. “The company couldn’t be better”

“My thoughts exactly” Ignis agreed, standing up to gather the dishes.

“Dinner was delicious” I mumbled to let him know I appreciated it. “Thank you”

“My pleasure” He nodded to Prompto as well when the blond jumped to his feet and helped him.

“You’ll have to excuse me, but I don’t think I have the strength to help you clean up right now” I sighed, trying to keep my eyes open. “I will next time, I promise”

“No pressure, Alexandria”

“Isn’t she adorable when she’s sleepy?”

For a moment I didn’t even know who said it, until I felt Gladiolus playfully patting my back before he stood up as well. I absently glanced at Noctis, who was too busy playing some game on his phone.

I really wanted to say goodbye to them and get into the cozy and welcoming tent, but I didn’t even have the heart to stand up from my comfortable seat, even if it was just a folding chair. I promised myself that I would, I just needed to sit for a bit more, so I rested my jaw on my hand as I leaned my elbow on the arm of the chair.

The warm and bright fire was all the more cozy, and it almost lulled me to sleep.

“Hey!” Prompto cheerfully plopped down in the chair next to me, previously occupied by Ignis, startling me. “Wanna see the photos I took today?”

“You… took photos?” I asked him, looking at him out of utter shock. “I didn’t realize”

I did have a hazy image of him pulling out a camera and randomly shooting pictures while we were camping, but I was so out of it that I didn’t quite register it.

“Some of them were during our fights”

“Since when are you a photographer?”

“Since always, really” He shrugged, taking his camera out of his pocket.

He just turned the camera on and scooted his chair closer to mine in order to let me see the pictures that displayed in the screen.

The first photo was one of Prompto doing a peace sign with his fingers as he posed, all of us in the background while we fought the scorpions. He actually took a selfie during the battle. I couldn’t suppress an amused guffaw when I saw it.

“You nerd, you took a selfie?!” The words escaped from my mouth before I could stop them.

Ignis often said that when I got extremely tired it was almost as though I was intoxicated. I lost all my inhibitions and spoke openly, without giving it a second thought or stopping to see if what I was about to say was fitting.

I feared he took them the wrong way, that he didn’t realize the fond tone I used when calling him a ‘nerd’. But luckily, Prompto reacted by showing me one of the most genuine smiles I had ever seen. I could have sworn he blushed as well, but it was hard to tell under the dim light of the camp fire.

“What’s the next one?” I urged him, trying to forget about that silly moment.

Prompto hummed affirmatively and pressed the button to swipe to the next photo.

It was quite endearing, a selfie with the prince and the blond himself. One could hardly even say that Noctis was royalty – in that picture he seemed like a regular boy, having fun with his friend.

Briefly looking up at me, almost as though he asked for permission, he paused before actually pressing the button again.

A picture of Gladiolus and Ignis followed, the both of them posing to the camera. I snorted in laughter when I saw myself and Noctis in the background, glancing at the camera with funny faces because we thought we saw a flash of light.

I yawned in spite of myself, craving rest even if I was enjoying myself with Prompto and I didn’t really want to be rude and ask him to leave.

“Prompto” Ignis, eternally maternal, had my back. “Would you mind escorting the lady inside while we clean up?”

“No problem!” The blond easily saved his camera back and stood up.

I wanted to mimic him, but my body wouldn’t follow the order my brain was trying to send. Noticing this, Prompto chuckled and offered me a hand. I gladly took it and allowed him to pull me up.

“C’mon, you need to rest” He commented. “You look like you could fall asleep right here standing up”

My head fell on his shoulder at ease when he placed an arm around my waist and let me support myself on him. I mentally thanked him for that.

“You guys are spoiling me” I forced myself to say, just to avoid feeling so childish. It didn’t have the effect I desired, for it sounded cheesy.

Prompto paused as we came into the tent, focusing on helping me sit down on the ground, there where I had placed my sleeping bag.

“Need to take care of the only girl in the group” He sat on the ground, crossing his legs.

I couldn’t help but to give him a glare, feeling like he was underestimating me.

“N-Not that you need to be looked after, of course!” His friendly expression shifted into one of panic, his eyes open wide. “I-I didn’t mean that… All I was saying is… You obviously can hold your own, you’ve proven it but…”

“Prompto…” I smiled, realizing he had just used the wrong words to express himself.

“It’s just that one has to treat a girl nicely, right? I mean… I-Iggy would agree!”

I shook my head, still smiling, as I closed my eyes and lied down on my side.

“Stop freaking out” I reassured him, stirring until I found a comfortable position. “I got what you meant”

He was just trying to be helpful and chivalrous, which was quite endearing.

“G-good” Came his response.

I heard him muttering something right after, but I was already dozing off.

When I woke up, it was bright outside. It was delightful, extremely comfortable, warm and cozy. Until I opened my eyes and found myself alone in the tent.

Well, except for Noctis, who was sprawled out in the other corner. He was fast asleep, softly snoring and stirring every once in a while.

I rubbed my eyes to sober up and quietly headed to open the tent not to wake the royal one up. Not only it was plain rude to wake him without a reason, but I did not want to put up with his morning mood. Especially if his slumber was interrupted because of me.

I opened the zipper of my sleeping bag and threw the top off myself. It was then when I realized I was sweating because it was extremely warm inside there.

Wondering what the other three were up to, I stood up and exited the tent. There I found Ignis, Gladiolus and Prompto chatting over breakfast.

“Good morning, Alexandria” Ignis was the first one to notice me.

The other two turned to me in their seats, since I was behind them.

“Sleeping beauty is up” Gladiolus smirked, his amber eyes following me as I lazily plopped down in the chair next to him.

“Mornin’, buddy!” Prompto waved at me, making my day with a bright smile.

“Slept well, I hope?” Ignis was leaning against the table where we kept the ingredients and utensils, but he walked over to me and offered me some coffee.

I grinned at the sight of the delicious Ebony.

“You shouldn’t have let me sleep so much” I mumbled as I gladly accepted the mug, wondering in the delightful scent. “It’s late”

Absently looking up to the sky and taking note of the high position of the sun, I knew I overslept.

“You were exhausted” Ignis argued, calmly walking back to the spot next to the table.

“Don’t get used to it, though” Gladiolus mumbled, only to change his stern tone into a teasing one. As per usual. “But you looked so cute curled up in your sleeping bag… Last night you were all affectionate and adorable”

I fixed my eyes in my coffee mug, too mortified when I remembered what I did and said while I was so sleepy. Resting my head on Prompto’s shoulder and letting him walk me into the tent, calling him a ‘nerd’… Especially, I grimaced at the distant memory of hugging Ignis’ arm once he came to check on me during the night.

“Aw, she’s blushing” Prompto uttered lowly, probably to himself.

Gladiolus reluctantly stood up, fondly placing a big hand on my shoulder.

"Now that you're up, we should wake Prince Charmless up too"

I choked in my coffee at the loving term of endearment, mentally taking note of it to use it against him if necessary. Ignis was about to come over and check that I was okay, but stopped himself when he noticed I was smiling.

"Prince Charmless..." I repeated in amusement, watching Gladiolus as he went into the tent.

“When are we leaving, Iggy?” Prompto excitedly asked, broadly smiling as he bounced up in the spot. Was he always so lively and spry? It was quite impressive.

“As soon as Noct wakes up”

“It should take a while then”

“Where are we going?” I asked, taking a big sip of the exquisite Ebony.

The slightly bitter taste was delightful, as well as the warmth and the caffeine that instantly woke me up.

“We’re getting the Regalia back!” Prompto’s voice went high-pitched, he was definitely enthused.

“Indeed” Ignis separated himself from the table and stood next to us. “Cindy contacted us not long ago, she said we can pay her a visit in Hammerhead to retrieve the car, it’s already fixed”

“Lovely, I’m too tired still to keep on walking instead of moving in the car” Despite all the hours of sleep I got, my body was obviously trying to tell me that I needed a bit more rest.

“I can’t wait!” The blond jumped to his feet next to me, fidgeting like a child.

I stared at him, not really knowing if I should find his puerile attitude to be endearing or just disappointing. He was supposed to be my same age.

“For the car or for the girl?” Gladiolus’ deep voice asked all of a sudden.

He had startled us, but Prompto actually jolted up and squeaked loudly. I had to suppress a laugh, even if I ended up covering my mouth not to openly grin.

“I’m sure Prompto’s interest is merely on the car” Ignis replied, a harmless sarcastic comment.

“I, uh…” The aforesaid was flushing bright red, so he whipped his head toward the tent. “Where’s Noct?”

“Right here” Came the prince’s sleepy voice just as he exited the tent, yawning still.

“Let’s head on out, shall we?” The royal advisor said as soon as he noticed him.

We all stood up and prepared to start walking to Hammerhead. Luckily, it wasn’t too far away.

However, as soon as I stood up straight, my body complained. I uttered a genuine groan of pain when my legs had to support my weight again. Every single muscle of my body hurt. Every. Single. One.

Not only my legs, but also my back, my arms, my stomach, my neck, my hips… everything! Surely all the walking, running, fighting and standing under the sun took its toll on me.

“What’s wrong?!” Prompto’s face of excitement drastically changed into one of concern when he heard me cry out.

“Nothing” I refused to dwell on my soreness, and to show weakness for that matter. “I feel alright”

“This one is not used to the fighting life” Gladiolus guessed, watching how I softly grimaced as I stretched myself very slowly.

“I could use a few more hours of sleep” I grinded my teeth and ignored the dull pain as I began walking with them.

“You can always nap in the car!” Prompto suggested to cheer me up.

“That’s definitely what I’m gonna do” Noctis stated confidently.

“For a change, huh?” His friend teased him, nudging him softly.

“You, missy” Gladiolus lightly placed a strong arm over my shoulders. “Need to do some training”

“Why would you say that?” I sarcastically asked him. “Just because it feels like my demise, that doesn’t imply yesterday was too much fighting for me!”

I glanced over at Ignis, wary of his opinion on my sarcasm again. This time it amused him, since it wasn’t hurting anyone. He smiled softly at my words.

“Tonight we camp again, and tomorrow I’m gonna train with you” Gladiolus assured, determined. “First thing in the morning”

“Camp again?” Prompto whined, overhearing our conversation despite having one of his own with Prince Noctis. “Aw! I really hope we get to sleep in a bed!”

