We had finally made it to Hammerhead, where we were greeted by the smell of car oil, metal, and gasoline. Hunters with dog tags came in and out of the diner carrying either food or weapons and the garage was open, where a slender, busty women with curly blonde hair and a trucker hat resided. She walked over to us when she noticed the Regalia, her olive green eyes shining with curiosity
"Hi, there!" she smiled at us, speaking with a southern accent. She wore a cropped yellow jacket with the Hammerhead logo on it and a bikini top underneath it with deep décolletage and denim shorts with a brown utility belt. Around her neck were some goggles and she wore leather gloves, thigh high black stockings and white boots. Her cheeks were covered in motor oil from tending to the cars that visited her garage. "Y'all kept a girl waiting! Now, which one's the prince?"
Noct got up from his spot beside the Regalia, where he had collapsed from fatigue after pushing the car all the way here.
The mechanic walked towards him, "Aha! Hello, Your Highness. Congrats on yer wedding."
Noct let out a nervous chuckle and shuffled his weigh on his feet, "Not hitched just yet..."
"Lady Lunafreya's groom to be, here in Hammerhead," she held her hips, looking at each of us.
Ignis crossed his arms and gave her a single nod, "Apologies for taking so long."
She laughed and walked around the Regalia, her green eyes observing the design, "You'd best save yer apologies for Paw-Paw."
"Well, that makes you...?" Gladio wondered aloud.
"Cindy," she introduced herself. "Cid's grease-monkey granddaughter."
"You already know who I am," Noct gestured towards himself. "This is Ignis, Gladio, Prompto, and Alma." He gestured towards the four of us.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," I said with a grin.
"Y-Yeah!" Prompto replied, holding his fingers, a blush creeping onto his freckled face. "It's nice to...m-meet you."
"Roll 'er in while I'm still young!" a raspy voice called out from behind Cindy, revealing an elderly man with shaggy grey hair, hazel eyes, and a beard. He wore the exact same trucker hat Cindy wore, a red leather jacket, leather gloves, a high collar blue shirt, jeans, and shoes. I'm guessing this man is her grandfather, Cid. He looked over at the prince with a soft glare. "Didn't yer daddy tell ya? She's a custom classic, not some beat-up ol' clunker." He surveyed the Regalia with scrutiny before he looked back at Noct. "Prince Noctis..."
"Uh, yeah," he affirmed, a bit confused as to why the man looked at him with disdain.
He scoffed and surveyed the car again, "'Prince,' like they took yer ol' man and kicked the dignity out of 'em..."
Noct furrowed his brows, "What?"
He placed his hand on the hood, "You've got a long way to go, son. And that slack-jaw's gettin' you nowhere fast." He pulled up the hood and looked down at the engine, where smoke rose into the air. The smell of gasoline was prominent now and he closed the hood before any of us could inhale the carcinogens. "She's gonna take a while. Y'all get her in and run along."
I watched Cid head back into the garage, sharing the same perplexed expression as the rest of the boys. "Uh, guys? I'm not the only one who's confused, right?"
"Not at all," Ignis shook his head. "It seems Cid once knew His Majesty."
"But why didn't the old man tell me about him then?" Noct held his chin. "He only told me about Weskham..."
"Maybe they had a falling out," Gladio suggested.
Prompto crossed his arms, "Well, we better get the ol' girl into the garage. And then we have to figure out how to get the money for the repairs."
One last time, we pushed the car just a bit until it was inside the garage and Cindy had pulled out a red toolbox, placing it onto the floor. "Unfortunately, we don't accept Crowns. Yer goin' to have to earn some Gil."
"What's a Gil?" Prompto asked.
"The currency used in the rest of Eos," Ignis explained to him. "Insomnia is the only city on this planet with its own currency."
"Do you know where we can find some odd jobs then? Just enough to cover the repairs?" I asked the mechanic and she gave me a wide grin.
"A girl that takes charge! I like you already!" she looked over to the diner. "You'll find Takka in there. He provides quests for the hunters that come here. Tell you what, you take out some of the varmints that roam the desert and I'll throw in a discount. Sound good?"
"Thanks so much," Noct said, a look of relief in his eyes. "You're really doing us a solid here."
"No problem," Cindy walked over to the table and picked up a map. "Here. Reckon y'all haven't been around these parts before. Have a look around and this'll come in handy on yer hunt. Don't wanna get lost now." She gave me the map.
"Thank you again," I accepted it from her graciously.
"No problem, girlie," she giggled and walked back towards the car, leaving us to stand by the entrance.
