Chapter 1
The Weight of Duty
"Nervous, Your Highness?"
Noctis finished putting on his jacket before turning about to face the speaker.
"Not really," he said nonchalantly.
The bespectacled youth was not fooled however, even if he deigned to humor his charge and nodded in acceptance.
"Then we should not keep the others waiting."
"Right."
Though Noctis' tone might have sounded half-hearted, there was a definite weight in his tone and bearing. The young prince knew what was demanded of him, knew the expectation placed upon him. It wearied him so, and yet he pressed onward with little hesitation in his steps. As the two emerged from Noctis' room, they were joined by two more youths similarly clad in black. One stepped with ponderous purpose, the other's gait a notable mismatch for his presently stern expression. The solemn air could be said to not befit the entire group, but some occasions called for a greater degree of formality. As they emerged from the palace into the courtyard, the reason why became apparent as all four came to a halt and bowed.
"Your Majesty," Noctis greeted.
Regis Lucis Caelum, 113th monarch of the Kingdom of Lucis, favored his only child with a warm smile.
"My son."
And with those two words, set the tone of this encounter. It would not be one between a king and his heir, but between a father and his son. A degree of tension was seemingly lifted from Noctis' form, but the young man still could not entirely relax.
"Come, keep an old man company for a few moments longer," Regis said, cocking his head in invitation.
Leaving his fellows to trail behind, Noctis fell in step with his father, and his king. He let the older man set the pace, which admittedly was only polite seeing as Regis required a cane to support his form, and that was on top of the supporting brace on his right leg.
"I expect this is the last we will see each other for a while," Regis stated. "Come the morrow, you should be well on your way to Altissia."
"We could always move the ceremony here," Noctis suggested halfheartedly. "Still time before I tie the knot."
Regis allowed a slight smile. "Hardly the best impression you could give your bride-to-be, inconveniencing her like that on the eve of your union."
And besides, the Empire would never allow it, both knew full well. So delicate were the conditions for the upcoming treaty that the slightest change might upset its fruition, never mind anything involving the union that was supposed to seal it.
"It has been nearly twelve years since you two last spoke," Regis said. "By all accounts the Princess Stella has grown into a lovely young woman."
"We've exchanged a few letters," Noctis responded. "She seems nice. Very determined, but nice."
"That is good to hear," Regis said, pausing momentary in their descent down the stairs. "I know this is not necessarily how you thought your life would go, but that does not mean happiness will elude you. Though the terms by which the two of you are to be joined are out of your hands, the future that you forge together rests within them."
Not entirely so, but a great deal did depend on Noctis and Stella, the two principals in this match. As such Noctis acknowledged his father's point with a nod.
"Good," Regis said, resuming the descent. "Altissia is a beautiful city, I can still remember the walls of water that surrounded and defined it. In a way it is a rather fitting place, to have your union be blessed before the waves in which the Hydraean slumbers."
"Considering the legends of her temperament, I'm not sure I'd want her to be the one blessing us," Noctis remarked lightly.
Regis chuckled at the sentiment. "The Princess Stella may be spirited, but I somehow doubt you would be given cause to worry overmuch about any influence Leviathan might have."
They were now at the bottom of the steps and the entourage awaiting Noctis bowed respectfully to both their lieges. After acknowledging the courtesy, Regis' gaze fell upon the four youths that now positioned themselves before him. All four came to attention upon so noticing that gaze.
"Ignis Scientia."
The neatly dressed bespectacled youth had little trouble standing attentively at the ready.
"Gladiolus Amicitia."
The hulking man's muscles tensed up, but the smoldering expression somehow felt entirely natural.
"Prompto Argentum."
The lanky blond on the other hand was noticeably more nervous than his peers at the attention given the stiffness of his posture. Nonetheless one could still see the determination on his earnest face.
"I ask not that you guide my wayward son, merely that you remain at his side."
Ignis bowed respectfully. "By your command, and by our will, Your Majesty."
"We'll see the prince to Altissia if it's the last thing we do," Gladiolus assured his liege with firm conviction.
"Yeah, what he said." Prompto, less so but still in full earnest.
Nonetheless Regis gave a satisfied nod before turning back to his son.
"Take care on the long road. Wheresoever you should go, the line of Lucis goes with you." A hand came to rest on Noctis' shoulder. "Walk tall, my son."
Noctis' lips quivered but he managed to hide any hesitation in his tone. "I will, Father."
Regis' eyes now swept over the assembled soldiers.
