Galdin Quay : 11:25am : 117 days
You had a dream this morning. A dream that you were much older, and in some foreign place. It was night time, and your friends were gone, but you sat anxiously by the phone for some odd reason.
The phone finally rang, and when you picked up, you began to cry tears of joy. You were sobbing inconsolably, and when you tried to leave this town you were told no. You were 'in no condition' to leave, but you did it anyway. Just as you were getting ready to leave…
"Wake up." Your aunt's voice sharply startled you.
"I'm up, I'm up!" You sprung from your seat with curious wide eyes.
No telling what that dream meant, but maybe that was foreshadowing your life to come. That's what you'd take it as anyway.
Now in your woken state, you were at... the beach? It was gorgeous, and not at all how you remembered it. The water was gleaming with clear blue. You could almost reach your hand in and just snatch the fish that inhabited these waters.
"Come." The woman wasted no time and headed toward the long bridge leading to a small resort.
You rushed to pick up your bag from the back of the car. "W-we're just going to stay parked here? Won't we get towed?"
The woman paused; probably to keep herself from laughing at your comment. "My one regret with you is that I kept you from the outside world. Take note of the places we visit, I'm sure you'll come across them again."
You nodded without question. If you did see more of the world you probably would never have run into Noctis and the others. Tensions were high right now, but you wouldn't trade that friendship for anything.
"Welcome to Galdin Quay!"
You flinched as one of the employees greeted you two. He was friendly and so clearly out in the open, but it still scared you for some reason.
You could see the back pier even from the front. Still the two of you continued to walk down to the dock anyway. Your aunt turned to you.
"The ferry isn't here. Why don't you rest up in the meantime? Go grab something to eat."
"Yo, you ladies trying to catch the ferry?" You heard an obnoxious voice speak to you.
The person continued, "The name's Dino. I can get you on if that's what you need."
Shaking her head, the woman beside you rolled her eyes, "We very well have everything we need." She'd turn back to you. "Now go. Shouldn't be here for a while."
Who were you to deny this mini vacation? She didn't need to tell you again. You walked back through the restaurant and took a seat at one of the barstools.
"Welcome to The Mother of Pearl. What can I start you off with?" The woman behind the grill smiled as she passed you a menu.
Your stomach growled just from the sight of it. "Thank you."
Ughhh, it looked so good. All of it was calling your name, but you didn't exactly want to stuff yourself before a boat ride.
"I'll have the Galdin Gratin please." You handed the menu back with a warm smile that she'd not be able to see considering your face was wrapped.
"No problem. That'll be 4500."
Damn that was really steep, but who knew if and when you'd eat here again? You handed the woman your card as you looked out at the ocean. This place was far, but still close enough to home that you wondered why you never came before.
This was the life. White sand between your toes, the clear ocean, gorgeous view, and delicious food. Why weren't you staying here again?
"Your food will be done in about 25 minutes." The woman frowned at your card, "I'm sorry, I'm not sure what this is."
There was a dumbfounded look on your face. Yes you did a lot of spending, but that card had plenty of money on it. There's no way it didn't go through.
"Huh?" You cocked your head to the side.
She handed you the card back, "My apologies ma'am but we can only accept gil."
"Gil?" Oh now you were really confused. "What's a-"
"Here's 5000. Keep the change." Your aunt reached past you and handed the woman her money.
She sat next to you and spoke in a low tone. "They take what is called gil here. Your card is practically useless. It's my fault for not telling you this earlier. Don't pull it out again."
You nodded without a word. Strange, this gil. Or maybe your money was strange and this was just the currency that the rest of the world used.
"Pardon me." You smiled at the woman preparing your meal, "I just want to take a quick stroll on the beach. I'll be back in 25. That's when it'll be done right?"
The woman took out her spices from the lower cabinets. "Oh, feel free, and yes it'll be done in about 25 minutes."
Damn the sun was powerful today. Well, as powerful as a sun at the end of winter could be anyway.
"This place must be beautiful in the summer." You partly daydreamed as you walked through the parking lot and back into the white sand on the other side.
There was a small fishing pier, and you couldn't help but think of Noctis looking at it. You knew he'd like it here. Every little thing reminded you of the boys.
