This chapter contains Prompto's inability to think... Thus, popping out an awkward question... That many will find hilarious ;P
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...And, this chapter contains some graphic moments, in the beginning of the story.
"It's getting closer! We're not going to make it, Lapis!"
"Don't think that, Lazuli! Don't look back, boys! Keep running!"
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Sarai stood over the ledge of the Pullmoor Haven in Duscae, forest-green eyes looking ahead, witnessing her mom, dad and brothers running towards her and their campsite... They're trying to get away from what was chasing them.
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...She felt the ground shake, after something big would stomp into the ground, causing the trees to quiver where they stood or even to fall from what it was that's coming after her family.
She wanted to scream. To call out to them. To run. To hide...
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...She couldn't do anything, nothing... She could only watch, as her family ran from the threat, as their lives depended on it.
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...Then, she saw something pounce through the trees, letting out a hiss of a roar, like a car's engine that refuses to turn on... It lands on top of her mother, who uses her gun to shoot it in its face and chest.
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...With a swipe of its three claws... Eight year-old Sarai, watches as a Iseultalon, slices through her mother, cutting her into few pieces of flesh and bones... Some of her entrails remained sticking to its claws, as blood shot up in the sky.
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...A terrible rumble of a screech echoed in the sky, coming from the beast that just killed the thirty-four year-old mother of four... Right before her youngest child's eyes.
She faintly heard the cries of one of her brothers, being Lupus, telling her to look away. To not watch what she just already witnessed.
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...And the Daemon wasn't satisfied at killing just the mother... It wanted more.
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...It charged for their father... He, too, witnessed the brutal killing of his wife... His childhood friend, whom he loved more than life, other than their children.
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...He looked over at his sons, who were almost to the Haven...
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...Then, he looked over at his daughter...
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...A tear ran down his face... Memorizing the horror written on his baby's face...
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"...Be strong, my children..."
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...With his Dodanuki in his grasp, he charged for the Iseultalon...
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...He gave his own life to the Daemon, to ensure that his sons makes it to the Haven and reach their sister.
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...Sarai was pulled into Vitalis' hold, as she watches her thirty-five year-old father get snared in the Iseultalon's teeth... And, after a few crunch, crumbled in a pool of blood and flesh.
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...The Daemon stared at the four siblings it caused to become parentless...
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...It bared its teeth at them... At the girl that witnessed the death of her parents... As if smiling, to show it enjoyed her watching her parents die by it...
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...Then, it turned its back to the four siblings, heading back into the forest and to where it came from, before the hunters came into its territory and tried to bring it down from feasting on some wild Chocobos it hunted down.
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...Sarai watches the Daemon walking away, being held tightly in the hold of her grieving brothers... Then, was left staring at the remains of her parents... Which was just their damaged faces, dismembered limbs... And scattered chunks of entrails, that the Daemon may or may not, purposely, left behind.
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...She stared into their lifeless eyes, glossed and unseen, until the sun slowly rose and her vision started to go dark... The ground below them, was drenched in a river of blood... The last thing she heard, was somebody, faintly, calling her name...
Sarai sprang up from her bed. She gasped lightly, feeling as if she was holding her breath from being underwater for too long. Small-beads of sweat trailed down her face.
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...Tears ran down her face... Followed by a soft sob, as she pulled her knees up and wrapped her arms around her legs.
Her body trembled, as she struggles to stop sobbing and not wake up Cephas.
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...She wants the tears to stop... Just as much as she wants to stop reliving and rewatching her parents being killed, for almost ten years now.
Her heart throbbed against her chest, the pressure building in her throat, chocking slightly at her fighting back her tears.
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...Something light landed on top of her head, as something warm pulled her to her left.
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...Cephas sat beside her, pulling her against his large-body, embracing her and slowly rocking them back-and-forth.
Sarai knew that he would be up, even if she were to be as quiet as a little mouse; he always knew when she would be crying...
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...He always knew, and had always been there to have her cry on his shoulder. For him to gather her silent tears... To just be there, for her and their brothers.
Cephas laid his head on top of hers, laying a kiss in her hair.
It was still late, being one in the morning. Normally, it would take a while, before she can fall back asleep. However, she's still drowsy from the sleep medication. So, hopefully, she'll fall back asleep, quicker.
Carefully, he moved his arms underneath her legs and, pulling her against his chest, carried her to his bed. Then, after setting her down and getting comfortable, himself, he re-wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pulled her back into his chest.
Sarai returned the embrace, sniffling.
Cephas let out a deep sigh, moving his right-hand to gently stroke her hair.
"...I know," he whispered. "...I miss them, too. -Again, he laid a kiss on her. This time, on her forehead.- It's okay to cry, Ra... It's okay."
A few more tears ran down her face, another sniffle, as she buried her face against her brother's chest... She didn't want to keep crying.
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...She wants to fall back asleep, and stop keeping her brother up with her little emotional outbreak.
Luckily, there was still of the sleep medication in her system and, after cuddling to her big brother for about seven minutes, she fell back asleep.
When he heard her quiet, even breathing, Cephas let out a sigh of relief.
'Thank Eos.' He thought, still running his fingers through her hair. '...We knew this would be hard on her... And, after seeing what her recording caught, when meeting with King Noctis and Cor, it's obvious that she's not going to do well with any of the residence of Insomnia.'