Even though his whining was irritating, I agreed with him. There was so much we could do with our sleeping bags and the tent.

I spent most of our way to Hammerhead chatting with Gladiolus. He insisted on giving me some useful tips to improve my form, reminding me of our training sessions back in Lucis. Some were useful, but we resolved that despite it all, the only thing that I was truly missing was practice. My body would get used to it only with time. Even if some of his tips were useful and I tried to keep them safe in my memory.

“We’re almost there!” Prince Noctis announced, just as we could see Hammerhead not far from us.

For many more minutes we walked in silence, being driven by the strong desire to get to our destination. To finally retrieve our beloved Regalia that would carry us again.

The heavy silence was only broken when the sunshine of the group piped up.

“Dying of thirst here!” Prompto heaved tiredly, lazily dragging himself, dramatically for comical purposes. “I’ll see you guys in a moment, go on without me! And go say hi to Cindy for me!”

“I could use a bite right now too” Gladio friendly shoved the blond as he followed after him to the diner. I concealed a little laugh when the smaller boy nearly fell to the ground because of it.

“We should get ourselves some curatives for battle” I suggested, thinking it to be a smart idea.

“I will see to it” Ignis nodded, agreeing with me.

“I’ll go see Cindy” Prince Noctis carelessly said.

“Why don’t you go with Noct, Alexandria?” My friend asked me before he went over to the shop.

By the way he did, it made me feel like even he had realized about our enmity even if I still tried to hide it. Honestly, I couldn’t blame him for his attempt at making us like each other.

I rolled my eyes when I thought no one could see me and reluctantly followed after Prince Noctis. We spotted Cindy outside the garage and so we marched on forwards.

“Good day, Cindy” I politely said as we approached her.

The girl turned around to see us and dedicated us a dazzling smile.

“Howdy, y’all!”

“How was your da-“

“Is it fixed?” Noctis interrupted me, too bothered by my manners, even if he could definitely learn some himself.

“Sure is!” She replied calmly, with that cheerful attitude that reminded me of Prompto. “Y’all better take care of her now, or Paw Paw will get real mad”

“It’s okay to drive it now, right?” The prince crossed his arms coolly. “I might get behind the wheel myself”

I did not like the idea of the reckless spoiled prince driving, especially not when someone as responsible as Ignis Scientia was supposed to do all the driving. To be fair, I wasn’t quite fond of the concept of Prompto driving again either.

“Go ‘head!” Cindy nodded with enthusiasm, motioning over to the car.

I had no idea an inanimate object like it was a car could be missed so dearly. But it felt exhilarating to know we didn’t have to walk so much again, enduring the sun and the heat, that we could just relax and cruise in that beautiful and expensive ride.

“She’s back!” Prompto excitedly ran towards us, casually dropping an arm on his friend’s shoulder. “We should all take a picture with her!”

Jittery and excited, the blond took his camera out and gave it to Cindy.

Noctis motioned for Gladiolus and Ignis to get closer, to which they gladly obliged. I looked over to Prompto as I positioned myself in front of the car, waiting until he was done giving her directions.

I couldn’t pinpoint whether he was so excited and jittery over having an excuse to get closer to Cindy or to have our car back. Perhaps it was a bit of both.

I looked over my shoulder to Ignis and Gladio posing at both sides of the car just in time to hear Prompto standing next to me and plopping down on the floor.

Since the prince was sitting down too, I decided to do so as well. I sat down between Noctis and Prompto and looked at the camera.

I smiled a little when the blond boy at my left opened his arms in a triumphant gesture, so I thought I should strike a pose for a change.

I held two fingers up, trying to look cute, and showcased my best smile for the camera. As soon as the clicking of the photo being taken sounded and the flash shone into our eyes, Prompto jumped to his feet and went over to retrieve his camera.

I stood up and brushed my tight black trousers, suddenly feeling slightly awkward because of the picture. I resolved to just get in the car, supposing we were to ride off immediately, and wait there.

Besides, that would give me the opportunity to sit in the middle of the back seat instead of being stuck on one end next to Prince Noctis. Even if it would be quite a tight squeeze with Gladiolus on the other side.

“Haha!” Prompto enthusiastically took his place in the passenger’s seat, bouncing in the spot. “This is awesome!”

“May I take a look at the picture, Prompto?” I asked him, seeing as he still held the camera.

“Sure!” He quickly pressed a few buttons to display the photo we had just taken before passing the camera over to me.

It was an endearing image, the five of us around the car that kept us together and moved us forward in our journey. Even I, not usually photogenic, looked quite good in that photo. Although Ignis and Gladio behind us were definitely more elegant.

Prince Noctis next to me seemed to have a classy stance as well, despite his smirk. Prompto just looked adorably goofy.

“It’s lovely” I commented as I handed him his camera back. “I would really like a copy of it”

“You got it!” The boy slightly turned around in the seat to look at me. “I’ll give you one as soon as I print them, promise!”

Suddenly, our friends got into the car as well. Only that, to my surprise, Ignis and Gladiolus sat at either side of me. Prince Noctis sat at the front. Noctis was driving. He was actually driving.

“I thought Noct could go for a little test drive” Ignis commented as he got comfortable in the seat to my left.

“There aren’t any seatbelts, are there?” I whispered to Gladiolus, subtly leaning into his side.

“Nope” He laughed lowly.

“Alright” Noctis said as he started the engine.

I just prayed to the Gods that he wasn’t as much of an awful driver as I imagined.

Ten minutes into the ride and I was getting sleepy. We were silent for the most part, except for the friendly banter and the small comments that mostly Prompto and Ignis made.

I absently looked over to Gladiolus to my right, who was immersed in a book. I never quite pictured him as an avid reader, but it was a pleasant surprise.

Too amused, however, I smiled. The idea that he might be reading a romantic novel was hysterical, although it was probably the drowsiness messing with my brain.

I yawned, trying to block any noise, and closed my eyes. Prince Noctis had told us that we needed to make a stop before reaching Galdin Quay in order to make a delivery that Cindy had asked us to do.

Wondering whether I would get enough rest, I tried to fall asleep. I heard Ignis letting out a small chuckle in my direction, probably finding endearing that I was trying to take a nap. I hoped he didn’t compare me to the prince because of it.

To my surprise, I felt a heavy arm casually falling over me. Gladiolus had no problem in letting me use him as a pillow, and I was too comfortable not to comply. I leaned my head on his shoulder, managing a small thank you in appreciation for his attentive gesture, and dozed off.

I awoke soon after. Not much had changed: the sun remained at the same spot in the sky, Noctis and Prompto were chatting with Ignis, and Gladiolus kept reading his book.

In fact, Gladiolus kept allowing me to use him as a pillow. I looked up at him and watched how he calmly read, not being bothered by me at all.

It was odd, but also endearing that he had no problem in engaging in such an intimate gesture like putting his arm over my shoulders. But I enjoyed it.

“Mornin’” He just said, his amber eyes still focused on the pages.

“Do you feel more rested now?” Ignis took interest in me as well.

“Actually, I do” I gently shoved myself away from Gladiolus and stretched my arms. “Although it feels like I didn’t sleep much”

“Merely around twenty minutes” Ignis looked at his watch. “Just enough”

“Longwythe Rest Area” Noctis announced as he proceeded to park. “This is it”

“Perfect timing” I said under my breath, to myself.

As soon as Prince Noctis parked the car, we all got out and stretched our legs. Riding the Regalia was comfortable and practical, but it could be quite harmful when sitting still for too long.

While he went over to speak to the motel manager who was supposed to take the package that Cindy loaded in the trunk of the car, I leaned against the side of it.

I yawned openly and heard a sound that I was starting to get familiar with by then.

“Prompto!” I complained, turning to him knowing he had taken a picture.

For a moment he hid behind his camera, but then he showed his face and put an innocent expression.

“What?” He uttered, doe eyes wide open. “It’s a good photo!”

I didn’t really know if he was just being goofy or if his avid photographer side thought it was a natural and spontaneous image, but I chuckled nonetheless. In fact, I heard Ignis laughing subtly next to me too. It was rare to hear him laugh, so I grinned wider when Prompto achieved it.

“Let me see it” Gladiolus told Prompto, already laughing picturing it.

The aforesaid lent him the camera and retrieved it as the burly man laughed heartedly.

I was slightly embarrassed about the picture, but it was nice to see everybody having such a nice time.

“Gotta sit tight” Noctis came back with us, impatiently crossing his arms over his chest. “They’ll get it in a moment”

I didn’t move from the spot, I just let my gaze wander around the environment. In doing so, I suddenly gasped at the sight of something that absolutely made my day.

A dog.

I energetically tapped the closest person to me –who happened to be the bubbly blond –and pointed him the puppy when he locked eyes with me, confused.

Just then he barked, causing the other three to turn around with curiosity.

“I never knew you liked animals so much, Alexandria” Gladiolus was staring at me too.

“I, um…” Clearing my throat to regain my dignity, I tried to shrug it off. “Dogs are adorable”

“Umbra!” Prince Noctis kneeled down in a second to pet the black furred dog. With beautiful orange eyes and gray chest, it was a beautiful and adorable animal.

That was right! It had been a long time since I last saw him, but it was one of the dogs that Lady Lunafreya and Prince Noctis used to communicate with one another. The other one being Pryna, that one with white fur.

“Bringin’ us stuff” Prompto slightly leaned forward to baby talk the doggy. “Atta boy!”

“That dog can really track a scent”

“Certainly ‘nose’ how to find us”

While the blond was still distracted with Umbra, Gladiolus and I looked at Ignis for his terrible pun. Despite the fact that he seemed very proud about it. When his green eyes met mine, I raised an eyebrow. His only response was to curl up the corner of his lips ever so lightly.

Seeing as Noctis was too busy with the notebook from his soon to be wife –I wondered if they wrote love letters to each other or just ordinary messages –I went over to pet the dog himself. I allowed myself to do it, unable to hold back the urge.

The prince eyed me warily and stuck the notebook to his chest, not really wanting me to read it. I averted my glance and played with the dog instead.

“Aw, he likes you!” Prompto cooed cutely to me.

“Alexandria is quite the dog lover” Ignis whispered to him, however loud enough for me to hear him. Presumably deliberately.

I looked down to the dog, but smiled nonetheless when I thought they couldn’t see me.

