Ohhhh, shit's getting heated! Writing people like Ardyn is really simple, probably because cocky sauve villains are so common it's really easy. Hope I wrote to him well!
The tension between the boys and Ardyn was so heavy, Lexus felt she was in the middle of a cross fire between them.
"Not so sure it is." Gladio replied, regarding Ardyn's comment.
"Lexus? What…" Prompto stepped up, but Ignis made the first move to stand beside her. He raised a hand slightly in front of her, as if Ardyn was dangerous.
"Ignis?" Why would he get defensive, did they know him?
Ardyn shrugged, "Simply gave her a piece of advice she had been needing." he told. "Lent an ear, as any good friend would do."
Ignis near growled, his hands clenched. "What advice was that?" Gladio questioned, taking a step forward.
Lexus placed a hand on Igni's arm, looking over his shoulder. "Guys, I'm fine. We were just talking, do you know him?" she asked.
"We met once before." Ignis told, keeping his stance before her.
Ardyn chuckled, "So have we, bumped right into each other." Lexus frowned at him. "What, you don't remember? It was by the beautiful display of the ocean, quite romantic."
Lexus blinked, remembering meeting a man of the same violet hair and clothing… It was the same man. Ardyn; it was a small interaction, not enough for her to remember him.
Ardyn gave a small frown, playing offended by her forgetfulness. "Shame you didn't recognize me. We both stick out a mile, do we not?"
He waved his hand toward the boys. "You also failed to mention that your friends were the Prince and his cohorts. Thought we were building trust between one another." he said, bringing him his fingers to connect the digits.
Lexus was gently pushed back behind the others as they stood like a wall before her. She didn't feel as comfortable with the man as she was before. His smile that seemed friendly was almost ominous. Prompto kept a hand on her arm, it gave her a comfort
He dropped his arms and walked over, though kept a distance from the apprehensive boys. "Aren't nursery rhymes, curious things?" He asked, his full attention on Noctis now.
When the group didn't respond, Ardyn continued. "Like this one: 'From the deep, the Archean calls." He pointed out toward the Disc, where the Titan rested. "Yet on deaf ears, the gods' tongue falls, The King made to kneel, in pain, he crawls'."
"You mean, those headaches he's been having." Lexus figured, as they stepped aside to let Ardyn pace past them.
"Then how do we keep him on his feet?" Prompto asked, eager to hear the cure for his friend.
"You need only heed the call. Visit the Archean and hear his plea." He turned to them, his fabrics swishing around him. "I can take you."
The boys discussed the offer, Charlotte looking beyond the point toward the Disc. Titan, one of the six Gods? It was said the royal family was connected, or able to communicate with the Astrals. If so, it did explain Noctis' insistent headaches.
"We'll go." They agreed, breaking Lexu's train of thought.
"Then I'm staying."
This took the boys by surprise. "You… are?" Prompto asked.
Lexus looked between them, they looked at her as if she denied to eat Ignis' cooking. "Yeah, I.. I need to fix things with my parents." She tried to explain, reaching up to rub her arm. "If I leave again, it might put more of a strain on us. I have to fix it now or…"
"We understand." Gladio told.
Noctis patted her shoulder, "You take care of family drama, we'll handle this." he told her.
Lexus smiled with a nod. "Thanks, I expect you guys to be gone for a few days?"
"Just a day or two." Ardyn answered, regaining her attention. "I'll let you heave the sentimentals, my car is parked right by your precious Regalia. Then we can discuss travel plans." He removed his hat with a swift bow to Lexus once more. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Lexus."
She gave a kind nod allowing him to turn and leave the group, walking toward the lot. The boys eyed him down before turning back to Lexus.
"A day or two at best, then we'll be back." Noctis told, kinder assurance than Ardyn's statement.
"Take your time, and be careful out there." Lexus stepped to Prompto. "This may sound selfish, but can you get as many photos of the Archean Titan as you can?"
"Oh, of course!" Prompto grinned, giving her a thumbs up. "Anything the lady wants, Prompto delivers." He gave her a hug, which she returned. "Good luck with your parents." He gently muttered, knowing the specific drama compared to the others.
Gladio gave a soft nudge with his fist to her shoulder, and Noctis bid her a nod before they left toward the lot where Ardyn awaited. Ignis was the last, folding his arms as he stood before her.
"Any other particular reason for declining to join us?" He asked, she tilted her head at him. "Did he say something to you?" Ingis' tone was a snarl, though not towards her. Much like a mother defending a bullied child.
