Everyone stay safe during these times! It's almost scary to see the US fall apart. If you are going to protest, wear a mask and stay safe! DO NOT LOOT AND DO NOT BE A KAREN!
Thank you Yuuko Aosagibi, TheresaGreenie, TheresaGreenie, Ai Kuroshima, , crkossi, for the following and favorites!
LadyAmazon- You have a point, since she knows they need to head to Old Lestaluim. Depends on how the Ranch arrival will go! Remember, Deadeye.
Savage Kill- Yup! You guessed it! Well, the being left behind part. It's happened to her so much, can she handle it once more? And her mother… Well. Yeah.
The black feather twirled and twisted in his fingertips, green eyes staring at it as Ignis was deeply lost in his thoughts on the day. Bugs hummed and buzzed around the lit camp ground as he sat outside the camper of the Wiz Chocobo Ranch. They arrived after dark, and had no choice but to rent out the camper for them to sleep and Lexus to recover. No Chocobos were seen, assumed to be put in for the night. The rumbling threats of a storm were heard in the distance, even then Ignis' eyes didn't leave the black feather in his fingers.
"Just checked her wounds, they're healing well. She should be awake by morning." Gladio informed, leaving the camper.
He found his friend engulfed by the feather, a look of shame behind his glasses. He knew Ignis had heard him, just clearly wanted to be alone or was thinking too far to respond. Gladio turned, taking a step into the camper.
"We should leave tonight." Ignis said, pausing the guard from his leave.
"What?" Gladio stepped back down, frowning at the advisor. "Leave now- Right now?"
Ignis nodded, taking a breath and gently pocketing the feather into the breast pocket of his blazer. "Leave a note, make our leave without fuss." He stood and walked over to Gladio.
Gladio shook his head, "We should at least make sure she's alright tomorrow morning. Tell her family about Roland." He stared his friend down, who refused to look even when his gaze changed to the dirt below his shoes. "What are you scared of?"
Ignis wouldn't usually admit to fear or the notion of being scared. But, it was only Gladio and the man could get people to talk without judgement- Unless it was Noctis. But the real question not only caught Gladio's worry, but also Ignis.
"I don't know." He answered. Ignis leaned his back against the caravan and looked up at the dark sky. "Informing her parents of Roland's fate, leaving things unresolved between Lexus and I-"
"So, you're running away." Gladio accused, earning a scowl from Ignis. It died with a sigh, "Never figured you do that." Gladio added.
"Figured what?" The two looked to see Prompto's head leaning out the window to the back room. How much had he heard?
Ignis shook his head. Gladio stepped over, hands on his hips. "Nothing, how's Lexus?"
Prompto shrugged, "She's breathing easier than when she was in the car. But, she ain't sweating a fever or anything." he assured.
"I suggest we sleep for the night, then." Ignis chimed in, stepping into the caravan to end his involvement in the conversation.
Prompto frowned, Gladio looked up. "If you need to sleep-"
The blond quickly shook his head. "No, no. I rather keep an eye on Lexus. In case she wakes up or needs anything."
Gladio understood, stretching his arms over his head to indicate sleep was needed for the guard. "Don't worry about what Iggy said." He told, walking over to the door.
And worry he did. Prompto sat on the opposite side of the bed Lexus slept on, curled up into the pillow sleeping soundly. He smiled at her back, seeing her green hair spread about onto the pillow and sheets, the blanket covering up to her waist. He stood and hunched over, checking her forehead to feel her temperature was still normal and fixed the blanket a bit higher. This all brought back his childhood memories of taking care of Lunafreya's dog, when he was a much bigger child. Not that he was comparing Lexus to a dog, just the feeling of tending to someone he cared about.
He sat back on his bed and looked out the window, his thoughts traversing to the Chocobos he'll meet tomorrow, including Lexus' parents. It was a shame he never got to meet her Uncle Roland, sounding like he was a cool and badass guy. But, Prompto was glad she still had her parents and they were safe. Then, his thoughts brought the mood back down, remembering that the news of Roland's death had to be announced to her parents. From what Lexus said, Roland was her mother's older brother. So the news would hit her harder, and seeing a woman cry broke his heart. Hell, seeing the pain Lexus endured that day still ached his chest, making his take a few breaths to ease himself.
