Chapter 2
An Opportune Window
"Man, Coctura's cooking just gets better and better every time we eat here," Prompto extolled. "She could give even the Citadel's chefs a run for their money."
The remnants of a superb meal lay on the table between the four in their private suite and the laggard postures of at least three of the party gave further testament to the quality of the food.
"It is indeed inspiring to bear witness to such culinary heights," Ignis remarked. "If nothing else it provides a goal for one to aspire to."
"Sure you're not just looking to filch more recipes from her?" Noctis teased his friend.
"I don't recall you complaining when I attempt to reproduce her cooking when we are camping," Ignis deftly retorted. "It certainly puts to good use all the fish you reel in whenever the opportunity arises."
"Can't argue with that," Noctis conceded.
A knock sounded, intruding upon the post-meal repose. Not surprisingly Ignis was the one to rise and answer. After a few words in exchange with the guard outside, the door was opened wider and a familiar, albeit not entirely welcome face, appeared.
"Hey yer highness, been a while, yeah?" a jovial voice sounded.
At the sight of the somewhat neatly dressed man, Gladiolus let a slight groan sound while Prompto flashed a wry smile. Noctis however simply sighed.
"Why am I not surprised to see you sniffing around, Dino?" Noctis said.
"What can I say? The nose knows a good story when it smells one, and what's a bigger story than the treaty and the crown prince's upcoming wedding?" Dino said with his trademark smarmy smirk.
It was hard to describe the opinion Noctis and his friends held of one Dino Ghiranze. That he was a good reporter was not in doubt, indeed Dino could be fearless, almost ruthless in his pursuit of the truth. He was also an unashamed opportunist, perfectly willing to pry favors out of the prince and his entourage when given the chance. Granted he paid every favor back, but each exchange with Dino always left a slightly sour aftertaste, in contrast to Coctura's splendid cuisine. What the gourmet chef saw in the reporter was anyone's guess.
"One underestimates the fourth estate at one's peril," Ignis remarked, though whether as a compliment or a condemnation, it could go either way.
Once the door closed shut, Dino plopped down without further invitation. No one chided the man for doing so, indeed all four of the youths were paying Dino with rapt attention. Pulling out a carton of cigarettes, the reporter paused a moment as he met Noctis' gaze. Only after the prince gave a nod of assent did Dino pick one out and stick it in his mouth. The man might be flippant but he was not entirely without tact.
"So is it just business that brings you here today, or have you mixed in a bit of pleasure?" Ignis inquired.
"You know me, my business is my pleasure," Dino answered after lighting the cigarette and taking a long draw. "As for youse gents though, howabout we get the business outta the way before pleasure?"
"Sounds good to me," Noctis agreed.
After tapping off some ash from his cigarette Dino inhaled again. "Okay, so this news's already old by about a week or two, but it's the latest we've got from Altissia. The Empire's Third Legion is in the city itself, officially to provide security for the ceremony. They've also been shuffling around the Sixth, that's the one holding down the fort in Tenebrae, moving them closer to Accordo. What for, I can probably guess. But the real kicker would hafta be the Fourth. Get this, units from the Fourth have been spotted in northern Accordo, inside Protectorate borders."
That Dino was a useful resource was undeniable, whatever minor irritation he evoked in Noctis and his friends. The real reason they continued accepting his presence however was the simple fact that Dino was not just a reporter. As an unofficial asset of the Lucian intelligence service, it was more than just favors Dino provided an opportunity to trade for, it was information. And as Ignis had so sagely pointed out, one underestimated the fourth estate at one's great peril.
"The Fourth," Gladiolus said glumly, then looked over at Noctis. "I really don't like the sound of that."
"The Fourth," Prompto repeated. "Isn't that, like, the Empire's shock legion or something?"
"Indeed," Ignis confirmed. "Also known as the Legion of Death. They were the first legion to be completely reequipped with magitek troopers, and it was those same troopers that ultimately slayed the Glacian. If the Empire truly has deployed them within Accordan territory, it would not be mere contingency."
"But, why?" Prompto said aloud what they were all thinking. "I mean, didn't the Nifs agree to the treaty? Isn't the Emperor himself going to Insomnia for the signing ceremony?"
"They did," Noctis said, "and he is. In fact he should have arrived this evening."