It started to get dark while we carried on our way in the road.

We had stocked up in potions once again –never too many curatives –and decided to camp for the night. I was slightly tired, also because we had done more hunts to earn some more money, but I was not nearly as exhausted as the day before. Surely the short nap in the Regalia helped.

After the delicious dinner our personal chef prepared –Ignis outdid himself, his drumsticks were even better than his rice balls –we just passed the time before going to sleep.

I sat at the edge of the elevation we had camped in, just like the other time, and observed the beautiful scenery. The sunset was due, and I always enjoyed watching them. I was fascinated with the beautiful colors of the sunset softly drawing across the horizon.

The clouds gathering orange and pink shades as the sky slowly turned darker, the bright sun lazily hiding as its yellow form faded. The wind also felt freeing and refreshing even if slightly cold, caressing my face and making my hair fly into the air. It felt peaceful to be surrounded by nature –at least when the light still kept daemons at bay –and knowing my friends were right behind me, chatting and joking as they prepared dinner.

I smiled at the thought, being content with how things were working out. Even though I had been so full of doubts and concerns about our journey at the beginning. It had been silly, I had nothing to worry about.

“Enjoying the view?” A gruff voice got me out of my daydream.

Gladiolus then plopped down next to me, letting his legs hang off the cliff like mine were.

“It is definitely worth watching” I looked at him briefly before returning my gaze to the sunset.

“How’re you holding up?”

“Just fine”

“You sure?”

I was forced to glance at him again when he insisted. He sounded almost worried.

“Is there a reason why you’re asking?” His eyes left the sunset as well just to lock with mine. “Did Ignis tell you to come check on me?”

“Nah” Gladiolus grinned a little, holding my stare. “Just wanna make sure you feel comfortable”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You’re the only girl in the group, and besides… you’re not as close as we are”

“I’m sorry, but I believe Prompto isn’t either”

“Why are you here alone then?”

With his words, I finally understood what was happening. Ignis was worried that I wanted to be alone.

Usually, when I isolated myself it meant I was anxious. I used to do it back in Lucis whenever I tried to decide what was the best decision for our kingdom, what was the best way to give advice to our king because he valued my opinion so much.

I usually had the need to be surrounded by people to avoid being alone with my thoughts unless I truly needed to be. Ignis knew that my loneliness was a clear sign that I was overwhelmed and needed some space, to get away from all my duties back with King Regis. It really was. But once outside of that environment, the pressure had started to fade away. Most of it.

That was why Ignis thought it was best to casually ask Gladiolus to come chat with me not to summon attention upon me, not to alarm Noctis and Prompto.

“I promise, Gladiolus” I chuckled a little when he rolled his eyes sassily because of how I addressed him. “There is nothing wrong with me, I merely wanted to admire the view in peace. You both know how much I love these natural phenomena”

Gladiolus nodded, probably being reminded of the time I insisted of bringing them with me to watch a lunar eclipse. But to be honest, they did enjoy it just as much as I did.

“You wouldn’t lie to me, would you?” Gently, he bumped his shoulder into mine.

I noticed that he was all about those affectionate gestures, and I didn’t really mind them that much.

“I wouldn’t dare” Clumsily, I emulated the shoulder bump. Even though he didn’t move an inch when I did it and Gladiolus made me totter a tad.

The man let out a guffaw of laughter that echoed all around us and suddenly stuck me in a headlock. I squeaked in surprise, being it the last thing I expected him to do.

My head rested against his ribs as his strong arm softly wrapped around my neck, playfully shaking me around and rubbing my hair with his other hand.

“Stop it!” I struggled even though I had nothing to do against his brute strength. My hands did push against him in a futile attempt to get rid of his grip.

“Whatcha gonna do? Tell Iggy on me?”

“No need to, he’ll come save me!”

Indeed, the aforesaid announced his presence by politely coughing. I was positive that he would be watching our interaction and would have the need to stop Gladiolus’ horseplay as soon as he saw it.

I knew that man too well.

“We should all get some rest now” He said in a manner-of-fact way, just as his friend let go of me. “We need to wake up early in the morning”

“Pleasure talking to you, kid” Gladiolus held my arm and effortlessly pulled me to my feet.

“Likewise, ‘big guy’” I joked, using a term Prompto often called him.

He just laughed some more and headed back to the tent, where only the campfire lightened the dark night. Prince Noctis and Prompto were probably inside already.

“Is everything alright then, Alexandria?” Ignis placed a hand on my back –a fond gesture that secretly meant to remind me how much he cared about me –and walked with me to the tent.

“Never better” I honestly said, being engulfed by a delightful feeling of euphoria that I hoped lasted forever.

We sweetly smiled at each other and got into the tent, where we prepared to get some sleep. Ignis lied down, took his glasses off and closed his eyes.

I took a moment to analyze who I should lie down next to. Gladiolus was discarded, because he was extremely warm –it was enough that I refused to use my sleeping bag just because of the heat I woke up in –not to mention his size that took most of his adjacent space.

The prince was lean and much smaller, but he stirred around a lot and would surely wake me up many times. Besides, I didn’t fancy accidentally cuddling closer to him in my sleep.

I just sat down between Ignis and Prompto, even if the first’s legs were so long because of his tall stature and I was forced to shrink myself because of it.

I resolved to lie over my side, facing the blond. He was the smallest and probably the most tranquil sleeper out of all of them. On top of all, he made himself small in his little personal bubble while the other were sprawled out around the tent.

Trying to take as much space as I could to get comfortable, I shifted closer to him.

I closed my eyes and heaved a deep breath of satisfaction, being lulled to sleep by the sound of their calm breathing and the wind gently howling outside.

The first full day of the journey was officially done. I could not wait to see what our second day had in store for us.

Tagging list: @prince-of-wind

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tridentarii-trash · 5 years

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@game studios: please stop making open world games until you know how to handle them.

I have an unpopular opinion. I personally do not care for open world games. I can no longer be impressed by realistic ocean graphics, individual blades of grass, randomly generated weather, or glitchy, twitching, randomly spawned wildlife. I’m over it. I may just be yelling into the void here, but in my opinion, open world games give writers too much room to be lazy. Or, on the inverse, it spreads everything so thin that not only does it destroy any sense of urgency, but it also destroys any emotional beats the narrative tries to set up.

The W*tcher 3 and DAI are both really good examples of this. Everything in W3 with C*ri screamed for urgency and expediency. This was your DAUGHTER and she was going to be MURDERED if you didn’t find her before the Wild Hunt did!!! But then I just ended up dicking around and doing the same go here, kill this, rinse, repeat kinds of quests all over the map for literal months. There was no reason for me not to do so! The world was right there, and C*ri apparently could wait for me to finish hunting down every giant bird monster the world had to offer. By the time I got back around to the story, I had basically forgotten what was happening and why the game wanted me to be concerned about it. C*ri showed up and I was like oh cool, she’s still fine I guess. Better go play some more Gwent. It not only destroyed the urgency the writing tried to instill in me, but it also kind of crushed the sincerity of most of the moments between G*ralt and C*ri. Like, he loves her and she loves him, but I also just had Witcher Daddy running around collecting playing cards while his daughter was being chased down by evil inter-dimensional elves. There really wasn’t much reason for me to prioritize C*ri or the narrative over my dicking around. That, and Skellige was an active fucking nightmare and broke me as a person. How dare you put that many quest markers in a map that’s so fucking miserable to navigate. I try to 100% most games I play, and had done pretty well up until that point. Then I saw all those stupid fucking dive points and just wished I could launch myself into the sun.

At least W3 was interesting though. F*nal Fantasy XV had the problem of having the most horrifically dull open world I’ve ever encountered, along with the most BORING quests being repeated until the whole game was a blur of shitty particle effects and giant chickens. It got to the point where I just skipped all of the boring side shit and tried to cram my way through the story, because god damn it I had already played this much and I was going to at least finish this bitch of a game. At which point I ran into the OPPOSITE problem of W3.

FFXV’s writers seemed to think that the game itself was interesting enough that I would take time between each story mission to explore the world, but in reality I had absolutely no reason to do so. Navigating the world was tedious and boring (I WOULD RATHER ENDURE LOADING SCREENS FOR ALL ETERNITY THAN THOSE STUPID CAR RIDES), and the even the special area missions were boring and repetitive. I was dreading every diner, every dungeon, and that god damn frog woman. I wanted to finish the story and never have to wait in a glitchy diner bounty screen ever again. This led to some incredibly awkward narrative beats.

Literally right as the game started the emotional narrative was all over the place. Noct and friends are seemingly gallivanting around and having the Best Bro Trip 5Ever literal hours after their home city is invaded and Noct’s dad is murdered. Noct was sad about it for one cut scene, but then we’re riding giant chickens around and throwing around little cutesy quips (that got repeated so much that I started putting the game on mute while I was traveling between quests just so I wouldn’t be annoyed by the repetitive dialogue). Then there was literally everything with Aranea. I love Sharp Wife more than literally every other character aside from Iggy, but her introduction to the party being ham-fisted right next to her becoming a temporary companion was like fucking whiplash. I played those missions really close together, and I was just sitting there like, why is everyone laughing and joking around like everything is fine? Like you were literally JUST trying to run my emo ass through with your javelin thing, and now you’re just betraying a massive empire after spending ten minutes with me and my group of jackoffs (not you, Iggy, you’re perfect)?? LIKE WHAT? THEY’RE JUST OK WITH THAT?!?!

The worst to me was the Gl*dio story arc. After the fight with the titan thing he’s all pissed for reasons that were completely beyond me, and then he and Noct have a conversation that didn’t really seem to be all that angry to me at the time. Like he said he needed to take care of some personal stuff, and me as the player was like, yeah man, shit’s pretty fucked right now, you do what you gotta do. Then he's out of the party and I’m like ok you do you bud, we’ll see ya later. But then the whole party is like freaking out about it like it was some huge betrayal after literally an hour. Like we got out of the cut scene and they’re immediately lamenting like he’s been gone for days and days, when for me as a player it’s been like... Two hot seconds. So, in order to stop their bitching and get Gladdy Daddy back, I just ran to the next story mission in the hopes that I would be able to get him back and everyone would quit crying about it. Well, I didn’t have to wait long, because he shows up in like the next mission WEARING A FUCKING SPACE SUIT OR SOME SHIT, and apparently nobody recognizes him FOR REASONS?!?! Like?!?! HOW MANY GIANT MEN WHO SUMMON GIGANTIC SWORDS AND SOUND EXACTLY LIKE YOUR LIFELONG FRIEND DO YOU KNOW, NOCT?! Anyways, long story short, they’re all being obnoxious emo little fucks then after two hours Gl*dio is back and everyone is fine and back to repeating the same annoying dialogue. It was fucking stupid and I ended up just giving up on the game after that.

