Welcome To Altissia.

After receiving a warm send-off as the group sets sail for Altissia in high spirits. Noctis goes forth ostensibly to seek the blessings of the Hydraean, which will enable him to challenge the empire's might, but his true heart's desire is to find Lunafreya, his betrothed. Everyone is ready to help him with both his duty and his personal feelings. Right now everyone was just sitting around, while Cid was driving. Asuka was in the back, having removed her shoes and socks to bathe her feet in the water, enjoy the feeling of it washing over her feet.

Prompto was also enjoying the ride "Y'know, I've always wanted to go sailing like this".

"Not many opportunities living in Insomnia" Gladio agreed.

"Out here, it's just us and the horizon! It's amazing, it's life changing!" Prompto said.

Asuka chuckled at her boyfriend's exitment "It sure is fun, no doubt about that".

"We've quite a ways to go until we reach Altissia, so keep gushing to your heart's content" Ignis said.

"When we step off the boat, we'll be in a foreign country" Prompto said.

"The anticipation alone is a foreign sensation" Ignis said.

"And to think this is where we were headed to begin with" Gladio said.

"We've been through a lot" Noctis noted, hard to imagine all the things the group went through was to just get where they were originally heading.

"Yeah, quite the adventure. And I have a feeling it's not over quite yet" Asuka said.

Ignis nods at that "Indeed, there's still more to come".

"So next on the docket is Leviathan" Prompto said.

"What sort of deity are we dealing with?" Gladio asked.

"A serpent said to embody the roar and rage of the sea" Ignis answered.

"We'll have to "sea" for ourselves" Noctis said, making a small pun.

"Again, boooo!" Asuka booed the lame pun.

"Can't let Lady Lunafreya do all the heavy lifting. You must be so psyched to see her" Prompto said.

Noctis looked at him "Luna?".

Prompto nods "Yeah!".

"Well, we need to make sure she's alright before anything else" Noctis said.

"Indeed. Her well-being is top priority" Ignis agreed.

"Don't like this going down on imperial turf" Gladio said, something the others agreed with.

"You think Lady Lunafreya's in danger there?" Prompto asked with some concern.

"The empire did invade Lucis for the ring. I have no faith their ruthless ambitions will stop short of harming the Oracle" Ignis admitted, making it clear they can't trust the Empire with anything. Least of all Luna's safety.

"Without the ring, the Crystal's no more than a rock" Gladio said.

Prompto thinks "Hmm… I suppose… Does anyone know how Lady Lunafreya came to have the ring?".

"It seems likely His Majesty entrusted it to her safekeeping back at the Crown City" Ignis said, not knowing how right he was.

"So she's held onto it this whole time, all the way to Altissia" Gladio said, sounding impressed.

"Wow, Luna sure knows how to safeguard something" Asuka said, sounding just as impressed as her brother.

"The ring is important, and so is Leviathan, but Luna comes first" Noctis declared.

"You know, I was thinking back to our encounter with Ravus" Ignis began, making everyone look at him "Do you recall an apparatus in place of his arm?".

"Yeah, I remember" Gladio said, still a little sore about his defeat at Ravus' hand.

"Of course I remember. That thing was nasty" Asuka said. Itching for a rematch against Ravus.

"Seems he lost his old one in the invasion. But in its place, he seems to have acquired new power" Ignis said.

"Power?" Noctis asked.

"That would help explain how a son of Tenebrae suddenly came to command Niflheim's army" Gladio said.

"Power. That would explain how he overpowered me so easily. No way he could do it otherwise" Asuka said, feeling a little mad that she lost because Ravus got a power boost.

"Now that you mention it, his strength did seems sorta…supernatural. I just chalked it up to the Oracle lineage" Prompto said.

"His ancestry may be part of it, but that alone wouldn't account for his freakish strength" Gladio said.

Noctis rubs his chin "I wonder what could've happened to him?".

