Halloween is upon me. I don't know what will happen regarding changes at work, Delta, and such. But, we'll see!

Thank you falcokira, Hildaneesama for the follows and likes!

Enjoy!


A compromise was made that they would stay in a caravan at the Emporium where they had parked the car. Dinner was done and the boys were sitting outside playing their King's Knight mobile game. Something Lexus couldn't really catch on, even with Prompto's attempt to get her involved.

No, instead she had sat herself in the caravan, legs propped up by the window busy poking her digits to death with sewing needle. Lexus poked her middle finger for the twelfth time, giving out a curse as she fixed the thread. Embroidery wasn't as easy as she remembered her mother teaching her.

"Ah, there you are." Lexus glanced up, smiling to find Ignis climbing into the caravan. "We were wondering if you had gone to bed."

She shook her head, "Not exhausted entirely." Lexus told, looking back down to continue.

Ignis turned to reach for something in the cupboard above the stove. Finding Ebony coffee he hid away, he turned back and leaned against the counter, popping the can open. He saw her sewing something, catching his immediate attention. Even more so, she was sewing the handkerchief he gave her.

"Fixing a tear?" He asked.

Lexus looked up, humming. "Just adding something." She vaguely answered.

Curious, Ignis pushed off the counter to hover her shoulder. Advantage of his height allowed him to find her doing embroidery of a word 'No'.

He sipped his Ebony and asked, "No Ignis?" inquiring about her work.

"I'm not done yet." She huffed, a smile still there. "The store only had black thread so I thought of adding Noctis' name to it."

Ignis's brows rose, "That so?" he asked.

Lexus nodded, she tilted the moved the cloth to show his warn name, still green against the beige color. "I got my mom to put your name on here when I was a kid, so I wouldn't forget about you."

She looked up, leaning her head to show her bashful smile. Her cheeks hinted a hue of pink at the memory, but willing to share it. Ignis smiled in return, always content to see her melancholy dissolved.

"I want to add the others. When Noctis and Lady Lunafreya reunite and you guys fix everything," Her eyes downcast toward the cloth, rearranging it to continue Noctis' name, now on the C. "I don't want to forget you."

Ignis had no clue what the future held for them; When they find Lady Lunafreya, how would they stop the Empire and get the Crystal back, or if the city of Insomnia will ever rise once again. All this advisor knew was he was to be by the future king's side. But, that didn't mean he would ever forget Lexus, not again.

"And I you." She paused and looked up, seeing him give a soft look down upon her. "Whatever may happen, or what our future is," He pressed a hand to her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "We will never forget you."

Her eyes sparkled for a moment, until Ignis realized they were glassy. She sniffled, rubbing her eyes to keep the tears from escaping. "I'll hold you to it" Lexus told, lowering her legs and turning to him. "I'll bother you everyday with calls, texts, and even come find you if I have to."

Ignis chuckled, "Then, I shall have to keep my word as a promise. Wouldn't want someone to come pounding into the Citadel." he joked.

The two shared a laugh, both imagining the scene playing out to themselves. Lexus hadn't paid attention, and pricked her finger again, this time her index and blood had poked out. "Damnit," She cursed.

Ignis put the Ebony on the counter and walked out of the caravan for a moment. Lexus put the cloth down, seeing she had really pricked herself harder than usual, seeing the bubble of a red dot grow on the tip of her finger. Ignis returned and knelt down to her, taking her hand into his own. He got a tissue and dabbed the spot to clean the speck of blood before he wrapped it in a small band-aid. When he noticed her middle finger had a small poke as well where dried blood had sat, he sighed and got another out. It wasn't actively bleeding, but best to keep it clean and protective to heal.

Lexus watched, but couldn't help but remember the same scene playing out years ago. When she had scraped her knee, after colliding with him and near breaking his glasses. The same weird hairstyle, focused green eyes, even the tender touch to her injury no matter how meager it was. Despite barely knowing her and causing him trouble, he still tended to her as if they had been friends for years.

Now, it was just that; they were friends and he was being the usual motherly type to her. Just like he was to the boys.