The pier was Noctis, the smell of delicious food was Ignis, the hills were Gladio, and the beauty of it all; that was Prompto.
Not too far off there was a flat rock resting near the mountain. Seemed like you'd get a nice relaxing view from there.
Lucky for you the winter's breeze was still coming through. The sun was so unforgiving on this short lived walk, especially with these hot clothes on.
Wasn't that hard of a push, and before you knew it you were sitting on the edge of the slab with both legs dangling down. To your right you could see a group of wild crabs that you did not want to mess with.
Even if you could take them all on, the wrath of your aunt was something you'd rather avoid. She would talk your head of for 'putting yourself in danger again.'
Your focal point remained forward as your hand ran against the semi smooth surface of the rock. Vandalism was not your thing, but who would it hurt if you just wrote your name?
You took off your backpack and set it to the side. Out you took a pen and wrote in small letters. 'The Great Anak shall return.'
"So lame." You laughed at yourself.
Off in the distance you could see a boat heading to the dock. Most likely that was your boat. It was about 5 minutes away, and if you headed back to Galdin Quay now you'd have just enough time to take your meal to go.
Whelp, that was the game plan. You threw your backpack over your shoulder once again and continued on back to the restaurant.
"Excuse me." You practically panted as you leaned against the bar. "Do you mind wrapping that up to go? I have to catch the ferry."
"No problem." She took out a small box and placed your steaming food inside.
You couldn't wait to delve in, but for now you continued down until you reached a pier on the other side. Seemed like you arrived just in time as the ferry was getting ready to sail back to Altissia. That was quick.
If you missed this one you'd be shit outta luck for a couple more hours. Happily that scenario was avoided as you met back up with your aunt.
"You ladies have an entry permit correct?" The captain asked.
"Of course." Your aunt nodded.
"Alright then, have a seat and we'll be there in no time."
The trip to Altissia wouldn't be a long one. Couple hours maybe? You took this time to look back at your home... well, the place near your home anyway.
It was tempting to jump off this ferry and swim back to shore. Take the car and drive back to Insomnia. You couldn't though. Besides, it wouldn't make you feel good to do so anyway.
You got cozy inside and found yourself gazing outward at the ocean. Goodness you felt like an outsider. This land was so foreign.
"You might want to eat that before it gets cold." The woman pointed at your food.
Once again you looked at the food and it didn't seem as appetizing as it did before. You only ate it to go with the motions. It was delicious, but something about leaving the place connected to you home ceased your appetite.
"Go ahead, ask." Your aunt sat next to you. "I know you have questions."
"I thought you wanted me to keep my mouth shut, and thought you said you weren't repeating yourself."
"Don't get smart with me girl." She snapped. "I won't play this game. Ask or don't."
Now was the perfect time. There were only 3 other guests on this ferry; all of which were in the back hamming it up.
You remained facing the ocean as you spoke. "You were going to take me to wherever we're going whether my shoulder got messed up or not, weren't you?"
"Yes, I was." She nodded. "Anything else?"
"Why?" You nearly cut off her words.
"Like I said, you need to see more of this world. That was my fault for shielding you."
It was weird to hear her own up to her mistakes. It was something she never really did. You'd brush it off however. Would be a long way to Altissia, and you decided to get comfortable.
Opening your backpack again, you took out a pen and paper. You wrote a letter addressed to no one, but in your heart of hearts, you knew whom it was for. You wished he was here. You wished he wasn't angry with you. You wished you could feel his arms around you once more.
At this point you were burning a hole into your paper from how ferociously you wrote. Damn, he was something special, Gladiolus Amicitia. You were so mad at him, but still in love. That love you'd have to put aside however. This letter was no love letter, but an apology. Maybe when you returned you'd give it to him.
How you fell so fast, but every second of it was worth while. Even when you rest you could still smell his very essence with you. Damn, this was sounding obsessive. Maybe you wouldn't write that part, but shit, a feeling's a feeling.
"Look." Your aunt pointed out the window.
You glanced out for a moment and back at your paper. Doing a double take, you stopped and looked out at the city on water, Altissia coming into view. It was gorgeous. Why would anyone ever leave here?
