O'er rotted Soil, under blighted Sky,
a dread Plague the Wicked has wrought.
In the Light of the Gods, Sword-Sworn at his Side,
'gainst the Dark the King's Battle is fought.
From the Heavens high, to the Blessed below,
shines the Beam of a Peace long besought.
"Long live thy Line, and this Stone divine,
for the Night When All comes to Naught."
— Cosmogony 15:2, "Nadir"
Sun rose over the Kingdom all, its blessed rays lit up the Crown City and drove the dark of the night away from the people once more. A new morning has come. Light managed to filter through the precious curtains of the room of a certain luxurious apartment in the center of Insomnia. Birds can be heard chirping outside the sun-speckled window, but the chorus is interrupted by Noct's alarm.
Ignis, who is already awake, walks over to rouse the sleeping prince, while Gladio and Prompto blearily open their eyes. The latter sits up, stretches his arms above his head, and yawns widely. "Morning already?"
"Guess I fell asleep…" Gladio muttered as Ignis sighed impatiently.
"Indeed" Walking up to Noct, he shaked the Prince. "Wake up, Noct."
With several incoherent grunts, Noctis lies completely still for a moment, then heaves himself upright.
"Excellent" Clapping his hands, Ignis adjusted his hairstyle. "Everyone, please get ready. We have to head to the Citadel right away."
Scooping up his Scroll and deftly turns off the alarm, Noctis yawned. "Yeah yeah…"
Volume 1 — Chapter 3: Partenza (Departure)
The throne room of Lucis. Even after the arrival in Remnant, it never changed at all. Sitting down on the black and gold throne, an older Regis Lucis Caelum looked at his son, next heir to the throne, and his friends behind him. In nine years, Regis aged rapidly due to the price to pay for using such magic, looking like an elder even if he is in his late 40s. "The decreed hour is come" Regis spoke to Noctis. "Set forth with my blessing, Prince Noctis"
Bowing his head, Noctis spoke, hinting excitement. "Thank you…Your Majesty"
"Take your leave, and go with the grace of the Gods" Regis said, adjusting his sitting position. Noctis straightens back up, looking down with a sad and hurt expression.
"Right…" Almost whispering, Noctis then turned his back to his father and walked away, pasting his friends who looked confused and shocked about his behavior. Without saying a word, the three quickly bowed to Regis before setting off with Noctis.
As soon as the four young men walked away from the room, Regis just sighed, clearly unhappy for his son's behavior. Suddenly, a woman stepped inside the Throne Room. With a tall and slender body, long silver hair kept free and a bit wild, and a pair of blue eyes like a sea abyss, the most prominent feature of her body is a pair of wolf ears and a long and fluffy tail…a Faunus of Remnant. Wearing the female uniform of the Kingsglaive, this woman sports a version with a swapped color palette, with silver instead of the black, together with a silver cape with black internals, the sign of the commander.
"What happened to the Prince, Majesty?" The woman asked, clearly confused. "He was ignoring his friends' pleas"
"...Could my words not even reach his young heart all these years, Auburn?" The King asked the woman. "I…tried to set him off with my blessing"
"...Forgive me, Your Majesty" The woman called Auburn bowed her head. "Maybe I should had raised him with a more…severe grip"
"The fault is but not yours, Auburn" Regis raised a hand, speaking solemnly. "Even if not bound to blood, you two share the literal bond of mother and son after that day. So please, don't be harsh with him"
"...Then may I speak my mind, Your Majesty?" Auburn asked, receiving Regis's nod of approval. "Maybe…you should just try to greet him as your son than a Prince. He always wanted that sign of affection from you than the one of a King"
"…" One hand under his chin, Regis contemplated about Auburn's words. "…Auburn, I must seek your help once more then"
"Well, princes will be princes" Prompto commented. The four friends were walking down the stairs of the Citadel's entrance ground after the meeting with King Regis.
"So much for royal protocol" Ignis stated, looking at a silent Noctis.
Stretching his right shoulder, Gladio commented. "Not like you had to deliver a formal address…"
"Guys, change topic okay?" Noctis snapped suddenly until Auburn's voice called them from the top of the steps.
"Your Highness!"
Turning their heads to the Faunus, the Prince's retainers and friends let out a surprised gasp to see Regis together with Auburn, while Noctis instead let out a small sigh, walking towards them. Despite his braced leg and dependence on a walking cane, Regis begins descending the steps too to catch up to Noctis halfway. "Sigh- What now?" Noctis asked.
"I fear I…we—" Turning to Auburn who followed him, Regis returned to observe his son. "—have left too much unsaid"
"Heh, you're one to talk" Noctis replied. "It's just school like always, don't worry"
"Can a father be worried for his son in a foreign country?" Regis then solemnly look at Ignis, Gladio and Prompto. "I ask not that you guide my wayward son, merely that you remain at his side during this time"
Ignis bowed. "Indeed, your grace"
"We'll see the prince get his license if it's the last thing we see" Gladio reassured.
"Y-Yeah, what he said" Prompto finished before the three of them bowed to Regis.
"Hate to break this up, but Cor's got the motor running" Noctis turned to his friends, walking towards them as he raised a hand. "Auburn, he's in your hands"
"Noct, wait" Auburn suddenly called Noctis by his name, surprising the Prince a bit as he saw the female Faunus suddenly hugging him, her tail moving fastly as her hug slowly but surely turned into a motherly one.
"A-Auburn?! Come on, cut it out!" Noctis tried to move free, not noticing the smiles of amusement over his retainers' faces. "I'm no longer a kid anymore!"