Lexus was alright, she was healing and she was safe.
And she was home.
The sound of rain falling to patter against the window and roofing of the caravan made the pine haired girl crack her eyelids. She felt the darkness in the space despite the voices heard outside to indicate it was day time. Rainy cloudy day, voices, and a semi-comfy bed to wake up from. The smell of food being cooked and the distant sizzling of a pan was heard, Lexus sat up slowly to feel the kinks in her arms and back. Her lungs took in a large amount of air and sighed loudly, causing an effect of her unknown roommate to jolt from the bed across and flop to the floor with a thud. Her eyes went wide at the sight of Prompto scrambling to escape the entrapment of the blanket wrapped around him. The sight made her smile, and soon she laughed when he started yelling about monsters.
"Prompto! You're okay!" She assured between her laughter.
Soon he was awake enough to see he was in no danger and his friend was awake and smiling down at him. He smiled, grumbling as he removed himself from the damned blanket and stood with wild bed head.
"Lexus!" He exclaimed, fixing his dark shirt that was skewed. "How're feeling?"
Lexus let her smile soften, looking down to remember how they got to the caravan. "Fine, just full of shame." She admitted, her eyes traveling down her arms to find any marks. Just small wrappings where the damage was worse on her arm. Despite that, she only felt sore.
"Shame?" He questioned, bundling up his blanket and tossing it onto his bed without care.
Lexus pulled the blanket off and rested her feet onto the cheap carpet floor. "I caused a lot of trouble, thinking I can handle that soldier." She frowned, her eyes glued to the floor. "Those… Things; They're not human."
Prompto shifted his stance, taking a chance to sit beside her with some personal space between them. "Scary, huh?"
She nodded, "I shot an arrow right into one's neck. It just kept coming at me like it was nothing." Lexus combed her tangled hair from her face. Having her own bed head as she felt knots built into her strands.
Prompto knotted his hands, looking at them for a moment then to her. "You got caught up, no one blames you." He assured her.
She looked up, her hand keeping her hair out of her face. "They're not… Y'know, mad at me getting involved?"
He scoffed dramatically, leaning back with his hand on the bed. "As if! We were all just worried when you got hurt like that. You're-"
"Not as strong and brave as you guys?" She asked, a ghost of a teasing smile shown.
Prompto scratched his cheek, feeling sheepish to even be considered those things. "Making me blush, honestly." He chuckled, earning a nudge from her.
"By the way, did you watch me sleep?" She wiggled her brows to earn a redder face onto the blond. It was cute when it made his freckles more visible as they danced across his nose and cheeks. He stammered, shaking his head.
Lexus laughed and nodded. "Thanks for keeping me company through the night. I'll be more careful from now on." She stood, stretching her arms over her head with a groan. "Now, what's that amazing smell that amazing cook is making?"
Prompto regained his composure, and sniffed the air, smelling the food being cooked as well. "I'll go check- Also let them know you're okay."
Lexus nodded, "Good, I can freshen up for the journey." she told as he shut the door.
Journey, that's right. Did she think they were at the station? Instead of correcting her, she walked over to the advisor as he was frying eggs and bacon in the small narrow kitchen. Noctis was curled up in the foldout bed and Gladio was nowhere to be found. Seeing as it was past sunrise, he guessed he went out to scout the area.
"Well, she's awake and doing great." He informed, earning a glance from Ignis. "She feels bad about getting hurt, though."
Ignis hummed at his words, "Well, I don't think any of us are cross about it." he told him. "What happened, happened."
Ignis made a plate for Prompto and soon Lexus emerged looking refreshed and her hair up in a bun. Prompto stuffed his face, sitting on the steps of the caravan as she approached.
"...Good morning, Ignis." She greeted.
"Morning, Lexus." He greeted back, flipping the bacon of the second batch. "How are you feeling?"
