Because of the lockdown and classes moved online, my original final tests have been changed to essays and research papers. Now, I usually am fond of writing essays and all- But this Visual Culture professor is beyond disorganized and the assignments never make sense. So stressed working on an essay to write my reflection on this class.
Anyway, finally for the fin chocobros trip with Lexus! ENJOY!
Corenix Station- Alstor, was their pit-stop for gas and supplies. Noctis took care of filling the car's gas, Lexus checked on her bike's condition after pushing it more than she should've, after fixing the clutch cable. Noctis watched as Prompto walked out of the Crow's Nest Diner, a bag of fries he was munching on. He mentioned being hungry, but it wasn't a time for having a big meal. Ignis and Gladio were in the shop getting needed supplies, Prompto nearly swaggered his way over to Lexus who was crouching down checking her bike. He spoke to her, lowering his bag of fries as an offering. She just stared at them and turned back to her tinkering. Prompto looked dejected and made himself scarce of her, walking to his princely buddy.
"Rejected?" He asked the blond.
Prompto leaned against the Regalia with Noctis, picking at his fries. "She said she wasn't hungry." He told him.
Noctis stole a fry. "Don't take it personally."
"Of course not," He shrugged, glancing over to her. "Just worried, is all."
"Give her time." They turned to see Ignis and Gladio return, bags of supplies ready to be shoved into the trunk. "She did lose her closest family, after all." Gladio reminded them.
"And her only remaining family might not even know she's alive." Ignis added, popping the trunk and placing the stuff inside carefully. Not wanting it to jumble and roll around as Noctis drove.
"You guys like to talk about me behind my back, don't you?" Ignis looked over the trunk door, seeing Lexus standing in front of the car glaring at him. She must have approached when he wasn't looking.
Ignis felt guilty, clearing his throat as he avoided her deep stare. Not the best way to reconnect with an old friend- Talking about them in such a manner. "My apologies." He muttered, shutting the trunk down.
Prompto rubbed his neck sheepishly at the awkward air around them. "So, how far is the ranch from here?"
Lexus sighed, reaching into her pocket and pulling her map out. She spread it out on the hood of the car, the guys gathered around to see it. She pointed her finger at the map, where 'Alstor' was labeled. "We're right here," She moved to the South East, stopping at a spot that had two loop circles. "This is the ranch. It looks to be maybe a ten minute drive depending on the stops we make."
Noctis nodded, folding his arms. "Well-" His phone suddenly rang out in his back pocket. Noctis fished it out, answering it. "Hello?" A female's voice was heard on the other end. "Iris?"
Leaning on the hood on her palms, Lexus raised a brow to the other three. "My little sister, Iris." Gladio said.
She nodded, remembering she was the one her Uncle helped escape. Lexus folded up the map, but Noctis' hand pressed it down flat, showing he wasn't done reading it. He continued on the phone, hearing her voice through the receiver. Lexus gave a look that he ignored.
"Yeah, will do." He responded, and hung up the phone pocketing it.
Gladio scoffed, arms folded over his chest. "Can't even call her own brother."
Ignis looked to him, "In all fairness, yours wasn't the obituary broadcast all over Lucis." he countered.
Noctis felt his arm tugged, looking down to see a glaring blue eyed female piercing at him. "You mind?" She questioned.
"Not yet," He said, brushing her hand off his arm as he looked down at the map. "Any lakes nearby?" He asked.
Lexus huffed and looked at the map beside him. "There," She pointed at a blue blip on the map South of them. "Alstor Slough, why?"
"Just wondering." He dismissed, moving his hand to allow her to finally fold it back up.
Gladio grinned as he moved to take a seat in the back. "Just wondering if you can get some time to fish."
Noctis looked at him, Lexus raised a brow. "Fishing?" She never would think Noctis would like such an old man sport.
"Oh, he just loves fishing." Prompto grinned, hopping into the front passenger seat. He got a stern look from Ignis nearly spilling the fries.
"Come on, Specs. Let's have a little fishing trip." Noctis said Ignis, who folded his arms in thought. "It's on the way to the ranch."