"Guardians of the Crown, I leave my son in your charge. See him safely to Altissia, and the future waiting for him therein."
The dozen or so soldiers of the Crownsguard, all sworn to the protection of the crown prince, saluted as one in acceptance of this charge. The Kingsglaive that they might one day join the ranks of returned the motion. In time the changing of the guard would occur, but that was a time all hoped would be yet far off. Hope was however a fragile thing, easily snuffed out by the cold edge of reality. It was however easily sparked anew in the forge of human hearts.
It was not until the convoy left Insomnia's walled premises that the sullen air about them seemed to dissipate. Perhaps that was because of the bright sun that now shined upon them, unimpeded by the rows and aisles of buildings packed within the crown city.
"Ah, that's a nice breeze," Prompto exclaimed with a content sigh.
"There is a certain freshness to the air beyond the walls," Ignis agreed. "Though I would recommend keeping a wary eye about. Sandstorms are known to brew with alarming speed in the Leide deserts after all."
"Just need to get past the mountains to the south and we'll be in more temperate lands," Gladiolus said. "And after that it's just a skip and hop away to Galdin Quay. Been a while since we've had a taste of the restaurant down there. I bet you're looking forward to one of their fish dishes, eh Noct?"
"Only if it's my fish they're cooking up," Noctis replied. "Don't suppose there's any time to break out the rod?"
"Did you seriously pack a fishing rod for your wedding?" Gladiolus said, sounding nowhere near incredulous as one might have presumed.
"Hey, what's Noct without his rod?" Prompto piped up. "Besides, Altissia is supposed to have great spots for fishing. I'm sure the Princess Stella wouldn't mind if that's how her groom-to-be wants to spend the last few moments of his freedom instead of boozing it up at a bachelor's party."
"On the other hand she probably would mind if that's what he's got in mind for the honeymoon," Gladiolus retorted.
"Hey now," Noctis protested. "I can be romantic if need be."
"Uh huh." Gladiolus did not even bother feigning belief. "Well in that case I look forward to you playing at Prince Charming when we get to Altissia."
"Charm comes in many different forms," Ignis said from up front. "I'm sure His Highness will demonstrate one befitting his stature, if only so that he is not eclipsed by Her Highness."
"Thanks," Noctis drawled.
"Hey I've been wondering," Prompto piped up. "So Tenebrae is an imperial province, right? But Princess Stella is still a, princess?"
"House Fleuret used to be the ruling family of Tenebrae," Ignis took that one, "and technically speaking still is, in accordance with the treaty that marked their incorporation into the Empire. As such, so long as the members of the royal house accede to their subordinate status in the imperial hierarchy, they are accorded the courtesies due to their station. In some respects it is similar to the treaty that Lucis will be signing."
"Oh, I see," Prompto said, sounding much more subdued. "It's hard to believe, but after the treaty, technically we'll be Nifs too, huh?"
"Don't know about you, but I ain't gonna be bowing down to some foreign emperor quite that quick," Gladiolus declared.
Wry grins cracked all around. Gladiolus was a man that wore his heart on his sleeve, and they would not have it any other way.
"Legally we would be subjects of the Empire," Ignis said, "or more precisely, we would be dependents. Lucis will not face outright incorporation as happened with Tenebrae, our situation will be closer to that of Accordo, the capital of which we are headed now."
"And, the difference would be?" Prompto queried.
"Accordo is a Protectorate," Noctis answered before Ignis could do so. "While it does not possess outright sovereignty, it's left to run its internal affairs as it sees fit. The Empire is also supposed to consult with the Accordan government on things that affect both. Tenebrae is an imperial province outright, with imperial civil servants that run the show, whatever deference the Empire shows House Fleuret."
As Noctis finished speaking, a blank silence descended upon the vehicle, interrupted only by the wisps of wind that blew past them.
"What?" the young prince said after a few moments.
"Wow Noct," Prompto responded. "That actually, sounded educated."
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Noctis protested.
"Well just that it's not every day we hear words like 'sovereignty' outta your mouth," Gladiolus said.
"I am the crown prince," Noctis pointed out. "And I did go to all the same schools as Ignis. Just because I don't use as many fancy words as him doesn't mean I didn't learn them."
"Alas that Your Highness declines to demonstrate such eloquence on a more regular basis," said classmate lamented.
At the snickers that sounded Noctis shot a glare at Gladiolus, but there was no bite to his expression. He knew none of them meant anything by their own remarks after all, it was just a bit of jovial prodding.
