Chapter 6: Betrayal

"J…Joel?" Amy gasped as she stood in front of the man who taught her how to fight all those years ago. The man who had been like an elder brother to her… he was now standing in front of her in a captain's uniform from the Empire. In the corner of her eye, she could see Ardyn watching the reunion very carefully.

"I…have some matters to attend to." Ardyn told them. "You may chat amongst yourselves in private." He added as he walked off. He closed the back of the airship and they were alone save for the lifeless MT soldiers that were seated in the ship.

Joel came over and gave Amy a long hug. She didn't know how to take this. He was in the Imperial Army and…a captain. How long has he been here? There is no way they would have given such a role to him if he only appeared months before. Besides, he looked older. Much older than she this time.

"Not happy to see me?" He asked stepping back to look in her eyes.

"I'm… just in shock… How are you…captain?"

"I've been here about eight years. You don't look much older than when I last saw you…"

"Eight… I've only seen you four years ago… When did you get here?"

"Only four years? That was about the time I came here. January 2017… after the game came out." He added in a whisper. "So, I'm guessing I've been away about 12 years in my time. I was about 23 when I came here and your 21 now? That's so strange. I'm exactly ten years older than you now."

"So… you've played the game?" she asked cautiously gripping Kyoko. She couldn't let their reunion cloud her judgement.

"Yes. I never imagined that I would end up here after the wish I made on the New Year."

"What wish?"

"A wish that I could change the story so that it has a better ending."

"A…A better ending? What exactly do you mean?" She asked.

"One where Noctis doesn't have to die and Ardyn gets what he deserves." He said softly. He was obviously being cautious because he didn't want the Chancellor of Nifleheim to overhear.

"What he… you cannot just mess with the timeline like that. You will destroy Eos with that kind of nonsense."

"You can't tell me you actually like that daemon?" He said with an eyebrow raised. "Anyway, that is my plan exactly. I traveled a lot after I left. I was a legal adult and the girl I wanted to date was underage so I wanted to pass the time doing something until she became legal. I even waited a few years until she became 21 so we could drink. I traveled all around Europe and Asia. I found out about different worlds along my travels. I heard stories of worlds that were destroyed and the conquerors being able to control how they lived once their world combined with their own. I wanted to achieve that, but I didn't know how. I wanted to come home and make that girl my queen as we ruled a town full of people from this world together. A world where the daemons did not exist and no magic was present. Ardyn would be forced to be mortal once more and pay for his crimes."

"Are…are you insane?" She gasped. "Who exactly is this girl you want to be with? Who in their right mind would want to be your queen?"

He surprised her as she quickly pinned her against the wall causing Kyoko to fall to the ground with a loud sound against metal. He leaned forward and kissed her lips pulling her body close to his with his free arm. He was so much stronger than before. "You are the one who will be my queen. At first, we were simple friends but later I realized that my feelings for you were more than that. I could not stand not being able to date you so I left. I was afraid of what you would think so I never made contact.

She stared at him in disbelief. All that time… he fancied her but said nothing. Now he's trying to convince her that destroying this world is a good thing because she can become his queen? No. If anything, she'd rather be someone else's queen. She pushed him away from her.

"Stay away from me." She glared. "I will not let you destroy this world. The world is fine as it is."

"Why do you believe that? Both kings of Lucis will die. For what? A war that Ardyn started?"

"You don't pay attention, do you?" She yelled. At his moment, she didn't care if Ardyn overheard. She was furious. "The Starscourge happened before Ardyn became a Daemon! He was a savior. He had powers like the Oracle and healed people affected by it. The only reason he is the way he is now is because of the betrayal of the astrals and that king who tried to execute him! I've seen so many videos and read so much material on him I know every method to his madness. You cannot go and say he is just a horrible person. He didn't ask to be betrayed. He's lived 2000 fucking years. Tow millennia to dwell on the horrible nightmares that turned him into a powerful daemon. I believe that he wanted this to happen. So that he could be a martyr and die in order to get revenge and save the humans who live in this world from the darkness." She finished.

