At first, I struggled with how she was going to travel with the Chocobros, but the idea of her bike needing repairs too I think works. Plus, she can help them travel with her map and where she plans to travel!

Enjoy!


Hammerhead was the most intriguing sight her eyes had fallen upon for her first stop outside of Insomnia. The dry desert air, the chatting locals, smell of grease from the garage, and even the sound of sizzling cooking from the diner. Everything was being soaked into as she walked her bike up to the front of the small storefront by the gas station. The bike slowed down the closer she got after her clutch broke. She eventually turned the engine off and walked the remaining mile to Hammerhead. Deciding to keep her helmet on, she waved hello to a few locals and removed her gloves as she entered the shop. Her eyes scanned the place, lifting her visor up in search for a new clutch cable. She had half the idea just to ask the shop to fix it for her, but rather save her money and just purchase the cable and do it herself.

Lexus looked around, spotting many vehicle needs, along with what she remembered Ajax teaching her potions and elixirs. She was surprised to even find some ingredients to cook with meats labeled as 'Gighee Ham' or 'Luncheon Meat', and spices on racks. Lexus moved along, finding the shelves with repair kits, motorbike parts, and a hammerhead decal. With a grin, she picked up a decal as a small check to arrive there and found the small box of clutch cables.

The biker walked up to the counter to purchase the items, ignoring the eyebrow raising look the cashier gave her helmet. Nonetheless, he made no comment, thanked her and she walked right out with a plastic bag in hand. Though she should've told him she didn't need it, as she'd be opening the items anyway. Lexus shrugged as she approached her bike parked outside the diner, kneeling down to remove the decal. With a grin, Lexus carefully placed the decal on her back right, seeing the hammerhead logo look great on her yellow fender.

Lexus went to work on taking apart the side of the bike to access the broken clutch cord. It would take a while and delay her travel, but like she cared. All the more to enjoy Hammerhead and it's dusty dirt sights! The gust of dust did blow up now and then, she flipped her visor down to keep her mouth and eyes clear as she took the bike apart.

With her helmet on, she eventually removed her leather jacket feeling the sun beat on her shoulders and tossed it over the seat of her bike. Some muffled voices were heard and she ignored them, humming to herself. She heard a few men walk inside, mentioning someone about car repairs and needing food. Lexus had been too focused on her repairs to even notice a blonde of the four man group had pointed to her out being the 'speedy wheelie' from the road. Another chuckled at how karma had hit her for that as they all wandered inside the diner.

After a while, she felt the heat becoming too much and she had just gotten access to the cable. Her stomach growled protesting to eat a late breakfast, and Lexus conceded; a nice drink and big meal would get her enough energy to finish her bike and be back on the road.

Unbeknownst to her as she entered, the four same men she had snubbed off the road were sitting at the bar discussing with the owner. Though the blonde questioned what a gil was, making her raise a brow in their direction. She approached next to the muscle head who was talking to the blondie, the dark haired one asking about what the area had.

"We can't get any food without gil, it seems." The muscle head figured, his voice deep but rich.

Lexus sneaked a peak before tugging a menu toward herself and scanning the food. Not many choices, Chili con Carne, Lieden Jambalaya, Veggie Medly Stew, or the Multi-Meat Sandwich -which was chicken tender and ham- with coffee or cold glass of water. Deciding the sandwich was light and cheaper with a glass of water would be an alright dent in her pocket.

"And how do we get this gil? I'm starving!" The blond whined, twisting on his stool left and right.

"Excuse me?" Realizing the visor was muffling her, she lifted it. "Pardon me?" She called to the dark skinned owner.

He seemed spooked by her sudden appearance -or sudden existence- and cleared his throat. "Sorry miss, no helmet or masks inside- Policy."

"Oh, sorry. No problem." She assured, reaching to remove the helmet.

The brunette muscle head turned, his amber like eyes narrowing down at her. "Hey, you were that biker then snubbed us back on the road."

She glanced up, pausing in her action as the blond and dark haired boy glanced over. "Woah! That's a sweet helmet though- Chocobo style!" He praised with a grin.

She chuckled, nodding "Thanks.. Though, you started it."

The fourth man with glasses and standing blond bangs finally drew his attention. "We started it?" The dark haired one asked, glancing at his bespectacled friend. "Started what?"

Lexus turned and bowed her head down, removing her helmet to allow her pine green hair flow over her shoulders. She reached up, scratching her scalp and fixing the ends that ruffled and curled around her shoulders and the bangs that framed her face. Looking back, the three seemed… surprised by her appearance?