"We will be reaching Hammerhead shortly," Ignis reported, "where we will top up on gas before heading south."
"Already?" Noctis said. "We just left the city."
"That may be so, but recall that Galdin is quite some distance away," Ignis said. "Besides, we are to meet Colonel Auburnbrie of the Territorials there."
"Dave?" Noctis sounded genuinely confused, and concerned, here. "What for?"
Some might have found it just a bit odd for a crown prince to refer so casually to an officer of the army, but one of the duties of the prince was to work with the forces stationed beyond Insomnia's walls to help maintain the peace. No future king of Lucis would be allowed to be a layabout, that much was for certain, and despite his seemingly lackadaisical attitude Noctis was far from being one, his low blood pressure in the morning notwithstanding.
"Just a status update," Ignis assured him. "You have been rather busy in the city in preparation for the treaty and the wedding."
"Oh. Well. Good."
"Don't sound so relieved Noct," Gladiolus teased. "Who knows, maybe the colonel will have us hike a couple of kilometers into the bush so we can get a firsthand experience of what he's reporting."
"Not. Gonna. Happen."
Less amused was the glare Noctis shot his friends at their snickering this time, especially considering at least one of those friends would be complaining even more profusely than him at such unexpected exercise. The banter that followed was however still lighthearted as the convoy continued rolling along. And true to Ignis' word, Hammerhead soon came into view and the three vehicles pulled into the combination outpost, gas station, and checkpoint. A detachment of the Territorial Army was ready and waiting to receive them, along with a few of the locals. There was remarkably little pomp and circumstance however, Noctis being a semi-regular sight around these parts for the past year. Granted he had been away for the last month or so, and the occasion that brought him here today was just a bit more glamorous than prior instances, so it was perhaps inevitable that a few more people did come forward to congratulate the prince or wish him well.
Of course certain of Noctis' own entourage were perhaps as eager to reacquaint themselves with certain of Hammerhead's residents.
"Cindy!" Prompto cheerfully called out, hand waving with equal enthusiasm.
"He's got it bad," Gladiolus said wearily.
"Kinda a case of the pot calling the kettle black," Noctis said as he climbed out.
"Nah, Cindy's a nice girl and all, but I'd prefer someone more direct." Gladiolus' gaze shifted to a scowling figure standing right behind the girl in question. "That and I'd rather Cid not clock me over the head with that wrench of his."
Prompto somehow managed to remain completely oblivious to Cid's glower. That or he was actively pretending to be oblivious to avoid facing it. Noctis allowed himself a chuckle before stepping forth to the greet the Territorials present. The ranking officer present, a lieutenant, offered a salute. Noctis returned it.
"Your Highness," the man greeted. "It's good to see you again."
"Good to see you as well, Lieutenant." Noctis looked around. "Where's Colonel Auburnbrie? I thought he was supposed to meet us here."
The lieutenant grimaced a bit. "The colonel received word of an especially dangerous varmint being sighted in the vicinity and set off with a small team to put it down before your arrival, Your Highness. We haven't had heard a peep from him or his team since."
Noctis frowned at that. The Territorials were responsible for general security in the regions of Lucis beyond Insomnia, whether that be in fending off the occasional imperial incursion or dealing with the local dangerous wildlife. While Noctis had never been allowed anywhere the former, for obvious reasons, he had participated in more than a few hunts for the latter, enough to have gained a degree of recognition via awards doled out for successful hunts.
"Iggy, how's our schedule looking?" he asked.
"We certainly have some time yet before we need to arrive at Lowgwythe," Ignis responded, "if Your Highness is inclined for a short diversion."
"Oh I'm inclined alright," Noctis said, seemingly forgetting his prior reluctance to go onto the bush. Perhaps the prospect of an actual target was getting his blood running. He looked over at the lieutenant. "Where was the colonel headed?"
"Is Your Highness certain?" the lieutenant protested, albeit rather half-heartedly. "I mean, we wouldn't want to make you late for your own wedding, wouldn't do to get you off on the wrong foot with the Princess Stella."
"I'm sure we can wrap this up with plenty of time to spare," Noctis said confidently. "And if not, Her Highness will probably forgive me for attending to affairs of state."
Then again it was not the Princess Stella's mood that they really needed to worry about, all knew full well. If Noctis was actually delayed, the Empire might interpret it as some sort of renegement of the treaty on Lucis' part, and that would be far more disastrous than any slighting of the Princess Stella. Nonetheless no one attempted to dissuade the young prince any further.