"And we could do with some nicely fresh cooked fish tonight." Prompto added.
That might have triggered Ignis to agree, from seeing the curious glint in his eye. "Alright."
Noctis grinned, jumping right into the driver's seat as Ignis was the last to climb in. "Lexus!" Noctis called as she walked over to her bike, she paused looking over. "You take the lead!" He called, waving his arm.
The lead she did take; Lexus drove a bit faster than how Ignis drove, but Noctis kept up well. They traveled along the road, Prompto with his camera taking as many great scenery shots as much, along with some of the guys in the car. With a change, he zoomed the camera up at Lexus' helmet, her face hidden under the dark visor. He zoomed out a bit, and snapped a clear great photo of her on her bike as they took a curved turn.
Lexus waved her hand off to the left indicating to park. She pulled into the side with the car behind her, both parking off the road. She slipped her helmet off, setting the kickstand up. "Not too far." She told them, getting off her bike and taking her crossbow off the back.
"We could've walked." Gladio joked, as they left the car.
Noctis gave him a look, indicating he wouldn't like that idea. "Well, we'll be walking either way." She pointed down as she headed toward the concrete steps, with the four men in tow. "There's a trail that leads right to the lake. Can fish 'til your heart's content."
Gladio stretched his arms as they got to the dirty path, green grass surrounding them. The trees shifted as a breeze came by, Lexus brought a hand up to keep her hair blowing in her face. She stepped onto the path and turned back to the boys, "Let's get going-"
Suddenly a snarling was heard behind her as she turned her back. A pack of Voretooth came out from the nearby bushes, one jumped ready to strike at Lexus. The boy cried out, Prompto ready to fire his gun as it materialized into his hand.
Shockingly, Lexus seemed to have known as she turned and raised her leg in a high kick, slamming her foot right into the large angled jaw of the Voretooth, sending it to the ground. It cried, scrambling to stand, as another jumped to attack her. Her reflexes were faster than these weak creatures, slipping her crossbow over her shoulder, firing at the beast. The bow rammed straight into his neck, falling to the ground dead beside its pack.
The men were stunned, watching the pack realize their mistake and start fleeing into the safety of the woods. She sighed, letting her crossbow's strap hang off her shoulder. "Pain in the ass, I knew they were stupid, but faster than I read up."
When she turned to the four, she saw them armed and ready, but their expressions were not matching. They all stared at her as if she had grown four heads. She raised a brow, adjusting her crossbow to be positioned onto her back.
"Er, don't worry. Those things are barely worth killing off, once they learn their lesson, they back off. Or so I read." She turned her back, walking up the path.
Dismissing their weapons, the four exchanged looks of surprise and uncertainty. They were told Ajax and Roland had trained her in fighting, but just assumed normal self defense. Not fighting beasts!
Prompto pumped his fists and ran up, walking beside Lexus as he praised how badass she looked. Though she brushed it off, a hint of a blush was found dusting her cheeks. Gladio rubbed his neck looking just as weary as Ignis. How much could this girl hold on her own?
"Is it really that big a deal that I took down two Voretooths?" She questioned as Prompto kept praising as they got closer to the lake. The other three behind them were early quiet.
"It's not everyday we see a civilian hold their own." Said Gladio.
Lexus looked over her shoulder, throwing her thumb at her crossbow. "Well, I'd be a bit screwed without my baby here." She told, indicating the weapon. "Remember back when you guys were dealing with that Dualhorn?" They nodded. "I would've been able to help if I hadn't left this back there."
"Can you do spells too?" Prompto asked, a sparkle in his eye.
Lexus chuckled, "I'm no Crownsgaurd, and I wasn't taught that far in my training." she rubbed her face feeling embarrassed by the attention Prompto was giving her. "To be honest, I was only supposed to learn just how to defend against assholes in the city. It just escalated to that with day one."
"Assholes?" Prompto asked, "Were you getting mugged?" he inquired with worry.
She patted his arm reassuringly. "Just a small birthday incident. Ajax taught me how to defend, avoid, attack, use my weapon both close and distant combat, and about all the beasts in the land of Lucis."