"It's the same as back then." She muttered, just as Ignis had finished the second bandage.

He looked up at her, over his glasses seeing her blurry face. She giggled at him and Ignis pushed them up, finding her smiling. "You're always tending to me, even for the smallest thing." She told him.

He cleared his throat, standing to his full height. "It's a habit." He dismissed. "Noctis would over exert himself when training with Gladio, leading to many minor injuries to tend to."

"Should I add that to the 'I Owe You' list?" Lexus teased.

Ignis shook his head, "Barely worth it. Just be more careful with your work. If you ever need proper thread or needles," he informed. "I always keep spares if Noctis were to ever have any tears in his clothing."

Her brows shot up, "You know how to sew?" she asked.

The advisor picked his Ebony back up, adjusting his glasses in a suave manner. "Perhaps I have a few skills besides cooking." He retorted and exited the caravan.

Suddenly struck by the opportunity, she leapt out of the van, asking if he had any blue or amber for the other two's names!


The gang rested well and by the next morning, had returned to Lestallum. They got up early and had skipped breakfast, Prompto and Noctis were eager to get their hands on the food the city had to offer. But first, the gang was to report to Taclott, who informed them of the caves in the first place.

They all walked into the hotel, finding the excited boy and his calm grandfather in the lobby with Iris. "Prince Noctis!" He greeted, waving. "Welcome back!"

"How'd it go?" Iris asked.

"The story came to a happy end." Ignis informed.

Noctis nodded to the boy, "We owe you, Talcott." he praised.

The boy beamed, honored by the acknowledgement. "You're welcome!"

"Oh, Lexus." Iris called, walking to her. "Your father called while you were gone."

"Did something happen?"

Iris shook her head, "No, he's fine. He just wanted to have you stop by when you got back." she tapped her chin remembering what he said. "It was something important, though."

Prompto looked to her, "Maybe we should hit a quick eat and run?" he offered.

Lexus thought it over and denied it. "You guys go eat, I'll grab something on the way back."

Ignis folded his arms, not liking her putting off the meal. "It might be best for you to eat now before going to him. You haven't eaten since last night." He told.

Lexus sighed, rubbing the side of her neck. "I'll be real quick, then I'll get something. I promise." She jogged out of the hotel, leaving the gang behind to discuss breakfast.

The walk to her parent's apartment was short, remembering where it was at this point; the street, floor, and door number. She spotted the Chocobo stickered mailbox and knocked on the door. A few moments later, the door slowly creaked open and her father was seen, smiling at her.

"You got my call." He figured, wheeling himself back to allow her in.

Lexus entered and shut the door, looking around the living room. "Where's mom?"

"She's at work, thought best to have you come over while she's out." He told, turning the wheels to enter the living room. Lexus moved to help, but he raised a hand. "Please, let a man do something himself for once."

Unable to deny her father, she allowed him to move himself into the living room and turned at the couch. She sat down, trying to ease herself as Varin leaned his elbows on the arms of his chair.

"So, how did it go?" He asked, she frowned at his question. "The adventure you had, finding a Royal Tomb."

"Oh! Um, it went well." She told. "Found the cave, went through the cave, found the tomb, and stayed the night at a caravan. All went well."

Thinking the story ended there, she noticed her father looking displeased. "Lexi, honey. Please your old man?" He asked, looking a bit desperate. "I'm stuck here without anything to do but take my pills and wheel around this place like a Chocobo stuck in a stall."

Lexus sighed. "Dad, I'd love to tell you how it all went down. Every detail, telling you how my life is such a thrill is something I've always wanted to do." She combed her hair back, feeling so guilty. "Mom said not to excite you, because of your… condition."

Varin sighed, turning in his chair and leaving toward the bedroom. Lexus frowned, had she said the wrong thing. Soon he returned with a book in his lap. It was damaged, looking to have been scorched in a few places, the spine fat and the cover thick. When Varin returned to his spot, he lifted the book and tossed it to the coffee table, struggling to put it down.

"I called because of this." He told, allowing her to reach over and touch the book. The cover was burnt with barely the words 'compendium' on the front. "It was Roland's."