"Then we best not tally," Ignis said instead. "What was the colonel's last known location?"
The lieutenant unfolded a map and laid it out for all to see. "The colonel radioed in from here about half an hour ago, said they were on the creature's trail."
"Looks about a good twenty minutes on foot from here," Gladiolus remarked. "Fifteen if we hoof it."
"Which means we can make it in five if we ride," Noctis said. "You got any mounts ready?"
"Only four, Your Highness," the officer said apologetically. "Not enough for your entire retinue."
"We won't need everyone," Noctis said confidently. "Just the four of us will be enough."
The Territorial lieutenant looked as if he wanted to protest, but then seemed to think better of it. As crown prince, Noctis' skills were well attested and recognized by the soldiers beyond the wall. The likelihood of any simple monster, even one that gave the Territorials trouble, laying Noctis and his immediate companions low was slim indeed. There was still a reflexive urge to not hazard the prince too often however, especially so close to such an important event as his own wedding. Even so, the other two youths seemed unconcerned with the prospective dangers, and without their assistance Noctis was unlikely to be talked out of this little venture.
"Then I suppose you should collect the last member of your party," the lieutenant said with a tinge of resignation.
"Last member?" Noctis said quizzically, then noticed the lack of a certain blond youth. "Hey, Prompto! We're heading out!"
"Be there in a jiffy!" Prompto called back, parting with Cindy with noticeable reluctance and rejoining his friends. "So we ready to roll out?"
Noctis snorted. "Not quite yet. Got a little errand to run first."
"Oh, speaking of errands, Cindy asked if we could deliver something to Lowgwythe for her, since we're passing through it anyway."
Resigned sighs sounded all around.
"Sure we got enough space in the trunk?" Gladiolus said.
"If not, we could always leave Prompto behind," Ignis quipped.
"That would mean I'd get more leg-room in the back once we dropped the package off," Noctis added.
"Ah hey, c'mon guys," Prompto protested. "Of course I checked to make sure we had the space. Whaddya take me for?"
"Someone batting way outta his league?" Gladiolus suggested.
"Well she hasn't said no yet," Noctis pointed out.
"Only because he has yet to ask," Ignis pointed out.
"Wow, thanks for the support there guys," Prompto retorted. "So, if we're not heading to Lowgwythe yet, where are we going?"
"The colonel might have gotten himself into a spot of trouble," Ignis answered. "His Highness has graciously decided to help look into the matter."
A kewh sounded, along with the thump of clawed feet.
"Ah, and here are our mounts."
At that a wide grin was plastered over Prompto's face. "Aww yeah."
"C'mon, let's make tracks," Noctis said, climbing on. "If the colonel really is in trouble, we shouldn't keep him waiting."
"If only you were so dutiful with your other royal obligations," Ignis said as he mounted.
"Like eating his vegetables?" Gladiolus quipped.
"Everyone's a critic," Noctis sighed. "Lieutenant, I'll radio in once we find the colonel."
"Take care out there Your Highness," the Territorial said. "Wouldn't do for you to get too roughed up before your big day."
Noctis nodded, then to the other Crownsguard officer. "Hold down the fort until we get back."
"If Your Highness absolutely insists on this little jaunt," the man said with a clear tone of weary resignation.
"Oh I insist alright," Noctis said, and with a snap of the reins took off atop his chocobo.
With a cry the yellow bird broke out into a full on sprint, with three more right behind. Technically Noctis should have allowed one of the others to take the lead, but the crown prince was not one to lead from the rear. As they headed further west, patches of greenery topped by rundown shacks and sheds began to pop up on the land.
"Hard to imagine this place used to be farmland," Gladiolus remarked as he sidled up next to Noctis. "Remember my old man talking about how the fields here provided Insomnia with fresh produce year-round. Now food has to be shipped in all the way from Duscae."
The birds were now going at a more leisurely trot as they recovered from the initial burst.
"What caused the place to dry up?" Prompto asked, moving onto Noctis' other flank.
"The shield protecting Lucis had to be pulled back to just the crown city itself," the prince said with a grimace. "That was about when Leide started to lose its moisture. We still don't know why, the aqueducts that fed water into the region weren't sending any less, at least before they were shut off outright, but it just seemed to, disappear."
"His Majesty attempted to investigate while he was still the crown prince himself," Ignis put in from behind the trio. "Unfortunately he was unable to determine the cause before being required to assume his duties as sovereign. Perhaps Noct here will finish what his father started."
