Ruins Of Treasure Hunting.

To repair King Regis's old ship, the group require that rarest of ores, mythril. With only a vague clue to guide them, they head for empire-held ruins situated in the north of Cleigne. Several days later, Noctis was driving the Regalia with Ignis in the passenger seat and Prompto in the back. Normally the positions would be reversed, but Asuka had been a little more quiet now that Gladio decided to leave in order to take care of some things. She was worried about her brother, so sitting next to her boyfriend helped.

"The waterfall cave was right around here" Ignis said.

"That means the lake should be somewhere north of here" Prompto added.

"Be wary, though, where we go, the empire seems to follow" Ignis said. He was right, the empire always showed up no matter where they went. And they had a feeling it was not an coincidence.

They pull up to a tunnel whose gate had previously been locked; it opens and allows them passage. Something that confused them a little, since it was meant to be under lockdown.

"Wait what happened to under imperial lockdown?" Prompto asked.

"They all but turned the key and left the gates open for us, as if awaiting our arrival" Ignis said in suspicion.

"And if anyone's waiting for us, I bet it's that guy" Prompto said and everyone knew who he was talking about.

"Chancellor Izunia" Ignis said, his tone making it clear he did not want to see that man again.

"I really hope we don't have to rely on that guy again. He gives me the creeps" Asuka finally spoke, though sounding disgusted by the idea of having to rely on the empire's Chancellor.

"Can't complain as long as he lets us in" Noctis reasoned.

"Who's to say he'll let us out? Not to mention we're a man down. Would that the marshal were with us" Ignis said.

"Oh, yeah. Whatever happened to that guy?" Prompto asked.

"As I understand it, he's put his tomb raiding on hold to help the Hunters take care of some troublesome beasts" Ignis answered.

"No rest for the immortal" Noctis said.

"But we sure could've used his help. Heck I'd even accept help from that Raven guy" Asuka said.

They suddenly come upon an imperial blockade consisting of an MA Veles magitek armor and some imperial troopers. Of course, things could never be easy, that would just be asking for to much. And the empire really kept up their habit of showing up no matter where the royal group goes.

"No way through" Noctis said as they get out of the car.

"Then we just have to make a way" Asuka declared.

"We must be doubly cautious" Ignis warned.

Noctis nods "Right. No Gladio, no room for error".

Asuka glares at their enemies before charging in and punched clean through one of the trooper's chest before delivering a spinning kick to another which sent it flying on to another trooper. Her friends quickly joined in, taking advantage of the confusion she had caused. While Asuka was easily dealing with the troopers, the others worked together to bring down the large war machine, leaving it as nothing but a smocking pile of junk. Asuka kicked a trooper to make sure it wasn't going to get back up before joining the others.

"Are you alright, Asuka?" Prompto asked.

Asuka looked at her friends "Why do you ask?".

"It's rare to see you fight this aggressively" Ignis said.

"Just figured I had to fight harder since Gladio is not with us at the moment" Asuka said.

The guys looked at each other before Noctis spoke "Are you, mad at him?".

"I am mad, but not at Gladio. I am mad at that bastard Ravus! He is the reason why Gladio left. Gladio felt like he failed to protect us, and Ravus humiliated him in front of all of us. It clearly damaged his pride, so he left to find a way to regain his confidance. It's because of Ravus that we are missing our shield. And the reason why I am missing my brother! " Asuka explained, sounding utterly furious.

"You anger is justified Asuka. But please don't get reckless. Gladio would not approve of that" Ignis said.

Asuka sighed, trying to calm down "I know, sorry".

"He will be back soon. Until then, we need to stay alive" Noctis said.

Asuka nods at that "Right. Let's go".

Knowing Asuka was calm now, they headed back to their car and continued on their journey. They eventually park the Regalia near the Vesperpool and head into the nearby swampland in search of the ruins they heard about; as they come near the ruins, they find Ardyn waiting for them. Much to their annoyance.

"Gentlemen, what a pleasant surprise" Ardyn said with his annoying smile.

"Ugh! Told you he'd be waiting!" Prompto said, not liking this at all.

"With my imperial friends, no less" Ardyn said.

"Splendid" Ignis said, nearly gritting his teeth.

"But fear not I'll put in a good word. Well, come along, then" Ardyn turns and begins walking toward the ruins "Don't stray too far, lest you get left behind. And surely you'd rather avoid unnecessary scuffles, seeing as you're now a quad" Asuka growled at that "Oh, dear. Touchy subject?".