Ignis nodded, understanding now. "That's how you knew how to handle those creatures."
"Exactly." She confirmed, snapping her fingers. "Some creatures I do remember back when I lived out here as a kid. Such as those things."
Lexus pointed out into the lake, where the loud groaning they've been hearing for a half hour was coming from. Gigantic long necked beasts waded wading through the water, heads low just above the lake. Only two or three were seen, one's large head turning this way and that as it walked in the center, the deepest part of the late. The other two, a little smaller, slept with their necks curled around their bodies.
"Woah!" Prompto gasped.
Noctis stared out at them. "Amazing…!"
"What are they?" Gladio asked, as they paused their walking to take in the sight.
"Catoblepas." She answered, watching the one's large head slowly turn to see something in the water. "Don't worry, they barely leave the water and are pretty peaceful creatures. So, it's safe to fish in this lake, in case you were wondering. Just keep any mushrooms away, my dad used to tell me they love the stuff."
Prompto seemed really hyped, he was near skipping in his step as they continued the path almost at the lake's dock. "I have got to get a photo of that!"
As they reached the fishing dock, Lexus stopped as Noctis walked to the end of it, summoning his fishing pole. Ignis and Gladio gave him some space, Prompto followed Lexus to sit at the lake's shore line. He took his camera out, already taking photos of the lake, Noctis fishing, and tried to take one of Lexus, but she blocked her face.
"Aww, don't be like that." He whined, shifting to get her face, but she constantly turned away or blocked it. "What, camera shy?" Prompto teased.
As much as she wanted to laugh, she found herself just frowning at his attempts. "I just think you shouldn't waste your photos on me."
Ignis looked over after Noctis caught his third horned bluegill. Prompto lowered the camera at her words. "You're not a waste, I like taking photos of my friends. Builds memories together."
Memories, she thought. Memories were nothing but nightmares to her. She stood, and turned away, moving along the edge of the lake. "Just, take pictures of something else."
Prompto didn't follow her, he looked to the others, earning a head shake from Ignis to leave her be. Prompto did, switching his photography skills to trying to get a photo of the Catoblepas. Lexus seemed to be wanting to be friendly, and that was who she was. But, the pain of the change in her life was reminding her not to be. Hopefully, it would pass and they'd see her cheery true self soon enough.
Lexus sat by a small hill edge, feeling the green blades skim her fingers as she rested her hands in the grass. The wind felt nice, blowing her hair behind her instead of her face, as she watching the Catoblepas wander around in the lake. She brought her legs up, hugging them as she rested her chin on her knees. Lexus didn't mean to brush Prompto off, but she really wasn't wanting any photos taken of her. What point? Memories, he told her. Memories she can hold when she's with her parents again? Her teeth clenched feeling the anger bubble up, just thinking about them made her want to kick the pebbled by her feet.
She stole a glance at the guys, some fisherman was talking to Noctis who seemed excited over something. She raised a curious brow, but not curious enough to go find out. Lexus rather her space with everything going through her mind. She wanted to spend a day just self loathing over two deaths in her life and the loss of a home. But, Lexus couldn't have that luxury, and neither could they.
Remembering what Ignis said, she wasn't the only one who lost family and a home. He had lost an uncle, Prompto lost both his parents, Gladio lost his father, and so did Noctis. Lexus was glad Gladio still had his sister, being an only child, she couldn't imagine the fear he had if she was safe. Maybe, she wasn't too off. Lexus did still have her parents, something those four didn't have anymore or at all. Should she consider herself lucky?
"How do you feel about fish dishes?" Ignis asked, as Lexus rejoined them after she was done having her pity party.
"I never had fish before, of any kind." She told, folding her hands behind her back.
"Well, get ready for your first dish." He encouraged, adjusting his glasses. "Noct caught some well sized Barramundi, that'll be our dinner."
She nodded, "Already sounds good." she smiled softly.
"Oh, you have no idea what you're about to experience." Gladio said, walking over to her, arms folded. "Ignis is a cooking genius."
"Come now." Ignis shook his head at the praise. "Simply years of doing something will get you somewhere."
