A/N: Welcome back to my wonderful story, my friends! I've been focused on other stories that's why it hasn't been updated. But here it is, enjoy!
Chapter 11: Bittersweet Memories
"I'm totally fine, but what are you doing out here?" Ardyn said.
"I wanted to get somewhere where I wouldn't hurt anyone. I am struggling with darkness, you know?" Terra said.
"What is darkness? Do you mean Starscourge?" Ardyn said.
"Starscourge? What's that?" Terra said.
"A disease that affected us a long time ago. I am one of its victims. I should have died a long time ago, but Starscourge kept me moving," Ardyn said.
"Interesting," Terra said.
"Everybody knows about the Starscourge epidemic, you should know what it is. Unless…are you from another world?" Ardyn said.
"Yes," Terra replied.
"I'd better get going, mission, you know?" Ardyn said, then he walked away without waiting for a response. Once he was a safe distance away from Terra, Ardyn pondered. "Who was that guy? By darkness does he mean evil? How did he get here?" Ardyn whispered to himself.
(Dorian POV)
Dorian cried on the grass, her tears making a small splash on the grass. Finally, Ardyn came, Dorian ran up to him, and hugged him. He awkwardly patted her back, a smile curving at his lips.
"Thank goodness you're here!" Dorian said.
"What's wrong? What happened?" Ardyn said.
"My father and Gladio came to me. I was so happy, but then they told me that we had more time to complete The Trial. I was wanting to kill Bahamut for what he did to my family, when Gladio somehow knew what I was thinking. He called me stupid for it. I'm not stupid," Dorian said, tears streaming down her face.
"I'm sure he didn't mean it like that, Dorian. I'm sure he just doesn't want you getting hurt. I'm sure he doesn't mean to hurt you. Trust him, he only wants what's best for you. Probably not me, but you. He wants you to be happy," Ardyn said.
"Really?" Dorian whispered.
"Yes. He doesn't want to see you get hurt. To be honest…I don't either," Ardyn said.
"What are you saying?" Dorian said.
"Dorian…I think I love you," Ardyn said.
"What? You love me? I shoved you away. I made you think you were bad. Wait, I think I love you too," Dorian whispered.
Ardyn's eyes widened with shock. Before he knew it, Dorian's lips were on his. They stood like that for what felt like hours. Ardyn was delighted. Suddenly, Dorian broke away from him.
"We can't do this," Dorian whispered.
"Why? Why can't we?" Ardyn whispered, his eyes hurt.
"It's just, you – you aren't of royal blood. The rules say that I must marry a man of royal blood," Dorian said.
"Dorian, I'll let you in on a secret," Ardyn said. He then moved over to her ear, and whispered, "I am of royal blood."
Dorian looked up at Ardyn in shock. He smiled, she smiled, she then hugged him. Ardyn patted her back, Dorian looked up at Ardyn with a big smile on her face. "Maybe this can work," Dorian whispered.
"Yes, maybe it can," Ardyn whispered, they then kissed again.
(Noctis POV)
"They are adorable together, wouldn't you agree, Gladio?" Noctis said.
"Yes, though, weren't they supposed to just be traveling? This was not a part of the plan," Gladio replied.
"I suppose, we should make an exception. So long as my daughter is happy, that is all that matters," Noctis said, with a smile.
(Ardyn POV)
Soon, Ardyn and Dorian were fast asleep. Ardyn twitched in his sleep as he had a nightmare.
(Ardyn's nightmare – his mother's death)
"Ardyn, my baby, come check this out. I think it is a Daisy," Ardyn's mother chuckled.
"Mom! Are you serious? Daisy, are you there?" Ardyn said.
"No," Daisy giggled.
"I'll let you two lovebirds sing together for a few minutes," his mother sang.
"Mom, shut up!" Ardyn said, laughing.
"What did you say, Ardyn?" Ardyn's mother laughed.
"I said, 'shut up', get over it," Ardyn giggled.
"You monster!" his mother laughed. Ardyn then laughed, and ran around in circles. "Come back here!" she laughed.
Ardyn giggled and ran faster. Suddenly, a powerful wind grabbed his mother, and flung her in front of a carriage. Ardyn couldn't say anything before she was run over by the carriage.
"Mom!" Ardyn gasped, he then ran to her. "Mom? Mom, are you okay?" Ardyn whispered.
(End dream)
"No! Mother come back!" Ardyn screamed, bursting awake.
"Ardyn, are you okay?" Dorian said, nervously, noticing his sudden change.
"No, my mother. I need to find out why my mother was killed. That wind was not natural. Bahamut, come to me!" Ardyn called. There was a sudden flash of light as Bahamut appeared. "Bahamut, put The Trial on hold."
"Why would I do such a thing?" Bahamut said.
"I'm going to find out what happened to my mother," Ardyn said.
A/N: Some fluff, sadness, and determination, what a mix! Well, till next time! Please review.