Ignis, Noctis, and I yet again stuck to the shadows as we entered the base. The commander we were following was ranting about someone to the two imperial soldiers that accompanied him.

"That's our target. Let's follow him," Ignis stated.

"That's Caligo Ulldor, one of the few commanders, if I remember right," I added. "He's insufferable."

"I thought you didn't have contact with the commanders?" Noctis asked me.

"I didn't have much, but I have seen them on occasion," I responded. "I think he's the most power-hungry of the bunch."

"Seize him on my signal. Stay hidden until then," Ignis continued.

We snuck past one of the gates, continuing to follow the target.

"What's that chancellor playing at? I'm no man's fool. He sent Highwind to watch me," we overheard Caligo complain.

"Seems he doesn't like the chancellor either," I laughed quietly.

"Well, it isn't hard to dislike him," Noctis added before warping over to quietly take out a few soldiers. We were then stopped at another gate as we waited for Caligo to continue.

"I may have acted in haste with that impudent steward back in Lestallum, but my mission remains clear. And I'll be damned if that mercenary gets her grubby hands on the prince before Caligo Ulldor." Caligo sure likes to talk to himself, I thought.

"That confirms it," I whispered. "Now hopefully Gladio will stop blaming me somehow."

We waited until the coast was clear, before again progressing. Once again navigating behind various walkways, we made our way to another gate. Caligo advanced alone, leaving his two guards at the gate. We snuck past them and continued.

"Now's your chance, Noct. Close in from behind. And remember: we need him alive," Ignis stated. That was the signal.

"Don't worry," Noctis responded, before warping behind Caligo and knocking him to the ground. Ignis and I ran over to him.

"Out cold," I chuckled. "Good."

An explosion rang out from further in the base. Is that what Prompto and Gladio call a diversion?

"Looks like they've set to work," Ignis looked over to the direction the explosion came from before turning his attention back to Caligo. "I'll escort him off the base. You regroup with the others."

I nodded slightly before taking off to the others, Noctis not far behind. "Guess it's time to let loose," Noctis said as he summoned his sword.

"Yeah, let's do this," I nodded. I summoned my axe and swung at one of the imperial soldiers. The number of soldiers seemed a lot smaller than the previous base.

"Over here!" Gladio yelled to Noctis, waving him over. They turned their attention to the MA in front of the Magitek generator, and I ran to take out the generator itself. I swung at it, again and again, taking out all my frustrations. It soon was destroyed and the field went down. I felt my strength return to normal and I joined in on the attack on the MA.

"Maybe we should have taken out the generator after we took out the MA?" Prompto asked.

"No, it's fine. Besides, that would make the MA stronger too, so it would really just be the same," I responded.

The MA fell, finally defeated. We turned to exit the base when Ignis approached us. "Glad to see you lot were successful," he said, a hint of irritation in his voice.

"Does that mean you weren't?" Noctis asked.

"I placed our captive into the Hunters' custody, but I've just been informed he's fled. He lives to die another day."

"Damn it," I sighed.

"I'll gladly help him with that," Noctis said as we made our way to leave. We barely make it out of one area before a person jumps down on us. She brought her javelin down on Noctis, who blocked it just in time. She jumped back from the block but pinned Noctis down.

"Hey, pretty boy," she teased before getting off him. "Let's see what you can do."

I blocked a blow from her spear, shoving her away. She was unlike any enemy we fought before, seeming to prefer fighting in the air. What an unfair advantage, I thought, readying my sword.

"Prompto!" Noctis ordered.

"Okay!" Prompto yelled back, summoning another gun and seeming to empty both of them in Aranea's direction. She dove back down, slamming her spear into the ground. We took that moment to attack. Once we thought we had her, she jumped back into the air and onto one of the walls.

"Is it that time already?" She asked.

"What time?" Noctis asked in return.

"Quitting time. Sorry, but this girl doesn't work after hours. I could, but there wouldn't be a single gil in it for me," She responded before smiling. "We should play again sometime, pretty boy." And with that, she was gone.

"Who the hell was she?" Noctis asked.

"I don't recognize her," I responded with a shrug.

"I'm still worried about Iris," Prompto interjected.

"I imagine she's fine," Ignis reassured.

Gladio crossed his arms. "But we shouldn't keep her waiting."

We yet again started making our way out of the base and back to Old Lestallum.


"You're back! Did you kick their asses?" Iris asked with a smile.

"Oh yeah," Noctis chuckled.

"All in a day's work," Gladio nodded.

We walked into our room at the motel, Iris following. "Hey, mind if I hang in your guys' room for a bit?"

"I don't see a problem, personally," I smiled slightly.

"I think Gaia's earned her keep... again," Prompto said, sitting next to me in the room.

"What do you mean 'again'? I thought she was with you guys the whole time?" Iris asked.

"She's a magitek," Gladio said coldly, crossing his arms.

iris looked over at Gladio and then at me. I nodded slightly.

"Hey, she's working with us though. And she helped us bust not one, but two bases! I'd say she's good," Prompto continued. "She would have attacked us already if she was an enemy."

"Thanks for vouching for me, Prompto," I smiled. "You know, you're kind of like an older brother to me."

"Oh, he's not gonna let you live that down," Noctis chuckled, "You said it and he will make you regret it."

"From what I saw, Gaia seems trustworthy," Iris smiled at me. "I mean, she did help avenge Jared, and I can only assume she doesn't even know him."

"I can't sit here and let Niflheim ruin even more families," I responded. "They've done it countless times. But, I'm exhausted, I think I'll get some sleep." I adjusted the way I was sitting and took off my sunglasses.

"Against the wall?"

"I do this all the time," I laughed. "Ask the guys, I either stay up all night or sleep in weird positions."

"I saw her sleeping on the counter of a caravan we stayed in," Ignis chuckled.

"Well, I don't feel like sharing a bed with four men," I responded. "Won't be comfortable for any of us."

"I'll let you guys get some rest," Iris said as she stood up and made her way to the door. I nodded slightly, looking over at the others.

It was going to be a long day ahead of us on the road, I just knew it.