"It is hard to fathom the Empire hazarding their own emperor like this," Ignis said. "Then again, perhaps that is the point, to lower Lucis' guard by attempting something so outrageous."
"You can say that again," Gladiolus remarked. "If Dino here knows about the Fourth, you can bet Noct's old man does too. No way His Majesty'd take all this lying down."
"Which may be part of the plan," Ignis pointed out. "Niflheim could be hoping to provoke His Majesty into doing something that they could pass off as Lucis violating the treaty, to provide pretext for a renewed offensive."
"But why bother?" Prompto asked. "I mean, what's the point? We were already at war, why go through all this song and dance with a treaty if they're still planning on invading?"
"Yes, that is indeed the question," Ignis said. "Any thoughts on that point, Dino?"
The reporter gave his cigarette another puff. "You boys're thinkin' too much like the standup Lucians you are. You need to think like Nifs. Is there any point in pretending to make nice with Lucis only to stab us in the back? Course not, from the war's perspective at least. But the Nifs don't just have to worry about the war, they gotta worry about the people back home, and the people closer to home that might not like the war."
"Are you suggesting public support for the war is falling in Niflheim?" Ignis asked.
"Some, but not like that hasn't happened before," Dino responded with a shrug, "and the imperial government's always been perfectly happy to ignore that sentiment. No, I'm talking about in places that're now part of the Empire, but used to not be."
Eyes narrowed all around there as the four youths picked up on the implications.
"Accordo and Tenebrae," Noctis said for all of them.
"Exactamundo," Dino said, stubbing out his cigarette. "See, before this treaty talk started, the Empire had to be careful how they treated the two, otherwise they could touch off an open revolt and add two more fronts to the war. But that light touch means the Nifs can't do some of the things they'd really like to do, like take Accordo and Tenebrae's crystals and move them to the imperial capital. And technically even after the treaty with Lucis they still can't, legally at least. But if they can take Lucis off the board, and do it in a way that lets them shift troops back to their uh, more restive provinces, well, that opens up some options, legal or otherwise."
"The treaty with Lucis stipulates that the Kingdom is to retain custody of our crystal," Ignis noted. "If the Empire could create some pretext that they could spin as Lucis violating the treaty, they could then claim the crystal while nominally being in the right."
"Right my ass," Gladiolus growled. "No one's gonna buy it for a second that Lucis would violate the treaty."
"Don't be too sure of that," Dino chided the youth. "Public opinion's as much a battlefield as any you flex your muscles on, cept here the muscle you need is your brain. If the Empire really is trying to get Lucis' crystal, they'll have put a lotta thought and work into this lie of theirs. And who are people in the Empire gonna believe? Their own government, or some Lucian backstabbers that their government says broke the treaty first?"
The growl sounded again but Gladiolus did not argue the point. Whatever his preference for simple solutions, he was hardly fool enough to dismiss Dino's assertion.
"So the question then is when will the attack come," Noctis said. "Do you think the Empire would really risk the Emperor?"
"If they, or rather Iedolas himself, believes the prize worthy, yes," Ignis stated frankly.
Noctis pursed his lips. Considering the prize in question was not just Lucis itself, but the kingdom's crystal, then it was all too easy to imagine Niflheim casting the die. The question then was what he, or anyone really, could do about it.
"Should we maybe not go to Altissa then?" Prompto suggested. "If the Empire is going to attack anyway, shouldn't we fort up instead?"
"That could arguably provide Niflheim the pretext they need to justify military action to their own populace," Ignis said. "Granted the Empire obviously intends to spin whatever fairytale is required in either case, we should not be too eager to make it any easier for them."
"My old man would have known about all this before sending us out," Noctis added. "He knew about the positioning of the Empire's legions, but he still let us go. He wouldn't have if he thought keeping us in Insomnia would have done any good. But that doesn't mean he thought the trip to Altissa itself would be pointless either."
"Correctomundo," Dino said with a knowing smirk. "Nice to see your noggin' working so hard, Your Highness."
"Thanks," Noctis drawled. "But it's still up to us to figure out how to make the trip to Altissa, not pointless. Any ideas?"
The others all adopted pensive expressions as they pondered the question. No answers emerged however, at least not amongst Noctis' companions.
"Whattya saying," Dino said, lighting another cigarette. "Youse guys goin' to Altissa might just be the kingdom's best shot at holding off the Nifs."