"Sure, I'll add it onto my todo list," Noctis quipped before snapping the reins again.
The chocobo dashed off in turn, marking the end of this particular exchange. Despite their somewhat jovial mannerism, all four youths kept a sharp eye out for anything out of the ordinary as they rode. They had only been given an approximate location for where Dave and the other Territorials might be after all, meaning the actual task of finding the soldiers fell squarely on their attention to detail.
"Hey, over there," Prompto suddenly called out. "That camp site's flag is red."
"Good eye, Prompto," Noctis congratulated his friend. "The colonel and the others must have passed by here. Let's see if they dropped a marker."
As some of the few safe havens outside of major settlements at night, the sigiled campgrounds were also used by the Territorials as rallying points on their patrols. To further aid in carrying out their duty, stockpiles of supplies and drop boxes for messages were maintained at each haven. If a patrol left a message in the box, it would switch out the flag marking the sight from white to red. And sure enough, as Noctis hopped off his chocobo and flipped open the box, a scrap of people was waiting inside.
"Who's a good boy," Prompto's voice sounded in the background as he scratched his chocobo's cheeks.
The bird gave a happy kewh. As if jealous of the attention being paid its fellow, Noctis' mount tried to cuddle against the prince.
"Hey, easy there," Noctis said, though he still indulged his own bird with a scratch on the head.
"So what's it say?" Gladiolus asked, still atop his bird.
"Well, it's definitely the colonel's handwriting," Noctis said, holding out the paper for his friend to examine. "Near as I can make out, they headed northwest."
"Huh," Gladiolus grunted, giving the paper a quick glance but not taking it.
In the background Ignis could be heard calling in over the radio, updating the Hammerhead outpost with the latest. Hopefully this way if another rescue party needed to be dispatched, they could save some time. With clue in hand, Noctis and company headed in the indicated direction.
"So do we know what kind of monster the colonel went after?" Prompto asked.
"Not as such," Ignis replied. "Only that it was problematic enough to warrant his attention."
The blond youth let out a whistle. "That doesn't sound good."
"Even worse is him not reporting back in," Gladiolus remarked. "The colonel's always been the careful sort, doesn't like taking risks on a whim. Unlike a certain royal we all know and love."
"Aww, and I thought you guys didn't care," Noctis remarked dryly.
With another snap of the reins Noctis' bird charged ahead. The prince could hear the sighs from at least two of his ostensible minders.
"Try not to provoke His Highness too readily, Gladio," Noctis caught before he was out of earshot. "It makes seeing after him all that much more troublesome."
The prince suppressed a smirk. He was pretty sure Ignis was intentionally being loud enough to be heard. More minutes passed as the four trotted across the arid landscape, noting any signs of the missing patrol. Nature could be quick to wipe away the man and beast, but fortunately not enough time had passed for her to finish her work. It was as they approached the haven at Palebram that they caught sight of smoke rising into the sky.
"Hey, you think that's the colonel?" Prompto suggested.
"Only one way to find out," Noctis declared.
And off they went, the four chocobos surging forth as fast they could. All the birds were well trained and kept, managing to maintain the pace all the way to the campgrounds. The sight of weary soldiers greeted them well before they reached their destination, but as they drew closer the relief these men and women felt became more evident as they drew closer. Hoping off deftly as his bird came to a halt, Noctis greeted the Territorials.
"Colonel Auburnbrie," Noctis said, tapping his chest in acknowledgement of the salute Dave gave him. "I'm glad to see you're alright."
"Your Highness," Dave said. "I wasn't expecting to see you out here."
"We heard that you were out hunting from Hammerhead," Noctis explained. "Seeing as you were late reporting in, I thought it best to see if you needed any help."
"That right," Dave said with a wry smile. "And I can't say I ain't glad you showed, Your Highness. Your pardon for dragging you all the way out here while yer headed for your own wedding."
While the two chatted, the rest of Noctis' party were seeing to the wounded. They each had a small supply of imbued energy drinks and the like and were busy distributing them to help with the more serious injuries the patrol had suffered. The magic possessed by the Lucian royal family was quite potent, so the soldiers here should at least survive long enough to get treatment back at a proper outpost.
"So what's this monster that's been giving you trouble?"
Dave raised an eyebrow. "I reckon you boys're aiming to bring it down yerselves?"
"That's the plan, sir," Gladiolus said respectfully, rejoining Noctis. "Wouldn't feel right to just leave the Territorials hanging like this when we'll be out of the country for a fair bit."