Hearing no annoyance or hostility, she took in Prompto's assurance to heart. "Good, my arm's sore but I can ignore it."
"That's good." He nodded, plating the eggs and bacon, and offering the dish to her. "Eat up."
Ending that conversation, she thanked him and sat beside Prompto for them both to savor and enjoy the breakfast. Eventually Noctis woke up, asking for the meal too. Soon everyone was fed and Lexus offered to clean the dishes. Eventually, the door opened and Gladio joined them. He was relieved to see Lexus up and moving, looking pretty okay.
"Good, we can start the day." He told, stepping back outside into the mud.
The three shuffled out and soon Lexus followed, her boots squished into the mud as she took in her surroundings. This wasn't the parking lot, this wasn't a post stop, nor did she even see the main road inside. She saw woods, signs of yellow and the smell of mud and pine.
Wiz' Chocobo Post.
The four let her take in her views, seeing as she hadn't been there in over ten years. The large sign had ages and the colors were dulled, yet cars were parked to show they got guests and customers alike. The scent of the trees, rain, dirt, and just nature around them caused memories to flood right through her mind. She walked around, different spots made her think of each memory;
The posts where Chocobos were held for visitors to pet and feed, now were bare of their birds.
The baby chicks that wandered the grounds of free range were nowhere in sight.
The small stores sold their wares, souvenirs, and trinkets to visitors, yet not a single green to feed the birds were seen.
Where were the Chocobos?
"Do my eyes deceive me?"
The group's attention was turned to an older man, his accent much like Cindy's. Short gray beard and dressed like a true Chocobo farmer with a yellow scarf loosely around his neck and hung off his shoulders.
"That is you- Lexus Quintin!"
Her eyes watered at the sight of the man who was like a grandfather to her. The man who trained her father in racing Chocobos and rescued so many of the precious birds.
"Wiz Forlane!" She cried, running over and hugging him tightly. The man swung her and hugged her just as tightly, nearly knocking his hat off.
The boys stood to the side, seeing the reunion was a tearful but happy one. Once all was calmed down, Lexus turned to them, seeing the four just standing by waiting. "Sorry, sorry." She wiped her face and took a step. "These are my friends, they helped me get here safely."
Wiz tipped his hat, "You have my thanks." he told the four. "When I heard what happened in the city, I feared the worst for Little Lexy here."
Prompto chuckled, tucking his thumbs into his belt loops. "Little Lexy? I am so using that for now on."
"I'm not that little anymore." She retorted with a smile, turning back to the boys. "Wiz here is like part of the family. He trained my Dad to race Chocobos and rescued many of them when they were endangered."
"That reminds me," Ignis interrupted. "We'd like to meet Lexus' parents. Some unfortunate news must be given, pertaining Roland."
Wiz's smile fell, he rubbed his head and looked down to Lexus. "He didn't make it?" Lexus shook her head. The older man paused, looking between the two and sighed. "Sorry but, they ain't here."
Lexus looked up at that. "Did they go somewhere?" Prompto asked, "We can wait for them to come back." he offered.
Wiz shook his head, shoulders hunching slightly. "It ain't that simple." He turned to Lexus, "Take a seat." he motioned towards the chairs and table.
They all took a seat, Wiz slowly taking his last as he looked at each of the boys then to Lexus. She sat at the edge of her chair, her brows low and frown shown. "Did something happen?" She asked.
"Nothing bad, I promise." He told her. "After your parents left Insomnia, the two came back here- But didn't stay. Despite being in a chair, Varian still smiled at visitors and helped them learn to ride Chocobos. He showed himself as a prime example of the dangers of Chocobo racing, but still made it fun and enjoyable."
"My dad was happy here? I was always worried he'd be depressed here." Lexus muttered.
Wiz frowned, "No, if anyone- It was Hilda that was bothered." Lexus wasn't too surprised by this. Her mother nearly disliked anything her father liked. "She was worried for him, that being near the birds and seeing people ride them wasn't healthy for him."
Lexus went silent, looking down to glare at the mud that caked her boots. "But he was clearly happy. Why would she think that?" Prompto asked.
