Thanks TheWingedBeatle for the follow and favorite!
I WROTE THROUGH THE PAIN FOR THIS! (injured hand) Enjoy!
"Okay, so no talk of the accident. Do not mention the racing or anything of that sort. Gladio, no offense, maybe wearing a shirt might be best. My mom would make a comment, and we can't have that. If my dad seems tired, just ease up and we'll only have calm discussions. Shit, my shirt isn't that clean. Do I have another one?"
The four men stood as Lexus ran herself rabid since the evening started, about a half hour before six. She was constantly redoing her hair, changing her clothing left and right, even attempting to go through their clothing to find Gladio a shirt. Since he tend to be bare chested with his open jacket, it made Lexus come up with the amount of comments her mother would make to him. She didn't want either side to argue or somehow be offended by the other, so her goal tonight; Everyone get along.
"She's losing it." Prompto hummed under his breath.
Gladio rubbed his neck, nervous of how she was acting. "I didn't expect her to get like this over dinner."
"You're telling me." Noctis agreed, folding his arms.
Iginis sighed and decided to be the one to step up. As the others sat around, Ignis stood from the chair and approached her as she filtered through her bag of clothing.
"Ignis," She saw him approach, as he held up two shirts. One was black and the other more navy blue. "Should I wear the black or blue? I don't want to stand out but also don't want-"
"Lexus." He lowered her hands, taking the shirts from her. "What your wearing is perfectly fine."
Lexus looked down at her shirt, she frowned and adjusted the sleeves. It was a long sleeve black thin shirt, really showing her curves as it hugged her waist. "You sure?"
"It's fine, Lexus." Prompto told with a shrug. "We're all fine. It's only a small dinner, no need to panic."
She still looked stressed; brows creased and lip chewed on. When she saw the concern on her friend's features, she sighed and sat down on the bed.
"I'm sorry, guys." She reached up and combed the hair out of her face, Prompt walked over and sat with her gently placing a hand on her back. "I don't want this dinner to be a wreck is all."
"How could it? It's just dinner." Noctis said.
Ignis folded his arms, "Her parents have tended to make you a big deal in their lives." he informed.
"I wouldn't be too shocked if they smother you with attention." Lexus added, looking apologetic towards him.
Noctis grimaced, he never liked attention for his status or who he was. Which was why he wanted to live a normal life like he had as a teenager. "No word will go out that I'm here, right?" He asked.
"I made sure to tell her mother when we made our leave." Ignis told.
Prompto stood and gave Noctis' shoulder a soft punch, though the prince still gave a look at the action. "Everything's going to be fine." He told them, trying to rid the air of anxiety Lexus was accidentally giving them.
Gladio nodded, "We're all going to have a good dinner, meet Lexus' parents, then get back to finding the tombs. A night to relax while we can."
The boys had managed to calm Lexus down enough that they left the hotel and took the evening walk to the apartment. It had gotten cooler, which thankfully got Gladio to cave into wearing a tank.
They greeted the man at the desk once before, giving them permission to go up the stairs. Lexus led the men to the apartment, taking a few breaths before knocking softly onto the door. She didn't fail to notice Prompto spotting the Chocobo stickers on the mailbox, just as she had her first time coming here.
The door opened and her Mother gasped at the sight of the men around her. "If I didn't know any better, Lexi, I would've guessed you sweet talked these boys to join you." She teased.
Lexus eased a small laugh, musing her Mother. "Sorry if we're a little late."
Hilda let them in, each one giving their thank yous to her. Lexus found things fine so far as she searched for her father in the living room, but once the door shut her hopes were dashed. She turned to find Hilda bowing deeply to Noctis, head down as if she was ready to have her head chopped off or to be knighted. Hard to tell.
"Your Majesty, it's a blessing of the Six that you're alive." She told, Noctis standing by the kitchen awkwardly.
"Uhh… Thanks, Mrs. Quintin." He looked to the other for help.
Lexus came over and got her mother off the floor, "Mom, please no scene." She begged.
Hilda brushed her daughter off, "Oh, no one can see or hear us. It's perfectly fine." she assured her.
No, it wasn't. Lexus looked to Noctis worried he would get annoyed or Ignis might say something. She didn't expect a fight, but with how her mother was over Noctis, she could be a little overbearing. One of the traits Lexus had hoped her mother would've gotten over within the past ten years.
"Oh, please make yourselves at home, gentleman." She ushered them into the living room, where they sat in the couches and chairs. "I'll get you some drinks, any requests?"
"Water, please." Said Ignis.
"Same here." Prompto added with a nod from Gladio.
"May as well all have water." Lexus told her mother.
Once Hilda disappeared into the kitchen, Lexus hung her head and her palm smacked her forehead. Prompto, who sat closest to her, patted her arm to get her attention. "See? Going good so far."
So far, she thought. Hilda returned, giving everyone a glass of cold ice water. The men thanked her. She sat in a chair and turned it to face them, looking highly intrigued by her guests. "So, what do you think of the city?"
"It's very… different from Insomnia." Noctis gave.
Prompto nodded, "Lots of views for good photos." he added.
Gladio, who sat in a chair closest to Hilda, leaned back. "It's truly different seeing the men be at home and women work."
Hilda smiled, "It was a culture shock when we arrived as well, but it all works out. So long as Varinhas someone to tend to him." she told.
"I'm fine on my own." Lexus stood just as her father wheeled himself in, smiling at the sight of his daughter. "Lexi, come give your old dad a hug."