The only game I’ve played recently that I thought handled being an open world well was AC: Odyssey, and I think there’s two reasons for that: 1) the narrative doesn’t take itself too seriously most of the time (you KILLED his mater and FUCKED his PATER), and 2) it’s literally an odyssey. Sailing and journeying are kind of the whole point. That and it was all different enough that every island felt distinct and the game only crashed for me like once and none of the bugs were game-breaking (my experience with W3 left me burned, I had entire questlines that were broken because the starting point was bugged and CD Pr*jekt Red apparently never fixed the bugs in question).

Point being, I haven’t really seen much evidence of open worlds adding anything to games other than some flashy visuals. I much prefer games that have a set map with set things to do. Sure it doesn’t feel like an entire world to be mastered at my fingertips, but it also tends to crash less and each part and character can get the attention they deserve without having to worry about everything else being generated as I go for the sake of realism.

TLDR; open worlds won’t fix bad writing and they will break the fuck out of good writing.

#i hope this doesn't show up in any tags #i really do have shit taste in games but i needed to yell this into the void

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haprilona · 7 years

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Descendit Lunaticus, Prologue+Chapter 1

Title: Descendit Lunaticus Fandom: Final Fantasy XV Genre: Hurt/comfort Rating: T Note: This is a ‘music fic’. Each musical note symbol ( ♫ ) links to a FFXV song that adds to the mood and reading experience. You’re not required to listen to the links while reading, but I highly recommend it! This story was written mostly for the sake of playing with the atmosphere and mood, not for the plot.

I recommend you read this in AO3 as it has drawings, correct formatting etc. to enhance the reading experience. Characters: Noctis Lucis Caelum, Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, Prompto Argentum, Ignis Scientia, Gladiolus Amiticia, Aranea Highwind, Cid Sophiar Relationships: Noctis/Lunafreya, Ignis/Aranea, Prompto/Cindy Word count: 8210 Summary: When Ardyn makes Noctis choose between the Crystal and his friends, Noctis chooses his friends out of brotherly love and dooms the world. A decade later Noctis is no longer the Chosen King fighting to reclaim his throne, but a common hunter whose only purpose in life is his friends and protecting the remaining Lucian civilians from the horrors of the eternal night. One day he is reunited with someone he thought was forever out of his reach, but not in a manner he would’ve wanted.

Also at AO3 & FF.net

Prologue

♫

“Noct, you must go alone.”

“What?”

“If you can obtain the Crystal's power, we may yet be able to turn the tide. Elsewise, we are all like to perish here.”

“Iggy's right. It's our only chance.”

“But what about you?”

“We'll manage somehow! Just get moving!”

“You could still get to the Crystal... if you went on your own. Your friends will have to stay behind.”

Hangar gate closing. Please stay clear.

“You'd better think fast. I don't envy you your decision. Betraying your friends for the greater good - the mark of a monarch! Step forth, Your Majesty! If you wish to obtain the Crystal's power, you must be prepared to lose all else.”

“The hell are you waiting for? The gate’s closing!”

“… I …”

Gate closed.

“I’m not leaving you here to die!”

“Oh, Noct…”

“…I can’t lose you guys, too.”

Chapter 1

♫

“Thanks for the ride, buddy.” Prompto turned the handle to open the van’s door.

“No prob. I’ll pick you up on my way back. Stay safe.”

“You too. Oh!” He turned around his in seat and flashed his fellow hunter a sheepish smile. “Keep the headlights on.”

Noctis faintly smiled to himself. “Ignis told you to remind me?”

“Yup!”

“Alright. Will do. Send my regards to Kimya.”

“Sure thing!”

With a final parting smile, the freckled blond switched on his torch, checked his handgun and jumped off the vehicle.

“Forgetting something?”

Prompto stopped in his tracks, cast a questioning glance over his shoulder and yelped when Noctis threw an empty sackcloth in his face.

“Helps if you can actually carry the potions back here from Malmalam Thicket, don’t you think?”

“Woops! My bad!”

With a shake of his head, Noctis watched his friend’s shaft of light disappear into the oppressing darkness before he stepped on the gas and continued his own journey. His destination was Cape Caem. Aranea Highwind had sent him off to retrieve some old junk that Cid had left lying around. Apparently it was important enough to require him to “get it right now, on the double”. Ever since she had been unofficially appointed as the leader of the former Fort Vaulleroy, she had become even bossier than before. She just loved to put his former royal backside to work. Such a slave driver.

♫

The hallowed blue shafts cast from the van’s headlights guaranteed him safe passage without any daemon hindrances. He had personally led a scavenger hunt through the ruins of Insomnia to retrieve all the available enhanced headlight parts and blueprints. Cindy and Cid had secured a year’s worth of food provisions and weapon supplies by building brand new headlights and lamps and trading them with the people of Lestallum. There weren’t many safe settlements in Lucis anymore. Lestallum’s population had tripled when rumours spread of the new lamp technology that kept daemons at bay even within the previously daemon-infested power plant. Besides Lestallum and Hammerhead, the only truly safe settlements were the formerly abandoned Niflheim bases; Fort Vaulleroy in Cleigne, now known as Fort Highwind and Formouth Garrison in Leide which had been renamed Meldacio Stronghold.

Umbra poked his snout out from the backseat and let out a single cheery bark.

“Almost there, boy.”

Noctis pulled the van to a stop and parked it next to an old decayed sign. The sign used to have a cheerful painting depicting a lighthouse on a hill along with a large text welcoming the traveller to Cape Caem. Now illegible, the sign was bent from the middle as if something large had crashed into it. Noctis killed the engine, but kept the headlights on just as Ignis had advised.

So far Caem seemed to have only a few scattered daemons here and there, but one could never be too cautious – especially when he had to succumb to fighting like a regular person with nothing but his Engine Blade tied to his hip and Cerberus, his sniper rifle, on his back. It had been nearly a decade since Noctis lost his bloodline’s powers in Gralea. Both the Crystal and the Astrals had turned their back on him when he refused to leave his friends’ side for the sake of a trap masquerading as an uncertain victory. Darkness had engulfed the world and it was all because of him; he hadn’t been ready to sacrifice his friends for the greater good. He knew this and he carried the burden heavily on his shoulders. It had taken him many years to come to terms with his decision and its results. All he really could do now was plough forward, do what he could with the abilities he did have available and keep those he had been born to rule over safe.

With a weary sigh, Noctis switched on his torch and left the van’s hallowed lights. He trekked to the old house on top of the hill with Umbra by his side. Iris had begged him to retrieve her sewing kit while he was around. She claimed it was for sewing stitches on wounded hunters, but Noctis had a sneaking suspicion she planned on mending his torn prince’s fatigues. Even after all these years, Iris still nurtured a crush on him and spent every moment trying to please or impress him. He had tried to let her know that she didn’t need to put up a show for him and could just be her sweet self and act normal like she did with everyone else, but he was never good with words. He felt sorry for the younger Amicitia. His heart had always belonged to someone else and was no longer his to give away.

The house was in relatively good condition considering nobody had looked after it in its previous owners’ absence. It took him a little while, but he eventually located a faded pink cloth bag containing needles and thread. He put it in his rucksack. The denizens of Caem hadn’t had the time to take anything besides the absolutely necessary when the call to evacuate came. Noctis secretly found it impressive how Talcott had managed to pack his cactuar collection on such short notice.

Cid had left most of his stuff lying around in an unused storage room within the house. As Noctis rummaged through the several pieces of equipment, engine parts and what he could only describe as trash, he felt a chill wind blow from the open doorway.

“Should’ve put on more clothes”, he muttered to himself as a shiver ran down his spine. Umbra’s ears perked and his mouth opened to pant happily. Movement caught his eyes from his peripheral vision. Noctis’ stance grew tense and his hand went automatically to his blade’s hilt, but he forced himself to relax. Umbra wouldn’t act so friendly if they were in the presence of daemons. Slowly Noctis rose to his feet and turned around.

♫

His eyes widened and his breath hitched. He couldn’t believe his eyes.

In the doorway stood a girl who uncannily resembled his deceased bride in her younger years. She was barefooted and wore a familiar white summer dress. Her skin was ghostly pale, but she didn’t seem ethereal in any way. Her feet and the hem of her dress were dirty, her skin was decorated with cuts and bruises and her normally perfectly straight long blond hair seemed like it hadn’t been brushed for weeks. Her messy bangs shielded her downcast eyes.

Noctis was paralyzed as a million questions ran through his head. What was happening? Was he hallucinating? Was this truly Luna? But how? She died. He saw Ardyn gut her like a fish. Why was she twelve again? What was she doing here?

Umbra’s sharp bark broke him out of his stupor. He didn’t have time to so much as utter her name before the girl dashed away.

“Wait! Come back!” He stumbled after her. Panic contracted his chest. He couldn’t lose her again!

He chased her down the hill, past the van, all the way to the rocky shore.

“I won’t hurt you! Please, stop!” She kept running. She was surprisingly nimble; whenever he was gaining on her and within arm’s reach, she would suddenly gain an unexpected burst of speed and elude his arms.

“Luna!”

She slowed down and turned around. Panting, Noctis bent over to let his hands rest against his knees as he tried to catch his breath. The girl said nothing and merely waited patiently. Once he straightened up, she began to slowly make her way towards the sea. Noctis followed, but didn’t dare to come too close lest she run away again. She kept going until the sea level reached her thighs and the hem of her dress was soaked. All of this was so unreal. It had to be a dream! But he could clearly feel the icy cold water numbing his calves and feet and the chill wind blowing through his hunter’s uniform. He pinched his arm for good measure.

“Ow.”

He was definitely not dreaming. He could see the girl’s reflection from where his torchlight hit the surface. So not a ghost. Did ghosts have a reflection? His record of horror movies wasn’t exactly impressive. Maybe said movies weren’t the most reliable source for facts, either.

