Captain Drautos marched purposefully as high noon struck on the clocks. Having made a few calls, he learned that Vitae was still in the training hall with Luche and much to his annoyance he was going to put an immediate end to it. The very reason he had her train first thing in the morning was to have her working on the cameras she was to set up for the rest of the day. The Captain's intention was to get her out the very next day despite Vitae's projected earliest finishing time. He swung the large metal doors loudly, sending the reverberating sound of metal clashing throughout the area. The loud echo made Luche freeze and look towards the direction the noise came from. Vitae took the moment to quickly get to her feet and create a distance between her and Luche.

Luche had been relentless towards her. Sparing next to no energy in every swing he unleashed at her. For the first hour, she had felt no differently than a rag doll. To anyone not trained in combat, the man was undeniably quick, coupled with the unfair advantage of warping and he was certainly a hard target. Getting to close to the man, meant being at the mercy of two handed combat. Too far meant being subjected to any momentum he would pick up while laying out single strikes and being knocked down quickly. During the next hour of "training" she was able to at least begin dodging him just before he was able to strike her from a distance. For her to land any hits however, was still posing a challenge as he would readily knock her hand away from him. He hardly seemed to break a sweat despite his continuing attacks. He would only pause for a minute at a time, seeming to need no breaks at all.

By the time the distraction from the Captain had come, she had just begun to understand the ideal behind a simple block of an attack. Luche had taken no part in teaching her what stances she should take, or even given her any remote ideas as to how it was exactly that she was to stay on her feet when taking a full on hit but as far as she was concerned, it was a first good step in the right direction. By this time, Luche had begun to lose some of his steam and his hits weren't nearly as violent. He was still able to knock her to her feet multiple times, but was beginning to slow down. The outfit Vitae had worn served no purpose in the forms of distracting anyone and ended up becoming cumbersome and torn. The fringes on her jacket were all but torn to shreds. The leather however, did at least provide some sort of protection against the hard ground, sparing her skin any more lesions.

When Luche's eyes met the captain's, he immediately straightened up and turned to face his superior. Standing at attention, he looked directly at the captain, curious as to why he was even here.

"Sir. Good afternoon. What brings you to the training hall?" Luche asked relaxing his stance when Captain Drautos signaled so.

Drautos' eyes stayed focused on Vitae as her stance relaxed from her defensive posture, "I heard that Vitae was still here. Why?" the Captain then said sharply as he turned to look at Luche with only a hint of annoyance on his brow.

"He said we stop when I land a hit on him, Captain." Vitae said as she walked towards the two men, adjusting the leather jacket she wore in order to straighten her appearance as best as possible.

Captain Drautos looked at Vitae, taking in the damaged clothing, as well as every little cut and bruise that sat on her skin. His expression showing no sense of compassion or even a care in the world. He looked back at Luche as his mannerisms demanded an explanation.

"I'm not going to put bad work out there, sir. First time with real combat or not, she needs to learn in the best way possible as fast as possible." Luche justified "Landing a simple hit isn't difficult...at least not if you're paying attention and adapting which she's started to."

Drautos looked around the training hall. The fresh marks that lined the area they had been training showing only slight progress, "Be that as it may, I need her ready to leave in one piece and able to implement what ever you trained her to do. If she can't do that, the training is for nothing. Head to my office. We have a few things to discuss."

Luche quickly nodded, passing a silent glance to Vitae as he headed out the area.

"Vitae, you're headed into the sewers tomorrow evening to deploy those cameras. Understood?" the Captain said harshly.

Vitae did a double take as she turned to face him. She'd already explained the time she would need, so his sudden change in deadlines was something she wasn't prepared for, "Sir, I won't be able to make such a deadline. These things take time, even if minimal." she said, almost pleading.

"Life waits for no one. Get it done. You won't be training with Luche tomorrow at all. I suggest you use the time wisely. If it's not done, you'll be training with me tomorrow. Luche shows you even small hints of mercy. I won't. If you die on the spot, so be it. You're more than expendable. Got it? Now go home and get to work."

