AN: Please enjoy the beginning of this chapter. It's the first time I've gone completely in Ardyn's POV. It will give a glimpse on what is going through his mind and my headcannon will be involved.
Chapter 9: Everything's Alright
One Ardyn took her to his bedroom, Amy was fast asleep and clinging onto his outermost cloak. He carefully placed her on his silky sheets careful as to stay away from the various bruises decorating her body. He gave her a potion which healed up most of the harmful cuts and bruises. He took off his cloak so that she could keep holding it for comfort.
Why do you care so much for a human? They betrayed you along with those Astrals. The voice told him in his mind.
It matters not, she has shown me kindness. I do not plan to stop the original plan. He replied glaring at the nearby mirror. Of all times for his daemon to begin taunting him.
She will betray you Ardyn, that is why I am here. Ifrit and I are the only ones who you can trust.
She wishes to stop the captain from destroying Eos. She does not wish to interfere with me nor my plans.
Think as you wish. Do not blame me if she betrays you as well.
Ardyn shook his head. He knew that it was possible but he wanted her to truly be on his side. She was indeed a beautiful woman and it was so fun to tease her. Part of him… wanted her to find a way to free him from the title of the Accursed. He wished to be human again.
"Ardyn…" he heard her say in her sleep. She dreamt of him? It couldn't be another arousing dream, could it? After what she went through, he doubted she would want to. "No… I…I'll save you… please… don't…die…" she whimpered. "I…know I shouldn't… but… I…love…you."
Love? He thought to himself. Why would she… no… she was simply dreaming. That could not be how she truly felt. It was nigh impossible. Especially if she knew his true intentions and nature. He shook the thoughts from his mind before that daemon came back to his senses. He took a damp cloth and cleaned her up careful not to wake her from her deep slumber. He dressed her in some extra underclothes that he had even if they were too big and lay next to her for comfort. He refused to sleep tonight. He wished not to frighten her but instead protect her.
It was almost afternoon the next day when Amy woke up. She was so sore from the terrible things her former best friend had done to her. She looked up to find Ardyn sitting next to her. She tried to get up but winced instead.
"Careful, I healed the external wounds, but the internal injuries are still badly bruised." He said turning to her with that smile of his. She could tell he was trying to make her feel better. "I've taken the liberty of taking you to my own luxury suite. I'm sure you would not feel safe returning to your own."
"Th…thank you Ardyn… where am I? Whose… clothes am I wearing?"
"Mine. I didn't want you to suffer through wearing those clothes." He told her. "Are you feeling better at least? I know it must have been very traumatic."
"Yes… I'm… alright…"
The two laid in silence for a few moments. She laid her head on his arm for comfort. She wanted to be strong. She couldn't show weakness anymore… She was trying to figure out what to do.
"So… I can take care of the captain." Ardyn said finally. It was clear his anger was now headed towards the bastard. A feeling of dread woke up in Amy as she remembered what he had said.
"W…wait… no, you can't kill him." She said suddenly pleading.
"And why should I not? He is harmful not only to you, but to Eos. I was trying to earn a good excuse and this is as good as any."
"Because… he has given orders to MTs to kill Luna and Ravus if he were to be killed…" she said with a frown. "I talked to her about the plan we discussed. Despite Gentiana's disapproval she agreed for the sake of Eos. He knows nothing of our plan yet. I can't run the risk of their death before the Hydrian is raised."
Ardyn cursed under his breath. Some medieval curse that she did not recognize. It must have been known only to the world of Eos. "Fine, but I cannot risk your being taken by him again. Something must be done."
She thought for a second. There was one more time where Ardyn would be traveling to see the boys. "Well… you have to help the boys find mithril for the boat to Altissia correct?" She asked.
"Yes, I was to leave this afternoon in fact…"
"T…take me with you. He can't hurt me if I'm away from Altissia. Noctis and the others can protect me for now until we come up with a way to destroy him. You… have other things to worry about. Like securing a place where Luna and Ravus cannot be found along with going on with your plan…I can't get in the way of that. I know… you probably wouldn't want to spend your time protecting me anyway but I think its best to go with them to make sure the story goes the same. Besides… he doesn't know our plans for Luna and Ravus." She explained.
Ardyn listened intently to her plan. He was quiet for a few seconds while he mulled it over. "Yes, I believe that idea would be best. You cannot properly handle saving all of Eos when you are living in fear after all." He said placing his soft hand on her cheek affectionately. She smiled sadly at his touch. She knew that this was just in his nature to feign kindness and love. She shouldn't kid herself. He was still a dangerous man despite her knowledge of how caring he once was.
