Abiding by her promise, Chrome was starting to fill Lestallum with festive lighting. From building to building, strings of brilliantly shining bulbs were starting to drape. Iris had been more than happy to assist in her efforts, and the whole town was bustling with excitement as they watched the two decorate, throwing each other the decorations back and forth between alleyways and streets.
Hardly able to contain her excitement on her announcement, word spread quickly that the top Hunter and loyal Crownsguard leader were to be wed. Volunteers from all over the world flocked in to start preparing for the ceremony.
Takka and his fellow vendors offered their services to cater the event. Everyone seemed to be alive, eyes shining with hopeful glamour for once in a very long time. Nearly five years in the shadows seemed to be a distant worry.
Gladio for the first time in ages cleanly shaved his beard, leaving only a shadow of the hair upon his face. Chrome as she usually did, tied his hair back as nicely as she could. Sick of his greasy long unkempt mane, she offered every other day to maintain it by washing it extensively and properly tying it together. The now cleaned shield of the king stood before the mentor, admitting to the changes that occurred.
Although describing this was not enough for Ignis, the man had to take in his best friend's cheeks physically before believing it. "I don't recall you shaving since you were under Regis' eye."
"I stopped just a few weeks before the trip…and it just kinda grew on me…no pun intended."
"You totally meant to make that…" Chrome murmured and the shield shook a fist at her in a mild threat. She responded by sticking out her tongue and throwing a rude gesture, only to be given a light punch in return. She whined dramatically, "Come on, it's bad luck to hit the bride."
"You started it squirt."
"Please you two…" Ignis tried to retain his serious tone, but a lighthearted chuckle brewed in his chest. "Keep your manners. Let us continue working towards the ceremony."
"Sure thing Iggy!" The Guide and the Shield spoke in the same time. The two gave each other a sharp glance, grumbling as they parted from one another. Gladiolus returned to his duty of finding suits for the gentlemen to wear on the day in question.
Chrome found herself spotting Talcott heaving his body into the pickup truck, the dashboard lined with collectable cactuars given to him from the Prince long ago. The boy had grown into a teenager now, his face long and his hair short, shoulders rugged and form thin. He fit on his cap and stared down at the bride-to-be with a wan expression. She pouted, "You know…you can take a break. I've been looking for him too."
Talcott gripped the steering wheel tightly in his gloved hands, "Yeah but…I'm just scared. If I don't keep looking, he might not come back. It's just a dumb thought that keeps running in my mind. I know you're his Guide and all…but is it okay if I find him to bring him back?"
"Yeah…of course Talcott." She smiled warmly up at him. He twisted the keys, and the engine roared. "Please don't miss the wedding…"
He scratched the side of his face and gave a blushing grin, "I wouldn't miss that for the world Miss Chrome. Err…Misses Scientia?"
She giggled and approached the car door. She offered her hand and he took it softly, "Talcott it will always be me. I promise." She lifted herself next to him and he accepted her embrace, placing his head to her shoulder. "Just be safe, please."
"I will be." He nodded as she kissed his cheek. He recoiled and wiped away the notion, sticking out his tongue briefly. "Blugh…leave that stuff to my parents…"
Chrome returned to the earth, placing her hands on her hips, "Goodbye Talcott, come back quickly."
He waved and shut the door, the car's lights shining as the engine purred and echoed into the night. Just as he rode past the horizon, her blood became ice as she heard her phone buzzing, vibrations of its call leaning into her thigh. She stuck her hand deep into her coat's pocket and pressed her ear to the receiver, gulping. "Hello?"
"Chrome it's Cor. I've got some rough news…" His voice was breathy and panicked.
"Spill it Immortal…" She clenched the bridge of her nose, preparing for the worst.
"I failed…the Quay is gone."
"What?" She felt her muscles tense and her teeth fit together tightly.
"We did our best…nobody was hurt…but they were too much. We had to retreat."
"It's alright Cor. Contact Cid, Gladio and Ignis as well please."
