Author's Notes: This a continuation of 'The Bachelor: Eos Edition', spurred on by ABC's 'Countdown to Nick' special, which just aired, and the first chapter's warm support. One of my resolutions is to make more people happy, so once I read the reviews for the first chapter, and watched the 'Nick' special, I just had to get this second chapter down. I don't know if the adventure will continue beyond this point, as translating a tv show into novel form is very tricky, especially if you are not at all familiar with ABC's reality show 'The Bachelor', but I will continue this if even one person wants this to continue. Not that I'm into fame and fortune; it's just that I don't want to let anyone down.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for reading, from the bottom of my heart.

"Welcome to 'Countdown to Chocobo', our special leading up to our very first season of 'The Bachelor'! I'm Iris Amicitia, here to introduce you to wonders, magic and excitement you're about to see on this wild ride. Here's a quick look at what's to come, for Eos' first bachelor!"

Prompto stands before the sea of contestants, heart racing, its rhythm pounding in his ears. They're all eager, ready to fight every deity in every galaxy for a second alone with him. Not at all used to the heated, intense attention, not at all used to any attention, Eos' bachelor stammers his evening greeting.

"H-h-h-hi. Um, hey. Th-th-thanks for coming. Uh, as you guys know, I'm…I'm Prompto. Nice to meet everybody."

The contestants, although friendly with each other, are ready to rip each other's eyes out. Noctis comments on that to Ignis in the background, the two of them close to Prompto as he begins the first cocktail party of the season. "I guess it's our first party together," the blushing photographer says after a vibrant greeting from the contestants, rubbing the back of his neck. It's clear he's incredibly nervous, finding the amount of passionate attention so foreign, it's painful.

"So, um, let's just all have fun, okay?"

Seifer Almasy, 20, SEED and Balamb Garden Student: "It's just like they said. Th' guy's adorable, and he's gonna be mine. The chicken wusses around me don't stand a chance."

Locke Cole, 25, Treasure Hunter: "I never thought I'd meet a guy as cute as a chocobo. Terra thought it would be a good idea for me to do this, and I'm definitely not lookin' back. I'm definitely psyched about this. Can't wait to spend more time with him."

Zidane belts out an astoundingly beautiful rendition of 'Stay With Me', each note gentle yet powerful, strong, warm and moving. With the notes of his final verse lingering in the air, the Tantalus performer bows in usual Tantalus fashion, leaving Prompto visibly moved and the contestants visibly furious.

Noel Kreiss, 18, Shadow Hunter and Time Keeper: "Not really fond of show-offs. That guy reminds me of Caius, and that's not a good thing."

"Guys, you gotta help me, please!"

Gladio clamps his hands onto Prompto's shoulders. "Calm down, pup. What's wrong?"

Tears are streaming out of the photographer's eyes. "Something happened to Locke! I don't know where he is but he's hurt and we gotta help him!"

"Hey, um, Prompto? Got a minute?"

"Sure, I guess, I-"

"Hey pal. Wait your turn. I just sat down with him."

"I know, just wanted to get in a quick 'hi'."

"Show some respect, pal. Back off."

Prompto Argentum, 20, Bachelor: "This is kinda weird. Not really used to being treated like this. And sometimes, sometimes I think the guys are gonna kill each other. Whenever I walk out of the room, it gets kinda scary. Ignis stops 'em before they hurt each other, but…yeah."

Ignis steps into his young friend's bedroom, gently interrupting Prompto's counsel session with Gladiolus.

"My apologies, baby bird, but I'm afraid someone has summoned Shiva in the living room."

"I'm sorry, but…um…I…I don't feel like having a rose ceremony tonight. You guys have all been really great to me, and…I kinda don't wanna let anyone go home tonight. So just kick back and relax, okay?"

The Cole steps between Vaan and Prompto, the junior Sky Pirate shocked, the latter trapped between horror and sadness.

Locke snarls at his younger rival: "Back off. He says he doesn't want you to see what's under there, so drop it."

"I was just asking about-"

Locke glares at Vaan with eyes made of cyanide. "You know the rules, junior. Back off. Now."

Locke Cole, 25, Thief (and Treasure Hunter): "The guy tried to peek under Prompto's bandana. Not cool. We have a rule that says if you even look at Prompto the wrong way, you're going to get your ass kicked. Plain and simple. And Vaan was seconds away from having his ass handed to him."