Lexus thought of Ardyn's words, he wasn't being mean but it didn't feel like he was being nice for the heck of it either. The coincidence of them meeting twice, along with the boys as well seemed too perfect.
"Prompto told you about my parents this morning, right?" She asked. He shook his head, "Before Prompto could tell us anything, Noctis' headaches grew worse. It's what brought us to see the Disc, as he was having visions of the Archean."
She raised her head," Right." Lexus sighed. "My Mom expects me to stay here, with them and leave you guys. I want to stay with you guys, and I also want to keep my parents with me. But, the thought of being caged up in a city again…" Lexus looked down and pressed her fist to her chest, feeling the bristles of the black feather around her neck.
Ignis wished to console her in her new situation, but glancing toward the lot proved he couldn't keep them waiting much longer. Especially with Ardyn now in their party. He had to keep to his duties to Noctis.
"We'll talk with them about the situation when we return." Was all he could offer, Lexus was despondent. Not what she wanted to hear, but knew it was all that could be provided.
Wanting to ease her, his body moved faster than his brain. His hand reached up, finding her loose fingers at her side and taking one or two digits in his grip. Leaning down, he pressed his lips to her forehead, gifting a gentle peck of a kiss. Lexus felt her entire frame freeze, but felt warmth from her head to her finger tips. It was like chills and electricity were rising over her arms and the back of her neck. The only people to ever give her such affection were her parents as a child and her uncle growing up. Taking it from someone outside her family, sent a different surge in her nerves. Her cheeks were tinted, looking up as Ignis looked down at her, his green eyes glistening in the setting sun over the horizon behind her.
This same feeling came before her, back when they were fighting in the cave and Ignis tackled her to safety. The close contact of the two- Though it was faint before, the initial contact this time from the affection he bestowed to her. It was like she was given a short shock to her system.
"We'll all be together again." He murmured, his voice just above a whisper as soft as the wind. "I promise you that."
She had the fear of abandonment, happening too many times for her to feel comfortable for people to leave. But for Lexus to volunteer to stay behind, maybe it was a step to overcome that. Either way, he wanted to comfort her, assure her by his own words and actions that they would return and she wasn't being left alone again.
Ignis stepped back, letting their hands disconnect and turning away to join the others. Lexus took a step forward, watching his receding form toward the lot. The sound of the car's roaring engine was heard, making her jog toward the steps. Just in time to see the Regalia and Ardyn in his red car leave the lot, and sped out of the city through the East tunnel.
Her heart kicked back into gear, realizing this was the first time in days- No, possibly weeks she was separated from the boys. Her leave of Insomnia was so long ago and she had been with the boys far longer than she originally thought. After all, they were near a second family; friends who took her in when she had thought to have no one.
She still wasn't alone, in Lestallum were her mother and father, who she had to speak with about the recent argument that morning. The thought of another fight or screaming match made her stomach ache, so she decided to go back to the hotel, best to inform Iris where her brother and the others went.
Despite having the hotel room to herself beforehand, she still felt lonelier than before. Used to having the boys visit, she visited their room or heard them from the other side. Be it arguing who gets a shower first to them playing their King's Knight. Iris was informed of where the others had gone, leaving her to be in her room to isolate herself.
Lexus laid on her bed, looking over the compendium her father had given her. While awaiting for their return in a day or two, she thought it best to brush up on her knowledge of beasts and Daemons. She even updated some old notes there, including the venom that Cokcatrices could carry.
When a knock came onto the door, she raised her head up. "Come in!" She called. The door creaked open and Iris peaked in. "Hey, what's up?"
"Just thought I'd check up, kind of bored." She told, shutting the door. Iris sat beside Lexus and saw the book. "Oh, you got the book!"
Lexus sat up, picking the book up and moving it to her lap. "My Dad told me, Uncle Roland and Ajax entrusted this to you."
Iris nodded, a solemn look on her cute features. "It was their final wish before we separated, and I got out of the city. I wanted to fulfill it, in honor of them helping me and others escape the city."
Lexus smiled at her. "Thanks, Iris. I'm glad to have something left behind by them, and I plan to finish it."
"What is it, I never looked into it." She admitted.
Lexus showed her a few pages, some of the beast listings and others of Daemons. "Woah, everything in here about the creatures in Lucis?"
"Everything, but The Six." Lexus turned the pages toward the end, where some were labeled by the names of said Astrals. "They must not have been able to finish the book. So, I'll finish it for them."
"Oh, the Titan!" Iris pointed at a page Lexus flipped to, the name written in faded calligraphy. "That's where they went to go see, right?"