"Hope you're not a picky eater." Gladio teased, nudging her shoulder.
She shifted, trying to get into the same happy mindset as the guys. "Not at all, I pretty much eat anything you set in front of me."
"Well, no need to stand around." Ignis spoke, as Noctis finished talking to the fisherman from earlier. "Time to set up camp."
"What's the closest haven?" Noctis asked.
Gladio brought a hand up to look at the sights of the plains before him, looking this way and that. "I saw us pass one back near the car. May as well head to that one, so we don't come trekking back out here so far."
Prompto nodded, "Sounds like a plan!" he cheered.
Lexus was nervous but excited- She had never gone camping before. She came grateful of having that tent, thinking of sharing one with the boys would be… beyond imaginable.
The five walked back to the car just as the sun was starting to set. Gladio carried most of the supplies and Lexus helped Ignis with the food and grill. The heaven was perfect for sights beyond the lake and plains of Duscae. Folded chairs were set up around the fire pit, and Gladio got to work setting their tent up, offering to do Lexus' tent as well. Ignis set the grill and started to prepare dinner, he looked like he was in his natural element instantly. Prompto did his usual, taking photos of the guys, being sure to keep Lexus out as she requested. Noctis relaxed in his chair, taking his phone out to be playing something on the device.
Lexus felt really out of place, watching the four as if this was a usual routine. She wanted to help, but didn't know the first thing of camping to help with!
Almost as if sensing her raising nerves, Ignis called to her. "Lexus, mind giving a hand?"
She stood from her chair and walked over to see Ignis sipping a cup of something- smelled like coffee. "Er, yeah?"
"Know anything about cooking?" He asked, giving her a glance over his mug.
She nodded. "Yeah, I cooked a lot once old enough." Roland wasn't the best cook despite owning the bar. He only ever knew to serve pretzels and fries.
"Good, mind preparing the potatoes?" He asked, placing the mug down and offering her a knife and a few said potatoes.
"Sure, how would you like them?" She asked, moving over to the cutting table beside the grill.
He gave a glance, preparing the batter. "Diced, if you don't mind."
She nodded with her soft smile, "No problem." she told.
Ignis prepare the batter in silence, watching how Lexus cut the potatoes. Nothing how he would cut, but she knew what 'diced' meant unlike Noct or Prompto whenever he asked for help. She was highly focused on her cutting, being careful and not wanting to speed through or get it done and over with.
"May I ask, who taught you to cook?" He asked, stepping very carefully on the thin ice he was invading.
"Oh, I taught myself." She told him with ease, so far so good. "Not that I can cook you around two ways to Sunday."
Ignis chuckled, moving to get the pan and get oil to prepare frying the fish. "I trust you, Gladio was over exaggerating. I find this as more of a hobby."
"A dedicated one, but the sounds of it." She teased, earning a grin from him. Lexus moved the first diced potato onto a plate to her right and started dicing the second. "I can cook common things, mostly breakfast meals or small dinners."
"Such as?" He asked, raising a curious brow.
She paused in her chopping, looking up at the growing evening sky in thought. "Ahh, anything with eggs. Waffles though, I am a badass!" She grinned, much wider this time around.
Ignis hummed, taking the slices of the fish strips and dipping them into the batter, and gently placing them into the pan. They sizzled as they cooked, Ignis very careful not to let any oil jump at him to burn.
"Making enough waffles eventually had me constantly making waffles and deep fried Daggerquil wings for dinners. Such a good combo." She nodded to herself, finishing the second potato.
Ignis grew intrigued, pausing in placing the third fish slice in. "That's an interesting combination, indeed."
He had the urge to ask for the recipe, but would that be pushing it far? He could ask her to make it, but that might be the same level too.
Without any other word to encourage her further, she placed the knife down and looked at him expectantly. "Anything else?"
Oh, was there anything else she could help with? His green eyes fell onto the potatoes. "Will just need those cooked, do you mind?" He asked.