Vitae grit her teeth. The visible tension on her jawline making Drautos laugh quietly as he watched Vitae storm out of the area in as dignified of a manner as possible. Just as she swung the heavy metal doors open, the Captain shouted at her mockingly, "Lose the attitude, you spoiled brat. You won't have to deal with this long.'

A few men could be heard snickering on the higher platforms that lined the outside area around the main training area. As Drautos looked up at them, he could easily see Tredd as well as several of the man's closest companions. Furrowing his brow, the Captain gestured for them to get back to work. With immediate compliance, the men left.


The walk Vitae had taken back to her apartment was full of stares and twisted looks, and she didn't blame any of the people who made such faces. It isn't often you see someone walking through Insomnia purposefully looking as though they were thrown to the beasts. She kicked her shoes off as though they were the cause of all her problems, hanging her head as they scuffed the wall they hit. Great she thought to herself as she created more work for herself. Going into the bathroom she looked over herself and noted the extra colours and damage that had been done to her, "Probably should have just stayed hidden in Altissia." she said as she removed the tattered jacket.

She eventually changed into something more comfortable before seating herself heavily at her glass desk and working steadily on the cameras. After nearly an hour the first one had been completed and for a moment, she admired her work. The small item easily able to rest in her palm and taking up no more room than a large coin. Given exactly where it was the cameras were going to be placed and for what reasons, she wasn't too concerned about disguising them at all. Seldom to creatures care about cameras so long as they are placed carefully.

Given the brightness of nearly every room of her apartment, she would have to wait until nightfall before testing out whether or not they would pick up images clearly in the dark. She could see that the IR was at least going off as it detected even the slightest movements but that didn't mean it could see. If by nightfall it did work, than it wouldn't take much to get the cameras streaming to a secure source. Doing a bit of math in her head she figured it she may actually be able to make the Captain's deadline, if only by a few minutes.

Her phone sounded off repeatedly as an incoming call demanded an answer. The word Ignis showing.

"Why hello Iggy." she said in a sarcastic cheer.

"Hello indeed. I'm a bit shocked to have seen that you wanted to share a meal with your family." he responded.

"Yes well, I suppose I am due to visit my own family, wouldn't you agree?"

"Agreed." he finished before hanging up the phone.

Vitae looked at her phone almost shocked that he hung up on her. It wasn't something her cousin was in the habit of doing. If anything, Ignis would rather sit on the phone in an annoyingly long game of "you hang up first" before even considering hanging up in a rude manner. Maybe he lost reception? she thought to herself as she left her office and headed towards the kitchen. As she hit the redial button, she heard a knock at her door as the handle began to jostle. Raising and eyebrow she tried to peer through the peephole, only to be nudged backwards as the door opened.

"You certainly look dreadful Vitae." Ignis said as he looked his cousin up and down for a moment.

"Hello to you as well. How long were you in the hallway?" she asked as she shut the door.

"No more than a moment. I had heard that you had left for the day and assumed coming by wouldn't be an issue, given that you would likely need a ride to your family's home anyway."

"You know me so well cousin." she responded.

"Do you ever intend to get a vehicle, Vitae? Though I must play chauffeur to his highness, it isn't necessarily a job I enjoy."

Vitae smiled as she wrapped her arms around her cousin, "Is it truly such a bother to you? I am no more than walking distance from any place I wish to be after all. Besides. Walking is good for the health."

Ignis looked carefully over they marks and scraps sitting on her face. All were surprisingly clean hits and left only light swelling, if any at all. He shook his head. He hadn't expected Vitae's return to consist of any violence at all. Perhaps a good reprimanding here and there, but nothing quite so damaging. Noticing as Vitae's expression drop, he didn't bother even bringing the subject up at all. He could only hope all would be well by the end of her ordeal with the Kingsglaive.

"So. Gladio seemed to be in a bit of a good mood today. You wouldn't happen to have any explanation, would you?" the Adviser already knowing exactly what exchange the Shield and Vitae had made as she went into the kitchen and fixed the two of them some light coffee.

