Spring Semester is over. What a depressing way to start Summer Vacation. I was hoping to spend the next 3-4 months working on films up in the mountains of Pennsylvania at my Godparents' house. But I can't really go out and do that, can I? Hope this story is helping you guys with being locked down at home! Please let me know how the story is and give me a guess what you think will happen in the coming chapter! Stay safe!
The dynamic change in Lexus was gradually getting better for the group to know her. She made more quips with the puns the boys tended to make, sending teasing remarks and even smiled more. With Ignis' suggestion on hunting, the plan was going well. They mostly stuck around the land of Duscae slowly making their way to the Chocobo Ranch day by day. They hunted simple beats that Lexus taught the boys on their behavior, instinct, and even where they could be found. She wasn't as knee deep in battle as the others, mostly providing back up from a distance as she wasn't as quick as the four. Assuming they've had much longer years of training in battle than she ever did.
Lexus soon learned roles each one had when they fought for their hunting requests. Noctis led the battle, warping to the closest beat to do damage where Lexus explained the weakest parts were. Gladio was like a tank, dealing the heaviest damage to a point the largest beasts of herds or packs were knocked back or stunned. Prompto, like her, kept his distance with his marksmanship. Though she did catch him getting close to take a snapshot in the middle of battle. Gladio had to yank him out of the way of getting crushed by a collapsing Garula once. Ignis was the most fascinating to her, not only was he a close combat but also ranged as well! He had a polearm spear he stabbed and jab, using it to do acrobatics and parry attacks. Then he'd switch to daggers to throw and even had elemental touches such as ice or fire to them. Lexus almost found herself watching in amazement, thankful she was out of distance from battles to not worry about creatures attacking her. There were times once or twice he caught her staring, only for her to turn away and focus on firing her crossbow endlessly at a weakened down beast.
During their camping at nights, which Lexus was enjoying the most, she would help Ignis cook dinner. Dinner was chosen at moments to what they had to make, but one night, there was a vote between three dishes Ignis could make; Spicy Long-Bone Rib Steak, Dry-Aged Tender Roast Stew, or Classic Tomato & Egg Stir-Fry. Prompto and Gladio voted on the steak and Noctis voted on the stew. Despite seeing the steak win, they still asked for her vote. She laughed and voted for the stew with Noctis, causing a tie.
Ignis made the stir-fry in the end.
Early mornings in camp lead to Gladio discovering Lexus exercising, he invited her to jog in the early mornings. It was a good one on one bonding between the two. Gladio expressed how Noctis hates waking up early mornings, if just waking up at all and likes the idea of having an exercise buddy with him. They'd get back just in time for Ignis' breakfast, pack up, and move on.
Ignis and Prompto would teach Lexus about potions, elixirs, and others when they stopped to buy supplies. She learned how to use them, the percentage of health they help with and the injuries they heal. Ignis did warn to not over use them, the repercussions could be loss of energy, dizziness, or nausea. Even if they were to heal deep wounds, scars will occur as Gladio added. When asked about the scar on his features, he explained it was from a drunk who attacked Noctis one time.
Lexus was growing so comfortable around the boys, her true side was showing. She was sarcastic, caring, helpful, and made jokes with them. It didn't feel she was following the Prince and his posse, but more like actual real… Friends.
Though during her times alone in her tent or at a stop to rest and eat, she would take time to herself to send a message to Roland's number. She knew he was gone and out of her life, but this somehow brought comfort. As if he was assured she was alright in her own way. She'd send photos, stories, and even vent about small things. But it always ended with her saying 'I love you'.
"Another in the bag!" Prompto cheered, after taking care of a pack of rampaging Galura reaching too close to the road.
He gave Lexus a high five as she ran up to him. "Remember to show that sweet shot when you slid past that stomping bull."
Ignis shook his hands to release the tension of the grip he held with his daggers. "More focus on the battle, less on your photos, Prompto." He scolded.
"Aww, but I gotta give what the lady wants!" He whined back, holding up his camera. Lexus giggled as she leaned over Prompto's shoulder, trying to get a look at the photos on the camera.