"Looks like we've gotta go hunt some beasts," Gladio smirked, a glint in his amber eyes. "This'll be fun."
"We should go see this Takka fellow then," Noct began to walk towards the diner.
"If the hunters come to him for info, then he may be the local tipster around here," I walked beside the prince. "Maybe he can tell us where we can find the nearest campsites too."
"Yeah, we can use all the info we can get," Prompto ran up to my left.
"It look like this deli has cans of Ebony," Ignis looked through the glass of the store, where Ebony coffee was stored on the shelves.
"You can't go a minute without your coffee, can you, Iggy?" Gladio chuckled and continued walking.
"I need to stay awake if I'm going to look after the three of you," he said.
"What do you mean 'three?'" Noct narrowed his eyes at his advisor.
"Alma here is capable of looking after herself. You three, however," Ignis trailed off with a chuckle.
Prompto pouted and slumped forward, "That's not fair, Iggy."
We entered the diner, where the red colored booths were vibrant against the sunlight. The smell of hamburgers and french fries were starting to make me hungry but eating was going to have to wait. At the counter was a dark-skinned man with a white shirt and apron. That must be Takka, the tipster who owns this diner.
I walked up to the counter and spoke, "Excuse me-?"
"Whoa!" He jumped with fright but then relaxed when he laid eyes on me. "O-Oh, it's just a pretty little gal..."
I smiled apologetically, "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."
"No, no, you don't have to apologize," he waved a hand. "I've always been a bit jumpy. So, what can I do you for?"
Before I could speak, Noct, Prompto, Ignis, and Gladio all stood around me and I noticed Takka was beginning to feel anxious. I knotted my brows and said to the guys, "You're scaring the man. Maybe you should-"
"Apologies," Ignis spoke to the tipster. "We didn't mean to cause a fright."
"If you boys are here with her then you ain't all that bad," he said.
"We're here for some information," Noct leaned forward and placed his elbows on the counter. "You see, our car broke down and we're looking for some hunts that will earn us enough money for the repairs. And if you can tell us where we can find nearby havens to set up camp, the would be great."
"Well then you came to the right place," Takka nodded and pulled out a piece of paper with what looked like the picture of a scorpion.
I pulled out my phone and accessed the bestiary app and scrolled down the names of beasts that walked the regions of Lucis. I pulled out the name of the beast that we were going to hunt, "This thing is called a Reapertail. It's a pretty common beast found here in Leide and they're not too hard to fight."
"Looks like that new app comes in handy," Prompto commented, rocking back and forth on his heels.
Gladio held the piece of paper in his hands, observing the picture of the Reapertail, "So this thing has been giving the locals trouble?"
"You bet," Takka replied. "Take these out and you'll be helping the hunters out in these parts. But whatever you do, don't wander the land at night. The daemons will rip you to shreds if you do. There's a haven just a few minutes away from here. You can set up camp there when the sun starts setting."
"Thank you for your help," Ignis said and we walked out of the diner. We walked past the freeway and jumped over the ramp, our feet hitting the rigid desert floor. Tumbleweeds rolled by and dust blew in the wind. The Reapertails were in the distance, their pincers and tails up, ready to strike anyone who got in their way.
"There they are," Gladio materialized his great sword, resting the blade on his shoulder, ready to strike.
I materialized my katana, holding the sheath with my left hand, my right hand on the hilt. "Let's clean them up quick, shall we?"
"Took the words right out of my mouth," Noct smirked as he materialized his Engine Blade.
Prompto readied his handgun, "This isn't going to be hard."
"Don't get cocky now," Ignis said as he summoned his daggers. "These beasts are nothing compared to what we may face in the future."
Noct warped, a battle cry pushed past his lips as he threw attacks at the Reapertails. Ready to sting, Gladio stood in front of the crown prince and blocked the attack with his shield before throwing his giant sword down onto the scorpion.
Prompto shot another one before it was stunned, a yellow color enveloping the body of the Reapertail as it struggled to break free. While it was stunned, Prompto threw in a few crack shots and performed a roundhouse kick.
I assisted Ignis with another Reapertail, my katana cutting its tail and I heard it shriek with agony. Ignis flipped backward and flung his daggers at it, the blades penetrating the exoskeleton.
"Dammit! I'm in stasis!" Noct yelled as he tried warping again.
"Get to higher ground!" I ran over to him to protect him from another attack, blocking the tail with my sheath. "Your magic will come back then."
"Thanks, Alma!" he nodded and threw himself onto a boulder, where blue crystals surrounded his body and he was able to materialize his Engine Blade again.