"There's a disturbing rumor about. Lord Ravus has taken to brandishing His Majesty's sword" Ignis said.

Noctis looked shocked "My dad's?".

"And what's the big idea behind that?" Gladio asked.

"That his power's the same as the power of kings?" Prompto guessed.

"I cannot say for sure, but I have my doubts. Ravus wears the sword, yet does not wield it" Ignis said.

"Then, the king's sword is just a trophy" Asuka realised, feeling some disgust now.

Gladio almost growled "For all his newfound powers, he's still the chancellor's lapdog… holding on to the enemy king's sword like some badge of honor".

"It might help if we knew what he was after" Prompto said.

"Who can say?" Noctis asked.

They continued the boat ride in silence for a little while. Asuka wondered just what Ravus was after. Why join up with the army that took so much from him? Luna is the only family he has left, so why help the Empire track her down? Doesn't he care about his sister at all? Asuka never knew Ravus personally, so she couldn't make heads or tails of his motives.

"What are the odds the empire will crash the pool party with Leviathan?" Prompto asked.

"Consider it a guarantee. They felled a god to prevent Noct from receiving his blessing, and they'll do so again" Ignis answered.

"But we beat 'em to the big guy…thanks to our friendly guide" Prompto said, and everyone knew who he was talking about.

"He always did show up at very convenient times" Asuka said.

"Never know which way that one's gonna move next" Gladio said.

"The chancellor has an agenda all his own" Ignis said.

"Sometimes it helps, like when he called off his army and let us escape" Prompto reminded.

"But he was still a creep about it" Noctis said.

"He is the walking embodiment of creepy" Asuka said.

"Well, it feels like he's only helping us because he wants something… I just don't know what" Galdio said.

"Reckon we'll see him again?" Prompto asked.

"Certainly hope not" Ignis answered.

Prompto looked at him "Not your type?".

"Eww, who would ever want to go out with that human scarecrow?" Asuka asked.

Gladio smirked a little at that "No love lost for phonies".

"As Gladio said, his actions are motivated not by altruism, but by self-interest. And when he does come to our aid, I see only condescension in his eyes" Ignis said.

Noctis nods at that "Yeah, can't argue with that".

"Ever think you think too much?" Prompto asked.

Ignis sighed a little "Sometimes, but it's always preferable to the alternative".

They sat in silence for a while until Prompto spoke "Are we there yet?".

"Didn't you just say you always wanted to go sailing?" Gladio asked.

"Yeah, but all this ocean gets kinda bland after a while" Prompto said.

"Last time I checked it was amazing and life-changing" Gladio reminded.

Asuka laughed a little "If you get bored of something that easily, I better find new ways to stay interesting".

"Babe, getting bored of you is impossible" Prompto said, earning a giggle from Asuka.

"So, soon you'll have yer old man's ring back" Cid said, finally speaking.

"Yeah. When we arrive in Altissia" Noctis confirmed.

"Good thing. To him, it was his heritage" Cid said.

"Is that what my dad said?" Noctis asked.

"Carrying a royal line ain't a task to be taken lightly. For a small thing, that ring can sure weigh heavy. After he became king, I only ever saw his face in the paper" Cid answered.

"Wait weren't you at the coronation?" Gladio asked.

"Nah, I was long gone from the city" Cid answered.

"Must've been invited at least" Noctis said.

"Had a fallin' out o' sorts with your old man. Right at the end of the trip" Cid said.

Prompto looked surprised "You did?".

"I was given to understand you stayed in touch" Ignis said.

"We buried the hatchet years later, but never talked face to face again. Shoulda paid a visit while I had the chance. Well, no use dwellin' on it now" Cid said.

"I didn't know him as much as you did. But I'm sure he held no ill will against you" Asuka said.

Cid smiled a little "Knowing him, he didn't think much of it. Got the Regalia in the hold, but y'all gonna stay in Altissia for a good while, right?".

"Yes, we believe so" Ignis asnwered.

