Things are starting to open back up over here in New Jersey. Such as our parks and golf courses. DONT FUCK IT UP PEOPLE!
Please follow social distancing and keep masks on when you go outside! Do NOT be those dumbasses who are protesting! (If you are one of them, kindly fuck off)
Enjoy!
Early the following morning, Lexus found herself tangled in her sheets, rolling left and right in her sleep. Sweat formed on her tight features, suffering from a nightmare. Her whimpering echoed in the room, until she finally shot her eyes open with a gasp.
"Dad!" Sher cried, sitting up and taking a few heavy breaths.
Her blue eyes searched the room, for a moment not knowing where she was. The sound of the waves outside her window reminded her- Galdin Quay. She hung her head, combing her fingers through her messy bed head. She heaved a very heavy sigh, feeling all the dread attempt to leave her chest. Some of it still lingered.
She glanced to her phone, resting on the empty side of the bed to her left. She leaned over, grabbing it to check her messages. None, which means Roland never got back to her. She frowned, tossing the phone back onto the bed. Was he ignoring her? It's been twenty-four hours, he would've gotten back to her.
Lexus flopped over onto her back, letting herself wake up a bit more as the sun shined through the large windows. She groaned resting her arm over her eyes. "Why would they not have curtains…" Frowning, she sat up and spotted aid beige fabric ruffled up against the window. "...Oh, I just didn't close them."
Lexus took a breath and flew the blankets off her legs. "Awesome! Who knows how many creeps watched me sleep."
The girl had forgotten her uncle's lack of reply, deciding to figure out how the day should go. Spend another day here or eat breakfast and move on? Lexus wanted to enjoy the day time sights of the shore and what Galdin Quay had to offer. Though staying another day would be bad for her wallet, one night alone was expensive enough for her, having to eat Cup Noodles instead. She got her day started with a nice warm shower and dressed in clean clothes. Her hair brushed out and blow dried thanks to the one the hotel provided. She preferred air dry, but wanted to get herself packed so she wouldn't be charged another night. Her bag packed, she looked around the room making sure it was clean enough and all the trash taken care of. She had the used fluffy towels on the counter, trashcan by the door, and the bed sheets semi-fixed. Enough that they weren't tangled for when they would need to be cleaned for the next occupant.
Now, breakfast; She can't have noodles again after already having it for dinner last night. Maybe there's a diner she can stop at. She did remember passing a rest stop with the diner there. Lexus left the room, giving her key to the man at the front desk and making her way down the bridge to the parking lot. She hummed, rubbing her neck as she thought to herself.
Heading North she could stop at that pit stop, get breakfast, and head west toward the chocobo ranch. Lexus inward groaned reaching her bike, stuffing her back in the compartment under her seat and taking the map out. She scanned the area of Liede and found the stop, just North of where she was.
"Longwthye Rest Area, has a diner there. Can have a quick breakfast, fuel up, and be on my way." Lexus folded the mask, setting her helmet on.
"Can't believe it… It's like a nightmare."
"But it's true, right? It was in all the papers and on the radio."
"There's no hope with Lunafreya, the King, and Prince Noctis dead!"
Lexus spun her head around, what was that? She heard a couple looking distressed by their old buggy parked a few spots from her. The man rubbed his partner's arm in comfort as she covered her face. That didn't sound right, was a rumor going around since Noctis was out of the city? But, they did mention the Oracle and the King being dead. So, why did they mention Noctis too?
"There's no way into the city?"
Lexus turned, three people walking across the lot spoke among themselves.
"I just got a test from my friend, he says they are soldiers right at the border. He sounded terrified."
The third gave a sigh, "Should we leave or stay here?" they asked.
"Where would we go? What if they plan to close more borders?"
Panic started to rise in Lexus, this couldn't be real. Her eyes shot about, finding a news stand by the tackle shop. She dashed over, taking a paper and reading the front page.
Insomnia Falls
The paper went on how the treaty was about to happen, when the attack ignited onto the city. The King, found dead in the Citadel and the city torn to shreds after endless attacks throughout the night. She tried to find any list of survivors or casualties, but no list of that or even deaths were found. Just how the King was found dead, along with his son and the Oracle assumed dead as well. If Noctis being dead wasn't true, then maybe some of these claims were wrong as well.
