Year ME 753, January

She stopped at the entrance of the bar and smiled at the guard, he nodded and let her in. Today the bar was closed. But it was alright… she passed by the stairs and walked towards the only seat on the bar.

"Hello, Selene." The master said with a smile, she returned it.

"Mr Nido."

"Come now, didn't I tell you to call me Nido, when we are closed?"

She laughed at his joke and sat on the seat. "My apologies."

"What will you have?"

"The usual is fine."

He nodded and proceeded to remove the wine bottle from the shelve, he opened it and poured, placing it before her.

"How did your friend like the bar?" He asked as he poured another glass for himself.

"She liked it, I was more impressed with how fast she passed out." Selene joked, receiving a laugh from Nido as well.

"She has lived a sheltered live, it is only natural for royals to act like that."

"Ravus isn't like that."

Nido smiled, as he sipped his drink. "The prince has other thoughts. I'm sure…"

Selene hummed as she looked at the painting on the wall above the bar. "Why do you keep those there?" She asked, they were a painting of heresy… the birth of the Ariadust family and the battle that formed the rift…

Nido glanced at it a smiled. "Well, I was never a religious man, but I do appreciate art, and the truth."

She scoffed and drank the wine in a go. "The truth is sometimes something that hurts." She complained as she leaned against the counter.

"Perhaps, but sometimes it is necessary, because one way or another… eventually, it comes out, and then we are left with a choice."

Selene stared at the empty glass, for a moment she felt like there was more to his words, a covered truth, that she needed to face… but she quickly forgot. "I guess…" She mumbled and rose from her seat, she placed some gil on the counter. "I got to go, I have a mission up north."

Nido nodded, he didn't ask what the mission was nor where exactly she was going. He simply retrieved the glass, but didn't touch the money. "Have a safe trip." He wished her as she walked towards the exit.

Selene smiled at the man and waved her hand in the air. She liked the owner of the bar, he was a person she could say anything to, and his advices were always on point… she liked him for that, liked the fact that he didn't judge, and the fact that he never pried… in a strange way, he reminded her of Sirius… She scoffed, if Sirius could ever be mature enough.

The wind was blowing against her back, throwing her hair over her face. She pushed it back with a grunt as she tied it and returned to the same position.

"You okay?" She heard in her earpiece.

"This mission sucks, it's cold and wet, and I've been in this position for so long my butt has gone numb!" She heard a chuckle on the other side, but it quickly stopped when the person sneezed as if making her point.

"It's almost over, all we need to do is make sure the last cargo gets there and then we're out of here."

Selene frowned as she looked down to the trucks that came in and out of the base.

"Sirius… if that's what I think it is… why aren't we stopping them?"

He didn't answer her, which only annoyed her further. The empire was using humans and demons as weapons, the information she'd acquired 2 years ago was now standing before her, the facility had been experimenting with the daemons for years now, and yet no one did anything.

"Aren't we supposed to stop this?" Once again, he was silent on the other line. "Sirius!"

"Selene," His voice reached her ear with a hint of warning. "We were given this mission by the Grandmaster! We have to follow his orders!"

She clenched her hands into fists, she'd spent several years training to be a Guardian, so that she could protect her friends, the kingdom and now… she was seeing a weapon that could destroy the delicate balance, they had sworn to protect.

"We could still stop that monstrosity from being built!"

"And go against the master's orders? What are you going to say, I felt like it?"

"Why not!? It might jog their memory over who it is we're supposed to serve!"

"We can't let them find out about us, especially HIM, if HE does all our efforts will go down the drain."

Selene clenched her hands and glared at the thing being placed inside the trucks. "So, I have to pretend that I am not witnessing the birth of a monster that can kill Astrals?"

Once again silence filled the channel they shared and she had her answer… no matter what, no one could know they were of Ariadust bloodline.

He closed the doors to the bar and looked at the sky, a storm was coming…

A sigh escaped his lips as he walked inside, he needed to prepare the menu for the next week and make sure his employees were paid, but first a cup of coffee would be nice…

He brought out the coffee beans and began grinding, while he placed the hot water on. The wind rattled against the windows, but he ignored it as he placed the crushed beans onto a filter and began slowly drenching them in the hot water.

When he was finished, he sat at the table and brought out his ledger, he was about to begin his work when the soft light appeared before him.

His gaze lifted to see it, the small insect, draped in the golden light that slowly flapped its wings, to rest upon his coffee mug. He stared at it for a moment before sighing and lifting from his spot to pour another cup for himself.

"Is there a reason why you've come to visit me?" He asked aloud, but no one answered his question. "Are you angry with something?" Once again nothing answered his question, yet the man continued talking. "It can't be helped, you knew that from the beginning, this was what you chose to do."