"In that case, I'll tune her up for y'all. Not that I'll have much to do, though, what with Cindy lookin' after the old girl" Cid said.

"If you say she's good, she must be great" Prompto said.

"She was never afraid o' hard work. Heaven knows she had a hard childhood" Cid said.

"A hard childhood?" Prompto asked.

"He means her parents" Gladio said.

"She lost them. Just like I did" Asuka said in a sad tone.

"Lost 'em both when she was little. Was big enough to understand, though…an' to hurt. But ya wouldn't guess that, seein' her now" Cid said.

Prompto shook his head "Not at all. She's always so cheerful".

"Well, that oughta tell ya how far she's come" Cid said.

"No kidding. Took a while before I was able to move on from loosing my father. Had it not been for Gladio and Iris, I would not be the same person you see now" Asuka said.

"I can see why you and Cindy got along so well. Well helps that ya got our accent. Even when ya are trying to hide it" Cid said.

"I'm not trying to hide it. I just grew up inside the big city, so their way of talking just stuck" Asuka said.

"All well and good. As long as you never forget the roots" Cid said.

Asuka nods as there was a brief silence, before the boat got closer to their destinaion.

"Man, you must have seen your fair share of Altissia by now" Gladio said.

"Yeah… Only done been the once. Stayed a good while, though" Cid said.

"What's it like?" Prompto asked.

"Big ol' city" Cid answered.

"Big. Okay" Noctis said, not sounding to impressed.

"Well, it ain't the Crown City" Cid said.

"Different. Got it" Noctis said.

"You'll see for yourself: foreign lands seldom lend themselves to trite explanations" Ignis said.

"Change o' scenery oughta do you good" Cid said.

"Well, I'm all talked out. Can't be far to Altissia now, right?" Gladio asked.

"We'll be there in no time. Nice having the wind at our backs" Cid answered.

"Lodgings are our first order of business" Ignis said.

"All work and no play" Prompto said, sounding a little bored.

"Makes Ignis a dull boy" Noctis added.

"Yeah, try lighten up a little Iggy. You only live once, try enjoying life a little" Asuka said.

"Someone has to babysit these two. Since I have my hands full with you, little sis" Gladio joked.

"Hey!" Asuka playfully complained.

"And you're welcome to sleep in the wild" Ignis said.

"Ain't no hotel, but I know a fella has a place" Cid said.

"Hey now" Gladio said, urging Cid to keep talking.

"Weskham, ran with Reggie and me way back when" Cid said.

"Oh, was he the other one in that photo at the garage?" Prompto asked.

"Yep. Runs himself a diner or café or somethin'. Go and see for yourselves" Cid answered.

Noctis nods "Sure".

"Does the place have a name?" Gladio asked.

"Magee? Or Magoo? Or, Maagho, that's the one" Cid said.

"Nice" Noctis said dryly.

"You can count on ol' Wes. He'll chew your ears off" Cid said.

The radio comes on as the boat enters the waterway leading into the city "The government issued a statement promising that the reasons behind awakening the Hydraean would be clarified in the ceremonial address".

"Got a signal!" Prompto said and everyone began to listen.

"Delivering the address will be Lady Lunafreya, who was previously reported dead. This will mark her first public appearance since the violence that befell the signing ceremony" The Newscaster said.

"Lady Lunafreya's gonna give a speech?" Prompto asked.

"Sounds like it" Gladio said.

"Would be nice to hear her voice again" Asuka said.

"Lord knows this world could use some wisdom" Cid said.

"Won't be much longer now, Noct" Ignis said.

Noctis nods "Yeah".

The boat pulls up to a guard who stands along the waterway "Does this vessel have an entry permit?".

"Uh, entry permit?" Prompto asked, sounding a little worried.

"Relax. I got one" Cid holds it up for the guard "Here".

"That's as old as they get. Seems in order. You may pass" The guard said and Cid drives the boat on ahead.

"Prepared in advance?" Ignis asked.