She watched him expectantly and beckoned him to come closer. Hesitantly Noctis came to stand next to her. He nearly lost his balance when his booted feet stepped on something tube-like. The girl knelt down and motioned to him to help her search for something. Noctis followed her example and felt around blindly. He was tempted to ‘accidentally’ touch her arm under the murky water’s cover. Not because he was being a creepy old dude groping little girls – his nose wrinkled in disgust at the mental image – but because he needed to make sure she was real and solid. He was playing around in icy sea water with his dead would-be-wife’s twin for Reaper’s sake! None of this made any sense. He reached towards the girl next to him, but his hands caught hold of whatever he had previously tripped over. As he pulled it above the surface, he realised it was attached to something heavy.

A decayed pale arm broke the surface. Gasping, Noctis let go of it and turned to stare at the little girl next to him with wide eyes. She stood up and watched him silently, her head slightly tilted in curiosity.

“The hell you brought me here for?”

She pointed down to where the corpse lay.

“Who are you and why do you look like Luna?!” He stumbled to his feet and tried to grab her by the shoulders, but she easily sidestepped. He lost his balance and crashed next to the corpse. He turned around and hastily sat up. The girl lifted the corpse’s hand above the surface and held it in front of him. It was a woman’s hand. His eyes settled on the ring adorning one of her slim fingers. He saw a small scar next to the ring. Was it truly…?

♫

He took hold of the hand and brought it closer to his face. Though the skin had lost all of its colour and was slimy from years of floating in sea water, and the hand was smaller than the one he remembered holding as a child, he could recognise that small scar anywhere. When Noctis had fretted about carrying a scar on his forehead from his near death experience for the rest of his life, Luna had shown him her hand and told him the story behind her scar.

“They are memories, Noctis. Past experiences that shape us into what we will eventually become.” She always sounded so wise to him, even as a child – especially as a child. “You will remember every story behind every scar for the rest of your life. Even when you are old and your memory is not what it used to be, you will still remember the scars.”

“Is that why Gentiana has a good memory? Does she hide a lot of scars under those robes?”

“Certainly”, she had easily agreed to his childish theory without batting an eye. She had been so ready to entertain his silly ideas in order to get him to ease up and feel comfortable.

♫

With a shuddering breath, Noctis stood up and lifted his bride’s corpse from the sea’s icy embrace. Her body was thin as if she had been starving during her last days, but at the same time she was surprisingly heavy from the excess salt water inside. His heart wrenched painfully in his chest when he saw the sorry state her body was in. Her only remaining eye stared emptily at nothing, while the other had been presumably gnawed by sea life. Her cheek had stretching holes through which he could spot the remains of what once were pearl-white teeth. Her small button nose and chapped lips with uptilted corners only confirmed her identity.

He couldn’t even start guessing how her corpse had remained in such a good condition for a decade. It had travelled miles, all the way here from Altissia. Seaweed was tangled between her darkened wet locks. What was left of her once pure white ceremonial Oracle’s dress was now unrecognisable; the bottom was torn all the way up to her thighs and dirtied from years of grime. The cloth underneath her right breast was darkened by blood from the old stab wound. The straps that once held the bodice snugly against her chest had snapped and left her small breasts exposed. Awkwardly Noctis averted his eyes and attempted to lift the useless scrap of cloth to cover her decency.

Splashing of water returned his focus to the forgotten girl beside him. She made her way back to the shore. Noctis followed and kept his eyes firmly glued to the younger counterpart. He didn’t want his memory of Luna to be tarnished by a decayed corpse. He wanted to remember her as young, carefree and healthy.

“I can’t bury her here. I guess I could bury her next to Jared, but… The least I can do is to offer her a proper grave with a coffin”, he mumbled to himself.

Wait a minute.

Luna was dead, her corpse in his arms was proof enough, but what about the girl in front of him? Was she Luna as well? Maybe he could ask her opinion on the matter. She was the one who had wanted him to retrieve her body, after all. Not that he had managed to get out as much as a peep out of her so far, but it didn’t hurt to try.

“Hey, Luna?”

The girl glanced at him over her shoulder. At the same time his hold slipped on the corpse and he had to balance her against his knee to fix his grip. Luna’s head lolled against his chest, her single blank eye staring up at him. With an uneasy shudder he dropped his gaze to the slightly gaping mouth where water trickled down from the corners of her lips. Something moved inside her mouth. A small sea critter poked its head out between her parted lips. Nausea churned his stomach and he hurried towards the shore to set the corpse down on the rocks. He emptied the contents of his stomach a few steps away and spat the foul taste from his mouth before wiping the remaining drops of vomit on his sleeve.

At least he now knew the girl responded to Luna’s name. He’d ask about the funeral arrangements when they were on the road and without a corpse stealing all his attention. Little Luna stood at a reasonable distance and watched his every move closely. Noctis knelt next to Dead Luna and gently pressed beneath her ribs. Water sputtered from her mouth, along with several unwanted inhabitants.

“Man, that’s disgusting.”

He carefully gathered Dead Luna in his arms and walked to the van. Little Luna quietly followed.

“Hope you don’t mind if I put you in the trunk. Don’t wanna scare Prompto to death. One corpse is enough for one day.” He retrieved a plastic bag and with some effort managed to slip Dead Luna inside. The bag wasn’t big enough to cover all of her, so he decided to leave her feet visible. They were more intact than the rest of her and less likely to traumatise any weak-hearted eyewitnesses.

Long untamed grass rustled when Umbra cantered towards the van. He had been patiently waiting by the house for Noctis’ return, but had sensed that something was off and come to investigate. Seeming to recognise his mistress somehow, he let out a mournful whine and pawed at the trunk. It couldn’t possibly be by smell. Noctis was sure ten years of drifting in the sea had washed her from all the familiar smells that Umbra associated with Luna. With all that had happened so far that day, he really should stop attempting to explain everything with logic. None of it made sense.

“Sorry, boy. Better you stick with this one.” He pointed at Little Luna. “Doesn’t talk much, but neither does the one inside.”

Curiously enough Umbra didn’t seem all that interested in the girl. Noctis returned to the house and searched for the components he had originally come to look for. He quietly chatted to Umbra and Little Luna to ease his nerves. He packed everything remotely useful looking he could fit in his rucksack and returned to the van. Umbra hopped to the backseat without so much as a request from Noctis. Little Luna made no move to enter the van.

“Aren’t you coming? Thought you wanted to make sure I wouldn’t disrespect you- her”, he corrected himself. Man, this was confusing.

Little Luna merely shook her head sadly and stared at her toes. What was that all about?

Noctis knelt in front of her and looked up to her glass-like blue eyes.

“Hey. I don’t want you to stay here all by yourself. Even if you’re not Luna, I still want you to come with me, okay? I live in a nice place – well, as nice as nice can be. There’s light, there’s people. Hell, we even have a radio that occasionally works. Entertainment is minimal, but sometimes we get a nice treat with a song or two played from old records. Lestallum still has one working radio station. I’m sure you’d like it there. It’s way better than here, anyway.” He was rambling, but he really wanted this girl to come with him. He couldn’t leave her here in good conscience, even if she was a ghost or just a figment of his imagination. “So what do you say?”

Little Luna lifted her left hand. He noticed the same small scar he had seen on Dead Luna. She offered her pinky to him. With a small chuckle, he lifted his right pinky and shook hers.

“I still remember that, y’know. Been over two decades, but I still cherish each and every moment I had with you.”

Little Luna’s blank face slowly melted into a familiar heart-warming smile. Gracefully she nodded and curtsied. Grinning, Noctis helped her into the van and to settle next to Umbra.

“Seat belt on. No police around, but if Ignis finds out I’m driving with unsecured kids on-board, he’s gonna make me eat beans for a week. Fate worse than de-“, he stopped himself and shook his head. “Way too soon. And not funny. I’ll shut up now.” He secured the seat belt on Little Luna and closed the door before hopping on the driver’s seat.

“I like it when you talk.”

Noctis wasn’t sure if he had truly heard her speak or if it was just his wistful mind playing tricks on him. He peered at her from the rear mirror. She was absently staring out of the window and leaning her chin against her small palm. Nothing suggested she had said anything.

With a faint smile, he started the engine and took his phone to dial Prompto.

“Hey. I’m done here. Get ready for pickup in half an hour.”

♫

Prompto didn’t even notice the silent girl in the backseat. Not a surprise considering she was sitting directly behind him. Still, Noctis couldn’t help wondering if he was the only one who could see Little Luna. The drive back to Fort Highwind was pleasant. Prompto kept chattering about the old witch in the woods and praising her potion brewing and cooking.

“Y’know, she’s the one who came up with those runes that protect the havens. That’s why she can be lonesome in the middle of nowhere and not worry about daemons ambushing her in her sleep. Wonder if we could ask her to create some runes for the bases. I mean, I like hallowed blue light as much as the next person, but it’d be kinda nice to have the classic yellow light.”

“Yeah, would be nice.”

“Sooo.” Prompto tapped his feet with restless energy. “What kept you for so long? I mean, I know Cid’s organised mess is a mess no matter what angle you look at it from, but it shouldn’t have taken that long.”

“I, uh, got side-tracked. Had to find Iris some of her old stuff and took a while finding them.” Noctis kept his eyes firmly on the road. He didn’t want his best friend to think he was losing his mind. If he or anyone else saw Little Luna, he would explain. If not, he would know he was finally cracking.

“Huh.”

Prompto subtly eyed his best friend from the corner of his eye. The former king’s unkempt appearance reflected the drastic change in his life. Gone was the lazy and relatively carefree youth who couldn’t get up at a decent time. In its place was a burdened man who was hardened by life and past mistakes. Sometimes, Prompto barely even recognised his friend anymore. Thankfully those moments were few and far between. Noct was still Noct underneath that scraggly beard and unkempt hair.

“So, how’s Iris?”

“She’s fine. You should know, you see her as often as I do”, Noctis replied evasively.

“I know, I know. I mean. She’s liked you for a long time. And it’s been a while. Shouldn’t you, y’know, maybe think about giving her a chance and settling down?”

“Like you do with Cindy?” the former king gave him a pointed glare before returning to watch the road.

“Hey, I’m still working on that! You know how she’s married to her work now. Poor girl barely gets a wink of sleep with how much she’s tinkering in the Hammerhead garage.”