"Oh don't ruin the mood" Like she was inhaling the Prince's scent, Auburn slowly broke the hug, showing tears falling. "I'm just proud of how strong you grew, Noct…"
"Auburn…" Noctis closed his eyes and shaking his head. "I will always call you every day we're off, 'kay?" Then, after he got a nod from the woman, Noct turned his head to Regis. "It's a promise"
Regis smiled at Noctis who started to walk away again. "I have one more thing to say for you, Noct" Having the Prince turned towards him again, Regis then said. "Do mind your manners around your charming fianceè-to-be"
"Wha—" Noctis shook his head to hide a flush of red over his face, until he bows with a deliberately exaggerated flourish. "Your Majesty, as well. Try to mind yours around our esteemed subjects"
"Take care, Noctis" Regis said, one hand over his son's right shoulder. "Wheresoever you should go, the line of Lucis goes with you" The King smiled at his son. "Walk tall…my son"
Two days later…
Hundreds of kilometers away from Lucis, a black elegant, fancy sports car was hurtling at high speed along the outer roads of the Kingdom of Vale, heading towards the main city of the Kingdom. The car is King Regis's personal car, the Regalia. Sitting in the back passenger seats, Noctis and Gladio were chatting with Ignis and Prompto, who was currently at the wheel of the car.
"It's been some time," Gladio said, glancing at Noctis. "Do you remember the last time you saw Ruby and Yang?"
"About, huuuh—" Noctis leaned forward slightly. "—one year ago? Yeah, we skipped last break"
"Hold up a sec. You always said you knew each other from 9 years ago so—" Prompto broke his sight on the road in order to observe Noctis. "That would make you…eight and Ruby six? You were kids! Ahah!"
Suddenly, with an almost shouted 'eyes on the road', Ignis glared at Prompto who returned to fix his sight over the road while Gladio jokes once more. "Hope she hasn't gotten her hopes up"
"Hey, and what do you mean with this?" Noctis glared a bit. "Besides, I'm not the only one who knows them. Iggy know them too"
"Indeed, I was with them when they sneaked out from the Citadel" The glasses-wearing young man said with a smile. "I wonder how much those two grew up"
"Give me a break Specs, what are you? A grandpa?" The shield of the king jokes, making everyone laugh.
"Actually 'mom's the word, or do I need to take all your Cup Noodles?" Ignis retorted with a smirk, making Gladio gulp for the harmless threat.
"Hit and sunk, baby!" Noctis commented before he managed to do a quick brofist with Prompto, who laughed. Ignoring Prompto's laughs, Noctis started to joke with Gladio while Ignis continued to scold Prompto for his lack of attention. Four friends in a foreign land, headed forth towards a foreign academy. Yup, nothing can go wrong right?
Kapow!
Right…?
"Huuuh…" Prompto started to sweat when the car backfired again, with black smoke currently belching out of the exhaust. "Uh-oh"
"What do you mean, "uh-oh?", Prompto?" Gladio asked, with clearly a murderous instinct.
"I think I know…" Noctis said as Ignis sighed. "Told you to not push her…"
Soaring in the beautiful blue sky, a falcon screeches so that it can let all know its unchallenged dominion in the skies. Below, on the other hand, a car hurtling along a highway until it yonked for annoyance at a broken down Regalia. Behind the wheel, Ignis has his head bowed for the heat. Gladio is beside the car, trying to wave down the approaching vehicle. Noctis is sitting behind, almost sleeping while Prompto is lying beside him. The upcoming car surpassed them with more yonks, fully awakening Noctis who yawned and groaned.
"I think we can forget about hitching our way there…" Gladio said with annoyance, putting one hand over the car. "Thought people were friendly outside the Kingdom"
Ignis sighed. "You can only go so far on the kindness of strangers"
"Just gonna have to push her all the way" Gladio stated before walking towards Noctis and Prompto who spoke.
"I've already pushed myself…to the brink of death."
Smacking Noct on the back to get his attention, Gladio walks over to Prompto. "Oh, get up" He said before kicking Prompto's foot. "C'mon, car isn't gonna move itself"
"Ouch!" Prompto said when the kick connected before he and Noct raised at the same time. "Sheesh…I thought the car was supposed to move us"
Gladio resisted to sigh as he put his hands in position on the back of the Regalia, while Noctis and Prompto got in place on either side of the car. "Wouldn't that be nice—" Noctis tried to say before the Shield interrupted him.
"Can it. Ready. Steady…" Gladio counted before the three started to groan in effort. "Puuuuuush!"
(Play "Florence and the Machine — Stand By Me")
And with that, the four friends…no, the four brothers resumed their journey in the worst and hardest way possible: By pushing the Regalia by themselves, their vehicle being large and heavy, making the progress reeeally slow.
"Un. Believable!" Noctis said, holding back a curse.
"Not exactly a fairy tale beginning, huh, Prince Noctis?" Gladio stated.
Trying to restart the engine, Ignis shaking his head when the car never awoke from its slumber. "We let ourselves get carried away" He said, glancing at Prompto, who was sweating.
"L-Look, these things happen!" The blonde haired young man said.
"Gh—Let's just hope this isn't some omen!" Gladio cursed.
"Gladio, do me a favor" Noctis, between grunts and panting, spoke to Gladio.
"What?"
"Push this thing by yourself"
"All by myself?!"
"You won't even notice if we just let go" Prompto almost whispered, but the Shield of the King heard him.
"Prompto, don't even think about it" Gladio gritted his teeth, spitting the words.
"Save some breath for pushing" Clearly amused by his friends' exchange, Ignis spoke.
"Ignis, c'mon—time to switch!" Noctis tilted his head as he said to Ignis.
"Nuh-uh!" Gladio said, surprised. "We just switched back there!"
"Aaand it's my turn, Noct." Prompto retorted, pointing at himself as he tried to prove a point.
"His "turn"." Ignis gestured with a hand, killing the topic for a few seconds until Prompto resumed speaking.
"My hands are killing me" The blonde groaned.
"You rather I kill you with mine?" Gladio, clearly irritated, asked.
"Easy there, tough guy."
After a long groan, Noctis glanced at Ignis, who was holding his Scroll. "Any luck?"
Ignis gave a quick glance to Noctis before shaking his head. "Only a busy signal"
"Hold the Scroll—" Prompto suddenly called out. "Is it just me, or was it supposed to be way closer?"
"I assure you the map is correct" Ignis confirmed.
"The map said the closest workshop was right there from our previous position" Noctis pointed out.
"Literally…next door!" Prompto exclaimed.