Lexus nodded, "Whatever information they'll get, including photos from Prompto, I'll add into the book." she told closing it.
"Can't wait to see it!" She cheered, hopping off the bed. "You wouldn't happen to be too busy with the book, would you?"
Lexus raised a brow. "I can spare some time, something wrong?"
"Nothing wrong." Iris assured, but still seemed puzzled. "I wanted to make something for Noctis. But, I need some help."
Lexus moved the book to the bed and stood, folding her arms. "What did you want to make?"
"Ever heard of a Moogle?" She asked.
"Of course." Lexus told. "I used to be told about the Moogles as a kid by my Dad. What about them?"
Iris hid her hands behind her back, pacing the room. "I want to make a good luck charm for the boys, and I heard Moogles are considered good luck." She turned back. "So, I want to make a plush Moogle doll."
Leuxs' brows went up. "Sounds awesome!" she encouraged. "I come into play how?"
"Well, I heard you're really good at sewing, so I thought maybe you could help me sew it together?" She pressed her palms together in a pleading manner. "I didn't want to bother you, but I really need help on this."
Lexus softened for the teen, she wanted to do a kindness towards the boys. With her adorable question, how could she say no? Lexus moved the book into her bag and placed it under her bed.
"No need to beg, I'll help you out." She accepted, making Iris giddy with excitement. "Besides, I need thread for my embroidery project."
"Oh? What's the project?" Iris asked curiously. Lexus fished into the bedside drawer and got out the beige handkerchief. Noctis' name was finished in black thread beside Ignis' in a faded green. "Aww, you're gonna put all their names on it?"
"Yeah, I need to get yellow for Prompto, but I don't know what to do for Gladio." She admitted. "I thought of amber, but the color isn't really easy to come across."
"I saw someone in the market selling thread, they had maroon. Will that work?" Iris offered.
Lexus beamed, "That's perfect!" she approved. "Let's get what we need, and we'll make the Moogle."
Excited for the project, Iris and Lexus left Leville and strolled toward the market. Lexus hadn't noticed how long it's been since the boys left, it was now near evening. She hadn't eaten since this morning and skipped out on lunch. Once the scent of the spices and open grilled cooking hit her senses, her stomach roared for food.
Iris giggled, hearing it clearly as they reached the market. "Any plans for dinner?"
Lexus adjusted her shirt to rub her stomach. "Not really. Didn't have an appetite until now."
"Well, let's eat out. My treat!" She offered, making Lexus smile with gratitude.
They two stopped at a stand that had various colors and patterns of fabric rolled up and on display. Lexus asked about thread colors, and was amazed by the amount of shades the man had. She bought a bright yellow and a maroon as suggested by Iris. In fact, she bought two while Iris looked over the fabrics. She bought two yards of cream white, a small yard of light blue and purple, and some red. Though the red only came in leather, which concerned Iris on sewing the thick material. Lexus assured her they'd figure it out.
"Now we just need the little bobble they have on their head." Iris told, as they searched more through the market. "I was thinking of using a spring wire to have it bound around." She explain, using her hand over her head to imitate the movement. "Then a small gem at the top!"
Lexus did a double take, "Not a real gem, right?" she asked.
"Of course not!" Iris laughed, bringing her hand back down. "It was Talcott's idea on the gem."
"We could probably get a spring from someone selling parts for weapons or cars- Oh, the patrol station West of the town. They might have some springs at the mini mart!" Lexus exclaimed.
"Perfect!"
Leaving the market, they exited past a small ally and walked down the street to find the mini mart. Lights started to illuminate as the sun slowly went down over the horizon. Lexus checked her phone, hoping maybe they'd call to let her know they got to a safe place for the night.
Entering the small mini mart, they were greeted with some nice AC and the kind store owner behind the counter. "How can I help you ladies?"
Lexus approached the counter as Iris browsed. "Hi, would you happen to have any metal coils or springs?"
The man nodded, he dug under his counter and brought out a box of coils. "Need to fix something?" He asked curiously, as he rang her out.
"Just a small project with my friend." She told. Lexus paid for the box and joined Iris in looking at the shelves. "Any idea where to find those gems?"
"Gems ya say?" The girls turned and found a man with a snarky grin and silver hair that rivaled Ignis' style. "I might have what yous look'n for." He dressed like a model and held an accent far beyond any the girls have heard.
Lexus was apprehensive, frowning as he overheard their conversation. "Yeah, gems. Know where we can get some?"