"Nothing I can think of." she said as she chuckled, letting a blush escape for a moment as she sipped her coffee and handed Ignis his "Although I did agree to date the man, so perhaps that would put him in such a good mood."

Ignis sighed as he rubbed his brow, "Of course you did. You do understand that you are going to infuriate anyone who finds out? Correct? Gods forbid your own family be the first"

Vitae shrugged, "Then to hell with them all. Perhaps this whole monarchy could use a fresh overhaul with how many secrets have been hidden within it. A life of nothing more than rules and regulations is no life at all. Politics be damned so far as I'm concerned."

Ignis laughed quietly, "Politics be damned indeed. I hope you understand that while Gladio may be fiercely loyal, he's nothing short of a womanizer and an unreasonable flirt. I wouldn't doubt that the number of woman he's seduced with nothing more than brawn exceeds that of the population of Insomnia."

"Well, at least he can keep suspecting eyes off of us than. One wouldn't expect a presumably committed man to flirt now, would they?" Vitae said casually "Besides, a little experience never hurt anyone now, has it? Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get ready. Give me a moment."

Ignis nodded and leaned back heavily in the chair he sat in. Looking out towards the Citadel, he wasn't exactly sure how it was he was supposed to feel about the situation that was now going to be thrown into the workings of life. He wasn't one to speak of subjects when not necessary, but given all the circumstances that potentially could arise he wasn't sure what his next move should be. Perhaps Vitae was right, and it was time for a change in politics. He could only hope that the newly formed pair wouldn't do anything too unreasonable and that their future, whether short of long lived, wouldn't cost all of them in the end. He wasn't entirely sure if Vitae had said anything about the Scientia family history to Gladiolus, but judging by the Shield's mannerisms, he was certain she must've hinted at it. He sighed as the newest of a long list of stressors sat on his chest.


The Scientia's all sat around the long unoccupied family table. All of them spending a fair amount of time discussing all the things they had gone through for the past few, both good and bad. All of Scientia's having their own fair bits of stories to be told as they waited for their dinner to be served by the butlers and servants who carefully maneuvered around the small group as they served small hor' dourves. The affluent family sparing no expense on their home, despite it being only Vitae's mother and father that lived there. With Ignis having long since moved into a small dormitory, and Vitae having been overall absent, the home certainly seemed suddenly full. As the families conversations continued, the mention of Vitae's work within the Citadel eventually came up.

"My god Vitae, surely they can't be treating you so poorly." Vitae's mother said as they sat around the family table. The older woman seeming far more upset about Vitae's treatment within the Kingsglaive than Vitae's absence for the past few years. The last she had seen her daughter, Vitae was in nothing short of a slight fury as she packed her bags and marched out of their home. Her face still intact and unscathed. The only news she had heard about about Vitae, was from Vitae's father. The man hardly having anything worth noting to say. Merely stating that she was alive and well and fulfilling that which she should have been doing the entire time.

"Unfortunate as it may be my dear, the Captain has nothing but the best intentions for Vitae I would imagine. He is one of the best at what he does afterall." Vitae's father assured her mother.

Vitae huffed out a single breath, "Best intentions or otherwise, I certainly feel like nothing more than a punching bag. However trusted the Captain may be, he leaves me feeling quite uneasy."

"Anyone whose forced you to do that which you are best at seems to have that effect on you, Vitae. This isn't some new occurrence. He simply implements 'spare the rod, spoil the child' a bit more firmly than most. Although, he can't be blamed given the reputation you nearly placed on his subordinates, especially a man the Captain nearly considers second in command." her father responded as he nodded at a butler, a thank you gesture to the older butler.

"Who? Luche? Please. The man is slightly more egotistical than one should be. Nyx Ulric I can absolutely understand. The man is honorable. But Luche? Such concealed violence and pride makes not for one in command." Vitae said confidently as she took a bite of food.

Ignis laughed lightly at her statement, gathering the attention of all at the table.