Lexus nodded, taking a smaller pan and started frying the potatoes, careful of the amount of oil. To say seeing someone cook alongside Ignis was weird, was something the rest of guys thought. It got to a point between the four that Ignis had the kitchen, and only trusted himself to it. He tried to catch Prompto and Noctis to maybe teach them how to cook. That led to burnt food or a near fire. It almost looked natural as the two worked well together making dinner.
"Looks like Lexus found her natural vibe with Iggy." Gladio commented, grunting as he sat in his chair after the tents were set up.
Noctis shook his head, "No kidding." he agreed.
Prompto nodded, he really wanted to take a photo of the moment. But also wanted to respect her wishes. Maybe if he was discreet, she wouldn't know. Almost like hunting a prey, he slowly raised his camera and leaned forward in his seat, setting the zoom and focus. Gladio and Noctis watched in amusement, the two sharing a look. Gladio leaned over, acting as if he was about to stretch his arms and then shoved Prompto. The force was enough for him to yelp, the camera snapped before he fell out of his chair. Thank the Six his camera was unharmed in the fall!
Gladio and Noct laughed at his face when Ignis and Lexus turned to see the commotion.
"Not cool, guys!" He barked at them, looking at the screen of his camera. It took the photo just as the two turned with a look of surprise on their faces. He almost laughed, it was like they were caught doing something.
"You okay, Prompto?" She asked.
"Uh- er, yeah! Just, slipped and fell is all!" He lied, not wanting to get caught for going against her wishes.
"It's almost ready." She told with a smile, the two turning back to finish dinner. Prompto glared at his two friends who just focused on their phones as if nothing happened.
The meal was done as promised, and Ignis prepared the dishes as if they were straight out of a fancy cookbook. Lexus chuckled as he handed her the plates. "You sure you only do this for a hobby?"
"Cross my heart." He grinned, as they handed the plates to the others, and sat down to enjoy their own. "Bon appétit."
The guys dug into their dishes, but then savored the food once they got a taste. "Outdone yourself again, Iggy." Gladio praised, then pointed his fork to Lexus. "You did great too, potatoes are out of this world."
Lexus chuckled sheepishly, "You really do exaggerate, huh?" she asked.
"He's not kidding," Prompto agreed, having a piece of the fish with a few potatoes. "The combination of your guys' cooking mind blowing!"
Curious, Lexus cut a piece of the fish and stabbed it with a few potatoes as Prompto did and took a big bite. The flavors of the batter exploded into her mouth, making it water as she chewed. The fish wasn't as she always expected, tasteless and bland. He added the right spices and herbs to make it flavorful! It was tender and near melted into her mouth. Chewing down on the potatoes, she was used to the taste but mixed with Ignis fish, totally made them even more tasty to eat than before. The combo of potatoes and fish was so good, Lexus couldn't help but moan at the flavor town she was experiencing.
"Food from the Gods…" She moaned, making some of them laugh at her reaction.
Ignis hid the heat shown on his face behind his mug of coffee. He was used to his friends praising his food from sunrise to sunset. Lexus made the feeling a whole lot different, like he wanted her to like it and continue to. Not to mention, seeing her truly happy with the dish- Just happy. It made him smile at the sight.
"I've been curious for a while," She spoke up, after they enjoyed their meal in a good moment of silence. "How do you guys summon your weapons?"
"It's the Power of the Kings." Ignis answered beside her, taking her empty plate to clean.
She instantly stood, "Wait, I'll do the dishes." she offered.
"Just let Ignis handle them, we can tell you about the whole weapon summoning thing." Prompto said, wanting her to just sit and relax.
She looked to Ignis, who nodded for her to sit and listen. Lexus did so, her focus onto the other three. "So, the Power of the Kings-"
Most of the explanation came from Gladio than Prompto, who piped in with an input how and then. Noctis explained in detail of what he knew, and how his friends can summon weapons like him. It involved the crystal, the same one used to make the shield over Insomnia, which Lexus understood.
"So, with the crystal and the Power of Kings, can anyone summon and dismiss weapons? Including fishing rods?" She asked, eyeing Noctis.
"Supplies as well." Ignis added, having finished cleaning up during the whole explanation. He sat back down next to her. "Potions, elixirs and the sort."
