Thank you everyone for understanding and the kind words you've given me.

Please enjoy the chapter, much love!

Thank you m00nbunnie, Grimlock987, Nina3KPop for the follows and favorites!


Jolting awake with a cold sweat in the darkness just made Lexus panic out of her nightmare induced sleep. She reached for the lamp, nearly knocking over Iris' phone as she hit the switch. The light dimly lit the room, seeing Iris' sleeping form in the bed across from her, not even flinching from the noise Lexus woke up with. She padded her chest, tugging down the shirt to see nothing wrong, no marks or injury. She let go then tugged up the hem of the shirt, inspecting her flat stomach to find it just as well.

Still shaken up, she turned the light off and shuffled into the bathroom, shutting the door. Lexus washed her face in the sink, her arms trembling as she leaned against the sink.

The dream; it had felt so real. The pain and suffocation. She had been used to the usual nightmare of her father's accident, this was a new nightmare she had ever experienced in her life. Turning the faucet off, Lexus got a hand towel and dried her face, looking at herself in the mirror. Her eyes stung and her throat was raw dry, hair tangled in a mess and her skin calmly and pale.

Maybe some cool night air will help, she thought.

Lexus left the bathroom, draping her jacket over her shoulders. She stepped out of the hotel room, feeling a nice breeze as she stepped over to the railing to lean against it. Her bangs shifted in the wind, tickling her cheeks before she tucked some strands behind her ears.

The lights were well lit for this small pit stop, a car or two passing by with valor into the darkness ahead of them. The sky was dark, unable to see the beautiful stars like she could when out camping. Lexus sighed closing her eyes, feeling her eyes relax under her lids that stung before.

The sound of a door opening and closed made her eyes snap open, thinking she might have woken Iris up. When she turned, Lexus paused at finding Noctis stepping out of the room he and the boys were sharing. In his dark sleepwear, barefoot and ignoring the cold with now jacket as his arms were bare. He seemed to regret it, as he shuddered and rubbed his arms, but kept walking further from the room.

"Noctis?" She called out softly, he turned easing up when he saw it was Lexus. "Couldn't sleep either?"

Noctis scratched his head, turning his direction toward her. "Seems so, you too?"

She nodded, "Had a bit of a bad dream." she admitted.

Noctis pressed his hand to the railing, tilting his head at her. "How bad?" He asked, under the streetlight he then noticed the redness in her eyes. "That bad?"

Lexus rubbed her eyes, groaning when the stinging feeling returned. "It's nothing I can get over. I just needed a breath of fresh air."

Noctis turned, looking up at the sky as he hunched over the railing, resting his arms on it. "Surprised I didn't wake up Prompto with my kicking, good thing I was facing away from him."

Lexus chuckled, "Have you always been a restless sleeper?" she asked.

He shook his head, "Not since recently. I could sleep like a log before, but I just have these dreams now." he told.

"What are they?" She asked, he craned his head at her. "Talking about it might help."

Noctis chuckled, "Fine, but only if you tell your dream too." he told, holding a hand out for a deal. Lexus rolled her eyes and took his hand, giving a hardy shake of agreement.

Satisfied with that, he recalled the dream. "It starts with me, standing in a field. And I see Pyrna, who is a messenger spirit for Luna."

"What does Pryna look like?"

"Like Umbra- Oh, you never seen Umbra." He realized when she gave a confused look. "They're dogs, pretty much. Brother and sister, Umbra is darker and Pryna is pure white."

Lexus nodded, understanding and letting him continue.

"Pryna leads me through a desert, then a train full of MT troopers, then the halls of the Citadel. And everytime I see Luna fighting someone, calling for me. I rush further, trying to reach her, fighting hordes of Imperials as I follow Pryna." Noctis looked at his open palm, its trembling slightly. "But when I finally get to her… She's lying in her own blood and…"

Lexus frowned, watching Noctis go from calmly retelling to seething as he stared at his hand in fear. "What?" She urged.

Noctis closed his eyes, clenching his hand tightly. "Pryna goes from this shine of white to black and gold eyes. In my hands in the weapon that killed her… I killed her." He hissed.

His dream was worse than she thought, Lexus reached over, playing her hand over his shaking fist. "It was a dream, thats all it was." She assured.

"It's all I ever see when I close my eyes." He brought a hand to his head, covering his eyes. "What if it happens? Something in me loses control and I-"

"Noctis." Lexus snapped, gaining his attention as he dropped his hand. Still keeping her voice level to not wake anyone, she gave him a stern look. "You could never do that to Lunafreya."