"Lucky for you little ladies, I am a jeweler in the making." He grinned, his hands moving around as he spoke enthusiastically. "Name's Dino Ghiranze, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Iris greeted him kindly, Lexus folded her arms at him. "Got any red ones?" Iris asked.
"Ohh, a ruby is what yous need? Funny enough I so happen to have such a gem in my mits." He grinned. "But, I'll need payment in return."
"If it's gil, we'll pay." Iris told, earning a look from Lexus.
"Sadly, gil won't cut it. I'll need something a bit of equal value." He told.
"A gem for a gem?" Lexus questioned.
The man chuckled, "Yous see, my usual hunters are unavailable, and I need a sapphire stone for a new project. Yous scratch my back, and I scratch yours."
"Where can this sapphire stone be found?" Lexus asked, tilting her head.
Dino chuckled, "Not far, in fact, it's a few miles out down by a river bank." He explained. "If yous get me that, I'll gladly let yous take this ruby off my hands."
Iris looked to Lexus in slight concern, but the pine haired girl didn't seem too worried. She shrugged, "Alright, deal. Where can I find you to make the trade?"
"Down by the park'n lot, I'll be enjoyin' the view waitin' for yous." He bid them and walked off down the street.
Iris stepped in front of Lexus, "Are you sure? We can always find another-" but she raised a hand.
"Don't worry, the closest river is South West of here, and it's not crawling with too many monsters. I'll head out before it gets too dark." She told, walking towards the parking lot where her bike was parked.
"Maybe we should wait until the boys get back? They can help out in finding it." Iris suggested, but Lexus shook her head.
"I'll be fast on my bike, get the sapphire, and be back before dark." Iris didn't seem convinced. "I'll be fine, here." Lexus took her phone and handed it to her. "Add your phone number, if anything happens, I'll call and let you know."
Iris typed on her phone for a moment then handed it back, now having her in her contact list. "Alright, be careful?"
Lexus nodded, giving a two-finger salute. "Of course!" she promised. "If the boys get back in a day or so, may as well get the Moogle done before then."
"I know, I just don't want you risking your life over a few stones." Iris expressed.
Lexus smiled, "Ajax and Uncle Roland trained me well. Worst comes to worst; I'll stay at a rest stop for the night." She patted her shoulder. "Get the patterns ready for it, and we'll get sewing when I get back."
Iris smiled, "Alright. I'll keep my phone on me in case you call." She told.
Lexus nodded and left to her bike, checking over the gas gauge and her weapons attached to the back. She gave a glance at the map, noting the location and got her helmet. Once slid on, she straddled the bike, revving it to life, and sped off.
Sapphires were blue, Lexus was sure of that. Gems and jewelry wasn't exactly her forte, but she remembered the necklaces, earrings, etc. her mother wore at times. She had seen a sapphire gem in a necklace, of course all her gems were of glass.
Lexus drove out for a few miles, regret started settling into her stomach as she parked the bike by the steps that lead down a trail along the river. The sun was setting lower, and the idea of going back now came to her mind. Her pride spoke louder, the same volume from when she left the boys to face Deadeye alone. Taking her crossbow off the bike, she ventured down the steps to the trail along the river.
She kept her ears open and eyes peeled for any beasts that could be out here. When reading up the book, she found this to be a natural habitat for Sahagins, reptile giants. They were usually found in large groups, about ten or even twenty, so her guard was on high alert. Not only did she have to keep herself aware of the Sahagins, but also search the ground and rocks for this sapphire stone.
"Starting to wonder if I should've waited until day break." She muttered, climbing over the rocky trail.
Reaching the end, she saw a hint of blue in a large rock formation that sat in the middle of a beach clearing. She jogged over, inspecting it to be sure it was gems. With some time, she dug out a very loose sapphire in the stone works, finding it a very sizable gem, the size of a ball.
"This better be worth a ruby." Lexus grumbled, pocketing the large gem.
A hint of hissing caught her ears, with quick movements she dove to the ground just to miss the strike of a Sahagin. Its large long jaws narrowly missed her legs as she tumbled and reached for her crossbow. Lexus fired at it, letting the bolt lodge into his neck. That seemed to take care of that, until another came barreling out of the water and shot a spray of it from his mouth. Lexus ran what felt like circles to avoid the cold skin shocking spray until he ran out. She loaded her bolt and fired, this time it lodged into its front leg.
The first one seemed pissed now and charged at her. Lexus tumbled out of the way once more, looking around for any others. "They must be out hunting." She assumed, looking for higher ground, the only being said rock holding the sapphires.
