welcome back, thanks for reading!

...

"Go forth and receive your birthright, let nothing stand in your way." Lunafreya Nox Fleuret

Ignis had returned to Lestallum by what used to be dawn. He was daemon hunting on his own, if anything, trying to blow off some steam. He was frustrated at the book Nox had left him. It seemed it was three layers of code and near impossible to crack. He had faith that he would unlock the mysteries below. But she had made it incredibly difficult, which only fueled his curiosity the more. And yet, every time he looked at the damn thing he just felt angry. It wasn't like anyone else knew their code, so why bother making it this difficult? Another answer he knew he wouldn't get.

He washed his face, cleaning himself up before preparing breakfast for Cid. He looked in the mirror at his amethyst eyes. The scar he suffered had still remained, but the damage to his vision was healed better than before. He did not need any sort of corrective lens in order to see as he preferred. But his eyes never returned to their natural colour, they always carried the change. It was her mark, but it seemed as of late that wasn't all she left him.

The book was one thing, the eye colour another, and then there were these random bits of memories that popped up in his dreams. He had noted that usually one would occur following a small headache. It didn't happen too often so he kept it to himself, but he was curious as to why it was happening in the first place. More questions he didn't have answers to. Is this how she felt all the time? She was always one to pursue the quench of her own curiosity. And he encouraged her to do so, seeing as they often sought the same answers. But she wasn't here to help him brainstorm anything, and he was a little lost without the help. He depended on her more so than he realized.

"Gladio," he greeted his old friend, who sat at the table with Cid.

"Iggy, hear it's about time to breakfast," Gladio nodded towards him.

"Staying out all night isn't going to get you out of work," said Cid, a bit grouchy they noted.

Cid always seemed grouchy since he was grounded to Lestallum. He didn't have anything to tinker with anymore, only the gourmet food that poured out of the kitchen at Ignis' command. Anyone who came by didn't bother to try and convince Cid it was okay to relax, he wouldn't have any of it anyway. So they tolerated his mood swings, if anything out of respect. They owed Cid and his granddaughter a great debt, and would spend their lives repaying it. Ignis went to work in the kitchen, while Gladio told Cid of his conquests in the daemon world. It proved to be entertaining at least. Gladio continued his stories as they ate, Cid looking mildly happy at least, and that was all they could ask for at this moment.

"Reggie used to be as wild as you back in the day," said Cid happily.

"I wish I had known him before he was King," said Gladio.

"You wouldn't think he would be King, but he did what he had to do."

"You never told us the nature of your falling out," said Ignis.

Cid looked hard at his plate. The memories flooded his face, anyone could see that, "Seems stupid now that I look back on it. Reckon I would kick myself if I had watched it play out now. But it ain't worth getting into. What's done is done," he replied, his jaw set. He rose from the table and went into his room, closing the door.

"Still a touchy subject," said Gladio.

"Indeed," agreed Ignis.

.*.*.

"We're here," said the leader of their class.

A very young Gladio stood tall among the others, notably the youngest member of the party with curious amethyst eyes. It was a small troupe, but they were out to learn how to survive in the wilderness. There could be a time where they would have to leave Insomnia, and it was important that the crowns guard, especially the shield in training, knew how to get on without the advantages of the city. Gladio didn't seem to mind, he liked being outside. Today, they were going to hunt in order to eat that night. No one said a word as they followed their leader out not straying too far from the city. There were Kingsglaives stationed strategically around all of them in order to ward off any attacks that might come.

"These are sabertusk," their teacher said in a hushed voice, crouched down as to stay out of sight. They weren't exactly in a forested area, but they had a nice hill and bush to hide behind in order not to be spotted, "They always travel in packs, so don't expect to see just one of them. On my mark you will each take one as a target. Eliminate them. They're fast, but if you isolate them one on one, they won't have much of a chance to hurt you. Ready," the class called forth their weapons, Gladio his broadsword. But Charlie didn't do anything, she wasn't sure where to begin, "GO!" he shouted, thrusting his arm forward.

At once the class ran towards each enemy, isolating them and began their attack. All but one, the young girl who merely stood and watched, but did not participate. That was, until one of the sabertusks had found her. Knowing that it's comrades were doomed, it decided that she was its best target. She matched its stare, still unarmed. No one seemed to pay her any mind until the fighting was done and she was the only one left. Gladio watched intently, knowing exactly who this girl was. He kept his weapon ready, just in case. But she still showed no sign that she was going to attack. Finally, the sabertusk lunged for her, and she parried its attack with a double sided lance. The sabertusk was hit hard, she had managed to severely wound it.