Lexus' eyes shot to him. "What?"

"When he and Ajax got Iris out of Insomnia, he entrusted her with this book, hoping it'll reach you. It was when she got in contact with Hilda and I that she gave me the book." Varin explained, watching his daughter pick up the book with care. "You're mother wouldn't want you to have it, so I hid it away until we knew of your whereabouts."

Her eyes kept rescanning the cover, wishing to see her uncle's name on it. "...What is it?"

He only nodded for her to open it. Lexus felt she needed a breath to take, then slowly opened the book, meeting a few creased pages before finding the contents. the proper title as well.

Crownsgaurd Compendium by Roland Faron and Ajax Oswin

Containing All Knowledge of Beastieries and Daemons in Lucis:

Leide
Duscue
Cleigne

Daemons

Astrals

Lexus shook her head, stunned by what she had already read. "This is a whole compendium of-"

"Every living creature of Lucis, including the Gods." Varin answered, "Roland and Ajax spent their younger years building this book as young Crownsgaurds. It's why you have the knowledge of it from them." he told.

Lexus leaned back, hand to her forehead. "Why-Why didn't Uncle Roland ever give it to me when I left? How come Ajax never showed it to me when he was training me?"

Varin just shrugged, "I don't know the reason for every action Roland had taken. What I do know is that he trained you to prepare for this world, he helped you leave to escape the fall of Insomnia." He reached down, tapping the book. "Now, he's entrusting you with this. To help Prince Noctis and Lucis from the Imperials with this book."

It was like twenty more pounds were put on her shoulders, staring down at the book. She leaned forward, reaching for a page and flipping it, finding a detailed sketch of a Reapertail. A giant scorpion found in Leide. The inscription tells of its size, weight, colors, and even its strengths and weaknesses.

"Greatest weaknesses to these beasts are using one-handed swords or broadswords. They were also weak to the element of lighting." She read, dumbfounded by the information of just one beast. "They reach thirteen feet and weigh 290lb."

Lexus flipped a few more pages, finding one of Daggerquils, her first beast to fight. "These birds can have a wingspan of eight feet and weigh roughly 190lb. Ideal weapons for these birds are daggers and firearms, including weak to fire. Though refrain from using lighting, as they are resistant to it."

"Holy shit!" She gasped, combing her hair back and a wide smile stretching her features. "I didn't even know about the lighting!"

Varin laughed, relaxing as the excitement of his daughter. "See? It has everything you ever need."

Lexus continued flipping through, finding herself at the Astrals section. But the pages were blank, with only rough sketches of the gods. She frowned, adjusting her seating. "Wait, why are these pages blank?"

He leaned over seeing the pages' lack of information. "I can't answer for that, the only true knowledge of the Astrals would be to the royal family." Varin then told her. "Maybe you can ask Noctis for assistance, and finish what Roland and Ajax couldn't."

Her eyes widened slightly, finishing their work. The weight on her shoulders would've been heavier, but instead, pride swelled into her chest instead. Not only to be given such amazing information about creatures, but also to be given the responsibility to finish what they started. To Lexus, this was some way for her to thank them for making her who she was today.

Lexus closed the book, a determined look on her features. "I'll finish their work, in honor of them."

"That's my daughter!" He praised, reaching over to pat her shoulder.

"Did Mom hide this book away?" She asked, ready to accuse the woman of such a thing.

Varin shook his head, "I hid it from her. When Iris dropped the book off, your mother was at work. I took the advantage of hiding the book away, awaiting for your hopeful return to hand it to you."

She nearly withheld a huff, "Good thing you did. She would've pretended this book never existed."

Varin hummed to himself. "You're mother was always the over protective type, even to me ever since that accident."

Lexus panicked and waved her arms. "No, we shouldn't talk about it." She told, as if the event was a taboo.

"It's my accident, I'll talk about it all I want." He snapped, giving his daughter a stern look. Something she hadn't seen in so long, she didn't know how to feel about it. He soon softened with a smile and slouched in his wheelchair.

