The next few days passed by quickly as they readied themselves for their mission. Nyx had decided to escort Luna and Ravus on their tour; a tour that would now end in Galahd. Noctis didn't mind since it meant Luna and Ravus would be safe while they were working, and Nyx would still bring the glaives over to help Navalus and Galahd with kicking out the Nifs.
The days allowed Gladio to spend some time with Iris and his dad as well, something that no one dared interfere with- even if it meant Noctis got woken up at ungodly hours to help everyone else. Prompto and Ignis were similarly dragged into helping out as the vast network of hunters and tipsters was activated. Information about the Niflheim soldiers' movements and base locations started pouring in much quicker than Noctis anticipated.
Cor laughed when Noctis expressed his surprise. "Did you expect the people to simply stay silent and obey the rules imposed by Niflheim, without trying to fight back at all?" He shook his head. "Not many will risk their lives the way the glaives or guards do, but the citizens of Lucis are more than willing to pass on information when they have it."
Noctis nodded his understanding even as he pondered how little he knew about the people outside of Insomnia. The Wall might have protected the Crown City, but it hadn't done the rest of Lucis any favors, and had increased the division between those who lived within it and those outside of it.
Noctis figured that once they had retaken Insomnia, he would have to go on a real tour of Lucis with his friends. To meet people and see the sights. And, of course, to continue the survey that had been started before the Treaty Signing.
But all of those things would have to wait until after Noctis had kicked Niflheim out of Lucis, saved his dad and, maybe if he had time, fulfilled the Prophecy.
Noctis grinned as he watched Gladio bid his sister and dad goodbye from the Regalia. Prompto was sitting comfortably in the front seat, helping Ignis to finish double checking that their map had been properly updated with troop locations and bases. They were ready to set out towards Galdin Quay to meet up with the first of Lance's contacts.
"Take care of his Highness, Gladiolus." Clarus said, giving Gladio a hug.
Gladio laughed, "I will Dad. You take care of yourself." He turned to Iris. "Keep an eye on him for me, Shrimp?" Iris nodded as she too hugged Gladio.
Gladio gave them both one last look before joining Noctis at the back of the Regalia. Ignis and Prompto lifted their head up from the map; and Ignis asked, "Ready to go, Gladio?" Gladio nodded.
Ignis smiled, handing the map off to Prompto as he straightened to start the car. With one last wave from them all, the four men left Cape Caem behind once more.
The person they were supposed to meet in Galdin Quay was a certain reporter that Noctis remembered as being very nosy and unusual. Dino Ghiranze was the journalist who had told them about the boats being put on hold before the attack on Insomnia.
Noctis barely remembered the man, but Lance said he had a rather impressive reputation for getting reliable information on many scandals outside of the Crown City. Dino's information network apparently extended well into Niflheim, and Lance believed he was part of a group that helped refugees cross the border into Lucis.
If that was true then it spoke of the man's character. Noctis watched the world through the window and considered how to approach the reporter. He took out his phone and quickly moogled the name. His eyes widened at the results.
Bribing of Orphanage for Illegal Experiment by Dino Ghiranze. Three orphanages in the outer Lestallum region have been implicated in a large-scale children-trafficking scheme….
CEO of Livery Fashion Arrested for Breaking Labor Laws by Dino Ghiranze. The CEO and founder of Livery Fashion was arrested on Friday night at the VIP night club, Celeste…..
How to Make your Own Necklace by Dino Ghiranze. Looking for the perfect necklace to go with the perfect dress but can't find it? Why not make it yourself instead?...
Article after article written by the reporter showed up as he scrolled down. Articles about scandals stood beside do-it-yourself jewelry making guides. Dino even had a store where he sold some jewelry on demand. It made for an interesting combination; a journalist who was also a did jewelry as a hobby.
"Doing some research?" Prompto asked, twisting in his seat to look at Noct.
