Chapter 4

Assignment

Gladio was in shock to say the least. Noctis was standing in front of him. And he was smiling?! The nerve of that brat! All the suffering he had put them through and he was grinning like Prompto after he'd taken another picture of those damn Chocobos! His King was clean-shaven; his arms crossed in that cocky way of his, and was clearly waiting for a response.

"It's been hardly a day." He grunted.

Noctis looked surprised. "Time passes differently between us then. It feels like its been months to me."

"Then…" Gladio shifted uncomfortably. "You are… settled well?"

"Asking if I'm happy?" Noctis smirked. "Almost. A bit of unfinished business still to take care of. But I have Luna. I miss you guys though."

"Yeah well you're missed here too."

There was a moment of silence before Noctis chuckled. "Well now that that's out of the way let's get down to business."

"You almost sound like a real King."

"I am a King."

"Pompous brat."

"Hulking giant."

Gladio smirked. "Alright Your Highness. What orders do you have?"

Noctis lifted himself so that he was sitting on top of his own tomb. Resting his leg on his knee he took a second to just stare at some corner before looking back to his Shield and beginning. "The people come first. Once some sort of force has been gathered, I'm sure Cor can help you with that, houses and shops need to be rebuilt. Worry about the Citadel last. Naturally you and Ignis are welcome to your old stations. I don't think I have to say this, but make sure Prompto is given a position."

"Like what?"

"You could make him the next King of Insomnia."

Gladio just stared. Surely he was joking…?

Noctis chuckled. "Ok maybe not. But it would be entertaining."

"Are you watching us or something?"

"No. I'm a little too busy for that. And I don't really have any way to. I just have to trust you to get things done."

"And you want me to start with the housing and shops?"

"Yeah." He nodded. "And something for Prompto. That one is just as important."

"The kid is not weak." Gladio huffed.

"I never called him weak. But you and I both know that he is going to need to be kept busy."

"Fair enough."

"Then you know where to start." Noctis stretched his arms over his head. "I imagine once word is out that the daemons are gone people will come flocking back to Insomnia to help rebuild."

"Lestallum is packed so tight people are barely breathing in there. They will be glad to come home."

Standing up Noctis placed a hand over the blade again. "So you agree. Perfect."

"Wait Noct…"

Noctis hesitated.

"If something goes wrong or comes up…?"

"I'm sure you and Ignis can handle it. I have absolute faith in you all."

The Shield still seemed like he had more to say.

"If something should arise and you need to speak with me, you can always come here. I can't always just be here waiting for you; I do have things on my side to take care of. But I will always get here eventually."

"What kinds of things are you taking care of?" Gladio had to know if Noctis was still fighting.

"Little this little that." The King grinned cheekily.

The larger man snorted. "Brat."

"Bye Gladio." Noctis touched the blade and vanished from sight.

Ignis and Prompto were waiting for Gladio outside the Citadel. The noonday sun was shining so brightly. Prompto was quietly describing how the ruined city looked in the light. While the advisor appreciated the description what he was truly enjoying was the warmth on his skin. After years of the coldness the night brought, he could feel his skin greedily absorbing the rays that were being cast upon the world now.

Cor had given them a brief summary of what he had told Gladio. Prompto's reaction was expected. The blond demanded to be in the room while Gladio attempted this communication, but he did not doubt in the slightest that it was impossible. Ignis admitted that they had seen and grown up with many amazing things that were possible through the power of the Crystal and the Lucii family. But speaking to the dead seemed like a stretch even to him. Especially with no one in the royal family currently living. However, it was a well-known fact that a King and his Shield had a special bond that went beyond any other of those loyal to the Crown.

Cor wasn't one to lie. And he definitely wouldn't waste his breath with something he didn't have faith in.

When Gladio came out Ignis could immediately tell that the man was shaken. His heavy steps, always so confident, were softer, slower. He didn't immediately greet the advisor to alert him of his presence as he had gotten into the habit of doing since Altissa. Instead he came to stand next to Ignis, and just stood there.

Probably enjoying the light. Ignis guessed.

"So…" Prompto never did have much patience. "Did it work?"

"Yeah." Gladio sighed. "I saw him."

There was a moment of silence.

"Aaaaaand?" Prompto didn't bother to hide the whine in his tone.

"He looked just like his old self. Even just as cocky. The bastard. Told me that time passed differently here and there. Wherever there is. The other side. After life. Whatever. To him he's been gone for a while. Said it had felt like months."

Ignis had a million questions he wanted to ask, but reminded himself that the point of Gladio meeting with their deceased friend, their King, was to get instructions on their next plan of action. "And what were his orders?"

"Start rebuilding." Gladio huffed. "As if we wouldn't do that anyway. He said houses and shops first. Worry about the Citadel last."

"Who cares about that? I mean – yeah – its important stuff too. But how is he? Is he happy? Does he have Luna now? Did you see her? If you saw her that would hardly be fair that Iggy and I don't get -"

"Prompto." Ignis silenced the blond.

Prompto crossed his arms and glared toward the scenery. He knew he was acting like a child. But Noct was his friend too. And he knew Gladio was the oh so special Shield. But Gladio wasn't the only one who had fought alongside the deceased King. Gladio wasn't the only one who had waited maybe not so patiently for ten years while Noctis was in the Crystal. Did it have to be a Shield's blood in order to work? Or maybe the Shield's were just the only ones who had tried it? What if it was just someone who had a connection to the fallen King? Then would the King's best friend be taken into consideration? Who even considered such things? Past Kings? Astrals? Surely if it were past Kings, Regis would put in a good word for him. And he had helped Noct win the Astrals favor right? So maybe they liked him too?

"What do you think Prompto?" Ignis voice cut through.

"Wha?"

"Told ya he wasn't listening." Gladio grunted.

Ignis sighed. "Prompto. Noctis has informed Gladio that we are to keep our stations. With the fact that there is no current King we have decided to stretch those positions."

"How so?" Prompto knew he looked confused.

"We can get into the finer details at a later date. What we are trying to ask you is if you would want a position as head of public relations."

"You want me in charge of PR?"

"What? Can't handle it?" Gladio smirked. "Sounds right up your alley."

"But… that's kind of important. Especially right now at a time like this…"

"We wouldn't ask it of you if we weren't positive you could handle it." Ignis pointed out.

Part of Prompto doubted his ability to take on such a role. But a much larger part was screaming at him to go for it. They promised Noct they would rebuild Insomnia, and he needed to help in anyway he could! Besides… Iggy would always be around if he had any questions.

"Alright! Let's do this thing."

"That's the spirit." Ignis smiled relieved.

"Time to start rebuilding." Gladio agreed.

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