"But-" She slapped his hand, making him jolt at her actions to get his attention.

"No, no no no." Lexus scolded. "Don't let the fear of that dream get to you. If you do, it'll consume you in the day and drain you if it's all you ever think about. How many times have you had this dream?"

Noctis sighed, "Ever since we got back at Lestallum." he told.

"After you got me?"

"...Before." He muttered, looking away. "After we heard about your kidnapping and Jared's death, I started to doubt myself. How could I save anyone if I couldn't even keep my friend safe? I feel like things are beyond my control."

Lexus knew she couldn't feel the same pain he was feeling. He held all this on his shoulders; Prince of Lucian, Future King, Protector of all…. And he felt he failed in all those titles bestowed upon him.

"Things are hard right now," She began, looking up at the skies. "It never was going to be easy. But that's why you're not alone." Noctis looked at her, seeing her smiling softly. "That's why you got them; Gladio keeps you grounded, Ignis cautions you, and Prompto holds your memories."

Noctis' brows furrowed. "What about you?" He asked, nodding his chin at her.

She looked to him, blinking her bright blue eyes at him. "Huh? Me?"

Noctis folded his arms, looking to be in deep thought. Lexus raised a brow at him until he hummed in confirmation. "Yup, sounds good for you."

"What?" She asked.

"You're role; You hold us together." Lexus didn't seem to understand. "I don't know what it is you do, but you manage to bring out the best in us. I'm… Usually not a very open person, but I feel like I can tell you things." Noctis shrugged. "Must be your superpower."

Lexus felt so honored, not by his compliment, but just for including him in the grouping she listed. It established even more to her how important she was to the boys, even Prince Noctis himself.

Noctis chuckled, rubbing the back of his head feeling sheepish. "Though staring at me makes me nervous."

Not realizing it, she shook her head and smiled at him. "Thanks, Noct."

"I should be thanking you." He corrected, then frowned. "Sorry, you probably want to talk about your dream, right?"

Lexus huffed, "Actually, I forgot all about it." She sheepishly told, pulling her jacket closer around herself. "One of those dreams you remember until after you wake up, I guess."

Noctis chuckled, "I get that. If you ever remember, we can talk about it." he let out a yawn and shuddered when another breeze came through. "I'll be heading back to bed, before Gladio wakes up for his early morning run."

Lexus waved him a good night as he retreated back into his room. She sighed and looked up at the sky once more before returning back to her own room, curling under the blankets. Thankfully, the nightmare hadn't returned to her.


"Malmalam Thicket?"

During breakfast at the diner, Ignis had brought Laxus' map over and spread it over the table the group was eating at it. The map had been written and drawn over, circling locations of tombs and crossing out ones they've been too. During the boys' disappearance, they had gathered a few more, and Ignis had found another nearby. Malmalam Thicket, not too far from Old Lestallum and on the way to Cape Caem.

"Looks to be about a fifteen minute drive from here." Lexus figured, sipping her coffee beside Iris.

Ignis nodded, though Prompto groaned. "We're going to have to deal with bugs and camping." He whined, half way done with his breakfast. "Haven't we camped enough when we lost the car?"

Gladio frowned at him, "Hey, we got the tent this time. No sleeping out under the stars." he told him.

Iris looked to her brother. "You had no tent?"

Lexus reached across and patted Prompto's hand. "You poor, poor thing."

Prompto sighed dramatically, he dropped his head and took her hand. "It was horrible, Lexy! Bugs crawled in my shoes and dirt in my hair!"

She chuckled and flicked his forehead, he yelped, rubbing his head to release her hand. "If there's a Royal Tomb, we have to go." Noctis decided.

Ignis gathered the map and folded it neatly. "I'll prepare our curatives and after breakfast, we'll make our leave."

Lexus watched him leave, in her peripheral she saw Iris and sent a wink regarding their discussion last night. She gave her a look and hid her face in her mug of coffee.

Once breakfast was done, the group gathered to the car where Ignis loaded the back with the needed items to restock. "You want to take the lead?" Lexus asked Ignis.

Ignis pushed his glasses up, "Since you offered. Just try not to tailgate." he jokingly warned.

"Aw, no fun. I'll just pop wheelies and drive with no hands then." She retorted, earning a deep chuckle from the man.