She strapped the crossbow and ran over, climbing up to perch herself atop the rock. This proved a correct move to make, as now the Sahagins were struggling to reach her. They jumped and leapt off the ground as high as they could, but barely could reach. One even tried to climb, chomping its jaws at the edge like a dog reaching for scraps at a table.
Given the advantage, she reloaded the crossbow and fired at the first one. It was shot in the eye and it retreated to the water, but collapsed before making it to the edge of the river. The second one crawled back and tried to spray her again. Sadly, she was hit and launched off, landing harshly onto her back. The wind knocked out, she coughed and sat up with a wince to try and regain herself. Circling around the rock, the Sahagin hissed at his success and charged again.
Lexus scrambled to load her crossbow as she crawled backwards until her back hit a wall. The Sahagin leapt at her, she screamed and raised her crossbow, firing it right as its jaws opened. The bolt shot through his mouth and past its skull, killing it instantly as it fell right at her feet. Lexus pulled her legs up, using the wall as leverage to get to her feet.
"All this… over a stupid rock." She grumbled, strapping the crossbow and limping away. She didn't even bother to deal with the dead Sahagins, just leaving them there for the next beast to come around hungry.
The walk back to the steps and her bike at the road was slow thanks to her limping. Her legs were fine but her back ached. A potion was useless so she endured the pain and climbed the stairs, reaching her bike. The sun was gone and the sky was turning to a purple blue hue.
"I should make it back in time." She figured.
Lexus strapped the crossbow to the bike and straddled it, pausing to ease her back and revved the bike up. She felt the pain arch through her spine but had to ignore it until she got back to Lestallum. Lexus could only wonder what the boys were up to right now.
At last the night sky emerged just as the bike rode out of the tunnel and back to Lestallum. The lights shining in the city eased her mind and heart, safe and sound. Pulling into the lot, she spotted Dino as he saw her. He extended his arms out with a snarky grin, approaching her as she parked and removed her helmet.
"I hadn't expected you to go out late before the sun fell, did find it?" He asked.
Lexus sighed and reached into her pocket, taking out the large stone. His eyes near bugged at the sight. "Just as beautiful as I expected! Thanks a lot, this comes more to me than yous know."
"Yeah, sure." She got off the bike and put the helmet on the seat. "Can I have the ruby now?"
He nodded and placed the red stone in her open palm. "Sorry to say, it's not one of my usual collections for work."
Lexus didn't even need to inspect it, she shrugged. "That's fine, it's for my friend more than me."
"Let me compensate for your work then." He handed her a small string bag, she opened it curious and shocked to find gil inside. At least 1,500 worth of gil. "You did risk yourself to get this stone, I presume."
"Oh, thanks!" She pocketed the money as he bid her farewell.
"I'll let my usual hunters know they got some competition!" He joked.
With a sigh, Lexus tossed the ruby in the air like a ball as she left the lot to meet with Iris at the Leville. She found the teenager in the lobby, looking worried as she sat by the fountain. Seeing Lexus she sighed and ran over.
"Thank goodness you're back safe." Iris hugged her, to which Lexus had to bit back a yelp of pain from her back. She returned the hug and sighed once released. "How'd it go?"
"Pretty simple; I ran into some Sahagins, but just a small couple hunting for dinner." Lexus showed her the gem, Iris grinned and clapped her hands. "How'd the patterns turn out?"
Iris grinned as she led her up to her room. On her bed were the laid out pieces of cute fabric, though the limbs look longer than Lexus expected them to be. The torso was small and the head was almost as big as her own, with the nose patterns as huge as a plate. Iris wasn't kidding when she said she never had sewn before, including how to measure the needed patterns. From the small toys she remembers seeing in arcade crane games, its limbs were like little nubs, head and torso matching sizes, and its nose was very tiny. The wings were cut well and the patch for its stomach was alright, the coil for the hanging gem had been stretched out so now it would bobble all over the place even more.
"I just finished the patterns, I haven't done the ears though. Don't know how those should be done." She admitted, trotting over and picking up the nose pattern. "Leather is hard to cut, will this work for the nose?"
Lexus smiled and took the fabric, "Yeah, we can cut little corners out to make it round." she explained. "As for the ears, we can make triangles and pinch the ends."
"Awesome!" Iris cheered. "I'm so lucky to have you help me, can't wait to start making it!"
All in all, she rather go to sleep, but couldn't say no to Iris. Lexus could imagine the many times Gladio had difficulty doing the same growing up with her.