Vitae's mother smiled at Ignis, happy to see her nephew laughing. Something the man hardly seemed to do, "What seems to be so funny, Ignis?"

Ignis' eye sat firmly on his aunt, "The hilarity of this situation is all. The banter is amusing. Vitae speaks of egos, yet I'm sure she knows at least one, if not two highly egotistical individuals to include herself."

Vitae's father shot a glance towards the Adviser, having a relatively good idea on whom it was Ignis was speaking of. Vitae lifted her eyes from her plate with a cautious gaze on her face. Vitae's mother laughed as she assumed it was Vitae's father that Ignis was taking a jab at, unaware that it was infact the future king's Shield.

"Well, egos seem to run within the family." Ignis' aunt said as she giggled to herself.

The small family ate in near silence until they had all finished their meals. As dessert was being served to them, Vitae's mother reignited conversation, "So all things about the Citadel and it's finer details aside, Vitae, surely you must have something interesting going on."

Vitae looked at her mother thoughtfully as she picked at the fruit sitting atop the small tart handed to her, "Not at all mother. At least nothing worth mentioning as it falls under the 'finer details' of the Citadel."

"You mean to say you haven't met anyone to occupy your time on the side?" Vitae's father said smartly, not bothering to look at his daughter as he ate his dessert.

"You know, you're right my dear." her mother said "Surely you must have a boyfriend or at least a gentleman occupying your thoughts by now."

Vitae laughed nervously as Ignis cleared his throat lightly, both of them avoiding eye contact with the parents, "No one worth mentioning mother." Vitae said.

"She lies to you my dear. Her time has been occupied by none other than the young Shield." her father said loudly as he leaned back in his chair.

Her mother's happy expression seemed to drop immediately to worry as she stared at her, "Vitae...you know you..."

"Can't do that. So I've been told." Vitae responded quickly.

"It's not that you can't...it's that you shouldn't. Is that not something you thought about?" her mother asked cautiously.

Vitae looked up and smiled, "Not in the least. I do believe though, that this dinner is over. Perhaps we shall have to get together another time? It is late afterall, and I have work to do for the Captain. He's threatened me with quite the punishment should I not make his deadline. Come on Iggy."

Snapping herself out of her thoughts, Vitae's mother quickly rose to her feet and followed her daughter and nephew as they left the area, "Yes. Work indeed. Vitae, please don't hesitate to come home every now and than. You are missed greatly." As she hugged her daughter she whispered "...we'll speak about the young Shield some other time..." earning a nod from Vitae.

When Vitae and Ignis had walked out, Vitae's mother walked back into the dining room and looked at her father, as concerned as ever. Vitae's father doing nothing more than closing his eyes slowly before smiling at his concerned wife.


The ride back to the apartment was silent as Vitae and Ignis had no real interests in speaking. They both knew the night would eventually include the conversation regarding Vitae and Gladiolus, but still hadn't prepared for anything they had to say, at least not to their elders. As Ignis pulled into the drop off area of Vitae's apartment, the two sat in silence for another minute.

"Well, that went better than expected." Ignis said quietly.

"I agree. I was expecting far worse. But, we did walk out before THAT conversation really started...so...perhaps that's why." Vitae responded, as she laughed to herself.

"Very likely it was. Try not to let it bother you so much. Though, I'm not sure how confidently I can support you and my friend. I'm certain your mother and father were at least happy to see you in their home again. Reckless abandon and all." Ignis said as he lightly bumped Vitae.

Vitae smiled at Ignis before hugging him. Ignis stepped out of his vehicle and made his way over to the passenger door and opening it for her. Helping her step out of the vehicle, Vitae hugged the man once more before making her way into the apartment building and disappearing from sight. As Ignis made his way back into his car, he couldn't help but spot the bright red car that sat hidden among the other cars in the parking area. Closing his eyes and shaking his head, he let out a quiet laugh as he made his own way back to the small dorm he called home.