"I can't be hard on you, it's no one's fault it happened." He told, easing himself to relax. "I take the medicine to ease the pain, that's all. If anything, your mother is worried I'll exert myself into more pain. The only pain I've endured is going mad not having been outside."

"Mom never takes you outside?" She asked.

"Do you see an elevator to take me downstairs? Your mother picked this apartment for a reason." He told, raising a brow.

What? Just to hide her father away like some skeleton in a closet?

Lexus stood, "That's not right!" she barked. "Dad, you deserve to venture this city as much as me and the boys have. In fact…" She fished her phone out, shooting a text to someone in her contacts.

"What are you doing?" He asked, tilting his head to try and see her phone.

"Calling some assistance."


It only took a few minutes before the door was knocked on again. Lexus told her father to stay while she answered it. Opening the door, she was so thankful to see the Chocobo head catching his breath.

"You caught me… right when we… were finishing… breakfast…" He panted, leaning on the door frame, hand on his stomach.

"I didn't say you had to run." She scolded, allowing him inside. "You alright?"

"Yeah, just catch... My breath." He sighed, air back in his lungs as she shut the door. "What's up?"

"Nothing bad, I promise. I just need your help with my dad." Lexus told, folding her arms.

"Is he okay?" He asked weary.

"We're doing fine, Prompto." She laughed softly at his constant concern. "My dad hasn't left this apartment and we're going to get him out into the sunshine today!"

His brows shot up, "He's never left? Poor guy." Prompto smiled and gave a salute. "I'm all yours for this mission, Lexy!"

The two entered the living room, Prompto greeting her father with a wave. "Hello, sir."

Varin smiled, "Ah, the Chocobo Boy." he greeted. Prompto chuckled at the nickname. "What do I owe this visit?"

"Prompto's going to help me get you outside. Because there's no elevator, we're gonna need help getting you downstairs." She explained, though Varin looked hesitant. "You'll be fine, Dad. I promise."

"I trust you, honey." He told, smiling to her.

With gusto, the trio got out of the apartment and to the top of the stairs. Prompto scratched the back of his head, eyebrows furrow. "So, that's the plan?"

"You let my dad lean on you while I get the wheelchair down. Then we'll both help him down and get him in the chair." Lexus knelt down at Varin's level. "That won't be too much, will it, Dad?"

He scoffed, and patted his chest. "I got my medicine coursing through my veins, sweetheart. I'm up for anything!"

Lexus fist pumped. "That's the spirit!"

Prompto was still a tad nervous. With both their help, they got Varin out of the chair, allowing him to put his weight against Prompto, arm around his shoulder. It wasn't hard for Prompto. Varin wasn't some hulk like Gladio, more slender and taller than Prompto.

Lexus managed to fold the wheel chair and awkwardly carry it down the stairs. Within a few minutes, she jogged back up and gave a thumbs up to the men. "Alright," She ducked under Varin's free arm and now was fully supported by the two. "Just let us know if you experience any pain, okay?"

"I'll be fine." He assured.

Slowly and carefully, Prompto and Lexus lead Varin down one step at a time. Being paralyzed, his feet were propped to not drag down the steps. His body was shut down from the waist down, only allowing him to move his upper torso to turn in certain angles. Though the pain medicines helped, as he still experiences pain in his upper spine from the injury. As Lexus walked, she couldn't help but notice the scars on his arms, and even one large claw scar on his neck. Lexus remembered that one, a long claw of a Chocobo nearly sliced his neck when trampled during the race. He was lucky it was more towards the nape of his neck than his throat, having moved onto his back when he fell off.

Lexus closed her eyes tightly, near seeing the imagery in his head before shaking it and looking down. Focusing on getting her father down the stairs, and back into his chair.

"Easy, easy." She told Prompto, as he stepped down the landing of the first floor.

The man at the front desk noticed and came over, assisting in maneuvering the chair. Lexus thanked him as she and Prompto slowly lowered him in. Varin grunted back in his chair, adjusting his legs as he positioned himself to move.

"I forgot the walls were orange." He told with jest.

The front man looked around. "Oh, we got them painted two years ago, they used to be yellow."