In her sleep, Sarai turned her face to her right, burying her face against his left-shoulder and the pillow. Her left-hand clenched at his shirt... As if, subconsciously, making sure that he's still with her.
He smiled gently at his sister.
"...There's nothing to be scared about, Ra." He whispered, tightening his hold on the eighteen year-old. "...We promise, we're always going to be there for you. We won't leave you, like Mom and Dad... I promise you, that someday, we'll find a place of our own and set up our Hunters Base to a town that'll welcome and embrace you... For being you."
Several Hours Later; 8:37 in the Morning...
"...Do you think he forgot?" Vitalis questioned Cephas, leaning against the building's wall, his arms folded at the back of his head. "He did say he would be here at 8:30, right?"
"That's what he said." Lupus replied, staring at his watch for a third time, glaring down at the device. "It's very likely, that he may have forgotten that he had other duties to attend and couldn't afford to cancel them... That, or he's just naturally late."
"Most likely the case." Cephas grumbled, eyes scanning for the blonde. "If he doesn't show up, before a hunter brings in our stuff, we'll have him wait until we're ready to go."
While this was going on, Sarai focused on her phone... She's going over reports of monsters and/or Daemons that had been posted on the Hunters' App, which can be accepted online, at a café or a Hunters Base.
So far, most are simple tasks that First and Second Star-Ranked hunters can take care of: A few Anaks causing destruction towards motor vehicles near Hammerhead, a group of Reapertails contaminating a few watering holes at Leide and a small herd of Garulas had been taking down healthy trees, which knocked over some electrical poles and a few metal-fences.
All three of them ranged at around 1,500 gil to 3,500 gil, at the most... But, they would get some Elixirs, a few Antidotes and some Phoenix Down. and, as a bonus, one area has a small pond that they can fish and some minerals close by that they can harvest for some ores, possibly even some gems.
Sarai was calculating on how long it would take for them to get to those areas, by Chocobos, once their steeds had rested up and their legs and claws had been taken care of, when, after waiting another eleven minutes, Prompto finally arrived. Beside him, holding her hand, is Cindy.
He gave the siblings a sheepish smile, rubbing the back of his head.
"Sorry for the wait," he apologized. "I had to take care of something, before I could get here."
Cephas, Lupus and Vitalis glared at the blonde for making them wait, without even bothering to contact Cephas through his phone and to inform them of his delay. Sarai, however, kept her head down and stuck beside Lupus, nervously glancing up to see Cindy.
"...You had my number. You could've given me a text, to let us know that you were gonna be late." The eldest-brother stated, folding his arms over his chest.
Prompto let out a nervous laugh.
'They may not be werewolves, but they sure can be scary like them.'
Cindy, tightening her hold on her mate's hand, stepped up.
"Prompto had ta help Gladiolus with somethin' very important," she explained. "The big guy's gonna have a busy day today, that he needed ta borrow my mate fer a moment, before we could come here."
None of the siblings heard any lies or misgivings, so they can relax to her telling the truth... Though, the brothers noticed the blonde-woman staring at their sister, the same way Prompto is doing and had done yesterday.
Sarai felt their gaze on her, and it was making her feel very uncomfortable. So, hoping to avoid having to talk to them, she pulled out her phone and pulled at Lupus' sleeve to pull him aside about the bounties she looked up.
They eyed her for a bit, before turning to Cephas.
"Well, now that we're all here, let's get started on that tour!" Prompto announced, linking his left-arm with his mate's right. "Onwards, for adventures!"
Cephas, Vitalis and Lupus glared at the two werewolves.
Insomnia, Town Square...
"As you can see, the center of Town Square will be kept clear, for the annual dances and for children and pups to play." Prompto informed, as they walked over the pavement of the road. "But, normally, the whole area is surrounded with markets of food, trades and crafts. -He turned to the siblings, who looked around the area.- The markets were added in, from our great experience in Lestallum and wanted to bring some of our past adventure to our newly constructed territory."
The siblings could see, when seeing the banners being hung by the lamp posts and some palm trees, a similar sense of Lestallum being mixed in to the city. It was, somewhat, interesting.
Sarai, while still going through the bounties, watched the few humans working on hanging some flowers underneath the banners on the palm trees.
A few of them took notice of them walking... She saw the glares they sent to her, which made her immediately turn away and look up at her older-brother.
She pulled on Lupus' sleeve, and formed words with her hands.
There should be posts stops, feeding and water troughs sections, for Chocobo riders to have their Chocobos rest and get their fill from hunger and thirst.
He smirked at her suggestion.
"That would be something they should do, if they're willing to clean up the droppings they leave behind." He commented, speaking lightly and chuckling at the thought of people complaining about slipping in Chocobo dung or urine.
Prompto and Cindy turned to the brother, confused at who he was talking to, before staring down at the girl.
"Did you say something?" Prompto asked, worried that he was too focused on taking them about their newly built kingdom and had ignored one of his guests... His soon-to-be sister. "Sorry. I wasn't paying attention."
Cephas shook his head.
"She didn't say anything," he answered. "At least, not out loud."
Lupus laid a hand on top of Sarai's head, pulling her to rest against his side when she lowered her head to avoid making eye contact with the werewolves.
