Disclaimer: Anything that is not mine, is not mine. The game, the characters, they are not mine. The concept of the story is mine, but the elements added that were not originally mine, are definitely not mine. I hope that's enough disclaimer!
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King Regis,
Sarah and I have finally reached Cauthess, and found a hospital that can help us deliver the baby. We'd like to let you know that we are both safe and well. I wish the same for you and your son Prince Noctis.
Sarah knew about the crystal's decision to choose your son. She too was sorrowful to know his futile duty as Lucis' future king. And, like you, she holds on to hope that his fate will take a turn for the better. But I want you to know that she wishes you and the young prince a good rule.
Her stomach is getting bigger, and she's closer to giving birth each day. It has been hard for her, especially how we have to travel too often. But she is staying strong and she understands why we can't stay in one place for too long. The lineage of the Lucis is getting thinner, and we are most desperate to save what we can of it. She knows what is at stake, and what sacrifices we must make to ensure that the royal bloodline survives, with our children at the very least; yours with Prince Noctis, and us with our unborn child. But the way she keeps her smile on her face is wonderful and full of hope, and oh how it keeps me going.
Sarah is currently resting on her bed while we wait for the doctor's advice. She wants to extend her regards to you and the young Prince.
Nubis
Cor studied the letter in his hand one last time before folding and keeping it inside the pocket of his coat. It was the only letter in his possession from the several that was exchanged between King Regis and Nubis regarding another royalty in the line, his only clue on where to start. When his dear friend was still alive, it was one of the last tasks he was assigned to do.
"Find her." he said. "Find the piece with the queen of the night."
"Queen of the night." Cor murmured. After all these years, he was still baffled about that last bit. Who is the queen of the night?
And what is the piece I'm supposed to look for?
He adjusted the rearview mirror from the driver's seat, reflecting the Crow's Nest diner behind him and hesitated for a moment. He had gone far in his relentless search for the princess, and he was only able to arrive at one name; a supposed chauffeur named Steve. It was honestly not a very good start, but a start nonetheless. But what happens after he had found her? Will she meet the same tragic fate, too? All Lucian royalties of his time were cursed to deal with the twisted whims of Ardyn. His overdue stay in this world must have erased all traces of his existence after his death, right? Noctis' sacrifice made sure of it.
And what if that wasn't enough? What kind of fate awaits her this time?
He slid his shades back up his nosebridge and took a deep breath. Perhaps learning from their past will give them a headstart to deal with anything. After all, they were given another chance at having one last Lucian to rule the kingdom.
"Who would've thought." he said under his breath. They were lucky, at the very least, and they must fight with flesh and blood to ensure that her reign lives on.
But first, he had to find her.
After taking one last look at the mirror, he finally stepped down his car and walked to the entrance of the lone diner in the Cauthess Rest Area. He approached the counter and sat on one of its red chairs, resting his elbows on the surface prompting Kenny, the tipster, to approach him. He cocked his head on his new customer and placed a glass of beer in front of him.
Cor smirked and gave Kenny a sideway glance. "Isn't it too early for this?"
"Who're you kidding, you're going to ask for one anyway." Kenny replied dismissively.
Cor lifted the glass in his hand and examined it before taking a sip.
"Not going to order anything else?" Kenny asked.
Cor took another short gulp before placing his glass back on the counter. "You have anything new?"
Kenny rested an elbow in front of Cor. "Depends on what you're looking for."
Cor scoffed, twirling his glass against the surface in front of him. "Not sure if you have what I want."
"Try me."
Cor decided to cut to the chase. "It goes by Steve."
The tipster straightened up and crossed his arms against his chest. "That's pretty hard." he said. "Steve is a pretty common name."
"Oh, but he's just not any Steve. He has someone in tow."
Kenny wiped one of his mugs with a white cloth. "Someone in tow, huh." he said. "I don't know about that but," he leaned closer to Cor. "I've heard about someone with a cargo."
"Cargo." Cor repeated. "Why mention a cargo all of a sudden?"
"For one, nobody knows exactly what it is." Kenny replied. "Travelling all over Eos to look for something to hide a 'cargo'. Even during the starscourge, he'd been here for a hundred or more times, asking for tips where he could hide 'it'. Told no one about it, and a bit too touchy when asked about it so no one bothered."