Lexus aided her in the first lesson of sewing; threading the needle. Since the material was a bit thick, Lexus made sure to use some stronger needles Ignis had lent her and doubled the thread. It took a few times, but after an hour, Iris finally got the thread in the needle. They started with the arms, turning the fabric inside out to keep the stitching neat. Lexus eased her through, keeping the sewing straight and teaching her a whip stitch.
Iris finished the first arm, jumping from the couch. "It's done! And it only took a few-oh." She presented it to Lexus, but found her on the end of the bed asleep on her side.
"You could've told me you were too exhausted." Iris softly scolded, pulling the blanket to drape it over her.
She moved the remaining fabric to the desk by the window, leaving it for work tomorrow. Iris got ready for bed, taking the second bed and turning off the lights, enveloping into a good night's sleep.
The next morning, Lexus felt a bit more refreshed, and even more so after a nice shower. Her and Iris had breakfast with Telcott and Jared, and let Talcott sit with them as they continued on the Moogle.
By the time it was afternoon, the limbs were done, and they worked on the head. Lexus adjusted the pattern a bit, as she finished the ears and nose. It wasn't until now that Talcott asked,
"What are you going to stuff it with?"
The two girls paused and looked at one another. They had forgotten the most important part. "The stuffing!"
Lexus threw herself back on the bed and Iris slouched in her chair. "We completely forgot." The teenager groaned.
Talcott felt a bit bad, "I know where it's sold, Moatte's Odds 'n' Ends should have some." he offered.
Iris jumped to her feet. "Let's get going then. Who knows when the boys will be back tonight." Iris told, with Talcott trotting behind as they left the room.
Lexus sat up and stood, checking her phone to see no messages or calls. With a sigh, she pocketed her phone and followed the two out of the Leville.
They walked past some kids playing ball, men talking about their wives at work, and some women on lunch break deciding what to do on their day offs. The sun wasn't beating as hard today, and a nice breeze was swelled up as they walked down plaza.
Just as they turned, the sudden shake of tremors in the earth shook so hard the three fell to the ground bracing. These tremors were worse than before, people screamed and yelled as trees shook and cars jumbled. People driving had to stop and get down in fear of something collapsing.
"What is happening!? Talcott cried, huddled with Iris as the two leaned against the wall.
Lexus had a hunch, "It must be from the Archeon!" she told.
"Look! The Disc!"
"By the Six, is that-!?"
Lexus heard people panicking over something with the Disc of Cauthess and the Archeon. "Stay here!" She barked at the two, staying low and crouching across the street.
She leaned against the small wall at the slope for the lot, using it as leverage to get up. She was shocked to see the actual Archeon, standing tall with the meteor still in his grasp. He looked to be smashing the ground as if being attacked. Her heart sank realizing, whatever he was smashing must be Noctis and the others.
People were evacuating the buildings, in fear of them collapsing or caving in. Lexus's head whipped realizing her parents must be on the upper floor still, seeing people pour out of the building. Without hesitation, Lexus half ran half stumbled back across the street and shoved past the people through the doors. She ran up the stairs almost tripping when the tremors shook violently more, and made it to the second floor. Lexus b-lined to the Chocobo mailbox apartment, and start pounding the door.
"Mom! Dad!" She cried, but no response.
She turned and pulled her leg back, attempting to kick the door down best she could. She kicked it a few times, but it only budged for a moment. Lexus stepped back and started shoulder ramming the door, until finally she hit the door off its bolts. Her small arm reached through the doorway and kept yanking at the chain lock.
"Mom! Dad! Are you in there!?" She cried, desperately yanking at the chain.
She was suddenly aided when more pressure was put against the door. Lexus turned finding Talcott and Iris helping in pushing against the door with their might. She stepped back, letting them do the same. "GO!"
The three rammed the door, with combined strength they knocked the door down and broke the chain right off. They fell in, Talcott landing on Iris as Lexus fell chin first into the floor. She ignored the growing bruise and scrambled to her feet, checking the kitchen, living room and bathroom.
"Hello!? Answer me!"
"Help!" Came a voice, the bedroom!
The three ran toward the room, finding her mother struggling to get her father up. He looked to have been knocked out, judging by the wound on his head. "The ceiling light fell on him, I can't get him up!" Hilda cried, unable to lift Varin up herself.
Lexus knelt down and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, heaving her father up alone. Hilda was stunned at first by the sudden strength of her daughter, but didn't stay long as Lexus took the lead to take her father out of the room. Hilda, Iris, and Talcott followed down, Talcott helping his best to get Varin down stairs. The walls started to crack just as they got outside, getting back down to the ground by a parked car. Lexus held her father against her with Hilda holding them both close. Iris held Talcott close to her, as they awaited for the quaking to stop.