"Apologies." He said to them. "Our sister doesn't speak. She uses sign language to communicate with us. She was just saying that there should be post stops, and food and water troughs for Chocobos, for riders who would bring them into the city."
Prompto and Cindy turned to each other, stunned by the news.
The thirty-one year-old blonde stared down at the girl, who refuses to look away from her feet, before turning to the brothers.
"She can't talk?" He asked... Secretly worried for Gladiolus, on how he'll react to his mate unable to speak.
Vitalis glared at the male, seeing the nervous expression on his face.
"She can talk... She just chooses not to; being too shy for her own good." he answered. "Ra has never been much of a talker, even when she was a toddler. She'll still talk to us and a few members from Hunters, but prefers to whisper when she speaks. Mostly, she'll use sign language, to help communicate."
The news was still a bit unsettling, but the two werewolves weren't going to risk saying anything that the siblings would mistaken for insults.
Prompto nodded his head in understanding, then continued to lead them further into the city.
'Seems that Gladdy is gonna have his hands full, with trying to communicate with her.' He thought, sneaking a glance at the eighteen year-old, who was looking down at her phone. 'We're all probably going to have to learn how to read sign language, if we want to have any conversation with her. Not that I'm complaining... It still seems off, to why she doesn't try to communicate with either me, or Cindy, about her comment. -He looked on ahead, his hand gripping on his mate's.- It's no prob! Her brothers can translate for her, and they all know everything about her. So, I'll still be able to learn whatever I can about her and tell Gladio. I just need to get her to open up to us, along with getting her brothers to like me, and then I'll have all that I need to help Gladiolus be able to get his den ready for her to live with him. I can do this!'
A Few Hours Later; 12:46...
'I can't do this!' He yelled in his head, clenching his eyes shut, as they continued walking down the sidewalk.
So far, they've walked all around the east-part of Insomnia, where most would have one of the best attractions in the city, went to a few stores that would peek their interest, before they now head for the biggest mall in the city.
...And, during the entire three hours and forty minutes he interacted with the siblings, his task on getting Sarai to open up to him, was becoming an epic fail on his part.
Throughout the tour and sightseeing of Insomnia, not once, did she uttered a single word to him, nor Cindy. In fact, besides breathing and a few "Hmm..." from time to time, she didn't make a sound. The only way she would 'talk', is by signing the words and having her brothers translate what she was saying... Which was only, when neither of the werewolves were looking at her. And even when they wouldn't ask her of anything, very rarely, she would make some form of comment when 'talking' to her brothers.
Prompto was stumped at the difficulty of his task. He had hoped that she would be a bit more opened, even relaxed, when they would head into the few stores they went in. More specifically, stores that would peek the siblings' interests, including some places that other females would want to go... But, once again, that proved to be a total failure.
The first store they went to, was a flower shop. Prompto and Cindy both claimed that they needed to pick up some flowers for the decoration, but it was, actually, to see if Sarai showed any interest in the flowers. And, at first, it appears that she was into the flowers, from how she would slowly walk around and stare at them. Prompto thought he had it in the bag... Only for that feeling to plummet, when he realized that she was only looking at the plants, alongside with Lupus, to see if any of them had healing properties for potions and any other remedies for curing ailments.
When she didn't find any and after buying a few flowers to be sent to the decoration crew, they left the flower shop.
The next store they went to, it being a perfume and lotion store, was just as bad... Showing even worse results, than the flowers.
Cindy was able to find some lotion to help with the dry skin on her hands, along with something to help with her stomach when she'll grow some stretch marks... Sarai, on the other hand, didn't even set foot in the store. Even though Vitalis went inside to find some coconut oil, which the store didn't have, the rest of the siblings remained outside with a nervous Prompto, who tried to start a conversation with the girl... She, practically, ignored him and had a conversation with Cephas, instead.
...Then, they went to a jewelry store... That ended up in a catastrophe.
The instant that they saw the jewelry store, Sarai wanted to wait outside, again... But, Cindy, being stubborn, grabbed at the girl's wrist and dragged her in... Much to the shock of the siblings. Then, the pregnant woman pulled her towards the earring section, stating that she should get new ones, because the ones the eighteen year-old is wearing are getting old.
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...Sarai ended up trembling within the woman's hold, her head low... Then, she slowly started to pant out breath of air.
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...That was when Cindy heard her heart beating at a faster rate, to her surprise... As a scent of fear rose from the girl's body.
Before she can even ask why she was getting scared and anxious, her brothers came and ended up being pulled against Vitalis' hold.
With slightly hardened gazes at the thirty-seven year-old female and her thirty-one year-old mate, did they reveal that their sister has no intention on replacing the earrings she wore... It having to be one of the few possessions they have of their mother's and wants to wear them to remember her by. Besides, she wasn't into jewelry, excluding some of the accessories she and her brothers wore on their person, to help aid them in fights against monsters and creatures.
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...Yeah... He now sees his task at trying to get to know Sarai and help Gladiolus learn about his Life-Mate, along with aiding him at making his den to feel like home to her, is just as tough as that time he and his Brothers-in-Arms took down the Behemoth, Deadeye.
So, after that epic fail, Prompto chose to continue on with the tour of the city, while leading them towards the mall for some food... And, hopefully, something that the siblings could find that they would like to go.