"Will do…"
Cor was not a communicator by nature, and what little he usually spoke to the female twin was often strict business but even he sounded desperate. Her face was grim, reflecting the nature of the tragedy she could not witness. "We can get it back…" She reminded herself, "We've done it before and we will do it again…"
She made sure to text the others once they were all aware of the situation: "Nobody must hear of this until we are through with our celebrations." Noticing her flames on the lanterns about her palindromes were dying, she aimed with her finger and professionally managed to re-ignite each with her signature green fire.
The time was winding down, the hour of evening weighed upon a tired and sore Chrome. The clouds, never-ending and never breaking, molded and shifted into alien forms in the sky. Undecided between the campsite and the hotel, she took the quiet of the dead world, sitting on the edge of the chalked stone and gazing into the artificial light of a nearby lamp post.
At times much like these when her duty weighed heavily upon her mind, she would concentrate on the light around her then stare into the distance. It was artificial, and probably didn't help her already declining eyesight but it created the illusion of the sun…a thing so distant and beyond time that it was starting to become hard to recall the warmth and life it brought with it daily.
The days of summer where life was carefree and the prince was still being catered to by his three body guards were almost like a dream. Her phone still held precious memories within it, and nightly she would watch the videos, gazing deep into the former prince's eyes. Her thoughts jumbled about…what would happen when Noctis returned? Legend claimed the final Lucian king would be the last nail in the royal coffin, and with his death would rid the world of magic…but it would also bring back unending light. His presence and magic was still lingering, if not then the weapons of her fellow brothers in arms would not be able to be conjured.
But once Noctis was gone, what then of the city of Insomnia? The notion had been brought up several times. Ignis, Gladio and Prompto had brought it upon themselves that if they were to survive, they would lay claim to the territory and rebuild the city and nation to a former shining glory. She prayed she would be alongside them…but it only made her hope that the prince continued to sleep so that she would not have to say farewell to the last King of Insominia.
Her ears perked up upon hearing the wind pick up, ridding her of the anxieties building within her. With a chin tilted towards the air, her breath nearly left her as she saw the shadow of a massive airborne creature gliding towards the distance. The fires of the Rock of Ravatoh still burned deeply, the beast traveling towards its crater. A spark set off a storm in Chrome's chest. Life still remained…and according to her studies of the worldly animals that was a Zuu. The signature wings upon its cranium spread to have a close resemblance to ears gave it away. She observed it until it was no more than a speck in the clouds, feeling herself nearly fall over. She held her head closely, the dizziness of excitement still pulsating in her veins.
It was difficult to try and rest that night, the thought of the beast continuing its life even amongst the ruined world was beyond her comprehension. It harkened back to the idea that the Adamantoise egg back at Hammerhead was still gestating and preparing to hatch any day now. With the lingering hope still fresh, she blew out her lantern flame and allowed darkness to envelop her.
Her alarm blared at the early hour of 6. She half expected to smell a pot of coffee brewing, shuffling from the sleeping bag to her detached leg. She put herself together and as always, slipped her Kingsglaive coat treating it as if it were a fine silk.
She opened her tent's zipper, a shadowy swarm greeted her. Chrome leapt back slightly just as she was prepared to descend to the river below. Her good leg remained in the air defensively, heart racing as she tiredly picked out the faces before her.
The stern yet gentle gaze of Aranea watched closely, the enthusiastic beamed from Cindy and the hope glittered from Iris. She finally relaxed, pressing her hand to her heart knowing she was in the presence of her friends. Once she was awakened to her fullest, she accusingly pointed a finger to them, "You nearly gave me a heart attack!"
"Sorry about that sugar…I was just about to knock…err shuffle the fabric or something!" The blonde mechanic told with a bubbly tone in her voice.
Chrome began to rub sleep from her eyes, "What are you doing here?"
"What…we can't just show up to your tent uninvited?" Aranea questioned with sarcasm heavily coating her words. She brushed her fingers through the long silvery hair flowing from her scalp.
Iris stood close by, feet apart and clenched fists at her chest. "We're here for you Chrome!" She could barely contain her excitement.