"We're done hunting, can we turn it in already?" Noctis asked, stretching his arms sounding tired.
Lexus looked over to her, her arms over Prompto's shoulders as she searched through his photo collection pressing up against his back. Her eyes shifted to the Prince. "Didn't sleep well?"
He nodded, rubbing his neck. "One can only sleep in a cramped tent for so long."
Lexus hummed, then she got off Prompto and smiled at the Prince. "I'll treat you guys to a better stay, how about that? No camping."
Noctis stepped back, not expecting her sudden pounce toward him. The others looked surprised by her offer, she smiled back at them as well. "There's no need for you to pay for our accommodation, Lexus."
She gave a huge grin, baring her pearly whites. "It's the least I can do, y'know? Besides, a lady needs a proper bed too."
"Can't argue with that!" Prompto agreed, putting his camera away.
Noctis raised a hand up, "I second the motion." he said.
Gladio chuckled, hands on his hips. "Guess we're outnumbered."
Ignis sighed, adjusting his glasses. "Very well."
Lexus and Prompto cheered as they made their way across the grass plains where they parked the car. Noctis looked forward to a proper bed.
"Noct! Overhead!" Barked Gladio.
The three turned, the sudden break of the silent nature was caused by a terrifying Imperial ship hovering toward them. Lexus stepped back, looking up at it in fear as the four men glared. "Prompto!" Yelled Ignis, the wind gusting up from the ship making it hard to hear. "Get Lexus to a safe place!"
"Got it!" The blond turned and guided the stunned girl toward a nearby collection of trees, crouching down with her behind a large boulder.
"Prompto?" She saw the other three summon their weapons as the bay doors opened from the ship.
"Don't worry, they got this." he gave her a thumbs up. "I'll keep ya safe."
She nodded, focusing back as the soldiers jumped down from the high ship. About twenty- maybe more- landed down and the three men rained hell onto them. Noctis was the first to attack, wrapping all around and slicing his way through. Gladio's strong force and heavy sword shook the soldiers and wavered their stances. Ignis gave finishing blows, cutting them down as he threw his daggers. He teamed with Ignis after calling him, he held his daggers tightly, and the two warped at the last one, cross slicing the soldier. It faltered and finally collapsed and faded along with the rest. Waiting a moment for any more, the coast was clear when Noctis waved them over.
"Way to go guys!" Prompto praised them as he led Lexus back to them.
Gladio looked as stressed as Ignis over the battle. "Hadn't thought of those ships finding us out here."
"Guess we do stick out." Prompto rubbed his neck, not expecting the attack himself.
Lexus looked up at the skies, she never would've thought that herself. Now she felt herself having to look over her head anytime they were out in the open.
"You okay, Lexus?" She felt a hand on her shoulder, seeing Prompto leaning over at her in concern.
She smiled, nodding. "Just never thought that would happen here." She said, eyes searching the skies again.
"Best we move on," Ignis suggested. "Hand in the hunt and continue our way to the ranch."
Oh, right. They had been spending days wandering around Duscue's marsh open lands, she had forgotten why she was with them in the first place. But, the ranch might be a bit of a safe haven for them.
"Right!" Prompto got hyped up, trying to lighten the mood. "Get to see those sweet cute Chocobos." Noctis and Gladio took the proper lead back toward where the car was parked. "You said your dad used to race Chocobos, right?"
This subject once more? Lexus nodded, "Yeah, he did." she answered nonetheless.
"Did you ever race them?" He asked, walking beside her.
Lexus raised her brows, "I know how to ride them, but I never stayed with my parents long enough to race them." she explained.
"Oh, right." He sheepishly scratched his freckled cheek. "But, you can teach us to ride them, right?"
She smiled, "Of course! I'll have to ease myself back since I was just a little kid last I rode a Chocobo." she told him. "But once you ride one, you never forget."
Prompto was extremely eager to get to the ranch now. He hummed a little tune to himself, hearing him sing "I like to ride my Chocobo, all day!" to himself. Lexus kept her smile, though she felt the pit of her stomach sink seeing her trip with the boys ending soon.