"Looks that way…on a map of the world" Gladio explained until the four went quiet, still struggling to make their way to the closest repair shop. Eventually, Noctis broke the silence again, this time with a smile.
"The world's a big old place."
"Filled with wonders" He said, adding that to the Prince's words, as he concluded his sentence.
"Tell that to my legs" Prompto complained, being followed by Gladio's question.
"You guys even pushing?"
"Hard as I can!" Prompto answered.
"With everything I've got" Noctis replied, rolling his eyes.
"We'll be there in no time Gladio, don't worry" Ignis reassured until Prompto shouted.
"Guys, check it out!"
"What?" Noctis raised a bit his head.
"Up ahead, the sign!" The blonde haired man stated, letting his friends notice that there was an actual sign about the pit stop and the current distance to reach it.
"Nice…" Gladio rolled his eyes.
"You made me think we were close…" Noctis said, eventually stopping to push.
"Hey hey, is that all you got?" Gladio was going to glare at Noctis who nodded.
"Pretty much"
Yup. This is truly a good, big and old place filled with wonders…..
FINAL FANTASY XV: Journey In Remnant
Koamaru Vermillion groaned when his look fell over the digital clock hanging on the wall revealed a big 3PM on its display. At the age of 34 years old, Koamaru worked as a mechanic when he was 16 together with his grandfather, so he was like an old man when it comes to time and punctuality for both workers and customers, especially after he studied a few years ago Lucis' technology together with the old man knew as Cid. He is a man of tanned skin, deep purple short hair and hazel eyes. He wears a purple leather jacket, a white shirt, black gloves and blue jeans. "For Oum's sake, where the hell they are?!" The mechanic cursed until a car yonked from outside his shop.
Walking outside, Koamaru held back a sigh when he saw four teenagers laying down around the supposed broken-down car. "You're 2 hours late, y'know?!" He snapped, walking towards the car. "Who's Ignis?"
"I-Indeed we know" Ignis said, rising up from the ground and cleaning his clothes a bit with one hand before wiping the sweat from his forehead. "And that is me, it is a pleasure mister Vermillion"
"Bah, keep your pleasures for later. Show me the baby" The mechanic opened the car hood before he started to curse like a hellish creature. "An Insomnian engine? Are you kidding me?!"
"What?" Gladio got up too, glancing at the engine. "Is that a problem?"
"Course it is!" Koamaru glared at Gladio. "The Four Kingdoms uses Dust-related Engines, while Lucis instead adopts a hybrid Engine of Gas and Elemancy" The mechanic explained, gesturing with his hands. "The difference's like ice and fire"
"So…" Still lying on the ground, Noctis spoke while Prompto hit his head over the ground with a groan. "You can't fix it, right?"
"I never said I can't" The mechanic clarified. "But I can't do it in an hour. I need more time…and money, y'know. Seven thousand Lien, to be precise"
"Seven?!" Gladio and Ignis said at the same time.
"Ugh…" Prompto groaned, hearing the price. "Hey Iggy, how much do we have?"
"Eight thousand, but then we have to go to Beacon during the night too" Ignis explained. "I don't actually appreciate the idea of wander with Grimm around"
"Beacon?" Koamaru raised an eyebrow. "You four want to study at Beacon?"
"Got any problem with that?" Noctis asked, sitting over the Regalia.
"I mean, Lucians usually join those Glaives guys" Koamaru said, until he snapped his fingers. "Alright, I've got a deal if you want to listen to this man"
"I don't know" Noctis glanced at his four friends. "Got any compain?"
"We're going to spend our funds to the last on the repairs" Ignis started to speak.
"Close to broken down and flat broke" Prompto exclaimed.
"The man's in for going charge us that much" Gladio stated with Ignis nodding and adding.
"Adding insult to injury" The retainer glanced at Noctis. "Our best move is to hear his proposal"
"Yeah, it's the best move so far" Noctis said after hearing his friends' doubts and statements. Eventually, the Prince walked towards Koamaru. "Alright, let's hear the idea"
"Wonderful" The man clapped, smiling a little. "I bet your finances are quite broken, so hear the deal; I'd be happy to pay y'all for your services if you're up for a challenge worthy of Huntsmen in training. How 'bout it?"
Glancing to his friends, Noctis nodded to them before he put one hand over his hip. "I say we accept, but don't underestimate us"
Walking through the forest, the four friends were looking around. Ignis was holding his Scroll active, with a hologram which took the shape of a humanoid monster: A pitch-black monster with yellow eyes and several bone-like accessories over its body, from a mask over its face to countless spikes and claws.
"It will be nothing hard, he said before asking us to deal with a Nest of Beowolves" Prompto complained. "Who on Remnant would ask something so dangerous?!"
"Oh shut up, it will be our job for four years" Gladio rolled his eyes. "Besides, I think Grimm aren't the culprits"
"What do you mean?" Noctis turned to Gladio, asking.
"You saw the pictures. Pretty sure Beowolves can't deal so much damage to the forest" Gladio explained before he shrugs. "But maybe I could be wrong too"
"W-Well, then I prefer only the Grimm if you don't mind" Prompto clapped his hands, bowing his head a little.
"Oh don't be a cry baby" Noctis said, rolling his eyes. "Hey Gladio. Let's do a challenge: Whoever slays the most Grimm decides the dinner"
"A challenge huh? Fine" Gladio smirked. "Bring it"
A bit forward than the three, Ignis glanced often around while his main focus was the Scroll. "Any luck Iggy?" Noctis asked Ignis, who turned his head to the Prince.
"The info says the Nest's location is close to our current position" The royal retainer said. "I'd say a few minutes before we will run into it—"
AWOOOOOO
The Chocobros' gait stopped suddenly when the howl echoed through the forest. In complete silence, Ignis nodded to the others before they silently rushed through the trees before they reached a pit. With just one single glance, the Chocobros could see several Beowolves, Creatures of Grimm, swirl around.