"Hmmm." Cor pursed his lips. "You're not helping much, Kenny."
"Oh, but you might want to hear this one." Kenny added. "I heard he's headed somewhere south. Probably somewhere west."
"Probably? So which one is it?"
"He's always ambiguous about where he's going. But if I were you, I'd try Ravatogh or the Old Lestallum."
"Somewhere west, then."
"If you ask me, my best bet would be the Old Lestallum." Kenny said, nodding knowingly.
Cor grinned as he took a handful of gil and placed it on the counter. "Thanks, Kenny."
Kenny nodded again while watching Cor slid off the chair and adjusted his coat around him as he headed outside.
King Regis,
Thank you for your good wishes and blessings for Sarah. She would've been delighted to hear it, if only she is still with us.
The delivery gave too many complications than she could bear. But weak as she was, she was able to find the strength to take one last look at our daughter. I could see in her eyes that she wished to stay a little longer and steal more moments with her. She held her tight and close to her chest, refusing to let go until she was inevitably spent. I couldn't bear living without her, Your Majesty. But I took your word and I have decided to stay strong for our baby girl.
She is too perfect for words, and I can't wait for you to meet her. But given the circumstances, I know it will take a while. I know your doubts, and I understand. But I still hold on to hope that you can see her, and she may learn a lot from a wise man such as you.
We are departing Cauthess as soon as we can leave this hospital. I shall send you another letter as soon as we reach the Old Lestallum. The Nifs haven't reached that place yet, and that makes it a good place to hide her.
I wish to hear from you again soon.
Nubis
"What's an epiphyllum?" Prompto asked as he looked up from the letter in his hand. They were back in the city's Crow's Nest diner by the warehouse where Ignis took the liberty of helping the cook make supper as a form of gratitude for letting them stay.
"From the sounds of it, it's some kind of a rare flower." Ignis replied. "Would you hand me a plate?"
"Here you go." Gladiolus grabbed a large round plate and gave it to Ignis. "So we're looking for a girl with a flower pendant?"
"Apparently, yes." Ignis replied as he stirred his stew, emitting a spicy scent from the combination of vesproom and leiden pepper.
"A princess with a flower pendant." Prompto shrugged. "Huh, figures."
"How did you find these letters anyway?" Gladiolus asked, facing Iris and Talcott's direction.
"Well, Talcott did." Iris said. "I was browsing through the top of the first shelf for any books when he called for me." she replied, looking at Talcott to elaborate more.
Talcott nodded and faced Gladiolus. "I was checking the paintings to see if there were any hidden safes behind. Like in the movies when they keep important stuff, right? And there were a lot of paintings in the archives, creepy ones too, especially the one of King-"
"Sorry to interrupt, but would really appreciate it if you get to the point." Gladiolus cut in.
"R-right. So, I was checking out the paintings when I heard a loud slam not too far from me. When I looked to my right, I saw a small chest, hidden under an antique side table standing on a corner. And I swear, no matter how dark it was, I saw dust floating around the chest, as if it has just been closed." Talcott narrated, feeling the hair on his arms standing at the memory of it.
Prompto gulped. "By a.. G-ghost?"
"Don't say that!" Talcott retorted.
Gladiolus scoffed. "I don't believe in ghost stories. Please continue."
Talcott turned back to Gladiolus and nodded. "Well, anyway, so you can imagine how I froze. But curiosity won over fear, so I went to check it out. It took me a while, because I was afraid a disembodied hand would suddenly grab me or something spooky like that, so I snatched it and went straight to Iris where it was brighter. When I opened the chest, I saw these letters, all addressed to King Regis."
"Hmmm… I wonder if Nubis is still alive." Gladiolus pondered.
"Let us hope for the best. He's our best chance to confirm the genuity of these letters. And of course, the location of the princess." Ignis said.
"If they went to the Old Lestallum, why don't we start our search there?" Iris said.
"We can start tomorrow, then. First thing after sunrise. It will be a long journey from here." Ignis said.
"We should bring as much supplies as we can, then." Talcott said, standing from his chair. "I'll go check what else we can get."
"Not until you finish your supper, you won't." Ignis snapped.
"But the stores might already close for the night!"