What felt like a full hour, only a few more minutes the tremors came to a complete stop. Everyone stayed where they were, fearful of after effects. After a minute of silence, people started to rise to their feet, looking on toward the Disc or inspecting the damage around them.
Lexus lifted her head, as did Iris with Talcott clung to her. Hilda looked around, then focused down to inspect her husband's head injury. Lexus stood, her eyes unable to shift away from the Disc of Cauthess.
"The meteor, it's gone."
"What happened? Where's the Archeon?"
"Imperials! They're at the Disc!"
Her eyes rose up, finding the floating ships indeed surrounding the area. Fear filled her bones, making her joints ache with worry. What about the guys? Were they alright? Were they captured or killed?
She was jolted back to reality when her arm was shaken, looking down to see Talcott trying to gain her attention. Varin was stirring, his head injury now smeared of dry blood but needed to be treated.
"Dad!" She cried, falling to her knees in front of him. "Dad, can you hear me?"
He groaned and moved his head, shaking it a bit to get his eyes to open and focus. Blurry at first, but soon his vision cleared at the sight of his daughter. He smiled to hide a wince.
"Lexi, baby girl," He coughed, grimacing with the pain in his head.
"We have to get him inside." Hilda told.
Lexus argued, "That building is barely holding on, we'll take him to the Leville." She turned to Talcott. "Can you help me?"
Talcott didn't hesitate, he ducked under to help lift Varin best he could. Iris offered any help to Hilda, though she was fine as they followed Lexus back to the hotel. Thankfully, nothing else seemed damaged as they arrived, Jared down at the lobby looking worried.
"Talcott, thank the Six." Talcott would've gone to hug his grandfather, but was helping Lexus keep her father from the floor. "My word, bring him in." He urged.
Some workers at the hotel rushed over to help, aiding the two in getting Varin upstairs into a bed. Lexus insisted they take her room so she could treat the head injury he sustained. Hilda stayed by her side, helping her clean his head to see how bad the wound had been. Thankfully, nothing too bad. When the ceiling light hit his head, it left a small gash just above his left eyebrow. She wrapped bandages around his head much like Ignis would do for her own injuries.
Ignis, Prompto, Gladio, Noctis; Lexus prayed they were okay.
Varin rested in bed, Hilda adjusting the blankets for him to be comfortable. She looked like a mess herself, hair askew and clothing a bit dirty. She looked to have been on her day off or just got off work.
"You can take a shower to freshen up, if you wish." Lexus offered, but Hilda denied it.
"I was about to take one when the tremors hit us." She told, sitting across from Lexus by Varin's side. "I would rather keep him in my sight for now."
Lexus snorted, her emotions rising from the other day. "That so?"
Hilda sighed, reaching over to hold Varin's hand. "He warned me of the tremors and forced himself out of the chair to push me away. He thought the ceiling was going to cave in and just moved." Her fingers caressed the fresh scrapes on his knuckles. "I feared for the worse when he sustained the injury."
Lexus wanted to snap some snarky comments, but seeing Varin's fingers curl around her hand in response paused her. The last thing they needed was another argument, especially right now.
"Lexus." She raised her eyes to meet her mother's soft ones. "Thank you. You didn't hesitate on running into the building, knocking the door down and lifting Varin up without a struggle."
"You're my parents, I would do anything for you." She told, standing to walk to the balcony. Outside people were inspecting the damages as kids wandered the streets. "Even if it means risking my own skin."
A small chuckle was heard. "When did you become so brave?"
When I was taught self defenee.
When I met my first true friends.
When I fought my first real battle.
These were the answers she wanted to tell Hilda, but her throat had come too dry to even respond with a nod or shake of her head. "Let me know when he wakes up." Lexus told, walking to the door. "I'm going to check on the others."
Once she was in the hallway, Lexus shut the door and heaved the heaviest sigh from her lungs. She pressed her palms into her face, taking a moment to herself trying to ignore her mother's question.
Lexus strode down the hall to Iris' room where she found Jared and Talcott. "Are you guys alright?"
They nodded, Iris holding a look of concern. "How's your dad?"
"Resting." She told, folding her arms and leaning against the door. "The injury isn't too bad, but I don't think a potion is needed. That's what Ignis would tell me, I think."
"Wow, he taught you a lot about treating injuries." Iris praised.