He let out a tiring sigh, staring up at the sky.
'Gladdy's counting on me to help him learn more about his Life-Mate and, so far, all I know is that she doesn't talk and took her to places that she doesn't like. -He looked over at his shoulder, seeing the girl on her phone, again, while keeping a hand on Lupus' left-wrist.- ...Gladio, you've gotten yourself a difficult, odd female, for your Life-Mate.'
"Shouldn't we stop for food?" Vitalis question, moving in front of his sister to block Prompto's view, making him focus his attention on him. "We've been walking for three hours, and it's been over four hours since we've eaten. Not only that, but your mate must be hungry and needs to eat every few hours for your pups to stay healthy."
The thirty-one year-old almost facepalmed at the bringing of his mate needing to eat for their pups' health, making him feel embarrassed and ashamed at putting his mate and pups' well-being at risk for dragging them all over the east-part of the city.
Of course, Cindy gave the younger-brother a reassuring smile.
"I had a big breakfast this mornin'," she informed the brother. "Iggy and Tura (Good Luck/Good Fortune) made certain that I had plenty ta eat, fer me and our youngins, before Prompto picked me up from their restaurant, Mermaid's Tear. -She turned to Prompto, flashing him a big smile.- We should take them there, fer lunch, Prompto. It's about fifteen minutes from here, and their food is ta rival Maagho from Altissia."
The brothers turned to each other, as Sarai lifted her head and looked up at her brothers. They all looked a bit surprised from the mentioning of Altissia... Even a slight glimmer of yearning.
The two werewolves were a bit confused by their reaction, but had a hunch, from hearing of their lifestyle at traveling, that they knew about Maagho, or at least been to Altissia.
Prompto was the one to ask the question. He hoped that he would finally get some information on them... And, learn more about his soon-to-be sister to tell Gladiolus about.
"Have you guys been to Altissia?"
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...Cephas answered the question.
"More than just been to Altissia... We're all born in Altissia."
Prompto and Cindy were in awe at the news.
Cindy turned to Prompto, grinning at him.
"...We, definitely, need ta go eat at the Mermaid's Tear." She confirmed, grabbing at her mate's right-wrist and started the way for the restaurant. "Tura's gonna jump over the moon, when she hears our guests bloomed in Altissia... She's gonna want them ta try her food, and prove how much her cookin' is far more better than Maagho."
The four siblings stood still in their spots, staring at the pregnant werewolf guiding her mate to their next destination... It was very odd to them, and somewhat awkward... But, they didn't want to argue with a pregnant woman. Let alone, a mate to the king's Protector/Brothers-in-Arms.
Eighteen Minutes Later...
"Welcome, to the Mermaid's Tear!" A hostess greeted the six, smiling big when she sees Prompto and his mate coming back to the restaurant. "Lord Prompto, it's so good to have you and your mate to come on back to the Mermaid's Tear. -She turned to the four siblings. She beamed in joy.- And I see you were wise enough to have our honored guests to come dine at our humble restaurant."
Prompto chuckled at the hostess' comment, rubbing the back of his head with his right-hand, while his left pulled Cindy to his side.
"Yeah. You can thank my mate, for wanting to come back here for more of Tura's cooking." He replied, which earned him a playful jab against his ribs. "Also, it turns out our guests are native to Altissia and, having to try out food from Maagho-..."
The hostess, immediately, caught on what he was telling her and, grabbing six menus, she beckoned the group to follow her to their seats.
Their table is a curved, booth seating. Sitting at the corner of the restaurant, next to a large window.
Prompto and Cindy sat at the far-right end corner of the booth. In the middle, Lupus sat to the left of Cindy, with Cephas at his own right. Sarai sat in-between him and Vitalis, at the other end of the booth.
Once they all sat, the hostess handed their menus and quickly went back to the front to greet the next customers, informing them that a waitress will come take their orders.
As they waited, Prompto broke the ice to break the awkward silence.
"...So... -The brothers turned to stare at him. Many thoughts ran through his head, trying to figure what he should say... One popped up in his head.- ...You guys single?"
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...His face, almost instantly, went red. He chocked at the air, as his eyes widened in horror, as the four siblings jumped, glared, or even blushed, themselves by the topic that's very sensitive to them.
'What the hell?! That's all I can ask them?! If they're single?! What am I? A cheating sleaze ball, that's trying to cheat on his wife, when she's right here?!'
Cindy, just as shocked by what her mate just asked, slapped him against his shoulder. Disbelief can be seen in her eyes, as she glared at her blushing, embarrassed mate.
"Prompto!" She yelled. "What's the matter with ya?! -Embarrassed, she turned to the four siblings.- Pardon my mate. He tends ta open that big mouth of his, before he even thinks on what ta say."
The atmosphere felt very awkward around them.
"It's... No problem." Cephas replied, though was very uncomfortable by the question. "We just didn't expect somebody to just ask us that sort of question, out of the blue, like that."
Prompto winced, then bowed his head to the eldest brother.
"I'm so sorry," he apologized. "It's just-... Awkward silences, makes me feel uncomfortable and feels very awkward. And, when that happens, many thoughts just come rushing through my head and, they just come right out."
Again, the brothers nodded their heads, accepting his apology.
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...Sarai, kept her head low, staring down at her lap... Again, not saying a word.