"Then we'll restock tomorrow morning." Gladiolus assured as he gestured at Talcott to return to the table. "Let's have our dinner first."
"Can't wait to meet her, buddy?" Prompto teased.
"It's not that." Talcott replied defensively. "I mean, who knows what can happen tomorrow?"
"After growing up during the starscourge, you should know better how to deal with danger at all times." Ignis said.
"Well, to be fair, I can't wait to meet her." Iris jumped in. "I always wonder what she's like. I know Lady Lunafreya was a princess, but this one has a completely different upbringing. Makes you really curious."
"Huh, now that you mention it…" Gladiolus said before facing his blonde friend. "Hey Prompto, what's her name again?"
Prompto took another look at the letter in his hand. "It says here they named her…"
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He pulled the car by the gas station facing the Three Z's Motel and stepped out. He looked around, taking in the changes the calamity had brought upon the place. No longer was it as breezy or clear as it was ten years ago. Now there were just rubbles replacing the once beautiful green landscapes of the small, quiet town.
Knowing just where to find a tipster by default, he entered the diner but found no one attending what once was the counter. condiments and menus were replaced by maps and ammunition, while the couches were occupied by hunters and refugees who sought a safe haven from the night before.
One of the hunters, most recognizable by his thinning hairline and signature brown jacket, lifted his eyes and cocked his head at Cor. "Can I help you?"
Cor stared at him under his dark shades.
"I'm searching for something."
"Yeah?"
"A cargo."
The other two hunters sitting in front of the first one turned around to look at Cor.
"A very important cargo."
The first hunter stood up and gestured at Cor to follow him. The latter's fists tightened on his side and trailed behind his host until they reached a tent beside a weapons shop.
The tent was fairly large, enough to make room for a table, a few chairs, and a small single bed. A yellow lightbulb was hanging at the center of the tent, giving just enough illumination for its occupants.
The hunter sat as he waved at Cor to take the other chair. Cor complied, removing his shades as he did.
The hunter straightened and reached for a bottle of blue drink. "So, you're after a cargo."
"If we're on the same page, yes."
"If the cargo you're looking for has a male chaperon then yes, we might be on the same page."
"Does the chaperon go by Steve?"
The hunter gave a slight smile and shrugged.
"Where is he?"
He crossed his arms against his chest, eyeing Cor with introspection. After allowing a few seconds of silence to pass, he relented. "I don't give away information too easily, Sir Cor. Just so you know. But since you're 'The Immortal', our only reminder of King Regis, I'll gladly make an exception."
Cor rested his elbows on his knees and leaned forward. "All ears."
"He mentioned about going somewhere east. I'd imagine it somewhere in Hammerhead, or within that vicinity. I suggest you start there."
Cor sat up and turned to face his side. He fished for the letter again.
But she is staying strong and she understands why we can't stay in one place for too long. The lineage of the Lucis is getting thinner, and we are most desperate to save what we can of it. She knows what is at stake, and what sacrifices we must make to ensure that the royal bloodline survives, with our children at the very least; yours with Prince Noctis, and us with our unborn child.
"Sir, I could see this isn't your first stop, and this might as well be your first clue where to find this… person." The hunter said, shifting uneasily on his chair for deliberately prying. "Why do you reckon he moves from places to places too much?"
Cor hesitated for a moment before folding the letter and sliding it back into his pocket. "I can't tell you much, but I'd think he's keeping this cargo safe. Anyone who tries to pursue this cargo will be mislead, unless they know exactly what they're looking for."
"That's a pretty big responsibility." the hunter said. "But let me tell you something else. This chaperon was last seen here in Old Lestallum two years ago. He stayed here for a year. He was with a girl, a caretaker of his who always tends to his rather sickly body."
A girl, Cor thought. That must be her. He fought the excitement building up inside him and kept himself composed. He could never be too sure if this hunter was someone he could trust with such valuable information. "How old is he? And the girl?"
"He's about as old as my father. And she was, well, I would say maybe in her twenties."
Just around the expected age, Cor surmised internally. "And the cargo?" he asked, trying his best to show interest. "They mentioned anything?"
The hunter shook his head. "Not a thing. Sometimes, I wonder if the cargo he was talking about was even real."