She was more than angry with him. She was furious. This was her reason for caring about Ardyn. She always had a weakness for villains with tragic pasts. How could he even think that she would approve of this? Rule over a weakened and broken community? Destroy this beautiful world just to control it?

"You'd rather be his queen," he seethed. "That's why your defending him. You're just like those other fangirls who think his evil is sexy."

"At least he's a gentleman and still has some morals," she spat. "I'm not just some fangirl. I'm smart. I know he could use or kill me for what I know. I was terrified when he wanted me to travel in the car with him but you know what? I trust him so much more than I trust you right now. The god Shiconen came to me and told me he wants me to save this world from the person destroying it. I will save it if it's the last thing I ever do."

He glared back at her but then laughed. "You? Save the world all by yourself? You don't even have magic or an armiger. The empire at least gave me the latter."

"I have the boys. Gladio taught me well. I look up to him like a brother. The brother you used to be for me." She huffed. "You betrayed me. You may not think that you have but…"

The ship began to rumble. It had rumbled multiple times before when she knew that the battle had begun. This time it was the last legs. "I have to go save my friends. I may be neutral in this war, but you are my enemy."

"Wait… Amy!" he called after her but she was already gone. She was so furious that she didn't even realize just how close Ardyn was to wall where they had their argument.

"Is everything alright?" he asked coming up to her.

"Yes… peachy."

"Well, why don't we go save your friends shall we? Unless you wish to go back with the Empire…"

"No. Take me to them." She practically growled.

"Very well." His tone seemed different. Curious even. He seemed very intrigued by her for a reason she did not know.

The ride was silent until they arrived where they were to pick up the boys.

"Fancy meeting you here!" Ardyn yelled down. "It occurs to me, I've never formally introduced myself. Izunia, Ardyn Izunia."

"Imperial Chancellor Izunia?" Ignis confirmed.

"At your service. And more importantly, to your aid." He paused and Amy began to walk forward. "I guarantee your safe passage. Though you're always welcome to take your chances down there. Buried among the rubble, is it?"

Before Ignis could explain that is a bad idea to stay Amy piped up. "It's ok! I'm here too! See? He kept his word. I'm safe and sound." She said giving a smile. This must be what Ardyn did every day. Played the part like some actor in a performance. Always putting a grand old smile on his perfect lips. She knew now what betrayal felt like but she refused to go as dark as he. She needed to save this world at all costs. Even if it meant not taking any sides and risking everything to save people.

Amy was quiet on the ride back. She caught Ardyn's stare once in a while but she didn't care anymore. Let him stare. She no longer cared about those ridiculous dreams.

"Are you alright Amy? You're very quiet." Ignis asked.

"Yes… I'm fine." She said softly clutching Kyoko for comfort.

"If you need to tell me in private we can speak later on. You know I promised you that much." He whispered.

"Yes, I know. After… they go to bed ok Ignis?" she said.

"Well, here is your destination. You asked to be dropped at the chocobo ranch correct?" Ardyn announced.

"Yes, thanks Ardyn…" Noctis muttered.

Obviously, he knew he had to be grateful. Otherwise they would have been burnt to death. They went off and Amy was last when Arydn grabbed her arm. The hairs on her neck stood on end. Had he heard the conversation?

"May I have a word with you before you leave?" he asked. Though she had a feeling that that hard grip meant something more than a normal conversation.

"Amy?" Ignis asked concerned.

"It's… it's fine… I'll be back in a sec," she said nervously. The Chancellor pulled her into the deep part of the ship keeping the firm grip on her arm. She dared not ask to let go because she could not tell what he wanted of her. When he saw the boys were away from sight he shoved her against the wall.

"What do you know about me?" He glared.

Her heart began to pound. She never wanted to be at the receiving end of his wrath. She was so distracted by Joel that she never realized that he could have overheard their conversation. Her former sensei seemed to be too confident that he couldn't hear.

"I… Joel and I… are from a world where Noctis is the main character in a video game… You are the final boss," she said cautiously.