"Stop, talking" Asuka growled out, fighting the massive urge to punch that arrogant asshole.

"Then let's discuss why you're here. Hmm…. It can't be archaeology… Mythril, perhaps?" Ardyn asked.

"This guy's reading our thoughts!" Prompto said, baffeled at how Ardyn could know everything.

"Mythril, it's a precious resource. We can't just let anyone get their hands on it" Ardyn said.

"But you'll help us get ours on it, right?" Noctis asked.

Ardyn smiled "I never said that!".

"Of course you didn't" Prompto said, getting annoyed by the fact Ardyn insisted on being so cryptic.

"Where is the fun in that? I thought you'd rather dig it up yourselves" Ardyn said.

"Don't punch him... don't punch his stupid smug face" Asuka whispered to herself. if Ardyn heard her, he either didn't care or he just found her amusing.

Outside the ruins, Aranea, along with Kunimitsu stands in wait with previously unseen imperial officers standing on either side of them. Asuka wasn't to happy to see either of them again, given their last encounter. Ardyn stops and turns to face the group.

"Fear not I'll be but a moment" He said before he walks walks over to Aranea and begins to speak with her.

"A moment doing what?" Prompto asked.

"Beats me" Noctis said.

Ardyn suddenly calls out to them "All clear! Go ahead".

The group walked up to speak to Aranea. Kunimitsu smiled at them, but mainly at Asuka, who gave her an annoyed look. She still wasn't over the fact that Kunimitsu beat her in their first fight. Asuka really wanted to even the odds, but sadly this wasn't the time or place for a rematch. Which annoyed her to no end, as it was clear that Kunimitsu was being really smug about her victory, and Asuka never liked people that gloats.

"So, you're the new recruits they sent over for special training. Nice cover, runaway prince" Aranea said.

"Nice to see you again hot head. You are not still mad at me for kicking your butt, right?" Kunimitsu asked with an annoying smile.

"Shut up, you got lucky" Asuka growled.

"At ease, recruits. There's nothing in it for this ex-mercenary to turn you in. And Kuni, stop picking fights" Aranea said.

"Yeah I know" Kunimitsu said.

Aranea nods in approval "Let's get this show on the road".

"Show?" Prompto asked.

"Forgot about your training? Well, I'm being paid to escort you… Just watch yourselves in there" Aranea said.

"I trust you'll be civil. Commodore Aranea Highwind, I leave them to you" Ardyn said before walking away.

Aranea puts on her battle helmet "Search until sundown. It won't do you any good. If you're lookin' to get inside, you're gonna have to wait".

Asuka groans at that, Kunimitsu would for sure use this time to annoy her. They waited until night time, and finally made their way into the ruins by the Vesperpool. Their task was simple: Find what they need and get out.

"What kind of place was this? Any idea, Ignis?" Prompto asked.

"None" Ignis said.

"Gee, I wonder what happened to the locals" Prompto said.

"Why not head inside and look for 'em?" Aranea suggested as rhey reached a long staircase leading into the ruins.

"Let's do it!" Prompto declared.

Noctis couldn't help but to smile "Aren't we eager?".

While descending the long staircase leading into the ruins. Prompto decided to try and make some small talk with Aranea.

"Those guys your friends or something?" Prompto asked.

"You appeared to be on good terms" Ignis agreed.

"Who, Biggs and Wedge? They're more subordinates than they are friends, but I trust 'em all the same" Aranea said.

"Surprising, I always figured mercs mostly looked out for themselves" Asuka said.

"We do, but having some allies never hurt. After all, there are some enemies one simply can't beat alone. As I'm sure you should be very aware of" Kunimistsu said.

Asuka sighed as they continued descending the long staircase. Kunimitsu did have a point, some enemies simply couldn't be beaten without help. Still, Asuka always preferred fair one on one combat over ganging up on a lone opponent.

"Man, how far does this go?" Prompto asked.

"Yet a ways still" Ignis answered.

They walked for a while longer until they finally reached the end of the long stairways. Just how deep down had they gone? The air sure was different down here.

"Finally… I thought it'd never end. The people here, they must have been fit" Prompto said.

"This could make a good night exercise" Asuka commented.

"Hey, that sounds like a good idea actually. What do you say, master?" Kunimitsu asked.

Aranea chuckled a little "Maybe, but don't count on it".

Upon entering the first room at the foot of the staircase, Prompto looked around "Huh? Er…who left the lights on? Maybe the owners are still home?".

"No" Noctis said.

"I doubt we can expect a warm welcome" Aranea said.