Varin sighed though with a smile. "That's too long."

He turned the chair and wheeled toward the door. Seeing a landing, Prompto instantly held the door open and helped down to the walkway outside. The blistering heat hit, hissing at the sudden change from a nice cool building to the hot outside.

"Whew, hotter out here then when your mom cooks dinner." He joked, earning a laugh from the two. "Where should we start?"

A loud growl was heard from Lexus' stomach, making her blush as the others heard. "Maybe get some grub for Lexy." Prompto chuckling. "I know just the place."


Tozus Counter was a small outdoor restaurant located on the same road of the apartments, toward the east tunnel. They sat at a small table, Varin at the middle as Prompto and Lexus sat either side of him. There wasn't much on the menu; Roti and Curry Plate, Soul Soup, and Big Bread Buns. Curious, Lexus ordered the Roti and Curry Plate, while Varin got the bread for all to share. Because Prompto ate with the others earlier, he wasn't as hungry.

Varin kept his eyes around the area, sitting in the shade from the pressing sun. "I really never knew how humid it was out here."

"Different from the ranch?" Prompto asked, ankle propped up on his knee.

"It rained fairly often there, but here it rarely rains. If it ever does, it's usually a sunny shower." Varin told, he motioned to Lexus. "Lexi here loves the rain, she would play in the dirt with the baby Chocobos whenever she could sneak out from Hilda."

Lexus sighed as Prompto leaned forward eagerly. "I can see that, she loved to splash our car when she drove on her bike." He told, making Varin laugh.

Prompto then stood, reaching to pull out a small bag from his back pocket. "That reminds me; before I got your text, Lexus, I got some photos developed." He sat back down and layed out a pile of photos.

"Wow, quite the photographer." Varin praised, reaching for one he saw of the group in the car. Ignis in the corner with Gladio and Noctis, the background open green fields and meadows.

"Thank you, sir!" He nodded, honored by the appreciation.

Lexus took a few, shuffling through them. "Prompto loves taking photos, so it took me a while to get used to him with the camera every minute."

Varin hummed, then leaned on the arm of his chair, giving Prompto a very serious look. "Nothing heinous with my daughter, I'd assume?"

Prompto was caught off guard, he immediately waved his hands and shook his head. "No, sir! I would never do that to Lexy! Just innocent photos of us fighting and having fun, I swear!"

Varin snorted, then let out a hearty laugh and patted the poor boy's arm. "Ease it up, Son!" He told, laughing harder seeing the fear he gave Prompto. "I never got the opportunity to scare my daughter's guy friends, thank you for that."

Prompto eased up, still looking a bit nervous. He glanced at Lexus who was smiling at the exchange, nodding for him to relax. Once the food was arranged, the photos were moved to keep them safe. Varin continued looking at photos while Lexus tore into her food, liking the curry platter. As Varin flipped through the photos, he paused, a distant look in his eyes. Lexus watched, munching on her Roti as Varin stared at the photo. With a tilt of her head, she saw the photo of the old bird, Ferris, standing beside her at the ranch. The bird's eyes were closed and it looked to have been chirping when the photo was taken. Lexus stood proud beside the steed, her arms on its neck with the saddle on his back. The feathers of this bird were not as vibrant as Varin remembered, they were faded like his own hair.

"Dad?" Lexus reached his arm, earning a deep sigh from him.

"I miss this bastard." He said, slowly putting the photos down. A smile was shown for a moment when he glanced at Lexus. "He looks happy to be with you."

"He really is." Prompto assured. "Still the fastest, beat us in a small race at the ranch."

Varin chuffed, "That's my boy," and he patted Lexus' hand on the table. "and my girl."

They shuffled through more photos; the boys in the car, Noctis fishing, Gladio reading various books at hotels or camp, and one he found of Lexus and Ignis cooking together. The time when Lexus wasn't okay with her photo being taken yet. He moved that to the side, finding a few of the battle shots he made.

"Oh, that reminds me!" Lexus moved her empty plate as Prompto laid down the batch he just found. "I also take photos of the battles we encounter, these are when we found the tomb behind the cave."