That drew quizzical looks all around.
"Uh, how?" Noctis asked quizzically.
The reporter took a quick puff. "Jeez louise Your Highness, did you already forget what you're going for? Who you're going for?"
Noctis blinked. "Stella?"
"Ah," Ignis said at the same time.
The blank look Noctis gave his childhood friend made clear whatever epiphany Ignis reached was not shared by the prince.
"The Princess Stella is of the royal family of Tenebrae," Ignis stated matter-of-factly, "whom were permitted to retain their royal dignities so long as they and their subjects refrained from asserting themselves against imperial rule. This they have done, as far as we know."
Understanding finally lit up in Noctis' eyes. "But if the Fleurets are trying to regain their nation's freedom, then they could be allies against the Empire, from within the Empire."
"Precisely, Your Highness," Ignis said. "And not just the Fleurets. Lest we forget, despite Accordo's longer time as part of the Empire, it too was an independent nation once. Should Lucis fall, the Empire might be less restrained in interfering with Accordan affairs, whatever the official terms of Accordo's annexation. That has to make the Accordan government at least a little nervous."
"Which might make them open to cutting some sorta deal with Lucis and Tennebrae," Gladiolus finished that thought. He looked over at the prince. "Well Noct, up to playing ambassador?"
"Doesn't look like I have much of a choice," Noctis said. "Still, if we can get to Altissa, and if I can talk with Stella and the Accordan government, we might just have a shot."
"A long one, but it's better than nadda," Dino said.
"Right," Noctis agreed. "Thanks for the info, Dino."
"Hey, just doin' my job," Dino said with a wave of his hand. "Speaking of my job, how's about we get to my other one? Still gotta few questions for you about your big day."
Noctis chuckled. "Alright, I suppose I do owe you an exclusive."
"Gotta pay the bills somehow, this whole spy gig doesn't exactly bring in lots of dough. So uh, let's start with the simple stuff first. How's you feeling about your big day?"
Another chuckle sounded. "That's simple?"
"Well I could ask if you've figured out what your vows will be, but I thought you'd appreciate a few softballs first."
"Alright Dino," Noctis said, holding his hands up. "Easy does it. Umm, I guess I'm kind of looking forward to it."
And fell silent.
"That's it?" Dino said incredulously. "Just looking forward to it? You're marrying one of the loveliest ladies in all Eos and you're just looking forward to it?"
"Well when you put it that way," Noctis said wryly. "Yes, I'm looking forward to it. And it's not just because I'm marrying a pretty girl. Stella, she's someone I care about."
"Oh ho, so the rumors of you two being childhood friends ain't just gossip?"
Noctis actually considered that for a moment.
"We met when we were kids, when I spent a few months in Tenebrae," Noctis said. "During that time, Stella and I played together a lot." The prince chuckled. "She was more for running outdoors in the bush than hitting the books back then, but once in the castle, she could pull off a proper curtsey like only a princess could."
None of the others made a peep as they listened to Noctis, seeing as all they knew about Stella came from the prince himself. And though Noctis was not averse to speaking about it, it was always due to some prompting from others. He rarely volunteered such information on his own initiative.
"We kept in touch after I left," Noctis said, "through letters. I got quite the scare when I heard the Empire had invaded, and I was just plain happy to hear from her again afterward. And since then, well, Stella's definitely grown up. I can feel it in the words she sets down." He gave a rueful chuckle. "Sometimes it feels like she's leaving me behind, that I'm still just a kid compared to her."
The amusement rippled through his audience and no one made any attempt to deny Noctis' self-deprecation.
"Sometimes I have to wonder though, what drove Stella to grow up so quickly," Noctis continued. "What weight she feels to, do so much."
The question was rhetorical as even Noctis knew the answer. No one gave voice to it however.
"I want to make her happy," Noctis said. "Beyond the politics, beyond the matters of state, I just want to make her happy. But honestly? I don't know if that's something I can do."
This admission, this display of weakness, was not something Noctis would have shown just anyone. Gathered before him however were some of his most trusted retainers and cadre. Even Dino, despite being held at a greater remove, was still counted as a friend, even a mentor. Someone had needed to teach the four youths of the grittier side of the world after all, the side of the world where you might not be able to see your enemy. And for all the friendly ribbing and jokes that were exchanged, those around Noctis understood well certain lines should not be crossed, when what the prince needed was not humor to lighten the mood but genuine, frank answers to his worries.
