A/N: Welcome back to The Trial, my favorite story that I am writing! This has been an adventure. From the beginning of my 8th grade year to now, I have been striving to make this story perfect for you all. And now, here we are, just after winter break and I am still writing this story. Anyway, sorry for the speech, let's get on with it! Enjoy!

Chapter 21: Feelings

Ardyn and Dorian walked along the path away from Altissia. They had serious expressions on their faces. They were concentrated, knowing that they were now doing the hardest of the Trial. They knew that they had to hurry, they only had nine days to get this done. If they didn't stop the Imperial Army in time, then who knew what would happen?

(Noctis POV)

Noctis paced, his eyes narrowed and his hair messy. He had been dreading this day. It was the day that Dorian and Ardyn began their quest to defeat the Imperial Army. He thought of the dreadful day where he had been told that Dorian would die. He had wondered what quest it was until they had finally completed the Altissia quest. Please, please don't let my dear Dorian die. Ardyn, I beg of you, complete this task. For Dorian's sake! Noctis thought.

Ardyn felt a strange urge to get this over with quickly. He felt that if he didn't complete it as quickly as possible, he would lose someone close. Worried, Ardyn began to pick up the pace. He heard Dorian pick up the pace as well. He knew that he had to hurry to complete this quest. But he felt a strange feeling that something could go seriously wrong.

Ardyn looked back at Dorian who was humming as she walked. Ardyn felt a strange longing to protect her even more than he normally would have. Dorian seemed to focused on walking to notice that Ardyn was watching her. Ardyn looked back in the other direction. He must be imagining things, why would Dorian be in trouble just by traveling with him.

"I'm a moron," Ardyn muttered to himself, looking at the ground and stopping.

"You're not a moron. Okay, maybe you are, now could you please move on!" Dorian snapped playfully.

"Oh, sorry, Dorian," Ardyn said, ducking his head in embarrassment.

Dorian walked up to Ardyn and playfully nudged his shoulder. Ardyn smiled and began to walk again. Dorian followed close behind, he could hear her heels from behind him. He had just now gotten a good look at her. She had blond hair, blue eyes, tan skin, a beautiful blue dress, now torn, and red high heels, that she somehow managed to fight in. She also had a golden rapier.

Her blue eyes always seemed to sparkle like sapphire. And her golden blond hair glowed in the sunlight. Ardyn kept on wondering to himself on why he had never decided to take a closer look at his friend. No, she felt like more than a friend. She was more than a friend. She kind of felt like his girlfriend. But, no love he felt could compare to his love to his first love, Aera.

She had been beautiful and smart and kind. Her death still hit him hard. He missed her smile and that sparkle in her eyes. So there was one question he needed answered: Could he move on and fully date Dorian when they were done with their mission?

A/N: Some internal conflict in here! Ardyn struggling with trying to figure out if he should date Dorian. So, see you next time! Peace out and don't forget to review!