"My mother is like that." She spoke, looking up at him. "She acted like she always knew what was best for everyone." Lexus looked to Wiz. "Where did she send my dad to? Obviously nowhere we've been to."
"They both had packed up and left for Lestallum." Wiz rubbed his chin. "That was about seven years ago."
Lexus sighed, "So, first she leaves me behind in the city and forces my father to leave this peaceful life to a city like Lestallum?" she questioned. Wiz nodded, she hunched over rubbing her hands down her face.
Lexus was glad to not have to deal with her mother, but soon that relief was turned to disappointment of not seeing her father again after all these years. Once again, even when as far from her mother as possible, she still makes decisions that hurt Lexus.
"Wiz," he looked at her. "I know it's been years, but is Ferris still around?" she hoped so. The poor old Chocobo was retired after the race incident, but if he was still alive was beyond her knowledge for years.
A smile stretched on Wiz' face resurfaced her hope. "You bet he is."
Showing them to the brick building where the Chocobos were held, he opened the doors as it creaked. The coos and squawks of the birds were heard echoing in the brick building, stables filled with the large yellow birds that rustled about and paced in their small spaces. Prompto gasped behind Lexus, his eyes sparkled at the sight of so many beautiful birds! The other three were just as amazed by the amount of birds, even more so meeting the legendary racing birds. Noctis approached one to the left, only to have it try and bite his fingers off. He jumped back, earning a laugh from his fellow guard.
Despite the wonderment and joy from some of the men, Lexus looked around with sad eyed at the poor creatures. They were all stressed and upset in their current environment, being locked up and away in this dark building. The only reason Wiz would have them here is if something wrong had happened.
"Sorry for the noise, they don't like it much here." Wiz explained as he led them past the stables. "Poor things."
The one stable he stopped at was quiet with no squawking or pacing of claws against hay. Wiz motioned for her, she approached the stable and leered in, spotting the red feathers of her father's old riding stead. She beamed at the Chocobo curled up looking to be sleeping.
"May I..?" She asked, indicating the stable gate.
He nodded, allowing her to open the pen and enter. She took a bucket of feed hanging off a nail and slowly approached the sleeping bird. The boys looked over, watching silently as she gently knelt down and reaching to pet the red bird's head. The second her fingers made contact with the feather fringes on his head, Ferris opened his big blue eyes and raised his head to look at the pine haired girl. She slowly cooed at the creature, knowing it had been so long, wondering if he recognized her at all from when she was a little girl. Ferris chirped, tilting his head this way and that. After a few seconds he slowly shifted his curled position and rested his head into her lap as she placed the pocket down and took a handful of greens. The boys were fascinated by her gentle and slow touches with the old bird, as he cooed when it saw the greens in her hands and nibbled on them out of her palm. Her other hand stroked the stiff feathers along his long neck, feeling each soft bristle she remembered petting years ago.
"I know, I miss him too." She whispered, when he cooed at her. Not only had her mother taken the happiest place away from her father, but she only took away his only best friend. He reached up and excitedly nuzzled her cheek, causing her to let out a high giggled and blush.
"I missed you too!" She laughed, kissing his large beak as he squawked with happiness.
"That's the most energetic I've seen the old boy in years, now." Wiz commented.
"This was your father's bird?" Ignis asked. "The one he raced?"
Lexus nodded, flexing her fingers through the bird's feathers gently. "Ferris wasn't too hurt, my father got the brunt of it all. He only got an injured leg and was put out to pastor."
Prompto had a sad look in his blue eyes, nearly matching the same shade as Ferris'. Thinking of a way to lift the mood, the blond turned to Wiz with a hopeful smile. "So, would it be alright if Lexy taught us to ride some Chocobos?"
Wiz sighed, looking distressed once more. "Sad to say, that's a no can do." Prompto's shoulder sagged as attention was towards the man. "It's too dangerous to let the birds leave the post. That's why they're all locked up in here. The poor things."
"What's so dangerous out there? Got people hunting down the Chocobos?" Gladio asked, folding his arms.
Lexus gently moved Ferris and stood, walking towards the gate. "Thankfully, no. But, I feel this problem is much worse."
