Chapter II. Adventus
Prompto strode along the bustling streets of Insomnia's city square, skyscrapers towering over the populace and shrinking their size in comparison. Large screens adorned the sides of the edifices, showcasing advertisements and the latest trends that were currently dominating the fashion world. In the center of Insomnia's city square lay an eloquent fountain, adding opulence to the technologically advanced-looking metropolis. This was the main center for human interaction. There were restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and department malls that many frequented. Distant sounds of chatter and laughter filled the area. Young men and women embellished with the most lavish attire crowded the center square while ridiculously expensive automobiles decorated the streets of the Crown City.
Prompto's gaze shifted upwards as overcast skies opened and water had begun to pour down. Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled as the rainstorm washed the city anew.
"Just my luck…", the blonde muttered dejectedly. He tightly held onto his crumpled grocery bag and immediately searched for refuge underneath a nearby bus stop. How long is it going to keep on raining…?
Prompto's inner complaints were suddenly interrupted by the booming voice of the anchorman upon the big screen of the tallest tower in the vicinity.
"BREAKING NEWS! KING REGIS IS IN CRITICAL CONDITION!" silence filled the capital, as everyone stopped in the midst of whatever they were doing to direct their attention to the screen. On cue, a picture of Insomnia's king flashed onto the screen. King Regis was a beloved man and the people of Insomnia adored him.
"Oh no I can't believe this!" Prompto heard the frantic chatters of the people around him, obviously distressed about the dire situation. He wondered what the king had done to deserve such a cruel predicament.
Prompto was not exactly fond of the government especially due to a sudden shift in authority and recently uncovered conspiracies. It was difficult to decipher whether the king or an outside party had been making decisions for the capital. However, even Prompto knew that King Regis had been nothing but virtuous to the citizens of Insomnia, and after seeing the news about the king his thoughts drifted to a certain raven-haired boy. His childhood friend. I wonder what he's doing these days, he lamented.
The initial silence caused by the sudden revelation vanished, and was replaced by the panicked chatter of Insomnia's citizens.
The ringing in his ear was deafening. The weight of the world just fell upon his shoulders. He stood motionless by the entrance of the room, head down analyzing the marble flooring beneath his black loafers. What is that noise? Where is the phone? It was just in my hand a second ago.
"Noctis. Noctis. NOCTIS! YOU ARE ZONING OUT AGAIN!"
"HUH? What?" The sound of Ignis' voice snapped him out of his trance. The phone call, which seemed like ages ago, had already ended, the dial tone occupying the stillness of the room.
"Noctis, we must leave for Insomnia immediately," Ignis panted. He looked as if he was out of breath, possibly because he had run to where Noctis was immediately following the dreadful news. Leave it to Ignis to be there whenever Noctis needed him.
Noctis gingerly lifted his gaze from the phone resting on the marbled tile and towards the table where the Fleurets and Gentiana were sitting. Concerned stares met his own. Lunafreya leapt from her seat, gentle hands gathering the sides of her ivory gown, and rushed to Noctis' side. She tentatively rested her palm on his shoulder as an act of comfort, "Noctis. What is the matter? What happened?"
His eyes returned back to the floor beneath him, dark hair shielding his face from Lunafreya's vision, "I have to go back. I-I have to go back to Insomnia." He lifted his head to regard Ignis. "How will we get to Insomnia on such quick notice?"
"Don't worry, I have already arranged for the Magitek 2000 to transfer us," He replied as he kept his gaze forward.
How the hell did he manage to do that in such a short amount of time? Ignis' reliability never failed to amaze Noctis.
"Everything will be alright Noctis. I promise." Lunafreya consoled, her manicured fingers brushing against his shoulders, innocent blue eyes sparkling with fresh tears, "Please be safe, and make sure to send me letters okay. Everything will be okay, I know it." The last time she saw Noctis so distraught was when he was a child. Brief memories resurfacing of a lonely, dark-haired boy gazing out the window. Ever since he was a child he never displayed his emotions.
He regarded the blonde princess, a strained smile graced his lips before he began, "Thank you Lunafreya."
Her hand dropped from his shoulder as he made his way towards Ignis. He stopped in between the doors that led him out of the room, "If you will excuse me." He bowed before he exited.