The window that had held back the rough stormy winds suddenly busted open, and he was met with the full power of the storm, yet the man simply sighed as he calmly walked towards the window to close it shut.

"There is no need to destroy my shop, with your anger." He glanced at the butterfly that remained on top of the mug. "You were the one who wanted to keep that foolish promise, so please don't complain to me when things annoy you. As you are well aware, there isn't much I can do."

The golden butterfly seemingly tired of this conversation lifted itself to the air and it disappeared in a blink of an eye.

The man released another sigh as he walked towards the table to grab the now empty cup. "If it bothers you so much, you should have just destroyed it to begin with, but as usual you're being fickle…"

Year ME 753, March

She placed her things in the bag and looked at the last report she had to hand over before parting.

The door to her room opened to reveal the Oracle, a soft smile across her lips.

"Are you all packed?"

"Yes, I only need to give this report to Sirius."

Luna nodded as she approached her friend and sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes glancing towards her packed stuff, she tilted her head confused.

"Is this all you're taking?"

"I can buy more clothes in the Citadel, for traveling that's enough. Too much weight is a bother." Selene answered as she made the final checks.

"Hmm…" The princess hummed a bit too softly, making the Guardian raise an eyebrow at her and placing down her report.

"What's wrong?" She asked as she sat on the bed.

"I don't want you to leave…" Luna answered honestly. "It always gets… dreary when you're not around."

The young woman smiled at her friend and gave her a hug. "It will be fine, I'll be back before you know it…"

"But… you've only been here for a year, the other one you disappeared on some strange mission, and now you have to go again."

"Will you miss me?" She said amused.

But that didn't sit well with the princess who rose from her spot and glared at her. "Of course, I will! You're my best friend, Selene!"

Selene blinked shocked to see Luna so angry, but then she smiled. "You're my best friend too, Luna." She rose and hugged the older girl. "You're strong, beautiful, selfless, sweet, sometimes a bit stubborn, but at the same time understanding, you're my best girl…"

The princess returned the hug, tightly. "Promise you'll text me."

"Didn't I do that before?"

"Promise!"

"Of course, Moonpie, don't worry. I'll even send pictures of your darling princess snoring face."

Luna blushed at that tease and giggled amused. "Idiot."

Selene truly loved her friend very much, she loved her dearly… and she was also extremely jealous of her, because Luna had something she could never have.

"Stop!" the guard shouted as he closed the entrance and stood before her with his baton on. "Who are you? State your business in the Citadel?"

She stopped her bike next to the gate, and looked at the man, she sat straight and reached for her jacket, removing her id.

"I have clearance." She said as she showed her id, when she prepared to move on the man stopped her again.

"I can't let you pass unless you show me your face!"

She looked at him, raising an eyebrow at his insistence. There was nothing wrong with her id, with just that he should let her in, so why was he being so annoying?

"Mister, my ID is real, aren't you being a little annoying?"

"No!" He said with confidence. "I vowed to protect this gate from all unauthorized and unknow people! I don't know, you so even if you have an id, I won't let you pass! There have been many women disguising themselves as the princess!"

'Princess?' She thought but either way Selene sighed and reached to remove her helmet.

Long dark hair released itself from its prison falling over her shoulders and reaching her waist, she brushed her hair lightly, trying to control the tangles caused by the helmet, when she was satisfied, she looked at the soldier, her golden eyes shining with amusement.

"Can I pass now?"

The man was looking at her in shock, then realizing his mistake he saluted her.

"My apologies! I failed to recognize you, Miss Selene."

She smiled and prepared to place her helmet again. "It's fine, you're doing your job, but next time, please accept my ID, alright?"

"Yes, ma'am!"

She smiled one last time before she moved forwards towards the Citadel.

She cut off the engine and got off the bike, she locked it and walked towards the elevator, while she removed her helmet.

She stuck the code in and looked at the elevators mirror, she brushed her hair and pulled it into a high ponytail, when she was finished, she waited for it to reach the floor.

Selene crossed her arms over her chest, when the door opened, she didn't look up towards the people, who entered. Some of the nobles and politicians looked at her for a moment, whispering to themselves at her crude clothing.

She ignored them, what did they expect? She'd just arrived and needed to give her report to the King before she could go and have a bath, or even a change of clothes.

So, she wore her biker's suit, which consisted of a skintight suit, and a leather jacket for the cold. When the elevator reached the king's floor Selene opened her eyes and walked towards the exit.

She walked along the marble floors, her boots heels echoing along the empty corridors. As she turned the corner, she was met with the Butler who smiled at her.

"Welcome back." He said kindly, as he reached for her helmet. "His majesty is waiting for you, how was the trip?"

"A bit on the wet side." She said as she smiled at him.

"I'll make sure to get you some hot coco, then."

"Appreciate it." They parted by the door, and Selene walked inside, after knocking gently. "Your majesty?"