"At the gates, leaving Insomnia. You just sped right by and didn't give any indication to stop and give papers and ID to leave." She placed her helmet on the bar and stood, hands on her narrow hips that her jeans hugged. "I had to wait a good long time just to get a yes to leave that damn city. Call that break down. I saw you with karma for that."

"Says the one with her bike in pieces outside." The dark haired one retorted.

"Wait!" The blond cried, moving from the stool and walking up to her, looking at her features pretty closely. "Wait a minute…" He kept tapping his chin with his knuckle, his brows knotted as he scanned her face.

"Uh, can I help you?" She asked, stepping back from the lack of space.

The other three seemed just as confused by their friend's sudden interest in her. "That hair…" Then he gasped and jumped back, blue eyes wide at her. "Lexus?"

The two of his friends frowned, was she someone the blond knew? The third friend's head glanced up, he knew that name somewhere.

"Uh, do I know you?" She asked, raising a brow. Maybe a customer from the bike shop at some point?

He groaned, arms falling to his side as he hung his head. "That's right, were just kids so you wouldn't recognize me." He perked up suddenly, "I had such 'prompt' timing back then too."

Almost as if a truck had hit her, the memory of all those years ago snapped back into her skull. "Prompto!?" She exclaimed, hand over her mouth in shock.

Prompto's friends watched in surprise as Lexus was hugged, Lexus returned it still stunned to have ever met this boy ever again! The muscle head and dark haired boy looked to one another, shrugged that they had no idea who this Lexus was. Ignis watched, his eyes scanning the girl, no doubt it was her. That green hair wasn't common then and still wasn't common now.

Lexus eventually allowed herself to be as giddy as Prompto was, finally grinning and tightening her hug to him. They pulled apart, Lexus getting a good look at him. "Holy crap, I didn't even recognize you! You're hair, glasses- You're weight!"

Prompto chuckled, flexing his arms. "Nice right? Worked hard to get where I am today!" She laughed at his attempt to show off. "You look great too- Not that you didn't back then."

"Thanks!" Her eyes traveled to the confused duo, she snickered and nodded her head to them from Prompto.

"Oh! Right, sorry!" He scrambled a bit with introductions, standing by Lexus with a hand on her shoulder. "Guys, this is Lexus! That girl I told you about years ago I saved?"

Gladio chuckled, "What are the odds the girl that you save back then, doesn't save us?" he joked.

"I apologize for that, I should've helped no matter who you were." She assured, giving a small quick bow of her head.

"Nah, it's alright. Seeing your bike torn apart out there is good enough." He held a large hand out, Lexus took it as they shook hands. Despite the rough calluses and the strength, he was gentle with his grip and shake. "Gladio, nice to know Prompto's imaginary friend is real."

Prompto glared at his large friend. "She always was real!"

Lexus giggled, smiling up at Gladio. "It's nice to meet you."

"Iggy, come here!" Prompto called, who sat further down.

He complied, walking over looking down at the pine haired girl. Even now he towered over her like he did when they first met. "This is-"

"Ignis." Lexus said, her blue eyes wide like Prompto's were before. That hair, those eyes, that accent. How could she not know it was him?

That answer stunned Prompto, which caught the other two off guard.

"You know, Iggy?" Prompto asked.

"Yeah..." She answered faintly, the memories all flooding back. But this included the pain and anger to flow back through her mind as well. Her hands beside her curled into fists when he held his hand out to offer a handshake.

"It's good to see you again, Lexus." He said, those eyes were steel yet his stare was… friendly? Not wanting to make this awkward or anything with her feelings of all those years ago, she swallowed back the feeling and shook his hand.

Her smile returned, trying to find the happiness she felt a moment ago. "I could say the same." Yet she didn't. "I don't think you've changed all that much. Same hair, stature, and can't lose that accent."

Ignis swallowed and nodded, sensing her terse tone. "You've changed." He pointed out, though didn't add what it was. She brushed it off with a laugh, letting him release her hand.

The dark haired one approached her, though he seemed reserved compared to the others. "This is my best buddy!"

Lexus nodded to him, offering her hand to him. "Nice to meet you…?"

"Noctis." He told, though seemed reserved on hand shaking.

Her eyes twitched, her lips wanting to frown even more now. This- This little snob was the Prince Noctis? The same one her mother praised and talked about day and night? The one who constantly got talked about and attention?

She eyed him up and down, he really didn't seem socially inclined, avoiding eye contact and keeping a physical distance. He showed no signs he even wanted to meet her, let alone acknowledge her.