"Women," Dino began his response, "they ain't as simple as us guys. We don't tend to think too hard about our choices, we just go ahead and act. But women? They like to talk about stuff, and think about stuff, and then talk about it some more. But don't go thinking that means they don't act. When they do, that means they've made a choice, and it's one that's got all the weight of all their thinking and talking behind it. Where we guys'll keep plowing ahead cause we got nothing else to go on, they'll keep going because of all the momentum they're carrying. Now which do ya think'd be harder to stop?"
Another rhetorical question that, and certainly something for the gang to chew on.
"Though the union may be part of a diplomatic accord, the Princess Stella still acceded to it," Ignis remarked. "Take some heart, Noct, in Her Highness' decision to do so, for it marks also her belief that you do not fall short of her standards."
Noctis gave a wry chuckle. "Thanks, Ignis."
A brief lull hung over the room, but it was soon interrupted as Gladiolus cleared his throat.
"Course, she hasn't heard of the honeymoon plans yet."
While Ignis successfully stifled a chuckle into a grunt, Prompto's leaked out as a more carefree spluttering. Noctis' jaw dropped momentarily before he shot Gladiolus a betrayed look.
"What's this now? Surely the Prince ain't gonna take the lovely Princess Stella out on some fishing trip?" Dino interjected.
"It's a cruise," Noctis said defensively. "We're taking my old man's yacht from Altissa back to Lucis as a cruise. We're not going fishing!"
"Are you kidding me?" Gladiolus did not relent. "All that clear blue ocean around you and you're telling me you won't be casting the rod at least once?"
The stuttering attempt of a response Noctis gave convinced no one, not even the prince himself. He finally gave an exhausted sigh.
"This interview is over! Dino, you got what you needed, you can just make up the rest!"
"Your Highness, you wound me. I'm a genuine investigative reporter, not a tabloid gossiper."
"No, you're part of the intelligence community," Noctis shot back. "Which means you make up everything, instead of just half of things."
The laughter that echoed was shared by all, and earnest indeed.
The sound of the tide lapping against the shore was either soothingly melodic or noisy static depending on one's sensibilities. To Noctis it was like a calming lullaby, washing away all the duties and responsibilities that weighed upon his shoulders. Here, within earshot of the waves, he could at least attempt to still his mind. Within that relative serenity, he focused, trying to sharpen his thoughts and give them form.
A long, thick blade with a curved edge slowly materialized, in both his mind and before him. From the tip it grew, widening to form a strong back even as the edge narrowed into a thin glint. A slight wedge shape tapered off the cutting side, but a blade along did not make a sword. One still needed the means to wield it, preferably without injury. A handle began to form, when a singular crack sounded and everything collapsed in shower of blue sparkles. Noctis opened his eyes, and sighed.
"Damn," he murmured.
"Still unable to complete the image of our sword, Your Highness?" Ignis remarked from behind.
The bespectacled youth was sounding a tad more formal than usual, but seeing the subject matter being broached it was not entirely out of place.
"Seems like," Noctis responded, looking down at his hands. "It's strange, I can see the blade itself, but the rest of it is still, fuzzy. When I try to think of what the hilt or the grip looks like, I just draw a blank."
"According to His Majesty, the weapon that becomes your royal arm is a manifestation of your will, but your will is the sum of everything that has left a mark upon you," Ignis said. "Perhaps you have simply yet to encounter anything that so moves your soul."
"Perhaps," Noctis said with a wry smile. "I'm not sure whether that's a good or bad thing, it's not like I've had a sedate life so far."
"No, you have not," Ignis agreed with no small degree of solemnness.
With a sigh, Noctis gave his arms a stretch. "Well, that's about all the training I'm really in the mood for. You think we've got enough light for me to cast a line?"
Ignis gave a resigned chuckle.
"I don't see why not," he said nonetheless, leaving further chiding for the morrow when Noctis would predictably regret having forestalled sleep for indulging in his favored hobby.
"Great."