Prompto rubbed the back of his head with his right-arm.
'Great... I think I just made it worse... Six, I hope Gladio doesn't skin me alive, for this.'
Eventually, after two minutes of waiting, a male-waiter came to their table and they ordered their drinks, with Vitalis ordering for Sarai.
After they gained their drinks, most being soda and water for Cindy, and are giving a moment to decide what to order, once again, the table was silent.
Prompto, in his nervous state, was thumping his right-foot, rapidly, against the wooden-floor. He really wanted to break the awkward silence, but is afraid that he'll ask another embarrassing question to them. So, he hid his face behind the menu. He already know what he's going to order.
Cindy, after deciding what to have, stared at the eighteen year-old girl across from her and her mate.
'She's so quiet, like a little mouse. I can barely hear her breathin', let alone tell that she's here, if not fer her heart beating.' She thought, watching Vitalis going through the menu with the girl and making suggestions on what she would like to eat. 'I get that she's shy, but surely, she would like ta talk 'bout somethin'.'
Hoping to start where her mate failed to do, Cindy started a new conversation.
"So, Sarai. I heard yer eighteen. That's mighty impressive, fer somebody yer age ta be out and 'bout, slayin' monsters and Daemons and whatnot. -The girl didn't say anything. She didn't even look up to face the thirty-seven year-old werewolf. Cindy tried another conversation.- It must be perty hard, if it interferes with yer schoolin'. Best keep up with yer studies, if you wanna keep being a hunter, like yer brothers."
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...The three brothers, having already to decide what to eat, all had looks of annoyance and a hint of tiredness. Sarai, meanwhile, let out a tiring sigh, before she flipped the menu to the front-cover and pulled out her phone to focus on it.
It was Lupus who made a response.
"She's not in school, anymore... She already graduated high school, two years ago."
Both Prompto and Cindy were completely baffled at the news, mouths gaped open and eyes wide, as they gasped at the quiet girl.
"She already graduated high school?!" Prompto cried out, gathering some of the other customers' attention from his outburst.
Sarai flinched at his yelling, blushing red, again, feeling the many eyes of other people staring at her.
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...Then, turning to Vitalis, she quickly tapped his right-shoulder. She signed a quick message to him.
I need to use the restroom.
With a deep sigh, the twenty-three year-old moved out of his spot to let his sister slide out from the booth and, fast-walking, headed for the bathroom, that a sign pointed to being behind the hostess station.
With their sister gone, the three brothers glared angry daggers at the two werewolves... They had something to say.
"You didn't want to take us on a tour, because you wanted to. Did you?" Cephas accused, voice low. "And don't try to deny it... We all saw the way you two kept staring at our sister, since we left the apartment. Hell, Lord Prompto, you've been staring at her, since yesterday."
Prompto and Cindy winced at the big brother being angry with them, with Lupus and Vitalis nodding their heads in an agreement.
"Though we understand that werewolves like to stare and observe other people, whether they be werewolves, themselves, or humans that caught their attention, it's making our sister feel uncomfortable." Lupus informed, placing his menu on top of Sarai's.
"Whatever your guys reason is for dragging us all over part of the city and making us go through some of those stores, is obviously have something to do with Ra and we want you both to cut it out." Vitalis said, before getting out of his seat and heading for the bathroom.
"Also, about that question of yours... -Prompto gulped at the reminder of the awkward question the blonde asked them, earlier.- It wouldn't have something to do with somebody trying to hit on our sister... Would it?" Lupus questioned, giving them a serious look.
Prompto was sweating bullets. He was completely at a loss, and couldn't find it in himself to try and deny it.
'Aww, crap! If I tell them about their sister being Gladdy's Life-Mate, it'll ruin the surprise he has for her! What do I do?! What do I say?!'
"It's the humans!" Cindy blurted out, quickly. "Some people were curious 'bout yer sister, wonderin' 'bout her lifestyle and how she could fight and/or hunt. Though, because on how young yer sister is and appears younger than she is, many are questionin' if she dropped out of school or is still keepin' up with her studyin'. So, many are bein' cautious on how to approach y'all, specially yer sister, should y'all have somebody at home that y'all committed ta."
Cephas and Lupus had unconvincing looks on their faces... But, they didn't say anything about that.
"Okay, let's say that we bought that." The twenty-nine year-old second brother informed. "Why drag us to stores that stereotypical females would enjoy going to? Including, the jewelry store?"
This time, Prompto was able to come up with a response.
"Insomnia has some items that you wouldn't see anywhere else," he answered. "We grow some special flowers that has special soil they can only grow from, along with some lotions and perfumes that are handmade and have, actual, healing properties. As for the jewelry store, we wanted to get you guys something of a souvenir to keep, for your first day being in Insomnia."
Again, neither of the older-brothers looked convinced or entitled to believe them... But, they both nodded their heads.
"...We'll buy it... For now." Cephas replied. "...And, just for the humor of it, we'll answer that question of yours. -Again, Prompto winced at the reminder of the awkward question he asked them... Though, secretly, he very much want to hear the answer to the question... Hoping, to hear that Sarai wasn't in a relationship.- ...No. None of us are in a relationship."
It took the thirty-one year-old blonde every ounce of control to not show signs of belief by the news.