They all gave him a nod to continue. Ferris cooed slowly from his spot, Lexus waved a hand that she would be right there. "We got this uncommonly ferocious Behemoth prowling around these parts- Deadeye."
"A Behemoth?" Noctis questioned.
Ignis adjusted his glasses, nodding to himself. "I have heard of those gargantuan beasts. Larger than life and hard to kill."
Lexus resting her arms on the top of the gate. "It hasn't killed any Chocobos, as it?"
"No, the smell of him causes the birds to grow nervous. I thought it'd be best to keep them safe here and to suspend the rentals." Wiz walked across to a pen where a young fresh Chocobos had been squawking and getting restless in its pen. He smoothing its feather ruffled on its neck and head to ease the creature. "These poor birds are meant to be out in the open, not be locked up in the dark."
Lexus looked to the boys, they all felt bad for the birds, Prompto more than the three. He almost had his puppy eyes at Noctis to want to help them. Noctis looked around, rubbing his neck feeling the depressed and tense air the birds were creating from being penned up for who knows how long.
"Wiz, we'll give the birds some attention and care for you while we're here. We need to discuss our next destination anyway." Lexus offered, getting a look from Ignis and Noctis.
Wiz nodded, padding the bird's stern strong back. "Of course, they'd love it. I'll be outside if ya need anything."
Once he left, the boys turned to Lexus. She raised her hands before they could even say anything. "I know we just got out of a dirty situation the other day. But, these birds don't deserve this life and I want them to feel safe. With that monstrosity out there, who knows if it's attacking tourists and travelers."
Lexus sighed, feeling a tad guilty for putting them on the spot. "It's selfish of me to ask this, especially what I put you through with those soldiers. But-"
"Woah, slow down." Gladio stepped in, putting a hand on her tense shoulder. "I understand, we all do." He glanced to them as they all nodded.
"This creature could be a danger to other people, as you said." Noctis folded his arms, raising a challenging brow. "Sounds like a good hunt for the Prince to go after."
Prompto bounced on his heels, "To protect the Chocobos, Prompto will go!" he cheered.
Lexus smiled at the three, her eyes falling on the silent advisor. He pushed his glasses at him, giving her an assuring smile. "We'll gladly take care of it."
Lexus bit her lip, scrambling with the gate and running to hug each of them. Nearly throwing herself at the hulk that was Gladio and squeezing the limber Prompto. Even a small friendly patting hug was given to the dark haired Prince. Lexus found herself pausing at Ignis, with a deep breath she readied herself to wrap herself around his tall stature when he held a hand out for a handshake. The three men watched as she gulped and shook his hand awkwardly. Gladio sighed shaking his head, how blind can he be even with his glasses?
The group informed Wiz they would handle Deadeye and the plan was set. Lexus would stay behind -gladly- and help Wiz prepare to move the Chocobos while the boys hunted down the Behemoth. The cloudy rainy day was spent mostly for them to meander about and Lexus to give them an off hand teach of how to feed and care for a Chocobo. She thought of it as a pre-lesson since once Deadeye was dealt with, she would teach them how to ride the birds. Prompto and Gladio were naturals, the girls felt safe and comfortable being fed. Noctis was struggling it bit, causing one to have an uproar and accidentally spooking one. Ignis was good too, though one or two birds ignored him. Lexus had to help him, assuring the birds he was alright.
The evening came and Lexus found herself feeding the Chocobos their dinner. They were much better and happier with her around and seeing new faces. Though as she talked and spent time with Ferris, never did he stand from his curled spot. Taking in the pen he was in, she noticed the rest of the hay around the stable was clear and and stomped out -besides her own footprints-.
"Ah, fed them already?" She turned to see Wiz marching up to her with a glean in his eyes. "These birds haven't been this excited to eat in a long time."
Lexus hung the bucket of feed for Ferris, seeing the red feathered bird sleeping. "How long has Deadeye been a problem, Wiz?" She asked.