The sudden vibration of her phone made her drop the paper to the wooden dock, scrambling to answer the device. "R-Roland!? Uncle Roland!?" She cried, gripping the found tightly in prayer that he was alive.
"Lexus Quintin?" The voice, that wasn't her uncle, nor Ajax. A voice of a man she had never heard before.
The feeling of rain started to patter around her, the weather started to change with her whole day.
"W-Who is this?"
"Is this Lexus Quintin?"
"Yes, now who are you!?" She barked into the phone, her voice cracking.
A sigh escaped, "This is Cor Leonis, I was informed to call you." he told.
She rubbed her eyes, feeling frustrated and scared. "Why do you know me or my number? Who exactly are you!?"
The voice paused, "...A friend of Roland." he answered.
Her heart skipped, another somebody she never knew. What a shock.
"I'm in Hammerhead. Are you able to drive and meet me here?" He asked. "I'm sure you have questions that need answers."
Lexus didn't answer, her breathing was heavy into the phone indicating him to respond.
"I'll be waiting for you. Drive safe." A click was heard, ending the call.
The rain wasn't pouring down on her, but was enough to start soaking her air and clothing. She didn't care, her head was a foggy mess, trying to figure out what to do.
Go to Hammerhead, maybe her uncle was there. He might've gotten out and is just hurt and can't answer or talk. Yeah, that had to be it. Lexus had to cling on any little hope that he was alive and alright.
With the news being true of King Regis' death, it was still a mystery whether Lunafreya had been killed as well. Gladio thankfully got word his little sister was fine, and was with refugees in Lestallum. It's rightfully assumed if the King was dead, so was his father being the King's shield. They needed answers, and Cor was the only proper man to have those for them.
As Ignis drove the Regalia up into Hammerhead, they found Cindy there waiting. She held a solemn look, as they exited the vehicle. "Glad ya'll made it." She greeted.
They all nodded, wasn't the best way of seeing the cute grease monkey again. "No weather for drivin', that's for sure." She commented.
"Our thanks." Ignis responded, rounding the car.
"Where's Cor?" Noctis asked, walking around the other end.
Cindy sighed, hands on her hips. "Left to see to business, and left ya'll a message with Paw-Paw." She explained.
"Yeah?"
"Just tell me already!" Barked a voice from the garage, a female voice. They all glanced over at the garage. "You were his friend! You have to know!"
They looked to Cindy in question, Gladio's eyes spotted a familiar yellow bike parked haphazardly by the diner. "Lexus?"
Cindy nodded, folding her arms as she crossed her ankles, leaning her weight to the side. "She's… a right mess. Cor called her to arrive and has been yellin' at Paw-Paw since. She got here a little before ya'll did."
"What happened?" Prompto asked, concerned.
The sudden clash of metal echoed from the garage, the four along with Cindy ran over seeing a wench throws across the room at some hubcaps sitting in the corner. Cid wasn't bothered, sitting in his chair as he watched her calmly. Lexus stood there, seething as she glared down at the old man.
Cindy approached her cautiously. "Lex-"
"Just tell me if he's dead already!" She screamed at Cid, still unphased by her lashing at him.
The four were shocked by this scene, Prompto highly concerned and slightly scared at her anger showing. Gladio and Ignis shared a look, assuming she wasn't going to hurt Cid, just wanted answers.
"Cor knows more than I do, I'm sorry." Was all Cid told her.
Her fists clenched tightly, nails digging into her palm without a care. Cindy slowly got to the steaming girl, hands on her shoulder. "Lexus, come with me." She urged, trying to turn her from her grandfather. "I'll show ya where Cor went so ya can meet with him."
She somehow agreed, allowing Cindy to lead her out of the garage. They four stepped aside, Prompto wishing to talk to her, but Gladio stopped him as they needed answers of their own.
Cindy led her outside, toward her bike. Lexus seemed to have calmed down enough to get her map out for Cindy to look over. The blonde rubbed her arm comfortingly now and then to relax her best she could. Once she laid the map out, Cindy took her pen from behind her ear and leaned over, circling a location North West of them.
"You can meet with him at Prairie Outpost, it's not far from here. Two minutes drive if the rain lets up." She explained, circling the spot with her black pen.
"Do you know who he is, exactly, Cindy?" She asked, rubbing her forehead to ease the coming headache from her earlier temper flare.