"You could say that. Thirty-odd years ago" Cid said.

"That's what the guy meant by old" Gladio realized.

"Lucky us, eh?" Cid asked.

Noctis nods "That could've ended badly".

Cid slowly brings the boat into dock; everyone makes their way off the boat and toward the city.

"What's next? Immigration?" Prompto asked.

"What do you mean? There's still more?" Noctis asked as they walk up to a customs cue where some gatekeepers await.

"Sir! What is the purpose of your visit?" The Gatekeeper asks.

"Purpose? Uh…" Noctis tries to think of something, since he couldn't just tell him the reason they are really here. But decided it was better to let the brain of the group handle this "Ignis, a little help".

"We are scholars of the culinary arts, and we've come to study the renowned cuisine of your fair nation" Ignis said.

"Is that so? I wish you an enlightening stay" The Gatekeeper said.

"Another one you owe me" Ignis said as they make their way into Altissia.

"Nice place" Asuka said as she looked around.

"You wanna check Weskham's place out?" Gladio asked.

"Yeah. Let's all go to Maagho!" Prompto declared.

"Perhaps we'll even make it in time for tea" Ignis said.

"Then we better start looking now" Noctis said.

As everyone begun to move about the harbor area, Prompto spoke "So, we're looking for the guy from the picture".

"An estranged friend of the king" Ignis said.

Prompto looks as Noctis "Noct, you ever meet him?".

Noctis shook his head "Nope" Before they left Noctis decided to speak to Cid "You're not staying at a hotel?".

"Fancy rooms were never my style" Cid answered.

"Need food?" Noctis asked.

"Managed to stay fed all these years. Not gonna starve to death now. An' ol' Wes'll see that I don't go thirsty either" Cid answered.

Knowing the old man would be ok, they continue on. The city was built like a maze, so they had to be careful not to get lost. Still it did look nice. Not as nice as the qrown city of course, but still really nice. As they walked they overhear some women talking.

"They're extend the exhibit for Lady Lunafreya's wedding dress" One of them said.

"The Vivienne Westwood? But wasn't that a memorial for her passing?" The second woman asked.

"Well, now it's a memorial for her safe return. Let's go see it while we still can!" The first one said.

"Could that be the dress we read about in the papers?" Prompto asked.

Ignis nods "Doubtless. The designer's name is the same".

"Wanna check it out?" Prompto asked.

"That depends on the groom. Might still be a sore spot, what with his wedding getting called off" Gladio said.

"Who says we can't call it back on? It can still happen" Prompto said.

"True enough. Let's keep an eye out for it" Ignis said.

"I guess it's worth a look" Asuka said.

They walk around for a while, overhearing several people talking about the dress, meaning it must be something special. They saw a large crow gathered in front of the store called Vivienne Westwood. And sure enough there it was. Luna's beautiful dress. It looked really beautiful, it really was made for an oracle.

"One helluva crowd" Prompto said.

"And that's the dress. My word" Ignis said in awe.

"Everyone looks so happy. And it's all because of this one dress" Prompto said with a smile.

"Yeah" Noctis said.

"Real glad for you that Lady Lunafreya is safe and sound" Prompto said.

"That settles it. You gotta make it happen become a symbol of the peace. After we tie up all the loose ends, let's think about the ceremony" Gladio declared.

Ignis nods "A fine idea".

Noctis looks at the dress for a bit "Yeah, I'll think about it".

Asuka steps closer to the glass. Her reflection almost making it look like she was wearing the dress herself. Seeing it made her think about her own future with Prompto. She wanted to spend her life with him, and she knew the best way to do it. Something that made her blush.

Noctis picked up on it and smiled "But I am not the only one who needs to get hitched".

Ignis smiled at that "Indeed. Will we see you in a dress like this one day, Asuka?".

Asuka blushed a little more "Don't know, dresses were never my style. I am a tomboy, I like simpler clothes. But if a certain someone ever works up the nerves to propose to me, I might make an exception".