"Here they are. Alright, ready or not here I go" Noctis commented before bunches of crystalline-like spectral weapons appeared around him. Grasping a spectral form of the Engine Blade, Noctis pulled it as the sword was suddenly forged in thin air. The Armiger, the power of the Royal Family, passed down for countless generations to the point it is considered to be the Semblance of the Lucis Caelum bloodline. A power capable of being wielded by the Royal Retainers and Glaives too, at the cost of unlocking their own Semblances.
"Hold a second before you do something foolish, Noct" Ignis said as he replicated Noctis's movements, summoning a pair of Lucian daggers with golden accessories in his hands. "We don't have the luxury to charge forward without a plan"
"Plan? Easy: We slay them and return to the Regalia. Easy peasy" Gladio smirked, an enormous greatsword with a square blade appeared in his right hand. "...Sounds like a Prompto's catchphrase, I guess"
"Gladio said easy peasy? Ah ha! I corrupted him, finally!" Prompto joked as he held out his right hand, conjuring a silver victorian-ish revolver. On his back, a more stylish-wise modern SMG appeared.
Smirking, Noctis nodded to Ignis before he started to run, shouting. "Come on Specs, this'll be a piece of cake!"
(Play "FFXV Ost — Stand Your Ground")
Then, he jumped from the edge of the pit before he threw the sword towards a Beowolf's neck. As the blade pierced the beast's neck which released a black smoke, the Prince's body glowed in a blue light before fading away, reappearing where the blade struck. Grabbing the Engine Blade's handle, Noctis grunted before moving the blade, beheading the Grimm which disappeared in black smoke when its head hitted the ground.
"Heh, what a showoff" Gladio shaked his head, grinning for amusement, before he jumped too to follow Noctis.
"Not you too Gladio—" Ignis raised one arm before he just sighed. "For the Astrals' sake, I will ask for a raise one day"
"Oh come on mama Iggy, it will go smoothly!" Prompto chuckled before following the others. "Woo-oooh!"
"Of course, 'mum' 's the word like I said before" Ignis rolled his eyes before following his friend.
Raising his glaive, Gladio swung it downwards, accelerating his speed forced by gravity to reach a Beowolf unaware of the death, ready to grasp it within its arms. It needed only that single swing as the monster was chopped in two pieces. "Do you need your Shield, Your Highness? Or maybe your scrawny body doesn't need me?"
"Hey! I got muscles, you just can't see them—" Noctis suddenly stepped a bit behind when a Beowolf leaped towards him, ready to hit with a claw. With a quick movement of the arm, Noct swung the Engine Blade, cutting the Grimm's limb. "Gh, okay, fine! You got muscles, so use them!"
"That's what I want to hear" Gladio smashed his greatsword against the harmed Beowolf. The Lucian steel cut deep in the monster's flesh as the wound released a pitch black smoke. The monster screeched, but it was already too late. With a grunt of effort, Gladio removed the sword before swinging it horizontally, giving the coup de grace to the Grimm. The Shield and the Prince nodded to each other, a silent yet fraternal dialogue between the two until—
"Waaatch ouuut!" A cry came from the sky, until Prompto smashed his body against a Beowolf, knocking it out. Raising from the ground, Prompto suddenly looked around. "I-It was intentional!" He said to Noctis and Gladio, who looked at each other with a smirk.
"Yeah sure buddy, we know" Noctis said, fistbumping Gladio, while a pair of daggers flew from behind Prompto and past Noct and Gladio, piercing a Beowolf in its eyes.
"Focus please, we have a nest to eradicate and a car to reclaim" Ignis walked towards his three friends, his daggers reappearing in his hands as the Grimms started to instinctively re-organize, swirling around the four Lucians while their eyes left a red trail for each movement.
"Uh oh…" Prompto raised his handgun close to his face, a roll of sweat falling from his forehead. "I don't like this"
"Okay, maybe I have underestimated them a bit. Specs, any plan?" Noctis asked, quickly glancing at Ignis, who shook his head.
"If I had a Gil for each time I've heard this…let's follow the flow at this point" The young man gripped his daggers tightly, allowing the blades to release a bright flame.
"They're coming!" Gladio called his friends out when the Beowolves rushed to them. With just a mere nod, the four already knew what they had to do. Breaking their formation, it was finally time to kick some asses.
Throwing a flame dagger into the Beowolf's chest, Ignis rushed to his prey before thrusting the other dagger into its neck. The two blades suddenly bursted, releasing an explosion which left holes into the Grimm's body, killing it on the spot. Then, he spun quickly to block a claw from a nearby Beowolf with his blades—
CLASH
"Thank you Gladio" Without turning his glance from the Grimm, Ignis spoke as he broke the grasp before throwing the flame daggers into the Grimm's head.
"Haven't you ever heard, "the best offense is a good defense"?" Gladio asked with a grin, letting the shield to vanish before he kicked away a Beowolf, the same Beowolf who tried to attack Ignis from behind before Gladio stopped the beast.
Without answering Gladio, Ignis opened his right hand as a different kind of weapon was forged in thin air: a polearm, which has an engine on its design too. Then, he leaped towards the Grimm before thrusting the polearm's blade into its neck. Then, adjusting his glasses with one hand, Ignis glanced towards Gladio as the Grimm faded, sharing the smirk. "And haven't you ever heard, "the perfect counterattack is the greatest payback"?"
Like a rain, Prompto was firing non-stop, unleashing a rain of bullets against a few Grimms, gaining their attention. "...Uuuh, hi?" Waving with one hand, Prompto held back a surprised shriek before rolling to the ground to dodge the beasts' leaps.
Grabbing his SMG as he stood up, Prompto aimed at the closest Grimm before pulling the trigger. Releasing a storm of bullets, the Grimm started to jump around as it raised one of its arms to protect itself from the bullets that couldn't dodge—
SWING
The arm suddenly flew away as Noctis grabbed the Engine Sword after he warped, remaining down for not being hit by the bullets which pierced the beasts to death. Reaching his friend thanks to a warp strike, Noctis forged a polearm similar to Ignis' before he struck another Grimm, who was behind Prompto, in the chest. "Need a hand?" Noctis asked.
"Thank you Noct!" Prompto said, fistbumping with Noctis.