"Not on my watch." He told, tapping his glasses as he climbed into the driver's seat.

The drive to the Thicket wasn't too far, more of just under ten minutes. A parking spot to the left gave Ignis the perfect place to leave the car, with Lexus parking the bike behind it. Everyone filed out of the car, Lexus off her bike and taking her helmet off. She walked to the others, standing by the path as Ignis took the lead beside Noctis to the Thicket.

Iris looked in front of the back of Lexus, arms behind her back. "What happened to your crossbow?"

Lexus huffed, remembering. "I still haven't gotten it back." She groaned.

"Back? Did the Empire take it?"

Prompto walked over, hands behind his head. "Nah, she just sort of lost it. Still trying to figure out how to summon things."

"I can help you, if you want." Iris offered, Lexus' brows shot up.

"You can do it too!?" Only Iris giggled.

"No, I wish though." She said, Lexus shoved her shoulder. "Only those who are Crownsgaurd or Kingsglaive can summon things."

Lexus frowned, "But I'm none of those things." she told.

Gladio came up beside her, roughly patting her back. "What are you talking about? I remember a certain someone bowing her head to Noctis and swearing to protect him."

Everyone paused as eyes fell on Lexus, she blinked at Gladio. Had she said it so formally?

"Don't look at me as a scared civilian, your highness, but as a guard and friend in your mission."

"That makes sense then, Lexus." Iris told, Lexus turned to her. "You became a Crownsgaurd!"

Lexus's jaw dropped. "Huh!?" Her eyes shot to Iris' brother. "Just like that!?"

Gladio chuckled, "Not usually. But probably under these circumstances-"

"Noctis, as Crown Prince, accepted her aid as an ally. It applies to the job, making her an honorary Crownsgaurd." Ignis explained, glancing over his shoulder.

Honorary Crownsgaurd? Lexus Quintin? Lexus the Crownsgaurd?

It was almost hard to even fathom something of her to even be. She was just a ranch girl who grew up in the city and… here she was!

"I think you broke her, Iggy." Prompto said, waving his hand in front of the stunned Lexus.

Noctis looked to his advisor. "Good job, Specs."

Iris poked her arm, then patted her head which seemed to get Lexus back to reality. "You okay?"

Lexus turned to Ignis, her eyes still wide at his explanation. "You sure, Ignis? Me? A Crownsgaurd?"

"Why not?" Gladio asked with a shrug.

"How else do you explain being able to summon the flasks and crossbow?" Prompto added.

Ignis walked up to Lexus and nodded to her, folding his arms. "Why not give it a go?" He suggested.

Lexus held her head up, trying to summon her crossbow again? With a shigh, Lexus brought her hand up and closed her eyes to concentrate. Trying to focus on the shape of it in her hand, the grip of the handle, the weight of the bow. Her body tensed and teeth clenched, her foot took a step back and she swung her hand to the side waiting for the solid feel in her palm.

But when nothing came to her grasp, her head hung with a defeated sigh. Lexus fixed her stance and looked down at her hand, frowning. "Still nothing."

Looks of sympathy were sent her way. She had tried being in danger to summon her weapon, then calmly attempted it. But with the ideas not working, doubt was sliding into her mind more and more.

Prompto marched over and threw his arm over her shoulder, pulling her to his side. "You're thinking too deeply about this, Lexy." He told, tsking at her. "Gotta relax and when you least expect it, it'll come back to you."

"That's not how it works at all." Noctis dryly pointed out.

"Hey!" Prompto sent his friend a look. "I'm trying to comfort her, okay?"

Gladio chuckled, "Maybe you just need to have an empty mind." he jabbed.

Prompto glared at Gladio when Ignis chimed in. "Explains Prompto's method."

The boys laughed as Prompto threw a fist up. "Kick me while I'm here, why dontcha!?"

Iris laughed and soon Lexus' laughter chimed in with everyone. Prompto saw her smile return and he couldn't help but grin wildly, glad to be able to bring it back.


The walk continued, avoiding some hunting Seadevils and crossing a bridge over The Maidenwater. The river was wide and beautiful, Noctis commenting to try the fishing spot out before heading back on the road. Reaching the entrance, grass, trees, and other growths surrounded the rocks showing to be the Malmalam Thicket.

Gladio caught Lexus' attention as his sister stood beside her. "Keep an eye out for Iris? There's no telling what'll crawl out of the woodworks."