Noctis and Ignis were then escorted to the airport and led to a hangar which contained what appeared to be a gargantuan, state-of-the-art military aircraft. It was silvery in color and resembled that of those monstrous birds one could only find in myths. It possessed a large hatch in the front, possibly for transporting large items such as military weaponry, and wielded vast, powerful wings on each side.
Abruptly, the hatch had opened to reveal a woman with long, silvery hair, hung in a low ponytail, and attired in a pilot uniform. "What's up bitches?" She hollered.
"That's our pilot… Aranea…" Ignis faintly notified Noctis.
"That's just great," Noctis groaned sarcastically.
"So, what do you pussy boys need with my aircraft?" The silver-haired woman leaped onto the ground and swaggered towards them.
Ignis cleared his throat and spoke assuredly, "We must be delivered to Insomnia as quickly as possible."
Aranea merely raised a silver brow and chuckled humorlessly, "And why the hell should I do that? How much are you guys willing to give me?"
Upon her response, Noctis regarded Ignis with disbelief. This was who he had assigned the very important task of taking them back to Insomnia?
Aranea observed the apprehension of the two before her lips curled up into a smirk, "Nah, I'm just fucking with you. Get in the plane morons."
Both incredulity and relief overcame Noctis upon hearing her words. That is one scary woman, Noctis thought.
Still shaken upon the whole ordeal, Ignis merely nodded and followed both Noctis and Aranea into the aircraft. Noctis took a seat on the right side of the airship besides an assortment of cargo while Ignis sat across from him. Aranea handed each men a pair of headsets, and they put them over their ears accordingly.
"BUCKLE UP KIDS!" Aranea shouted.
"WHAT?" Noctis screamed.
The only response was Aranea's incessant laughter as the plane began to depart.
The journey to Lucis was, to say the least, quite turbulent. Noctis and Ignis both struggled to keep the contents of their stomach internal as they exited the aircraft.
"That was a fun ride, wasn't it boys?"
Noctis' response was him gripping his stomach, trying not to vomit in front of them.
Ignis coughed, "Yes, that was a very pleasant ride. Thank you Aranea for your assistance."
Aranea slapped Ignis' and Noctis' rumps, "Anything for you pretty boys." She gave them a playful wink, "We should do this again sometime, if you boys are up for it." Her blaring laughter faded as she made her way back into the aircraft.
Never again. Noctis glowered at the thought of any contraption operated by Aranea.
"Now, that wasn't so bad, right Noctis?" Ignis joked, though his laughter died rather quickly.
Noctis' only response was an irritated sigh. "Where even are we Ignis. This does not look like Insomnia." The sun was making its way towards the horizon, casting an orange hue onto desolate desert landscape. He scanned the barren countryside, heat waves bouncing off the pavement of the empty road. Only a diner, gas station, and a garage was in sight. The rusted sign on the plot of land read "Hammerhead."
"Why, we are in the Lucian empire. This is Hammerhead Noctis! You should know this as the future king, for this is a part of your domain...Haven't you been reading the books I recommended?" Ignis inquired suspiciously.
Noctis brushed off Ignis' rambling and scanned Hammerhead's plot of land. His eyes immediately landed upon the diner adjacent to the gas station and said, "Wow I'm hungry, we should go get something to eat."
"Are you changing the subject right now?" Despite Ignis' annoyance, he could not deny the rumble in his stomach and acquiesced to accompany Noctis into the said diner.
Making their way from where Aranea had dropped them off, though a very short walk, was a painstaking journey. They were not accustomed to this kind of heat, and every step they took was torture. After what had felt like an eternity, they made their way towards the entrance.
"Uh, table for two please." Noctis requested, however, the man behind the counter did not seem to hear him.
Ignis sighed defeatedly and with a more prominent voice said, "Hello sir, may we have a table for two, preferably by the window?"
The host, whose apron read Takka's Pit Stop, smiled cheerily and complied, "Sure, take any seat ya like." Takka motioned his arms to gesture that they were to sit at any available booth. The two made their way to the left side of the establishment towards the booth beside a window overlooking the vast sandy plains. As they took their seats the man presented them with a menu. "What can I get y'all today?"
"Uh, can I have a burger and soda," Noctis skimmed through the menu before he continued, "also some fries."
"For me, I would like your finest salad and a glass of water, no ice," Ignis ordered promptly.
"Alrighty! Say, where are y'all fine young men from? Y'all don't seem from around here?"
"We just came in from Tenebrae actually," Noctis replied.