"Real, huh." Cor said. Of course there was a very good chance the cargo wasn't real.
The girl was the cargo.
When Ignis said it would be a long journey, Prompto was only expecting a few hours of traveling on the road. It wasn't until the sky was changing color that he realized he wasn't kidding.
"How close are we to the Old Lestallum?" Ignis asked.
"Pretty close. Just… a few more minutes away." Talcott replied.
"I hope the Motel is still up and running." Prompto said, gazing at the setting sun from the window.
"We'll set up camp if we don't make it." Gladiolus assured a little too sternly.
"Yeah, we'll manage." Iris added.
"Don't worry, guys." Talcott said confidently. "We'll make it. Besides, I'll need to refuel soon. We have to make the stop, it's part of the plan."
"Yeah, I can see the walls of the bridge from here." Iris observed, squinting at the distance before them.
"I hope their merchants have stocks of Ebony available. It's been a while since I had one." Ignis said.
"Ebony is hard to come by nowadays. We can only hope." Gladiolus remarked.
"Is that Cor Leonis?" Prompto asked, pointing at a tall figure wearing sunglasses who was just about to approach a car parked beside a tent. Cor, even from a distance, seemed to have heard him and stopped on his tracks to face Talcott's oncoming truck.
The youngest of the group slowed the vehicle down once they entered the Old Lestallum and pulled to an eventual stop beside the gas station. Gladiolus immediately jumped out, while Prompto made sure Ignis was able to exit the truck before walking closer.
Cor scanned the group silently before speaking. "You all look surprised."
Gladiolus looked at the group uneasily before facing Cor again. "No, it's just that, it's been a while since we saw you."
Cor scoffed. "What business do you have in Old Lestallum?"
"Actually, we'd like to ask you the same." Ignis replied for the group.
Cor slid his shades off his face and glared at them for throwing the question back to him.
Iris squeezed through between her brother and Ignis to step up front. "We're looking for someone from the Luci-"
Cor held up his hand at Iris, prompting her to stop talking. He looked around warily before facing them again. He jerked his head back slightly before turning around and walking away. Gladiolus looked at the rest of the group, each of them giving him a knowing look. He then walked behind Cor and everyone followed suit.
Despite surviving at the wake of the starscourge, the Motel's rooms were well-maintained to their old yet classic look. The beds were clean and well-kept, and their bathrooms spick and span. However, it had lost its lively atmosphere, replacing it with a silent ambience that was too quiet for their taste. But to Cor, this proved useful for their gathering.
He sat on the lone armchair in the room while the rest took their own spaces while making sure to be as close as possible to King's former Crownsguard.
"I deserve to get some answers." Cor said. "Who are you looking for?"
Prompto took out the letters from his pocket and handed them to Cor. "King Regis was writing to a man named Nubis in these letters, about a princess of Lucis."
Cor grabbed the letters and scanned through them. "Hmmm… So the last confirmed location here is the Old Lestallum."
"Yes. We were hoping to find some answers here." Ignis said.
"Now, it's our turn to get some answers." Gladiolus said, crossing his arms against his chest. "What are you doing here?"
"Same as you." Cor replied. "Regis asked me to look for a princess. And a piece with the queen of the night."
"Queen of the night?" Talcott repeated. "Who's the queen of the night."
"I'm only about to find out." Cor replied. "That vague detail and a letter were my only clues. And a chaperon named Steve who is currently in search of a good place to hide."
"We're supposed to find a girl with a flower pendant. It was a gift from King Regis to help him locate the princess when the right time comes." Iris said.
"There are many people wearing a flower pendant around Eos, not to mention Lucis." Talcott remarked. "And even if we know it's an epiphyllum, none of us knows what it looks like."
"Nor do we know who the queen of the night is, and which Steve among the many others is the right chaperon." Ignis added. "It will take us a long time to locate her."
"Or a lifetime." Gladiolus said.
"One of the hunters informed me that they were heading to Hammerhead last time. Or around the vicinity." Cor said.
"If it's around the area then we have three places on the list; Hammerhead, Longwythe, and Galdin Quay." Prompto added.
"Where do we start then?" Gladiolus asked.
"Pretty sure there's no girl with a flower pendant in Hammerhead. And Longwythe is just as good as a dead town. So Galdin Quay is our only option." Talcott concluded.