"Thank you, Chancellor." She said kindly.
"You have no need to be formal with me," he told her.
"I know, I just… felt like it." She smiled. "I…feel horrible… I should shower."
"Right, of course… My facilities are right over there."
She nodded and got up slowly trying to ease her way through the pain. Ardyn got up and set down her duffle bag which he had Ravus deliver for him. He enjoyed making Ravus his little errand boy. He doubted it would change once he was stuck with Luna in the undisclosed location he was trying to secure.
"Thank you." She nodded closing the door behind her. She stood with her back to the door for a few minutes trying to calm her nerves. She pretended like nothing was wrong because she had to stay strong. She couldn't show how terrified she was. She had not felt this vulnerable in so long. She turned the faucet on and let the cool water hit her broken body as she cried.
A few hours passed and Ardyn escorted Amy to his ship without any confrontation with Joel. He had ordered the captain to attend to other matters. He obviously knew something was up, but knew that he could not override Ardyn's authority or confront him without a proper plan. The daemon Chancellor was far too strong. The two sat in the jump seats quietly. Ardyn knew she must be hurting, but chose to let her be. He knew too well what it was like to be hurt like that… he was immortal and put to death but lived. It was torture for him. For a mortal woman… it must have been similar.
They had finally arrived at the spot where he car was left and drove. Amy clenched Kyoko not wishing to let the sword out of her sight.
"You are safe with me. You know that." He told her with his eyes not leaving the road.
"I…I know. I'm just…still on edge I suppose…"
"The captain will not harm you as long as you are in my company or the King's company," he assured her. "There is nothing to fear now… Why is that your wearing that scarf?"
She gasped flushing a bit as she felt her scarf. Despite the potion he gave her healing her bruises from the night before, the love mark he left he had given her persisted in decorating her neck. "Um…"
She heard him chuckle. "You don't wish to advertise the night we spent together?"
"W…well… they don't like…or trust you as it is… No offense. I just don't want them trying to kill you as an overprotective brotherly thing… Gladio especially sees me like a little sister."
"I understand. Fear not, it does not offend me." He told her softly.
Amy smiled to herself and looked out the window quietly. Staying this far away from Joel was helping. Killing daemons was going to help even more. Nothing better than killing creatures of the night to get anger and frustration out. She sent a quick text to Gladio while she was waiting. 'Make sure your safe on your journey to Gilgamesh. If you run into Joel, try your best not to kill him but stay away as far as you can… I don't want to explain so don't ask. Tell Cor I said hi.' She sighed as she pressed the send button knowing fully well that he was on his journey now. A few minutes later, she got a reply.
'You better tell me what's up with that guy when we meet up again. How do you know if your not with the boys?'
'I left Altissia. My task I wanted to do is done. It would be too many people in the Reglia going to Cape Caem with Iris. I had Ardyn bring me back. I'll see you when you meet back up with them. Good luck.' She frowned. She knew that he would be asking questions but she felt as if he needed to know. He was truly like an older brother and she wanted him and Cor to keep their guard up.
"We have arrived." Ardyn sang as he parked the car in the dark ruins. Amy stretched after getting out of the car.
"Wow… darker than I remember." She said.
"Yes, but I gather you only know it from a television screen. I never truly understood those things."
She giggled trying to convince herself she was still ok. "That's because you're over 2000 years old," she whispered.
He smiled and tipped his hat before leaving it in the car. "Glad you are feeling good enough to mock me."
"Not mock, just tugging your… um… nevermind that sounded good in my head but wrong coming out… I mean… damn it… I'm just digging my hole deeper…deeper oh jeez… I'm just gonna stop talking."
"Well, someone has a dirty mind. All things considered…" he cooed raising an eyebrow.
"Uh… I guess… it's because it's just us? I don't want what he did to me to change who I am."
"That's understandable." He nodded. "Let us rest here and wait for your friends." He added as they approached the arch.
Amy sighed leaning against one of the giant pillars of the ruins. The swamp was… an interesting feeling. She wasn't fond of her boots getting soaked but she knew she had to deal with it. The boys finally came up. She decided maybe it was best to hide behind the pillar for when they met. It would be less evasive than meeting them upfront.