Keeping your eyes open, you watched as the sun illuminated the rushing water surrounding the town. You drove down a narrow one way path that lead to the gate. It was more beautiful than any sunset you ever saw.
There was no way you'd stay inside for this. You saw your way out and squinted your eyes as they adjusted to the sun. Gorgeous. Firsthand, gorgeous.
"You never sent me a postcard. Why?" You asked in a low tone.
"You never asked." She replied as she took out the entry permit.
The boat stopped beside an Altissian Guard. "Do you all have an entry permit?"
One by one you showed him the permit. You didn't have one, but it seemed that your aunt's counted for the both of you. Good thing too. You didn't want any problems at the gate.
"Alright, you may pass." The guard gestured ahead.
You were like a dog looking out the window of a moving car for the very first time. Your eyes couldn't steady on one thing. It was all so amazing. The pillars, the arches, the waterfalls. This was Altissia. This was nirvana.
"I don't think I ever want to leave." You smiled in shock and awe.
"This isn't some vacation. That much was made clear from the start. Perhaps after your 60 days of home school are up you can figure out if you would like to go back or not."
Home school? Right, she was speaking in code. Didn't want the locals to think you were freaks or anything. Who were you kidding? As beautiful as Altissia was, it would mean nothing if your friends weren't around to see it too. You hoped that someday you could all come here. That was merely a pipe dream though.
The boat finally docked, and you felt so far from home. Was this what she meant by home? This was of course her home, but she made it seem like she was talking about yours.
This place was lively and wild. You could tell the night life really lit up here. Must have been fun. Too bad you'd be taking no part in that.
"Come, we're taking the gondola up north."
You followed closely behind while still taking in all of the sights. This place was really romantic. Thoughts like that could make you homesick easily. Better stray away from them.
"Gondola!" The man inside the gondola practically sang out as the two of you came close.
You both stepped on, and up north you went. Again your mind wondered, was this the place she was talking about on the ride here?
"Another question?" She asked tilting her head a bit.
"Altissia… this wasn't the place you spoke of, is it?" You gazed back at her.
"No. However we will reach that destination in due time. Weather conditions have changed my mind for right now."
You looked up at the relatively clear sky, "Weather conditions? You don't want it to be sunny?"
"When you live here long enough, you come to realize that clouds don't just pass through. They generally turn into something. Traveling in that would be unwise." She pointed up at the grey clouds in the distance.
It seemed so far away, but guess you again had to trust her on this one. For now you'd savor your last moments as a free woman. She was getting ready to make your life a living hell and you knew it. This was not going to be fun by any means.
.
Northern Altissia : 4:47pm : 117
"For 58 days you will train here. You will eat here, and you will sleep here. Understood?"
You stood in a place similar to the once you used to train in back home. The only difference was that this was more refined. There were specific weapons on the wall. Most of which you were already familiar with.
She was really serious about this training stuff, but you were ready for her worst. The only thing that sucked was the fact that you wouldn't be able to go out and explore the city when you wanted to. It looked so tempting and fun.
Knowing her there would be no down time, but if there was, you were going to see everything!
"Um, 58 days ma'am?" That was strange, you thought. Weren't you here for 60 days?
"You heard correctly. Now choose your weapon and we'll begin." She gestured to the wall.
You approached the wall of arms and grabbed the compound bow. It was slightly different from the one you used at home, but nothing monumental.
"You don't use arrows anymore?" She noticed you hadn't grabbed any.
"Oh, right." You grabbed the quiver of steel arrows.
"Ah ah ah." Just as you were walking back to your mark again, she stopped you. "Don't you use the grapple gun as well?"
You nodded, "Yes, but never at the same time."
Your hand reached out for the gun, and you couldn't understand her point. It was weird holding all three items at once. It felt like something was going to drop.
With your head held high and confident, you held the items quite awkwardly. What did she have up her sleeve?
The woman looked at your stance and positioning of the weapons, "We've got a long way to go…"
.
Insomnia-Apartment : 5:55pm : 103 days
"I miss her… I mean, some days are easier than others, but it's just weird not having her around ya know?" Prompto sat on the couch beside Noctis.