At their small pit stop to restock on things, Lexus hung outside to tune her bike up and refill the gas. She had gotten some grease on her hands and when wiping sweat off her face, got some smudged onto her cheeks. Ignis left the store first, as Gladio said he'd fit the bill. He noticed the pine haired girl's hands were nearly completely black as she pierced her bike back together and cleaned it off her precious bike. Yet, didn't seem too bothered by her hands as she stood and swiped her sweat away… Causing more smudge on her face than she already had.
He cleared his throat as he approached her, gaining her attention. "Hey, everything packed?" She asked.
"Almost," Ignis said, nodding. "Gladio's taking care of payment."
He nearly searched into his cranium to find something else to say. The sight of the smudge made his brows raise, never had he seen such a girl who never minded some grease. Well, there was Cindy but Lexus clearly had her beat with all the black on her cheeks, chin, and forehead. He was surprised none got into her hair- he took that back, he saw some fringes on her right cheek stained.
Out of instinct with taking care of someone nearly all his life, he reached into his inner breast pocket to produce a handkerchief, but when he looked up she had one at the ready to clean her face. Silently, he pocketed his, seeing the familiar cloth in her hands as it got dirtied carelessly.
"I might have to just wash up." She laughed, seeing the cloth go from cream egg to black and brown. The laugh felt airy and awkward, clearly not wanting to talk to him or be here.
The cloth was balled up in her hands, he held his hand out. "I can wash that for you, if-"
"I can wash it, be right back." Lexus rushed off to the dinner in hopes of finding a bathroom.
Ignis gave a subconscious sigh, crossing his arms as he watched her toggle off.
"Lady trouble?" Came the deep amused tone of Gladio. He glanced up as the brawn man walked over to place the bag of curatives into the back of the car. "Want some advice? Don't be awkward."
Ignis gave him an incredulous look at his words. "Pardon?"
Gladio chuckled, leaning against the side of the Regalia and crossed his arms. "Out of the four of us talking to her, you struggle the most. Hell, even Noct and her talk more."
"You're point?" He questioned with a raised brow.
"Look," He shook his head. "I know there's some rift between you two from those years ago. Prompto met her once and they are inseparable, as if they knew each other for years."
"In a way, they have." Ignis indicated. "Just haven't been in contact."
"And what's your excuse?" Gladio gave him a knowing look
The guard was the best when it came to social interactions and people. He could talk to a stranger and make the conversation as easy as talking to a long time friend. Explained why Lexus grew comfortable to them, along with Prompto's boisterous positive attitude. Ignis remembered Lexus hate towards Noctis back when they were children, something she must have grown out of, once she met and knew who he was she saw how wrong. So why out the group did he struggle the most, when he knew her more and longer?
"Better?" The two turned to see Lexus, grinning with a clean face. The cloth was nowhere to be found, assumed to be cleaned and pocketed.
"Ignis?" Lexus called
Not realizing he was back in his thoughts a second time. He composed himself, adjusting his glasses. "Much, not that you weren't before."
Gladio had to resist pressing his palm to his forehead hearing that. Lexus chuckled, "I mean, I did have grease all over my face. Unless, you prefer that?"
A cough of a laugh was heard from Gladio, not helping Ignis. "That's not what I meant." He tried to correct his words
"I get it." She nodded with a smile, trotting towards the store to greet the other two.
Ignis gave Gladio a certain look, the look that said to silence himself before making any comment. Never had Gladio seen him so out of his element. He was the advisor of the prince, and he couldn't have a small conversation with this one person? Amazing.
"So, what's the plan?" Prompto asked as he left the store with Noctis and Lexus.
Noctis held a bounty poster, which Ignis was not pleased to see. "According to this, these can be found in the daytime and they're only… West of here?" He looked to Lexus for directional help.
Lexus nodded, "Yup, near the mountain ridge. Close enough that we can just walk. This will be exciting!" she cheered giving Prompto a high five.
"What, pray tell, will be exciting?" Ignis asked, crossing his arms.
