I always seem to forget to update this story. I figured I'd be done with it, but I didn't want to end it so easily. Hopefully this chapter
isn't too out of place compared to the rest of the story. Thank you to everyone who favorited and followed, it means a ton and
inspired me to hang on to this story. Anyways, enjoy! I will try my best to add more.
The sun nearly blinded Dawn as she ventured around the bustling town. It was odd how it almost seemed like the giant star grew angrier at this small piece of land.
The clacks and chimes of the ambiance created this sudden feeling of movement in her, like everything was speeding up in a way. The image of a rushing river crossed the mind; relentless and ever changing…and Lestallum nearly threatened to sweep her away. Suddenly, her past feelings of dread and weariness seemed to melt under the hot sun.
"Wow…" The redhead nearly whispered. "This is insane."
"Right?" Prom quickly agreed, his eyes soaking up the atmosphere. "I feel like I could get lost here."
Ignis, not so easily impressed, scanned his surroundings. There were so many buildings and stalls that it was hard to tell where exactly to go to find Gladio's sister. "Everyone, I believe we'll need to find directions if we are to find Iris."
"Let's go, then." Said Noctis.
The party of five moved along down the sidewalks and pathways, hoping to find any sort of sign that Iris was near, as well as explore. Along the way, they found multiple places to eat, shop, and enjoy themselves. The smell of roasting meat and sweat filled the party's nostrils, causing a variety of responses. This was a huge change from Hammerhead.
Finding themselves in a spot with a good view, the group noticed the famous landmark in the distance.
"Hey, look! I think that's the meteor!" Cried Prompto, pointing in a certain direction.
"Oh yeah, I forgot about it." Replied Gladio. "I wonder what it looks like up close."
Dawn squinted at the 'meteor', confused at the mere sight of it. She could spot some sort of aura emanating from the ground…an aurora that doesn't originate in the night sky.
"What meteor?" She asked. "I only see some sort of wavy light."
Ignis stepped in. "The Meteor of the Six is lower in the ground, where it landed. It is this town's source of power."
"Really? Source of power?"
"An extreme source of heat. Even to this day."
Her eyes opened a little wider to that statement. It was unusual that a meteor would retain heat for so long after touching ground…let alone powering a whole town. What kind of interstellar body was this?
"Maybe later we can go take a closer look." The redhead suggested. "I'm sure you guys have been wanting to."
There were no real objections, aside from her lover giving a tiny but noticeable sigh. She knew that he was interested in the popular tourist spot, but also had the constraint of needing to tend to other things.
"Iggy…don't worry about it." She tried to soothe his tense nerves. "We'll have plenty of time. After we find Iris of course."
He only gave a slight but reluctant nod in response, not wanting to cause a scene in the middle of the busy street. It was better that they lied low as much as possible. Who knows if someone around was actually an enemy waiting for an opportunity?
"Guys, I think we found something." The dark-haired prince intervened.
In the other direction was a hotel, hiding out in the corner of a square. There were detailed structures on the middle of the square, like a guardian to the sanctuary. It brought even more life and color to the array of shapes and hues that surrounded them.
"Seems like that's our target." Remarked the prince's shield.
"Alright, let's head over there!" Was a bubbly response from Prom.
It took a little longer than assumed due to the crowds of people. Constantly talking and moving…if she was being honest with herself, it nearly overwhelmed Dawn. She was used to the quiet of her own space; sometimes the only sound being the gentle wind or the distant voices of townsfolk. But now she was right in the middle of it all…the noise filled her head and rattled her brain like a jar of angry bees. She wondered how humans managed to stay in this kind of bustle for hours on end.
Humans were vastly different from her kind; always speeding and making rash decisions. Their life was fleeting…short lived. No wonder everything was twice as fast.
Her eyebrows furrowed. Anyone who looked at it from a distance would say that being a human is daunting. Even scary. Many of them wish to be immortal, or at least live as long as a fairy does. However…life with this length makes the world change in the person's eyes. Every little thing contains beauty and depth, and the time you spend on this planet is well spent. The redhead pondered on this concept for a minute, appreciating the bright viewpoint.