Before Lexus could answer, Prompto cried, "Like that!?" pointing at a moving plant creature.

Bark for skin and leaves for hair, the creature spotted the group and screeched into the air, jumping about before slamming its large tail against the ground.

"A Mandrake!?" Lexus cried, before shoved Iris behind a boulder as the boys jumped into action.

"What's that?" Iris asked, ducking beside her.

Lexus quickly ducked her and Iris down when a branch was thrown in their direction. She popped back up, "Hey! Watch it!" She barked, earning a 'sorry!' from one of them. "It's a carnivorous plant, only found in dark dense forests, such as this thicket." She answered Iris.

The plant based beast wasn't too much of a hassle, besides avoiding its swinging tail. It soon fell after good hard swings from Noctis and Gladio's swords.

"All clear!" Gladio called, letting the girls emerge from their cover.

"I think I got a splinter." Prompto joked, checking his hands.

Lexus knelt down inspecting the body of the creature. "Any special properties we should be aware of?" Ignis asked.

She shook her head, standing and turning to him. "They don't do anything special, just the tail they use as an extension of a weapon. Obviously fire is a weakness, being plant based. But I don't think we want the entire thicket to go to a blaze."

"So stick to the basics." Prompto figured.

Lexus nodded, but frowned cupping her chin. "Uncle Roland's book had more information on the creature. But… Damnit what was it?"

She threw her hand out, when something solid had filled her palm. Everyone watched as a book suddenly appeared in Lexus' grip. Stunned, her eyes slowly shifted to find the exact compendium she was talking about.

"Eh!? How- How did I do that!?" She cried, inspecting her book. Lexus swore it was packed away! How did it get into her hands!?

"Interesting." Ignis noted, folding his arms. "You can summon your book when most needed, it seems."

Iris excitedly shook her shoulder. "That's awesome, Lexus! You're getting the hang of it!"

"I guess." She mused, opening the book and flipping through the pages. "Here, 'Mandrakes are weak to handed swords, firearms and fire, and resists lightning and light. It flails with its tail when attacked from behind, claws with its hands when attacked from the front and pounces from being attacked from afar.' So, keep it in close range."

Lexus closed the book, and thus the compendium faded away in the same particles that their weapons would. "So I can summon that book but not my crossbow." She grumbled with a frown.

"It's a step." Prompto tried to encourage.

They continued into Malmalam Thicket, fighting a few more Mandrakes. Thanks to the information provided, they were sliced down in no time and easier to deal with than most Daemons. Prompto was excited over some possible treasure, Lexus ventured off the path kneeling down at a growth of mushrooms.

"Hey, Ignis." She called, he turned and saw her inspecting something. "Think these are any good?"

He walked over to her, crouching down beside her and plucking a mushroom from the group. They held large frills like lettuce with a dark color and white trim.

Ignis snapped his fingers and smirked, "This would be perfect for a recipe I've been working on. Good eye." He praised.

She smiled back, plucking more as he got his black book out, writing out said recipe. Lexus got a good number, glancing at him as he wrote in his book. His green eyes gleamed, deeply inspired to the meal he'd love to create. She felt warmth fill her chest, leaning on her knees and tilting her head, watching the man examine the Malmashrooms. The light breaking through the trees and hitting the tips of his hair and glaring off the frame of his glasses.

"Lexus?" She shook her head, realizing she was staring at Ignis. "Everything alright?"

"Yup!" Lexus stood, pinching her hand behind her back as punishment. "I'm a bit dazed today, didn't sleep well." She excused.

"Hurry up and let's get a move on." Noctis called, ready to keep going.

The two regrouped, walking at the back of the party. They continued without any other encounters of the Mandrakes, though kept themselve's alert. It wasn't until Prompto spoke up they heard something in the distance.

"That a brook I hear babbling?" The blonde asked.

"A regular river, I'd say." Gladio agreed.

This gained Noctis' attention. "Oh, think we have time to cast a line?"

"That's one way to fish for Noctis' attention." Lexus joked, earning a high five from Prompto.

"Sorry, bud." He laughed. "Need you to reel yourself in this time around."

Lexus tilted her head, hearing buzzing. It wasn't until they rounded a sharp turn on the path the buzzing was louder. She glanced up, and just at that moment she grabbed Iris' hand.

"Get down!" She cried, forcing the teen to duck to the ground with her.