"If she turned out to be staying somewhere just as close as Gladin Quay, that's gotta be veeery frustrating." Prompto grumbled.
"It's a long way back." Talcott agreed.
None of them had a hard time waking up the next morning; either from the bubbling excitement or suspense or both from taking on a good lead — with Cor none the less. They all agreed to a convoy all the way to Galdin Quay with the Immortal's car taking the lead.
It was already late in the afternoon when they arrived at the ruins of what once was a paradise. The resort was in shambles from the destruction left by the daemons that used to swarm the area, and the waters had a fading green hue at the shores where moss was beginning to amass.
Aside from the cries of the seagulls and the crackling sounds of crabs against the sand, the place had an uneasy silence.
"Welp, I don't think this is any different from Longwythe." Prompto said.
"At least there's another place to explore in this area." Talcott said. "Remember the Hunter's HQ?"
"If we're going to Dino's Hunter's HQ, then we better get going now." Ignis said. "The sound of this place already forebodes a fruitless search."
"Please lead the way, then. I am yet to see the Hunter's HQ you are talking about." Cor said.
It only took a few minutes of driving to reach Dino's Hunter's haven from the resort. At the event of the sunset, many have parked their vehicles by the entrance of the area. As opposed to the empty Galduin Quay resort, the place was packed with people.
"Takes time getting used to this kind of lively." Cor commented.
"Lestallum has more people, but also more space." Iris said.
"We should scatter to find more information about this Steve." Gladiolus suggested. "With this many people, we need to double our force to search for just one person."
"I'm on it." Talcott said, already browsing through the crowd.
Cor silently walked away, as did Prompto and Ignis. Gladiolus stayed with Iris as they passed by the shops of the present merchants.
"I really thought Lestallum was bad, and sometimes Hammerhead. But this place…" Iris groused as they squeezed through the crowd.
"You cannot blame the people who only want a safe haven from the dark of the night. Daemons are still prowling around, though not as many or as vicious." Gladiolus said calmly, shielding his sister from the crushing horde of hunters and civilians.
"Have they ever considered moving to Old Lestallum? That place is practically empty!"
"Supplies don't usually reach places that far. Maybe they will when that place sees development."
"Would you care for some epiphyllum?" A merchant said, cutting into their conversation.
"Epiphyllum?" Iris repeated in a whisper. She paused in front of the merchant, as did Gladiolus.
"Hello Ma'am, Sir! Care for some flowers? Perhaps as a gift?" The merchant greeted them.
"No, uhm," Iris stammered. "We're just looking for-"
"We are interested in the epiphyllum." Gladiolus jumped in. "You mentioned selling one?"
"Yes! It bloomed just now!" The merchant said excitedly. She pulled a pot with a red spiky flower in full bloom among its green leaves, large enough to cover the palm of a hand.
Iris marveled at its beauty. "Wow, that's really pretty…"
"You said it bloomed just now?" Gladiolus asked. He was more interested at the facts rather than the aesthetics.
"Yes! It only blooms at night, or at least at sunset." The merchant said. "So this is a very rare occasion to see an epiphyllum in full-bloom."
"So this is an epiphyllum." Iris said.
"Oh, this is your first time to see one?"
"Yup." Gladiolus replied.
"It's actually pretty popular, at least to flower enthusiasts. Several of them bloomed during the starscourge, but not many were able to find them to appreciate. It was, well, too risky to venture out just for a flower." the merchant said. "Maybe you have heard it in its other name: the queen of the night."
The two siblings looked up.
"Say that again?" Gladiolus appealed.
"Queen of the night." the merchant repeated. "That's its more popular name."
Iris and Gladiolus looked at each other before the latter faced the flower merchant again and reached into his pocket. "How much did you say is this again?"
"Just 200 gil!"
"Sold!" Gladiolus handed the amount with 100 more before grabbing the pot. "Keep the change!"
"Thank you!" The merchant called back as she watched the pair run into the crowd.
Iris searched for the others with Gladiolus following behind him and spotted Prompto with Ignis.
"Guys!" he called out, waving the flower above his head. "Prompto! Iggy!"
The duo looked up and approached the Amicitias.