She didn't hesitate, scooting past the boys and giving her father a gentle hug in his chair. Lexus offered to push him into the living room, but he started to wheel himself before she could touch the handles.
"Good for you boys to come visit, thank you." Varin told, bowing his head to them. "We don't have any visitors, we keep to ourselves here."
"It's no trouble, Sir." Prompto told, smiling at the man.
Ignis agreed, "Thank you for inviting us into your home and for dinner." he gave.
"Our pleasure." Hilda told. "Is there anything you boys can't eat that you don't like? Just to make sure."
Prompto and Gladio shook their heads, though Ignis found Noctis about to protest against vegetables. He found his voice faster than the prince, reaching for his glass of water. "We'll eat whatever it is you've prepared for us with no fuss, Mrs. Quintin."
Lexus grinned when Noctis gave him a side glare before sitting back on the couch. Hilda went into the kitchen as Varin leaned forward in his chair. "So, what adventures have you been into out there, in the wilds of Lucius?"
Lexus remembered her mother wanting no excitement for her father, with his condition. But it seemed Prompto had forgotten entirely, for he fished for his camera and started showing the photos he took, including battle ones.
"This was when we were in the middle of fishing and a whole herd of, of," He snapped his fingers trying to remember, then looked to Lexus. "What were they called?"
She just subtly shook her head, trying to end the story as her father intently listened.
"Y'know, the large hairy things, long nose, thick tusks- Garulets!" He snapped his finger. "That's it! A whole herd had a stampede right at us!"
"By the Six, how did you get away?" He asked, clearing his throat.
Lexus hung her head, hands knotting through her hair as Noctis chimed in, not helping whatsoever. Ignis patted her knee, in an attempt to calm her down, though it didn't phase her.
The next few photos had her father gasping at the sights , oohing and awing, evening jumping once when he saw one photo of a giant beasts. "You got a picture of a Catoblepas? That's extremely rare-"
Suddenly the camera was smacked out of their hands, causing Prompto to cry out in fear when Lexus held it. "Hey! How about that huge fish Noctise caught once? In Neeglyss Pond, he caught, and I swear by this, the biggest Crag Barramundi we had ever seen!" She told, roughly shoving the camera into Prompto's hands as he sat back down, inspecting the device.
Though the story wasn't as exciting as battling beasts and the venturing nature of Lucius, Lexus tried her best to make the tale as if she had fought in a war. Ignis chimed in to aid in her attempt to keep the calm, as her mother requested.
"Fed us for a night or two of fillet. Noctis is quite the fisherman." He praised.
Varin nodded, looking at Noctis. "You might like River Wennath." He offered, catching the prince's attention.
"What fish is there to catch?" He asked.
"Oh, some trout and salmon, though it's the Argus Salmon people try to catch." He egged on, which worked as Noctis was sucked into the conversation.
Lexus sighed to herself, mouthing 'thanks' to Ignis for helping her change the subject. "Lexus, help me set up the table." Her mother called from the kitchen.
"Sure thing." She stood, excusing herself from the men to help her mother.
Hilda led Lexus through a door across from the kitchen where the small dining room was found. The cabinet with find china was displayed in the corner, Hilda opening it and checking that each plate, cup, and utensil was clean enough, though she still wanted them wiped down. The china was white with laced blue trim and little delight painted flowers on it. One cup stood out, making Lexus giggle, spotting a little Chocobo painted on it, the sight made Hilda sigh.
"Your father requested it, so obviously it's his glass." She explained. "He tries to find anything that reminds him of the racing days."
Lexus knew this was a sensitive subject, but she felt too curious and concerned to ignore it. "Does Dad remember that day?"
"I try to make him forget." Hilda answered, fetching a table clothing that matched the dining set, draping it over the table. "He tells Carrie about the races he had, even if she's heard them dozens of times. She lets him ramble on if it makes his day."
She smoothed the cloth down, then checked to see if she had enough chairs. Hilda frowned, she was down by two. "There are two other chairs in the spare room, I'll be right back. Place your father's set at the end."
"Okay, Mom." Lexus let her mother leave the room, the swinging door flipping a bit. Alone, she had a chance to breathe, leaning on the table. "Just get through dinner, that's all we have to do."
Lexus didn't want to rush through dinner, if anything, she wished to savoir it as her first dinner with her family in over ten years. Just the impending worry and stress had her constantly nagging at her brain. Unable to relax and enjoy the evening with her friends and parents.
The door swung open with Gladio entering, a chair in his grip. "Hey, so where should I put this?"
Lexus sighed, "Did my Mother pull you into helping?" she asked.
Gladio shook his head, "I offered." he answered, placing the chair next to her. Lexus moved it to the center between two other chairs. "Your parents are really nice, I don't see why you were so worried." He voiced.
Lexus rubbed her neck, detangling some of her hair at the base. "Maybe they really have calmed down since back then. I can't deny my mom still has her tendencies, but nothing too rash."
Gladio patted her back."See, nothing to fuss over. You're father, though he is confined, I can see he's a strong man inside."
She smiled, blinking her eyes to stay dry. Gladio, the gentle giant and ever the one to feel the calmest to talk to. "I understand Mom's worry, though. Maybe I can take them back to the ranch, so he can see Farris."
"Now that sounds like a family trip." Gladio smiled, folding his arms.
