"Hey, it stopped raining!" Prompto exclaimed as we exited Fociaugh Hollow.
Gladio nodded and put his hands on his hips. "Guess Ramuh finally got sick of showers." Our attention was drawn to the roar of an engine just above us. "Up there! It's huge!"
A giant airship flew over us. Definitely of imperial origin.
"Way bigger than the last one we saw!" Prompto yelled. Noctis's phone began to ring, and he quickly answered it.
"Yeah?" He asked. He paused for a moment before speaking again. "...Yeah?" He groaned in annoyance after another moment. "Don't worry about it. We'll figure it out." Another pause to let the person speak. "Yeah, thanks for the heads up. Later." He put his phone back into his pocket.
"Who was that?" Gladio asked.
"Cindy."
"What? You can't talk to her like that!" Prompto yelled.
"Yeah, I can. I just did," Noctis responded, smirking at Prompto.
"And did she have any choice words for you?" Ignis asked.
"Yeah... The Regalia's at an imperial base."
"Oh boy," Prompto sighed.
"Son of a bitch," I huffed.
"Guess that just leaves one question," Gladio started.
"'When do we retrieve her?'" Ignis continued.
"I'd say 'now,'" Noctus responded.
"This is nothing more than conjecture but I suspect that ship was due to arrive far earlier," Ignis stated as we started walking. "The thunder and lightning must've slowed it down. There's a chance they intend to transport the Regalia back to Niflheim."
"We oughta thank the thunder god for buying us some time," Gladio responded.
"But that time is running out," Prompto chimed in.
"Yeah, let's run in and ride off," Noctis agreed.
"Hey, you think since the rain let up we could ride the chocobos over there? It would be faster than walking," I suggested.
"Great idea," Noctis responded. "Let's make a quick stop at the chocobo post to rent them."
I gently pet the white chocobo I chose to ride. "I can't get over how cute they are!"
"You've never seen a chocobo before?" Prompto asked.
"No, I admit I haven't," I responded, rubbing the back of my neck. "I'm just happy to see one now though."
With a new ride, we made our way toward where the imperial base was headed. It took a bit of getting used to, trying to make sure the chocobo I was riding would actually go the way I wanted it to. Knowing the Regalia was safe, for now at least, stirred a new sense of determination in my heart, though I also couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety about the imperial base.
"So, Noct, right now you're still gathering your powers, but what'll you do once you've found them all?" Prompto asked as he rode alongside Noctis.
"The calling is only a set of guiding principles," Ignis stated.
"Well, hopefully, it'll guide him into taking down the empire once and for all," Gladio responded.
"Yeah, like the sound of that," Noctis agreed.
"Get some world peace for a change," I joked. We rode in silence for a bit, all of us focused on the task at hand.
"Your ancestors have our backs, and the gods are on our side. How cool is that?" Prompto asked with a smile.
"Very, when you put it that way," Noctis laughed.
"Empire'll get what's coming to them," Gladio agreed.
"Certainly doesn't seem as unlikely as it once did," Ignis nodded.
We rode some more, taking the chocobos off-road. I looked at the horizon as we rode, checking out our surroundings and also looking for any more dropships.
"All this time, he was the chancellor," Gladio said after a moment, talking about Ardyn.
"I'd had suspicions, but that was well beyond them," Ignis responded.
"He's awful friendly for an enemy leader," Prompto added.
"Still creeps me out though," I laughed. "There's a difference between being friendly and acting friendly."
It wasn't long before we could see the imperial base on the horizon, its sturdy walls and tower rising from the middle was hard to miss. Oh boy, we're getting close, I thought.
"Cindy is the sweetest girl ever," Prompto said with a smile. He seemed to be daydreaming a bit.
"Here we go again," Gladio rolled his eyes.
"Going out of her way to help us these past couple of days... I'm sure she's had better things to do."
"All for a lost cause. Now I feel bad for turning down the courtesy car," Noctis responded. I glared at him jokingly.
"We really could have driven to all this, but no," I teased.
"A courtesy car's no Regalia," Ignis added.
"Would've felt like cheating," Prompto nodded.
"Besides, Cindy's a big girl," Gladio chuckled.
"So, you think she'll call again soon?"
"Soon, huh? Not soon enough for you, loverboy."
Prompto's face went red.
"Oh, someone has a crush," I teased.
"Shut up, Gaia!" Prompto laughed.
As we got closer, I felt my senses heighten, like a surge of adrenaline was running through me. We had just entered the range of that tower. Despite that, I felt more anxious than ever. Prompto seemed to pick up on my worry.
"Umbra's the only one making deliveries. Wonder what Pryna's up to?" He asked.
"Haven't seen her," Ignis responded.
"Probably because she's traveling around with her owner," Gladio suggested with a shrug.