The others followed just as a large wasp dive bombed them, near stabbing Prompto with its fat stinger before he crashed face first into the dirt. Once the buzzing grew distant, they all sat up seeing the bug getting ready to take another dive.

"Lexus! What is that!?" Prompto cried.

"A Wasp, what do you think!?" She barked back, keeping an arm around Iris.

Noctis summoned his sword, standing with Gladio who got his shield. "What's its weakness?"

"Ice! Daggers and polearms!" She barked. "But it can emit this smoke that can cause confusion and delirium!"

Prompto took to shooting the thing down, but Ignis took advantage of using a flask to icing his daggers and threw one after another at the creature. The Wasp dodged the first two, but when its large thin wings got nicked, it lost flight balance and crashed to the ground. Ignis summoned his polearm and with Noctis, the two jumped in the air with a few flips and stabbed it into the ground. The Wasp screeched before finally going limp and allowing the two to release the weapons as they faded from their hands.

"Badass as always." Iris clapped, rising to her feet with Lexus.

Lexus frowned, why would this wasp be alone? As the others were ready to move on, her eyes rose around them. Her heart sank, "Guys…" they looked at her as she pointed up.

Everyone's focus rose with her direction, shocked to see more Wasps hovering above them. The humming of their buzzing grew louder as if an Imperial ship was right above their heads.

"Holy-!"

The group dispersed as the Wasps dive bombed the group, trying to strike with their deadly stingers. What was scary was the damned stingers were large enough to put a hole in someone. It was more like a fear of being mortally stabbed than anything.

Lexus managed to get Iris behind a boulder as they watched the boys duke it out with the large bugs. Despite weak looking bugs, they were fast, flying, and dangerous. Ignis took advantage of the weaknesses Lexus listed off, elementing his and Noctis' weapons with ice and working well together. Prompto kept panicking, firing his guns at them as they hovered about him. Because of the small area they were in, Gladio struggled to swing his sword and resorted to just bounding them off from his shield.

The amount of Wasps they were fighting were growing to be overwhelming. Lexus was tempted to offer they just book it, but seeing a sudden cloud of smoke and Prompto waddling ignited that suggestion.

"Prompto!" She called, but he kept looking in the wrong direction and stumbling about. "Prompto's confused!"

"What are you talking about?" Noctis questioned, looking over to find his best friend knocked over by a fly by Wasp. "Damnit!"

Lexus looked to Iris, "I'll be right back." she told.

The teen understood and watched as Lexus bounded over the boulder and ran over to Prompto. She tackled him to the ground just as another Wasp dived to stab him. Releasing a hiss, Lexus found a scrape on her palm but ignored it as she dragged the blond to his feet. What she didn't expect though was for him to start swinging at her, she stepped back shocked.

"Prompto! What are you doing!?" She ducked and pushed him back, regretting the distance when he summoned his gun.

Lexus was given no choice but to duck down when he fired, raised her leg and kicked the gun out of his hand. He stumbled back as she kept herself low in case he tried to attack again.

It was then Iris came by, throwing some powdered stuff right in his face. Prompto coughed and shook his head, his eyes focusing and blinking looking more like himself. "Lexus?" He looked down, seeing his gun and back at her. "Wha-?"

"Prompto! Wake up!" Barked Gladio, jolting the blond.

"Y-Yes, sir!" He replied, jumping back into battle.

Thankfully, it ended soon after that ordeal with the boys exhausted already. Wiping sweat off their brows and tending to injuries from the fight. Noctis groaned as he rubbed his back.

"As if I didn't like bugs already." He grumbled.

"Everyone okay?" Iris asked, everyone affirmed all was fine.

Lexus sighed, looking over to see Prompto rubbing his head. "Hey, you okay?" She asked gently.

He looked up, some guilt in his blue eyes. "Did I hurt you?" He asked softly.

She smiled and nudged his shoulder. "Barely scratched me."

Prompto sighed with a chuckle, "Good, I was scared I did something bad to you."


They came across the brook that Prompto had heard, and thankfully a Haven to stay. Despite only late afternoon and just entering the Thicket, the group had grown exhausted from fighting the Mandrakes and Wasps. It worked out, as they used the daylight to pitch the tents and set up the cooking arrangements. Lexus and Iris would be sharing a tent, the one she got herself a while ago.

The area the Haven was surrounded in was beautiful, Prompto taking advantage of snapping photos of nature. The babbling brook, the tall tree shading half the Haven, even some colorful butterflies had passed by.