Noctis turned the paper showing a bird creature with lizard-like characteristics on the bounty poster. Ignis took it and read the details, including location and reward. "Cockatrice, reward is 5,880 Gil. Can be found in the Rydielle Ley area."
"What's a cockatrice?" Gladio asked.
Prompto chimed in, "It looks like a chicken, but what's with that tail? Like a giant lizard."
Lexus smiled, "Pretty much, Cockatrice counts as a bird despite some reptile features to it." she tapped her forehead to try and remember what she learned of this creature. "What was it Ajax said?"
"Do we really have time to do another hunt? We should be going to the ranch." Ignis said, folding the poster and handing it to Noctis. "Weren't you tired after ending the last one?" He questioned the Prince.
"Well, once Lexus told us about this, how could I resist?" He explained, to the best he could.
"Why not one last hunt with Lexus?" Prompto urged, giving a biggest grin with excitement. "I'm totally on board!"
"Plus, it's only a few minutes walk from here." Lexus added, looking to Ignis. "I thought we'd take care of this, split the Gil, then we stay at the camper back here on my treat."
Noctis frowned, "I was hoping for a hotel room, honestly." he told her.
"If we weren't going to do this hunt, we'd have time to drive to the nearest one Which is all the way back in Leide." She told him. "Either we see this awesome bird lizard, or spend the rest of the evening driving all the way back there."
"Or we could just stay at the camper and not hunt." Ignis suggested, earning childish frowns from Noctis and Prompto. "Then leave for the ranch in the morning."
Lexus raised her hands, not wanting to start an argument. "I'm not saying you guys have to. This hunt can be picked up another time." She shrugged.
It seemed the three really wanted to see this Cockatrice creature. Ignis thought on the pros and cons of this conjecture.
Con: Waste another day getting to the ranch, having to drive all day tomorrow- Well, was that a real bad thing? He did prefer driving than Noctis.
Maybe weigh the pros first.
Pro: It was within walking distance, only have to take down three, Lexus knows about these creatures, and gets a good amount of pay.
So far there weren't any problems allowing this one little hunt for them to go on.
Ignis placed his hands on his slender hips, raising his head and lowering it to heave a sigh. "Shall we start our walk?"
Prompto and Lexus cheered, as she took lead with him and Noctis. Ignis and Gladio followed as they walked off the lot, a little bit up the road and then Lexus jumped the railing. The men jumped as well with better finesse than she did, as they led them toward Rydielle Ley.
As they walked, the sun was close to setting, putting Ignis on edge. He forgot the time it might take to get there, and how long it might take to kill the Cockatrice, then the travel back. At night, the Daemons tend to emerge. His eyes scanned the sky in any search of Imperial ships that might spot them as they traveled. The days with Lexus were becoming more dangerous with her, as they pushed their luck. She could get captured for being with them by the Imperials or killed by the Daemons that lurked the night. Judging by her reaction today, first hand on fighting against them, she was truly spooked. She was looking at the sky more as they returned and even now, glancing at her, she stole peeks up above her. Lexus clearly didn't want to separate from them, but for her, they would have to leave her at the ranch where she'd be safe. It was asked by her Uncle and they felt they must honor that request. Whether she wanted them to or not.
Thankfully they never ran into any other beasts or Imperials and the walk wasn't long at all. Lexus called for them to crouch by some trees as the… giant chicken like creatures were spotting near some fencing. If looking from a certain angle, their long large green scaled tail would be hidden by the beautiful tail feathers draping over it. The crests on their head were jagged and large, proving its status of being of the male verity. If had to be guessed, some roving males that wandered too far off from their natural habitat of the Vesperpool.
"Woah…" Gasped Prompto, who swallowed loudly. "They're twice as large as I thought they'd be!"
Gladio hummed in agreement. "I wasn't expecting them to be as big as our last hunt." He mused, rubbing the hair on his jaw.
Lexus gave a sigh, nodding. "I honestly had no idea their size either."
Well, that was assuring, thought Ignis. "Any special traits or sort of features we should know about them?" He asked her.