"Got your back buddy" The Prince stated to his friend, slashing the last Grimm with the Engine Blade as it fell on the ground, dead.
(End "FFXV Ost — Stand Your Ground")
"Papapapapa-pa-papapaaa~!" Prompto smiled, humming a certain motif as he spinned his gun like a gunslinger before it vanished in thin air.
"Looks like someone's happy" Iggy said, hiding a small smile.
"Well fellas, I think we've earned our reward" Gladio sat down over a rock, their weapons disappeared all together. "How many, Noct?"
Wiping the dirt off his clothes with one hand, Noctis glanced at Gladio. "Struck at twelve, what about you?"
The young man shrugged. "Same"
"Guess Iggy will decide the dinner like always" Noctis turned his head to Ignis which stated.
"If it's His Highness' decision"
As the four conversed in what was a Grimm's nest, Noctis' Scroll suddenly rang, the music being a relaxing one.
"Ring Ring!" Prompto joked as Noctis picked up.
"Hello?"
"Glad I didn't waste my time without being rewarded" From the other side of the call, Koamaru spoke.
"Surprised, I guess?"
"Heh, 'surprised', he said" Koamaru couldn't hide a small chuckle. "Nice work, y'all. The car's looking good as new. She'll be waiting at the garage"
"Gotcha. We're on the way" Noctis concluded before he hung up, putting the Scroll back. "Good news guys, the Regalia is ready"
"Oh yeah, we're back! Time to head to the garage" Prompto said as he materialized a professional camera. "Can't wait to see the Regalia again!"
"Oh come on, it just passed what? A few hours?" Leaning slightly towards Prompto, Gladio stopped to speak as he suddenly widened his eyes when Prompto navigated through the camera's gallery, noticing…a lot of photos. "Wait, when did you take those photos? We were engaging the Grimms—"
"Don't ask how, but Prompto can shoot photos even during the apocalypse itself and you will never see him doing it" Noctis sighed as the Chocobros started to march back to the car. "But why are half of them selfies?!"
"Hashtag: sorrynotsorry" Prompto waved with one hand as the camera disappeared.
"Ok ok, we get it. But now I have a question: who's up next behind the wheel?" Gladio broke the topic, asking.
Looking at each other, Prompto and Noctis nodded before speaking at the same time. "Ignis should take it and never let go"
"...Kinda creep how you two spoke like the twins of Satan, but it helps that he can keep four eyes on the dash" Gladio scratched the back of his head.
"I…couldn't even keep one" Prompto said, a bit flustered for awkwardness.
Noctis instead said the truth. "Not sure I'd do any better"
'I guess there's no room for me' Ignis couldn't but adjust his glasses with one hand. "Put me in the driver's seat then"
"Good, 'cause I need the legroom in back" Gladio revealed, earning his four-eyed friend's glare before he chuckled.
As the four reached the garage, Koamaru was standing before the entrance, his arms crossed under his chest. "Well well well, the Errand Prince's back" He said, making the Chocobros suddenly stop and gasp for surprise. "What? Surprised?" The man chuckled. "If only your car's license plate didn't reveal His Majesty's name, heheh. But sorry 'bout this, I didn't realized you were the Prince" The mechanic bows his head, only for Noctis shaking the head as he raises his hands.
"No bows please, I don't want them. Besides, it was a good training for Beacon, right guys?" Noctis revealed, glancing to his three retainers which nodded.
"Are you serious man?" Koamaru said before he shook his head. "Alright, you won. Here—" The mechanic stepped inside his shop before he came out with the Regalia a few seconds later, gaining the Chocobros' cheers. "She's a nice girl, isn't it? Loved to work on her"
Gladio whistled as if he had just seen a gorgeous girl. "She's almost too pretty for the road"
"She's back!" With a laugh of happiness, Prompto summoned his camera. "We should all get a picture with her!"
"As amusing as it could be, one of us has to stay out of the photo" Ignis pointed.
"You kids are surely lively, I'll give ya" Koamaru couldn't help but shake his head and smile. "Here, give me that, I'll take the shot"
"Ohoh, thank you!" Prompto handled the camera before he, Noctis, Gladio and Ignis assembled around the repaired car. Taking a pose, they waited before the flash happened.
"So, heading to Beacon now, right?" Koamaru asked, handling back the camera to Prompto who took it.
"Uh-uh, that's the plan" Gladio said, crossing his arms.
"Then I suggest you to rest and resume your journey tomorrow morning" The mechanic said. "Heed this man's words, Your Highness"
"Is there a problem with driving during the night here?" Ignis was indeed curious about Koamaru's words, who nodded.
"The Grimm. During the night, this place is strangely filled with them"
Looking at his retainers, Noctis put one hand over his hip. "Then I guess we have to stop now"
"Might as well get the tent up" Gladio said as he walked away towards the camping area. "Prompto, you'll help!"
"Y-Yes sir!" Prompto suddenly rushed towards Gladio's side when the Shield barked.
"Well, let's go to help them, no?" Noctis grinned at Ignis.
"This Retainer's hands are eager to work"
Night fell over the land, with the moon being the only light people would see. At the camp, Noctis was asleep in his chair as the fire's flames lit up his face. Sure, the Prince loves to sleep, yet Ignis has a different plan.
The royal retainer approaches the Prince as he takes a seat in the chair next to him, waking Noctis out of his sleep. As the Prince yawned and rubbed his eyes, Ignis spoke.
"Trouble you a moment, Noct?"
"Yeah?"
"I was thinking" Ignis adjusted his position. "I could use your help in the morning"
"Me and mornings don't usually get along…y'know?"
"I know, but might if you help me make breakfast?"
Leaning back to his chair, Noctis glanced at the fire for a few seconds until he sighed. "Most important meal, right?"
"Well then, tomorrow it is" Ignis said before getting up from the chair. "And Noct"
"Yeah?"
"Sleep on a chair is a one way journey to scoliosis"
Sun rose, a new dawn came. As he observed the dawn'a light, Ignis turned his head to see Noctis walking to him.
"Good morning
"Yeah yeah…" Killing a yawn, Noctis stretched his arms. "Let's get this started, right?"