No, this was him. This was Prince Noctis.

A toothy grin was released, letting her hand fall to her side. "Well, I should be honored meeting Pr-"

Prompto's hand suddenly slapped over her mouth, shocking her at his action completely. Her instinct to bend his arm back rose, but she refrained not wanting to hurt him for a small action.

"Sorry, sorry!" He apologized, brows furrowed showing he really was guilty for this. "It's just- Noct rather people not know who he really is, y'know?"

She raised a brow, eyes scanning the other two who nodded, Noct finally looked at her but looked away just as quickly. Lexus looked back to her old blond friend. "If you could keep it a secret?"

Her eyes softened at his plea and she nodded. He removed his hand, muttering another apology. "That certainly explains how you were able to leave the city with no check."

"A moment, Noct?" Ignis called, beckoning him toward the door from outside. The prince left, seeming to be thankful to be out of the situation.

"Where are you guys heading? If I can know that?" She asked the remaining two.

"We're heading to Altissa. Noct has a wedding to get to." Prompto told her, standing by her side once more. She wouldn't put him as clingy, but he was a 'close to comfort' type. Lexus almost stepped aside, not used to such close interaction with anyone other than her uncle and Ajax.

"Oh, I remember hearing that announcement." Her eyes glanced to the dark haired prince, discussing something important about funds and money with Ignis. "He doesn't seem eager." She commented.

"Noct can be like that," Gladio told her, leaning his elbow against the counter. He gave her a bit more space than Prompto, but close enough to have a proper level volume conversation.

"What about you?" Prompto asked her, "I never thought I'd see you be a biker chick."

Lexus laughed, patting her helmet near Gladio. "Well, Ignis is right. I changed." She cleared her throat, giving the tip of her nose a scratch. "I'm… I'm traveling about. First time outside the city, my uncle suggested it."

"Oh, sweet! Maybe it was fate we met up here!" Prompto said with such excitement glistening in his blue eyes.

"If you're gonna look at girls like that, at least pick one first." Gladio muttered, thought Lexus heard and laughed when Prompto blushed and shoved his arm.

"Gentlemen," Ignis called to the other two. "Time to confer with Cindy."

Prompto seemed bummed out having to leave his friend, Gladio patted his back roughly. "I don't think Lexus is going anywhere with her bike the way it is." He looked to her for confirmation.

"Yeah, I was actually coming in to take a break, so I'll be here." She assured him.

That was enough to get the eager blond out with Gladio. Lexus watched as the four men talked for a moment, Prompto's head hun and Gladio heaved a sigh, hanging his head. Whatever the discussion was, it didn't seem good for the crew.


Lexus got herself a booth and finally ordered her food. She sat at the window, glancing out awaiting her food. She watched the four men with curiosity talk to the mechanic blonde girl at the garage. Lexus saw no sign of the car, meaning it was still under repairs. She watched as Noctis spoke to her, she responded back with a thoughtful look. Ignis spoke behind Noctis, and all four nodded at something in agreement. Cindy handed something to Noctis, she turned back just as her food arrived. She thanked the owner and first gulped down the cool glass of water to cool down.

Her mind drifted off, thinking about what had just occurred. If she had told her younger self she would see Ignis and Prompto again, she would never believe her. Hell, if she told her she'd be venturing out of the city at age twenty, her younger self would just call her a liar. Not only had she just re-met Ignis, but Prompto too. Someone she met only once had remembered her all those years ago. Ignis seemed to have, but looked more reserved on the notion, compared to the sudden hug and enthusiasm Prompto showed.

Lexus rubbed her head, trying to find the appetite in her to eat the bowl of chili in front of her. She had to remember not to get side tracked, they would be on their way and she'd be on hers. Then never see each other once again. Her stomach rumbled and she started to take small bits of the chili, gradually eating bigger bites.

Seems her peace of mind was interrupted when the familiar voices of the four boys had returned. She rested the spoon in her bowl and looked over seeing the same four men indeed come inside. Prompto eagerly stepped toward the counter, then his eyes shot about and found her. Oh, did they need something?

"Hey, you're still here!" He said, jogging over to her where she sat.

"Er, yeah. Hasn't been that long." She mused awkwardly, giving him her full attention. "How's your car?" She asked as the rest joined, though Ignis was eyeing up the menu on the board.

"Still in need of repair, we're just playing the waiting game now." Gladio told her, he seemed to favor her company too with his friendly demeanor toward her. He reminded her of a large intimidating creature with a nice personality.