With a flick of his wrist, a fishing pole appeared in Noctis' hand and he headed down towards the docks with a cheerful whistle. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly the young prince was not the only one trying their luck with the fishes this night, but then again Galdin Quay was known for its picturesque beaches and plentiful bounty. The territorials also were usually able to keep any monsters at bay, and Accordo's refusal to play host to any invasion force against Lucis meant most incursions by the Empire landed further west. All in all the bay was a relative scene of tranquility against the backdrop of the wider war, something both residents and visitors were quick to take advantage of. One such visitor this evening was even a familiar face to Noctis and company.
"Well if it isn't Noct Gar himself," a jovial voice sounded.
With a wide smile, Noctis greeted the older man. "Navyth, what brings you here? Besides the good fishing of course."
The man in question chuckled. It was a chance encounter that first brought Navyth and Noctis together, the latter stumbling upon the former's secret fishing spot out west in the Vesperpool one fine morning. From that time onward the two had bounded over their shared passion, with Navyth happy to impart any bits of wisdom he had and Noctis eager to learn from the accomplished angler.
"My niece asked me to drop by and help land some big ones," his eyes twinkled, "something about needing to serve up a big meal for some fancy guests of hers."
"That right," Noctis said, grinning back. "Well between you and Coctura, there is absolutely no doubt that the evening's meal was fit for a prince."
"Glad to hear it," Navyth said, dipping his hat ever so slightly.
It was in many ways a rather pointless subterfuge, Navyth having figured out whom Noctis was shortly after the two first met. At the same time maintaining this illusion allowed the two to remain on informal terms, and even let Noctis show a degree of deference to the older man's fishing skills. As much as Navyth might insist that Noctis now surpassed him, the young man could not help but still think of the former as a mentor of sorts, one whose wisdom extended beyond just the rod and line.
"There any interesting catches tonight?" Noctis asked as he made a few practice swings with his rod.
"Nothing as impressive as the Devil of the Cygillan, I'm afraid," Navyth answered. "The bass have been biting rather eagerly of late, though. I'm sure you could land quite the whopper if you set your mind to it."
"Challenge accepted," Noctis said eagerly.
From behind Ignis simply sighed again, resigning himself to also missing a bit of shuteye tonight. Still the prince was only human and needed to unwind from time to time. Tonight might well be the last chance he would get for such entertainment, depending on how accurate Dino's intelligence was. No, it was not a question of accuracy when it came to Dino's information. It was always a matter of whether they stressed the severity of the situation sufficiently.
"You know, I helped raise Coctura after her old man was called to serve in the territorials," Navyth said as he stood alongside Noctis, rod in hand. "Taught her how to gut a fish when she was just seven. Girl knew to respect a knife even back then, and she's remained careful ever since."
"It definitely shows," Noctis said. "The way she pays attention to the details of a dish, I don't think I've ever had a bad meal at her restaurant."
"Glad to hear it," Navyth said with a smile, but his face quickly adopted a more solemn air. "Still, it's been many long years since then. Since she was just a wee little thing trudging after me with her net. Before I knew it, she was reeling things in with a rod of her own. Now? Now she's behind a stove turning my catches into wonders on a plate. Where did the time go?"
To that Noctis offered no answer. There likely was none, seeing as the question sounded rather rhetorical.
"It's been harder than I expected, realizing that she had grown up into her own woman," Navyth continued. "But that's what us old folks need to realize, that kids do grow up. And need to be given room to make their own life. That's exactly what Coctura did, made her own life, here in Galdin." He looked over at Noctis. "And I couldn't be more proud of how far she's come."
Noctis said nothing for a few moments as he simply stared out into the darkened ocean.
"We don't get where we are by ourselves," he finally began. "We get there because the first steps we take, we're following a path someone else has already tread for us. Sometimes our steps end with that path, and sometimes we're able to make new paths of our own." He met Navyth's gaze. "But in either case, we only get as far as we do because of those that are there for us."
The older man returned Noctis' smile, appreciation suffusing his own. He placed a hand on the youth's shoulder, a motion that caused Ignis to twitch ever so slightly. The latter did not intervene however.
"You're already on your way to being a fine man, Your Highness," Navyth said, apparently finally deciding to dispense with the pretensions. "You'll make a great king someday as well."
Noctis flashed a wide grin, drawing in his still unbitten line and held up his rod.
"Of fishing."