"Indeed" Ignis nodded as they took position before the camping cooking tools. "The key is to let the pot simmer without ever letting it burn"
"And how do I do that?"
"A few stirs here and there should suffice" Ignis explained to Noctis who began stirring. As the Prince worked, Ignis started to prepare the bowls for all of them. "Say Noct, when's the last time you cooked anything?"
"Uuum…too long ago to remember"
"Back when you were a part-time cook?" Ignis asked, reminding Noctis of his period as an "independent student".
"Sounds right" Noctis nodded, still stirring. "But even back then I was pretty much just winging it" He revealed, gaining Ignis' chuckle.
"Hardly what I'd call "cooking," I imagine" Ignis stated.
"Just what normal people would" As Noctis spoke, Ignis finished his part before he checked the progress.
"Well, let's see how things are stewing" Leaning a bit forward, the retainer analyzed. "Hmmm… Could use just a touch longer to thicken, if you don't mind stirring"
"Not at all" Noctis shaked his head. "If you don't mind telling me what this cooking class is all about"
"Oh, I was only hoping to have a fireside chat, see what's got you stewing. Ebony?" He asked, wanting a sip of his favourite coffee mark.
"So you cooked up this little pretense" Noctis smiled a bit, nodding to Ignis' question as he was reminded of their first meeting. "All these years, you've never stopped worrying about me"
"My royal duty, per His Majesty" Ignis said, preparing the cups for the coffee.
"More like your hobby"
"Now then… time for the taste test" Ignis stepped towards Noctis before he took a spoon filled with their breakfast. "Mmm….Looks done to a turn, excellent work. Taste for yourself?" He said, taking another spoon for Noctis. The Prince accepted it and tasted the result, before making a pleased sound.
"Sweet are the fruits of one's own labor" Ignis said, smiling.
"Not half bad"
"You must be eager to learn more of the culinary arts" The Retainer sipped his coffee as he held a second cup to Noctis, hiding a smug smile but still showing how proud he is.
"Actually…" Accepting the coffee, Noctis scratched the back of his head. "I'm eager to leave the cooking to you"
"My half-baked scheme—" Sipping his coffee, Ignis sadly imitated Prompto's puns. "—up in smoke. How did you fancy returning to the stove?"
"Meh. Can't complain. It's not so bad every once in a while" Noctis said, rolling his eyes. "Just not first thing in the morning"
"Now, now. The world at dawn is full of wonders"
"Yeah, can't wait to marvel at them all"
"Dawn tomorrow?"
"I'll marvel at my own pace"
A few hours later, the Chocobros sitting in the Regalia, who returned to hurtle through the streets. Direction: Beacon Academy.
"We're so late, damnit!" Gladio cursed. "And this time isn't Noct's fault! Incredible!"
"L-Look, this things—"
"Prompto, not again" Noctis sighed.
"Still, it is rude to keep a girl waiting" Ignis, at the wheel like decided the day before, said. "You'd better apologi—"
"What is THAT!?" Prompto suddenly screamed when an enormous shadow longed above them all, causing Ignis to stop. Raising their heads, the Chocobros saw an enormous black bird with a skull mask and red eyes, a Grimm, descending a bit before pulling up once again.
"That's a live hurricane!" Noctis exclaimed as the Grimm flew away. "It's a Grimm?!"
"That thing's like half-bird, half-storm, half-airship!" Prompto said, comparing as Gladio muttered.
"You realize that's three halves—"
"Would explain its size…" The four-eyed young man said. "Nevermore are always one of the biggests Grimm"
"Awesome in a sense, if only their reason to live is, y'know, destroy mankind" Noctis said before he opened his right hand. A bright blue light appeared before taking the shape of a red notebook. Opening the notebook, Noctis glanced at a piece of newspaper pasted on the page used, talking about a girl beating an infamous Dust Thief. Under the piece, there was a message.
Exam passed! See you to Beacon~!
—Ruby
With one single look, Gladio already understood the meaning. "Wait, you forgot to reply to her?"
"I've not forgotten," Noctis exclaimed, closing the notebook with a loud slam. "I just didn't have the time for reply"
"If only you hadn't played King's Knight all night" Ignis remarked to Noct who gulped.
"Or overslept even during the travel in the Regalia" Gladio pointed out to Noctis, who seemed like he comically took an arrow straight in his chest.
"Man, I still can't believe that's how you two wrote to each other since the beginning" Prompto said, clapping over his right leg. "You look like two geezers"
"Hey, we use Scrolls too thanks, but in this way everything is just more…" Noctis glared at Prompto, although he knew the blonde was joking.
"Romantic?" Ignis said, completing an embarrassed Noctis' word before resuming their journey after being sure no other monsters would suddenly appear.
"Aaaw, our prince here is red~!" Prompto tried to touch Noctis to annoy him.
"Oh cut it out" Noctis said, waving the hand of an amused Prompto away.
"Believe it or not, but they reached the peak when His Highness got grounded years ago to protect Iris" Gladio ignored Noctis' glare and exclamations before he ruffled the Heir's hair. "Hey, at least you gained my respect that day"
"Wow, and I truly needed it" Noctis said with sarcasm before glancing at Ignis, the notebook returning in the Armiger. "Are we there?"
"Not yet, but we should reach the Academy in two hours"
"Assuming the map is correct, right?" Prompto then pushed a few buttons, turning on the radio and tuning it to a random channel.
"It has been 9 years since the Kingdom of Lucis was accepted by the people of Remnant as the Fifth Kingdom of Remnant" From the radio, a female anchorwoman spoke, making Prompto groan.
"Aw, come on! Seriously?!"
"Shhh" Ignis raised a hand, demanding silence from Prompto.
"And this year will be recognized as the first year the King of Lucis will head to the place where the Vytal Festival will take place this year: The Kingdom of Vale. The current monarch, Regis Lucis Caelum, feels honored to participate as a guest of honor at such an important festival-" Before the reporter could continue speaking, Noctis rolled his eyes as he leaned forward to change the frequency.