"Look what we found!" Iris exclaimed. "An epiphyllum!"
"Whoah!" Prompto said with awe.
"Where did you find it?" Ignis asked.
"A flower merchant we passed by was selling it." Gladiolus said. "She said it only blooms at night, and tonight is one those very special occasions."
"Good job." Ignis said. "Though I may not be much of help in knowing what kind of jewelry we are looking for."
"Don't worry, buddy." Prompto assured. "But this still is a good start for us. I mean, we had no idea what an epiphyllum is."
"Not just an epyphillum!" Iris said. "Guess what else it's called."
"What?"
"The queen of the night!"
Prompto straightened up, as if they had found a sensitive secret. "The piece with the queen of the night, is actually the pendant?"
Just as he said that, everything suddenly turned quiet to him.
Prompto looked around at the slow-moving crowd when a sharp wind blew by his right arm. He looked at his side to see no source of such sensation. It almost felt like those careless instances when Noctis unintentionally summoned one of his weapons while he was standing close.
And the picture of such moment flashed in his mind.
Noct.
"Prompto," Iris called worriedly. "Are you alright?"
"You suddenly seem flustered." Gladiolus said.
Prompto placed a hand on his temple and shook his head. "I-I'm alright."
"You do sound drained, Prompto. Maybe it's time we call this a day and get some rest." Ignis proposed.
"No, I'm fine." Prompto assured in a less convincing manner. He turned to his right again and almost immediately spotted Fifi standing at her stall, calling for patrons to purchase some of her products. As if hypnotized by her sight, he walked towards her wordlessly. Gladiolus called after him, but he didn't hear anything.
Something, or someone, was beckoning him to Fifi, pulling him closer to her mindlessly. And that was exactly where he was going as if that was all he was meant to do.
"Hello again." Fifi greeted a bit less enthusiastically when Prompto finally reached her store.
"Hey." Prompto greeted back, and his eyes fell almost instantly on the gold necklace she was wearing.
A flower pendant with rubies forming into pointed petals was hanging in the middle of the chain.
"That's a beautiful flower you're wearing." Prompto remarked.
Fifi instinctively touched her necklace. "Oh, this? Yeah, it was given to me by my father. I've had this for as long as I can remember."
"What do you call it?" Prompto asked in challenging tone.
"Queen of the night." Fifi replied. "Have you heard of it?"
"I learned about it just now." Prompto replied. "But I think you know better what else to call it."
Fifi lifted her head, revealing half of her face only very slightly.
Prompto smiled softly. "Right, Stella?"
She swiftly looked up at Prompto with rounded purple eyes shadowed beneath her golden bangs.
"How… What… How did you…" she stuttered, her eyes beginning to widen.
"We've been searching for you." Prompto replied, back in his usual lively tone. "Don't worry. You're safe now."
King Regis,
Thank you for this beautiful gift you have bestowed Stella.
Yes, we have named her Stella. That was the name Sarah and I agreed to give our child if we were to be given a girl. Tempestus if we were to be blessed with a boy.
Stella may be too young to appreciate your gift now, but I am sure she will love it when she grows into a wonderful lady. I have heard of the epiphyllum flower, and the pendant really captured the whimsical beauty of it. I shall keep this safe until the right time has come to give this to her, possibly on her seventh birthday to make her debut from being a toddler more special.
I am glad that you are just as eager to meet my Stella. And I must admit that wearing this precious pendant will indeed make it easier for you to spot her anywhere in the world. Now that her mother is gone, I often worry about who shall look after her when I have to leave this world, too. I do hope you find her someday, for you will be the only family she has left when the fateful time comes.
I must admit that I am deeply troubled with the prospect of my daughter ruling Lucis, as what you have stated in your previous letter. I understand that there is indeed a possibility in which the future of the people of Lucis will depend on my daughter, but I also foresee danger looming that will threaten her very safety. I am sure you can sympathize with my worries. Nevertheless, I understand what must be done, and I know that Sarah will understand too. But I'm also sure that she, like I, would wish that your and your son's reign will remain and live on.
Best regards to you and the young Prince Noctis.
Nubis
A/N: Epiphyllum is a real flower, kind of a cactus flower. And yes, its more known as the "queen of the night". :D