Hilda came in, walking backwards to open the door as her hands were full of plates of food. Lexus took one serving and set it down just as Ignis and Prompto game in, helping her carry more in. Noctis got the door for Varin and all took their seats at the table. Varin at one end, Hilda at the other, Lexus sitting beside her mother with Iginis and Noctis while Prompto and Glaido sat across the three.
"Dig in, boys, and don't be shy for seconds!" Hilda encouraged.
Not needing to be told twice, Noctis and Prompto went to work filling their plates. Gladio mostly went for meat and Prompto took to trying the side dishes of mashed sweet potato, lasagna, and even some drumsticks that Gladio was going to town on. Noctis aimed for anything that wasn't green, though Ignis plated a few sliced tomatoes without anyone noticing. Ignis had tried a little of everything, favoring the cutlets and the sauce he gingerly poured over his slices.
Lexus hadn't had her mother's cooking, the second the food entered her mouth, she almost welled up in tears by the memories of family dinner. Sitting out in nature, hearing the nightly crickets and cooes of the Chocobos. The scent of her mother's cooking filled the nightly air as she sat around the table outside, a little glass of juice with her dinner laughing and talking with her parents.
"Lexi? Are you alright?"
She blinked back to reality, seeing the others look at her in concern. Ignis offered his napkin, though she frowned in question. "You're crying." He whispered, softly for only her to hear.
"Oh!" She took it and dabbed her eyes, chuckling to herself. "Sorry, I got lost in old memories." Lexus apologized, feeling her mother pat her knee. "Deep down, I never thought I would ever experience this, in my life, again."
Varin looked at his daughter across the table. "We were eventually brought back together, it took some time. But, we're together now."
"And nothing is going to separate us ever again." Hilda told firmly, reaching to squeeze her daughter's hand.
"The dinner was perfect!" Prompto told, earning agreements and hums from the boys.
Once everyone had their fill, Lexus and Hilda started collecting the dishes. "You have no idea how you made my Mom's night, guys." She told, once her mother left the dining room.
Varin had wheeled himself into the living room to meet with them for some coffee. "She had no idea how happy she filled our stomachs." Prompto told, patting his belly.
"I must ask your Mother for the recipe for those cutlets, they were divine and would be nice to make them during our nightly camps." Ignis told, helping to collect the cups.
Lexus beamed, "That would be great! We can ask over the coffee." she told. "We'll bring it into the living room, can you guys keep my Dad company?"
They left to join Varin as Ignis and Lexus brought the remaining dishes into the tiny kitchen. Hilda fussed over getting them cleaned through handwashing, soaking them in the soap water filled sink then scrubbing them with a cloth.
"Thank you both."
"Want me to help you with those?" Lexus offered, but was tutted by her mother.
"Just take a tray of coffee to the living room and relax." She told, nodding to the coffee maker. "I give Varin decaf, as caffeine doesn't mix well with his medicine."
Ingis helped Lexus find mugs as she poured each a small cup of the fresh steaming coffee. She also found the decaf coffee grounds, telling Ignis to take the rest in while she makes her father's coffee. He took the mugs on a tray, and like a professional, he hoisted the drinks and walked casually into the living room.
Once alone, Hilda settled up beside her daughter and asked, "So, which one?"
Lexus frowned as she prepared the decaf. "Which one what?"
"Y'know, which one do you like?" Her mother egged on.
Lexus paused and looked at her mother. "I like all of them."
"But which one do you aim to like more?"
"Mom, they're my friends. I don't like one more than the other, that's not happening." She told her sternly, returning to starting the coffee maker and placing the mug under it.
Her mother hummed, drying a plate. "I think the blonde one likes you, Prompto. He gives these adorable puppy eyes whenever you two talk."
"He gives everyone the same puppy eye look, even Noctis." She dismissed.
"How about Gladio? Big, strong but soft gentle man, make a protective partner."
"He's Noctis' guard, I think he has more important problems, say, keeping the prince safe?"
Then her mother went for the kill, "How about his majesty?" that caused Lexus to nearly drop the mug, spilling some coffee on the counter top. "Nothing's better than royalty-"
"Mom, I really prefer not to talk about my friends like this." Lexus insisted, taking a dish cloth and wiping the mess off the counter. "They are my friends and thats the end of it."
Not wanting to hear her mother say more, she took the mug and left the kitchen to join the men in the living room. They were in the middle of talking about the Chocobo ranch, including Lexus teaching them how to ride the birds.
"The trick, really," Said Varin, leaning forward in his wheelchair. "Is to connect that special bond with a Chocobo. Once you have a bird's trust, they will be right at your side whenever you need them."
"Anywhere, anytime?" Prompto asked, hanging on his every word.
Varin dug under his shirt collar and tugged out a small silver whistle that hung around his neck. "That and a trusty Chocobo caller." He laughed, earning chuckles from the boys. He saw Lexus and grinned. "Sweetie, the boys tell me you made them proper Chocobo riders?"
She smiled, giving the cup to her father and sitting in a chair beside him. "Yeah, though Noctis struggled the most to gain Chocobo's trust to even let him pet him." Lexus teased, earning a look from the prince.
"Just you wait, I'll be faster than you and the old bird of yours." He challenged, though Varin laughed.
"Ferris is old, but he is one of the fastest. If my daughter is riding, you'll never keep up with her, son." He told.
Gladio laughed and nudged Noctis. "Owned."