He sighed, folding his arms and leaning against a beam. "I'd say more than a few months, though it feels longer than that. I tried to give these birds some fresh air, but they wouldn't step foot near the door."
Her eyes glanced to Ferris, worried filling her sight. "And, how long has Ferris been like this?"
"Since your father left." He told, turning to watch the old bird's peaceful rest. "He was broken when he watched your father left. It's like the spirit was taken away from him. He never let anyone but me near him, and soon he shut me out too. Never wanted to get out and move, greet visitors, at times he'd skip a meal."
Lexus felt her nail dig into the creases of the wood. Her mother hurt her, her father, and now the precious bird before her. Chocobos could die if sad enough, it's a miracle he's still alive with how bad his state is.
"But today, Lexus-" She turned to Wiz. "I saw that spirit, just a sliver of it, light up in his eyes when he saw you." He looked at her, patting her back. "Saw the same light in your eyes too."
She sent a soft smile, sighing as she watched her father's precious steed sleep away. "I saw the speckled boy cooking up dinner, might wanna catch some of it." He suggested, taking his leave with a heavy yawn.
Lexus smiled to herself, deciding to feed Ferris after dinner. Best to let the old bird sleep now than wake him up. For sure he was tired from the excitement of her return today. She left the stoned stables and made her way to the camper van they'd be staying another night in.
"It's already been decided and agreed upon." A voice caused Lexus to pause from reaching for the door latch. Her eyes wandered up to the open window in the kitchen. That was Ignis' voice.
"Iggy is right." Chimed in Gladio. "It's a bit of a delay, but what can we do?"
A sigh was heard and some shuffling. "I know, I know. We have no other choice."
Noctis spoke up, his shadow looming over the shades of the open window. "We stick to the plan- We take care of Deadeye and leave. Lexus stays here, we continue our way to Lestallum. As originally planned."
Her body went rigged, but felt as if it was sinking to the ground. Her shoulders sagged and arms hung at her side. Her wide eyes stung staring at the window. Lexus felt like she had been punched in the gut, she may as well have been. She rather them come out and just hit her than hear those words again.
It was history repeating itself. She was being left behind, abandoned, forgotten all over again. Her mother and father left her behind in the damned city. Her Uncle Roland left her life without any last goodbyes. When Lexus finally thought she was with people who accepted her and wanted her… She was wrong again. They were going to leave her at this muddy damp ranch and continue with their own ventures.
Her body moved on its own, bolting for the stables as she ran into the dark place. She stumbled into Ferris' stable and threw herself into the hay, not caring how dirty it was or the poking of the straws in her skin. Tears fell down, as she wiped them with anger, wanting to scream and punch and kick and, and-
The soft nuzzle and cooing of Ferris brought her back from her blinding rage. She had been crying and hitting the hay letting it fly about, including getting stuck to her clothing and hair. Her bangs hung about over her eyes as she looked up to see Ferris had stood up and walked over to her. His large beak gently moved her hair and rubbed it against her cheek to comfort her. With her eyes watering up again, she hugged his head and hid her face into the feathers of his neck. The Chocobo knelt down and curled around her as if protecting its baby chick, nuzzling to cheer it up.
Why did she fall for this again? When will she learn- No one wants her around. Her mother didn't want her, her Uncle didn't want her, and now her friends didn't want her. What was she doing wrong? Was she not strong enough? Not brave enough? Maybe she was the direct problem with this rinse and repeat session in her life. A burden on people to a point that the best course of action was to just drop her and have her try again.
But Lexus was sick of trying again. Clutching the feathers in her fingers, she wiped her face of tears and dirt. Ferris let her stand as she smoothed her fingers onto his broad back. "I know this is selfish of me, old boy." She turned his beak to look into his eyes. "Can you give me one last ride?"
I'm moving all the thanks and replies up above and just putting the final notes down here. I've been greatly depressed with everything going on and so much change is grating on my mind. Change can be good, I'm not saying this change is all bad. But, so much is happening all at once I had to step away and breathe.
But, writing this cheered me up and did get my creative juices flowing. I hope to keep writing this as Summer continues on as we're heading into July next week. Be safe everyone!