"Indeed. Stay sharp" Ignis instructed.

"You think it's an ambush?" Prompto asked.

"Perhaps" Ignis answered.

Prompto looked nervous "Yeah… Anybody know if there's a bathroom around here?".

"Sorry boy, if you really need to go, either go to a corner or do it over a ledge. But don't wander of, in case monsters jumps out and gets you" Kunimitsu said with a giggle.

"Back of!" Asuka said angrily.

Kunimitsu blinked before she smirked "Oh, so you two are dating? I see he likes dangerous women. Hope you don't kill him one day".

Asuka was about to punch her, but she didn't need to as Aranea grabbed Kunimitsu by the ear "Kuni, what did I tell you?".

"Ow ow ow! Alright alright! I won't pick any more fights! OW! I swear I swear!" Kunimitsu yelled in pain.

"Good, now stay focused" Aranea said as she let go of Kunimitsu's ear.

"Yes Mom- I mean master! I will scout ahead!" Kunimitsu said quickly hurried on ahead.

"Mom?" Noctis asked confused.

"You caught that huh? Well truth is, she isn't just my apprentice. She is my daughter" Aranea answered.

"Wait what!?" Prompto asked in shock.

"Well not by blood, I took her in after he village was destroyed by a powerful Daemon. She was just a little kid when I found her, surviving by stealing. Caught her trying to steal my helmet, and instead of throwing her of a cliff, I decided to see if she had some hidden potential. She was a real prodigy, taking everything I taught her and absorbed it like a sponge. After a while, I decided to simply adopt her. She's been with me ever since" Aranea explained.

"A touching story. But why does she keep calling you master instead of just mother?" Ignis asked.

Aranea sighed "Because I told her to remain professional during jobs. Mommy talk is reserved for privet conversations".

Asuka thinks for a moment "Say, Aranea? You said her village was destroyed... was it by a Daemon called Ogre?".

Everyone looked at her before Aranea spoke "Ogre? Why do you ask?".

"My old home was destroyed too. And the monster that did it was called Ogre" Asuka explained.

"Well I can't say. Kuni refuses to talk about that day. So the chances of the Daemon being this Ogre you're talking about, is 50/50 at best" Aranea said.

"Right, forget I asked" Asuka said with a sigh.

The group makes their way into the large, open central area of Steyliff Grove. They were awe struck by what they saw. They could see the lake outside above them.

"Beautiful beyond words…" Ignis said.

"That is pretty neat" Aranea said.

"Look up!" Prompto said.

"Whoa. If that's the water's surface…" Aranea trailed of.

"Wait, what? Does this mean we're underwater? Whoa. There's even fish" Prompto said.

"The hell is this place?" Noctis asked.

"Can we truly be submerged?" Ignis wondered.

"It does seem harder to breathe" Prompto said.

"Calm down, that's just your mind playing tricks on you" Asuka said.

"Like seeing a dream" Noctis said.

"Gladio is seriously missing out" Prompto said.

"Probably not his thing" Noctis said.

"Now, now, you can never tell" Ignis said.

"Gladio likes a lot of stuff. I think he would've enjoyed this" Asuka said.

"I know I do" Kunimitsu said.

They continue exploring the ruins until they comes to a narrow ledge and Noctis begins to make his way across.

Prompto hesitated "Can I just—".

"It'll hold you" Noctis interrupted.

"Famous last words" Ignis said.

"Eh. This is taking to long" Kunimitsu said before taking a few steps back, before she runs and jumps across the gap.

"Careful!" Aranea said sharply.

"Relax, I got it" Kunimitsu assured.

Aranea sighed as they continued on. They had to fight their way through several skeleton daemons, as well as some blob looking Daemons. This place was both beautiful and horrifying at the same time. Still, the Daemons were a minor annoyance and didn't pose a serious threat.

"What does the empire seek here?" Ignis asked.

"Specimens and we're stuck harvesting them" Aranea answered.

"Specimens?" Prompto asked.

"Daemons" Aranea answered.

"Turns out the empire has really fallen in love with those cute little mosters" Kunimitsu said sarcasticly.

They continued on for a bit before Prompto spoke "So what's all this about the army and daemons?".

"What do you think it is?" Aranea asked.

Prompto frowns "Nice! I love guessing games!".

"Just give us a straight answer. It's bad enough that Ardyn insists on being so annoyingly cryptic" Asuka said.

Aranea smiled at that for a only a moment "Turns out the empire makes weapons out of them".

"Weapons?" Prompto asked.