"Y'know, when Lexus was a little girl, she wanted to be a Chocobo Racer, just like her Daddy." Varin told them. "She always was a softie for the birds, they all liked her. Learned to ride at a very young age. Managed to beat tourists in the small race track there."
"That, I believe." Noctis nodded.
Prompto grinned, "She'd be a great racer! I'll cheer for her in every race!" he encouraged.
Lexus sheepishly chuckled, "Thanks, Prompto. But, I don't know what I want to do now. Seeing the situation the world is in right now."
Hilda joined then, standing behind Varin as she smiled at the boys. "Thank you again, for joining us for dinner. It was an honor, and thank you again for staying with our daughter."
They all nodded, "It was a pleasure." Ignis told.
"Yeah, she made the trip twice as fun, and helped us out a lot, too." Prompto said.
Gladio stood, groaning as he rolled his arm. "We should get going though, early call tomorrow."
Lexus looked to him, "Early call?" she questioned.
"Ignis didn't tell you?" Prompto asked.
"It slipped my mind." He dismissed, adjusting his glasses. "Talcott informed us about the location of the possible lost tomb. We'll be leaving early in the morning to find it and see if it is one."
Lexus stood, smiling. "Sounds like a plan!" She cheered.
"Wait," They turned to Hilda, who looked stressed by the words. "You're… going with them?"
Lexus nodded, "Yeah, help them find the tomb. I know the area and possible threats that could come to them." she explained.
"As in, the Imperials?"
"Well if not that, then the beasts we encounter. She's got a real knack for the creatures out there." Gladio told, proudly.
Her parents looked skeptical, though Hilda most of all. Varin coughed into his hand, smiling at his daughter. "Then you show those beasts who's the boss out there."
"What? No!" Hilda barked. "Varin, our daughter is not going back out there!"
"If Lexus could handle getting from the fallen kingdom to here, she can handle anything." Varin told her, patting his chest to clear his throat.
Hilda sighed in frustration and walked to Lexus, holding her shoulders. "You can't expect us to not be worried about you out there, Lexi. With those Imperials floating about and the deadly things out there ready to eat you?"
"Don't worry, Mrs. Quintin." Prompto spoke up, "She's already handled fighting Imperials and survived being poisoned by a Cockatrice!"
"She WHAT!?"
Prompto flinched, earning a look from the boys. "Good going, idiot." Grumbled Gladio, as the small spiky blonde slinked back behind them. "Ma'am, we promise to not only protect, but keep her out of harms way. She's helped us-"
Hilda turned a glare towards the shield. "Her getting poisoned and fighting an army of Imperials is not what I call protecting her!"
"It's not an army, it was a small group." Lexus defended, she pulled her mother back seeing a potential panic attack setting in for her. "I know you find it terrifying to be out there, Mom. But they really do keep me safe, and I already vowed to help Prince Noctis in anything he needs."
Hilda's eyes went wild, "Vowed!? You are no Royal Guard, Lexus!" she threw a finger at the three boys. "That's what they are for. You're home and safe now, you don't have to follow them around anymore!"
Now Lexus was growing angry, "I'm not a dog, I never followed them! If I hadn't gone with them, they would've been lost in Duscea or would have reached Lestallum weeks from now!" she barked at her mother.
"Lexus, please-" Varin tried to cut in, but the screaming of his wife and daughter drowned him out. Even the boys knew not to jump into the fray anymore.
"You shouldn't have been out there in the first place!" Hilda argued, desperate to get through to her daughter. "You should've gone straight to-"
"Where, Mom!? Did you forget that our home is burned to the Goddamn ground and the only other place I thought you'd be you weren't!? If you hadn't left me behind-"
"We did it because we wanted to protect you!"
"You did it because you didn't want me!"
Silence hung in the air, the heavy breathing of the women exhausted them from their emotional outbursts. Hilda held a hurtful look, shaking her head slowly at her daughter's words.
"That was never on our minds." She whispered.
Lexus huffed, "Clearly I truly wasn't on yours for the past ten years." she turned to the boys. "Let's go." She told, taking lead in leaving with them nodding to the parents and scurrying out of the apartment.
"Never seen a family drama like that." Prompto muttered, the boys back at the hotel in their room.
"Never expected to witness one." Noctis commented.
They all sat around reflecting tonight's dinner aftermath, Lexus was in her room next door. The walk back was dead silent, no one daring to say a word to her as she marched up and slammed the door to her room.
"It was going well, too." Gladio said, sitting at the edge of the bed.
Noctis looked to Ignis who sat in one of the chairs with him. "Had her parents always been so… tense?"
Ignis sighed, "Tense isn't a proper term for tonight." he stood, walking around the room. "They always worried for Lexus' safety, keeping her in Insomnia was their way if protecting her from the danger of the world."
"Only brought danger right to her front door." Gladio commented, referring to the fall of the city.
Ignis looked to him, "They had no way of knowing of the occurrence, no one did." he defended.
Prompto shifted in his spot on the other bed. "But, she's with us. She is safe and sound so long as we're with her." He got to his feet. "Besides, she really can kick some serious ass out there!"
"We need her out there, she made a vow to stand by us." Noctis claimed, actually sounding mature for once.
"She is a valuable asset, and a good friend." Ignis agreed, the other two nodded.
A knock came on their door, Gladio, being the closest, got up and answered it. He let the visitor in, Lexus looking at them as she walked into the room. She looked ashamed, eyes shifting but mostly her vision downward.