I sheathed my katana and gripped the hilt firmly, pulling it out with sheer force and watched the blade tear through the last two Reapertails that threatened to jab me and Noct with their tails.
"You're on fire today!" Gladio smirked towards me.
Once again, my cheeks flushed and I cleared my throat. I dematerialized my weapon and the boys did the same thing. Then I heard the sound of Noct's phone coming from the pocket of his leather pants.
"Who could this be?" He asked as he pulled out his phone and answered the unknown number, bringing the phone to his ear. "Hello?" It was silent for a moment and then his baby blue eyes glanced at us. He mouthed the name Cindy, which earned him a giddy yet quiet squeal from Prompto. It looked like the blonde had a crush on our grease-monkey mechanic. Noct spoke after a moment, "Yeah, we've just finished up over here. We'll go find that missing person then." He turned off his phone and tucked it back into his pocket. "Cindy wants us to find some 'Dave' guy."
"What, he went missing?" Gladio asked.
"Not 'missing.' Said he's holed up in that shack," he gestured towards the abandoned shack a few feet away from us by the small green bushes.
"Let's go find him then," I walked ahead. "It's obviously dangerous here. He can't stay alone."
The door to the shack was open, the wooden floor creaking underneath our feet. There was a small table in the corner where a piece of paper rested on the surface. I took the paper and looked over the messy handwriting scrawled across it.
"Huh," I said to myself. "It says that there's a mutant dual-horn sighted here. Codename: Bloodhorn. It has red tusks and it's extremely violent and there's an outstanding bounty giving to whoever deals with the saber tusks in the area."
"Then the bounty must be enough to pay off the repairs for the Regalia," Ignis affirmed.
"Guys, look out!" Prompto yelled and I turned around, a gasp escaping my lips as a saber tusk pounced in my direction.
Before I could take out my katana, Gladio stood in front of me and sliced the beast with his greatsword. My eyes widened as I watched him protect me.
"Be careful, Alma," Gladio said through gritted teeth, a primal rage deep within the fiery amber of his eyes.
I regained myself from my shock and nodded, taking out my katana again and ready to fight.
Prompto pulled the trigger of his gun and shot one of the saber tusks in the head, the beast's limp form thrown against the wall as the bullet penetrated its skull.
Noct threw his blade into one's stomach and Ignis flung his daggers again.
I jabbed my katana into the last one and sighed with relief as everything went still again.
"We should check the other shack," Noct looked to the smaller shack just inches away but then he frowned when he noticed more saber tusks surrounding the small building.
"I have a plan," Ignis stepped forward. "Noct, think you can warp to higher ground and then take them out?"
"I'll give it a shot," he said with a shrug. He aimed his sword for the mill and warped, hanging from the mill and hovering over the beasts that surrounded the shack. We watched from our hiding place as Noct warped again and took out the beasts effortlessly without a scratch. He got up from his place on the ground and then gestured for us to come forward. We joined him in front of the shack when the door opened slightly.
"Hey, who's out there?" An older man with tattoos and dog tags came limping out of the shack. He hissed in pain and looked at the five of us.
"Well, look who it is-the man of the hour. Dave, right?" Gladio walked up to him. "We've been looking for you."
"Cindy sent us," I added. "She was worried something had happened to you."
"Didn't mean to cause y'all any trouble. Been stuck here on account of my sprained ankle," He looked down at his right leg with a frown. "Somethin' funny 'bout those varmints. I gave 'em hell but couldn't finish the job. Still one mean mutt about."
"We'll handle the dual-horn then," Noct said. "You're in no condition to fight. You should get back to Hammerhead."
"Thanks so much, boy. You have a good head on those shoulders," he smiled painfully and sat down against the shack. "The dual-horn is right behind this here ol' shack. Just run northeast and you'll see it."
"Thanks for pointing us in the right direction," Prompto said.
Ignis adjusted his glasses and ran ahead, where he spotted the dual horn indulging in a mid-morning meal. Blood caked its mouth and it growled and slurped up the meat of the saber tusk it fed on. Its red tusks were sharp and could probably skewer ten men, its eyes merciless and violent even as it ate.
"That's a dual horn?" Gladio's eyes observed it with wonder.
"Yes, but not your run of the breed. We'd best make quick work of it," Ignis said as he motioned for us to hide behind a tree.
The dual horn continued to eat but then it came to stop, raising its head as it sniffed the air. It had sensed us and was becoming hostile with each passing moment. It sniffled and growled, walking slowly towards the tree.