"Darn tootin'! That's a mighty far from here! What kind of business do y'all have that y'all gotta travel so dang flabbit far for?"
"I believe that is quite none of your business…" Ignis interrupted the conversation before more precious information could be released.
"Hey Ignis, that was kind of rude," Noctis mumbled.
A brief, awkward silence filled the air until Takka opened his mouth to speak once more, "Well if that'll be all…I'll go and giddy up them fryers and get right on started with y'all's orders."
As soon as Takka made his way to the kitchen Noctis directed a scowl towards Ignis, "What the hell was that for?"
"Listen Noctis, you are the prince. You cannot, under any circumstance, be giving away information about the kingdom or yourself like that," Ignis lectured.
"All right, all right, I got it," Noctis admitted to defeat. He'd be damned if he was going to be subjected into another one of Ignis' royal lectures.
"I reckon, it ain't every day a hulking airplane lands in the middle of the desert!" An aged man in a trucker hat approached the table where the royal duo were seated, "Well well well, if it ain't the prince of Lucis. I heard the news, your father was my friend you know."
"Oh um... Pleasure to meet you... Mr..," Noctis had never seen the man before and was certainly offset by his immediate familiarity.
"Forgive me if I am wrong, but I believe that is Cid Sophiar, he fought alongside your father a long time ago, they were quite close," Ignis clarified.
"Heh, tellin' my whole life story boy. Yeah, I was close to your father, though I haven't yapped with the ol' man in years." he mused, "Hear he ain't in a good condition. I reckon that's why y'all are goin' back to Insomnia."
Noctis' gaze fell from the old man's stare and to the table. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could start Takka interrupted, "Order's up! Pit Stop burger, fries, and a coke fer the young man and a salad for Mr. four eyes over here."
Ignis frowned at that nickname, "Ehm, thank you." He grabbed the glass of water and pressed it to his lips.
"Hoo, I tell ya, this garage business o'mine got me busier than a one legged cat in a sandbox!" Cid continued, "If y'all need a car to get to the Crown City I'd be happy to lend! Go speak to my girl Cindy, but no funny business. That beautiful young lady is my granddaughter."
"Actually yes, we could use a vehicle right now, where is this Cindy you speak of?" The bespectacled man inquired, fingers lifted the side of his frames.
"Y'all can find her in the garage right next to the liquor store. Why, she's probably fixin' up some ol' clunkers in there right now!" Cid pointed towards a building surrounded by what seemed to be junk and auto-parts.
"We are grateful for your patronage," Ignis patted the sides of his mouth with a handkerchief to remove the residual juice of salad dressing.
"Yeah, thanks man we owe you," Noctis stood up reached his hand out for a handshake.
However, Cid had another plan in mind as he grabbed his hand and pulled him in for a hug, rattling the table while doing so, "And that's what we call true Lucian hospitality! GAHAHAHAH," he nearly choked upon his laughter as Noctis awkwardly patted him on the back. "My, you have surely grown haven't ya. So fancy n' proper, the spittin' image of ya father when he wasn't an old fart." Cid analyzed his face as he held both sides of Noctis' shoulder. He noticed how they slumped upon mentioning the King of Lucis. "Boy, he will be alright, I'm sure of it. He was the strongest man I ever knew. He would never have gotten to where he was if he wasn't awful strong."
Noctis lifted his gaze to regard Cid, and with a smile he murmured, "Thanks old man. I know, my dad's a strong guy." Despite his words, an uneasy feeling continued to afflict Noctis.
Cid slapped Noctis' back, "Now that's what I want to hear. Now finish yer food and go talk to Cindy. But, like I said, no funny business ya hear."
As Noctis reoccupied his seat in the booth, Cid patted his shoulder. He smiled at the two young men and let them continue on with their meals. He turned away from them, his smile was wiped off his face and replaced with a dejected frown as he made his way towards the exit.
"Man I'm stuffed! That was great." Noctis chimed as he rubbed his bloated stomach.
"I'm glad that your appetite has been satisfied. Now let us speak to Cindy about a possible vehicle we can rent."
They made their way out of Takka's Pit Stop and towards the garage. Ignis noted the mini-market and made sure to stop by to purchase a couple of necessities before venturing back home to Insomnia.
