I doubt this could get any worse, Gladio thought. Digging his phone from his back pocket, Gladio swiped the display and without thinking opened Ava's contact info. The picture background, a black and white photo of Ava's outstretched hand and her hiding behind a pillow stared out at him. Six months before they left the city, everything had been perfect; if not perfect, he believed where Ava was concerned their future undeniably certain. When the four of them left Insomnia for a road trip and a wedding, it seemed peace was a certainty, even if a forced one.

Nothing was certain anymore. Gladio didn't know what to believe, they'd been minutes behind Noct -minutes. Yet, when they sprinted into the chamber holding the Crystal, Noctis wasn't there. The Chancellor's story made little sense; the Crystal had taken Noct.

Gladio's anger had taken over, summoning his broadsword. His grip tightened and he had put everything into that one swing; the Chancellor stumbled. Ignis and Prompto followed him, and they all saw Ardyn fall. It had been rash; taking out Ardyn would get them nowhere. When Ardyn stood and swiped his fallen hat, Gladio had remembered Ignis' story; the Chancellor claimed to be immortal. If that were true, with Noct missing, there was little hope of ending Ardyn's game.

He'd reviewed every step they took in Zegnautus Keep and still nothing surfaced in his memory; Gladio had to conclude that Noctis couldn't be anywhere other than where the Chancellor had claimed-inside the Crystal.

The constant drone of the transport's engines lulled him, helping Gladio focus on his own thoughts and covering the cringe worthy discussion between Ignis and the merc. When Ignis offered to contact Aranea to carry them back home, Gladio had reached his limit. They'd fought against the Empire, against daemon hordes and even the Gods themselves and it all meant nothing.

Ignis had told him the Empire bore the blame, but inside the transport Gladio scowled at the closeness of the Empire's mercenary to his friend. That's no act, he thought, she's definitely into Iggy, but how is that possible? We'd all run into the merc at Fort Vaullerey and that was the first time, wasn't it?

To his eyes, the whole situation seemed far too convenient and Ignis remained at the center. Iggy's no traitor, he reminded himself, but where women are concerned, he trades politeness for all that logic and reason he loves so much. Gladio shifted, the transport wasn't designed with human comfort in mind, but the hard metal floor and growing discomfort added to his agitation. You know it's not true. Ignis always had a clear head, you're blaming him, he thought, just like Ava.

He'd been cruel when they spoke last, and since their argument, Gladio's head replayed the exchange every night. Ava should have helped. Gladio's convictions no matter how uncertain had been repeated so many times, they'd become the only truth. His anger led him to a dark place of half truths and safety nets; Ava hadn't betrayed him once, not once in all the years he'd known her. His conclusions were wrong, but they saved him from dealing with the truth.

Passion and anger dictated the words to him, and once spoken, despite his regrets, Gladio couldn't back down. He'd done it again. Accusing others of mistakes all to cover up what he couldn't face-Noct was gone and he'd allowed it.

Listening to Aranea explain Ava's capture, Gladio's chest tightened. The way Aranea described Ava's shredded jacket and injuries painted a gruesome picture in his head. Ava made light of the situation in her message, keeping the truth from me. He understood knowing would have challenged him, made him reconsider leaving for Altissia. As the story crystallized, Gladio's guilt grew; his attention focused on Aranea's every word.

"I'm telling you, I've never heard anything," Aranea paused cutting off her explanation, her head shaking eyes fixated on the floor. "It took two people an hour to calm her. Ava kept insisting her father was alive and had killed the king; she begged the Marshal to end her life before she hurt anyone."

Gladio couldn't believe it; Ava had squared off against any who spoke out against Mac. The idea she'd blame Mac and herself confused him. "The hell? Why would Ava do that?"

"Why do you care?" Aranea fired back, "you were setup, remember?" Aranea confronted him with his earlier conclusion.

Her challenge clear in her venomous stare, even Ignis' approach did little to break her concentration. Aranea didn't fear Gladio, he read that from every angle; from narrowed gaze to the accusatory point of her finger, Aranea made it plain she didn't respect him in the least.

The taut silence between them collapsed from timid steps and a quiet cough, Prompto moving into the space, separating the group.

"I know why," Prompto said, sullen and quiet he stepped into the conversation. "He made her see it. The Chancellor, I mean."

Gladio listened to Prompto's explanation, his fallen expression and unwillingness to look at any of them a sign that whatever had happened still weighed heavy. When Aranea apologized first, Gladio realized that once more he'd let down another he'd meant to protect.