As Vitae opened the door to her apartment, she was quickly pulled into her home by Gladiolus. The man shutting the door loudly when she was in fully. Looking down at her, he wore a devious smile as he did his best to ignore all the fresh scrapes that covered her face. "You know how lonely your place is when you aren't here?" he said as he lightly kissed her forehead.

Vitae giggled shyly as she felt herself being lifted off her feet, "Given it's not your home, I imagine fairly lonely. How long have you been here?"

"Long enough." Gladiolus responded as he firmed his grip, feeling that Vitae was trying to shimmy her way back to the floor "What? I wait for you this whole time and you want to run off already?" he pouted.

"I just walked in the door! Can I at least get settled first?" she said as she was lowered to the ground.

"...no..." the Shield responded as he set her down gently and followed her around closely, watching as she readied herself for bed.

When she had finally settled herself for the bed, she curled under her sheets comfortably. Her aching muscles finally rearing their ugly head from her day of being pummeled by Luche. Gladiolus crawled in after her, laying himself down gently, assuming she was likely in some sort of pain. If it wasn't from training, it was most certainly from him. As he carefully moved a few stray hairs from her face, Vitae instantly shot up from her bed, wincing form a moment as she did.

"Shit!" she exclaimed as she ran out of her bed. Her sudden change in attitude instantly putting the Shield on high alert as he instantly trailed behind her, readying himself for anything that might come up as she darted into her office.

"What's wrong?" he asked in a serious tone as he looked around the office, unsure of what it was exactly he was looking for.

"I almost forgot to test this bloody thing out before bed." Vitae said as she held the small camera in her hand.

"What...what exactly needs to be tested on it?" Gladiolus asked as he carefully grabbed what he felt was a painfully small object in his hand.

Carefully removing it from Gladiolus' grip, she flipped it on, "I have to make sure the IR can accurately pick up movement and images in the dark."

Gladiolus raised an eyebrow and smirked, "So you're sayin you need to record a video in the dark?"

"Yep!"

"I gotta great way to test that out." he responded in a lower tone, burying his face in Vitae's neck.

Vitae chuckled as she gently moved him away, "You shan't be fulfilling in undisclosed desires with me tonight sir." she said "I've no intentions to train with the Captain at all tomorrow, especially over something like that." Walking out of the office, she headed to the bathroom with Gladiolus closely behind.

"Don't think he'd enjoy training you tomorrow if I broke you tonight anyway. May as well send you to him with some energy I guess." the Shield playing off his rejected offer as coolly as possible.

With the bathroom door shut, Vitae waved slowly. The small camera showing the tiniest orange dot on it indicating that it had gone off. Standing behind her in the dark with his arms crossed over his chest, Gladiolus could only assume what actions she was making to make the camera go off. For him, it was entertaining none the less as she occasionally bumped into him. "All done!" she exclaimed as she grabbed the camera and turned the lights on quickly, nearly blinding Gladiolus with the sudden change. Vitae didn't wait for the man to adjust his eyes as she sat heavily at her computer desk and loaded up all the images the camera had taken in that brief time.

As she watched the video, she laughed. The camera had caught the entire encounter leading up to them making their way into the bathroom. The small device was also able to see perfectly in the dark where she could not. The images showing clearly as well. Much to her delight. When she looked at Gladiolus expression during their brief exchange in the bathroom she laughed, "Gladio, why do you always seem as though you're up to no good. Your face SCREAMS ill intentions."

As the Shield walked into the office, he responded, "Probably because I'm just full of 'ill intentions'. Does that camera work?"

"Indeed it does! Perfectly at that." Vitae responded proudly as she shut the camera down.

"Nice. Save one for me. We'll put one to use one of these days. Home movies are the best." Gladiolus said, winking at Vitae.

"Yeah...Gladio...that's never going to happen..."

So sorry for the LONG absence. In between holidays, wedding planning, weddings, and violent illness(think bedridden for weeks and unable to move and still dealing with it) I've been occupied. The goal is to stay on track with this story as best as possible with all the goings on of life. Even if it takes forever, it'll get done, so please just bare with me!