“Yeah.”

Noctis saw Little Luna staring at him through the rear mirror. Her posture was tense and her small hands were gripping the edge of her seat. The conversation had alarmed her, it seemed.

“Afraid Iris will have to find someone better suited for her. I don’t-“, he sighed and rubbed his face with his free hand. “I can’t give her what she wants.” Little Luna’s gaze seemed to soften at that. Was she worried he would move on and forget about her? Fat chance. She had been his pillar since they were children and she had continued to support him from a distance, even when his mistakes cost her life.

“Noct, I know you can’t put the past behind you. I get it. But everybody deserves happiness and a second chance.” Prompto’s voice dropped to a quiet murmur. “Even you.”

“It’s not just about letting go of the past. I’m not the same man I used to be. Even if I could ignore all of this.” He vaguely gestured at the darkness around them. “I can’t just revert back to that kid she took fancy over Reaper knows for what reasons.”

“Yeah, hard to style up your hair without any gel. But you could shave the beard if you miss the good ol’ days.”

Noctis rolled his eyes, but couldn’t keep himself from snorting. He glanced at Little Luna. He wondered what her opinion was on his current look. Probably ‘too old’. Did she share Dead Luna’s opinions or was she forever stuck as a preteen? So many questions. Should he ever get the chance to ask a single question, he would have to spend an hour just choosing what to ask first.

♫

“You’re late. I’m not even going to ask why your pants have taken a swim.” Frankly, Noctis had already forgotten about his drenched clothes. Too much had happened in such a short time for him to remember something as mundane as cold and damp.

“Nice to see you too, Aranea.” Noctis hopped off the van. Prompto grinned and waved as he unbuckled his seatbelt.

Aranea had changed out of her usual battle gear in favour of wearing a regular Niflheimian officer’s uniform; a black coat with red trimming and a white front adorned with Niflheim’s pompous red coat of arms. Once upon a time said symbol inspired fear and despair in the opposing side. Now it was a mere relic of days gone by.

“Did you secure the goods?” Aranea was not one to waste time with idle banter.

“Yeah. Got them right here.” He patted the trunk. As Aranea moved to open the trunk, Noctis remembered the corpse he had left there.

Shit.

He took a deep breath and counted to three.

“Why do you have a body in the trunk?” Her voice betrayed no emotion, and her piercing grey gaze spared him no judgement.

“Didn’t wanna leave it lying around. The least I could do is to bury it.”

She lifted one slim brow dubiously, not believing him for a second. “Then why bring it here instead of burying it where you found it?”

Noctis played with his uniform’s cuffs. A nervous tell he hadn’t quite learnt to keep under control. “Gonna need to make a coffin for it first. Didn’t have any tools to make one there.”

“Awfully lot of work for a stranger’s corpse. Did you know this person, by any chance?”

Noctis glanced at the pale unmoving feet poking from the plastic bag and swallowed heavily. His silence was answer enough.

“You did, didn’t you.” It wasn’t a question.

With a defeated sigh, he lifted his weary gaze to meet hers. “It’s Luna’s”, he admitted.

Her commanding posture faltered. “The Lady Lunafreya’s?”

With a solemn nod, Noctis carefully pulled the plastic bag to reveal her.

Aranea didn’t even turn up her nose in disgust, instead her eyes saddened with pity. She had seen too many mangled corpses to be disturbed by them anymore. “Where’d you find her?”

“Near Caem, she had drifted to the shore. I hope to give her a proper burial.”

“Understood. If anyone deserves a hero’s sending, it’s her. Carry on.”

Prompto opened the van’s door to let Umbra out. Little Luna followed the dog and silently watched her surroundings in what Noctis presumed to be fascination. “Oh, hello. Noct, I didn’t realise you brought a friend.”

So they could see her. Did they recognise her, though? Probably not. Most of her public photos and portraits were from after her ascension to Oraclehood. Even if Prompto had seen a picture of Luna as a child, he doubted he would put two and two together. Little Luna looked like she had been through hell and back again. If the actual Luna hadn’t been so mangled and had moved around, he wouldn’t have been able to tell which one was the real deal.

“Isn’t the dog always with him?” Aranea absently commented. Prompto’s brow furrowed in confusion. He glanced at the girl and then back to Aranea, but the dragoon seemed to be looking right through her.

“Well, yeah. But I meant–“

“Is Cid at the garage?” Noctis hurried to interrupt his friend. He wasn’t quite ready to give up on his sane status.

Aranea cast an amused glance to the hunter. “Where else would he be? C’mon, those supplies won’t carry themselves. Get to it.” She marched off, presumably to the command tower where she and Ignis, now her second-in-command, spent most of their days discussing and maintaining order. Ignis had put his diplomatic aptitude to use by taking the role of an ambassador of New Lucis, the united last people of the old Lucis. He was often negotiating trade relations between both the bases, Hammerhead and Lestallium, as well as between New Lucis and other countries, such as Tenebrae and Accordo. Such discussions were mostly done over phone as travelling had become increasingly difficult.

The trains within the continent of Terraverde didn’t operate as they used to, thanks to the daemon outbreak in Niflheim. Most train tracks were in a state of disrepair. The lack of hallowed light technology and seasoned hunters discouraged able men to repair the train tracks. Said lights were only available in the largest settlements, such as the newly founded town rebuilt from the ashes of Fenestala Manor.

Airships were a rarity. Only Aranea’s two airships remained operational within Lucis. Tenebrae wasn’t much better off with only a handful of imperial airships while Accordo had none to its name. Aranea’s ships were mainly used to trade between Tenebrae and Accordo and only for the most important goods, such as medicine. Regular trade was done through sea or car traffic.

Gladiolus, on the other hand, had found his calling in construction work. He, along with a dozen other men and women, had built the underground settlement beneath Fort Highwind where civilians took refuge. He had also been part of building a protective wall around a farmland where Iris and Talcott spent most of their days growing crops and tending to livestock. Said mini-fort was under Biggs and Wedge’s watchful eyes and under the protection of the remains of Aranea’s MT units.

The farmers had managed to grow crops during the first year after the events in Gralea, but as the daylight completely disappeared, they had to get creative to ensure the people wouldn’t starve. Through many months of trial and error, Cindy had managed to invent floodlights that imitated sunlight and enabled crops to grow naturally. Iris’ crops were in high demand and the farmers were ever looking for more fertile land to expand their fields. That was where Prompto and Noctis came along. As well as being seasoned hunters, the two of them were reconnaissance scouts who surveyed areas for daemon territories, fertility of the ground and in turn, places where new settlements could be set up, food could be grown and advancements could be made.

Noctis could almost see the gears turning in Prompto’s head. He shifted weight from one foot to the other uncomfortably.

“So, uh, who’s your friend?”

“A survivor I found hiding in the lighthouse.” Little Luna didn’t seem to even realise she was being discussed. So absorbed was she in taking in her new home. “I’m gonna go take the goods to Cid and show her around. There’s something I wanna talk about afterwards.”

Prompto’s expression immediately sobered. “About the funeral?”

“Yeah.” And Little Luna’s identity. Noctis couldn’t keep it a secret forever. He would have to make sure Prompto didn’t promote her presence in case they were the only ones who could see her. He had to think of a place for her to spend the night as well. His and Prompto’s room came to mind, but he wasn’t sure what to think about sharing his bed with her. The floor was out of the question and he wasn’t comfortable with the idea of having her stay with strangers, even if she wasn’t visible to them.

Noctis took Iris’ cloth bag and gave it to the girl. “Mind helping me with this? Got my hands full.”

Her expression serious, she took it from him and held it like it was the Lakshmi of Altissia. With a fond smile Noctis threw on his heavy rucksack and checked that his weapons were securely strapped on out of force of habit.

“C’mon.”

Cid was cranky as ever, but Noctis knew by now from the pleased gleam in his aged eyes that he had brought him the correct parts. The old mechanic hadn’t paid any attention to Little Luna. She silently stood next to Umbra, her pale blue eyes darting around the garage in wonder. Said garage held several old MA-X Cuirass magitek armours from a time when the base had been under Niflheim control. The hunters utilised the remaining MTs and machines to their best ability to cut the unnecessary human losses. Unfortunately not even Cid knew how to fix the aging machines nor did they have spare parts available.

As the trio left the garage, they passed an MT on patrol. Its gun arm was missing along with its helmet and most of its metal face. Its remaining arm was cut off from the elbow and only few wires poked from the stub. In combat it was no better than a moving target, but in sentry duty it did its job; it could see in the dark and alarm the hunters of any daemon activity or report if any of the hallowed lights went out.

Little Luna’s head turned in every direction as she attempted to memorise and map everything in one go. Somehow Noctis found it endearing. He would always cherish the young ones of the garrison-turned-shelter and admire how the children could maintain such an innocence and sense of wonder when the adults saw nothing past the doom and gloom. He dearly wished he could return to those days in Tenebrae.

“Noct!”

The hunter turned around to face his former bodyguard and advisor. It had taken Ignis many years, but the level-headed man no longer relied on a cane thanks to his thorough training and endless source of patience. Had their roles been reversed, Noctis doubted he’d be anywhere near as competent on his own, relying on senses other than the one he was most used to. He would never admit it out loud, but Ignis’ determination to overcome his then fatal weakness was a great inspiration to Noctis who struggled to find his place in this post-apocalyptic world without his powers. He was just another man now. Not a king, not a prince, not even a warrior with magical capabilities – just another hunter who could be just as easily felled by a stray bullet or a well-aimed daemon claw. He was as vulnerable as the rest of them and not any more capable of protecting his fellow man than a seasoned Meldacio Hunter HQ’s veteran.

“Hey.”

“We heard the news”, Ignis’ soothing accented voice informed him. “How are you fairing?”

“As good as can be expected, I suppose. To be honest, I find myself often questioning my sanity these days.” He glanced behind him where he expected to find Little Luna with Umbra. She was nowhere to be found. Iris’ cloth bag had been carefully tied to Umbra’s back. She was right beside him just a moment ago. He peered beneath the large floodlights, but saw no sign of her dirtied white dress. She couldn’t exactly disappear into the shadows unlike the rest of the hunters in their dark clothes. Had she up and vanished? “More often than I’d like to admit”, he muttered to himself.