"Selene, welcome home." Regis rose from his seat, with the help of a cane as he approached his protégé.

Selene glared at the cane and was quick to reach the old king. "Your majesty… the Wall is putting a great hazard on you."

He smiled and gave her a hug. "Nothing I can't handle child, so tell me, how is princess Lunafreya?"

Selene sighed as she sat on the sofa and gave her report to the King. Regis expression grew somber as he listened.

"Hmm, the war is getting harder with each passing day…" He explained as he limped towards the window of his office. "Many cities have already fallen to the Empire, and I no longer have the power to extend the Wall to the entirety of my kingdom… I can only hold it here, in Insomnia…" He clenched the cane in his hand and looked back at her.

"I apologize, your Majesty, I haven't been able to do much, as a Guardian."

He smiled at her. "You've done enough child, just staying by the prince and princess side is enough."

But that didn't feel enough… she sighed as she looked at the king. "And the so famous prince, is?"

Regis laughed at her tone and looked at the clock in his office. "Hum, let's see, he should be leaving school right now, why don't you go get him?"

"No." The king laughed at her outright answer.

"And why not?"

"I want to shower!"

He walked out of the school gate laughing with Prompto.

"Oi! Noctis!"

The two teens turned to see Gladio and Ignis waving at the two.

"Oh! You guys, whatcha doing here?" Prompto asked with a grin as he rushed towards them.

"Came to invite you to dinner, Iris made a feast."

"What's the occasion?" Noctis asked curious as they began walking down the street.

"Nothing, she just made too much food." Gladiolus said as he shrugged his shoulders.

The four friends laughed as they walked towards the house of the Amicitia family, on their way there Ignis received a call and Noctis received a message.

As his royal-adviser spoke with his uncle on the phone, Noctis read a message from his father.

"WHAT!?"

"What's wrong?"

He stared at his father simple and plain message. "Selene is back." He read out loud, just as Ignis turned off his phone.

"Yes, my uncle just called me to tell me the same." Ignis pushed his glassed upwards and sighed. "Honestly, I told her to tell me when she comes back, if I'd known I would have gone and get her at the city's entrance…"

"Is Selene that girl, who is your childhood friend Noct?"

"Yeah, ah… she always does what she wants!" He said as he rubbed his neck, a bit annoyed, she could have called him or sent a message warning him.

Gladio crossed his arms. "What do you want to do? Cancel dinner?"

"No, I'd feel bad for Iris." The prince answered, he wanted to see Selene after two years, but… he couldn't bail on Iris.

"How about we invite her too?" Prompto proposed as he place his hands on his neck his bag held behind his back.

The three nobles stared at him and scream in union. "THAT'S IT!"

She was enjoying her bath when her phone rang loudly. With her hands still a bit wet she held the phone.

"Hello Customer Service; I am cute; you are mute, pay some hoot! How may I help you?"

"Really?"

"I've heard better catch phrases, but I guess you must be inexperienced."

She could almost hear the blush crawling towards his cheeks and ears.

"You got that right!" Followed by the laughter of the person she assumed was Gladio. "Here, I'll show you how to do it. Hello, beautiful, I would like to hear that sexy voice talking all night long, under me."

"GLADIO!" She heard both Noctis and Ignis shouting.

"Hahaha!" She laughed, "Gladio, I told you, only when we're alone."

"My bad, babe."

"Seriously!? Give me the phone back!" She heard some roughing and something that sounded like the call falling before it returned again.

"Did you just warp?"

"YES! What the hell, Selene, don't flirt with Gladio! It's creepy!"

"Hahaha, don't be jealous Noctis, you're still my third idiot."

"What? I'm going to regret this, but who's the first and second?"

She raised her other hand high up and explained with pride. "Ravus first! Sirius second! And FYI, on my murder list you're second and Ravus is still first."

She could hear him grunting and she could see Noctis pressing the bridge of his nose. "I shouldn't have asked… Anyway, where are you?"

"In the bathroom, taking a bath."

"Wh-what?"

"Don't worry, I'm naked." She answered with a smirk as she moved her leg, making the water splash.

"I DIDN'T ASK! Gods!" She giggled, imagining the prince turning bright red in the middle of a street. "I know you're in Insomnia, my old man told me, why didn't you say you were coming?"

"I forgot."

"We spoke last night!"

"That doesn't change the fact that I forgot."

"I give up… you're too annoying…"

"Thank you."

Noctis sighed and looked back as his friends finally got closer to him. "Gladio invited us to dinner, his mom and Iris made a feast, want to come?"

"Hmm…" She said as she popped a bubble. "I miss little Iris, how old is she now?"

"12."

"And's she's already cooking? Damn, girl got skill!"

"Are you coming or not?" He asked as Ignis handed him his bag.