"Y'know, I really miss that dog," Prompto smiled.
"You met one of Lady Lunafreya's dogs?" I asked.
"Yeah, when I was a kid, I found Pryna. She hurt her leg, so I took care of her for a bit!" Prompto nodded. "She's so precious."
We stopped shortly before the base.
"Some kind of fortress," Noctis stated, looking up at it.
"Yeah, a port-a-fortress," Gladio responded. "Those walls don't look so portable though."
"They are remnants of the Old War, and the imperial army has availed itself of the added protection," Ignis added. "Entry will not be easy."
"I saw a haven nearby while we were riding, should we go there?" I asked. "We can come up with a plan."
Noctis nodded, and we made our way to the haven.
Once camp was made and the sun had set, we sat around the fire. I wrung my fingers together, still nervous about the whole idea.
"So any bright ideas, Ignis?" Noctis asked as Ignis paced in front of the fire.
"A dark one, as it were. A frontal assault would leave us exposed. But, if we move under cover of night, we might be able to infiltrate the base unnoticed," Ignis responded.
"And until then?"
"We learn all we can about the base's design and attempt to narrow down the Regalia's location. I'll analyze what intelligence we have available to find us a way in."
"Sounds good, Specs."
"Alright! We're gonna get our wheels back!" Prompto whispered excitedly.
After Ignis got done surveying the base, we carefully approached the entrance again. A few imperial soldiers were patrolling, a faint red glow around them. I looked myself over as we approached, making sure I didn't have it as well.
"Our goal is the Regalia. The last thing we want is to engage an entire garrison. Avoid detection at all costs," Ignis whispered.
"In and out before it gets light, then," Gladio confirmed.
"Indeed. Even if it means leaving the task unfinished, we withdraw before we overstay our welcome." We snuck closer to the base, ducking behind shipping containers that were placed near the doors to the base. "Together on my signal. Until then, hold position." Ignis counted down slowly, and once Ignis was sure it was clear, Noctis quickly warped over to the soldiers and took them out quietly.
"That's how it's done," he whispered proudly.
"Aw yeah, like a boss," Prompto whispered back. We snuck inside the base, Noctis running forward for a moment before being pulled back by Ignis.
"Stop," Ignis ordered.
"What?" Noctis whispered back.
"Searchlights." We all froze for a moment. "We're clear," Ignis whispered, "Tread warily."
"Alright."
"Why do they have searchlights going anyways?" I asked quietly, though I knew none of us really had a good answer. We snuck behind some more shipping containers. An MA approached the area we were hiding behind, stopping for a moment. It possessed the same red glow as the imperial soldiers from before
"Take cover," Gladio warned.
After a moment the MA walked away, though it felt much longer than that.
"It's gone," Noctis whispered.
"Magitek armor," Ignis whispered back.
"Don't wanna mess with one of those," Gladio muttered.
"Why not? I think it's a great idea," I said sarcastically.
Ignis stood up, walking further into the base. "We shouldn't have to if we keep to the shadows."
A few more soldiers patrolled the area in front of us, Noctis waiting for his opportunity to take them out. I couldn't help but worry about what could go wrong. Once they were taken out, we followed Noctis to another area of the base, blocked off by a few lasers. He fiddled with the keypad for a moment and soon the way was open.
"Is this what's powering the base?" Prompto asked, pointing to the tower. A red beam shot into the air.
"A magitek generator of some description. It would explain why the troopers in the vicinity are uncommonly strong," Ignis whispered.
I nodded slightly. "Yeah, that makes perfect sense. Explains the weird glow they have."
"I say we wreck it. Spare us the sneaking around," Gladio responded.
"The risk is too great. Finding the Regalia comes first," Ignis reminded him. "Not a sound. You'll alert the enemy."
Noctis warped over to a watchtower before warping from one soldier to the other.
"You're in fine form, keep it up," Ignis praised. We walked into another area of the base, and right there in the middle, illuminated by searchlights, was the Regalia. We ran over to it.
"There's the old girl," Noctis smiled.
"She's a real sight for sore eyes!" Prompto agreed.
"And none the worse for her time in imperial hands," Ignis said as he looked the car over.
"Man, I missed being crammed in the back," I laughed.
Heavy, metallic footsteps approached near us. We turned and saw a Magitek Armor coming our way.
"What have we here?" Prompto asked, summoning his gun.
"Change of plans. Our new objective is to clear a path for the Regalia," Ignis stated as he summoned his daggers.
I ran toward the Regalia, swinging at the MA. The magitek generator seemed to boost my strength as well. This could actually work in our favor, I thought. Magitek swordsmen ran toward us, and so I turned my attention over to them. Gladio and Noctis were also attacking the MA, so it wasn't a big deal.
"Whoa, look at you go!" Prompto laughed. "You're on top of it today!"