"I wanted to apologize tonight, guys. For both my mom and myself." She glanced at Noctis and bowed her head quickly. "I also wanted you to know, I'll still come help tomorrow. If alright with you guys, I won't let my parents' worry hold me back from my duty to you, Noctis."
The confidence the prince held all but vanished at how Lexus was. It was like she was uping him to take control, yet she always took the lead. He chuckled and shook his head, "It's really up to you, we could use you. Always great to have an extra hand when fighting and finding things."
Prompto walked up to her, "And don't worry about your parents. They can be embarrassing, that's normal." he assured lamely, earning a giggle from her.
"They're just looking out for you, maybe when they see how you come back tomorrow, it'll ease their worries." Gladio suggested.
Lexus sighed, feeling the pressure in her mind and body easing already. She had been scowling and loathing in the room for a while, and just needed to establish all was well with the boys. She bid them a good night and left to get some sleep.
As the sun rose the following morning, the group awoke and got ready to search for the tomb. From what Talcott informed of the boys, it was a legend told to be a sword behind a waterfall. Lexus got the map out and they found a water source by Burbost Souvenier Emporium, a place they could park their vehicles and search on foot.
When a place was located, supplies were bought in case they were in need of potions, elixirs, and other items for battle. There was a man with a trailer outside the city by the parking lot, where the Regalia sat. It was filled with various weapons he was selling and willing to upgrade. Gladio and Ignis were eyeing up the weapons, though Ignis didn't seem too eager to swap out his weapons by the price the man was offering. Gladio was attempting to haggle the price down, but the man wasn't budging.
Noctis and Prompto waited at the car, leaning on the hood. Prompto was adjusting his camera, he raised it up to eye level and looked through the lens turning around this way and that. He stopped when he spotted Lexus at the wall by the view finders, looking over the scenery, more likely to see where they'd be going. He smiled and zoomed the lens, snapping a perfect photo of her just as a breeze blew her hair about like a flag in the sky. He lowered the camera for a moment, enjoying the sight as he tilted the camera to get her face better.
"Oh, that's not creepy at all." Noctis commented.
Prompto turned to Noctis, his shoulder up feeling guilty now. "It's not creepy!" He tried to defend. "You watching me take photos, now that is creepy!"
Noctis laughed, "I'm not the one taking photos of a person." He countered.
Prompto huffed at him, putting his camera away and pouting at him. "Lexus said she didn't mind it, besides- They'd make good photos to show her parents what good time she has with us."
Gladio and Ignis rejoined, no new weapons but Gladio would try again when they get back. "Are we all ready for departure?" Ignis asked.
"Where's Lexus?" Gladio asked, the other two pointed over to where she was. "Lexus! We're heading out!" He called.
Tearing her eyes from the scenery, she jogged over and stepped around the Regalia to her motorbike. "Follow me, I saw a route we could take that'll be a smooth drive."
Noctis was going to take the wheel, but he felt a sudden force of pain cracking through his skull. He leaned on the car door, halting the others.
"What's wrong?" Prompto asked, Ignis stepped over to check on him.
Lexus put her helmet on, but saw Noctis heavily leaning on the door and walked over. "Are you alright?" She asked, hand on his back.
He hissed to get through the pain, but then as fast as it came it just went away. "Y-Yeah, ugh…"
"Maybe I should drive for today." Ignis suggested, patting his arm to urge him to take the back seat.
Noctis didn't argue, he gladly slumped into the back seat with Gladio, leaning his head back. Ignis got in as Lexus leaned over to ask under her breath. "Does Noctis usually get sudden headaches or migraines?"
Ignis shook his head, "It's odd, but we'll keep an eye on him." He informed.
Lexus nodded, then turned to the others. "We'll have to be extra cautious in Cleigne. There are no calm creatures such as Anaks or Daggerquils. The only upside is Daemons are rare here, but I wouldn't put it past it if some are where the tomb is."
"Did you find what the location is?" Gladio asked, remembering she was looking over the map and scenery.
"Greyshire Glacial Grotto, Ajax never taught me about tombs or what holds within caves and grottos of Lucian. But I don't expect it to be empty of enemies." She informed.
When done, Lexus returned to her bike and straddled it, revving it to life. She took the lead to exiting the lot with the Regalia behind as she turned left exiting the city. The road was new to them all, Lexus being careful of the sharp turns to not ram into any unexpected cars around corners.
Throughout the ride, they saw mountain trails, towers of tall large trees and empty fields though barely any creatures about. Lakes were seen far over the sharp, thin roads around the mountains, and the Disc of Cauthess to which Prompto mentioned how he would love a closer look for a photo of the burning meteor.
The three minute ride came to an end when Lexus pulled into the gas station across from the general store, the Regalia parking right behind her. She removed her helmet and got her crossbow off the back as the boys got out of the car.
"How much further is it?" Gladio asked, stretching his arms.
Lexus pointed down the road. "There's steps right there, we can get down that way. If there's a name on the map, I wouldn't put it past it for there to be a trail to the waterfall."
They walked down silently and found the trail steps, taking their time to not trip. A trail was soon found, walking down ducking bush branches and even picking up a few things Noctis spotted.
"Wait, guys, hold it." She stopped the boys, the creature blocking their path by the river's edge making Prompto gasp.
"Is that a s-s-snake!?"
They sush him, and crouch by a few boulders as the slithering giant snake patrols the area. "It must be its territory." Lexus figured.