"Gentlemen, what a pleasant surprise." Ardyn greeted.
"Ugh, told you he'd be waiting!" Prompto complained.
"With my Imperial friends, no less." Ardyn went on.
"Splended." Ignis huffed.
"Uh…hey…" Amy announced as she walked forward.
"Amy?" Prom asked.
"Y…yea… My task in Altissia is over. I wanted to come back. Things…didn't turn out very well. I asked him for a lift."
"That's good… but what about him?" Noct asked. "We have to get through him to get the mythril for Cid's ship."
"Fear not, I'll put in a good word." Ardyn explained. "Well, come along then," he said walking into the swamp. The boys didn't ask Amy why she decided to come back but followed Ardyn intently. There was always time to talk later. "Don't stray too far, lest you get left behind. And surely, you'd rather avoid scuffles. Seeing as the brawny member of your party is not here." Amy glanced at them, and Ignis seemed to be the one the most angry with his comment. Maybe the Gradnis pair is true… Noctis and Prompto are more obvious but...
"Oh dear, touchy subject?" Ardyn teased.
"One we won't discuss with you," Ignis huffed.
Amy remained quiet but shook her head. She was walking beside Ardyn who was amused by her reaction but said nothing to her.
"Then let's discuss why you're here. Hmm… It can't be archeology… Mythril perhaps?" He asked.
"Hey that's cheating! You had Amy with you!" Prompto exclaimed.
"I didn't tell him anything Prom. You were supposed to meet up with him anyway. Not like I'm telling you why he knows though so don't ask." Amy laughed.
"She's right you know," Ardyn continued. "Mythril… it's a precious resource, you see. We can't just let anyone get their hands on it."
"But you'll help us get ours on it, right?" Noct chimed in.
Ardyn feigned shock. "I never said that!"
"Of course you didn't." Prompto huffed. "What exactly do you see in him Amy?"
"That I couldn't tell you Prom. Sorry." She shrugged.
"Where is the fun in that? I thought you'd rather dig it up yourselves." He added as they approached Aranea. "Fear not, I'll be but a moment."
"A moment doing what" Prompto asked.
"Beats me," Noct replied.
"Trust me… it will be fine." Amy explained.
"All clear! Go ahead." Ardyn called.
Before Amy could go meet Aranea, Ardyn caught her hand. "Be safe." He whispered before kissing her hand.
She blushed a bit and nodded. "Y…you too…" she whispered. He have a small bow and walked behind them all so they could speak to Aranea.
"So, you're the 'new recruits' they sent over for 'special training.'" She said sarcastically. "Nice cover, runaway prince." When Noctis said nothing, she went on. "At ease, 'recruits.' There's nothing in it for this ex-mercenary to turn you in. Let's get this show on the road."
"Show?" Prompto pipped up.
"Forgot about your 'training'?" she asked with a smirk. "Well, I'm being paid to escort you… Just watch yourselves in there.
"I trust you'll be civil. Commodore Aranea Highwind, I leave them to you." Ardyn announced. Amy did a small bow without the others looking as she took a deep breath following Aranea. Killing daemons would help her mood improve drastically. Not to mention it would distract her about her dangerous feelings towards the accused former King.
"What kinda place was this?" Prompto asked while they walked on. "Any ideas Ignis?"
"None." Ignis sighed.
"Gee, I wonder what happened to the locals."
"Why not head inside and look for 'em?" the commodore suggested.
As they waited at the entrance until nightfall, Amy could cut the tension with a knife. She knew they didn't trust Aranea or Ardyn and she wasn't sure how they still felt about her…
"Guys… quit with the tension ok? Ardyn asked Aranea to help us." She said finally.
"Why do you stand up for him anyway?" Noct asked suspiciously.
"I'm not… I just… forget it… I'm stuck with you guys til you get to Altissia… if you don't want me hanging around just… d…drop me there…" She yelled at first but the last part sent bad memories into her mind. She didn't want to be left alone in that place with that lunatic free…
"Amy, where did that come from?" Ignis asked calmly and full of concern.
She took some breaths trying to stay calm. She couldn't break now when they had a job to do. "It doesn't matter right now, we just gotta find the ore and go." She couldn't look at Ignis in the eyes… the eyes that would soon lose its light…
Aranea seemed quiet and didn't make any comments. Ardyn didn't tell her… did he? She was a woman after all. She knew what trauma could do to someone. Amy looked up at the woman and realized that she was silently looking away from her with a frown through her helmet. Why was she not treating her like she would soon do to Prompto?