He looked emptily at the television. Things were really different here with you gone. It was quieter, and less fun. Seemed as though the boys hadn't adapted quite yet.
The blond boy looked at the picture of you on his camera from when you went camping. You looked so happy; so genuinely happy. It was refreshing to see.
Considering how high tensions were, the conversation about you hadn't really been tossed around much. It was kind of best not to talk about it. But as with many things, it had to surface some time.
"Prompto." Noctis looked over at the boy, "Did she seem… mad when you talked to her? I mean before she left."
"No." He shook his head, "She seemed like herself, happy even. I doubt she's still upset anyway. She doesn't usually hold onto grudges."
The prince nodded, "Well, for whatever reason she didn't answer my phone call when she left."
"What?" The blond frowned, "That doesn't even make sense. What time did you call?"
"Like 6." He shrugged.
"That was right after me. She turned her phone off after we hung up."
How many missed calls and messages awaited you once you returned? Perhaps if you just kept your phone on a little longer you would have received the messages you thought you never got.
Since you'd been gone the boys hung out like usual, just a little less often. It was an absolute stretch to say you were the glue that kept this group together, but by no means could one say you brought nothing to the table. A part of them was missing, and it was only the beginning of what they'd have to face down the road.
"Well, we shouldn't sit here and mope all day." Prompto suggested. Of course, he was the one doing most of the moping and quickly took notice of that needing to end.
"Yeah, I agree." The prince nodded.
"Arcade?" The blond perked up.
"Sure." Noctis rose from the couch ready to press on.
"Not before you eat lunch." Ignis sternly stopped the boys.
Without you helping in the kitchen, lunch was a bit slower… not that you cooked with him every day, but some dishes he could really use your help with. Back to normal as they say.
"You seem the least bothered from her being gone. Why?" Prompto rose a suspicious eyebrow as he went to grab a plate of food.
Ignis had the most minute smirk on his face as he spoke again, "We spoke before she left."
"What?!" Noctis stopped in his tracks to look at the man, "You didn't tell me this. When? Before Prompto or something?"
The older man nodded, "Yes, the night before actually."
Yes, the night before you left, you passed out on the floor only to wake back up to a sweet text message of Ignis sending his best. His answers with the boys were so incredibly vague because he was saving face for you.
That night you called him and spoke to him until the wee hours of the morning. You sobbed about how you wished Gladio and Noctis weren't mad at you and if only things were different. Not his favorite thing in the world to do, but he knew it would make you feel better, so he allowed you to vent.
It was a part of the reason you felt so relaxed when you left. His words were calming, and he reassured you that everything would get better. It did good on the heart of you both.
"What did you say?" Both the young boys nosily replied.
A light chuckle escaped the man, "I told her good luck and that we all wish the best for her."
The prince shook his head disappointingly, "You're being ambiguous."
Prompto nudged his pouty friend, "They probably really talked about how they wanna dance together for 5 hours straight again. Ooh secret love! Does Gladio know you're trying to swoop in on his girl?"
Both boys laughed aloud, and it was nice even with it being at Ignis' expense. Having something to smile about was a lot better than having something to cry about. Laughter would be the one way they all got through losing you, that's for sure.
Try as he might, Ignis could not hide those blushing cheeks again. Was there anything between the two of you still? On your end that door was closed, but who knew what Ignis thought of you? He was not an easy read. Even if he did still feel something he wouldn't act. You were Gladio's, even if you weren't, and that was that.
The tall man shook his head, "So juvenile."
Though no one wanted to bring it up again, they all truly wondered what you were up to right now. If you were where you said you'd be, or if the last time they talked to you was truly it. One thing was unanimous; they all wished for your good health and fortune.
Noctis scooted around his food with his fork, "I'm an idiot."
"Yup!" Prompto nodded.
The raven haired boy playfully shoved his friend, "Shut up." He chuckled.
Having so much time to think about it, Noctis came to terms with the fact that he was wrong in the way he addressed you. Right in his feelings, but totally wrong to speak to you the way he did. You were battling a lot of demons that he didn't take into consideration.
If the shoe was on the other foot, who knows if he would have spoken up about it at all? What you were facing was a lot. Putting you under more stress was not his intent. Sadly it'd been eating him up ever since it happened.