"Noct—" Ignis tried to argue, but the Prince had different ideas if the smirk over his face meant something.
"Can't hear ya~" Noctis said as he zapped through the radio channels—
I see you peacefully
You're in your dreams
"Oh, I like this one!" Prompto smiled when a bittersweet melody came out from the radio, snapping his fingers as he followed the rhythm.
"Never thought you were a lover of this genre of music" Gladio commented.
"There's no shame in listening to this genre, after all" Ignis said, tapping a finger over the wheel.
Everything seems calm and free, I know
If we want this warmth to last forever again
"Let's go back to that moment of day~" Prompto hummed the last piece of the chorus until the music was cutted off by Noct's zapping. "H-Hey! I was listening!"
"Yeah, no. Sorry X-Factor" Noctis jokes, causing Prompto to blush for embarrassment, Ignis smirking amused and Gladio laughed for the joke. "Aaand—"
We won't be afraid
To forge ahead
Hearing those words, together with guitar riffs, made Noctis and Prompto recognize the song as both the two teenagers raised their fingers. "Fearless hearts ablaze~!" Sang Noctis, while Prompto sang the background vocal.
"When the world comes crumbling down"
"And who was the X-Factor here?" Gladio rolled his eyes, groaning. Unfortunately, singing wasn't a good talent for both Noct and Prompto. "Jeez….hey Specs, any kind of ETA?"
"Still an hour or two" Ignis said, his right hand moved to the radio for shut it suddenly.
"Hey!" Both Noctis and Prompto called out, but Ignis didn't cared.
"Wheel's on me, so mine is the radio" Ignis stated, making Noctis groan, much to Gladio's smirk of amusement.
Crossing his arms, the Prince touched the seat neck rest, allowing the breeze to touch his face for a few minutes. "...Gonna sleep now" With a yawn, Noctis closed his eyes.
"Sleeping again?!" Gladio raised his eyes from the book he took from the Armiger a few seconds ago in order to watch the Prince, who wasn't hiding a small smile over his face. "..." With a sigh, Gladio glanced at Prompto before the two shrugged.
Princes will be princes, after all.
Glynda tapped her left index finger against her right arm for several seconds, standing at the entrance of the courtyard that was for only the staff, clearly not liking this.
'If I get my hands on Cor, I swear, he will be the Immortal no more…' The Huntress thought, bringing to mind the phone call received a few hours earlier from the Marshal of Lucis about a certain topic: The Prince of Lucis and his official Retainers are going to enroll in Beacon, yet they will arrive with no Bullhead, but by car. A vein of rage appeared on Glynda's furrowed brow as she checked her wristwatch, checking the hour.
"...They're late" Glynda muttered. The Bullheads are about to arrive, yet the Prince's car is nowhere to be see—
Wrooom!
Raising her glance to the crossway that eventually led to the staff residence's entrance, Glynda spotted a familiar black car coming towards her. Tapping her feet, the professor stepped back once to let the car stop when it finally arrived, revealing a quartet of familiar faces.
"Glynda" Noctis smiled at her, as he and Gladio got out from the Regalia. "It's been quite a while"
"Miss Goodwitch" Ignis said as he stepped out of the car.
"Ahah, Glynda!" Jumping out from the Regalia, Prompto raised his arms to prepare a hug to the woman. "How are—" Before he could proceed to hug the woman or continue to speak to her, Glynda stepped beside and let Prompto fall with a groan of pain, her forebrows twitching a lot as she glared at Noctis.
"You four are 2 hours and 23 minutes late, Your Highness. I have to remind you this is not Lucis' territory, so do not use your status as a Royal to present yourself at such a late hour" The woman said, crossing her arms and tapping her left index on the left arm before she resumed speaking as Ignis helped Prompto to get up. "Let alone come with your own vehicle instead of a Bullhead like all the common students" Then, she pointed at the left path of the courtyard. "All the students are soon going to meet up with the Headmaster at the Auditorium. You must haste. Now"
Knowing full well what Glynda was capable of doing, the Prince gulped as he started to walk with his friends. "Let's go, guys!"
"Miss Goodwitch" Ignis held his right hand to Glynda, which glanced at the Regalia's keys being held. Nodding, the woman accepted them as Ignis followed his three comrades.
"...Can't believe it's not even the first day and we get scolded out" Noctis groaned as they walked.
"Told you we couldn't act like she was still at the Citadel" Gladio stretched his right arm.
"Your Highness" From behind, Glynda called Noctis who turned his head to her, noticing a small yet warm smile over the woman's face. "Welcome to Beacon"
At first a bit surprised by such a comment, Noctis shook his head and then smiled, nodding to his future professor. "Thanks" He said before waving with one hand, resuming walking with his three retainers.
Seeing their backs walking away, Glynda couldn't pretend not to notice how the four looked like brothers, and not just simple friends. 'I just hope they don't make another heartbreak like the Brawnen twins…'
A few minutes of walking later, the four friends had finally reached the main avenue which would lead to the academy's amphitheater. "Wohohoah!" Prompto glanced around with a bright smile on his face, calling forth his camera from the Armiger as he began to take shots at the Academy. "This place is incredible!"
"Its design greatly resembles the Victorian period of Lucis" Ignis put one hand over his chin, analyzing the structure's design. "I must admit; it has its charm"
"Well, and that's not the only charm here" Gladio smirked as he looked around, seeing several students, especially the girls, which was worthy of a friendly punch on his shoulder by Noctis.
"Already thinking of that?" Noct smirked to his Shield. "You nasty son of a Chocobo"
"Ohohoh—" Gladio smirked back to his friend before he raised a finger. "250 gil for me getting one before the end of the first semester"
"Deal" Noctis fist bumped with Gladio, accepting the bet which made Ignis shake his head in disappointment.
"Bets, really? We saved our finances thanks to mister Vermillion just yesterday" The retainer said.
"Oh come on Specs, it's just a bet between friends, not a crime" Gladio said to his glasses wearing friend.
As they continued to walk, Noctis suddenly stopped when he heard a strange sound meters away, something akin to an explosion. Glancing at the source of the sound, he noticed a small pillar of colored smoke disappearing.