Lexus turned to them, nodding. "They got these long sharp claws like talons on their wings, and could do some serious damage. And their tails, definitely watch out for those. Possibly slam you into the next region with their strength." She explained, shifting to get a better look at them. Lexus was still amazed to be seeing the real thing, she turned back to them.
"Prompto, I hate to ask, but mind taking a good few snaps of them? Not Everyday we get to see the real deal Cockatrice." She asked, feeling guilty of doing so.
Prompto gave a thumbs up. "Count on me, Lexus!"
"Got a plan, Specs?" Noctis asked, seeing the calculated look on the advisor.
Ignis went over a plan to aim for their frontal or legs to knock it and stun it. Attack the underbelly, which he considered their weak spot.
Noctis made the first move warping at the farthest Cockatrice and slamming his sword into its chest and trying to knock it off balance. Gladio built up speed to put his swing toward the left one, succeeding in knocking it down. Prompto, all pumped up, waiting for Noctis' move to attack. Once the Prince threw a broadsword up and warped into the air, Prompto ran right in with rapid gun fire beneath him as Noctis slammed down onto the creature. That left Ignis and Lexus to handle the third one. With her crossbow, she aimed and fired from her position as Ignis summoned his polearm. Once the third Cockatrice realized it was being shot at, it ran at them. That gave Ignis the initiative to surprise attack by piercing its chest. It let out a screech, flapping its wings wildly. The idea for these two was to keep distance, so Lexus kept herself more than 15 feet from it while Ignis kept a 7 foot distance once he summoned his daggers. That distance got close as he aimed and threw them rapidly at its feet.
All was going well, Noctis and Prompto almost finished off the first one, giving Prompto the idea it was safe enough to get a snapshot. He got his camera and did a belly slide to the side to get good angles of his face. The creature didn't seem fond of the flashes, as it let out a gurgle and then spewed green sticky substance at Prompto. He cried out in disgusts, jumping back, but fell to his knees.
"I don't… Feel good." He muttered, looking green in the gills. Noctis finished it off and ran over to aid him.
"Prompto's poisoned!" He called out, gaining the others' attention.
Lexus gaped, "Poison!?" she cried. She had no clue they could poison enemies! "Do we have antidotes!?"
"Only so many!" Noctis informed, using his on Prompto. His color returned and he stood with Noctis' help. He thanked him, getting his nerves together shaking the sick feeling off. "We gotta be careful!"
"I thought we restocked on everything!" Gladio called, making distance between himself and his enemy.
"They're in the car!" Noctis reminded, making the guard groan remembering. "The vehicle we decided to leave behind!"
Now things had changed, Lexus never read anything on them able to spew toxins. And with their limited antidotes, they had to be twice as careful. She felt at fault for this, not realizing they'd need the restocked curatives they had just bought that was stocked in the trunk of the Regalia.
Sadly, this gave the remaining two Cockatrice the advantage. So far, Prompto got poisoned two more times, Gladio once, and Noctis three times, and Ignis twice. That left them with one more antidote, and it was becoming more risky as the battle continued. The sun was setting, the day was wearing down, and so was the last Cockatrice. Lexus was keeping an eye on it, seeing when it showed signs of spewing or not. She noticed it would bob its head and make a gurgling sound in its throat ready to vomit.
"Almost at the home stretch!" Called Gladio as it got to its feet for the third time. "It's keeping its head up!"
Ignis just about avoided a tail whip, doing a back-flip perfectly. It nearly distracted Lexus who looked back hearing the grotesque gurgling. "Get back!"
"I'll finish this!" Noctis barked, taking a few steps by. "Ignis!"
Ignis stood by with Gladio and Prompto now out of the Cockatrice's projectile toxin. The advisor tossed his polearm to the Prince just as he wrapped up, in the air he slammed down into the Cockatrice, he screeched out, raising its head up in pain. Before giving into its death, the creature spewed its toxins into the air, nearly making it rain.
"Noct!" Ignis barked, about to run out and get him out of the danger of the poison.
Shockingly, Lexus was the first to sprint at the Prince. "Lexus!" Prompto cried as she went full speed at Noctis.