"I hope this is the right place." The golden-haired sharpshooter's voice cut into her thoughts.
"If not, I guess we'll have to sleep outside." Teased Noctis, hoping to get an entertaining response from his friend.
"Uggghhh noooo…" The obvious whine reverbed off the buildings, almost making the pipes vibrate.
"Quit it." A stern voice scolded them. "Remember that we're tryin' to keep a low profile?"
"You're no fun, Gladio."
"And you're lookin' to get captured, your Highness."
Entering the hotel was an immediate contrast to the heat of the outside. They could tell this place was well kept and air conditioned. A sigh of relief washed over the group.
"Finally out of that dreaded heat." Iggy said, wiping the sweat away with a cloth.
"No kidding. I felt like a popsicle in a frying pan." Prompto complained.
He received a confused look from the brunette. "Quite an odd analogy."
"…what? Just describing how I feel, man."
"…Anyways…I don't see Iris around here. I think it would be best to call her."
As if on cue, Noctis pulled out his phone. "On it."
Dawn couldn't help but try to suppress a slight chuckle upon seeing the gruff man's face in response.
"Not even gonna let me do it, huh? What's the rush?"
"I know for sure she'll answer me. Don't worry so much, big guy."
A wave of silence hushed the group as the phone rang. Once…twice…Gladiolus nearly snatched the phone from Noct's fingers until there was finally an answer.
"Hello? Noct?" Dawn could barely hear a high-pitched, but sweet voice on the other end.
"Iris! Hey, we're at a hotel, but we're not sure if this is the one you wanted us to meet up at."
The rest of the conversation was one sided; Iris's voice could barely be heard let alone deciphered after the prince stepped away for a bit of privacy. Everyone decided to leave him be and allow for some space to finish the call.
Ignis's eyes shifted to Dawn. Her eyes were moving quickly, darting around her surroundings like a hummingbird. Feet quietly shuffled around, exploring if but a small portion of the strange building. He realized that his lover had never been to a place like this before in person.
As if colliding in a large space, the advisor's hand met with hers in a brief second. "Dawn, what's wrong? You seem restless."
His voice carried some concern, but he knew in his heart she was okay. Dawn was strong.
"I'm fine, Iggy." She replied. "Maybe just…overwhelmed."
He nodded. "I can imagine. A life within a confined space can cause that."
"It's nothing to worry about."
The brunette understood, but something else still tugged at his mind. Something too important to let linger for too long. "Listen…how are you really?" He asked in an even quieter voice.
She followed suit, lowering her tone. "…What do you mean by that?"
A tense hand grasped onto her slender arm lovingly. His green eyes piercing a hole into her soul, while also showing his concern. It made it hard to keep anything from him.
"That…illusion…that we witnessed earlier today."
Spirits dropped slightly in mention of the daunting scene. "…It's no big deal. I don't know why she's doing this, but…" She paused. "It won't stop whatever we're doing. This journey is important."
Her words sounded shaky, lacking in confidence. However, no good would come of prying further into the matter.
"…Alright. Just know that you can talk to me." He said with a speck of worry.
The fairy nodded, giving him a genuine smile. A smile that told him to stay focused on the matter at hand, rather than worrying over the things Zafirah does. The mark of a truly strong individual.
Suddenly, Noctis allowed himself back into the group. "She ran into some delays. Says we'll have to wait here until she arrives."
"Well then. I suppose we have little choice." Said the advisor, quickly covering up his tracks.
Prom yawned. "In that case, I'll just wait here where it's nice and cool." The leather from the seat behind him squeaked to life upon the new weight. It was clear he wasn't planning on going anywhere else at the moment.
After a moment, the rest of them gave small sighs except Dawn, remembering the blistering heat that kept them from being out there for long. They all copied their friend, finding a respective seat and waiting until Gladio's company arrived.
This chapter felt a little slow to me, but I'm happy about the length. Let me know if you guys want to read more!