"Excellent, now finish the job," their teacher instructed.

The girl walked towards the creature, observing as it laid there, struggling to live. She felt tears in her eyes, this wasn't right.

"What are you waiting for girl? Kill it!"

"No," she said defiantly, looking at her teacher.

"What?"

"I won't kill it."

"You were given an order!"

"I don't care! I won't kill it!"

"Oh? And why not?"

"Because it doesn't deserve to die."

"It attacked you."

"It was defending itself. None of them would have felt the need to come and attack us if we had just left them alone."

"They could have attacked nearby travelers."

"No, they couldn't have, because nobody comes this way except your students."

"Enough of these games, silly girl, kill it," he was getting angrier by the second.

"No."

"Do you not understand what we're doing here?"

"I understand exactly what we're doing. Learning to defend ourselves, but this creature doesn't deserve to die. We came to its home and attacked it. They were only defending themselves from a threat. It's exactly what the Empire does to the rest of the world. It's why we're in a war, we're defending ourselves from their attack. If I kill this creature then I'm no better than Nifleheim," she crossed her arms defiantly, standing in front of the sabertusk.

"Stupid girl, you," he pointed at Gladio, "Finish the job."

Gladio looked at the girl. She matched his stare, daring him to try and pass her. He dismissed his sword, going to stand beside her, taking the same defiant stance she posed, "No."

"How will you be soldiers if you can't follow orders?!"

The girl turned to the sabertusk, ignoring the teacher. Knowing that Gladio was standing in defense of her, she held a hand towards the wound she inflicted upon the sabertusk. She concentrated hard, closing her eyes as she did so. After releasing a breath, the creature stood, staring at her.

"Now look! Stop it before it attacks you!" the teacher roared.

Gladio had turned, ready to defend. But the sabertusk merely howled once and then ran off, not even bothering to look back on them. The girl stood, turning to face her teacher once more, "I'm not a soldier, I will not blindly follow orders, especially when they don't make any sense."

"Doesn't make sense?! How do you expect to eat tonight?"

"I wouldn't need to go out hunting for food, there is no way that I wouldn't plan for ever possible outcome. There's outposts all over this country, you should always have three back ups and even a cup of noodles or two handy. There's no need to disturb a natural habitat just for food, not if you simply plan ahead."

"You're a silly girl!" he was sputtering, fuming.

"What's going on here?" demanded Cor, coming towards all the commotion. Briefly, the teacher explained to the Immortal what was happening. Cor took a hard look at Gladio, and then at the girl. He spoke in low tones towards the teacher.

"Come with me, Charlie, we need to talk," said Cor, holding his arm out towards the city. Charlie sighed, smiling in thanks to Gladio before walking with the Immortal to she could only assume her father.

...

Gladio was leaving the training area in the citadel. After the fiasco Charlie had caused it was decided they would come out a different day and try again. He wasn't entirely sure that Charlie would be with them the nexxt time. Speak of the devil. She was walking towards him, though her eyes were unfocused. He stood with his massive arms crossed as she approached.

"That was a stupid move," he told her as she came within earshot.

"I don't care," she replied, not even bothering to look at him. She didn't stop as she walked passed him. He reached out and grabbed her arm, stopping her, "What?" she turned, glaring at him.

"You need to care. When you leave Insomnia you'll have to follow orders. You think they'll be as forgiving over in enemy territory?"

"Spare me your lecture. I already got one from my father."

"You never listen to him."

"And why should I? He's a stranger to me. You wouldn't understand."

His grip on her arm loosened, "No. But I know enough."

She shook her arm free, "That right?"

"Yeah. Or else I wouldn't have stood with you today."

She was taken aback by his words. She opened her mouth to retaliate, but then closed it, having no more bitter words for him. She sighed in defeat, giving up her futile battle.

"That's better. If you're going to survive out there then you've gotta follow orders. Quit fighting everyone that tries to help you. No one wants to see you die out there."

She nodded, "Thank you," and she walked away without another word.

.*.*.

Ignis opened his eyes slowly. So that marked the end of her rebellious streak. Well most of them anyway, she still had hard feelings with the King. Probably until the end, which could only make it difficult for her to deal with all that happened.