"Thanks!" I smiled, shoving one magitek away and quickly ending another.
Battery soldiers came to join the fight, too, but with the five of us, they didn't stand a chance. After the area we were in was clear, we ran into another area. The spot with the magitek generator.
"We'll take out the generator and all enemies in the area," Ignis explained. "Noct, focus your efforts on the generator. There is a chance doing so will weaken the MTs."
"No more stealth?" Noctis asked.
"Our cover's blown. Go to town."
"Yes, sir!" Prompto nodded and we ran into battle, taking out any enemy that stood in our way to the generator.
"The entire base is fair game. Hold nothing back! The havoc keeps the enemy off balance," Ignis ordered.
"Let's wreck this shit!" I laughed.
An MA and some battery soldiers moved in to protect the generator. Noctis and Gladio ran past them and made quick work of the generator. That adrenaline rush feeling quickly faded as the generator shut down.
"Now's our chance, come on!" Gladio rushed to our side, attacking the MA. Noctis stood back, seeming to be doing... something. I stayed focused on what needed to be done, swinging at a couple of battery soldiers.
Thunder and lightning suddenly started above us, striking down the rest of the enemies in a flash. No way, I thought. Did Noct just summon Ramuh?
"This is the might of the Six," Noctis whispered.
"Dude... That... was... hardcore!" Prompt yelled.
"And it did the trick. The place is dead," Ignis responded.
"Rest in pieces. Come on, let's grab the Regalia and split." Gladio motioned in the direction of the Regalia.
"I can't believe it. That was fucking amazing!" I felt like I was at a loss for words.
"Piece of cake, huh?" Prompto asked as we started running back to the Regalia.
"This part is," Gladio chuckled.
"Inadvertent though it was, we dealt the empire a crushing blow today," Ignis stated. I picked up a hint of pride in his voice. "The marshal will be pleased to hear of this."
"Oh yeah, wiping out an entire base will do that," I joked.
"Pretty sweet busting up that base," Prompto began before gasping. "'Bust-a-base'... I like the sound of that for this sort of thing! There's a base, we go in and bust it up! Bust-a-base!"
Noctis rolled his eyes, and Prompto continued, "Whatever, I'm calling it that. You don't have to."
"I won't," Noctis responded with a laugh.
"It seems a bit flippant," Ignis added.
"Why not go for something a little more epic?" Gladio asked.
"I personally like it," I chimed in.
"See! Gaia likes it! Because I thought of it first, so that's the name. 'Bust-a-base'. Get used to it," Prompto said with a smug look.
"Easier said than done," Noctis responded.
We walked back to the Regalia. It was still in one piece, not damaged at all after Ramuh wiped out all the magiteks and imperials. "Uh, guys?" Prompto alerted us to someone approaching from behind. We turned to look. A man donning an intricate white coat walked toward us at a decent pace. I couldn't help but think there was something familiar about him.
The man had his sword drawn. "Long has it been, Noctis," he said lowly, glaring at us.
"Ravus," Noctis replied, a bit stunned. Wait, Ravus Nox Fleuret? I thought.
"You've received the Storm's blessing, and yet," Ravus pointed his sword at Noctis's throat, "you know nothing of the consequences." His voice seemed to ooze venom and hatred.
"Watch it," Gladio warned as he stepped in. Ravus simply moved his blade so that it was now against Gladio's throat. I went to summon my broadsword, and it looked like Ignis was about to summon his daggers when Ravus held out his hand. A prosthetic, I realized, if that was armor, he'd be wearing more of it.
"Be still, all of you," He warned. We froze, unsure what he would do if we attacked or even summoned our weapons. After a moment Ravus continued, closing his fist in front of himself. "Heir to a crown befitting no other. Witness his splendor and glory. All hail the chosen king," he spat.
"Awful high and mighty for an imperial rat," Noctis retaliated as he stepped forward, "Serving the enemy to hunt down Luna!"
"I do not serve, I command!" Ravus snapped, grabbing Noctis by the throat and shoving him back. Gladio positioned himself in between the two. Prompto and I ran to Noctis's side, making sure he was okay. Noctis slowly got up as Ravus turned his attention to Gladio.
"The king's sworn shield," He sneered.
Gladio puffed his chest out slightly. "You'd better believe it," he responded. I couldn't tell if he was taunting him or not. Ravus seemed unphased and raised his sword once again.
"A weak shield protects naught." Ravus quickly brought his sword down on Gladio, who summoned his great sword just in time to block. Prompto flinched when the blades crashed against each other, and Gladio seemed to struggle to push away from the attack. He shoved Ravus's sword to the side but instantly was shoved and sent flying into the Regalia. I jumped out of the way. My eyes darted between Gladio and Ravus as Prompto rushed to Gladio.