"What is it exactly?" Noctis asked.
"A Midgardsormr."
"I'll go with giant snake." Prompto muttered, not even wanting to try and pronounce its name.
Lexus turned to them, "Taking something like this down could take hours. This guy tends to not only have horrible bites and venom, but can burrow underground." she explained. "Let's just go around."
They agreed, Prompto mostly, and they pushed through shrubs and found the roaring waterfall with no other creatures in their path.
"Bingo!"
"Now how do we get in without getting soaked?" Noctis pondered.
Gladio ventured further, climbing a few rocks and surveying the area. "This path can take us behind the waterfall. C'mon!"
Noctis and Prompto got up the rocks with ease, Ignis followed, staying behind to help Lexus up as they followed Gladio. "The legend says, looks behind the waterfall." Prompto reminded.
"What does the waterfall say?" Ignis jokingly inquired as they approached the falling waters.
They all adjusted to turn on their lights, attaching it to their shirts, along with Lexus. "I think it says, 'Come in!'." Lexus giggled at his reply, earning Prompto a smile.
"Stay together." Gladio ordered, his voice echoing off the walls of the caverns. "Don't need us getting lost here and splitting apart."
They all cautiously entered the caves, the darkness really settling into their sights as their lights helped them through. The chill in the air shivered some, Lexus sighed and she rubbed her bare arms. If she had known it was going to be freezing cold compared to the apparent heat back in Lestallum, she would've brought her jacket, wearing a tank top today.
Prompto groaned, "This place gives me goosebumps." he muttered.
"Goosebumps by the enveloping darkness and wonder how deep the cavern is, or the fact it's colder than a freezer in here?" Lexus asked.
He shrugged at her, "Maybe the cold keeps the Daemons at bay?" he offered.
"Yeah. Because monsters like warmth." Gladio responded sarcastically.
Prompto still tried to have his hopes up of encountering any. "But what if they're frozen?"
"Encased in ice-"
Before the banter could continue, a dark glop emerged from the ground. It gave a gurgle and its eyes glowed yellow in the reflection of the lights. Lexus hadn't brushed up on her Daemons as much as the normal beasts of Lucian, so her brain was drawing a cold blank at these things.
Despite lack of information, the boys went straight into action, attacking the monsters without giving the three gunks a chance to attack first. They didn't seem too challenging or hard, as Noctis took one out on his own. Lexus kept her distance, firing at one sneaking up on Gladio as he sliced the second one into melting pieces. It responded to her attacking, jumping at her and landing with its gross insides splattering the area around it. Lexus rolled out of the way, and fired a few more times before Prompto fired as well, the two killing it. The third was killed leaving an awful stench and left over slime like residue on the floors and walls of the cave.
"That was disgusting." Lexus groaned, checking to make sure none had gotten on her.
"And it's only the beginning from here." Gladio told.
Noctis moved forward, but as he was keeping off of the remainder of the monster's innards, he failed to notice the drop that led to an ice slope. The others called for him as he slid down, thankfully catching himself at the bottom. Gladio and Lexus jumped after, Lexus barely catching her landing. Ignis and Prompto followed last, the blonde near crashing into the others and caught himself on a rock.
This led to a few more of the goo monsters, known as Flan now that Lexus remembered, and a few Imps that were more annoying than anything. Lexus was, in a way, thankful for the fights. The blood was pumping more and the movements helped her try to keep warm in these freezing caverns. Prompto, wearing a sleeveless jacket, was struggling just as much as Lexus was in keeping warm. Gladio didn't seem bothered, or just wasn't admitting it as he was wearing just his short sleeve jacket. Noctis seemed fined too, though he rubbed his hands together now and then. Out of everyone, Ignis was the most bundled, wearing his blazer, gloves, and dress shirt.
"Another drop?" Gladio asked when Noctis stopped short. They all looked down, finding another frozen slope. "One way down."
With more care, they all slid down, though a more sudden drop was given, making them all stumble to the ground for a landing. As Lexus got up, shaking off the jolt up her leg from her landing, she heard hissing and looked up, gasping at the sight and falling backwards. Up above, large Arachnes were hanging from the ceilings, Daemons of the upper bodies of woman and the remainder of giant spiders! One of them swung down, purple electricity shotting through and struck Lexus, freezing her on the spot.
"Lexus!" Prompto cried, firing at the Daemon as he swung toward a corner, attacked by Gladio. He rushed toward her, but was shocked to find her frozen stiff like a statue. "She's a statue!" He cried in distress earning their attention, Ignis running over.
Prompto kept patting her cheek or arms, Ignis came over inspecting Lexus. She looked to be made of stone, her arms up in attempt to shield from the Daemon's attack, her eyes closed and teeth clenched.
Suddenly, she came to, color returning to her cheeks as she fell forward into Prompto's arms. Ignis sighed, thankful it was a small spell.
"You okay? Lexy?" Prompto asked, looking down at her as she regained her breathing.
She rushed a nod, getting back to her feet. "Don't let those…those sparks touch you." She informed, then turned to the others. "Those sparks can stun you into stone! It's short, but it's a bitch!" Lexus barked and got her crossbow to fire at the monster hanging above them.
Prompto had to admit, she had gotten tougher, as she shook that off easily and returned to battle just as quickly. And quickly with the group's teamwork, the Arachnes were finished, everyone heaving sighs and taking a breather.