"Amy, we're not gonna dump you in Altissia, what kind of idea is that?" Noct asked with a frown. "I'm… just worried. You left without a word with him after Joel killed Talcott and Jared. We all don't trust Ardyn or the Empire. Can you blame us for being tense about the subject? They killed my father and destroyed our home of Insomnia. I'm sorry about questioning you. It was out of line. You were just trying to help by defusing tension. We do need to focus after all…"
Amy looked up at him giving a sad smile. "Th…thanks… I'm sorry too for getting all… depressing all of a sudden."
"It's alright." Prompto pipped up with a sudden hug. "Everyone has a breaking point. You really are like me…huh?" he whispered.
She laughed a little and hugged him back. "Yea… I am. Thanks Prom."
"Alright, well now that that's all taken care of, here's comes the night. Hold down the fort you two!" She ordered Biggs and Wedge before turning towards the entrance.
"You got it Lady A!" Biggs replied with enthusiasm.
"We will." Wedge added.
The five of them went on into the dungeon. Amy stayed quiet except for the random commentary that she would give to aid the banter. She stayed cautious because of the random cave-ins that she knew would happen but didn't remember exactly where they were. The others kept their guards up since all four knew that her tension meant they had to be as well.
"Ah daemons, til death do us part." Aranea sighed. Amy stiffened slightly as they went on. She forgot this particular banter… Part of her imagined herself on a weird altar marrying Ardyn but soon shook the thought out of existence. She couldn't think of that one…
"Practicing your vows?" Ignis pondered.
"The army swore their oaths long ago."
"What does the empire seek here?"
"Specimens…and we're stuck harvesting them." Aranea explained.
"Specimens?" Prompto asked.
"Daemons." Aranea told him.
"So what's all this about the army and daemons?" the blond inquired. His voice sounded normal, but Amy could tell he was skived because of what he was born as.
"What do you think it is?" Aranea scoffed.
"Nice… guessing games." He nodded. Amy smiled and nudged him slightly before some more daemons attacked them. He was confused by the comforting smile, but went moved on fighting.
"Turns out the empire makes weapons out of them," Aranea continued.
"Weapons?" Prom asked looking at Amy.
"Yeah, I'm sure you've seen your share by now. Something not quite right with the empire lately." She added.
Promto gulped and looked at Amy. She gave a sad smile but looked forward moving on.
"It's not just lately…" Noct added.
"True. Maybe it's time I left." The woman thought aloud.
"Really?" Prompto asked ears perking up. Amy shook her head. This must be when he decided he liked her… "What would you do if you left the army?"
"Whatever I want. I was a mercenary once. Maybe I'll round up my men and hunt daemons for cash?" She shrugged.
"That's a…heck of a plan." Prom shrugged as they fought some more daemons.
"What about the empire strikes you as 'not quite right?'" Ignis asked. With as many questions Ignis was asking… Amy really was beginning to understand the ship of 'Highspecs.'
"The emperor and new high commander, for starters. Then there's that charmer of a chancellor. I really can't stand that guy." She added glancing at Amy. She said nothing in return, but tried to concentrate on the fighting.
"What about captain asshole?" Noctis asked.
Anger pulsed through Amy's mind as she cut some daemons clean in half. "Let's forget about him right now." She said out of breath.
"Hey, take it easy don't lose focus…" Aranea said grabbing her arm suddenly. "They don't know so don't ignore what you came here to do." She whispered.
"So…he told you then… right… thanks…" She nodded taking a breath.
Ignis kept silent looking at her in concern. Noctis and Prompto exchanged looks but kept going silently as well. Amy knew she would have to try her best to have this not break her. She had to be strong… for the boys. They went on and fought the daemons stronger than ever. Thanks to the advice from Aranea, by the time they reached the quetzalocoatl Amy was in complete focus once more.
"Hey Commodore…" Prompto asked.
"Aranea," she corrected
"Aranea, You said…the empire uses daemons to make weapons?"
"Listen… you've see magitek troopers right?" she asked.
"MTs…" Noct nodded.
"They're born from daemons, in a lab." She went onto explain.
"Born from…daemons…" Prompto repeated. Amy could hear the fear in his voice. She felt so bad for him… hearing that they were created from the monsters they kill.
"Darkness is coming. If I were you, I'd watch my princely ass. Uh… 'kingly' ass…" Aranea corrected talking to Noctis.