Ignis offered his final words of wisdom, "You needn't worry Noct. She doesn't feel any ill will toward you."
"If anything, she probably feels like she's the one to blame for all of this." Prompto shrugged.
He wasn't exactly trying to make his friend feel better with that statement, but merely telling the truth. You did feel like you were to blame; for everything.
"I don't want that either." Noctis gave a huffy reply. He'd pause a moment before continuing. "Let's hurry up and finish so we can hit up the arcade."
Dwelling on this one subject was doing no one any good. It was no good to sweep things under the rug either, but the topic of you was best not to be brought up until you were back home again.
In the meantime, it was R and R for the boys. Video games, hanging out, and relaxing. They knew you most likely didn't, but hopefully you found some peace out wherever you were…
.
Northern Altissia : 6:20pm : 103 days
"Dammit this is too much!" You yelled aloud.
Your hands were bloodied and torn down to what felt like the bone. Splatters of the red fluid were painted all across the walls and floor. Hell had nothing on this. It was only your second week, and you were already eager to throw in the towel.
"Don't waste your energy yelling. Go again." The woman calmly spoke to you.
This was like torture. You've been training for 3 days straight with the exception of a few breaks to eat and use the bathroom. Nothing had been brutal like this. Did she gain pleasure in seeing you hurt? If not, it really felt like it.
"I'm going to you sadistic son of a bitch!" Again you yelled.
Never did you swear at this woman or call her out of her name, but you were beyond the point of insanity. Out of your mind was more of the state. This was the ONLY time she'd accept your sharp tongue. Certainly a girl getting enough sleep and rest would never speak to her caregiver in such a manner.
Truthfully you'd feel guilty about it later, but right now you barely even knew what was going on. It was like being drunk, except you'd definitely remember, and none of this was even remotely fun.
Your arms lifted with the grapple gun in your hands. You pointed at the furthermost point across the gigantic emptied out facility and shot.
Holding on for dear life, the tether swiftly lead you over. Moving your hands to your pants, you hooked the gun on and pulled the bow and arrow off your back. Your body twisted back and you shot an arrow at the target the hung right behind where you just stood.
Turning back again toward the wall, you cushioned your impact using both arms and legs. The bearing was always hard. Your body was being slammed into an object after all.
Unhooking the gun, you held on and lowed yourself down. Your head turned as you heard a distant clap. Wait, a clap?
"It's about damn time." The woman continued to give you applause.
Your eyes squinted as you noticed the arrow was far from the bullseye. It still hit the target, but just one ring in. She was such a perfectionist. What was she clapping for? To mock you?
"I didn't get the bullseye." You panted.
The woman walked closer to your position. "You didn't need to hit it." She replied swiftly, "If you needed a quick getaway, this is a technique you'd use to stagger an opponent. You aren't aiming to kill here. You need to be precise when stagnant, but while in motion so long as you hit your target you will slow them down."
She stopped and nodded before you, "That is enough for tonight. Clean up and get your rest. We start again at dawn."
This was senselessness. Wasn't she at least dog tired from staying up this much? Then again, she already paid her dues as a mercenary. No telling what they had her up to in Niflheim.
You inched your way ever so slowly to the wall of weapons to put away the bow and grapple. Blood stained it, and it was a constant reminder of what your life would be like.
Maybe if things were different you would be back home in Insomnia. That thought often crossed your mind. If only you'd been a native from the very start… no one would be mad at you… no one would be anticipating your big leave… no one would be hurt…
Taking your place in the back corner of the establishment, you lay back on the cold ground with a blanket wrapped around yourself.
"Why didn't they..?" You whispered aloud to yourself.
You wondered why Gladiolus and Noctis never called you. Little did you know Noctis did call you, you just didn't receive it. Gladio on the other hand was a different story. Maybe he didn't, maybe he did. Knowing the type of person he was, he actually showed up to your house 2 hours late thinking he could catch you.
It was kind of funny to think about. Funny, and sad. No more paper to write, and no phone to call… You were just stuck here with your thoughts, holding on so they didn't slip away. Once you returned you'd have a mouthful to say.
If this was what your life was like now, then Niflheim would be a breeze.