“Quite the chance you found her in Caem of all places”, Gladiolus agreed. Ignis said nothing, but Noctis could see from the crease on his forehead and the small twitch of his lips that the svelte man did not believe in such chance. The heavy-built man lifted his large hand and affectionately squeezed his liege’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. I know someone with a knack for carpentry. I’ll talk to him and let him know Lady Lunafreya requires a proper coffin. We won’t spare any good materials and make sure she gets the burial she deserves.”

Noctis lifted his hand to cover his bodyguard’s and solemnly held the older man’s gaze. His voice was thick with emotion and gratitude. “Thank you.”

With a final squeeze the tattooed man let go of him and glanced at the former king’s canine companion.

“Is that Iris’?”

“Oh. Yeah, she asked me to fetch it for her. Have you seen her around?”

“She and Talcott headed to Lestallum to get supplies. They’ll probably stay there overnight and return in the morning.”

Night. Morning. Such words were meaningless with no sun or daylight. Still, they clung to old habits and used clocks and calendars to keep track of time. Noctis hardly cared anymore. He left when he was ordered to and returned when he could. He slept when his body was ready to collapse from exhaustion and stayed alert the rest of the time. Passage of time meant nothing to him. All that mattered was survival and looking after each other.

“I see. Do you mind taking this to her dorm?”

“Don’t wanna get your male ego hurt by having a little bit of colour in yours?” the tattooed man joked.

“You know it. Pink’s more of your colour, anyway”, Noctis grinned easily.

“Wuss. Hand it here.” Gladio took the bag from Noctis and felt it in his hands. “Did you use it as fishing bait or something? It’s damp.”

“I, er, tripped while I was carrying Luna back from the shore.” It was partially true.

“You better hope it dries by the time Iris gets back. She’ll snap your scrawny neck in two otherwise.”

“Yeah, well, you can thank me later. I know you secretly think she’s cute when she gets mad”, Noctis gave his old friend a good-natured shove.

“Only when she’s mad at someone else”, Gladio agreed with a chuckle and shoved him back before leaving the two other men alone.

♫

They stood in silence for a few seconds, before Ignis cleared his throat. “Is there something you wish to discuss, Noct?”

“What makes you think that?”

“I sense you’re more tense than usual from the tone of your voice. You’re also uncommonly restless. I can hear your boots shuffling against the asphalt.” He should’ve known nothing went past his blind friend. What he had lost in sight, he seemed to make up for with freakishly accurate assumptions based on hearing, smell and touch. That, and Ignis had known Noctis since he was a child. He knew him inside out; every quirk, every habit and every tell.

“I’ve lost something and I’m not sure where to look.” He eyed their surroundings, but still couldn’t find any trace of Little Luna. He knelt next to Umbra, hoping the dog would somehow understand his silent plea to find her for him. Instead the canine took advantage of his master’s current height to lick his cheek. Noctis weakly laughed and scratched behind the dog’s ears. “I’m not even sure if what I lost exists or if it’s a figment of my imagination.”

“Hm. A curious statement”, Ignis commented. “You’ve lost something that may or may not exist. A memory, perhaps? They can be fickle things.”

It slightly unnerved the dark-haired hunter how close the blind brunet hit the mark. A memory indeed.

“You’re right.”

“So, this memory of yours.” Ignis removed imaginary dust from his old Kingsglaive uniform. His uniform was in the best condition of the trio. He took maintaining its optimal condition very seriously. “Does it have anything to do with Lady Lunafreya’s recent appearance, perchance?”

“Right again.”

“It has been a long time since you talked with her. Are you afraid you’re losing memories of your time in Tenebrae?”

He hadn’t really ever thought of that. He held each and every memory very close to his heart and couldn’t even imagine losing a single one. He wasn’t entirely sure what he wanted from Little Luna. To take care of her, perhaps? Make up for past mistakes by returning the love and affection his bride had given him through her actions and letters? Or simply to cling to a physical manifestation of his most precious memories?

“No. Never. Those memories I will carry with me to the grave. They’ve been with me every day ever since father took me back to Insomnia.”

Ignis adjusted his shades. Sometimes Noctis wondered if he wore them for the familiar feeling of having them rest on his nose or to spare civilians from seeing his scars. He suspected it was a bit of both.

“A memory related to Lady Lunafreya, which you’re not entirely sure exists.” Ignis pondered aloud. “Yet you do not believe you’ve forgotten any memories of your time with her. Are you referring to the most recent memories in Altissia?”

“No. It’s-“, he shrugged and belatedly realised Ignis couldn’t see the gesture. “Complicated.”

“I see.”

“No, you don’t.”

A small smile curved the tactician’s lips. “No, I do not.”

Noctis gave Umbra’s head a final pat before standing up to his full height. “Guess I’ll just have to keep looking.”

Ignis hummed. “Best of luck with that. Let me know if you’re any closer to finding what you seek.”

“I will.”

♫

Noctis had searched everywhere for Little Luna. He had even gone to the infirmary where Luna’s body had been taken temporarily in wait for the burial. He had taken a small scrap from her torn dress and offered it to Umbra in hopes that he would manage to locate the elusive girl with it, but even that had not worked.

Tired and defeated, the raven-haired hunter made his way back to his and Prompto’s shared accommodation which resided underground along with the other denizens’ homes. It was as modest as the rest of the barracks; a small room with nothing but a single nightstand, a bunk bed and a wardrobe. There was only enough space to move around the bunk bed. Umbra hopped onto the end of his bed and settled down for the night. They had missed supper and would have to wait till morning for food. Dining hours were strict to keep everything going and organised. The garrison had ten thousand people to feed on a daily basis. It would’ve been absolute chaos had Aranea not put her foot down on the matter and made sure everything went smoothly and according to plan.

Prompto was lying on the top bed and fiddling with his camera. Entertainment was sparse. Both men had lost their old Insomnian smartphones after two years of service and had had to replace them with regular Niflheim standardized cell phones. Prompto still brought up King’s Knight occasionally and all the memories they had playing the game. Sadly, their new phones were only good for phone calls. Texting was unadvised to avoid jamming the phone lines. The lines had to be open for long-distance communications between New Lucis and the other countries at all times. Walkie-talkies were given to each hunter, while MTs used a special code signal to report their patrol results to the main computer.

“Welcome back, buddy.”

“Sorry I kept you waiting.” Noctis stripped himself off the weapons, scarf and hunter’s vest before kicking off his old trusty prince’s boots. They had endured surprisingly long. He supposed he had his father to thank for that. King Regis had made sure both his son and the Crownsguard wore clothing made of durable high-quality materials. Noctis changed out of his damp hunter’s shirt and pants. Neither he nor Prompto had proper sleepwear. They and the other denizens of Fort Highwind had long since learnt to be ready around the clock in case of a bold daemon attack. Larger hordes had dared to attack the fort even with the hallowed lights. Fortunately such occasions were rare, but it had instilled a sense of vulnerability and vigilance in each one of them. Always be ready. Always be alert.

“Hey, no prob. You wanted to talk about something?” The freckled blond plopped onto his stomach to peer down at Noctis.

“Yeah. About that girl.”

His clear blue eyes lit up in interest. “She seemed nice. Did you show her where the showers are? She looked like she’s been rolling in dirt the past month.”

Noctis dropped his gaze to his hands. “I, um. I kinda lost her.”

“Well, it’s a big place. Maybe one of the girls took her under their wing?”

“Maybe.” That seemed too optimistic even by Noctis’ standards. How could a little girl just vanish when he turned his back for a second? Granted, she was fast when she wanted to be, but he doubted she would leave him like that without letting him know. At first he had presumed she went back to Dead Luna to make sure she was being treated well and with proper respect, but she had been nowhere near the van or the infirmary. He had backtracked to the garage, but Cid had seen no little girls. He had checked everywhere on the surface level. It wasn’t out of the question that she might be at one of the underground levels, but why would she go there on her own?

“Prompto. I’m gonna say something that will probably make you think I’m going crazy, but just bear with me, okay?”

Prompto blinked at him curiously and rested his chin to rest on his folded arms. “Okay.”

“It was Luna.”

As expected, he didn’t register what the raven-haired hunter was implying. “Huh?”

Noctis sighed, rubbed his face and lifted his head to look up at his best friend. “The girl is Luna. As in the same Luna that is currently very much dead. Don’t ask me how that works. At first I thought I was hallucinating or having some weird visions, but then you saw her, too. And when I lost sight of her, it wasn’t because of her running off on her own. She just vanished the second I looked elsewhere. Kinda like what Gentiana used to do.”

“You said you found her in Caem?” Prompto’s voice was heavy with disbelief.

“Yeah. She showed me where the corpse was. Wouldn’t have found it otherwise. It was in knee-deep water.”

Prompto let out a low whistle. “Wow. Dude, I don’t know what to say. Seems unreal to me.”

Noctis chuckled humourlessly. “Oh, believe me. I’ve been questioning reality a lot for the past six hours.”

“Maybe she just wanted you to save her from being eaten by wildlife and now that that’s taken care of, she decided to leave?”

Noctis lay back on the bed and tossed his arm over his weary eyes. One of Umbra’s ears was pointed towards the conversation in half-interest. “I guess. Was hoping to have a chat with her. She didn’t talk back at all when we were alone in Caem.”

“What would you talk about? I mean, she’s just a kid. Can’t go burdening her with too heavy stuff.”

“I’m not too sure about that. The last time I saw her she was a child. I was, too. When she gave me the ring, she appeared to me in a vision. We were both in Tenebrae, surrounded by countless sylleblossoms and she was there. Right in front of me. As young as I remember her from our childhood.” His voice trembled. He had never told anyone about the vision and how much Luna’s final farewell had affected him. “She was a child, but then she changed into an adult. I don’t think this Luna is different. She reacted when I called her by name and she seemed to understand all the things she should’ve considered as too ‘adult’. She even seemed a little worried when you brought up Iris during the car drive.”

“I completely forgot she was there to hear it! I hope I didn’t upset her or anything.” Prompto hopped off the bed and set his camera on the nightstand. “Think we’ll see her again? I never got the chance to show her the photos we took for her.” He grinned at the sullen man.

“I swear, if you’re even entertaining the thought of taking ‘sultry pictures’ of her, I’ll put you in a box and have you shipped back to the MT factory”, Noctis grumbled.