"That and Ajax, but Ignis sort of finished the lesson." Lexus told. "Anyway, a word from Gladio or the others?"
Iris' smile fell, shaking her head as she sat down on her bed. "Nothing yet, I'm really worried."
Talcott tried to cheer her up. "Prince Noctis and the others will return. After all, they were dealing with the Archeon."
Lexus gave an encouraging smile. "Talcott's got a point. They're probably camping out somewhere. They got our number if anything happens."
That seemed to ease Iris a bit, neither did it for Lexus herself. She can't shake the thought of Imperials at the Disc, so close to Lestallum. "I'm going to go check around, see if anyone has word of what happened."
Lexus left the room and exited the Leville, walking the streets of the city. People were still shaken up by the tremors, and they have also noticed the absence of the Archeon. Many people and kids alike were rushing around helping others in cleaning store fronts or checking in with families. Some were heading towards the lot where they could see the Disc, Lexus made her way there and her heart sank seeing the Imperial ships still floating above it. Were they captured, killed, or worse by the Empire?
Fishing her phone out, she frowned when finding a small crack in the screen. Nonetheless, she opened up her contacts and pressed Ignis' number, holding the phone to her ear. She waited a bit, but was caught by a dead beep.
"What?" She checked her phone, then noticed in her icons that the signal was jammed. "Damnit, the tremors must have messed up our phone signals." Lexus pocketed her phone making her way back to the hotel. "Must be way they haven't contacted us." She hoped.
Night fell upon the city, as people recounted the day and eased into the night. Not much commotion was going on as the usual party night life, it seemed people wanted to be at home and with their families from the trial of today. Lexus sat at the balcony of Iris' room, joining her as she let her parents take her room. She kept an ear open, in case anything were to happen with her parents she could rush over to check on her father.
"Ugh, the signal is still jammed." Groaned Iris, trying to call Gladio. "Probably won't be up for another few days."
Lexus turned, leaning her arm on the railing. "If I knew where they were, I'd go find them." She voiced. "The Imperials left the Disc, so they could be hiding anywhere."
Iris stood from her bed, joining her at the balcony. "It's just as dangerous for you to go out there than it is for them."
"Then I'll wait a day and then go search, I might even run into them on the road." She told.
"Varin, be careful." The two went silent, looking to the balcony on their left, the one where Hilda and Varin were. "You injured your head badly." Hilda told.
"I'm fine, just a small headache." He dismissed, sounded slightly irritated. "Where's Lexus?"
"I'll get her, she's with her friend."
"No, Hilda." There was a pause, "I'm fine, no need to trouble our daughter right now." then a second pause with soft groans. Lexus stood straight, ready to rush in if needed.
"Stubborn man." Hilda grumbled.
Iris and Lexus shared a glance, the teen decided she didn't want to eavesdrop and returned to the room. Lexus moved closer to the end of the balcony, including her head toward the neighboring one.
"They said the Archeon caused the tremors, and it vanished." Hilda told him.
"How does an Archeon vanish?" He remarked. "Were the boys involved?"
"Lexus believes so, she hasn't heard a word from them yet." A sigh was heard. "I'm glad she didn't go with them."
Lexus scowled and turned her back against the railing, folding her arms. "Come now, if she had chosen to go, that's her choice." Varin tried to reason.
"Her choice can lead to her death, Varin. She is lucky she made it this far."
Her nails dug into her arms, eyes shifting down to see the small mark of scars when she was badly injured from fighting Imperials for the first time.
"She made it this far with her friends. If she hadn't left the city thanks to your brother, we would've lost her too."
"We can still lose her, Varin." She argued. "Our Lexus finally returns to us, and she wants to leave just as quickly as she arrived here."
There was a pause, one that made Lexus ready to leave, not wanting to hear more of the argument.
"She's not a little girl." Varin said, making Lexus' head turn at his words. "She's a grown woman now, we can't dictate how she lives her life. We lost that right when we left her in the city."
Awaiting for a snappy comeback from Hilda, there surprisingly wasn't one. Lexus couldn't hear anything else right now, not the people, the music, or kids. Her ears only focused on the room next door, the following words that would come.
"She's still our little Lexi." A soft response, weak and defeated.
"Not anymore." A stern and final reply.
The faint sobs of her mother gave her heart the pinch that she was done hearing anything more. Lexus strode back in and closed the balcony doors, she sat on the couch and curled up. She tried her best to repose, attempting to get any slumber after today. But her mind raced as much as her heart did, filled with dread, fear, concern, and anger. Lexus tossed a turn all night.
