Sorry for the delay, but I finally managed to get this chapter done. My laptop is super messed up, plus I'm working now, so I might not be as quick. I hope this makes up for it.
Thank you so much to those that read/support my story. It means the world to me!
Slight swearing.
Weirdly enough, Dawn felt slight butterflies in her stomach; this one last outing with them would be the last, and she wasn't sure what they expected from her. Her powers were nothing to really scoff at, but what if they were expecting more...like being able to burn an entire forest with a wave of her hand?
Whatever she would do would have to be enough. Just prove to them that their belief in her was not wrongly placed. Especially Ignis...he didn't even hesitate at that moment to jump to her aid...she couldn't let him down.
They were now fully outside of the desert when something came into view. It was a small building with some sort of yellow fabric acting as a roof for part of it. There were animal pens and little tables with chairs surrounding the building, though not many people were there at the time. Dawn's eyes grew wide as she saw the 'animals' the boys were speaking of.
Huge bird-looking creatures, with feathers the color of sunflowers. According to the various saddles that were strewn about, it would seem that these creatures could be ridden. "Horse-bird...things?" Thought the redhead.
"We're finally here." Said Ignis as he found a spot to park.
"Chocobos! Chocobos!" Yelled Prompto, ready to jump out of the car in excitement. He eyed the whole area, taking in all the surroundings.
It wasn't until they had exited the car when a rush of foul air hit the redhead's nose. "Ugh...smells terrible." She said while suddenly regretting ever coming here.
Noctis followed suit as his face also scrunched up in distaste. "Can't mistake the smell of Chocobos..." He said.
"Quit whining. Let's just get this over with." Said Gladiolus, his back to the group. He was already looking for a remote spot for the others.
Dawn turned to face him, a grimace slowly appearing. She understood his little attacks at her, but it was starting to get under her skin. Why couldn't he just keep quiet and let this thing blow over?
The smaller blonde man approached, putting a hand on the woman's shoulder as she was staring a hole into Gladio's back. "Don't listen to him, Sleeping Beauty. Just give him time."
Her mind was only half-present when she responded. "Yeah, I figured...wait, what did you just call me?" Deep green eyes finally met with blue as her mind suddenly snapped back to reality.
"Oh! Um...uh...nothing!" Said Prompto in playful panic, putting his hands up.
The redhead raised a fiery eyebrow in a joking manner. It wasn't long until Noctis butted in. "Uh oh. Better run, Chocobo Butt." He said with a smirk.
The man with the hair matching the crude discription made a face at the dark-haired Prince. "Hey! My hair is not a Chocobo butt!"
"And here I thought it couldn't get worse than 'Sleeping Beauty'." The redhead said with a chuckle. Both her and Noctis laughed as Prompto tried covering up his golden locks.
Before the laughter died, Ignis approached the trio. "I beg to differ. 'Specs' isn't exactly ideal, either."
The duo renewed their giggling, now with even Ignis and Prompto joining in as well. After the wonderful moment had passed, the brunette then spoke again, his tone returning to its usual seriousness. "I found a location that is somewhat hidden from the prying eye." He pointed behind him to an area that was surrounded by trees and bushes, providing the most cover out of any of the other spots around.
However, Dawn shook her head. "Still, there's some people around...what if they see?"
"Aww...somebody's shy, huh?" The blonde teased.
"No, I just..."
"Would you prefer we wait until nightfall?" Said Ignis, the fiery woman detecting the smooth, comforting tone that seems to only happen with her.
Dawn took a minute to think: Daemons appear at night, but it looked like they would be safe enough if they stayed near the post. Besides...if push came to shove, her powers were at full disposal. When it came to protecting the boys, it didn't matter if other people knew the truth or not. Waiting until nighttime to show them her powers would only be a few hours more...there's no harm in that, right?
"Yeah. That would probably be better." Said Dawn after making up her mind. Ignis turned to Noctis, waiting for confirmation. Even if this side trip was mainly for Dawn, the decisions were still up to the crown Prince.
Said Prince nodded at the brunette, his black bangs covering even more of his face. "Fine by me."
One of the Chocobos behind the group jumped in the air and made a loud noise, as if to respond to Noctis's words with joy. Prompto was back to vibrating with excitement upon seeing his favorite animal. "How bout' we see the Chocobos in the meantime? I reeeeeeally wanna' ride one..." He said, more of a whimper than anything.
The redhead eyed the giant bird with curiosity. "I've been meaning to ask...what exactly is a Chocobo?"
"Only the greatest thing known to man! Comon'!"
He didn't even wait for a response as he suddenly darted towards what looked to be the owner, patience flying out of the window. Noctis shrugged and faced Dawn.