Varin looked at them, eager to see his daughter in action. A lot of the photos were of her, jumping out of danger, running into it, firing her crossbow and fighting beside the boys. The father grinned proudly, enjoying the photos.

"Lexi, you grew up so much." Varin muttered, gaining her attention. He brought a hand up to his mouth, rubbing his chin. "You were just a little girl; excited for the smallest thing in the world and crying over the smallest things. Now," He looked up, into her eyes. "Now your fighting anything in your path, protecting your friends and venturing into the world. Beats Chocobo racing."

Lexus swallowed seeing the glassiness in his eyes, he reached for her hand and held it with a gentle squeeze. "I couldn't be any prouder of you."

Her brows shot up, now her own eyes threatened to shine. She gulped and held his hand back. "Thanks, Dad. They really make me happy, and I'm just glad I can be of help to them."

"And you can be more." He told, she knotted her brows at his words. "When I called Iris, it was for something she had dropped off when she escaped the city, thanks to Roland. It's something he had forgotten to give to you, trusting Iris to pass it to you should you cross paths."

Lexus looked to Prompto, he silently sat in his seat, awaiting to hear more. "W-What is it, Dad?"

"In due time." He assured, taking a napkin and handing it to her to wipe her lips clean. Some curry was seen in the corner of her mouth. "Let's take that walk and when we get back, I'll show you."

Lexus keenly wiped her mouth and paid for the food, as she pushed her father out of the small restaurant area and back to the city plaza. Prompto offered to push Varin, allowing Lexus to walk and talk beside her father. They stopped anywhere he wanted to see a shop, talk to a vendor, or try a street snack. The people were very kind to him, no judgement on his condition. All smiles, waves, and greetings.

It was obvious why this place was perfect for her parents, the people were so accepting and kind to anyone that visited or moved her. Varin talked about a few Chocobo races with Prompto, all the while still alright showing no exhaustion or overexertion. Lexus started to figure her mother was the usual overbearing self on her father's health. He was lethargic not because of his boundment to the chair, but for being inside for so many years. The sun felt nice on his skin, getting those nice rays and the fresh air of the outside.

"Lexy, I've gotten so curious the more Prompto here talked about your bike- I have to see it." Varin insisted, as they left the marketplace.

The pine haired girl got giddy, always up for showing off her proud metal steed that was her motorbike. "Yeah? It's parked with the Regalia. We can see it and the view of the valley too!"

"Sounds like a plan!" Prompto agreed, turning Varin and the three passing small ally way to cut toward the parking lot.

They cross the street and down the ramps where various other cars were found parked. Once the green shine of the Regalia was seen, Lexus grinned and pointed out the bike parked beside it. The sun shone off its black sleek chrome side, the yellow Chocobo helmet resting on the seat that made Varin laugh.

"That's my daughter's bike, alright!" He told, as they reached the vehicles. She took the helmet and handed it to her father, letting him look it over with a grin on his face. "Did you make this yourself?"

She shrugged, "Yes and no. When I wasn't helping at Uncle Roland's bar, I worked at a bike shop and fixed bikes. I got this custom made with my boss' help." Lexus explained.

Varin lifted the helmet and slipped it on. Tight snug, though his head was bigger than hers. Prompto stepped over, giving a thumbs up. "Looking good, sir!" He got his camera out, "Mind if we take a snapshot?"

Varin took the helmet off, "Not with this on. But one with my daughter would be nice." he agreed.

"Of course!" Prompto nodded as Varin handed the helmet back to Lexus. "Where do you want the photo taken?"

Varin hummed, rubbing his chin. "How about right here? Lexi on her bike with me beside her."

"Sounds perfect!"

Lexus straddled the back, helmet under her arm. Prompto adjusted her a bit, making sure the bird features on the helmet were visible. He helped get Varin closer, the father leaned to the side toward his daughter. Prompto stepped back, camera raised, as he fiddled with the zoom and dials.

"Alright, say 'Chocobo!"

"Chocobo!" They cheered just as the camera snapped.