"Oh, shame." She commented shortly.

To her surprise, Prompto just slid into the seat across from her, she flinched at the idea that they might join her. "Noct is hungry- mind if we join you?" And it was true.

"Weren't you the one whining how your stomach is eating itself?" Noctis retorted at him.

She seemed hesitant and glanced at the others and Gladio shrugged, not minding, though the other two didn't seem to care. She couldn't find herself being rude to Prompto and he seemed to want to spend more time with her. "S-Sure."

Noctis slid into the booth next to Prompto and Lexus slid down expecting Gladio to sit with her. He offered it to Ignis, commenting how he didn't want to squish her in the seat. Oh, delightful. Ignis slid in next to her, though Lexus kept herself pressed against the wall for room as she moved her drink and chili with her. Gladio took a chair from the tables and placed it at the end of the table, sitting on it backwards, straddling it. Lexus reached for the menus at her end and passed them around to the guys, returning to her meal.

They discussed food, though when Noctis and Gladio favored the Jambalaya, Ignis reminded them of the lack of funds and would have to go for smaller meals. She kept to herself, her brain throwing all kinds of questions to what she should do, say, or even look at. Here sat four men, four odd distinct men. Her eyes scanned each one, trying to avoid any eye contact they might make with her, studying them.

Prompto and Noctis were close, proving the best buddies that he claimed for them to be. Though it seemed Prompto's hyper like personality was calmed by Noctis' opposite personality. But, she heard him make some quips and sarcastic jokes at the blond, maybe he was just different in front of others. Gladio sitting at the end was commenting something about the lack of meat on the menu. He really did remind her of a gentle giant; His tone was soft and low, unlike Prompto's boisterous voice. Lexus wanted to skip over Ignis, but taking a peek, she found him writing down in a small notebook, glancing at the menu. She frowned, maybe he was noting down the prices since he mentioned they had a small budget. Then again, he held a smile as he jotted whatever it was down in his book.

That was another thing that bugged her- Wouldn't a prince have enough money to pretty much buy out the diner and more? Ignis seemed strict on near picking out food for them to make sure they didn't go over their limit.

Being in her own thoughts for so long, Lexus shook her head hearing her name being called.

"Sorry, what?" She asked, looking up. Shit, which one called her name?

Gladio chuckled, "You seemed really focused on Ignis there." he teased.

Lexus looked to Gladio, then to Ignis who was giving her a confused look. Crap! Had she been staring at him to a point he noticed? Her brain scrambled to think up an excuse.

"M-My bad!" She laughed, shifting in her seat. "I was just curious- about you're notebook." Lexus said, pointing at the little thing he held.

"Just a new recipe." Ignis answered, pocketing it into his blazer's beast pocket.

"I'll be your taste tester." Prompto offered, then smiled at Lexus. "You should try his cooking sometime, it's out of this world!"

Lexus turned her focus to him across from her, mentally blocking Ignis from her peripheral. "Maybe someday." She said, not really giving a yes or no to the idea.

The four men ordered the food and it arrived almost as quickly as the next subject. Prompto and Ignis ordered the stew, Noctis got the sandwich and Gladio got the chili. They all got water and went to work eating their meals. Prompto and Gladio were enjoying their seperate orders, Ignis savoring his stew, and Noctis… Was picking the greens from his sandwich. Ignis noticed and berated him on eating more vegetables. The Prince replied by pushing all the said healthy parts onto Ignis' plate like a child. He sighed beside her, like a mother annoyed by a son.

"So, I know the details of how Prompto met you." Gladio said, gaining her attention when she continued with her semi warm chili. "What's the details on you and Iggy?"

Lexus chuckled, her nerves rising in her belly. "Funny story, I was about eight and wandered the city. Ignis found me crying like a baby and led me back to my uncle's bar."

"How is that bar doing?" Ignis asked, surprising her by his interest. Or was he just being kind?

"Ah, he's still up and running." She nodded to him, though her eyes looked past him. "I mean, it is- But he is too!" She tried to catch her mis-wording.

"What's the bar?" Gladio asked.

"Casa Nova, it's pretty small and we don't get many-"

"You're uncle wouldn't happen to be, Roland?"

Lexus paused at Gladio's question. "Yes, that's his name. Have you been there?"

"My father knows him, used to be part the Crownsgaurd." Lexus nodded, ignoring Prompto's 'woah' to that.

"That's awesome your uncle is a Crownsgaurd. Never met him around the Citadel." He commented.