Navyth burst out laughing and was quickly joined by Noctis. The levity might have been wholly inappropriate with someone else, but for the senior fishing enthusiast it simply further reinforced his good impression of the young prince. Would that this moment could last longer however. Its end came as a boom sounded in the distance.
Looking over, Noctis frowned. He squinted, trying to focus what little light was shone this night to make out the source of the noise. That search became marginally less urgent however as a much louder boom sounded, accompanied by flames and thunder as the restaurant and hotel at the end of the pier erupted in a blossom of fire. The shockwave from the blast was enough to buffet Noctis and the others even at this distance. Reaching out, Noctis caught hold of Navyth as the man was nearly sent tumbling into the water.
"I gotcha!" Noctis shouted.
Those words might never have even reached Navyth over the roar of the explosion. Even if they had, the man's attention was frantically focused elsewhere.
"Coctura!"
Somehow Navyth's desperate cry carried over the flaming crescendo and despite his unsteadiness the man was already preparing to make for the burning wreckage offshore.
"Navyth, wait!" Noctis shouted. "It's too dangerous!"
"Damn it Noct, let go of me! Coctura!"
The man's emotions were overriding his senses, but he could hardly be blamed. Not when his own flesh and blood might be burning away amongst those flames.
"Highness! We must fall back!" Ignis shouted.
"Not without the others!" Noctis said.
The bespectacled man grabbed hold of both Noctis and Navyth and began dragging them away.
"With or without them, you must survive!" he yelled. "They have their duty, you have yours!"
Another boom sounded and moments later the echo of its impact washed over them, along with a dusty gust. The force of the shockwave was enough to send them tumbling back and Noctis struggled to get back up despite the uneven footing of the sand.
"Noct!" another youthful voice called.
Looking over, Noctis felt a wave of relief wash over him as he caught sight of not just Prompto, but also Gladiolus. In fact, there were several more figures waving frantically at them as well.
"Navyth!" Noctis called. "Coctura's safe!"
At those words, the older man turned about and gasped at the sight of his niece.
"Coctura!"
He wasted no time making a dash for her, and it was all Noctis and Ignis could do to keep pace as the three hurried to join up with the others.
"Damn I'm glad you guys are okay," Noctis asked in between deep breaths.
"You were not at the hotel?" Ignis queried.
"We were doing some work on the Regalia," Prompto explained. "Just pure luck we hadn't turned in yet."
"And Coctura?" Noctis said, glancing over at the young woman as Navyth held her tight.
"She and Dino were out for a stroll," Gladiolus said, nodding at the other man standing by.
Despite the situation, Noctis could not help but blink. "Wait, Coctura and Dino? Really?"
"Save the gossiping for later," Ignis urged. "We should make haste. Is the Regalia still in working order?"
"Just finished topping off the tank," Prompto said. "We can book it anytime."
"We got space for more?" Noctis asked.
"Assuming the other cars are still there, yeah," Gladiolus said.
"That'll have to, oh crap! Incoming!"
Off in the distance, but closing quickly, several bulbous shapes could be seen drawing near.
"Gunships inbound!" Ignis shouted. "Everyone to the vehicles, now!"
There were a few additional survivors, not many, but it seemed Dino and Coctura were not alone in going for a stroll. That indulgence was all that had saved them from joining the flotsam and flickering embers that was what remained of the hotel, but it remained to be seen if it would save them from the approaching enemy.
"Bastards," Noctis growled, a flash of blue light igniting into a sword in his hand.
"Noct, what do you think you're doing?" Ignis spoke out.
"What does it look like?" Noctis snapped back, then broke into a run. "The imps want a fight, well they've got one!"
"Noct!" Gladiolus called, reaching out and just missing the other youth.
"Oh crap, he's gone ballistic," Prompto said, chasing after his friend.
"Get to the vehicles," Ignis said to the other survivors. "We'll hold them for as long as we can, so use that time and escape!"
And hurried after Gladiolus, bringing up the rear.
The gunships were almost on top of them now, the large gapping maw in their front opening up to show the dim outlines of soldiers. With regimented precision, those soldiers stepped forth and dropped down, landing neatly on the sandy beach with guns at the ready. That orderly formation was rent asunder however as a blue streak barreled into their ranks. With a roar, Noctis slammed into the lead soldier and sunk his blade deep into the enemy's armor. A satisfying crunch sounded, both upon puncturing and when he wrenched free the blade. Giving the soldier a kick, Noctis flipped back to get just enough space to launch himself again. At this short a range the imperial soldiers could not react quickly enough to take full advantage of their firearms, the few shots they managed going well wide of the mark.