"There is that," Dave nodded. "Well, if this won't put Yer Highness off your trek too much, I'd be mighty appreciative of you taking care o' this varmint."
"What exactly is it anyway?" Noctis asked. "It's been a while since a monster showed up that the Territorials couldn't handle."
"Reckon we coulda dealt with this one too if we'd known what we were getting into," Dave said. "It's a dualhorn, cept this one's tougher than any we run into before."
"A dualhorn," Ignis remarked, having completed his own rounds with Prompto. "They are supposed to be fairly shy creatures, herbivores that keep away from human settlements."
"This one's anything but shy," Dave stated. "First got wind of it last month, folks saying they seen it wandering by what little gardens and whatnot they keep for veggies. Then two weeks back, it parked itself by the road and started trying to run down cars passing by. Was long gone by the time we got there, so when word came in that it was spotted again, I grabbed a patrol to put it down for good."
"Wonder what could have made it so aggressive," Gladiolus questioned.
"At this point it doesn't matter," Noctis said. "If we find it, it's going down."
"Anything we should know about our quarry?" Ignis asked, always mindful of the details.
"Well, thing's hide's thicker than we expected," Dave answered. "Bullets seemed to just bounce off it. And it's quicker than you'd think for something that big. When we tried to get in close and personal, lotta my boys and girls got banged up bad."
"Sounds like we'll have to approach this more tactically," Ignis said.
"Right," Noctis agreed. "Gladio, see if you can grab its attention, keep it locked down."
The bulky youth slammed fist to palm. "No problem."
"Prompto, you'll watch his back. If there's an opening, take the shot. Focus on that thing's horns. If you can break it, that'll make thins a lot easier."
"Gotcha."
"Ignis, you and me'll take it from the flanks. If I can get enough momentum, I should be able to punch through its skin, and that'll be that."
"A simple but effective strategy," Ignis agreed.
"Won't exactly be our first rodeo," Noctis said, "but, I wouldn't blame you guys if you're all a little rusty after a month cooped up in the crown city."
Gladiolus snorted. "And whose hand kept slipping the last time we were out here?"
"Or all the times he didn't mean to do that?" Prompto added.
"His Highness at least has the courtesy to say he's sorry," Ignis summed up.
"I could always break out the spells," Noctis said. "Kinda fun watching you guys twitching because you stepped into a puddle after I brought down the thunder."
Dave gave a sigh. "Why I bother worryin' at all about the monsters."
The four teens chuckled, then straightened as Noctis issued another salute.
"Reinforcements should be here soon to help move the wounded back to Hammerhead," Noctis said. "Look forward to the good news when we get back, Colonel."
Dave nodded, returning the motion. "I will, Yer Highness. And be safe, ya hear?"
"Okay, I distinctly remember Dave saying they were chasing a dualhorn," Prompto remarked. "Are we sure that's a dualhorn?"
The four were gazing down from a rocky outcrop, surveying their target and the surrounding area.
"It has two horns," Gladiolus noted. "What else do you want?"
"How about something that's smaller than a tank!?" Prompto responded.
"The colonel did note this particular specimen was unusual," Ignis put in. "Still, this does add a small wrinkle to our plan."
"What, you think I can't take it?" Gladiolus said.
"You might, Prompto not so much," Noctis said.
"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence Noct," said youth responded, though he did not sound terribly broken up about the lack thereof.
"His Highness does have a point," Ignis said. "Would your firearm stand any chance of piercing the hide on this beast?"
"Well, probably not," Prompto conceded. "At least not the one I brought with me."
"Whattabout that drill thing?" Gladiolus suggested.
"That might work," Ignis said. "What say you, Prompto?"
The momentary pause was not due to hesitation on Prompto's part, the young man was instead weighing the proposal suggested by his friends.
"Yeah, I think the drillbreaker would be able to get through that thing's hide. Though you guys'd need to stop that thing moving around for a bit."
"Can do," Gladiolus said confidently.
"We'll certainly try," Ignis said more frankly.
Noctis rose. "Then let's get to it."
The others followed after him, with Gladiolus taking the lead as per their original plan. Of course that plan had died before they even met the enemy, so it was something of an open question whether the new one would survive much longer.
The dualhorn most definitely noticed their approach, as it turned about and gave a loud roar. It was not the most bloodcurdling roar the four had ever heard, in fact to their practiced ears it sounded more of a panicked prey than a vicious predator. Probably because for all the dualhorn's bulk, it was still an herbivore and so lower on the food chain than say a behemoth, or even a sabertusk. That did not make it any less dangerous however.