Chrome giggled at her enthusiasm, "For me? Well I would hope so, there's no one else here right now."
"Gosh it's a miracle in disguise. You never seem to leave those boys by themselves." The former assassin continued to harp, smirking.
Cindy nudged her slightly, "Well coming here was your idea in the first place."
"Alright fine…I admit it." Her red lips softened with a huff, "I saw that Zuu flying to Ravatoh yesterday night. Figured it might be interesting to look into. We could take my ship. As a bonus, I heard that there were these secret hot springs close to the beast's lair. I can drop us close to the crater and we can hit two birds with one stone."
Chrome covered her vision with a groan, "By the Six, the puns are getting to you too…" A toothy grin remained and she faced the three women with a nod, "You know, if those boys got a whole summer to have their little bachelor trip we should get something too!"
"Alright you crazy future wife but we gotta be back soon. There's a few things I still need to set up!" Iris told, distressingly gazing at the date on her phone.
The four women, after ensuring their towels and bathing suits were tucked away closely, took turns into the former magitek engine and held fast as it started to levitate. Aranea skillfully piloted through the dark skies towards the volcano, the heat of the deserted land still set in the air even after years of shadows. While on the way, everyone excitedly questioned the future bride about her dress, her flowers, the food. She answered to the best of her ability, unsure of so many things herself.
The ship landed nearby the ever-flowing lava spewing from a mouth-like opening with tendril-esqe pillars of earth mimicking teeth. The sweltering temperature was more than welcome in the chilliness, reptilian animals floating above the steamy molten surface without giving much concern to the women below them. The natural light from the volcano was soft, easy on the vision.
With a crude map, Aranea led the party towards the volcano's crater that once acted as its main shaft but now had been cooled over and primarily was the birthplace of future generations of the large Zuu. They climbed up steep hills, pausing to view the world around them illuminated by the flames of the inner world. Although physically demanding, the breathtaking scenery of the stones and canyons was worth the journey alone. Each spread encouragement to one another, an almost familial bond tying them all together.
Once they left the cramped restrictions of the last cavern, the open gaping distance of the crater was spread out before them. Chrome tested a flame and noted the angles of each descending slope, instructing them each on how far to go before climbing or walking. Her heart nearly stopped as she spotted feathers bigger than her own body setting upon the ground.
A nest was settled in a deep corner, much larger than any tent or RV any of them could recall. The sheer architecture of it was impressive, large braches twisted about forming its concave edges and stuffed to the brim with loose clothing, blankets, tent pieces and feathers. Two giant fuzzy chicks with beady eyes peeped loudly at them, flapping their nubby wings and leaping into the air.
Breathless at what was before them, Chrome fell to her knees. "I can't believe it…life is finding ways even in this environment. It's a miracle…"
"I brought Prompt's camera…we should get a picture and find this spring before big mama comes back." Cindy advised, pointing to the equipment in her grasp.
Chrome desperately grasped for it and snapped the photo of the babies. She beamed, respectfully deciding not to touch them. Aranea squinted about, pointing to a rocky wall close to them. "I see steam…I think that might be our final destination ladies."
"Woo!" Iris leaped up, and the birds mimicked her yell. She laughed and started to head towards the stones.
It almost appeared as if someone had stacked perfectly fitting rocks together and fit them within an oval shaped opening. Streams of heated water were tantalizingly leaking through the few cracks within it. "Alright let's work on getting this busted…" Chrome instructed, gasping as she looked over her shoulders.
"What's wrong?" Aranea questioned, grabbing a stone and maneuvering it carefully.
"Big Mama Zuu is coming back…I can hear her wings…"
"Are you getting some of Iggy's hearing skills or what?" Cindy rubbed a finger into her ear.
"Perhaps…" She shook her head and focused on helping the other three move the barrier. Within moments, just as the sound was audible to the rest, the opening was free and they scooted inside. The room was dark before the light of Chrome's flame dimly lit the inside.