"Yeah. I'm sure you've seen your share by now" Aranea said "Something not quite right with the empire lately".

"It's not just lately" Noctis pointed out.

"True. Maybe it's time me and Kuni left" Aranea said.

"Really?" Prompto asked.

"Fine by me. I always hated them anyway" Kunimitsu said.

"What would you do if you left the army?" Prompto asked.

"Whatever we want. I was a mercenary once. Maybe I'll round up my men and hunt daemons for cash?" Aranea suggested.

"Will I get to join you?" Kunimitsu asked.

"If you want, but the day will come when you will have to choose your own path" Aranea.

"Maybe. But until then, you won't be getting rid of me that easy" Kunimitsu said with a smile, which Aranea returned.

"That's a…heck of a plan" Prompto said.

"What about the empire strikes you as not quite right?" Ignis asked.

"The emperor and new high commander, for starters. Then there's that charmer of a chancellor. I really can't stand that guy" Aranea said.

"Yeah, that guy gives me the creeps" Kunimitsu agreed.

"Well would you look at that? We actually agree on something" Asuka said.

"We're gonna be friends now?" Kunimitsu asked.

"Not until I've even the scores" Asuka said.

Kunimitsu just smiled while walking across a stone bridge. Prompto seemed a little hesitant.

"Is it safe?" He asked.

"Not everything's gonna" Noctis bega before a section of bridge collapses "Whoa…".

"What!? Did something collapse!?" Prompto asked in worry.

A different section of bridge collapses with Noct and the others standing on it. It was annoying and slowed them down, but they still continued on. While still making their way through the ruins, Prompto smelled the air and smiled.

"You smell that?" He asked.

Noctis looked at him "Smell what?".

"Treasure. The nose knows, dude" Prompto said.

"Now that you mention it…" Noctis said.

"You sure you're not just smelling your girlfriend?" Kunimitsu teased, making Asuka glare at her.

"Asuka is a completely different kind of treasure. The treasure I smell is not nearly as vital, but still useful" Prompto said, making Asuka blush.

"Let's not forget our purpose here" Ignis reminded.

While crossing another stone bridge, an Iron Giant suddenly manifests. Asuka cursed loudly before the Iron Giant smashes its fist into the bridge, causing it to crumble and sending everyone to the level below. The Iron Giant begins to manifest once more, along with other daemons. It was clear it was not about to let them leave.

"Here comes the big one!" Prompto called out.

"Right on cue" Ignis said.

"And it's got friends!" Prompto added.

"Livelier by the second. C'mon then!" Aranea said as she prepares her weapon.

"Oh yeah! Bring it on!" Kunimitsu said in excitement.

A large battle broke out. The other daemons were more annoying than a threat. The Iron Giant was the real danger. Asuka focused on it, avoiding it's massive sword before landing several strong blows on it's large body, but the Giant only swung it's fist at her. Asuka dodged before leaping up so she could deliver a kick to the Giant's chest. It barely reacted to the kick and moved to grab Asuka, before she could hit the ground. But before it could, it roars as it took several slashes to the arm. Kunimitsu had joined in, and her attack allowed Asuka to land safely.

"You're welcome" She said.

"I had it under control" Asuka said.

"Sure, keep telling yourself that" Kunimitsu said before attacking the giant again.

Asuka growled, refusing to allow herself to be outdone. She joined in, and the Giant was assaulted by a barrage of attacks from both girls. It roars and swings it's sword widely, almost hitting them. Aranea reacted quickly and rammed her lance in to the back of it's head. The lance went clean through the Giant's head, killing it on the spot.

"Hey! We had it!" Kunimitsu complained.

"You two spent more time compeeting with each other than you did actually fighting that daemon. I don't care about this little rivalry you two have built, you both will keep it under control until a better time arrives for you to settle things. Got it!?" Aranea ordered sharply.

Kunimitsu looked away "Yes... master".

"That goes for you too, Asuka" Ignis said in a serious tone.

"Got it" Asuka said with a tired sigh.

After defeating the Iron Giant and other daemons, the stonework of the shattered bridge floats into the air and seemingly begins putting itself back together, surprising but it did save them time. They continued on until they reached another staircase leading upward.

"Never too many stairs! I got a bad feeling about this" Prompto said before he began singing "Stairs they go on, Forever they go on, On and on and on".

"He's gone" Noctis said.

Asuka gave Prompto a bonk on the head "Save the singing for another time".