"Right here you bastard!" Gladiolus called out, trying to make himself as conspicuous as possible.
With a glimmer a greatsword appeared in his hands while a shield strapped itself to his left arm. Prompto leveled his pistol while Ignis twirled his knives. Noctis gripped his own sword, feeding it mana and causing it edges of the black blade to glow red. The dualhorn roared another challenge, and began its charge. Gladiolus stood his ground while the others scattered, but it was not as if even he had any intention of taking the charge head-on like that. As the dualhorn was upon him, he rolled deftly out of the way before bringing his greatsword crashing down.
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
A loud crack accompanied Gladiolus' warcry, which was quickly echoed by the dualhorn screaming in pain. The thing went berserk, swinging about back and forth in a blind rage as it tried to find something, anything to stomp on to vent its agony. Gladiolus' arm tingled as it rammed into his shield, sending the young man sliding back but otherwise unharmed. That conveniently also put him out of the monster's reach, if only momentarily.
Despite the sound, the dualhorn had not actually lost one of its namesake horns. A very visible fracture could be spotted however, and it was probably because it was not a clean break outright that it was in such pain. Any semblance of thought or cunning went out the window on the creature's part as it charged at Gladiolus again. Before it could reach its target however a flare of blue light smashed into its side, sending the creature careening over. The shrill cry this time was of surprise, but it was immediately followed by a shriek of pain as a trickle of blood ran down Noctis' blade.
"Gladio!" the prince called out.
With a grunt, the large youth spun about to give his strike added momentum and slammed his blade onto the dualhorn's head. This time the blow was true and one of the horns came clean off.
"Prompto!"
Even as he called out, Noctis disappeared in another blue flash to give way for his friend. The blond young dove right through the opening, a large black and gray machine appearing in his hands. A loud thud marked its firing, as did the geyser of blood that erupted from the toppled dualhorn.
"That do it!?" Prompto called out as he too fell back.
Amazingly, the creature actually pulled itself back onto its feet. If anything it looked even angrier than before.
"It's losing a great deal of blood," Ignis said. "It should weaken the longer the fight draws out."
"The same could be said for us," Gladiolus pointed out. "Not like we've got unlimited stamina too."
"Then it's finish it," Noctis said.
"Got any bright ideas how?" Prompto asked.
"It will certainly favor defending its wounded right side," Ignis said. "If we aim for it, we should be able to create an opening to exploit."
"You heard him boys," Noctis said. "Prompto, thing should be softened up enough for your gun to work. Gladio, same drill as before, keep the thing distracted. Ignis, you see an opening, mark it. I'll take it from there."
"As Your Highness commands."
There probably was not any sarcasm in that remark. Noctis snorted. Probably.
"Let's go!"
Instead of waiting for the beast to charge, this time Gladiolus was the one to advance. With another cry he swung at the creature, the blade scrapping across the thing's hard skin. A white trace was left in its wake, but the hide was too tough to pierce outright with such a meager effort.
"Tch. C'mon you beast! What're you waiting for!"
Roaring in answer, the dualhorn charged Gladiolus, but its pace was noticeably shallower. Bracing himself, Gladiolus slammed his shield against the side of the remaining horn. The blow sent a violent ring vibrating through both of them, but it was the dualhorn that came out the worse as it staggered back. It was a poor moment to be so distracted however as a trio of shots landed unerringly against its wounded flesh. Twisting about, it tried to keep out of Prompto's line of fire, only to turn right into another swing from Gladiolus' greatsword. The creature jerked back from the strike, its footing become more uncertain as it struggled to maintain its bearing. All initiative had been robbed from it however as the quartet hounded it without pause. Forced to defend itself from multiple directions, the dualhorn tripped over its own feet and crashed onto its side.
"NOW NOCT!" Ignis called, tossing his dagger to mark the target.
"Here I COME!"
Teleporting into the air, Noct's sword disappeared to be replaced by a long polearm. Gravity and the added spin from his own body saw the axeblade slice through the creature's neck and sink deep into the flesh. The dualhorn had time to gurgle once before Gladiolus leapt into the air and brought his greatsword down, striking the polearm and driving it all the way through. The wet thud was accompanied by a loud crack as the thing's neck was shattered. The creature twitched, and then slumped still.
"We get it?" Prompto asked nervously.
"We got it," Noctis answered with weary sigh.
"Quite the beast," Ignis noted. "Little wonder the Territorials had their hands full."