Noctis nodded, "Ya. This Dino seems to have quite the nose for scandals, and jewelry making." He showed Prompto some of the articles written by Dino as well as some of the jewelry featured on his shop.
Prompto hummed in delight at some of the designs, quickly checking the site on his own phone. He had refused to read the article about the orphanages but had read the one about the CEO of Livery Fashion. "Do you think he'll be able to help us?"
Noctis shrugged. "If not, then we'll go see the next one until we find someone who can." Of course, it would be best if Dino could help them. The sooner they got in contact with Niflheim's Resistance, the sooner Noctis could try to convince them to rise in rebellion within the Empire.
Convincing them would be quite the challenge by itself, one Noctis could only hope to be able to face successfully. An elbow in the ribs jolted him from his thoughts as Gladio's gruff voice teased, "I can hear you thinking from over here Noct. Whatever it is, take a deep breath and try to relax." His tone turned more caring towards the end. "What's getting you all riled up so early?"
Noctis smiled, Gladio's concern was deeply appreciated. "Just started thinking about all the things I… we have to do and it… got overwhelming." He shook his head, trying to clear away the ever growing list of things that needed to go right before he achieved his goals.
Gladio closed his book, reaching over to gently lay a hand on Noctis' arm. The understanding in his eyes was all too clear even to Noct, "Let's start with just one thing, okay? Getting to Galdin Quay and talking with this reporter dude."
Prompto interrupted. "That's two things, Gladio." His wide grin dropped as Gladio mockingly lunged at him. Ignis' stern warning just added to the incredulous scene and Noctis ended up laughing, stress melting away from his shoulders.
"Thanks guys." Noct said simply. Gladio nudged him playfully as he settled back into the backseat, and if Noctis noticed how much closer he was, he certainly wasn't going to say anything.
The hours whittled aways with little worry as Ignis drove them towards Galdin Quay. He took a few back roads to avoid known blockades but they were able to arrive just as the sun set over the sea.
"Oh! We have to grab a few pictures! Please!" Prompto said excitedly. He was already taking several of the picturesque view.
Ignis chuckled, "I don't see why we wouldn't have a bit of time for pictures. But first, let us see if Mr Ghiranze is around." He guided the Regalia into a spot in the parking and turned it off with a sigh. He would be glad to stretch his legs.
Noctis followed Prompto out of the car, smiling at how happy he was as he snapped away with his camera. The four headed towards the ferry counter where they had first met Dino. The resort was quiet, with only a few people who weren't staff walking around.
It seemed like the ferries were still closed. At least that's what Noctis assumed from quickly scanning the poster taped on the booth. "Any sign of Dino?" He asked, looking around for the platinum blond reporter, but seeing no sign of the man.
Gladio shook his head, "No sign of the guy here. Should we try the resort?" He nodded towards the brightly-lit restaurant. "We could grab something to eat while we're there." It didn't take much to convince the others.
The restaurant appeared, and sounded, busy with laughter and music floating across the water towards them. Gladio grinned; the music was pretty good. Maybe, if he was lucky, he could convince Ignis to dance a bit.
"I wouldn't go there if I were you, Your Majesty." A voice called out lazily from behind them.
Ignis twirled in place, hand raising up protectively in front of Noctis and Prompto. The owner of the voice was nothing more than a shadow among the night's horizon before they came into view with an amused chuckle.
"Wow there! I mean no harm to his good Majesty there. Just thought you'd prefer not to walk into a restaurant full of Niflheim's… Ahem, finest commanders and politicians." Dino said with a shrug.
Noctis stared at the reporter for a moment, surprised not only by the fact that there was apparently a bunch of Niflheim commanders here in Galdin Quay but that Dino had such a casual way of dealing with the information. He desperately wanted to charge into the restaurant and kill them all. Or better yet, ask Titan or Ramuh to come and do it for him!