They continued on through this maze of a ruin, fighting some random Daemons along the way. They continued doing this before finally arriving at the bottom of the ruins. It was a large open area, but the mythril was there for sure. But of course, Prompto's danger senses sent out warnings.

"Ooh, spacious. There's sooo gonna be a big nasty here" He said, not looking forward to fighting another large monster.

"The bigger they are, the harder they fall" Aranea said.

"After the Titan, nothing is to big anymore"

A Quetzalcoatl. A flying reptile that grew in size as a means of increasing its survivability. Although it developed a few distinctly avian features over the course of its evolution, its legs, in particular, the quetzalcoatl has otherwise retained a primarily reptilian physiology. A territorial minded creature, the quetzalcoatl defends its home while respecting the domains of its brethren, refusing to encroach upon their respective spaces. All in all, a very dangerous monster.

The Quetzalcoatl roars as it flies at the humans that dared intrude on it's territory. They were forced to avoid and Prompto shot at it with his gun, but the bullets did little to harm the beast's tough hide. It shot lightning at them, once again forcing them to avoid before it came down to crush them. Asuka avoids it's attack before leaping on to it's head and pounded at it. The Quetzalcoatl shook it's head, trying to get her of, but Asuka held on and continued punching it until it slamed it's head in to a wall, forcing her to let go as she was almost crushed between it's head and the wall.

Asuka was dazed from the impact and the Quetzalcoatl growls at her and was about to eat her, only for Kunimitsu to stab it in the eye, making it roar in agony. Kunimitsu jumped of, only to take a direct hit from the monster's lightning, sending her flying back.

"KUNI!" Aranea screamed as she hurried to catch her daughter "No! You damn beast! I will kill you for that!".

The guys where shocked as they saw Aranea jump har in to the air before coming down with her lance like a sharp meteor. She hit the Quetzalcoatl right in the head, her lance pearcing it. The beast falls to the ground dead. Aranea took a few deep breaths to calm down before looking at Kunimitsu... only to see Asuka use an Elixir to heal her.

Kunimitsu coughs before sitting up "You... saved me?".

"You saved me first. Concider us even" Asuka said.

Kunimitsu smiled "Works for me".

"Kuni!" Aranea said as she ran up and grabbed her shoulders "Don't scare me like that!".

"Sorry... mom" Kunimitsu said, with some guilt.

Aranea sighs and hugs her while looking at Asuka "Thank you...".

"Sure" Asuka said with a nod.

Ignis walked up, holding the mythril "That concludes our business here".

"Say, Commodore" Prompto said.

"Aranea" Aranea corrected.

"You said the empire uses daemons to make weapons?" Prompto asked.

"Listen you've seen magitek troopers, right?" Aranea asked.

"MTs" Noctis confirmed.

"They're born from daemons, in a lab" Aranea said.

"Born from daemons…" Prompto mumbled.

"No wonder the empire seems to have a never ending army... they are using the very darkness of the world against us" Asuka realized.

"Darkness is coming. If I were you, I'd watch my princely ass. Uh, kingly ass" Aranea said.

"Will do" Noctis said.

"Wow mom, never knew you were in to assess" Kunimitsu joked earning a smack on the head from her adopted mother "Ow!".


Upon returning to the world above, everyone were more than a little tired from all the running around and fighting.

"Congrats. That concludes your training. You've still got a hard path ahead, but don't let anyone tell you how to walk it" Aranea said.

"You may have been hired under false pretenses, but your assistance was invaluable all the same" Ignis said.

"Hmph. Tell me something I don't know. You can spare the pleasantries" Aranea said in good nature.

"Take care walking your path, Aranea" Ignis said.

"Oh, right. Thanks, I will. And I'll train you some more if our paths cross again. Oh, and before I forget. His Excellency instructed me to give you boys a ride back. If you need a lift, feel free to hop on" Aranea walks off, Ignis pulls out his phone and checks it.

"It was fun hanging with you. We should do it again sometime" Kunimitsu said.

"You bet we will. You still owe me a rematch" Asuka said. Kunimitsu giggled before following her mother.

"Well, glad that's over with!" Prompto said.

"Noct, I have just received word from Cindy" Ignis said.

Noctis looked at him "And?".

"We're to return to Lestallum. Her friend works as an engineer at the power plant. She'll take care of the mythril" Ignis explained.

"And that'll take care of our boat problem!" Prompto said.

"Once you're rested and ready, I suggest we hasten back to Lestallum. Make sure you're prepared" Ignis said.

"Never a dull moment out here" Asuka said.

They were done with one job. But now, they need to prepare for another.

.

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