Cindy gave a supportive smile, "He's a good guy, trust me. Ever heard of Cor, The Immortal?" She asked.
Lexus frowned, then gasped, taking a step back. "I-I hadn't thought- He's really him!?"
"Yup!" Cindy tucked the pen away and folded the map, handing it to Lexus. "You gonna be alright driving? The way you cme in, I was sure it was gonna tip and knock you right off."
Lexus sighed, tucking the map into her leather jacket's breast pocket. "I can't wait for my emotions to come to a stand by. The more time I waste, the more emotional I'll get."
"Just, drive safe please?" Cindy glanced to the garage, spotting the Prince and his friends heading to the car. Her Paw-Paw must have said all that he needed on Noctis' father's fate. "Maybe you should go with them? They were called up by Cor too."
Lexus slid her helmet on, glancing over to see the same four from yesterday. She hadn't even noticed they were there when she was screaming up a storm. "As in follow or ride?"
"Whichever is better for ya, I can always deliver the bike if-"
Lexus shook her head, waving his hand. "No, no. I.." She cleared her throat, coughing a bit. "I think it's just a comfort for me to ride my bike, right now. Y'know?"
"Oh, I get ya, darlin'!" She assured, stepping aside for her to straddle the bike. "Still, follow behind him, ya may as well. Going to see Cor together and all." Cindy encouraged her.
Lexus gave a final glance to the car, seeing the blond spiky Prompto glancing over worriedly as the car roof converted into a convertible mode. Giving in, she sighed and nodded, starting her bike up.
"Great! I'll give them a heads up!" Cindy jogged over as Lexus maneuvered her bike, backing up and revving it as she drove slowly toward the car.
Cindy explained a bit as Lexus came over, "Ya'll set?" Ignis, the designated driver, and Lexus both nodded. "Drive safe!"
Lexus moved back to allow Ignis to take lead, slowly driving the car out of the lot and onto the road heading toward Prairie Post. Lexus turned sharply, near leaving a burn out and she drove off following the gorgeous green car. Ignis seemed to be a calm and slow driver, taking his time as he led them all to the outpost. Lexus was anxious, wanting nothing then to speed past and just get there. But, the thought of Imperials possibly invading the rest of Lucis popped into her mind, the logic part of her brain telling her to just follow and stay close.
"So, about Lexus-" Prompto brought up, looking over his shoulder seeing her behind them.
"Yeah, what was that about?" Noctis asked.
"No doubt worry for her uncle." Ignis told.
Prompto took in a breath, "I forgot, she had family back there." he paused. "Do you think?"
"It's anyone's guess." Gladio spoke up. "Being an ex-crownsguard, I wouldn't be surprised if he helped get as many people out of the city."
Prompto turned back again, looking to Gladio. "Do you think her uncle knew too?"
"Who knows…" Noctis muttered.
Ignis sighed, moving his arm to rest on the door as the other held the wheel tightly. "Her timing of venturing outside the city seems perfect. Wouldn't you say?"
Gladio leaned forward, "So he did know." he concluded. "He had her leave, like the King having Noctis and us leave."
"To protect her." Specs added with a nod. He stole a glance at his mirror, seeing her following along, visor down unknown what she was thinking or her expression under the helmet. No doubt, she was suffering deep pain and confusion, like the rest of them were.
The ride to the outpost was as short as Cindy claimed. The sun was high in the sky when they arrived, mid to late afternoon as best. Ignis pulled the car off the dirt road and to the side, Lexus came around pulling her bike over in front of the car. Everyone filed out, Lexus removed her helmet, fixing her hair.
Ignis looked around, "This must be the outpost Cid mentioned." he said.
"Looks like a hub for hunters." Gladio guessed, seeing some guys walking around the property.
Prompto looked over as he came around the car. "Maybe they know something."
"The only person who has answers is Cor." Lexus told sharply, taking her stride right into the poor excuse of a building. The four followed after, fearful she'll cause a scene like with Cid.
Lexus heard people praising food and some talking about hunts, others over a radio talking about the fall of Insomnia. She looked around, not knowing what the hell Cor even looked like.
"Lexus Quintin?" A woman called, she turned to find a short haired middle aged woman, who held kind but a stern look.
"I know you're not Cor." She retorted shortly.