Gladio rolled his eyes, "I did say, 'used to be'." he repeated.

Lexus nodded, "He just works at his own bar, enjoying his old years-Shit!" she barked, jolting Noctis and Gladio. "I meant to contact him once I got here." She took out her phone and looked to Ignis expectedly. "Er, excuse me-"

"Oh, pardon." He scooted out, letting her free of the booth.

"I'll be back, just a quick call." She assured, walking over to the doorway and dialing his number.

She heard the dial tone go on far longer than it should, but assumed he might be busy with customers or his old buddies. She heard a click, "Hey-"

"This is Roland, leave a message and I'll get back to you." She heard the voice cal sighed. Lexus was hoping to talk to him about her currently 'situation' but she'd be sure he'd call back.

When the beep went off, she left her message. "Hey, uncle Roland, it's Lexy!" She kept her voice enthusiastic, not wanting to worry him if her anxiety was heard. "I made it Hammerhead, and had to pit stop here longer. My clutch cable broke, but I'm getting that fixed, with a good bowl of chili from the diner here." She cleared her throat, eyes traveling around, suddenly remembering. "Oh, I haven't seen anyone who may look like Cid out here. But I'll ask around before I head out. Love you, bye!"

She hung up, but before pocketing her phone she took a photo of herself, smiling and making sure the diner was within shot behind her. Lexus sent the photo, as a second assurance to him how she was doing.

When Lexus returned, they were half way or done their meals, talking with laughter and merriment. Ignis moved for her to sit back, but she raised her hand to stop him. "I'm pretty much done, gonna pay and get back to my bike."

"Aw, but we just got to the part where Ignis met you a second time." Prompto told, reaching over Noctis to poke Ignis.

Lexus looked at Ignis who waved the blond's hand away. "Oh, yeah." She dismissed, remembering it well herself. It was the day before that day. The day she never wanted to relive or remember, only forget what she saw happen to her father.

"If I'm correct, it was a day before a big Chocobo racing event was occurring." Ignis said, cupping his chin in thought. "Her father was part of it." He told them.

Lexus stood rigid in her spot, it was like a reminder just slapping her in the face. He needs to stop. He needs to shut up.

"You're dad raced chocobos? So cool!" Prompto was near standing in his seat. Noctis tilted his head, glancing to Ignis as he scooted out and away from the bouncing chocobo fan. "Oh, that must have been why you were in a when we met."

"Wasn't there an accident that day?" Noctis asked, having a vague memory of that event.

Lexus seemed to have blocked them out, it was flashing before her eyes where she stood. The large feathered mounts making the corner, her father in lead. One mistake, one accident, one slip up. She heard nothing but screams- both from her father and the crowd. Her mother's horrified cries filled her ears and she was seeing blood-

"Lexus, hey! Hello?"

The sudden shake of her shoulder took her out of the nightmare in her head. Blinking, she looked down, finding Gladio's large hand on her shoulder, the shake was gentle but enough to jolt her out of her inner Hell.

"You alright?" He asked, "You look pale." Gladio noted.

Lexus gulped back the urge to vomit her chili and nodded. Sweat was forming as he combed her hair to wipe it from her forehead. "Sorry, so sorry." She reached for her glass and gulped down the remaining water.

The boys gave weary looks, noticing the features that had befallen on her face during her whole little moment to herself.

"I better get back to my bike." She dismissed, taking her wallet out and placing the gil on the table.

Ignis frowned at the amount she left, "You don't have to-"

"Think of it as thanks, for the company." She assured him quickly, taking her helmet last minute and waving them off as she walked out of the diner.

Lexus took deep breaths as she placed her helmet on and got to moving her bike out behind the garage. She didn't want any eyes on her, no one to see her, as if she wasn't existent right now. Lexus leaned against the wall and slid down, removing her helmet and placing it beside her. She hadn't ever thought that far into that dreaded day in years and never wanted to again. The day that made her live the life she had-

Her hands covered her face, taking deep breaths to refrain the need to cry, the urge to let tears drop and her mind be melted into depression. No, she couldn't let it. She left that depressing dark part of her behind, she was different now. Good different.

Sitting for a good while, Lexus fought the feeling back down, it was a trying battle but she managed to win. She dug into her back pocket and pulled her handkerchief and wiped her face to rid any sweat. Ignoring the feel of the embroidered name, she tucked it back in and got to her feet.

"Back to work."


Just realized as I post this, that I should warn this will touch on depression and trauma. So yeah, keep that in mind. Let me know how this is going for you guys! Things rev up next chapter!