They relaxed and Prompto checked how the photo looked. "Oh, the lighting was so perfect!" He rushed over, showing the two as well. "You guys looked great."

"Thanks, Prompto." Lexus smiled, getting off her bike and putting the helmet down.

Varin agreed, "Gonna need two copies, if alright?" He asked, earning an approved nod from the blondie. "One for Lexus to take with her and one for me to keep. Would be nice framed in the living room."

Prompto tapped his camera. "We should get a family photo too, right?" He asked Lexus

She nodded, taking out her phone to check the time. "Damn, we should get back. Mom's shift ends soon."

"It ended an hour ago." They whipped around looking up, finding a very furious looking Hilda standing on the upper wall. She leaned onto the metal railing, glaring down at the trio.

"Oh, hi honey!" Varin greeted, waving to her.

As Hilda made her way down, Prompto backed up near behind Lexus. The pine haired girl frowned as her mother approached, hand on her father's arm chair. She took her daughter's arm and dragged her away toward the scenic view finders to be out of hearing range.

"How did you even get him down the stairs? He could've gotten hurt or worse!" She scolded, making Lexus tug her arm back and fold them.

"Prompto helped me get him down, he's been fine." She assured, but Hilda didn't listen.

"He's out here in the public eye, what is fine about that?" Hilda argued.

Lexus frowned deeper, "He's getting fresh air and sun on him, it's hot but we've been keeping him hydrated. If anything, he's been having a great time." she put her hands on her hips. "Why does it matter if people see him?"

Hilda looked around, antsy where she stood. "Doesn't matter, he has to go back home now."

She turned but this time, Lexus tugged her back. "What is so bad about people seeing him? Everyone was greeting and kind to him."

Hilda ripped her arm back and glared at her daughter. She kept her back at her, fists clenched as she heard her daughter. Lexus read the body language, as she kept glancing at Varin as Prompto kept by his side. The pine haired daughter leaned her head back, taking a breath as she narrowed her eyes.

"You're ashamed of him."

Hilda whipped back. "I am not!"

"Yes, you are! You're not worried about his condition out here or if he's alright. You don't want people to see my dad like this." She accused of her. "How dare you be so arrogant about his disability!"

Hilda released a tight sigh, trying to reason with her. "Lower your voice, Lexus."

"Why? Don't want anyone to know what a selfish wife you are?" She barked. "You rather Dad stay in the dark of an apartment while you get to go out and pretend he doesn't even exist in the city!"

"Lexus Quintin, you stop right now."

"No, I won't!" She threw her hands up. "I thought maybe, just maybe, you would've changed in the past twelve years like I did. I still remember you as the selfish overbearing vain woman you always were back at the ranch."

Hilda pressed a hand to her chest, now glaring back at her daughter. "Roland raised you to be this?" She told, flaring Lexus' anger. "A pretentious woman who thinks she can handle anything thrown at her?"

"I can handle anything, more than you! I fought Imperials, I fought beasts, I fought Deamons and I will keep fighting with my friends until this is over." She told.

"Not while I'm alive, you're not!"

Lexus just huffed at her, she folded her arms refusing to respond. Hilda heaved a heavy sigh, trying to calm herself down now. Her eyes scanned seeing people watching the scene, deciding to end this.

"Lexus, that night after dinner, hearing about what danger you're putting yourself in." She started, hoping her daughter was listening as she looked away toward the Disc. "I thought once we got you back, you'd be staying with us for now on."

Lexus turned her head, seeing the anger gone from her mother and now desperation.

"I can't relax knowing you're out there getting yourself killed like Roland-" She stopped short, taking a breath. "We just got our daughter back, we can't lose you again."

With that, Hilda turned and walked toward Varin and Prompto. Lexus watched Prompto say something, bowing his head only to have given a look and take Varin by the handles of the wheelchair and pushing him back toward the apartments. Awkwardly, Prompto looked and approached her as she leaned her back against the brick wall.

"Lexus, I-"

"I'm sorry, Prompto. But… Can I be alone for a while?" This caught the blond off guard, she turned away and hung her head over the wall. "Just for a bit, please."