What lay before them made them all breath out a sigh of much needed relief. Between two nubby pillars, a clear and steaming, shiny, deep pool of water spread to the cavern walls. It was more than enough space for them to move around and dress. With careful timing and communication, they one by one entered the waters with their bathing suits.
Cindy wore a pink bikini with yellow polka-dots. Chrome, who wore a green one-piece suit with black swirls along her abdomen, giggled at the tattoo upon her former mentor's shoulder: a squawking, leaping chocobo with its beak in mid "kweh". "Did you get that for Prompto?"
"I ain't telling a soul…" She swore, and chuckled as her student splashed her with the warm water.
Aranea wore a one-piece, simple and white with a stark red streak down each of her sides. To their surprise, she bore no marks nor tattoos upon her fair skin.
Iris wore a two-piece bikini that was red plaid on both pieces of skimpy fabric. They teased her regarding her fantasy to approach the returning King with the bathing suit on. Her face took quite a long time to return to its original shade.
The dawn of the wedding broke across the clouded sky. The arch of the ceremonial pedestal stood at the base of Lestallum's enormous square fountain. Cid sat at the edge of it, fiddling through his book of vows, promises and the tying to bonds through the ages. His old heart was overflowing as he watched the pews slowly fill to the brim with faces, familiar and stranger to him. Everyone was dressed so lavishly, chat soon swelling about the air. The smells of pastries and dishes wafted in the breeze.
Chrome spread her fingers along the dress she had once wore on a date so long ago. Its green swirls along the feet and along her breast were still as vivid and bright as they were on that fateful day. The fabric was still soft, and when she breathed in, she could still whiff the hint of cardamom and cloves within its stitching. Prompto endlessly fiddled with her hair, trying to position it correctly. A crown of flowers sat lightly upon her forehead, and her earrings had been removed, replaced by a single pair of shimmering diamonds. -
Cindy smacked her lover lightly on the wrist. The mechanic had her hair relaxed, it was falling in loose curls about her shoulders. Her dress was a simple yellow slip that stopped at her knees, with a short pink jacket upon her shoulders, and black pumps resting at her ankles. "Come on honey, it looks fine."
"She has to look perfect…This doesn't happen every day." He insisted. Prompto was clean shaven, save for the pointy goatee at the end of his chin. He wore a snug suit emblazoned with the symbol of the king upon his shoulder, and a deep blue tie tucked into his jacket.
"It's okay…" Chrome told, comforting her sibling as she took his hands in hers. "He can't even see anyway. I feel very pretty. Thank you."
"You sound so scared…" He held her back with concern. She shook her head, the sound of the fabric jiggling echoed against the room.
"I'm not…just a bit nervous. I think this is normal."
"Do you remember your vows?" Cindy asked, handing her a glass of water. She sipped it gingerly and hummed, "Yeah…of course…" She stared down to the streets below, the band starting to set up. Her stomach twisted with each cord they played. "This is all a little much…but it is for the people."
Prompto held the barcode of her wrist with his own tattooed hand, "Are you at least happy? This is for you too!"
Chrome's eyes lit up as she gazed to her brother, "Of course. Thank you so much for helping me with this." She tilted her chin to the dress that flowed about her ankles with every gentle movement.
"Hey I helped make sure that thing fit you remember…it would only be appropriate for you to get my assistance." He placed his speckled cheek upon her forehead and she blew a sharp breath onto his bangs. He grumbled as he adjusted them once more, giving her a light shove.
Cindy rolled her eyes at the two starting to bicker with their gestures, but soon found herself losing her breath over the beautiful sounds of the instruments strumming the first notes of wedding music. "Alright you two. I'm heading to the altar. I'll meet you there."
"Alright I'll be sure to guide this Guide safe and sound." Prompto gave his lover a tight hug and pecked her lips softly. Cindy embraced him tighter and nearly suffocated him in her kiss. She lingered to his touch as she grabbed her small bouquet and hustled down the steps.
Prompto exhaled as he watched her run down the street and through the benches to the stand. Ignis was waiting alongside Gladio now. "You ready?" The male twin questioned, gazing with a mixture of excitement and concern. She smoothed her hand through the crook of his elbow and pressed her ear to his shoulder. "Yeah. Let's do this."