He looked at her curiously. "And yet… you came to my aid when the captain spoke ill of me. Why?"

She stared at him surprised. She thought for sure he would kill her. "I… I want to remain neutral. I do not wish to get in anyone's way or take sides in the war between yourself and Noctis. I don't want to get in your way. Joel… wishes to destroy this world. He's killed someone who was not supposed to die within ten years, and my task to save this world is to save three people who are supposed to die. I am trying to find a way to save people without interfering with your plans."

The dark King towered over her. She never realized just how tall he was. While looking at his profile she found out that he was 6'3. Since Gladio was so tall she never seemed to notice Ardyn's height which is about three inches shorter. She flushed as he leaned in closer.

"If I find you are lying to me I will make you pay in one way or another." He whispered in her ear. The chills got worse as flashbacks of her dream came back to her. How she wanted those lips right now… No, focus Amy. "Take this as a thank you for defending me. Though I do not understand why. If I am the villain then I am surprised you do not fear me."

"It's…not that I don't fear you… You terrify me in fact… It's just… I feel sorry for you. You lived a sad life and did not deserve what happened to you." She explained. It wasn't a lie. This was the reason she cared so much. Especially now that she knew betrayal. It was not as bad as his had been, but it hurt nonetheless.

A look of shock came across the ancient's face. It was clearly something no one had ever said to him. No one had shown him kindness in many years allowing his soul to be overcome with hate and vengeance. How could one woman see through all of that. He changed his position and pinned her arms above her head. N…no… this is too much like my dreams… Damn it. Not here…

"And… who's queen were you referring to in your little argument with the captain?" he asked now coming closer with a playful smile on his face. He knew how to press her buttons. There was no mistaking it now. He wanted to break her. She let out a small moan before she could stop it. The heat below was becoming overwhelming.

"Y… I think you …know…" She breathed beginning to pant nervously with her cheeks growing red once more with the addition of heat unwillingly forming down below.

He tilted his head as he looked down into her eyes not knowing just what he was doing to her… or did he? "Hmmm, you're a curious young woman. Shame I have to give you back." He let go of her arm and gave a bow allowing her to leave. "Feel free to call if you need help in your secret venture."

She stood there staring for a few seconds trying to cool herself figuring out just what happened. She pushed herself away from the wall and brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She picked Kyoko off the ground from where it fell when he thrust her against the wall. Before she left he caught her free hand and pulled it in for a kiss. It was just like something out of one of those old movies. Something she always wanted to happen to her. She decided to do something out of respect before she got into eyeshot of the chocobros. She curtseyed and in returned he bowed once more.

"Seems you know formal affairs," he stated. "Color me impressed."

"I'm… I like to research history. It's my minor. You were inspired by old kings of the Middle Ages I believe. I figured this was an act of respect for an old-fashioned king."

"You flatter me. Thank you for your kindness. Not sure what to make of it." He gave her a smile that she had never seen. A genuine one. Could the theories of his kind heart still lingering be true? She was flabbergasted at how it could be with everything he had done. Nonetheless, she had him as an ally. She took a deep breath as Ardyn led her back to the exit. He helped her down despite her would-be protests.

He said their final farewell and the airship was off. Amy stared still in disbelief and shock that he simply took her words like that.

"Amy? You with us?" Prompto's voice broke her thoughts.

"Hmm? Y...Yea…" She nodded.

"What did he do to you? You look all upset." Noctis asked.

"Um… Its nothing to worry about… He didn't hurt me…"

"Right… Well, we should check in the hotel and I get something to eat. I'm too exhausted to cook tonight." Ignis suggested.

After they ate Gladio, Prompto and Noctis passed out in their room. Only Ignis and Amy remained awake. They sat outside in quiet and listened to the adorable birds as they were fed and fell asleep one by one. A baby came up to Amy so she picked it up and pet it fondly. Animals were the best coping medicine…right?

"So," Ignis began calmly. "They should be asleep now. Care to let me know what's going on?"

