Gaia's POV

I sighed as I looked up at the night sky, looking around for any sign of activity. It didn't seem like anybody was awake. As to be expected at midnight. Even a city like Lestallum has to sleep sometimes, I told myself with a quiet laugh. I carefully walked forward and into the city. If word is to be believed, Prince Noctis would be here. At least, I heard there were sightings of someone who looked similar. I looked around for a place to hide until I could meet the prince. I hoped that a commoner like me could serve him. I sighed and looked down at the code print on my wrist. "Of course I can't," I muttered, "But I'll try." Drawing myself from my thoughts, I found myself walking around Lestallum like a loner before I noticed an alleyway that seemingly no one even remembered. I decided to hide in there and wait for the sun to rise. I sighed, set down one of my weapons, and shrugged off my bag, setting it on the ground carefully before sitting down next to it. I quietly grabbed my journal and began to write. It was my one escape. I carefully moved the pen along the old paper, not wanting my taloned metal arm to tear the paper or ruin the ink.

I hummed my favorite song under my breath as I wrote. I closed my journal carefully and gently put it back into my bag. My eyes drifted up to the sky, a sigh escaping my lips. I eventually felt myself getting even more tired than when I first arrived here. I adjusted myself, trying to get at least a little comfortable before I fell asleep. I looked down at my phone to get the time, not like it truly mattered, I never get restful sleep. I stretched and yawned softly before closing my eyes and sliding down the wall slightly, placing my sunglasses in the pocket of my jacket.


I awoke to the sunlight stinging my eyes and the loud chatter of the inhabitants of Lestallum. It must have been late in the morning. I stood up slowly and put my sunglasses back on. A magitek like you shouldn't be here, I told myself, try to make yourself look normal. I looked around carefully before walking out of the alleyway, grabbing my bag before I left. I wandered a bit, hearing occasional references to Noctis and his friends being in the area.

That's good, I made it to the right spot. I continued looking around, tucking my hand into my pocket to hide the fact it was mechanical. Even if I could explain it as being a prosthesis, it wouldn't explain the way it looks. I doubt a prosthetic arm would have what seem like claws on the end, not to mention the way it is shaped. I scanned the area. It appeared I was in the main area of the town, judging by the number of people doing their running around, be it shopping, getting food, or just meeting up with friends.

I wandered a bit more, listening for any hints as to where Noctis and the others could be. Might be at a hotel here, I told myself. I walked over to someone.

"Excuse me," I asked, "Do you happen to know where a hotel is around here? I was hoping for someplace to stay for a few days."

"Oh, you should check out the Leville, it is over that way," the woman pointed down another street. "You can't miss it."

"Thank you, ma'am," I said with a smile. I continued walking, adjusting the way my broadsword's sheath sat against my back. Damn thing never wants to sit right. Once I reached my destination, I sat down on the stairs near the entrance. Just my luck, it appeared a group was leaving. I glanced up at them, noticing the signature Crownsguard outfits. It was them. Noctis and his friends.

"Pardon me," I began. "You wouldn't happen to be the Prince Noctis, would you?"

He turned to look at me. "Uh, yeah? How'd you know?"

"I had just heard rumors, and I was wondering if I could join you guys," I responded.

"What do you mean, 'join us?'" Another man, much taller than Noctis and much more intimidating, responded.

"Gladio, calm down," Noctis responded. "I'm assuming she heard of what happened and just wants to help us." He then turned his attention back to me, "I'll talk to the others real quick." He motioned for his group to follow him, and they walked a short distance away from me so that they were out of earshot.

I stood and waited, glancing around a bit nervously. I checked my outfit over once again, hoping I didn't give a wrong impression. They seemed to talk about it for what felt like forever, though it was probably at most a couple of minutes.

"Alright. Let's see what you can do," Noctis said as he walked over. "This doesn't mean you're officially part of the group. This is just a test run kind of thing."

"I get it," I responded. "Kind of like a job interview, you want to see what I can do."

"I... suppose you could put it like that," Noctis responded. "We're heading out to explore a cave behind a waterfall. There's something we are looking for there. Follow us." He motioned for me to come along and they started walking. I nodded slightly as I walked behind them. "Never did get your name. You know who I am, but the three with me are Gladio, Prompto, and Ignis," he responded and motioned to the others as he introduced them.

"I'm Gaia Machina," I responded. "It's a pleasure to meet you all."

"So what's your whole thing? Are you a hunter or are you more of a mercenary?" Prompto asked, looking over at me.

"I'd say I'm more of a mercenary, although being a hunter sounds fun," I laughed. "I can show you some of my weapons if you want. Once we get out of such a populated area."

"A wise idea," Ignis nodded. "It would be nice to see what you use."

They approached a black car, one that was much fancier than the rest of the others parked nearby. "Sorry Gaia, it might be a tight squeeze in the back," Noctis chuckled. "But I think we're in the clear enough for you to show us what you've got. For weapons I mean."

I nodded, grabbing my broadsword. "I've got this sword." I froze for a moment, realizing I left my other weapon. "Crap, I have another weapon, I just need to grab it. I left it in an alleyway by accident."

"Alright, go run and grab it. We'll be here," Gladio said, raising an eyebrow.


I returned to the group. "Check it out," I said, holding up the axe.

"Is that an axe from an MT?" Prompto asked, running over to look at it.

"Sure is," Gladio chuckled, "How'd you get that? Did you just find it?"

"I had to fight off some Magiteks on my way to Lestallum, decided to keep this as a prize," I laughed, resting it against my shoulder. "Well, should we head out for that waterfall?"

"Yeah, let's go," Noctis chuckled as he got into the backseat of the car. His friends followed suit, Gladio waiting for me to get in before getting in himself.

"You're right, it is kinda cramped," I responded, shifting awkwardly as Ignis started driving to our destination. "But I should just be happy for the ride."