"Really? None of you boys have a sweetheart, waitin' fer ya?" Cindy asked, surprised to hear that none of the brothers, all being attractive and fit, to not have girls of their own.
Lupus folded his arms, shaking his head.
"In the past, Cephas, Vitalis and I had girlfriends in the past." He informed... Then, he turned his gaze at the menu in front of him... Glaring with hate and disgust in his greenish-blue eyes. "...However... After learning that they were nothing but lying she-Daemons, who only wanted to be with us because of our ranks in Hunters, we dumped them."
"None of us had been in a relationship in over seven years, while our sister never been in a relationship, at all, and we don't plan on getting into another one, anytime soon." Cephas added in, before taking a sip of his soda. "With the lifestyle and job we have, it would be impossible for us to settle down, let alone decide where our permanent home would be. Even if we were to find a place to call home and set up our Hunter Base, we don't want to burden our family, should we end up dead. Let alone, leave all of our possessions to somebody who'll either sell the base, or try to change the will and keep the whole thing to themselves."
Prompto and Cindy were surprised by the news.
"You guys don't have a home?" Prompto asked, stunned and confused. "What about Altissia? I thought you guys said you had a home there."
Again, Lupus shook his head.
"We said that we're born in Altissia. And yes, our parents had a house in Altissia, when they were still alive." He explained, looking up at the two werewolves. "But, we only stay there, whenever our siblings are born and need to stay safe until they're old enough to travel... And, since our parents' deaths, we sold the house and moved whatever belonging we possess to Hunters HQ. They're still in our Storage Unit, until we figure out where we wanna live and had saved up enough gil to buy a home for the four of us."
"Which, we've been doing for over a year and three months now, since Sarai graduated high school at the age of sixteen, in early December."
A few minutes later, Vitalis and Sarai came back to their table, with the twenty-three year-old guiding his sister by the hand to their both... The poor girl looked tired, from how slightly pale her face was.
Nobody said anything, but from the worry in Vitalis' sky-blue eyes and pulling the girl to rest against his right-shoulder, his eyes told their older-brothers that something's bad with her... Then, he gave Prompto and Cindy a clear glare that told them to not say anything to Sarai.
Another few minutes on waiting, and their waiter came back to take their orders. Prompto, to no surprise, ordered the Fat Chocobo Triple-Decker with a side of fries. Cindy picked the White Fish in Tomato Sauce.
The siblings... At least, the brothers, chose food that Maagho would have, which Coctura was able to make and redesign into her own version.
Lupus chose the Fine Caviar Canapé, while Cephas decided on the Fettini di Cernia. Vitalis picked the Maagho Lasagna.
...
...
...
...Sarai didn't say, let alone pointed out, what she wanted to eat. So, Vitalis ordered her a salad bowl, with some stuff she likes to have in her salad, and a side of fries, grilled in garlic.
Prompto and Cindy were confused, and surprised, by the older-brother ordering food for the girl.
Lupus, seeing their expression, quickly explained to them.
"She doesn't like to order food when we go out, especially to new places. So, we would order her food that we would find that she would most likely eat, along with giving specific instructions on what she wants and doesn't want... She's a bit of a picky eater, with specific tastes that she likes and dislikes, which is why she doesn't like to go out. Thinks she'll be a bother to them, when they get her order wrong. Even if we were to take the items off, she still won't eat it. Claiming that she can still smell and taste it."
Prompto smirked at the mentioning, recalling the many times Noctis would take specific stuff off of his food and place them on Ignis' plate.
"Noct's a picky eater, too." He replied, chuckling at the times Gladiolus and Ignis would argue with each other on how to get him to stop being so picky with his food. "No matter how many times Iggy would scold him for doing so, Noct would remove whatever he doesn't like and put it on Iggy's plate. Sometimes, Gladdy and Iggy would argue with each other. Though, they'll claim that they aren't arguing."
To that, the brothers smirked at the blonde's story. For the first time, they enjoyed his company, as he would tell them the times he, his Brothers-in-Arms and Noctis would help some cooks or vendors with delivering or finding there food stocks that they wouldn't be able to gain, which would result some moments of Noctis complaining about the food.
By the time he finished telling them about delivering beans to Takka, along with how he told Noct on how to eat beans by pretending that they were meatballs, their food finally came in.
...
...
...Bringing the second tray of their food, was Coctura Scientia, herself.
"Hey there, Prompto! Cindy!" The strawberry-blonde woman greeted, setting down the tray on a stool to make it easier to hand out the food. "I knew you guys would come back! When Serena told me of your guys' arrival, along with our honored guests, I just had to come over and see you."
Prompto and Cindy beamed up at their sister-in-law/friend.
"I couldn't help it." Cindy replied, leaning her head against Prompto's left-shoulder, resulting him to lay his head against hers. "When lunch time rolled in and, after these four brought up that they were born in Altissia and had eaten at Maagho, I knew that I had ta bring them here and try yer food."
Coctura beamed at the thirty-seven year-old werewolf, happy that the older-woman did just that. Then, she turned to the four siblings... Her face held pride, and a boatload of confidence.
"Well, it's a good thing that Cindy brought you guys here... Because, now, I'll have people from Altissia to compare my cooking to Maagho and prove that my food is better than theirs."
With some help from the waiter, since she needs to not strain herself, for the safety of her second litter, all six had their meals placed out before them.