A strong hand on Prompto's shoulder turned him around. "Hey. I'm sorry," Gladio said, meeting Prompto's eyes. "Thanks."

The conversation split once more, leaving Gladio to return to the back wall thinking on Ava. She'd wanted to go back to Insomnia, long before everything spiraled out of control, but promised to wait for them to return. He wondered if she still planned to go. Listening to Aranea and her men recount what they'd learned by delivering refugees to points all over, Ignis' observations proved his idea made sense.

Gladio closed his eyes, an attempt to see his preferred destination in his head, he'd need transportation and help, that was certain. Insomnia might be overrun, might have already been cleared out, but it was worth the trip; at least until he could figure out how to make things right between those he'd hurt and those he'd failed.

"May I join you?" Ignis question, delivered simply waited for a reply.

"Yeah, sure. 'Sup." His usual nonchalance fell horribly flat and Gladio hoped Ignis wouldn't call him out.

"Forgive the question, Gladio, but I wonder what exactly you hope to find in the Crown City."

Might as well try to convince Iggy first, Gladio thought, I'll have to convince Cid and Cindy to give me a truck and find me some help. "The armory is my goal, then the hospitals, stores." Gladio leaned closer, quieting his voice without realizing. "If it's true that more people are heading to Lestallum, the city is going to need supplies as are the local hunters. We've seen demons in Gralea. What if the same comes to Hammerhead or Lestallum? What of the people there? Those people need help. I can't imagine the Empire bothered to clear out everything, which means we find it and get the hunters to distribute."

Ignis didn't answer allowing Gladio to continue.

"Iggy, if the light really is leaving and if the Chancellor was right, we can't do anything until Noct returns, I get that," he said, "but that doesn't mean we sit around and do nothing. We plan. Gear, weapons, meds, everything we and the people need to survive. If Noct comes back tomorrow, great. If we have longer to wait, then we have to do something and do it now."

Tapping his lips with his index finger, Ignis replied. "An excellent idea Gladio, we cannot be sure what waits and should prepare." Ignis leaned against the bulkhead, using the metal wall to guide him to the floor next to Gladio. "I should like to visit Lestallum first, and find the Marshal."

"Good idea," Gladio said, "maybe check in on Ava, too?"

"Of course."

The two fell into a comfortable silence, but Gladio couldn't let silence take hold. "There's something I need to tell you, about Ava-about Ava and me. The thing is she may not want to see me again. I tried to get her to intervene when we were in Altissia," he stopped, swallowing hard at the thought of the consequences of their argument, "I think we're done."

"I see."

Gladio rubbed his face. "It's all on me. I won't try to explain because I messed up. I mean, really messed up. I think it's better if I stay far away and keep working toward Noct's return."

"If you say so, Gladiolus," Ignis began, "however, allow me to offer another alternative. Knowing the lady as I do, I contend that while the time apart might appear to have some level of permanence, the two of you have always survived such flares and returned to the norm once one or both of you admits culpability to the other. It has always been and I believe is still the case now."

Scratching his chin, Gladio laughed, the inappropriate reaction another way of hiding his feelings. "I wish. No Iggy, this time I stepped in it, but good. I even accused her of. . .hell, I can't even. . .let's just say in my twisted head, you and Ava. . .yeah." He leaned his head back against the bulkhead.

Ignis' reply fell slowly, his disbelief carrying his words. "You thought that I . . . Gladio, please give me a little credit toward a lifetime of loyalty and friendship. To think that I would cross such a line is . . . is . . . I am at a loss. I assure you, not once has the thought or such an action ever-"

"I'm sorry. I lost my head and the angrier I got, the more . . . insane the accusations grew. I trust you. Hell, I trust Ava and even as I said those things I knew it was all bullshit."

"Apology accepted," Ignis said. A light tap of his cane did little to set Gladio at ease. He waited for the rest of Ignis' response. "Something tells me there was far more than what you've shared."

Raking his fingers through his hair, Gladio exhaled in a sharp blast, and explained what he had done, including his accusations surrounding Cor.

"Allow me to congratulate you on a spectacular meltdown," sarcasm spoke through Ignis' words, "If I knew it would do even the tiniest good, I would scold you." Ignis stood with ease. "I warned you once before of the consequences of disrespecting the lady, this time it is not my wrath you should avoid, but that of the Marshal."

Gladio's resolve weakened once more, his head dropped slightly and he groaned. "Do you really think so?"