"Oh, no," Gladio took out his greatsword and stood in front of us.
"What?" Prompto sniggered as he saw Gladio's concerned expression. "Scared, big guy?"
"You should be too," he pushed his sword into the ground. "That thing's vicious."
"You sure?" Prompto wondered. "It looks tame to me."
"No, it's not," I say to the blonde, watching the beast break into a sprint. "Stay back, guys! Let Gladio handle this!"
"Rragh!" The shield spun his sword and cut the dual horn's stomach, blood falling onto the desert floor as it was thrown to its side. It struggled to get back on its four legs.
"It's not over yet," I growl and take out my katana. "It's ready for round two!"
"Bring it," Noct stood at my side as he readied his sword. "How about a link strike to prove our awesomeness?"
"Maybe for you," I rolled my eyes playfully and Noct threw the first attack, staggering the dual horn and allowing me to perform a sword technique I've been practicing. I thrust my blade into the beast and jumped, dragging the blade upwards.
"I'm impressed!" the prince complimented me.
I giggled and smirk, "It's all on the wrist."
He laughed and turned around, "Hey, Ignis, instructions!"
"On my mark," the tactician threw his daggers, allowing Noct to warp around the beast and land attack after attack.
"Gladio, do it!" Noct called out to his bodyguard, who spun his blade around him and almost cut through Ignis' torso if he hadn't dodged in time.
"Whose side are you on?!" He glowered.
Gladio took his battle stance again and apologized, "Sorry!"
The dual horn threw its red tusks in my direction and I brought my sheath in front of me to shield myself from its attack. However, the impact was so great, it sent me flying into a boulder. I shout in pain as my back and head pounded like a beating drum, and I slumped onto the ground with a groan. I tried to bring myself to my feet but felt Gladio's giant hand on my back.
"You alright, baby girl?" He asked.
I struggle to stand on my feet and nod, "Don't call me that..." I grumbled softly.
"I always will," he glanced at me before returning to join the fray, leaving me wide-eyed. I couldn't believe he heard me.
I huffed and ran back towards the dual horn.
"I can go for an Ebony right now," Ignis kicked his dagger and watched it stab the beast.
"Save the coffee for later!" Noct scolded him.
"Something to look forward to," his jade eyed advisor replied.
Prompto jumped into the air and shot the dual horn several times before it fell to the ground with a roar. It went still and laid on the ground by the dead saber tusk it was eating before.
"Phew!" Prompto wiped the sweat off of his forehead and heard the sound of Noct's phone. "Ring ring!"
Noct picked up the phone and brought it to his ear. No doubt Cindy was calling him. The Regalia was probably ready and waiting for us. "Hello?" He waited for a few moments, allowing Cindy to speak. "'Kay, gotcha." He smiled and put his phone away. He looked up at us. "The Regalia is ready. Let's head back to Hammerhead. Dave is already there."
We begin walking back towards the garage, the window blowing softly in our hair as we passed the shacks and trees. The sun was right above us now and it was close to noon. We still had time to get on the road before dark but I was starting to feel fatigue even from just one hour of hunting.
Once we arrived in Hammerhead, we noticed the Regalia was pulled out of the garage. Cindy had even gone the extra mile and put a new coat of wax on the ol' girl. She was shimmering in the noon sun and her repairs were finished.
"Sorry for the wait," Cindy walked up to us.
"No worries," I said as I gave her the Gil we received from our hunt.
She took the money graciously and looked back at our car, "Ain't she purdy?"
"She's almost too pretty for the road," Gladio said as he scanned the Regalia.
"She's back!" Prompto cheered. He took out his camera. "We should all get a picture with her!" He turned to Cindy, about to ask her to take the picture but I offered instead.
"I'll take it, Prom."
He cocked his head to the side and asked, "Why? You should be in the picture too, Alma."
I shook my head and smiled, "I don't mind. Besides, it should be a picture with the four of you."
"But I want you in the picture," Noct walked up to me. "Alma, you're like a sister to me. You deserve to be in it."
I stared up at Noct's baby blue eyes. He smiled softly and led me towards the car, giving my shoulder a squeeze.
"Alright, y'all, smile for the camera!" Cindy waved and I sat in between Noct and Prompto in front of the Regalia.
Once she took the picture, we finished posing and Prompto accepted the camera from her with a thankful grin. "Whoa!" He said as he observed the picture. "Love the lighting."
"So, where are we off to next?" I asked as I looked back at the Regalia.
Ignis responded. "Next stop, Galdin Quay."