The brothers were amazed on how their food appeared before them... They look, exactly, how Maagho prepared their dishes.
...
...
...Then, when each of them took that single bite... They didn't need a moment, not even a second, to decide if her meal was better than Maagho, before they, immediately, dug into their food.
Coctura giggled at the response of the three brothers, amazed on how they can eat as if they haven't eaten in days, and yet can still have their table manners... Unlike Prompto, who, after watching the brothers dig in, went to scarf down his own food with much gusto.
Cindy rolled her eyes at her mates terrible table manners, but smiled at him, before giving Coctura her thanks and went to eat her own.
...
...
...
...The only one who wasn't taking part of the feasting, was Sarai... Who was focused on her phone, again.
On the inside, Coctura was disappointed of the girl's lack of interest to the food. She made certain to make the salad to the girl's liking, from her brother's description on what she wants on her salad, and to add in some garlic to the fries.
She can smell how amazing the fries are and, to her complete surprise, the smell of the perfectly cooked food she made didn't have the girl attacking it like a starving animal as her brothers. And she knows that the girl must be hungry, from her stomach growling for food.
'Either she's gone through this, while out hunting monsters and creatures, and is used to the hunger, or she has a very strong will and is forcing herself to starve.'
Coctura wanted to say something, to ask if the girl wanted something else or if they've forgotten something to go with her meal, but the concentration and full attention that Sarai is focusing on her phone, told her not to intervene. And she was right to do so, when the eighteen year-old gently tapped at Cephas' left-shoulder and, holding her phone to him, was showing him something important that she wanted to go through with him.
Seeing that they would be taken care of and they, at least most of them, will finish their plates, Coctura and the waiter took their leaves to tend to their job.
In less than five minutes, Prompto was the first to finish his meal, leaning back and groaning in satisfaction of his Fat Chocobo Triple-Decker and fries.
"Mmm, man. I'm so glad that she kept it on the menu." He moaned, almost sounding sleepy.
Cindy, who was almost done with her White Fish in Tomato Sauce, smirked at his comment, gently slapping him in the stomach.
"That's 'cause, Tura knows you'd be heartbroken, should she not serve anything that has the name Chocobo in it fer ya, Prompto."
He chuckled at her response, beaming up at his mate.
"So true," he confirmed.
He turned his attention to the siblings, seeing the boys being more than halfway done with their meals.
...
...
...
...His crystal-blue eyes grew sad when he saw Sarai's plate. While most of her salad is gone, her fries remained full. Untouched.
And still, as she ate her salad, the girl remains on her phone.
Now, the thirty-one year-old werewolf wanted to know what was so interested on her phone.
"...So... Sarai. -Said girl flinched at him calling by her name... Her heart was picking up. Both werewolves were puzzled.- Something awesome on your phone, that you'd like to share with us?"
...For a moment, she snuck a glance up at the two blondes, before she quickly looked away and turned her head to the side... With her right-hand, she clenches on Cephas' sleeve.
Letting out a tiring sigh, pausing from finishing his Fine Caviar Canapé, Lupus answered Prompto's curious question.
"She's looking through some bounties for us to take," he revealed.
An alarming bell started to buzz in Prompto's head.
"...You mean, you guys are going back to hunt, after the Five Moons Blessings Celebration?"
The twenty-nine year-old brother can hear the concern in his voice... He glared at the blonde.
"...No. -Prompto almost sighed out in relief... Then, paled when Lupus explained to them on what he meant.- We're going back to hunt, when the hunter brings in our things, today, and we've taken care of our Chocobos' claws. -Then, hearing a light tapping against the table and seeing it being Sarai, she formed words with her hands to him. He nodded his head, then turned to the blonde.- Our sister requested that we go see our Chocobos."
Cindy, too, was concerned by the news.
"...You mean, after the tour?" She asked.
Vitalis, eating a few of his sisters' fries, still being somewhat hungry after finishing his Maagho Lasagna, shook his head.
"No... After we finish our meals. -He turned to their sister.- Ra, eat some of your fries. We'll pack the rest with us, to take with us, when we head out."
More warning bells ran in his head.
Instantly, Prompto stood out of his seat.
"You're leaving?!"
Customers around them stopped talking, eyeing the group with curiosity... Some, even, bewildered and stunned by what the King's Brother-in-Arms/Friend just announced.
Sarai started to curl in on herself, her head low, placing her phone on her lap.
Vitalis, glaring at the blonde, pulled his sister against him.
Cephas, frustrated by the blonde getting too into their business, stood from his own seat.
"...Yes." He grunted. "We're leaving. -He held up two fingers with his right-hand.- ...For two days."
The two werewolves blinked at the eldest sibling revealing to them on their plan.
"...Two days?" Prompto repeated, hoping he heard right. "...As in... You four will only be gone for two days... And are coming right back?"
Lupus nodded his head.
"Of course," he answered. "We need to earn some gil, for us to purchase items in the city. Which includes, buying appropriate clothing to be presentable, for the Five Moons Blessings, to give our blessings to King Noctis and Queen Lunafreya. Of course, each of us did bring some of our gil with us, but only enough to let us rest in a hotel for two weeks."