The door to the hotel was opened and hundreds of faces and eyes looked behind, watching with jouyous rapture and breathless gasps at the bride. She slowly made her way, approaching her future husband as Prompto guided her along the street coated with flower petals.
Ignis stood stiffly next to Cid and Gladio at the altar below the arch that was sat upon the edge of the central fountain. He blindly stared down the rows. No longer was he in a stiff leathery uniform of the Kingsglaive, but now a padded suit was covering him. A green tie and a green pocket square sat upon his chest in the appropriate locations, a boutonniere of Tenebrae's flowers slipped on the first button of his dark black jacket. He turned to his best man as he unfolded intertwined fingers, ears perked as the music swelled. "Gladio…if you may. Please, tell me what it all looks like."
Gladiolus was overwhelmed with a sense of pride, honored at his friend's request. He took in everything before him, finding it almost difficult to articulate the sheer beauty of it all unfolding before them. "Well, as you know Cid's at the altar dressed to the nines with his fancy yellow tie. Cindy's next to you, holding her pretty little bouqet looking quite nice in her chocobo-colored dress."
She blushed, "Well aw shucks Gladio…"
He smirked and then hummed, trying to think of a way to describe the rest, "There's a ton of benches on either side of the fountain. Everyone's dressed so nicely. Chrome is…" He was at a loss, "Stunning…I'm so jealous."
Ignis gave a tiny smile as he felt himself overcome with emotion. The shield continued, "She's wearing that dress we got her for the first date here in the city. She's holding tightly to Prompt with one hand, the other clutching the hyacinthine and tenebrae blossoms. A crown of the same kind of flowers is on her head. Prompto looks happy but anxious too, really dashing in his suit. And everyone is just so full of joy…" His voice faded, slapping his thighs, "That's all I got buddy."
The soon to be husband wiped away a few small tears beading in his remaining eye. He let out a breath he wasn't even aware he was containing. "Thank you."
Silence arrived. Chrome had made her way to the altar, facing her fiancé after letting her brother go to his own lover's side. The five stood before Cid, who adjusted himself and cleared his throat. With a raspy voice he gave a small chuckle, "Well alright then! Let's get this show on the road kiddos. Today we have before you two exceptional people. One who has brought up a fine young king with excellent skill, and one who has touched the hearts of many with her gifted talents. Before the cloudy eyes of the Astrals, and by the Six, I will wed these two in eternal peace. Now since this is the first time I have done this, we're gonna skip a lot of the mumbo jumbo fluff and get to the good stuff. Rings please." He nodded to his granddaughter and the king's shield. Gladio slipped the box into Ignis' grasp, and Cindy gave Chrome the other.
"Y'all remember the vows you made for one another?" Cid asked, adjusting his tie slightly.
Ignis nodded, taking in a breath and staring down his lover before him. "I shall start…I, Ignis Stupeo Scientia, take this fantastic woman Chome Animalia to be my lawfully wedded wife in the eyes of my king, in the sight of all the Six and before all Astral beings within the stars. I will hold you, and keep you, protect you and serve you in every shadow and before every light for better or for worse, within all illness and health, from this day forward. You are the light of my life and together we shall conquer all fears in the name of our king."
Chrome could not tear her gaze away from him, finding it hard to follow up the beautiful words simply oozing from his mouth. She clasped her grip around his after feeling him slip the golden band about her fourth finger. "And I, Chrome Animalia, from this day forward shall be christened as Chrome Argentum Scientia…" She gazed to Prompto, whose chest was swollen over with pride, and eyes glimmering with emotion. "To carry the name of my husband and my brother is an honor and I will take it to reflect the utmost respect for my kingdom. I shall take this man, this wonderfully intelligent and talented man to be my husband in the sight of all the Six, before all Astral beings within the stars and within the eyes of my king. He is my flame, the very being that helps keep the furnace of my heart alive and well. I shall have him and hold him in all instances of illness and all wellnesses, within all light and shadows, until the day that I shall die."