"I suggest we take a small break." Noctis offered, but Gladio shook his head.
"As much as I would agree, we can't. Not with how freezing this cave is. Just be cautious and keep moving." He told. "If we stop, we'll be as frozen as these walls."
"Gladio is right, the faster we get through, the faster we get out and warm up." Ignis agreed.
Prompto groaned but toughened it out as they walked forward. Lexus followed behind, constantly rubbing her arms as she followed deeper in. She was going to take a long bath, as hot as lava if possible!
The group ran into more flans, imps along the way, but nothing they couldn't handle with the help of a few potions to give them an extra boost. Some paths were narrow ways that led them to shuffling against a wall and getting through a possible maze where they almost went back where they came.
Finally, a light at the end of the tunnel- or cave. A giant ice wall with light from an opening from above shined a big open area. There, they found a door they knew very well being a Royal Tomb. Noctis approached the door as the others stood outside, awaiting for him to fetch what was awaiting inside. The doors opened and Noctis entered, a flash from the room a moment later telling him another weapon added to his Armiger.
As they waited around, Lexus was sure she had irritated her skin at this point with how hard she was rubbing her arms to keep warm. She breathed into her hands and rubbed her forearms when something warm draped over her shoulders. Lexus turned, surprised to find Ignis offering his blazer to her. Bashfully, she accepts, sliding her arms through the sleeves feeling the size of it bigger than her, but nothing too much compared to Gladio's jackets.
"Apologies." He muttered, stepping to stand beside her as he adjusted his shirt cuffs. "I hadn't taken your care into consideration while we've been here."
Lexus chuckled, was he guilty for not noticing her shivering the entire time in the caves? He was just too sweet at times. It was funny. Lexus folded her arms, feeling his warmth underneath the blazer still present. Despite it chasing the chill away, goosebumps could be felt on the back of her neck.
"Thanks, and don't worry. It was an unexpected jump from the blistering heat to sudden ice caves."
"The quick temperature change could give us a cold, we wouldn't want that." He told, pushing his glasses up.
Lexus pulled the blazer around her, it was so warm. "I don't know how long we've been here, but it might be best to rest at the stop in case it's dark by the time we get out." She suggested.
Ignis nodded, "I agree, we've dealt with enough Daemons here, rather not take on any more on the ride home." he told. "Not to mention, we swore to your parents you'd be safe." He added.
Lexus sighed, her thumbs rubbed against the materials of the sleeves as she refolded her arms. "I should apologize to them for that outburst. I come back to them and just cause trouble, typical me." She cynically joked.
"You are never a trouble, and it's not typical of you." He assured, hands placed on his slender hips as Noctis left the Tomb. "Shall we make our leave?"
Noctis nodded, "Yeah." he confirmed.
With a route leading them back around, they returned to the entrance with no further trouble from Daemons.
Prompto sighed finally leaving the cave, enjoying the warmth outside as if locked in a freezer for hours. "Finally! Thought I'd turn into an icicle in those caves!"
Lexus walked over, pulling Prompto in around his neck, which made him hunch over the height difference. "Oh no, we can't have a Pompto-sicle on our hands!" She teased, attempting to warm him up.
Prompto laughed, though the blush in his cheeks was certainly not from the frostbite over his freckles.
Gladio chuckled, stepping up to Ignis. "Do you call that nothing?"
He looked over, adjusting his glasses at the two friends."Lexus has a way of-" Ignis started, but was nudged by Gladio.
"Nah, it's pretty obvious they like each other." He pointed out.
Lexus poked Prompto's nose, making the blonde cover it as he was teased for how red it was. But she kept trying to get him warm, rubbing his arms and keeping herself close to him. Lexus was oblivious to the affection she was showing to Prompto, making him nervous and giddy at the same time. Ignis brushed it off as the two were friends for a short time.
But then again, so was she and Ignis. In fact, she knew him more, longer, and met him twice. She was somewhat different around him, more open to her feelings and trusted him with personal details of her life than the others.
What was Ignis worried about? She was good friends with all of them and that's all that should matter.
"Is she wearing your jacket?" Noctis noted, Gladio raised a brow.
The two looked to the spectacle man, who just avoided their gaze. "Yes. She was cold."
The two gave each other a look, glanced at Ignis who kept his eyes on her, then to Lexus, then to one another again. Possibly thinking the same thing, though Ignis didn't need feed the fire to their thoughts. Lexus jogged over as she removed the blazer, handing it to Ignis with a smile.
"Thanks again Ignis, should take it back before I ruin it." She told, folding it neatly and holding it out to him.
Gladio and Noctis watched intently, Ignis cleared his throat and took it, sliding it back on himself. "No trouble, couldn't have you frozen on us." He joked lightly, Lexus nodded in agreement.
"I'll be sure to keep my jacket on me on the next Royal Tomb we find." She assured, turning back toward the waterfall.
She reached out towards the water to tough the cooling showers, then cupped her hands and splashed her face, feeling great on her skin to get whatever dirt, sweat, or muck was forming on her. Prompto also used the water to get some gunk that he found on his shoes from the last battle with those Flan Daemons.
As everyone was taking a breather, Noctis walked over feeling the droplets of the waterfall on him. Suddenly, that pain from before came full blast through his head. He fell to his knees, gripping his head, as visions came through his closed eyes. His grunts and hisses were heard, Prompto rushing to his side just as he regained his composure, blinking his eyes open.