The slight tilt of Ignis' head gave the illusion he studied Gladio. "The fact you asked that question in that exact manner leads me to believe you do not fully comprehend the Marshal's interest in Ava."

Gladio leaned closer to Ignis. "Wait a minute. What do you mean?"

Ignis pressed the tips of his fingers to the center of his forehead. A slight grimace on his face drew Gladio's concern, but Ignis recovered attempting to reassure. " I've a slight headache, nothing more."

"You know what, Iggy? It's not important, we'll talk another time." Gladio reached out, he'd planned to reassure Ignis with a light pat on his shoulder.

With blinding speed Ignis snatched hold of Gladio's wrist. "It is quite germane to the situation and, despite my preference to keep silent on what I have learned and observed in training and service to Noctis, I believe it is imperative for you to learn what I know to face the Marshal when next you meet, lest there be more misunderstandings." Ignis released his hold.

A sideways glance and widening eyes gave proof of Gladio's mounting concerns. "Now, I'm concerned. If it's been that guarded, why tell me? What interest could he have? Cor's been a mentor, he trained Ava, what more is there?"

"Shall we sit? I'm afraid the story isn't brief, but we've time." The two men settled against the bulkhead once more, Gladio aware of Prompto's glances towards the pair. "I believe it only fair to include Prompto; he'll ask later and this will save time. "

Chuckling Gladio shook his head. "I'm not going to ask how you read my thoughts, but if you say so." Calling Prompto over with a wave, Gladio asked him to sit. "Sit and listen."

Stammering his assent, Prompto sat with his legs tucked under him waiting for Ignis to begin.

"Before I begin, please understand the reasons for my question stemmed from concern. When the Marshal insisted on Lady Avis' training, I thought it odd for the child of a council member to be given such access to either of us and Noctis." Gladio moved to interrupt, but a quickly raised hand seemed to anticipate the action. "I knew full well of the family's ties to yours, and your father had assured me the request originated from King Regis and carried his approval, but-"

Prompto jumped in. "You had to make sure, right? You wanted to look out for Noct."

"Yes, Prompto. Despite all evidence to the contrary, I had to be sure Noctis wasn't in danger."

l-l-l

Ignis had never met the Lady Juno, nor had the Lady Avis been formally introduced. He retained a passing memory of a young Avis, often sitting outside the council chambers waiting silently.

This was different. The order seemed simple enough. Lady Avis, now seventeen, had resurfaced after a prolonged isolation and Ignis and Gladio had been tasked to assist with her acclimation and training. An odd request, Ignis decided to delve into the Callidus family history.

Everyone had heard variations of the story; Machaera Callidus founded the Kingsglaive under the direction of King Regis. During the establishment of the elite fighting force, Machaera and the Lady Juno Adsedo, a seated member of the council, had married.

Avis was close in age to Gladiolus; the prince's guard had offered what he knew of his childhood friend.

"Iggy, I'm not sure what I can tell you. It's been like nine years. After Mac died, her mother cut everyone out of Avis' life. She used to hang out at our house all the time when we were little, even stayed with us before Mac disappeared. She's not what you're used to, Iggy, but she's cool."

"Cool is not what I am looking for, Gladio. Can you offer nothing more?"

"We've not really kept in touch. I mean, sure I'd see her at the Citadel, but her mother isn't exactly a fan of my father and would usually steer Avis away before we'd get more than a five minute conversation. She's wanted to be in the Crownsguard since she was little, Iggy. My father and the Marshal wouldn't approve if there was an issue."

Unconvinced, Ignis requested additional information; after three days with no response, an undeterred Ignis hoped to broach the subject at his weekly review with King Regis and Clarus. On most occasions, the King asked the same questions, concerned with the prince's progress and how he acclimated to those around him.

The call from Clarus Amicitia requested Ignis' presence in the residences; the change in location a common occurrence, Ignis had learned to adapt to the fluid nature of serving the royal family. He wondered if time would allow for a few pointed but respectful questions about the Callidus family.

A firm knock on the door announced Ignis' arrival, but when Regis himself opened the door, Ignis noted the presence of Clarus and the Marshal waiting within. Strange as the gathering seemed to him, Ignis greeted the group and offered his usual politeness. "I must apologize; it seems I am interrupting Your Majesty." A formal bow completed his apology.

Ignis had grown accustomed to the King's lack of formality, and while Ignis had maintained the proper protocols, the familiar tone the king often adopted when they spoke never failed to elicit a sense of gratitude. "Ignis, had you truly stumbled upon a private meeting, the door would not open for you. Please, sit."