Prompto nodded, swallowing down a few words. "Sure, I'll be with the guys at the hotel."

Backing away, Prompto turned as he rubbed the back of his head. He stole one more glance before leaving her be.


She didn't know how long time had passed, possibly an hour at this point. Lexus heaved a few sighs before raising her head to look out at the land. The Disc of Cauthess burning in the distance as mountains and valleys surrounded it. She loved the world, and there was so much more to see of it. The thought of staying here brought dread into her heart. Reminding her of the twelve years being locked away in Insomnia.

Was it selfish of her to leave her parents and go onward?

Was it abandonment to her friends to stay behind with my parents?

"You look troubled." A suave accented voice commented.

Lexus rolling her eyes. "I'd rather be alone, sir." She told, looking down at her knotted fingers.

"My deepest apologies, Miss. You just looked like you needed someone to lament to, is all." He told, voice kind.

Giving in, Lexus turned to find a tall older man, wild yet tamed violet red hair under a black fedora. He dressed as if going to a ball, the heavy layers making her feel the sweat produce under her shirt. He held a charming smile, blue eyes resting down on her. Lexus felt intimidated by his stare, though he wasn't trying to give that air to him. He carefully approached, towering her smaller figure, rivaling Ignis' height.

"I understand family dilemma." He told, welcoming himself to her. "More of the sibling variety. You have none?"

To appease the man, she shook her head. "Only child. I consider that a lucky draw of the Gods." She frowned at him, but he gave a shrug.

Lexus turned to the man, taking him in fully. He had an air about him, but most people did these days. "And you are?"

The man looked as if he had forgotten an important detail, that was his name. He took the hat off and gave a deep gracious bow. "My apologies, my Lady. I am Ardyn." He told, gently taking her hand and kissing the top of it.

Lexus gulped, glad when her hand was free and folded behind her back to rub it against her pants. "Um, it's nice to meet you, Ardyn. I'm.. Lexus." She told, not knowing why she didn't like to entail her own name. It was common courtesy.

"Lexus, a beautiful name. With a perfect meaning behind it." He added, making her tilt her head. "Never knew? Lexus has the name meaning 'defender of men'."

Near fitting, she thought. "That so? What does your name mean?"

He chuckled, "I've always been told it was 'valley of the eagle'." Ardyn answered, relaxing beside her, though she kept a distance. "Now that we know each other's names and meanings, what ails you?"

Not like he was going to leave now, she thought. "...My parents, er, have been out of my life since I was a kid." She told, trying to stay vague. "I just got back with them, and it feels great but-"

"Constricted?" He guessed, turning to lean on the wall as he looked over the view.

Lexus nodded, "My Dad is encouraging me to continue onward into the world, but my Mom-"

"She's deeply concerned for your safety." He figured, Lexus nodded. "As any mother should be, it's in the instincts, y'know?"

Lexus raised a brow at his guessing and cutting her off. He bowed his head and motioned his hand, allowing her to continue. "I can choose to go with my friends and venture the world, or stay with my parents to be a family again."

Ardyn tilted his head, letting the words sink in as he looked at her. "You can't have both?"

Lexus thought about that, but shook her head. "I wish I could." She told, opening up a bit more. "I was alone when I met my friends, thinking they were all I had. Now, I have them and my parents, and I have to make a choice."

"If I were in your shoes," He started, she looked at him as he gave a sincere smile. "I would choose what's right for me, not them." Ardyn paused before continuing. "It's your life right, lead it however you wish for it to go."

"Even if it means hurting people I love?" She asked, feeling more troubled than before.

He sighed at her question. "The truth can hurt people, but so can lies. Can't keep pain away forever."

This seemed to make Lexus really question her life. What did she really want? Did she want back the family she always yearned for for twelve years? Did she want to stay by her friends' side and help Noctis? Was there a third option?

Ardyn's sights then fell on something behind her, he waved and brought out a different smile. "What a coincidence!" He called.

Lexus turned to see Noctis and the others walking over. By the look on their faces, they were a bit shocked to see Ardyn with Lexus.