"I guess it's worth a shot." He said.
Gladio, still standing in the same spot, only turned to look at Prompto and 'humph'ed.
Noticing his friend's obvious disapproval, Noctis pointed to a nearby table. "You can just wait here if you want. You don't have to come with. Let's go, guys."
Dawn gave Gladiolus one last look before following everyone else. Whether it was hostile or just sad, no one really knew for sure. The only thing that was certain was the thick, awkward air that surrounded the two...one could only hope the fog would clear soon.
A few minutes later, Dawn ended up at one of the last places she expected to be: next to a giant yellow bird.
"Um...are you sure about this?" She said. Prompto and Noctis were already on their birds and riding around the area. Ignis had his bird, but decided to help his redheaded friend first.
"Positive. Chocobos are friendly creatures, Miss Spectrum. I assure you, nothing bad will happen."
Dawn gave a quick scoff. "I'm not scared of the damn thing, Iggy. I...just wanna make sure this is the...right bird." She lied. In truth, seeing the creature up close intimidated her somewhat; the bird could easily just fall over and crush her, considering how strong it must be to carry people on its back.
The brunette in turn gave her a small smirk. "Of course. You're not afraid of anything at all."
"I can just see the sarcasm oozing out of your mouth."
Ignis searched past Dawn and the bird, making sure the others were preoccupied. The fiery woman almost gasped as she felt his hand touch her arm gently.
"It's alright. There's nothing to be afraid of. Trust me."
A familiar feeling ran through Dawn's body as she stood there, barely a foot away from him. She could practically feel his body heat...a shiver went through her. Somehow, Ignis was able to see right through the lie, knowing full well that she really was afraid.
Her heart started beating a little faster.
"Ignis..." She sighed, knowing the jig was up. "Alright...I trust you." Cheeks started to warm to a rosy pink; this was also one of the things she ended up missing the most while being away. Being this close to the team's advisor somehow felt so...right. It was safe to say that the vision was completely out of her mind at the moment, giving in to what she wanted more than what was needed.
The feeling of wanting to fall in his arms surfaced once more.
Before Ignis could break contact, she spoke again while her eyes drifted to the ground. "You know...you've been supporting me an awful lot, Iggy..."
For a split second, the brunette's composure was broken. "I...I suppose I have been."
"Why? It's not like you owe me anything. In fact...it's more like the other way around."
It was Ignis's turn to sigh. "No...you have no debt to me, Miss Spectrum. It was just...the right thing to do."
"...There's more to it then that. It's my turn to see through your lies."
"Dawn..."
At that moment, they heard the familiar voice of Prompto, bringing them back from their little moment. "Guys! You comin' or what?"
Both Ignis and Dawn quickly backed away from each other, hoping that the blonde didn't notice.
"We'll be right there!" Called the brunette, already getting hold of the redhead's bird to help her get on. "Here. Just place your foot here, and lift yourself over." He instructed the still stunned woman next to him.
It took a few seconds, but she finally snapped back to reality once again and followed his instructions. The nerves in her arm were still tingly even with the absence of his touch. "Like...this?" She asked as she placed her foot firmly into the small loop.
"Exactly. Now just swing over."
Everything seemed fine so far as she managed to settle herself on the Chocobo's back. The bird was completely calm, like people getting on it's back was to be expected everyday. Upon seeing this, Dawn managed to completely calm down as well.
Ignis was already on top of his bird and by her side. "All you need to do is tap it's sides with your feet if you want to move, and pull back if you want to stop. Quite simple."
"If you say so..." The redhead responded with a hint of doubt.
"Hey! Sleeping Beauty! Think you can beat me in a race?" Noctis called, a smirk playing on his lips.
Dawn called back to him, head shaking. "Gonna' have to, now that you guys have a bad habit of calling me that dumb nickname!"
Remembering what the brunette told her, she lightly tapped the sides of the yellow bird, willing it to move forward. The Chocobo instantly responded to her command, dashing forward at an alarming rate. The fiery woman yelped in surprise as she nearly fell off the anxious bird, her hands clasped tightly on the rope.
Noctis could only laugh at the failed attempt at being tough. "Not like that, you will!"
As Dawn's Chocobo ran around the area, the redhead continuously yelping and gasping along the way, Prompto approached the dark-haired Prince. "Ya' know...don't you think we should let Iggy race her instead?" He whispered.
"Uh...why's that?" Said Noctis, his brow furrowing in confusion.
"You know how broken up Ignis was when Dawn left. I think it would make him happy if he had his little moment with her, if you ask me."
"Which I didn't."