"Will do." Noct nodded.
They finally made their way out with Mythril in hand. After a call from Cindy to go back to Lestallum, they traveled with the Regalia on Aranea's ship to the place in question. Amy was quietly grinning at remembering the little surprise waiting for Noctis.
"Hey," Aranea said quietly while the other three were resting.
"Yea?" Amy asked her.
"Chancellor told me what happened. Don't let it stop you alright? You fight really well and you shouldn't lose track of what you came here to do. You're not double crossing anyone. You stay neutral. Us strong women gotta stick together alright?" she said sitting next to her and crossing her legs. "That asshole will get what's comin' to him. Just gotta wait it out."
"Thank you." She nodded with a smile. "You really are inspiring to be honest. Just the pickmeup I need honestly. It's hard… to be strong after being taken advantage like that, but I gotta move on."
"That's the spirit." She nudged her. "Now get some rest. I'll let you all know when we arrive."
"Right." She nodded.
After they arrived and were dropped off they traveled to the powerplant where Noct was to put the suit on. Amy giggled at the wolf whistle Prompto made.
"Lovin' that outfit Noct," he teased.
"Why don't you wear one?" the king spat back.
"Well, that's the only one. And if anyone stands a fighting chance in there, it's you." Ignis told him. "Forget about fashion and go."
They watched Noct leave and Amy sat down on the steps. She looked up at the sky as she felt her neck where the 'love bite' was.
"Something happened back in Altissia…" Ignis said quietly as he sat down next to her. "Care to let me know? You know I care."
"Y…yes I know Ignis… I'd…rather keep this a secret though… if that's ok. I don't…exactly want to retell it. It will just make me vulnerable and unfocused."
He frowned but gave her a nod. "Of course. If you need my help with anything just tell me."
Time passed, and Noct came back out with Gladio. They greeted him and then he turned to Amy. "Hey, thanks for the text."
"Your welcome. I see you still did ok. No issues?"
"Eh, he did show up… but Cor and I took him down. He may be a good swordsman, but Cor proved to be better."
"Good to hear. I wish I could have seen it." She smiled giving him a hug.
That night they went camping and Gladio recited his tale of his adventure. Amy was quiet and was happy hearing how they took Joel down without a thought. Gladio wanted to capture him but he ended up getting away.
"What's with the scarf?" Gladio asked. "Never wore those things before."
"Eh, something I picked up in Altissia. I thought it looked nice." She shrugged.
"Yea, but you've been palming your neck a lot too." The shield noted.
"It… It's nothing…"
"Come on…" he said getting up and smirking as he ripped the cloth off.
"Gladio!" Ignis yelled.
Amy flushed covering her mark.
"Wait… is that… a hickey?" He asked peeling her hand gently.
"Um… m…maybe…" She said turning a very bright shade of pink.
"Aw really? When did you get that? Who's the lucky guy?" Prom asked.
"Um…"
Noctis chuckled. "Come on… it's not like its Ardyn…"
When Amy was silent of that comment, Ignis lifted his classes giving her a stern look but said nothing. Gladio folded his arms.
"Come on… you can't be serious. He's like… old enough to be your grandfather."
"He…He's not that old…" She lied softly. It was only half of a lie… he wasn't old to be her "grand" father. He was more so old enough to be… her 13 times or greater grandfather…
"How far did you even go with him?" Noct urged. "Wait… I'm not sure if I wanna know… Let's just… go to bed."
"R…right…" Amy nodded nervously. Did they think low of her because of this now?
As the three went to bed, Ignis stayed behind to clean up a bit and sat next to her. "He didn't force himself on you, did he?"
"N…No… he was… actually more of a gentleman than anything…"
"I've noticed that since you've been back you've been more on edge. If he did something you must tell me. And you…did use protection correct?"
"We… if you're asking if he may have gotten me pregnant… we took every precaution. That isn't… a problem."
"Good, I am not judging you for being with the Chancellor… I just want to make sure your mind is in the right place."
"It is… don't worry about me Ignis. You're a wonderful friend. Don't forget that ok?" She asked with a smile.
"Of course. I am here to guide my king and any other close friend who needs it." He told her nodding. "Now, lets get some rest." She helped him pack up and clean the dishes before heading into her separate tent. She felt like maybe she should have told him what Joel had done… but felt as if she should leave it be. There was no issues stemming from it… yet.