Noctis had found some elemental veins to draw from, as he wandered around the area with Iris. Lexus sat down on the edge, wincing when her palm touched the rough rocky edge. She had forgotten she scraped her hand, looking to see the dirt in the scuff. Lexus got up and wandered toward Ignis as he was looking over his recipe book, Gladio near by setting the tents.

"Hey, Ignis?" He glanced up, but frowned when he saw her hand with smeared blood and dirt. "Got anything for this?"

Rising from the chair, Ignis abandoned his book to fetch the first aid kit supplies. Curious, Lexus reached for the book and peeked to see what he was reading. On the open page was a recipe for Grilled Barramundi, with ingredients, instructions and even a little note beside it, 'Noctis' favorite'.

Lexus smiled, daring to flip the page and find another recipe. Meat-and-Beet Bouillon, finding it was Prompto's favorite. The next page surprised her, Fluffy Chiffon Cake with Ignis' note 'personal favorite'. Oh, that's interesting.

"Enjoying the read?" Lexus tossed the book back onto the seat, blushing at how she was caught peeking at it. He usually never shared his notes with the others, but chuckled at Lexus' reaction.

"My bad, I shouldn't have looked." She apologized.

"It's quite alright." Ignis took her hand to clean the scrape. "Have any suggestions on what to have tonight?"

"Why not the new one you got with those mushrooms?" She suggested.

"There's still some missing ingredients." Ignis told, having the scrape clean of dirt and dry blood. He put on an antiseptic compound making her wince at the stinging.

"I noticed you put down who has favorite dishes." She mentioned.

He nodded, "Prompto favors salads and soups, Noctis fish, Gladio meats and of course those Cup Noodles." Lexus giggled at his disdain towards the cheap meal.

"And you?" Ignis started bandaging her hand when she asked.

"I'm open to anything." He dismissed.

"You seem to be the victim of Sweet Tooth-Gitus." She teased, he tilted his head at her spotting her childish grin. Ignis couldn't help but smirk as he finished up.

The two matched eyes, him looking up at her kneeling in front of her. So close she could see the green bright eyes he held behind those specs. The forest lighting made them sparkle like an ocean. Her stomach felt light as air when her hand twisted to hold his, nervous of his reaction. Though it must have been approved, she squeezed her hand gently, assuring all was well with her move.

Gladio hummed under his breath as he and Iris were setting up the tents. Iris pushed his large shoulder seeing him watching them. "Let them be, I think it's super cute." She gushed, hugging her sleeping bag.

He turned to his little sister. "It's not that. Someone already has their eyes on her." He told, when Iris tilted her head in wonder, she followed his sights toward Prompto who was taking photos with Noctis by the brook.

Her jaw dropped, turning back to Gladio who nodded to confirm this. "Prompto?" He nodded again. "He has a crush on Lexus?" He nodded once more.

"See what I mean?" He inquired, finishing the tents. Iris couldn't believe she was witnessing a possible love triangle. "Don't bring it up to them." Gladio warned.

She whipped over to him as she chucked her sleeping bag in her and Lexus' tent. "You mean Lexus doesn't know about Prompto's crush?"

"Would she be doing that," he points his hammer towards the two. "If she knew?"

Okay, he had a point there. Lexus wasn't mean. Never would she take advantage of a friend or use their feelings.

"We don't need drama around us, especially right now. It's best to let what happens, happen." He informed her. "Got it?"

"Yeah, okay Gladdy." She nodded.


After night had fallen and dinner was eaten, the group settled in for some sleep. Though one member heard noises outside and thought best to investigate. He left the tent, quietly to not wake the others spotting a figure walking along the brook. He guessed it was about near two in the morning. Who was awake right now?

He approached the figure who continuingly wiped their eyes with a sniffling heard. Heart sinking, he kept a distance and called softly when the moonlight hit pine hair.

"Lexus?"

She jumped, rubbing her eyes roughly before turning. "Ignis! So sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up."

He raised his hand, easing her panic. "No need to apologize, are you alright?"

"Yeah, yeah." She answered a bit quickly. "Just had to get a breath of fresh air. The night is so pretty here-"

"You're shaking."

Lexus folded her arms, feeling the trembling in her hands. "A bit chilly, that's all."

"Your eyes are red."

"Allergies, they sort of caught me off guard- Also why my nose is a bit stuffy." She told, sniffling and rubbing the tip of it.