She nodded, leaning back in her seat. "Ajax taught me a bit about those, but not enough to know how to use them."
"Just let us worry about that." Gladio said, giving her a thumbs up. "If you get hurt by anything, we'll patch you right up."
"Which reminds me." Ignis spoke up, gaining their attention. "I've been thinking our funds, and it might be best to do requests to replenish what we've spent."
"You mean those posters we've been seeing at diners?" Noctis asked, looking up from his phone tiredly.
Ignis nodded, "Nothing a small hunt or two won't do." he suggested. He looked over toward Lexus as she stretched her arms over her head. "I have a bit more confidence we'll be fine after seeing your performance and your knowledge of the beasts out here."
She smiled his way, "Ah, so using my brain for your brawn?" she teased.
"We do it with Ignis all the time." Noctis joked back, earning a look from Specs.
Gladio stood, heaving a large yawn. "Getting late, better hit the sack."
Lexus frowned seeing two tents. "Wait, you guys are gonna cram yourselves into that tent?"
Ignis stood as Noctis was the first to go into said tent. "It's more spacious than it looks." He gave her a nod as the other two entered to sleep. "Rest well, Lexus. Call us if you need anything."
She nodded, and went over crawling into her own tent. Her bag of personal items sat in the corner waiting for her. Lexus got her phone using the flashlight to see, along with the tent she got a sleeping bag to nestle into, laying it out in the center. She was sure to be kicking and moving in her sleep as usual. With a sigh, she moved to sit on the cushions of her sleeping bag. Lexus removed her leather jacket and tossed it to the corner, snuggling into her sleeping bag as she looked through her phone.
Lexus turned the camera app on, and took a crappy selfie of her in the bag, her hair splayed about in a messy manner. With the photo taken, she went into messages and sent it to her Uncle's number. Sure, she knew no response would be made texting a dead man, but it somehow brought comfort. As if always telling him in her own way, how she was doing. She sent a text, telling her day and about the boys she was stuck with until they reached the ranch. Never did Lexus talk about how she felt about him sacrificing himself, sending her out on a lie of a letter. Just the good things, it didn't feel write to send her dark thoughts.
A yawn escaped her lips, turning her phone's alarm set to early morning and placing it by her head. Lexus tucked into the bag and turned to try and get better sleep than the last two nights gave her.
Third night so far, Lexus found herself awakened by the nightmarish memory again. How long would this be haunting her? Was just the mention of her father or parents a constant reminder of this to be in her dreams. She tossed and turned for a while before hearing the birds chirping outside her tent, indicating morning had already arrived. Soon her lack of proper sleep was going to get the best of her, even worse if she wanted to stay on her top game on the hunts Ignis mentioned.
Sleep wasn't coming back, and no point in trying if the day break had arrived. Sitting up, she unzipped herself from the sleeping bag and fixed herself up. Dressed in a fresh attire, and hair brushed as she pulled it into a tight ponytail. She felt the bangs fall around her face as she collected her phone and left the tent.
"-We can lure one in nice and close. It's foolproof!" She heard Prompto say. Lexus hadn't even heard them until she got out. The sun was out as she watched Prompto and Noctis make their leave from the camp.
"Mushroom picking takes a fun guy." She heard the blond say with his Princey friend following.
Noctis followed with much less enthusiasm. "So you're… Not even listening."
She slid her leather jacket on, walking to the edge as she saw the two boys jog around some trees. Folding her arms, her brain racket why they would need mushrooms. Something Prompto want to lure out and-
"Oh, he wouldn't." Then she thought back to how excited he was to take a photo of the Catoblepas. "...He would."
Lexus climbed down from the ledge and followed after as the two scattered about finding mushrooms. She was quiet and kept out of their sight, standing by trees and watching.
"Got enough?" Noctis asked.
Prompto nodded, grinning with his arms full of the fungi. "Dude, these mushrooms are the ticket to a photographing a close encounter of the Catoblepas kind!"
"More like a close encounter for a stomping." The boys turned, caught by a frowning Lexus. "Are you really that stupid for louring that beast just for a photo?"