Gladio had stayed for the day. He would be back sometime later on, Cindy needed some help clearing out daemons, and Gladio seemed to want the company. They would head to Hammerhead once he returned, collect Prompto, and begin the hunt. It had been a while since the three of them had fought together, and he was looking forward to some familiarity. Always one to prepare, he began to pack his things for the journey, grabbing the book as well. He would tell the two of them of his discovery thus far, hopefully making some more progress while he was out. He was sure there were answers here he needed to help with the eternal darkness they were faced with.

"You ready?" asked Gladio, standing in the doorway.

.*.*.

"Are you ready?" Clarus asked, talking to the adjacent room of the throne.

"Let's get it over with," she said dryly, hating the citadel. It only caused her grief, ever since she was a child. She had a room, it was in between the servants quarters and the royal apartments. It was hers since she was a young girl, the only place in the city she knew. She was happy, for a time. They say ignorance is bliss, and they were right. Because when she was a child that knew nothing of the world around her she was happy, and now she knew too much and only felt despair and hatred for what used to be her home. Now she wasn't quite sure where she fit in, having gone outside the world.

"Lady Charlotte, I am happy that you have returned safely," said King Regis. He sat upon his massive throne, looming over anything that wandered into the room. There was a very unnecessarily large staircase that led to the throne, and only one seat. The room echoed with his voice, which was very professional, kingly.

"Your Majesty," she bowed, "It's good to be back in friendly territory. Is there somewhere less stressful on my neck we can talk?"

Regis nodded, standing from his throne and walking down the many steps towards her. He offered her his arm and she took it graciously, as he led her towards the conference room, Clarus behind them every step of the way. Her heels clicked, leaving an echo behind them as they walked in silence. Evening was setting in, the sun setting off in the distance. The windows were crystal clear, the lights in the city starting to turn on, one by one. The city at night was beautiful, and she had missed it while she was away. Well, one aspect of it at least. They entered the conference room, empty and quiet, only the three of them. She let go of his arm, continuing to stare out into the city.

"Were you successful in your mission?" he asked tentatively.

"Why didn't you tell me?" it wasn't a question, more of a demand. She kept her back towards him, her fists clenched.

"Tell you what?"

"About the magitek research facility."

Regis was silent. Clarus sighed, keeping his eyes trained on the two of them, "I wasn't sure how."

"Could have maybe tied it into the back story of my life," she said coldly, turning to glare at him.

He was guilty, he didn't even bother trying to hide his feelings, "It hasn't been easy, watching you grow, not since the day you were born and it all happened that night. You were in so much pain when you learned who you were, I couldn't bear to tell you what you were."

"It's not for you to decide anything about my life!" she banged her fists on the table.

"Nox, please. I fight a war with the empire, a war with my council, a war my own strength and a war with my son. Must I really fight a war with you to?"

"Don't worry, Majesty, my position means I'll hardly be around. I have ways of getting you reports without being here, one less war you need to worry about," she said hatefully, walking briskly towards the door, eager to get away from him. She stopped in front of Clarus. He stared at her with sad eyes, guilty even. But her gaze had softened, and she hugged him, "Thank you," she whispered. She let him go, wiping away a tear.

"No need to thank me, my Lady," he told her politely, a little startled at what had just happened. She smiled, leaving the room.

She got to her car, turning it on and driving out of the citadel as fast as she could. Her music blared, she sent off one message on her phone and then continued on her journey. She didn't have to go far, she sped a lot to get there. She parked in her usual parking spot, the sun completely gone. She heard the waves crashing against the dock. She took off her shoes, sitting down and dipping her feet in. She could feel the fish come and start to nibble at her dead skin. She always found it strange, but then awfully soothing after a couple of minutes. She heard footsteps behind her, coming towards her, and then stopping when they reached her.

"Ignis," she smiled, looking up at him.

.*.*.

"Iggy, you there?" asked Gladio, a hand on his companions shoulder.

Ignis rubbed his forehead, feeling the headache subside, "Apologies."

"What the hell was that? You okay?"

"Just a headache, nothing to be concerned about. On your mark," he brushed it off. Gladio looked unconvinced, but knew that if he wasn't getting an answer now, he wouldn't get one at all. He just hoped that his friend was alright, they had all been through enough.

...

tbanks guys, see you next time!