Ignis sighed, stepping up beside her by the brook. "Lexus, what's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong." She denied, taking a step back. "I'll go back to sleep."

She walked past him, but was caught when his arm came around her. She froze feeling his arm around her shoulders, hands cupping her arm feeling the warmth from them. Her eyes shot down when he tried to look into them. A free hand touched her chin, but she turned away.

"...Have I done something?" He asked, tone possibly hurt by her actions.

Scared she did, Lexus looked up with wide eyes. "No, I-"

"Made you look." He joked, his knuckles tucked under her chin to keep her eyes with his. "Please, tell me."

Ignis never asked, let alone plead. Pleading her made her heart ache, he wanted to know so badly. Fix it like he did many times with any injury she had before. She pressed a hand to her chest, feeling the pain in her heart. Pain she knew he couldn't fix or heal.

"Ignis, I…" Her lips quivered, eyes squinting to bite back the tears.

No, she had to remember what Prompto told her. It's not her fault. It wasn't her fault. She wasn't at fault.

Then why did she still feel like she put that sword through Jared herself?

Her voice cracked, letting out a small whimper when tears streamed down her cheeks. Ignis watched as she closed her eyes and turned away.

"I want to stop this feeling. I don't want this guilt to eat me up, but it won't go away!" She cried, her hand clenching the front of her shirt. "It won't stop. Make it stop, please!"

She didn't have to say anything more. Ignis pulled her into his arms and held her tightly, letting her tears stain his shirt, tucking her head against his cheek as he rubbed her back soothingly. Lexus cried as deeply into him; Her shoulders shook, arms wrapping around him and gripping the back of his shirt, securing herself to him.

Why? Why did she always discover a new pain to endure? Wasn't it hell enough for her already? Losing her home, Roland, Ajax, captured by the Imperials and Jared's death.

"Lexus," He spoke, soft and low beside her ear. "If I had the power to do so, I would take your pain away. I would rather endure it than you."

She lifted her eyes, eyes red and puffy, he couldn't help but smile down as he wiped her cheeks of the dry tears. "That's not fair, then I'd have to say the same thing. Then we'll be going back and forth endlessly." Lexus joked, lowering to rest her forehead on his shoulder.

Ignis could feel her leaning her weight on him, exhaustion slowly coming to her from crying and lack of sleep. "Come here, come." He led her toward the tree, finding a large root to sit down.

"What happened, with the Empire and you, and Jared. None of that is your fault." He told, her nod was the only response. "I felt the same pain, when we found out."

Lexus looked up, now his eyes away from her's. "What do you mean?"

He stood, taking a few steps towards the brook. "Arriving back in Lestallum, when we discovered you were taken… I…" He brought his hand up, staring down at his open bare palm. "I felt the same guilt you're experiencing. If you had gone with us, or if we had stayed, you never would've been taken."

His fingers curled into a fist, digging his nails into his palm. Lexus saw his eyes glare down, now the familiar painful gaze she's been withholding. "I feared the worst if we had found you tortured or dead. I never will forgive myself, allowing you to be in the hands of those…"

Lexus reached her feet, gently walking towards to take his fist. She let her fingers skim his white knuckles and tight palm. He sighed, allowing her to open his hand to hold it. He let the hand venture up to her face, cupping her cheek as she leaned into him. Her eyes closed, allowing the comfort of each other to quell their emotions.

"We're just as much at fault for Jared's death." He informed her, his thumb brushing her jaw. "The ones who are truly at fault for all of this, is the Empire. Noctis swears they will pay, and they shall."

Once her lashes rose, in her gaze he found that fire he had been hoping to see. "I want to make them pay, Ignis." She told, her hand now gripping his. "I swear it too."

Ignis smiled, nodding at her words. "We all will, Lexus."

Her smile returned, his hand squeezing her in response to see such a pretty- No, beautiful beam. One that could light up the forest, just as it was lifting the weight off his chest as if he was floating.

A feeling he had felt a few times before, but only when it was lost from the world to Lexus;. The shine in her eyes, the laughter bubbling from her lips or just a cheerful glance. Arm snaking around her waist, a hand resting on his shoulder lost in the pools of her ocean eyes. Her slim waist was perfect for his arms to wrap, his fingers lacing within hers like a puzzle piece. His head lowered toward hers, the height difference not too off having to hunch.