"No, I'm Monica Eishett, Cor is-"
"Monica." Her attention quickly switched to the arrival of Noctis and his friends.
Monica knelt down, bowing to Noctis as he approached. "Your Highness," She greeted. "I'm glad your safe."
Lexus snarled in Noctis' direction, of course he'd get the greeting and answers before her. Monica stood, looking at Lexus. "Your Uncle Roland was helping the Crownsgaurd when the city was attacked."
Lexus' attention fell back to Monica. "He fought? In his condition?"
"He helped people escape the city, alongside Ajax in an attempt to save as many lives as possible." She explained, her face falling. "Most of the Crownsguard didn't make it. It was all we could do to escort Lady Iris out of the city. Roland and Ajax got her safely through the city, brought her to us. We lost contact after that."
Gladio flinched, glancing to Lexus. Her uncle had…
"Dustin is with her as we speak, seeing her the rest of the way to Lestallum." Monica told him.
Gladio nodded, arms folding over his broad chest. "I owe you guys big time… And your uncle, Lexus."
"But what about Ajax and my uncle? They made it out, right?" Denial was in her gut, refusing to accept what it was Monica was telling her. "Right?"
Monica swallowed, giving a small glance to Noctis. "Head for the royal tomb. The Marshall awaits."
The four hesitated, but left as Monica led Lexus outside to talk. It didn't take long, but a bone chilling cry filled their ears. Prompto stopped for a moment, looking back. His heart broke hearing the harsh cries of anguish from Lexus, finally learning the tragic fate of her uncle. He had died after all. Specs looked back, spotting Monica comforting her, Lexus on the ground as she cried.
"Come along, Prompto." Ignis called, as they resumed their travel to meet with Cor.
"So… He didn't make it." The blond spoke up after a few minutes of silent walking.
"Seems so." Ignis nodded.
Gladio sighed, Ignis looked to him to talk. "Her uncle Roland, and Ajax, I knew them but only by their reputation among the Crownsgaurd. My father told me of their actions, how Roland nearly died saving Ajax when the city was attacked a long time ago." Gladio shook his head. " I owe Lexus, her uncle died to save many people, including Iris."
"We should talk to her, after meeting the marshal." Prompto suggested.
Noctis nodded, agreeing with the notion. "I know how she feels." He muttered to himself.
"She hasn't had a simple easy life." Ignis spoke. "During that race incident, her father ended up paralyzed, as reported. Judging by how she lives with her uncle, I'd say her relationship with her parents are estranged."
"She saw it?" Noctis asked.
Ignis nodded, "Right before her very eyes." he told them.
"How do you know?" Prompto asked.
Ignis kept silent, rather the walk be quiet the rest of the way.
He knew...Because he was there.
His green eyes wandered in search of the little pine haired girl he assured he'd see today. With his Highness resting when he returned, Ignis was given permission to see the race. He took to account her father was in the race, and could be up front at the line to see the race start and finish. His slim figure maneuvered through a crowd, to his left he spotted green hair pushing through the crowd, though she failed to see him. He followed the sight of her hair until the gap was found.
"Daddy!" She cried, in her little fist was a necklace with a black feather at the end. She lifted it up, showing to her father who Ignis saw led the charge of racing birds.
She wasn't kidding when she said her father was a great racer, leading already in front. But Ignis must have thought that too soon, for when that sharp turn came, his chocobo lost grip on the asphalt and felt onto it's side with a cry, her father tumbling off of the bird. People gasped around him, then he saw the approaching stampede of the other chocobo racers- he knew exactly what was to come. Her father screamed in horror as the chocobos trampled over him onto the pavement. His legs clawed and bent in different directions, it was a traumatizing sight. The crowd screamed and cried at the accident, scrambling about to do something.
Ignis' eyes fell onto the pine haired girl, who's grip dropped off the necklace, clinking to the cement below her. Watching her father be stomped down by the birds so furiously and fast, almost as if you'd blink and miss it. Her mother beside her scooped her up and rushed off, uncle in toe. Ignis jogged over, kneeling down in the chaos as he picked up the black feather, the end connected to the chained necklace.