“I know you wouldn’t do that to me, buddy!” Prompto singsonged. “I’m surprised you even remembered all that. I promise I won’t take any weird pictures, but you can’t deny me a portrait! C’mooon, we don’t have any pictures of her”, he begged.

It was true. The only picture of her he had seen was the portrait next to her wedding dress in Altissia. He wanted a picture of Luna as a memento more than he dared to admit. It already seemed so weird and it bordered on creepy; a man in his thirties fantasising about having a picture of a twelve-year-old girl. He was beginning to wish Little Luna had taken the appearance of how she was in Altissia. Perhaps she thought it was less painful for him to see her the way he remembered her instead of how she was on the day she died.

“Fine. One picture. If we’ll ever see her again, that is.”

#ffxv fanfiction #noctis lucis caelum #lunafreya nox fleuret #noctluna

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cre0n · 5 years

Text

"DWAL SSAAY ELIHC LRUG WEHW" (My Pet Unpopulars Reversed)

"Time to be quiet"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ0ECqMHfUQ

Prelude

Creon: First off rest in peace to this decade that got owned. From the phony fake feedback "they" have been reading this for the past several years and I can see people being bothered by it. It's nothing to do with a check or any type of fake fame from "them". I don't get paid for this or even have followers but guess who's reading it. Just think of it as a free schooling or in some cases pure sportsmanship. Where yall think all of that Rebel talk came from? Now all of a sudden a decade later everybody is Rebel this, going against the system that. Folks got Rebel Clothing lines, Rebel mentalities, and Rebellious attitudes. That's the pavement that was laid for you and you and every colored negroe that it meant something to. When your as powerful as this entity inside of my physical body the other side tends to tip their hand occasionally. I don't think "they" try to give it away it's just fear that drives them to surrender unwillingly. Ain't it amazing how some of the most powerful *people* in this Matrix will never make it to your TV screen or trendy news cast that entices humans so much. Could you be able to comprehend or fathom a supreme being that induces so much fear into the hearts of the most evil entities that dwell in this realm? That may be to much for a human to understand. That may even be hilarious to most simpletons but it's meant to draw the mind closer and it's working. The point of this is Top 50, Top 25, Top 5 whatever nobody is bringing the same substance, content, subject matters and skill all in one sitting. Where would your favorites be without the help? Would they even exist to you anymore? They need to piggyback the fame and media to be a dope somebody. You have a fresh start and don't have to do that. I myself don't even know what help is anymore and you should feel the same way. It's in the people to have that power and they should take it. Dumbasses, we don't live in the physical realm you wake up to everyday. The REAL is lived out in your mind. If you reincarnate on this planet after dying, YOU LOST THE GAME. Yes, some of us come here for a sole purpose with the intent of light bearing revelations....Then I think about things again and say maybe I shouldn't complain. Maybe I should just be flattered to say the least. Naw not this time fuck that. It's like one of the homies said, You Can Do All Things Through Christ Except Play With Me. What I'm doing and have been doing and already did is sculpting and designing a coded landscape typical to a highway for all of my "peers" in this so called "community" as grounds for their pitiful souls to maybe one day be spared. Even the jealous and cowardly ones that are the purest of maggots, the ones who try to block your very existence, or just flat out ain't shit know the end game. They even have to bend the knee.

"Spoken"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVijnZylMw0

1. Eye don't respect you and at the same time must protect you They swear this state that their mind is in equals revenue How you call it blessed when frequency filters through mess What is it n*gger you can't see or the fame is humanity's stress The North Pole with machine elves the holy grail My tree of life cannon ball into eternal wells Drink from our chalice the fountain conception Stone Mountain His Russian time machine dream simply will not allow it A treasure chest no jewels to drop it's not for sale Forgot to reload my CERN account black Queens dwell in Hell Now you understand why EYE can't get signed Or go on tour for decades behind the black man's mind Let's overstand this sovereign case them people scared Came back to the planet ONE last time yall still unprepared

2. Wool robe eyes like the burning bush sandals bronze Magnetic field and aura like a lunar groupon Infinte is 8 we ate never ending planes Cut off by a cracked firmament our Summer's Gate reign Sea monsters like a Cripp by the Island of Thoth It's still moving yall still with me right?.... Cough Young brothas my Saturn Matrix black can't date no Iggy's They tryna turn Gibbs and Benny into new Pac's and Biggie Pay attention these folks is evil Dedication to easels.... draw

MJ KICK

"Model Duck Waddle"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StNUu-ayD4Y

Hella yaass young mamas got a story to tell CreezyBae from Souf Kak and keep that A-T-L A heartless reinforcer, socery is an order Magic shows blow some smoke up ya butt with this quarter Nada no nothing so don't be posing & stuntin' Curriculum spins this axis so wtf is you askin'? Babe it can't be love, 'cause love don't love a soul And all the likes and comments in the world gets old Now all you got in ya life that air mattress with the plastic cups That cash app still working don't it? Hit em up You selling selfies and an advantage time still passing Several years later recommended by the garbage tragic Been underground for decades it made me an animal That orange box cutter didn't come with no manual Annual, pussy makes the world go flat And plus we fuckin', don't do no homegurl chillin' jack (BIG FACTS)

.....(Shuckin' x Jivin')........

"The Roth"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFViVsYLK84

Eye swear to White God Eye love wasting humans time 7 summers later that dumb bitch God is a *crime* Pinot Noir and your whole outlook The way you teach the children, straight from a crackas book Yall slaves kill me with this top 5 bullshit The whole industry revolving door pulpits Talking bout they positive movements with negative fads Well tell the folks the whole truth you hypocrite scabs Let's pull the strings and the puppets out I don't even need the sticks Wasting time on the couch flickin' this BIC (5th bedroom) Eye love my brothers to death even wished them death (huh?) Now feel the release, illuminastic reps Get BIG nigga 500k nothing less Yes the FEDS watching 2012 InkTober droppin' Yeah yall wasting time repeat the Matrix get the grind? My peers once again 3D chasing bags Eye'm at the North Pole Holy Grail Tree of EVERLAST (punching bag) "Til this day" Creon built lanes even for trash Walking on the highway then loiter off the exit stashed

............ "that part cost" -Coach

Before you learn to win you need dimensional Facts Rule 1: The 5th plane is Universal crack Rule 2: The time machines run everything back Now the whole community is back on his sack Bar none with more bars and stars than an Admiral match it Enough lower back blows she need a flak jacket We know a Propain who got special stanzas trapmatic Lost tapes, still buried outlandish Ridiculous approaches got my yella ass banned (Red) Or am Eye, he too heavy banned to a skid crammed Jammed up at some port with no support scammed Seems like the customer got another custom plan With even more bars than an empty Fort Knox Pen carries weight like the sky blue Ox Or maybe it's a Bull, bullish trending up sell now The purgatory princess gets raped by their cash cow Sodomite Gentiles flag for jumping on the pile (my fault) The Kings circle of life Creon is Royalty Blacker than the thought of the roots of a Sequoia tree...

"You don't just Like"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poB4dtpTdLQ

Can't leave out the conscious folks on his way to 7 Creon stay jammin' harder than a Mac-11 Boppin' with that NoTep confidence From the old moon to Hapis stop your nonsense Masterful the pen glides prolific spill aesthetics More Hennessy for Carolina Cardi twerk sessions Got crackas seeing red they hate the message Don't message me just tag it yellow trend your own blessings cave pathetics The rose bloomed solid gold it's stems were magnetic Thorns crystallized easter eggs they found a Holy relic Breaking Matrix codes exposing Lyor's racist ass said it Donate a dollar and help the black channel out reverend You love this world so much well try not to get me pissed From now on Eye'm coming after souls next level shit...

**Hook**

Slangin' yarn in the yard lets get back to positive "The left field neighbor is the hardest kid" Was the agrument convincing me to slaughter this & still ended up lonely cause' the targets split The youngins say "lit" the crop a Megan Markel wrist 50 niggas deep somebody wrist game dope Bruh Eye give the soldout hope Make a famous fucka have to cope With the bullshit around them straight smoke May the Lord Jacob guide Baphomet in his prime As the Sirius Avyon one Universal mind Co-exist on a platform without porn shine Los Santos musik "Shittin while we Flyin" Etheric values nigga, the fallen and the risen In God mode the affirmations of metaphysics.....

"Dreams Don't Exist"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc2ge9degkI

Can we just accept the stars at night & how the vibration sound waves replicate light Is the speed of bright faster than a black idea Are my peers slow or simple just backed up fears Been droppin' content on 9/11's, 23's, and the 13's With more New Jack swings for gangsta leans She clappin' it with no jumping he blowing gangsta green Choreograph a whole dance routine Be on some happy shit hoes wanna say Eye'm mean Just don't wake me up walking dead heroin fiends Moving around the room fly girls and crush grooves Been a shadow all summer pullin' J-moves Eye'm smoking bomb ass weed feelin' crucial They made sidewalks for black frats the feelings mutual Eye'm getting stalked by some bomb ass coochie & some of them rich legit never been a groupie......

...... & if yall can't relate then sue me (500k)

"Normalize the knob...tf"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGlXCLQ9aIw

For the new 16 Creon charging 2 properties And this was just a temporary situation now pardon me That's just some little money, the prophecy They saying buddy there's no chance you son of a slut You son of a bastard, you son of a bitch, you son of a mutt Eye got an angel now Eye'm summing it up You son of that cut, you son of that step, you son of that raw We Suns of the 7 summers son of a pause.... .....Moving Islands of Thoth A moving violation will get your team caught The Summer's gate will get a sea monster for da free Lifetimes of limitless mastery Education, the soul is sold separately They ran out of Isotol to stretch the peace The whole album ended ran out of doggystyle to stretch the grease Dumb lil boy this ain't no NBA Envy great, pay your fares then Camelot shares Run the highway like a state chair (votes) State of Emergency Profoundly unearthining The blackest clout to create words surfing on the nearest curb Lickin' souls like them lizards whether Eye'm slizzard or sober From Langford to the Boulder-crest up to Panola Teach my Sun don't be a slave, certified owners Initially lobbied for peace Mishaps happen summoning beast Iron throne let the Ice wall melt in the streets...

Peace

#summerisdead #fallclassics #7 #$500k #winternights #pale horse #black lion #white sheep #grey wolf

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