The air was filled with the smell of burnt rubber, hot brakes, and gas and oil. They stopped in front of the large garage and made their way towards the old man lying on a lawn chair beneath a patio umbrella. The faint rise and fall of his chest signified that he was deep in slumber. "Where do you think Cid's granddaughter is?"
"BOO!" Cid's eyes shot open and leapt from his sleeping position.
"Heavens!" Ignis was momentarily startled from the old man's sudden outburst. While fidgeting to stay calm he shifted his frames and began. "Was that necessary?"
Noctis giggled at Ignis' startled reaction.
"GAHAHA. Hoo hee, scaring you is gonna be my pastime." Cid made his way behind Noctis and Ignis and rested his hand on each of their shoulder blades guiding them towards the entrance of his garage. "Cindy is in here fixin' up an ol' clunker for y'all. Let me get this darn thing open." Leaving Ignis and Noctis in front of the garage, Cid slowly strode to the side of the building and slammed the switch. The motor roared as the garage door unlatched, and within the structure was a beat up old truck. A youthful blonde beauty donning a russet trucker hat slid from underneath the truck and lifted her safety goggles.
"Howdy! Are y'all the ones who wanted to borrow this ol' thing right here?" She greeted cheerfully as she stood up and adjusted her mustard cropped jacket causing Ignis' complexion to flush, "So, what do ya fellas think? Is this enough to get y'all to the capital?"
Noctis took this moment to examine the car. He noted that the doors creaked loudly and had to be slammed in order for them to be properly shut. Furthermore, the burgundy paint was nearly chipping off the entire car. We're definitely going to get a lot of stares in Insomnia with this, Noctis thought sourly. Although the car was certainly old and a little worse for wear, he concluded it was ample enough for a ride to the capital.
"Yeah this is more than enough, thank you Cindy, we really appreciate it," Noctis hoped Ignis had brought enough money to cover the expenses, "how much for the car?"
"It'll be on the house! Consider it a lil homecoming gift for the prince," Cindy beamed, "plus, it seems my old man is fond of y'all."
"Really?!" Noctis was ecstatic towards the prospect of not having to spend any money, "We seriously owe you guys a lot."
"Don't mention it! Just make sure to stop by every once in a while and visit," the blonde woman urged playfully. "It's gettin' dark though. It's awful scary drivin' out at night. You don't know what's lurkin' out there. Maybe y'all should rest up here for the night." Cindy suggested.
Noctis turned to the sandy haired man with an apprehensive look, "But what about fath-" he paused for a moment, a frown gracing his features, and continued, "but what about the King?"
"You will reunite with King Regis soon enough. It will be better if we rest here and forego any risks," Ignis reassured him.
"We have the trailer open tonight. I know it ain't a five star hotel, but I'm sure it'll do." Cindy pointed in the direction of the opposite side of the Hammerhead lot to a homely-looking trailer.
The royal duo turned their heads towards the direction to where Cindy's finger was pointing. Ignis' frames obscured his eyes, however, Noctis knew he would be displeased with such an arrangement.
"Don't give er' that look. How about this. After I'm all good and done in this here garage, I'll come and chat with ya before y'all rest up." Cindy propositioned.
"I suppose that would be nice, we could catch up on the things we missed out on in Lucis. Noctis?" Ignis looked at the raven-haired boy.
"Yeah! That would be great. Looking forward to talking to you Cindy." Noctis chimed.
The night screen hung down over the barren landscape, shrouding everything in darkness. Glittering diamond-like stars littered the night sky, filling the endless arch of the black-void. The only sounds that filled the expanse were the choir of crickets and the occasional hymn of an owl's howl. Noctis's gaze was pointed towards the celestial heavens, eyes sparkling with child-like curiosity. He was entranced by the serenity of it all.
As Noctis was analyzing the ethereal expanse, Ignis was staring fixedly at the young prince's features. His dark, blue eyes tracing every detail of the night sky. A peacefulness to him, that Ignis had not seen for quite some time. For once, he looked genuinely at ease. Maybe it had something to do with being out of Niflheim.
Ignis broke from his lamentation and focused his attention back to the blonde engineer sitting in the chair across from him.
"I know the prince here has been away from Lucis for a while. How y'all fancy it so far?" Cindy asked.
"It's been real great Cindy, I've really missed home these past years," Noctis took a bite from his plate of unidentified meat, "by the way, what type of meat is this?"
"Why, that's some finger lickin' good squirrel meat!" Cindy chimed.