Noctis himself wasted little time, weaving through the enemy to force them to draw steel if they wished to engage him. The imperials obliged, thrusting at Noctis with their fixed bayonets. With blades converging from all directions, the wisdom of Noctis' charge began looking far more suspect.
"Outta da way!"
With a heavy grunt, Gladiolus slammed through a pair of imperials, knocking them aside with his shield before spinning about and cleaving a third cleanly in half with his greatsword.
"Get ahold of yourself, Noct," the hulking man admonished his charge. "You can't just go jumping into fights like this!"
"You think we got a choice here!?" Noctis retorted as the two faced their opponents, back to back.
Gunfire sounded, but not from the soldiers surrounding them. Indeed several staggered from the hits from behind, before a glaive burst through one's chest.
"Gladio!" Ignis shouted, flashing a hand signal and running at the other youth at a dead sprint.
"Got it!"
Leaning down, Gladiolus called forth his shield once more and angled it towards Ignis. The bespectacled man jumped atop and was launched into the air with a mighty heave. The throw was enough to carry him all the way to the hovering gunship, into which Ignis flew in with a shining lance. The crunch of metal that sounded presaged the smoking machinery and wobble of the craft.
"C'mon Noct, we gotta get the hell outta here!" Prompto said in between in shots.
More gunfire sounded, these not from the blond youth as the remaining gunships opened up.
"Easier said than done!" Noctis growled. "We either take them here or they'll kill everyone!"
His form glowing once more, Noctis prepared to launch himself at one of the other gunships when a snap sounded.
"Gah!"
Staggering back, the prince collapsed onto a knee cradling his shoulder.
"Noct!" Gladiolus called out, kneeling by his liege to try and offer some cover with his shield.
"I'm alright!" Noctis insisted. "It just grazed me! Agh!"
A grazing hit though it might have been, a trickle of blood had still been drawn.
"Stay down!" Gladiolus ordered, grabbing Noctis and pulling him back away from the beach.
They made perhaps a handful of steps before more gunfire scythed their location, loud bangs sounding against the shield.
"Damn it, it's not gonna hold!" Gladiolus cried.
Just as the magical protection began to buckle, more gunfire erupted. The sound of these shots however carried a distinctive tone different to that of the Empire's guns, and looking over the two saw tracers rising up further back beyond the beach proper.
"That's the MG from one of the escort trucks," Gladiolus identified.
It was at that moment that Ignis and Prompto slid over to them, helping the two up.
"The others are covering for us, we need to go, now," Ignis said.
The sudden attack had indeed drawn the attention of the gunships, what with the machinegun fire landing squarely through the open door in front. Smoke quickly billowed out of the targeted airship, though this one managed to veer away instead of crashing outright. The third and last gunship wisely closed its front doors, before flying lower to get a better shot.
"They're going for the cars!" Prompto shouted.
Even from their position, they could see the hits slamming into the vehicles as the gunship opened up. Whatever was hit was enough however as the machinegun fell silent.
"We need to take that thing down, NOW!" Noctis screamed.
"Damn it, alright!" Gladiolus cried back. "But we do this together, not with you running off half-cocked, got it!?"
Noctis' jaw tightened, but he gave a choppy nod.
"Alright, make the call, Ignis," Gladiolus said.
"With the door shut, we'll need to break through its armor the old-fashioned way," Ignis said. "I'll freeze the outer hull. Noct, you hit that point as hard as you can. Prompto, get to the machinegun and get it going if you can. If not, find anything that's heavier than your sidearms that might help us even the odds."
"Got it," the blond youth said, making a dash for the vehicles without further prompting.
"Gladio, if you would," Ignis said, backing away to get a running start.
Before kneeling down, Gladiolus placed a hand on Noctis' shoulder. "Remember. Keep your cool, and do it right."
"I know," Noctis snapped, then more softly. "I know."
Satisfied, Gladiolus gave a wave. "Ready when you are!"
Ignis broke into a run once more, and once more was launched into the air using his friend as a ramp. As he flew towards the gunship, the youth crushed the orb he held in his hand and threw it at the ship's side. A blast of chill air washed over him, but that was nothing compared to the instant ice now covering the metal hull.