"Sure. I'll see you there."

"Okay, see you there."

He looked back at the hours, a frown etching across his face. It had been two hours already, and still Selene wasn't there.

"Maybe she doesn't know where Gladio lives?" Prompto mentioned as he looked away from the tv.

"That's not possible, she's been here before." Gladiolus answered as he placed another cup of chips on the table. "Was there an accident?" He asked Ignis who was already looking at his phone for any reports.

"No, nothing…"

"I'll call her again." Noctis mumbled as he got up and walked towards the balcony, hitting speed dial. The phone rang for at least 10 times before it reached voice-mail, once again the prince frowned and turned off the call, he opened the messages and texted her again.

"Maybe, she's tired." Iris mentioned as she walked in with a soda can for her brother and sat on the couch. "You said she came today, right?"

The four guys looked at the girl, it was true, and they had invited her right on the hour.

"But she said she'd come." Noctis mentioned.

"Then," Iris giggled as a thought came to mind. "Maybe she fell asleep in the tub? Knowing Selene-san that's a definite possibility."

Once again, the four guys couldn't deny her, after all it had happened before…

After leaving Prompto home and promising to bring Selene tomorrow, Ignis and Noctis walked into the apartment.

"Her boots are here." Ignis pointed out as he removed the slippers and saw the black boots inside the cupboard.

"Then she's definitely home." Noctis walked in towards the living room, but they found no one.

The two men exchanged looks as they glanced at the bathroom door. "You check, Ignis."

"I will do no such thing! It would be degrading and disrespectful!"

"Yeah, but only if Selene is in there, if not then it's nothing."

"Then just knock." Ignis pointed out a blush creeping towards his cheeks.

"What if she's asleep?!" Noctis countered.

"I'm not getting slapped."

"Neither am I!"

"I should slap the two of you for just yelling."

They jumped surprised and turned around to find Selene, leaning against the door of the guest room, dressing in nothing more than a black top and grey shorts, glaring at them.

"Selene!" As the two men yelled, her gaze grew colder.

"Shut up, I'm sleepy!" And with that she turned her back on them and closed the door.

They stared at each other and sighed. Ignis bid him goodnight and walked out of the apartment.

Noctis stared at the guestroom door, before sighing and entering the bathroom for a quick shower.

She could hear the water running, for a few minutes before it stopped. Not long after she heard the door to the bathroom opening and steps walking but a short distance.

Her door swung softly as light footsteps entered the room and directed themselves to the bed, she felt the cave of the mattress and someone brushing her bangs away.

"I'm trying to sleep." She whispered.

"You didn't go to dinner. We were worried." He retorted.

Selene sighed and opened her eyes, to look at Noctis neutral expression. "Sorry, I'm more tired than I thought…"

"Long journey?"

"If you consider 4 days of rushing long… then yeah…" Selene complained as she laid her chin on the pillow and moved her body closer to him.

"Four days?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

"From Tenebrae, here, I had to go through a whole lot of procedures, not to mention no first-class transport… and some daemons on the way didn't help either." She complained as she counted with her fingers all that had happened during her trip.

Noctis listened to her and when Selene was finished, he apologized. "Sorry, I didn't know…"

"No problem," She looked at him with a hopeful gaze. "Did you bring snacks?"

He gave her a smirk. "Yeah, Iris insisted, they're in the fridge."

"Bless be that sweet child! I have to buy her a plushie next time!"

"Don't exaggerate." He chuckled at her drama and got up from the bed, as he walked towards the exit he recalled. "Oh, right, are you free tomorrow?"

"Why?"

"Prompto wants to meet you."

"I think I'll be free in the afternoon." She pulled the pillow closer to her body.

"You think?"

"Your dad asked me to go to the Glaives training ground."

Noctis raised an eyebrow. "Are you going to borrow my dad's magic too?"

"I hope not, I'm pretty sure that warping will make me sick. And I have a rule about vomiting in public."

"It's not that bad." He chuckled as leaned against the door frame.

"Say's the person who's used to it."

He smiled but said nothing else, his gaze on her as she curled up with the pillow and blankets. His heart, drummed in his chest it was both strange and… fulfilling, seeing her there was fulfilling… Noctis turned around and opened the door, his hand lingered on the lights, and he glanced back again. "Goodnight, Selene and welcome home."

"Thanks, Noct, sleep tight."

AN: Hi, my lovely readers, we have another chapter! Another lovely moment with our character, my precious Selene and we have met the owner of the bar Selene took Luna too, he has a secret can anyone guess what it is? Hehehe.

Well, anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter I tried to fit everything in part two of the 4th hour, yes, yes, next chapter shall be the 5th hour, aren't we excited! What adventures more await my lovely Selene and her friends, can't wait to find out!

Until next time, my dear ones!