Noctis choked on the meat as Ignis patted him on the back sympathetically,"S-squirrel meat?" He held back the urge to vomit, for, it would be rude if he had regurgitated his innards right in front of the very person who had cooked the meal.
"You alright there, pal?" Cindy giggled.
"I-i'm fine..it's just, the f-food is so delicious!" Noctis managed to squeak out.
You surely are a strong one, young prince. Ignis looked upon Noctis with admiration, his lip tilting to form a slight smirk. He noted that Noctis had become noticeably different once they had landed in Lucis. He supposed that being free from the constraints of regality had allowed him to be himself once more. The sandy haired man smiled to himself at the thought of Noctis being able to relax at last. All those years spent in Niflheim had only managed to drain and pressure Noctis. Ignis was worried he was near his breaking point. It had been a long time since he had seen the young prince so open like this, and frankly, he wished it would never end.
"So, Cindy, from what I have observed, you seem to be very adept at engineering, why stay in Hammerhead?" Ignis queried. He was truly curious as to why such a talented mechanic such as herself would stay in a run-down garage when she could be making quite the fortune working in the capital.
A thoughtful smile graced Cindy's features, a distant, unreadable expression replaced her usually cheerful facade. "Well, ya see, I owe old man Cid quite a lot. He took me in and raised me as his own when I was a child," Cindy took a sip of her pop before continuing, "my parents died when I was a kid and I had no one to rely on until he took me under his wing. I mean, I actually did work in the capital for a while, and I was the best darn mechanic there was! But I came back to help paw paw out with the garage since the old coot's been rusty lately."
"I see, that's very considerate of you," Ignis acknowledged. How difficult it must be to lose one's parents, he thought.
"Say, Cindy what kind of cars do you like?" Noctis attempted to break the bleak atmosphere.
"Oh, me? Well I've never really had the chance to get my hands on it, but when I was working in the capital I saw the most beautiful automobile!" The mechanic gleamed, "it was sleek, it was modern, and it had the most exquisite shade of black! I believe it was one of them royal people's cars...I think it was named the Regoolia?"
"The Regalia?" Recognition was shown on Noctis' features, "Ah, I think that's the car my father has been meaning to give to me once I return. If you'd like, I can bring it over here and you can take it for a ride or something."
"Really?" Cindy's dazzling smile lit up her face, "That'd be wonderful! I've been dying to see that beauty up close!"
"Yeah, of course. It's the least I could do, plus, I'm sure King Regis would be more than happy to lend the Regalia to an old friend," Noctis couldn't help but grin at the thought of returning home and telling his father about meeting Cid, how awful Niflheim was, and even the crazy pilot who brought them back home. Home, Noctis repeated in his head. He was home. It didn't hit him until he actually thought about it. Finally, I'm home.
The rest of the night had been filled with laughter and cheerful banter. Talking to and gaining reassurance from everyone had put Noctis more at ease towards the situation regarding his father. He felt he would at least be able to get some sleep tonight.
"Well, it's been real nice talking to y'all but I best let ya guys sleep now. Y'all got a long ride tomorrow! Night fellas!" Cindy stood up from her seat and bid farewell to the royal duo.
"Good night!" The two chimed in unison before retreating into the trailer and drifting off into a deep slumber.
The blaring sound of the alarm clock filled his apartment. Early morning shone through the slits of the blinds, embracing Prompto's features. The blonde languidly lifted the quilted covers to reveal a lean, freckled body, not pronounced but with a definite grace, and rose from his creaky bed. The walls of Prompto's apartment were mismatched red bricks. Photography adorned every corner of them. Pipes were visible along the walls giving it an industrial feel. Rats scurrying around was a frequent occurrence and the electricity would tend to flicker on and off. It certainly wasn't the most luxurious apartment in Insomnia but for Prompto, it was adequate.
He pounded his alarm clock until the obnoxious ringing ceased, and turned the radio on. "-till no update about the King regarding his health, the citizens feel helpless and they can only pray for him to get better," the radio host announced.
Oh right the King. Prompto recalled the terrible news that aroused hysteria in Insomnia. I wonder if he'll be okay and I wonder if he… No I have to stop holding onto the past like this. Prompto instantly brushed off such dangerous thoughts, slid off his bed, and headed towards the bathroom to brush his teeth and prepare for his morning jog.