"Now Noct!" Ignis shouted even as he plummeted back towards the beach.
The burst of blue light zipped right across the sky, followed by a loud crack as Noctis' blade pierced the embrittled metal. When he wrested his sword free, along came a large fragment of the hull, exposing the internals of the gunship. Just in time, the machinegun lit up again and rounds slammed into the ship's side. Within moments, the gunship was spiraling out of control and came to a crashing halt. Nothing emerged from the smoldering wreck.
Breathing deep, Noctis tried to recover as the surge of adrenaline faded. What took its place was a stinging pain on his shoulder, along with plenty of additional hurt all over as his body protested at how hard it was pushed. The others looked similarly winded, but at least they were alive. That was something.
"Noct!"
At hearing Prompto's call, the three straightened and hurried towards their friend. When they drew near to the vehicles, they immediately saw the cause of his urgency. There, laying amidst the vehicles, were not just the other Crownsguard that had risked their lives to divert the gunships. Seated against the truck was also Navyth, bloodied hand pressed against his side.
"Navyth!" Noctis cried, rushing to his side.
The man winced, managing a wry smile. "Your Highness. You're okay. That's, ugh, good."
"Easy there Navyth," Noctis said. "Prompto, potion, quick!"
"Right!"
The other youth quickly began digging through the truck's supplies, pulling out a bottle and handing it to Noctis.
"Here, drink this."
With labored coughs, Navyth obeyed. "Huh. Tastes like some sorta sports drink there. Ack."
"It's been fortified with magic," Noctis said. "It should help heal you right up."
"Really?" Navyth said. "Even something bad as this?"
Raising his hand slightly, more blood began pouring out as the pressure was taken off the wound. Noctis winced. Whether due to timing or sheer bad luck, Navyth's stomach had been chewed through something awful. He might yet be saved if they could get him to a hospital, but such wounds were beyond the miniscule magic imbued within the sports drinks. At seeing Noctis' expression, Navyth offered a comforting smile.
"That's alright, Your Highness. Can barely even feel it now. Reckon I got that potion of yours to thank."
"Yeah, maybe," Noctis said, his voice cracking ever so slightly.
"Coctura," Navyth said. "She and the others, they're hiding further back. By the lights, to keep away the daemons. Promise me you'll get them out safe."
Noctis gave a firm nod. "I promise."
"Good." Navyth took a deep breath. "Good." He offered another smile. "It was an honor meeting you, Your Highness. There's still plenty more fish out there for you to catch. Reel one in for me, would ya?"
"Of course," Noctis said, his own sight becoming slightly muddled. "I'll land the biggest, baddest fish out there, with the rod you gave me. And I'll do it for you."
No answer came from Navyth, and when Noctis wiped away his tears he saw why. The man's eyes were closed, his repose against the truck a final one. Noctis' jaw tightened even as he felt his heart burn.
"Damn it," the prince murmured.
"Uncle!" a cry sounded, not too far away. Then another, closer still. "Uncle!"
"Damn it."
End of Chapter 2
The Regalia is a manual, because of course it is.
I decided to put a little time into this story, just to switch things up a bit. A good chunk of the chapter was already done, I just needed to work out the ending and smooth out the prose a bit. The second half of this chapter actually went through two revisions outright, because I felt the first one didn't capture the nuance of what I wanted very well. War is supposed to be hell, and showing that in prose can be very difficult. I've also tweaked the summary so that it makes it clearer the angle the story is taking. Don't want people to assume this is some sort of by the books retelling of the XV story.
Dino's little role here is another example of how I'm reimagining the characters to fit into the roles I need them for. In the original he was a reporter that basically sent you out on fetch quests. Here, he's a reporter that also doubles as an intelligence agent. He might yet send you out on quests, but what you're likely to fetch is not precious stones but information. And similarly what he pays you in return will also be information.
The way the royal arms works is also slightly tweaked. The specific details will be explored in greater detail as the story progresses.
So those of you that have followed my other stories will know that for more recent ones I've been commissioning images to accompany them. One was done for this story as well, and can be seen at the following address. Replace the dots and slashes as appropriate of course.
deviantart dot com slash z98 slash art slash Stella-Nox-Fleuret-773279393