Gladio wasn't too surprised by the red coloring Noctis' eyes as he simply reached out to grab his arm, ensuring his sometimes-reckless boyfriend wouldn't go charging into his own death. "The warning is appreciated, though I'd prefer it if you didn't go about shouting that title around if there are so many of our enemies close by." He hissed angrily at Dino.
The reporter grinned, seemingly unconcerned by Gladio's concern. "If that's your desire." He shrugged again then jerked his head towards the coastline. "I have a place further down the beach. It's not as nice as the resort but it's better than going in there." Dino waited, a slightly knowing grin in place.
Ignis cast his gaze towards his partners. Gladio was keeping Noctis grounded with them, both physically and emotionally. Prompto was… Ignis couldn't help the smile that emerged; Prompto had moved a bit farther away from the group, still within ear shot but now with a better view in case of a fight. Ignis turned his attention back to the reporter. "I suppose that will be quite true. Please lead the way."
Dino gave a short bow before starting to walk through the sandy beach. He skirted the edges of walkway until they approached the area traditionally reserved for camping. Dino didn't stop there; instead walking past the worried guests stuck there for the evening.
After a good quarter of an hour, the group finally saw the light of a outside porch. Dino swept towards the banged-up house with a motion of his hand and announced, "Home away from home! Hope you don't mind a bit of a mess; I didn't really expect visitors, especially of the royal kind." He chuckled as he unlocked the door.
The inside of the house was indeed a bit messy; papers and books thrown all over the place but otherwise it seemed very clean. Gladio finished his quick sweep of the place before allowing Noctis to enter with Prompto and Ignis. Dino threw his jacket onto a chair carelessly and asked, "Pasta good for ya?"
Ignis quickly stepped up, "If you don't mind, I'd rather be the one cooking." Dino shrugged and changed his course from the kitchen to the living room, where he ended up dropping on the couch with a distinct sigh of relief.
As Ignis headed to the kitchen to prepare their meal, Noctis made a beeline to Dino. Since he could just go and deal with the annoyances making themselves at home in his country, then he could at least get a move on his self-appointed task.
Dino watched as Noctis dropped into the seat in front of him, "So, you going to grant me an exclusive interview and tell me what you're doing here, Your Majesty?"
Noctis took a deep breath, held it, then slowly released it before he spoke. "Perhaps that could be arranged."
Dino straightened on the couch. "Oh?"
Noctis nodded. "It would depend, of course, on whether or not you can help us with something. If you can, then an exclusive interview is a fair price once everything is settled down."
Dino leaned towards Noctis, hands clasped together tightly. "And what would this thing that I could maybe help you with be? Your Majesty."
Getting called by that title, especially now that he knew his father was alive, was getting on his nerves. "We have been told you might be able to help us get in contact with some of the decision makers of the Niflheim Resistance."
Dino tensed up for a moment before relaxing, his head dropping forward until Noctis could no longer see his expression. "And why would you want to do that?" came the question after several tense moments.
Noctis frowned; Dino's reaction seemed to indicate that he did indeed have a way to do just that. Now Noctis just had to convince him to do it. "I'm afraid I can't divulge our reasons completely, but I strongly believe that the Resistance has much to gain from cooperating with us during this… crisis." Noctis forced himself to stay calm and composed even as Dino lifted his head to scrutinize Noctis carefully.
With a deep sigh Dino slumped backwards into the couch. "An exclusive non-censored interview after the conclusion of this 'crisis' and full access to any documents I want for 5 years after."
"Two years." Noctis shot back.
"Three; I'm willing to be censored on what documents I can access if it pertains to national security, but only if that." Dino retorted lazily.
Noctis wanted to glance at Ignis or even Prompto but couldn't afford to do so. "The interview is restricted to a maximum of a total of 5 hours no matter what, and we have a deal."
Dino grinned, leaned forwards again and extended his hand. "A pleasure doing business with you, Your Majesty."
A/N: I'm not sure if I managed to do Dino justice. Hopefully he wasn't too out of character.