The pine haired girl grabbed Noctis' arm and nearly yanked his socket out as she dragged him out of the fall of the poison as it fell to the grass sizzling the blades and ground from the impact. She stumbled as the creature fell with a heavy thud, the two tumbling to the ground together near knotting their limbs about. Noctis groaned as he felt Lexus' legs tangled in his, sitting up to free himself. He sighed, seeing the battle finally over and hearing Prompto's cheers.
"You alright Lex-" He turned to see if she hurt herself in the tumble, but hearing her whimpers and green color of her cheeks said something else. He may have avoided the poison but she took the dive for him. "Hey, Ignis!"
The three ran over, seeing the sickly color of Lexus, her sickly ill color rivaling with her hair. "Lexus!" Prompto knelt down, pressing a hand to her back as she tried to get to hands and knees. She took deep breaths to keep from vomiting from the poison's effects.
"Quick, antidote!" Noctis barked, Ignis fished one out and knelt beside Prompto.
He crushed the curative and allowed the sparkles of blue and teal fade into her, letting her take even breaths. Her ill feeling faded away and the color returned to her cheeks. She sighed and sat up, leaning back to fall onto the wet grass on her behind.
"That really sucked. Sorry for using your last one on me." She apologized, wincing as she looked up at them.
Noctis shook his head, getting to his feet. "Didn't have to be so dramatic, yknow?" He chuckled, offering a hand to her.
She gladly took it, standing straight with a shrug. She adjusted her clothing, ignoring the wetness from the ground staining her pants and jacket. "My feet just moved on their own."
The Prince nodded, moving his hand to clasp it like he did many times with Gladio and Prompto. Lexus looked at him questioningly, he smiled at her. "Thanks."
She almost felt a swell of honor grow in her chest. She took a breath and smiled, squeezing his hand. For all these years she held hate and resentment towards this boy, never knowing who he truly was or what he was like. He saw her as a friend and equal person, not as some subject or peasant below him. Now, she threw all that negative feeling away as she gripped his hand.
Despite the long battle, the group managed to return to the rest stop by the time night had fallen. All were exhausted and didn't even care if they got a hotel or not. Lexus fully paid for the caravan and relaxation began for the five. Showers were taken, dinner was made, and the night ended with them all tanking out in their respective beds. It felt a bit out of place for some of the boys, as they would be sharing a sleeping location with Lexus. The caravan held four beds in the back with the eating nook turned into a foldable bed. Lexus gladly took it to have personal space from the boys, also telling them not to worry about using the kitchen or bathroom. She could sleep through anything.
Everything was fine through the night, though Lexus stayed up a little later despite her body feeling exhausted. The side effect of the antidote was stronger as it was her first time using it, all she wanted to do was just sleep. Before she could though, Lexus wanted to send Roland a text of her day. She told about the amazing hunts they did, how she pretty much made a risky move to get poisoned -assuring she was alright in the end- and how she was wrong about Noctis. Now they were friends, she almost smiled; She was friends with Prince Noctis!
Lexus was sure her mother would be giddy with joy to learn that tomorrow.
Tomorrow. Tomorrow she'd be back at the ranch, with her mother and father, a surprise visit for them no doubt. Her smiles started to fade, her phone lowering in her hand as she looked out the window of the caravan. Her time with the boys would end- But, what if they didn't? She had become such good friends. Her hope rose, maybe they'd ask them to have her join them. Lexus helped them fight these beasts, get the hunts to gain Gil, and taught them about the land. Maybe she was… somewhat useful for them?
Lexus got up to plug her phone into the charger at the kitchen counter, and flopped onto the bed hugging the pillow. She fell asleep with a smile on her face that night.
Prompto watched Lexus zoom about on the road as they followed her to the ranch. She at times swerved left and right and glanced back to make sure they were still there. He had his arms folded on the door, cheek resting against his wrists as he watched her. He held no smile, not as excited for their trip as much as he had expressed that morning. They'd be seeing the Chocobos he was pumped for, sure. But they'd also be dropping her off while they continue their own adventure. Sure, this was very dangerous for her, seeing her not used to their curatives, unable to defend against the Imperials, and the fact they'll be needing to leave Lucis. They had a duty to attend to Prince Noctis on reaching Lunafreya. It was selfish to want to have her join them, he tried to rid the thought of rubbing his forehead against the bands on his wrists.