A moment of uncertainty took hold, the gathering of King Regis' closest advisors heightened Ignis' concern. "Have I offended, Your Majesty?"

The hint of a smile crossed the King's face; he gestured toward the table where Clarus and the Marshal sat, both wearing the same strange grin. "Set your heart at ease, and sit, please, if you would."

Cautious steps carried him toward the others, Ignis taking his time to sit, his eyes searching the king's face for any sign of displeasure. He wondered how the prince's update mattered to the other men in the room, until Ignis realized their presence had little to do with Noctis and likely pertained to his inquiries. Remaining silent seemed the best tactic, Ignis decided to wait for one of the three to begin. Silence strangled the room, all eyes to Ignis, only the king seemed amused. Cor leaned back in his chair, a slight sigh escaped as he shook his head. "Clarus?"

"Ignis, you are here to explain why you chose to ignore my orders in regards to Lady Avis. I believe I was quite clear in my request, and to carry on behind my-"

The king coughed drawing attention away from Clarus' anger. King Regis coughed again, drawing the attention of the group gathered, but only Ignis rose. Without a word he filled a glass from the sideboard pitcher and offered it to the king. After a few more minutes of silence, Regis spoke once more. "Apologies, you were saying?"

Halted by the interruption, Clarus' tirade lost its momentum. "Ignis, you've been attempting to investigate the Callidus family. Surely you understand how such an action could be viewed by Lady Juno?"

"It was not my intention to malign the family, only to protect Prince Noctis. Respectfully, that is my charge is it not? I am to guide the prince and see to his daily life. I thought," he stopped, meeting the king's eyes, "I was acting as bidden."

The king leaned forward in his chair. "And the presence of Lady Avis concerns you."

"It does, Your Majesty," Ignis said, surprised at the king's jovial expression.

Regis continued. "You ignored both Clarus and the Marshal's assurances and sought to discover more on your own, despite accepting the request without reservation when first approached?"

"I did, Your Majesty." Ignis weighed his next words. "May I speak openly?"

The king leaned against his seat. "I would prefer it always."

"The Lady Avis has been little more than a series of papers and phone conversations. The Marshal asked for my assessment of her academic potential and her aptitude tests indicated she could benefit from the accelerated programs offered. That said I have not spent any length of time with her to accurately determine if the lady is an influence appropriate to share a training space with Prince Noctis."

Joining in, Clarus interjected. "Yet you accepted the presence of Gladiolus and Iris without question, why?"

The question from Clarus made little sense. "Sir, Gladiolus comprises the other half of Noctis' guard and Iris Amicitia is your child, there would be no reason to question either of them."

Cor stood buttoning his suit jacket. "The Lady Avis falls under my protection. With His Majesty's indulgence, Avis is. . .of great importance to me, and I would ask she be given the same considerations as any child of the King's guard."

l-l-l

Gladio and Prompto stared as Ignis finished his story. "I only learned later while securing Ava's apartment that her father maintained a similar living space with the Marshal. Upon further review, the absence of adequate space for two led me to another conclusion, one that required privacy and confidentiality. Given the estrangement between mother and daughter, this was one of many circumstances that led me to realize the Marshal and Ava were connected as family, despite bearing no blood relation."

Gladio groaned. "I should have figured that out. Cor was always on about watching us, and it really seemed odd how tough he was on Ava compared to. . .well just about anyone else. I figured he didn't bother with others because he thought they couldn't take the scrutiny. Remember her suspension? Anyone else would have been demoted and sent to hold up a wall for the remainder of their career or given their outright release, but not Ava." Gladio paused, eyes staring at Ignis.

Taking the cue, Ignis asked Prompto to inquire as to their arrival. "Would you please ask how much longer we have until reaching Hammerhead?"

Quick to help, Prompto readily agreed. "Back in a jiffy."

Gladio massaged his temples. "You think Ava told him about our argument? If she did, I'm in for a world of hurt."

Ignis hummed in response. "To say the very least. One can hope the Marshal above such retribution, but you did insinuate a rather messy and inappropriate relationship and he might very well take exception. I recommend a preemptive approach. Apologize, offer to make amends as he sees fit," he said, leaning a bit closer. "And Gladio, if you truly wish to mend what you have done, then you must tell her so."

"I don't know Iggy. I'm not sure we can go back to the way it was, hell, I wouldn't trust me if I were her."

Ignis offered one final thought. "If you've nothing left to lose, what harm is there in trying?"