Prompto walked up to her with a pleading gaze. "Come on, Lexus. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity." She raised a brow, not convinced. "How about you come help- Let us know when to bail out when it gets too dangerous. You do know more about this than we do."
She just frowned, looking to need more convincing. After a silent moment, she groaned, dropping her arms to her side. "Fine, I'll help. But no photos of me, you hear?"
He grinned, saluting her. "Aye-aye, ma'am!"
Lexus followed the two to the edge of the lake, Prompto excitedly shoved the mushrooms into Noctis' arms who gave him a questioning look.
"Alright, so, I need you to stand right here with the mushrooms." He told, moving Noctis by the shoulders to position him closer to the water's edge. Noctis looked up from the shrooms in his arms at his friend. "You lure him in, and I shoot."
"You serious?" Noctis frowned at his friend.
"Of course." Prompto answered, a bit too quickly. "Should be easy, right?"
"Yeah, easy to get my ass killed!" He barked.
Lexus sighed, shrugging. "Could be worse."
"Worse? I'm essentially being bait!" Noctis argued.
Lexus waved her hands about. "Just use your warping power and run, combo of both, right?"
Noctis sent her a glare, what happened to her concern of getting stomped to death? Prompto looked at Lexus, "Ready?" she nodded looking tense beside him.
Noctis walker closer to the water's edge, placing the mushrooms down and turning to Prompto. Judging by the look of wonderment, the giant beast was making his way over. The Prince could hear the sloshing of water and the sound of it humming as it maneuvered over to him. He felt his shoulders grow tense, urging himself not to attack out of instinct. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up when he felt cold air blow onto his back. Noctis watched Lexus grip the back of Prompto's shirt, she looked concerned and terrified over the sight behind him.
"Alright, strike a pose!" Prompto raised his camera, steady as Lexus allowed him.
Not expecting the demand, he did a common whatever pose. Propping one hand onto his hip, and shifting his weight to is left, twisting his waist half way. In the corner of his head he found the humongous head hover above him, Lexus gasped at the sight as Prompto took the photo.
"RUN!" She barked, tugging at Prompto's jacket as hard as she could.
The two boys ran with her as fast as their feet would let them. The thudding of the beast's feet hitting ground echoed behind them, unknowing if it was following them.
"Behind the rock!" Prompto cried as the three dove for it, scrambling against it as if to shrink into it.
Lexus huddled between the two, all three pressing their backs against the boulder. Holding their breaths, they waited to hear the beast and his movements. The thuds of his stomps started to fade, a large moan echoed out. Lexus got to her feet, peeking over the large boulder, she sighed and signaled the two it was safe.
They heaved a sigh themselves, Noctis wiped the sweat from his forehead when he heard Prompto start to laugh, looking at the photo on his camera. "Hey, what are you laughing at? I could've died!" He barked, catching his breath.
Prompto rubbed the tip of his nose, calming his laughter. "But we got the perfect shot and had ourselves some crazy fun!" He reached up to nudge Lexus' leg. "Right, Lexus?"
The girl in between then was silent, they stood looking to her, her shoulders were hunched and trembling. Fearing she was traumatized by the ordeal, Prompto panicked. "A-Are you alright? It's okay, we're-"
"You idiots!" She barked and laughed, turning as she let out a howling laughter. Catching the two off guard as she hunched over, hugging her stomach. "My heart is pounding and we just- just booked it!"
Her laughter made Prompto chuckle and join in. Noctis shook his head, laughing as softly with them. It was a scary moment, but looking it over they must have looked so stupid. Just running and screaming like idiots as the three dove behind a rock for no reason.
"Oh man, you-you should've seen your faces!" Prompto added, his cheeks hurting. "Wish I'd snapped that, too!"
The mental image made her laugh harder, the first time the boys saw her be so joyful, hearing her laugh for the first time. Prompto was so glad to bring that out of her- All it took was a photo of a giant beast.
We still have yet to meet her parents or even get to the ranch. Gotta built up that relationship we wish to see between Lexus and the bros, right? Give Lexus a chance to be happy… Before I tear her apart more.