"Hey!" Noctis yelled as he stepped in front of Gladio. "Wanna go? Let's do it." He summoned his armiger around him in a flash of light.
"Should the chosen fall, that too is fate," Ravus said softly. The two stood, waiting for the other to attack first, all the while giving their opponent a death glare.
"I'd say that's far enough," A familiar voice interjected. Noct's armiger quickly disappeared and Ravus turned to look away from whoever was approaching. Ardyn strolled over, casual as ever. "A hand, Highness?" he asked once he was standing a few feet from Noctis.
"Not from you," Noct growled.
"Oh, but I'm here to help," Ardyn responded.
"And how is that?" Ignis asked though it felt more like he was just as annoyed that he showed up.
"By taking the army away," Ardyn said coolly.
Gladio glared at him. "You expect us to believe that?"
Ardyn seemed to ignore him before looking over toward me. "Oh, Gaia Machina, how delightful. You finally returned home."
I took a few steps back. "This isn't home," I managed to say.
"Hold on, what does he mean?" Gladio glared at me.
"You see, your dear friend Gaia is an escaped magitek. She is a special model, only one of a kind. She looks quite human, doesn't she? Well, she wasn't finished," Ardyn responded. "Go on, Gaia, show them."
My breathing picked up as I hesitantly took off my sunglasses, gloves, and jacket, revealing my eyes and incomplete arm. Tears stung my eyes as I looked at the others.
"You're a magitek? Why didn't you just tell us!" Noct yelled.
"I'm not sided with them!" I yelled back. "I escaped for a reason!"
"She's a compromised unit," Ardyn walked over to me and placed a hand on my shoulder. I pulled away from him. "If you would like, you can return her to us. Clearly, her lying to you causes some mistrust now."
Ignis turned to look at the others. "We'll sort this out ourselves, thank you," Noct sneered.
"Very well. When next we meet, it'll be across the seas. Just so happens we have business of our own with the tutelary deity. Don't we?" Ardyn walked back to where he was and looked at Ravus, who glared over his shoulder at Ardyn.
"Fare thee well, Your Majesty, and safe travels. If you wish to return Gaia, you know where we will be," Ardyn said, motioning for Ravus to follow as he left.
"You guys," Prompto paused, "know that guy?"
"Ravus Nox Fleuret," Ignis stated, "First son of Tenebrae, and elder brother to Lady Lunafreya."
Noctis glared at Ravus as he left before turning his attention back to me.
"You're a magitek. We let you join us, and you were an enemy!" Gladio yelled.
"This doesn't bode well for us, Noct. We may have just put you in more danger," Ignis said, turning to face Noctis.
I looked down at my hands. "Yes. I am. I lied to you. I escaped one of the Imperial dropships when they had me and some other magitek troopers attack a lone hunter. She was innocent, just doing her job. I fought off the other MTs I was dropped with. I tried showing the hunter that I didn't mean any harm, but she got scared and attacked me. It scared me and I..." I clenched my teeth. "I fought back. I didn't mean to! I was just so worried, and she was swinging her sword at me, and it just happened! I lied about the way I got the magitek axe I have. I lied about being a mercenary."
"You lied about the magitek axe," Prompto repeated softly, looking at the others. He had a clear look of hurt on his face.
"I can't believe we ever trusted you, you could have killed us!" Gladio snapped.
"I'll stay here. You guys can go," I mumbled.
"But she didn't attack us! She had so many opportunities to, but she didn't! She fought alongside us!" Prompto walked over to me. "She proved she isn't allied with the Niffs!"
"Prompto, get back," Noctis warned.
"She isn't a threat, Noct! Can't you see how scared she is?"
Prompto was right. I was scared. Terrified, even. I felt like I was shaking. I probably was. These guys were my friends, and now they see me as an enemy.
"He's right," Noctis said after a moment, sighing and looking down for a moment. "Gaia, you can come with us."
"Noct," Ignis began.
"Yes, I know it's dangerous. It might be more dangerous if we leave her here, though. If she does anything then we won't hesitate to take her out. Do you understand, Gaia?"
I tensed up. "I... I know you can't trust me after this. I don't blame you. Thanks for letting me continue to come along with you," I said quietly. Gladio glared at me.
"Come on, let's get out of here," Prompto smiled. "We got our ride back!"
"She's not riding with us," Gladio said sternly.
"That's fine. I'll just... I'll just ride my chocobo. We still have the rental period anyways," I responded.
"Gladio," Ignis scolded.
"No, Ignis, he has a point." I turned and started walking, making my way to the exit.
"Gaia, wait for us!" Prompto yelled, running after me. I made my way out of the base quickly and quietly. Son of a bitch, I thought, wiping tears from my face. As I called my chocobo over, my mind focused on two things. 'How do I plan on getting out of this mess?' and that man. Ravus Nox Fleuret…