The boy turned and tried to follow after the hurried panicked family, but found the equally panicked crowd pushing him back further from them. Eventually he lost sight and got out of the crowd as the officials and guards arrived to control the people. Sirens echoed through, red and blue lights shining against the buildings as they tended to the wounded father. Ignis had lost track completely of the pine haired girl, looking down at the necklace she had dropped during the horrifying moment of her father's fate. He'd swear to see her again and return the necklace to her- One day.
It felt like an eternity, but finally the crew of boys returned to the outpost after a long conversation and battle driven travel with Cor. Night had fallen when they arrived, and they were all tired and hungry. Ignis suggested they stay the night or camp, avoiding a crowded tent, Noctis took the opportunity to sleep there.
"Everything went well?" Monica asked, as she was cooking some stir fried rice for them.
"If you could call it that, then sure." Noctis told her.
Prompto stepped up, "Um, where is Lexus?" he asked in concern. "We heard and-"
"Sleeping, for now." Monica answered. "We gave her some room to stay, it's best she sleeps all this off for tomorrow."
Prompto nodded, twiddling his fingers in worry. "What… happened?"
Monica sighed, grabbing some small plates and serving the rice to them. They all sat under the sparing light outside as she led them to explain. "Roland knew what was to happen, just as many others. Ajax, His Majesty, your uncle, and your father." She told, referring to Gladio, Ignis, and Noctis' family.
Monica looked to Gladio. "You're father told Roland what was to come of the treaty, asking to be in the aid of evacuation when the time came. All that Roland asked in return, was to send Lexus out of the city for her safety. He abide, and that's why she's out here today."
"Oh man…." Prompto looked down at his dish, feeling so bad for her.
"My old man, it's thanks to him she's out here and alive?" Gladio asked. "Owe her more than ever."
"Both she and her uncle would've been victims of the attack if he hadn't warned Roland." Ignis concluded.
"You're right." Monica confirmed, she looked at them all. "She has family at a ranch in Duscae, before we lost contact Roland requested she get to her family safe and sound."
Gladio sat up straight, nodding to her. "No questions asked, we'll get her there."
Noctis frowned at him. "Hey, wait!" They turned to him. "We have our own stuff to deal with."
Gladio stared at him down, "I owe her, it's not the worst thing in the world." he told.
"Although Noctis is right," Ignis spoke, adjusting his glasses. "What we gathered from Cor, she can't move unless we gain access from the closed borders the Imperials have taken over. We need to head to Duscae anyway."
"Even though we'll have imperials on our back?" Prompto asked, he felt split on the two deciding factors. Leave her safe or vulnerable, to keep her safe and endangered.
Monica cleared her throat, "She was taught to fight by Ajax, how to defend and deal with threats." She added. "This is nothing of her training, but Roland would be thankful."
They all looked to one another, how could they deny a dead man's last wish like that? Noctis sighed nodding to himself. "We'll help her to her family."
"It's decided then." Ignis agreed.
"Early morning we'll be invading the base Cor explained to gain access of Duscae." Monica explained. "Lexus will join us, but stay behind for safety."
"She can stay with the car." Ignis suggested. "If any danger occurs, she has her bike for a quick get away."
Prompto fidgeted, "Should one of us stay with-"
"We need all the manpower we could have, if we're going against an Imperial base." Gladio dismissed, Prompto sunk back in agreement.
It was settled, be it Lexus agreed or not. She laid in the made shift crappy bed, not far from the group who discussed their plans over a late dinner. She slept as soundly as possible, exhausted from the day's events, even more so than the day before. At this moment, her life took a third change.
The next morning Lexus found herself waiting by the car and her bike as the four man group she'd be escorted with were discussing the plans once more on invading the base. She had already been told herself by Gladio, she didn't argue or anything. At this point, she felt no need to even care where she was going or what she was doing. The day before felt like a nightmare she hoped to be, but judging the mood, who she was with, and how she felt; It was reality. The hunters lent her a camping tent, as Gladio explained they will be camping at times asking how she felt about that. She just shrugged, agreeing it was fine.
Once all was packed and ready, the four made their way to the car. "Ready to head out." Gladio informed her, earning a nod as she slipped her helmet on.
"She's awfully quiet." Prompto softly commented to his friends.
"As expected." Ignis told, sliding into the driver's seat.