"Feeling alright, Prompto?" Noctis asked, leaning forward over the seat. "You seem down."
"Yeah." He sighed with a puff of his chest.
Noctis and Gladio looked to one another, Ignis glanced over switching hands on the wheel as he drove. He stole a quick glance before focusing back on the road, seeing the blond's eyes glued to the biker in front of them. He was clearly upset about Lexus leaving, possibly never seeing her again.
Suddenly Ignis slammed the brakes when he saw Lexus stop her bike skidding the road. Everyone launched forward, Prompto almost kissing the dashboard. "What's wrong?" Gladio asked, as he held the seat in front of him.
"Imperials above us!" Prompto cried, standing and pointing up at the sky.
Of course, they couldn't find safety on the road, as the giant ship hovered over them, humming. Lexus got off her bike and took her crossbow off the back. The boys all hopped out of the car, summon their weapons. Ignis ran straight over to Lexus as the humming grew louder above them.
"Lexus, stay by the car." he called, her helmet still on not knowing if she could hear him.
She lifted the visor, he was met with a stare. "No, I'm standing by fighting."
Ignis couldn't believe what he just heard. "It's too dangerous!" He argued, pointing at the car with his dagger in his hand. "Go hide by the Regalia."
The stare formed into a narrow glare. "I can defend myself fine!"
Before the argument could continue, the soldiers dropped down, landing right in front of them. Ignis shoved Lexus behind him, raising his daggers awaiting for an attack. He barked at her to hide once more, it seemed to work as she shuffled towards the car. Seemed fear overwhelmed her judgement of pride to kneeling behind the Regalia. Satisfied she complied, he dove into battle with his friends.
Lexus growled in frustration, looking at her gloved hand to find it trembling. What was she thinking? Fighting an army, and the Imperials? What could she do to even give their metal a scratch? Fighting beasts out in the field were not the same as-
Why was metal creaking near her?
Lexus looked up, frozen in her spot to find a soldier had wandered off and found her behind the car. Its red eyes beneath the helmet narrowed down at her, it raised his arm with the axe in its hand. Lexus let out a scream and scrambled away just as the axe swung down. It clanked onto the pavement. She turned back, getting to her feet, gripping her crossbow tightly. The soldier meandered toward her, giving her time to set her crossbow up and aim. Despite it being shaky, she fired and it stumbled back, the bolt impeded into the exposed area between the chest and shoulder plate.
She blinked in shock, had she really just hurt it? Lexus felt her pride return, and pointed at it triumphantly. "How's that feel?!"
Despite the bolt in its shoulder, the soldier didn't seem bothered as it raised his weapon and charged at Lexus. She grit her teeth, raising her crossbow to block the attack, the axe threatening to slice her weapon in half. To prevent that, her eyes scanned the soldier for any weakness. Seeing the bolt lodge itself into the infantryman didn't seem to slow it down at all. So, if she went for a more sensitive area- The neck!
Lexus raised her leg and kicked at its chest, giving herself distance from the lock their weapons had. She held her crossbow and charged at the soldier, just as it swung its axe. She blocked it with her crossbow, using her right hand to detach the mini handheld crossbow and pressed it right under the chin against the throat of the soldier.
"Eat this!" She cried, pulling the trigger.
The small but sharp bolt shot into the neck, it was stunned enough for her to whip her main crossbow and crack against its head before jumping back.
"Take that, bitch!" She grinned, but it fell immediately when she saw it was still standing. "What? But… How?" A shot to the neck should've been an instant death or enough to stop anything. Why wasn't it phased at all?
"Lexus! Look out!"