Though Ignis seemed lost in the moment, he thankfully wasn't alone. Lexus's fingers curled into the shirt on his shoulder, her squeezing his hand assuringly with her head craned up. His eyes glowed under the moonlight, almost like swirling magic around his pupils. Their eyes closed, awaiting for the moment their lips would connect.

Though all was broken when a certain flame-like bird crashed right into them. They fell to the water, splashing each other as she quickly shot out of the cold water.

"What in the-Ferris?" Lexus saw the bird turn back around, excited to see her as he nuzzled up against her. "H-Hey, buddy." She greeted, trying to ignore her wet soaking night clothing.

Ignis found his glasses, unable to dry them with a soaked shirt and pants as he joined the two. "What an unexpected visit."

"Yeah, I'm happy to see you too." She assured, trying to keep him from squawking.

He saddled up beside her, confusing her at first thinking he wanted a ride. But noticed the satchel on his side held something. Ignis rounded the bird, combing his wet hair back as she investigated the bag. Inside she found a note, unfolding to read it.

"It's from my parents." She told Ignis, turning away to use the moonlight to read it.

'Dear Lexi,

Your mother and I had made it to the ranch and things sure have changed. It's so nice to see the birds expand their range, thanks to you and your friends dealing with Deadeye.

Have you made it to Caem? Hope the journey hasn't been too tough on you, but I know you can handle anything!

We're settling in just fine, it was great to see Wiz. He nearly teared up seeing us again. Speaking of tears, I had my own cryfest when Ferris and I saw each other. He was so eager to ride, but we needed a special saddle for me to ride him, and re-train him to handle my condition. Your mother has taken to being a Chocobo mom to some chicks on the ranch. They follow her around all the time, it's really cute!

I certainly hope this letter reaches you. We're cheering you on, honey! Ferris will be our connection until you get your phone replaced. Stay safe, and kick ass!

P.S. You're mother and I love you, and are very proud of who you had become.

Love, Dad'

Lexus smiled, air escaping her lungs reading the letter again and again. They were safe and sound at the ranch, she would write a letter to them tomorrow, absently reaching up to scratch Ferris' neck.

"All is good?" Ignis asked, seeing how Lexus had read the letter to herself.

She looked up, nodding urgently. "Yeah! They're at the ranch and doing great!"

Lexus handed him the letter, he held it a little closer than usual with his glasses too wet. She dug into the satchel to find a cloth, though she felt something else. Pulling out a photo, Lexus saw it was of her father, mother at the ranch. The two smiling, holding hands with him in the wheelchair Lexus built, standing in front of the sign. Ferris could be seen in the back round, photo bombing though looking proud of it. She bit her lip, fighting back tears, despite they were happy ones.

"Ignis, look." She handed him the photo, to which he smiled seeing it. "They're so much happier."

He looked at her, the smile still there. "Thanks to you." He told, she was about to argue but he added. "That's something you're able to do."

Ignis handed the letter and photo back, placing a hand on her small shoulder. "Don't let this guilt eat at you, fight back and I know you can." He lowered himself, meeting her eye to eye. "Because you are the most compassionate, courageous, and strong-willed woman I have ever known."

Touched by his words, Lexus slammed into his chest, hugging him tightly. Before he could return it, she pulled back and thanked him with a kiss to his cheek. "Thanks, Ignis. Thank you so much."

Stepping back, Lexus bit back a cough. "I'll get changed and go back to sleep." She noticed his clothing was still wet. "Sorry about-"

He held a hand up, stopping her. "No harm, just some soaked sleepwear. I'll live."

Still, she searched the satchels on Ferris' wides before finally finding a cloth. Not checking it, she placed it in his hand. "Good night." She bid, leaving him with the bird as she returned to the camp.

Ignis watched as her blurry figure in purple pajamas crawled back into the tent. Seeing she was settled, he used the cloth to dry and clean his glasses, giving his sight back. He looked down, seeing some words embroidered into the cloth. He frowned, flattening it into his palm to see his name, along with the boys' stitched into the material. His in green, Noctis in black, Prompto yellow, and Gladio in red. It looked like another name was to be put on, IR only done. Ignis didn't have to think too hard, knowing the name belonged to Iris, the thread in a lighter red than her brother's.

Seeing the faded green of his name, reminded him of when they first met. This was the same handkerchief he had given her when she was crying, lost in the city. His lips quirked, funny how they first met it was of her crying and he was still comforting her to this day.

Never would Ignis be able to convince his younger self that years later he'd fall in love with that same person.