"Plus, because most Werewolves in Hunters are busy helping with the food shortage in other cities, towns and regions, there's been a lot of bounties for taking care of pests and creatures. So, we human hunters are being called in to help take care of the pests nearby the area we're residing in." Vitalis replied, helping himself a few of his sister's fries, before gently coaxing her to eat some of them.
Once their words reached their ears, Cephas sat back down.
"Since the party won't start until three days from now, we've decided to head out and start working, once we get some of our stuff from Hunters HQ and our Chocobos' claws had been trimmed. We'll be back somewhere between the middle of the day, to the middle of the night, on the second day."
Hearing no lies to what they said and, that they plan to be back before the party starts, Prompto allowed himself a deep sigh of relief and slid back down in his chair.
'Thank Six!' He thought, praising to all of the Astrals. 'That was a close call! If they, actually, decided to not stay and leave-... Still, for them to be gone for two days... Gladdy's gonna flip.'
Eventually, Cindy and the brothers finished their meals... Sarai only ate a few of her fries, but had finished her salad. They had the rest be put in a box.
After each of them paying for their meal, much to Prompto and Cindy's disappointment on not letting them pick up the tab for all of them, and, giving Coctura a satisfying review to her food being, without a doubt, much more appealing and perfect than Maagho, the six left the Mermaid's Tear and began to head for the apartment.
...
...
...They just received word, that a hunter had arrived and is waiting for them at their temporary stay.
And, because it happens to be just about six minutes from where Mermaid's Tear is at, it didn't take long for the siblings to report to the hunter... Which, to their surprise, happens to be Dave Auburnbrie, himself.
He gave the group a friendly wave, as his dog let out a happy few barks at them.
"Hello there!" He called out, slowly walking towards the group.
His dog, Hooch, ran for the group... The canine ran for Sarai... Who, for the first time since she came to Insomnia, showed a happy expression and kneeled to embrace the now whimpering, yipping dog.
Her brothers beamed down at their sister... Prompto and Cindy, were taken back by the scent before them... Then, they, too, smiled at how the eighteen year-old petting the hyper dog, receiving licks and rough nuzzling.
Cephas extended his right-hand to Dave, which the fifty-four year-old did the same, and the two pulled each other into a bro-hug.
"You old son-of-a-gun." The thirty-two year-old commented, pulling away, giving him a playful smack against the vest of his chest. "Did you came all the way here, because you got bored on waiting?"
Dave smirked at the younger-male.
"I may be old, but I still got a while lot of fight left in me. -He turned to the siblings. Then, noticing Prompto and Cindy, he made his way to the two werewolves.- And look it here. It seems time has done you both well. Especially you, Prompto. You matured, the last time I saw you."
Prompto puffed out his chest in pride, pulling Cindy against his side.
"Yeah. That'll happen to you, when you find your Life-Mate and, after helping our King saving the world and all... And, most of all, when you become a father."
Dave chuckled at the blonde-werewolf, shaking his head, as he turned to Cindy... Her left-hand, resting against her four month pregnant belly.
His eyes soften, getting slightly misty-eyes.
"No doubt about it. You're going to become an amazing mother, Cindy... Cid would be just as proud."
Her eyes went sad, but her smile remained strong to his words.
Seeing four duffle-bags and two large sacks beside the hunter, Lupus intervened into the conversation.
"Apologies, for having you drag our luggages here, rather than wait for us at the front gate for us to carry, David." He apologized, bowing his head. "We truly appreciate what you've done."
Dave wanted a hand at the twenty-nine year-old brother.
"It wasn't a problem of any kind. And, really, I wanted to see how the city turned out to be, after almost a year of rebuilding it to its proper glory." He replied, as she folded his arms over as his chest. "Though, I doubt you for feel the same thing. Especially, since I know you're going back to hunting, instead of staying and allowing yourselves to recuperate."
Vitalis smirked at the older-man's words.
"Well, you know us." He sighed out. "Work is never done, for us. So, there's really no point on resting, when there's lives to be saved and monsters to kill."
Dave let out a tiring sigh, shaking his head. His smile gone.
"Be that as it may... I was, also, tasked to bring a message to you four."
Sarai, rubbing Hooch's belly, ceased her petting and got back to her feet. From the serious tone in Dave's voice, it was serious... She hope that it wasn't bad news.
"Yesterday, Cor had contacted Hunters HQ and had informed us that you four had been invited, by King Noctis and Queen Lunafreya, to celebrate the Five Moons Blessings Celebration. -Another tiring sigh left his lungs.- And while we don't mind about our own members accepting such an invitation, so long as they keep on working, especially when most of our werewolves members are in need to help gather food for other places and our human hunters are to pick up the slack... Given the circumstances that this is King Noctis' celebration on becoming a father, and you four being our most hardest working human hunters... HQ is giving you strict orders, that all four of you are to participate in the celebration, when it starts until it ends. And, because you four had been keeping busy for too long, you're, also, being ordered to recuperate and, after you finish your bounties, are to remain in Insomnia, for some R&R."
TBC
Today, while I was working, a customer, who would bring his pet parrot, Keeko, came into my check-stand... He's such a pretty bird!
After letting me hold him and placing him on my shoulder... KEEKO KISSED ME! TWICE...! ON THE LIPS (It was more like, laying his beak over my lips... But, still!) ^_^
He's such a sweet bird... And a silly bird.
R&R