The guys looked at Prompto who looked a little nervous, but surprisingly, Gladio was the one who motioned him to say something to Asuka who was still looking at the dress. Prompto took a deep breath and walked up next to her.

"Well, if that someone ever becomes man enough to say the words. I will be looking forward to seeing you in a dress like this one" He said as he puts an arm around Asuka's shoulders, making her smile and lean on him.

"Better not take to long" She said.

They looked at the dress for a little longer before continuing on. Soon enough the arrived at Maagho, where Weskham was waiting for them. He looked friendly enough.

"Welcome to Accordo, lads. Cid mentioned you'd be dropping in. Weskham Armaugh, as you've gathered. My word, you've grown, little Prince. Ah, but of course—you were only a babe at the time" Weskham said as they walked up to him "So, this is your maiden visit. Enjoying it so far? You doubtless have many questions, so ask away".

"This country is a part of the empire, isn't it?" Noctis asked.

Weskham chuckles "You're wary, I understand. But there's no need to jump at every shadow. Just be aware that the terms of our independence grant the empire free reign to come and go as they please".

"We'll bear that in mind" Ignis said.

"It's admittedly a one-sided arrangement. Most everything we do requires Niflheim's permission, and they wouldn't knowingly permit the Oracle to appear before the public. How our government spun that is quite a mystery. Is there anything else?" Weskham asked.

"You really think Luna will make an address?" Noctis asked.

"If every recent radio broadcast is to be trusted, absolutely" Weskham answered.

"Where is Lady Lunafreya?" Ignis asked.

"In the city somewhere, but no one has caught so much as a glimpse of her. The media has been conspicuous in its silence on the matter, which speaks volumes of government intervention. That'd certainly explain the rumors of disgruntled imperial officers leaving the city" Weskham answered.

"So you see lots of Niffs around here?" Noctis asked.

Weskham nods "We do. Sometimes even at my place. Theirs is a familiar presence, and the citizens don't think much of it. Though, the high commander did cause a stir when he showed up the other day".

"Ravus…" Noctis realized.

"So soon after they felled the Archaean in Lucis, his arrival fuels rumors that they will next come to Altissia. The empire's not content ruling all the land they want the heavens as well" Weskham said.

"Is anything changed with Leviathan?" Noctis asked.

"For now, it's business as usual at port, but word is the government will soon open the Altar of the Tidemother" Weskham answered.

"In preparation for the rite" Gladio said.

"Ah, but on the other hand, they're scrambling to stockpile emergency provisions. This begs the question: if they're anticipating that the Hydraean will wreak havoc, why would they allow the rite to proceed?" Weskham wondered "Well, if you need anything else, you know where to find me".

"Thanks, 'preciate it" Noctis said, meaning it.

Suddenly a woman showed up someone Weskham knew "My dear Camelia, it's been a while".

"I heard about your distinguished guests" The woman said.

"Ah, you've an ear for gossip" Weskham said.

Camelia looked at the group "Gentlemen, and lady, I won't waste your time. My name is Camelia Claustra".

"First secretary of the Accordo Protectorate" Ignis said.

"You should know we have Lady Lunafreya in our care. And the empire demands we surrender her" Camelia revealed.

"What?" Noctis said, sounding angry.

"Yet I am loath to acquiesce unless we stand to profit. Hence I've come to discuss terms…with the King of Lucis. If you've a mind to talk, come to my estate" Camelia said before she leaves.

"Charming woman" Asuka said sarcastically.

"She can be oblique at the best of times, but I assure you her heart is in the right place" Weskham assured.

"Oh. Okay" Prompto said.

"At any rate, you must be weary from your journey. Might I suggest you seek your beds for now and ponder matters anew in the morning?" Weskham suggested.

Noctis nods "Yeah, think we'll do just that...".

With that they headed out to find a place to sleep. Things were never simple for them. They could only hope everything goes well tomorrow.

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