Cid clapped and rubbed his hands together, watching Chrome place the ring upon Ignis. "Alright that settles that! Now why don't you two kiss and seal the deal?"
The two gladly did as he requested, sealing the bond between them with the gesture. A roar of applause broke, Prompto finding himself wiping content tears on his lover's jacket as she held his head onto her collarbone. Gladio slapped Ignis lightly on the back and chuckled as the crowd began to part. "Alright big guy, time to cut that cake. You guys gonna be spending the honeymoon in the hotel tonight? We did make sure nobody booked the place if you get my meaning." He clicked his tongue and winked, Chrome blushing and shoving his lower back. "That's no way to speak!"
"What?" He shrugged, "Everyone knows it!"
Her face heated over several times as Ignis placed his hand on her forehead. "My, my…she's probably as red as when I first took her to the markets!"
"You two are impossible…" She murmured as she sauntered towards the large table, coated in a plethora of gifts and before them a masterfully baked cake. It was simple three tiered with swirls of green icing within its glossy surface, two figurines placed on the top in a loving embrace. The two took her long jagged knife in hand and together took the first slice of the tantalizing cake. Just as Ignis plucked up his fork, Chrome gave a mischievous grin and pushed his plate up, littering his face with icing and cake fluff. He licked it before doing the same to her. Prompto roared with laughter as he snapped the pictures rapidly. They cleaned up and enjoyed their first bottle of a sweet, bubbly champagne together.
The night was alive with music, food and celebration, wine and gifts. Overwhelmed by the sheer amount of multi-colored presents littered upon the table, the two decided to put off the opening until the next day. Prompto and Gladio grumbled, finding themselves taking the things to their private room. Hours passed, and it nearly felt like days. One by one, the visitors began to return to their usual live, although the magic of everything still lingered in their hearts.
Cindy and Prompto found their leave upon Cid falling asleep in his chair, a little bit of his exhaustion from age…and a little from overdoing it on the booze. They gave the newlyweds their blessings and dragged the old man back to Hammerhead. Iris was next, tugging her brother along with sleepy eyes. He plucked her up, her frame still small to his massive form. He rustled his friend's hair before leaving, requesting for any lewd details. Ignis gently declined, seeing him off. Finally the streets started to clear. As the noise came to its usual level, the new husband reached down and plucked his bride from the ground. He plopped her abdomen over his shoulder, waving to the remaining crowd. "Well thank you all for coming. It was a lovely pleasure!" He yelled over Chrome's happy squealing as she kicked his front. "But we are getting very tired. Enjoy the rest of your stay. I am taking my leave. Cheers!"
Chrome waved to them as he maneuvered her into his arms, "I'm not heavy huh?"
"Even with eating all my cooking for all these years, strangely no. But you have tight muscles…always about your ears still. You must relax."
"Perhaps you could help me with that…" She told in a frisky tone, kissing the underside of his chin.
"Calm yourself now…" He cocked an eyebrow, "There will be plenty of time."
He carried her up the stairs of the hotel and gently opened the door to their private room lit dimly by a single lantern with a red flame. He softly placed her in the center of the bed and sat next to her. They enjoyed each other presence for a moment, both still in the blissful glow of ceremonial glamour.
In the flickering light of the lantern upon the desk, Ignis snuck his digits around both of Chrome's ears, meticulously feeling every hoop and stud imbedded into her skin. He pinched each and removed it, placing them carefully upon the bedside table. Her face flushed over with heat as she felt him overtake her lips with his own, leaning against the edge of the mattress.
They spent their night together to the fullest of each other's extend, finally exhausted and collapsing into each other's nude forms. They would go on to spend their week-long honeymoon at the remaining safe spaces, finding any beasts they could and helping to keep their environments safe. It was a comforting break to an uncertain time.
Little to either of their knowledge, five long years still remained of the shadows. Despite this, the newfound hope of their bonding would forever leave a lasting impression and a source of inspiration to all. The king was returning, and they would encourage through all doubt and all fears.