She frowned and let the chick nip playfully at her shirt. "Well… first off, I'm not from just any other world Ignis… I'm from a world where this story is played out in a video game. Noctis is the protagonist. I knew from the moment I arrived what was going to happen. What kind of hunts we would get. What dungeons we had to go on in our journey for Noctis to become a true king… I knew that Insomnia would fall…" she paused feeling so much guilt and didn't want to look Ignis in the eyes. "When we arrived at Gaulden Quay I knew something was off when we reached the reception desk. The woman Coctura was replaced by a man. It turns out, I was brought to this world to save it. My sensei… Joel… He plans to destroy the balance of this world. Once that happens the world itself is destroyed and can combine into ours. The daemons will disappear long with any powers or magic. He will be in control of what happens to those who are left over. If I am to save this world from falling I have to make up for Coctura's death by saving three people who are supposed to die.

"While you went on your mission for Dino, the god Shiconen came to me and explained what I have to do. I only realized recently that in order to do this… I must remain neutral and not take sides. I can make friends but I cannot use the friendships to cloud my judgements. Ardyn… overheard an argument I had with Joel. He found out about where we were from and confronted me about it all. I…somehow made him an ally of mine. As strange as it sounds… it's a very good thing he is. I need his help in order to save certain people."

Ignis was silent. No doubt he was lost in thought and trying to find the right words. The small chick in her arms started snoozing. She would have to return it to the coup before she went to bed.

"Well, thank you for confiding in me," he said finally. "I don't think anyone would have blamed you for Insomnia. It was something out of your control. I believe you're staying neutral is a very good idea considering the task Shiconen has given you. I will not question why you must ally with Chancellor Izunia, but I just hope you tread carefully and know what you are doing. My guess is that you need to stay with us in order to make sure the balance can be restored correct?"

"Yes." She nodded. "I knew you'd be the one to understand. You are Noctis' advisor after all." She smiled looking up to him.

"You are very welcome. If you need advice from me please do not hesitate to ask me as well. I will keep your secret as long as you believe it is needed."

"Thank you again Ignis. Well, I should get this little guy to bed so we can get to sleep ourselves."

"Good plan." He nodded.

Amy took the chick to the coup so it could sleep with the others. "Sleep well little guy." She smiled.

She went back to the single hotel room that Ignis had gotten for her. Apparently, Ardyn had given him some extra money to cover an extra room for her. She laid in her bed staring at the ceiling. She was exhausted. She had such a long and stressful day beginning with an erotic dream. Just the thought of it made her aroused again.

"Mnn… Ardyn…" She thought of how rough he was with her but then how gentle he was. Those supple lips that drew so near to her whispering in her ear. She moaned as she lifted her shirt to caress her stomach and closed her eyes imagining that they were Ardyn's. She didn't care at this point. She didn't care that she had feelings for the daemon. She wanted him. She pulled down her jeans and tossed them to the side as she rubbed slow and gentle against her swollen clit through her soaked underwear. She wished at this moment that she had her trusty vibrator. Men had it so easy to get themselves off. Women had to work more for it. She slid two fingers underneath the cloth and massaged her nub slowly causing her to get more and more aroused by the single thought of the Chancellor's body wanting her in return. She placed her middle and ring fingers inside her slit slowly pumping in and out while using her psalm to satisfy the aching sweet spot.

Shame I have to give you back. Those words alone made her quicken her pace. She wanted her release. She bit onto the finger that was not being used to muffle her moans that were growing ever louder.

"ARDYN" She screamed now into a pillow as she climaxed the hardest orgasm that she had ever given herself. She laid there with her eyes closed and her body twitching from the pleasure. She lifted her hands above her head panting. Wishing that he was the one who did that to her.

Once she was calm, she took her things to the bathroom and took a shower to wash everything off properly. She grabbed Kyoko and laid down in her bed. The stress she had was gone. She just needed a good session with herself in order to calm all of her nerves. As she fell asleep, she imagined what it would have been like if he had made love to her instead of her imagination of his body being one with hers.