Once the car was full and Lexus' bike was revving the crew made their way toward the base to gain access to Duscae. Hm, Lexus hadn't been to this land in over ten years, she wondered how much it had changed since she lived in the city. The large wetlands of the beasts on the plains and the many waters to fish from. Along with the open land to ride chocobos as freely as they desired.
Lexus was left with the vehicles once they got to their rendezvous point, assured if anything happened to drive off quickly. She nodded, sitting against the pylon watching them run off to meet with Cor and Monica.
She drifted to her own thoughts, feeling numb throughout this journey so far. Half of her wanted to just crouch into a hole and cry forever, while the other… Didn't know what to do really. The stress rose in her head and nerves thinking over what to do. Just, go to the ranch and hide there with her parents? Did they even care if she was dead or alive? They had to have heard the news of Insomnia, but they didn't have her number so, but they were expecting her-
It hit her, like a truck on the road. Lexus got to her feet and dug into her breast pocket to find the letter her parents sent. No, they never sent this letter at all. For a while after Monica explained everything, Lexus denied he ever knew and it was just coincidence. But at this moment, reading the damned letter over fifty times, Lexus accepted her uncle knew what he was doing. Her grip in the paper threatened to rip it apart, and she folded it, turning it as if ready to shred it to pieces. But… She found the want to die down, realizing this was her last communication with her uncle. Tearing this up, would be tearing him apart to her.
Lexus crouched down to the cement and hid her face, the letter tightly in her fist. He died for her to live, he died for her to be safe and keep going out here. He made that decision, even though it led to his demise. She is here, breathing and living now because of this.
"Lexus?"
The pine haired girl stood, rubbing her eyes as she found the bespectacled man approach her. It still hurt her seeing him, but she felt no anger as he walked up to her.
"Everything alright?" He asked. His concern wasn't as laced with his tone like Prompto, but was worried nonetheless.
She let her shoulders fall, nodding either way.
"Well, let's get going. We can continue onward to Duscae." He informed, turning for the door. He felt a tug on his sleeve, he turned finding Lexus grip his blazer. "What is it?"
Her eyes locked down on the ground, unable to meet his. She struggled to find the confidence to ask, but swallowed it back down and let his sleeve go. "N-Nothing."
He let her arm drop, turning fully to her. "If it's anything, I'm sorry for your loss." He told, his voice soft and considerate. "We've all lost someone in this, my own uncle, Gladio's father, Prompto's parents-"
"What are you saying?" She snapped, glaring at the asphalt.
Ignis paused, reaching up to adjust his glasses. "I'm saying, you're not alone in this."
He wasn't wrong, her eyed traveled up to find those green eyed once more behind the glasses. "You're right." She admitted, though her voice was void of emotion.
"We could take our time getting to the ranch, there's no rush getting me there." She suggested, taking a breath and pocketing the letter deep into her jacket's breast pocket. "Monica told me these tombs Noctis has to find."
Ignis nodded, reaching for the driver's door, "It'd be best if we take you to safety first and foremost. Can't risk endangering you finding these tombs."
Lexus was about to argue, but found she didn't care.
Ignis got into the car, starting it up as she slipped her helmet back on and straddled her bike. She followed him up to the now open and deserted base. She had no idea how many Imperials were here, but the side of the burning broken down mech proved it was a feisty battle. The three remaining members got into the car, Lexus heard Ignis suggest they stop at the next gas station to refuel for their long drive to the ranch. She hoped the drive would last for a long time.
LadyAmazon- Right?! I remember first playing this and just seeing this happy game fucking crush my soul that THAT ending of chapter one- killed me. Yes! I was originally going to have it be a whole Prompto has a crush and wants her even though Ignis does. But, I really like Prompto having hopes towards Cindy and they've only met once compared to the interactions Ignis has already had with Lexus when they were kids. So, he's gonna be the best friend for her. Thanks so much! I was getting really worried this story wasn't doing too well with lack of feedback! I feel a bit of shame asking for reviews but maybe I should for the sake of the story.
Thanks for the follows and favorites!
So, my idea of the discovery of the fall of Insomnia- I was going to have Lexus drive off and end up at the same cliff edge as the boys. But, I want her to have her own moment of it, and then they meet ONCE AGAIN later on to share emotions during these trying times. A last minute change but I like this better!
This was a bit rushed as I got finals arriving and unlike what would be usual tests, everything is a fucking essay and research paper. Until next time (probably next week)!