The blonde chuckled. "Come on, man! I'm serious! If there's an expert on this kind of stuff, it's yours truly. I mean, just look at him! He's smiled more times than I can count ever since she appeared again."
Noctis looked at said friend, thinking about the past few days. Now that he mentioned it...Specs did seem a little down in the dumps after Dawn left the group like she did. Maybe Prompto was right.
"Well, okay...if it would make him happy."
Prompto couldn't help but give his signature grin. "I'm sure of it."
Dawn had finally managed to stop her Chocobo for a minute as the Prince approached her. "You know what, how about you race Specs?"
The woman started sweating even more at the mere mention of him. Did they see them together after all?
"Why?" She said as calmly as possible, sweat beading her forehead.
"We'd totally cream you if you raced us. Iggy though...you juuuust might have a chance." Said Prompto.
Their cook appeared right at that moment, not missing a beat. "Excuse me, are you saying I am a poor rider?" He said.
"Nah, nah...but Dawn is a noob right now, and well...you seem fit for the bill, buddy."
"How do you conclude-"
"It's no use, Ignis. They'll keep pestering us until we race. Might as well." The redhead stopped him, sighing in defeat.
In actuallity, she wasn't opposed to the idea at all. If she were to choose anyone to race, it would be Ignis.
The brunette looked at her for a second, about to protest, but quickly decided against it. "I suppose you are correct."
With that, the duo made their way to the track, which was further up the path. After making the necessary arrangements, they were ready to face off.
Everyone else was on the sidelines, even Gladio, anxious to see the duo. The Prince and the blonde spoke to each other in hushed whispers as they waited for the race to begin.
"Say, Noct...20 gil says that Iggy will tell her how he feels tonight."
Noctis stared at Prompto for a moment. "How he feels? What are you talking about?"
"Dude, seriously? You can't really be that oblivious."
"Sorry that I'm not as observant as you are, Chocobo Butt."
The smaller man pouted for a second. "I told you my hair isn't-ugh...the point is, they are obviously digging each other, and I'm betting it'll be Iggy to step up first. Catch my drift now?"
"You mean...they like each other?"
"That's what I'm saying! And frankly, I think they're pretty cute together." He sighed dreamily, thinking about a specific female mechanist.
The Prince tried to imagine Ignis actually involved with someone romantically rather than platonically. In all honesty, it was extremely tough, considering Ignis had always been so serious and focused with his work. He just wasn't really the type to do that kind of stuff...and Dawn? She had already pushed him back twice, one of those times literally. It seemed really strange for her to suddenly make a 180 and fall for someone like Ignis. Plus, she kind of gave the 'loner' vibe...like she didn't really need anyone in that way. How in the world did Prompto see this working? Then again...Noctis couldn't really say what worked and what didn't.
"I'm not so sure..." Said Noctis, crossing his arms. "But if you're right, and it does happen...then I'm happy for them."
"Yeah...surprising to hear myself say this, but...I've been thinking that Iggy needed a girlfriend."
"Don't let him hear you say that!" Laughed the Prince, smacking his friend's shoulder. Not long after that, they finally saw the said duo approach the starting line.
Dawn turned her head to look at her rival. "I can't believe I'm actually doing this..." She thought to herself. It was literally minutes ago that she rode on a Chocobo for the very first time, let alone going straight to racing...and of course, of all people, it was Ignis.
To her shock, the brunette looked right back at her.
"Perhaps I should go easy on her..." Thought Ignis to himself. "No. That would only upset her...make her victory false. Either way..."
Suddenly, it was time. The owner of the track walked slowly to the edge of the track, flag in hand. The crowd of people started to cheer, the sounds of wooping and whistling filling the air. This was certainly new for the redhead in perticular.
Both Dawn and Ignis faced forward, feet at the ready to push themselves to victory. Their hands tightened on the ropes, their eyes sharp and focused.
Noctis, Prompto, and even Gladiolus watched the owner of the track, waiting for the signal and for all hell to break loose as soon as the flag was waved. They cheered not only to urge on their friends, but also to cheer for Ignis's happiness. Day and night, he had worked hard for the well-being of Noctis and the boys; driving, cooking, planning, always going above and beyond for everyone else. It wasn't very often that he actually did something for himself.
The boys wanted their brother to be happy, to have something of his own rather than just give everything away. He certainly deserved it.
Noct chuckled to himself as a thought then crossed his mind. Maybe the four of them: Himself, Luna, Ignis, and Dawn could have a double date one day.
The cheering died a little as the flag was then thrusted towards the ground.
"GO!"
Maybe one day, Dawn would be considered family too.
I certainly enjoyed this chapter, and I hope you all do as well!