The cry may as well have been on deaf ears. Lexus turned, feeling the only danger she hadn't expected was behind her. A black whip wrapped around her, the sharp spikes felt like thousands of needles puncturing her skin as it entrapped her arms to her side. The pain caused her to cry out and fall to her knees, her weapons dropping to the pavement before her. The smallest movement made the spikes tear at her skin, sinking deeper into her flesh as it ripped her leather jacket to shreds.
With all her training, with two years learning self defense and combat, nothing would've prepared her for this. Her weapons out of reach, fighting the Imperials, tangled into the mess of the Prince to her lost nation.
Lexus wished she knew what was going to happen next, all she saw was a blur of rapid fires at the soldier who snared her until he fell to the ground. To appease the pain, she fell to her side as the whip was yanked, but screamed when landing on her side caused the spikes to dig completely into her arm. She felt warmth involved the arm, she was sure it was blood seeping out of the gashing wound. Lexus focused her attention on the other soldier she had tried to take down, when a polearm that belonged to Ignis was thrown and stabbed right into its middle. It cried as if its insides were being torn apart, metal screeching against one another. Lexus winced as it fell to its death right in front of her, fading away with the first one.
She closed her eyes, hearing her name called and footfalls rushing toward her. Hands gripped her shoulder to sit her arm, as another pair reached for the whip. Lexus let out a cry of pain, hunching over in an attempt to appease the pressure.
"Sorry!" Cried Prompto, who must have tried to free her. "Sorry, Lexus!"
Lexus shook her head, refusing to open her eyes. "They cut you up good." She heard Gladio behind her, recognizing the large hands on her shoulders. "We need to get this off."
"Let's cut them." Noctis suggested somewhere to her left.
The pavement felt hot as she sat there, hearing shoes scraping against the surface around her. A small tug made her whimper, earning a soft shush. Not a rude one, but a gentle one to her right. It took a minute or two, but the binds were cut from her and gently removed from her body. She released a shaky sigh and opened her eyes just as tears poured out from the corners and fell down her cheeks. With the weapon off, she felt hands rub her back comfortably. Her tear filled eyes stared down at the dark cement, seeing shoes and hands come in and out of her sight. They helped take her jacket off to inspect the damage, cars driving by without a care were heard now and again. The men hissed at the damage, making more tears escape. She was angry, hurt, scared, shameful, and felt extremely stupid.
A hand gently took her chin and raised her hand, her eyes were met with Prompto's blue ones. He was smiling gently, though worry and concern shined into his blue eyes. "It's alright, we're gonna fix you up." He assured her. "Can you move?"
She at first wanted to shake her head, not wanting to move from her spot. But sitting on the hot pavement was burning her legs and body ached for relief of her tense back and shoulders. With a deep intake of air, Lexus nodded ready to stand. Prompto and Noctis assisted her, helping her to the Regalia to sit in the passenger seat. She took even breaths wanting to calm down, her eyes constantly producing tears that blurred her vision. The soothing words of Prompto and his comforting touches only made her more upset than better as Ignis went to treat her wounds. The potions made her exhausted as she felt the skin stitch themselves together from the cuts. Her arms were sore and stinging, her one arm hurt worse from landing on it when she fell. Lexus found herself leaning to the side, Prompto welcomed her to lean against her so she didn't fall out of the open door of the car. Exhaustion between her physically and emotionally caught up, she soon fell asleep hearing their voices fade out with her consciousness.
Lexus was seated comfortably in the back with Prompto as her pillow. Her head resting against his shoulder sitting with Ignis beside him. Noctis took to driving as Ignis would be checking on her vitals during the ride, Gladio sat up front. Never were these seats changed like this, but it had to be done. A call was made to Cindy if she could pick Lexus' bike up and drop it off at the ranch. She said it would take a day or two, but the job can be done. She sent her get wells to Lexus and to see her soon. Her weapons were put into the trunk, noting the damage to them during her attempt of defending herself.
The ride was silent, only the humming of the engine, nature around them, cars zooming by filled their ears. No one knew if they should or could say anything. Lexus would be fine, but her reaction to the whole incident is what caught their attention. But this was the solid thought for all of them.
They had to leave Lexus at the ranch.
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