"Noct! You okay?" He asked, kneeling beside his friend with Lexus.
He slowly shook his head, taking even breaths. "What did I… Where was that?" He muttered to himself.
Gladio and Ignis came over, frowning at his words. "What is it?"
"A.. hole in the ground... Something burning… A Meteor?" He tried to figure out his vision.
Ignis put his hands on his hips, "You saw the Disc of Cauthess?" Noctis nodded, with Prompto's help got back to his feet.
"Is it normal for visions to come about?" Lexus asked, though the others were silent in response. "Like, some royal thing for Noctis to have?"
"Not that I recall." Ignis answered, looking troubled.
Gladio sighed, "We should get going though, get back to Lestallum." he told them.
They all agreed, going back the same path to get to the steps. Though Prompto noticed something different when they followed the path along the river.
"Hey, look! That giant snake is gone!" He called, pointing to the area at the end of the river. The snake was indeed gone, but Lexus was still weary.
"For now, we should hurry. It might have borrowed down into the ground som-WHAAA!"
The ground suddenly collapsed under Lexus, but she nearly went flying when the sound of a thunderous thud. Noctis was quick to use his warping, catching Lexus mid air and landing on a higher rock, putting her down. It was then they realized they walked right into part of the Midgardsormr's territory.
"Are you kidding me!?" Noctis barked, still sore from the vision.
"It must have a larger range than initially thought." She told, catching her breath.
Gladio instantly swung his sword at it, Ignis keeping distance by throwing daggers with Prompto shooting it.
Noctis went through his weapons and got his original sword. "Weaknesses?" When Lexus didn't answer, he looked to her, seeing she was still a bit stunned by her fall. "Lexus!" He jolted her back, she turned to him. "What's its weakness?"
She scrambled her brain, then got her crossbow out, "Ice is its weakness, but go for the head!" she told over the loud slams as it tried to hit Gladio who jumped out of the way in time.
"Go for the head!" She relayed to them just as Noctis wrapped at the giant snake, attacking its face.
"What!?" Prompto barked, backing up as its tail slashed about. "Isn't that where its fangs are!? Where the venom is!?"
"If Lexus said so, go for it!" Gladio yelled, as he attacked right when the head was lowered for him to reach with his large sword.
"Elementals!?" Ignis called.
"Ice!" She replied, shooting her bolts right at its face.
The constant attacks on the face and head made the snake hiss in regard and dive right into the ground. Rumbling and quaking caused them to lose balance, Ignis back flipped right as the snake burst out and dropped down to the dirt with a shaking thud. The snake spun around and spat its venom into the sky, raining down on the boys. Thankfully, only Gladio was close enough to get poisoned, Noctis aided him just as quickly. For every strike it tried to make, Noctis and Gladio blocked it with Ignis jumping in, slamming a lance down onto its head.
It was growing weaker, though this also meant it was growing angrier. He slashed his tail more and shot venom at them as much as it possibly could. It did stop going underground, clearly a tactic that wasn't working anymore. Ignis used enchantments to enhance his daggers with ice, along with Noctis' weapons when called.
Noctis had gotten the Midgardsormr's attention, as it slithered close wanting to bite at its prey. He finally got an ice flask made, and gave a long throw towards Lexus.
"Lexus!" He called, heeding her to catch the flask.
Lexus caught it and climbed off the boulder. She ran toward the snake as she attached the flask to her prepped bolt. "Gladio! Give me a boost!" She called.
Gladio compiled, flipping the sword flat for Lexus to jump on. He swung the sword and with the force of momentum, she was launched up into the air. Face to face with the Midgardsorm, it slowly turned its head at her, opening its mouth ready to fire venom. Lexus closed her eye, aimed, and fired the bolt right into the mouth of the snake.
Gravity returned to her, falling to the ground. But Ignis tackled to break her fall, the two tumbling toward the edge of the water. Before the two could check for injuries, Midgardsormr rose above them right to strike. It hissed as Ignis pressed a hand over her head, but it chocked out, it couldn't shoot its venom. The Midgardsormr's convulsed as ice breath clouded its mouth, soon frost and ice covered its body, freezing the snake completely. Frozen inside out, the snake gave in and collapsed with a final huge thud to the ground, the two tensing as the earth shook.
The silence in the air was refreshing, the orange sky blazing over them as they laid in the dirt. Ignis and Lexus looked to one another, his arms wrapped around her torso, hand cradling the back of her head. Her heads pressed against his chest, the two realizing how she was laying on top of him. She fingered at his shirt, curling his hands as she breathed, staring into his green eyes. He hadn't noticed how much her eyes sparkled as blue as the ocean when this close.
Their small moment was cut short by Prompto and Gladio's cheers heard across the other side of the snake, breaking their eye contact to look across the way.
Ignis let his arms free of Lexus, helping her to her feet. She inspected the snake and threw her hands up, hugging Ignis and catching him off guard. His glasses nearly fell off from her jumping up and down, whooping at their victory. He fixed his glasses and put an arm around her shoulder, though it lasted a few seconds as she pulled away to join the others in their cheers. Noctis and Gladio high-fiving her and Prompto singing a victory tune. Ignis gave a short sigh, dusting the dirt off himself as he made his way around the snake's large corpse.
"I just want to flop down on a hotel bed." Noctis sighed, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"Whew!" Prompto nodded, "Cannonball for me!" he agreed.
"Camp's not gonna cut it tonight."