"Good thing they got us watching their back, huh?" Gladiolus said.
Crouching down, Noctis looked over the dead creature. "Ignis, whaddya make of this?"
Leaning over, the bespectacled man frowned. "Its blood is of a darker shade than I would have expected."
"Thought so," Noctis said. "This wasn't some ordinary dualhorn, something made it go berserk."
"Any ideas as to what, Noct?" Ignis asked.
To that the prince shook his head. "I'm not sure. It's just, this thing feels wrong."
"You think it's some sort of magic curse?" Gladiolus suggested. "Something that you can sense because of your connection to the crystal?"
"Maybe." Noctis rose. "We'll let Dave know, and he can pass on a report back to Insomnia. We've still got a ferry to catch." He looked down at his clothes. "Should also probably get cleaned up beforehand."
"There are shower facilities at Longwythe that we can avail ourselves of when we stop there," Ignis suggested. "We were volunteered to deliver a package for Ms. Cindy after all."
Prompto let out a nervous chuckle. "Hey, things worked out alright."
"This time," Gladiolus put in.
"All's well that ends well," Ignis said somewhat laconically.
"Well this isn't the end yet," Noctis said, "far from it."
Blowing into the whistle, it was not long before the four chocobos scampered over to their riders.
"Hey you think we could grab a quick bite to eat before we set out from Hammerhead?" Prompto asked.
"Work up an appetite from our little excursion?" Ignis said.
"Guy's got a point," Gladiolus backed his friend up. "Can't keep an eye on Noct on an empty stomach."
"True enough," Ignis agreed. "I'm certain Takka will be able to wipe up a nicely balanced meal despite the short notice."
"Balanced," Noctis drawled. "Right."
Despite himself the prince shared a chuckle with the others. Still he could not help glance back at the fallen beast. It seemed a shame to have been forced to kill it, especially since it might not have been the dualhorn's fault it was acting aggressive in the first place. A frown creased Noctis' expression. For a moment he thought he saw some sort of black mist seeping out from the beast. Almost as if…
"Noct?"
Blinking, Noctis looked over at Prompto. "What?"
"You okay there buddy? You were spacing out a bit."
Looking back at the carcass, Noctis found no sign of the previous imagery.
"Yeah, just peachy." He snapped the chocobo's reins. "Let's go."
End of Chapter 1
Had a bit of time while I'm waiting for a certain something to be done before I push the next chapter for my other stories, so I decided to work on this one a bit. A Cold Calculus is also almost done, so once that's wrapped up this one should see a slightly faster rate of update. Maybe. We'll see.
One of the things I needed to work out when I started this story is how the canon game's people and organizations would fit in. This chapter reintroduces Dave and the Hunters as the Lucian Territorial Army, a formal military force under the command of the Lucian government. The Territorials are one of three branches of the Lucian military, with the Crownsguard and the Kingsglaive as the other two. The Territorials are arguably the largest segment of Lucis' military, seeing as they are composed of just your average citizen. Instead of magic, they primarily rely on firearms and other conventional weapons to fight. With support from the Crownsguard and the Kingsglaive, they're the first line of defense for the kingdom against Niflheim's aggression.
This portrayal of the Territorials also implies that the empire has not managed to conquer the regions beyond Insomnia. Indeed in my version of the story Lucis still has all of its territory. Maintaining its borders has been costly however and the kingdom is slowly being worn down, hence Regis' decision to sign the treaty. The fact that all of the territories to the west of Insomnia are still Lucian at this point is going to play a major role in how the rest of the story unfolds and how things develop. As noted, this is not the story of a roadtrip. This is a story of war and politics, and the weight of leadership that Noctis must endure.
I think this is the first time I've ever attempted to consciously write different speech patterns for different characters. It's a lot more complicated than it looks at first glance. It requires explicitly switching my stream of consciousness in order to partition the patterns, which is actually rather taxing mentally. It is however necessary if I want the characters to actually sound like they did in the story. And overall it is good practice if nothing else and might prove handy in the future.
Interleaving dialogue with action is also pretty difficult. To give the impression that the guys aren't just standing in one place when they're talking, that they're actually moving on the chocobos. It's similar for when they're driving the Regalia or if they're in the middle of a fight. All these things a reader needs cues to remind them of what is happening in the background to make it easier to imagine. Games and movies have it easier where you can actually see what is going on. Books, less so.
Drop a review to let me know what you all think. And if you have a question I'll do my best to answer in future author notes.