"Noct?" Prompto called Noctis. "We're late—"
"Go and take place for me too" Noctis said as he walked towards the smoke, not specifying why he was going there. "I'll come to you right away!"
Prompto looked at Gladio first and then Ignis before they shrugged at the same time. "If that's His Highness' order…"
Ruby was about done with the day. She had never understood why people hated Mondays, until now. How could it have turned out this way? It was her first day at Beacon! It should be the best day of her life!
Instead, she had been spun dizzy, abandoned, lectured, blown up, insulted, and abandoned again, twice! And that was only after she had left the airship!
Oooh, Ruby was so close to murder Yang. She couldn't be bothered anymore and slumped down, falling flat on her back in the middle of the path. "Welcome to Beacon," she mumbled to herself as her eyes fell shut.
Her peace and quiet didn't last for long though. All she had wanted to do was to enjoy the warmth of the sun while pretending that it had all been just a bad dream. Of course, someone had to rob her even of that small pleasure in life.
Ruby opened her eyes and squinted at the dark outline offset against the bright sky. Not Yang, not enough hair…
"Hey," a male voice said as she was offered a hand. "I'm Jaune."
She leaned up and accepted his help. "Ruby."
The guy hoisted her to her feet giving her the chance to take a closer look. "Vomit Boy?"
All she got was an empty stare.
"Aren't you the guy who threw up on the airship?"
He laughed uncomfortably.
"I take that as a yes."
His shoulders slumped with a loud sigh.
"Right, anyway"—Ruby took a look around—"looks like everybody else is gone. We should probably head for the welcoming speech thingy too."
"I guess so."
An uncomfortable silence fell over them as they walked away from the terminal.
"It was just motion sickness, you know? I couldn't help it," Jaune said out of nowhere.
"What?"
"All I'm saying is that motion sickness is a much more common problem than people let on."
"Look, I'm sorry. Vomit Boy was just the first thing that came to mind," and I wasn't even the one who came up with it…
"Oh yeah, what if I called you Crater Face?"
"Hey, that explosion was an accident!"
They glared at each other for a moment, before they broke out in giggles.
"Well, the name's Jaune Arc!" he said, pointing a thumb at his chest. "Short, sweet, the ladies love it!"
Ruby raised an eyebrow. "They do?"
"They will! Well, I hope they will. I mean, my mom always says, uh, never mind…"
Ruby chuckled. His confidence hadn't lasted long, but he was the nicest person she had met so far. Maybe the day wasn't a total loss after all.
Unfortunately, the uncomfortable silence returned. Desperately fishing for a topic of conversation, Ruby's fingers found the lump of metal on her back as they often did when she was nervous or uneasy. She might as well try. Yet, before she could've put her lovely baby to a show, a third student seemed to giggle a bit.
"Crater face? Wow, and now you get how much I hate Mondays, right?"
Her eyes widened at the realization of the voice's identity as she turned her head to see the owner. The hair color and style, the accent— A burst of red petals later was enough for Ruby to reach the black haired teenager, her eyes glittering. Finally, a familiar face! "Noct!" The red reaper said, friendly hugging his childhood friend who hugged her back.
"Been a little while, right?" The Prince broke the hug after a few seconds. "How are you Rubes?"
"I'm doing great!" Ruby bumped her fists a bit, clearly excited, before she turned to Jaune, smiling. "Jaune, he is my childhood friend Noctis. Noct, he is Jaune"
"Hi" The blonde raised one hand and waved. "I'm Jaune. Short, sweet, the ladies—"
"The ladies will love it, yeah, I've heard it" Noctis put one hand over his hip, receiving a confusing glance from Jaune and Ruby. "I've heard you from quite a bit"
"Wait, really?" The blonde asked. "Since when?"
"Mh…" The Prince crossed his arms, thinking about it. "Since…Vomit Boy, I guess?"
Although still a teenager like all the other freshmen currently present in the Auditorium- although he's already nineteen- Gladio took his role as Shield of the King very seriously. Even if his posture seemed relaxed, the heir of the Amicitia was giving quick glances all around, his senses active as hell for possible nuisances— "That white haired girl…" He muttered, noticing a certain girl.
"Dude, seriously?" Prompto gave his comrade a stern glance.
"Not in that way, Chocobutt" Gladio said with no holding back, comically 'killing' Prompto with that 'Chocobutt'. "Specs, that girl over there…"
"...I suppose you're right" Ignis gave a quick glance to the girl a few seats away. "Miss Schnee of the Schnee Dust Company"
"The Schnee Dust? You mean the ones my parents made an interview with its CEO a few months ago, right?" Prompto got up, focusing on the topic.
"Yeah, that's the guy's daughter. Can't believe he really sent her here in Vale" Gladio then sighed. "Where's Noct? He's late"
"The signal is a bit busy, I can't make a call" Ignis said, holding the scroll in his left hand as he looked around. "And I can't see him. Prompto, can you see him?"
"Mhh, nope…but I see another kind of view" Prompto said when he spotted a…a…literal goddess a few meters away. Her long yellow hair bright like the sun itself…and, oh boy, those eyes capable of seeing in your soul. "For Shiva's sake—she's gorgeous!"
"Sigh…" Ignis shook his head before he glanced at the entrance and noticed a trio of heads, which two are extremely familiar. Raising a hand, Ignis called out. "Noct!"
Noctis, Ruby and Jaune were among the last stragglers to arrive at Beacon's auditorium. The circular, roofless arena was filled with excited freshmen gathered around a podium set up on the far side.
They had barely passed through the towering gates when Noctis and Ruby heard familiar voices.
"Noct!"
"Ruby! Over here! I saved you a spot!"
Glancing at Ignis, Noctis nodded to him before he glanced at Ruby. "Seems we're desired, eheh…"
"Yup…"
Then, the Prince scratched the back of his head before he smiled a bit. "So, huh, see you after the ceremony?"
"O-Oh! Yeah, sure!" Ruby nodded before she smiled back. "See you later Noct!"
The Prince nodded to both Ruby and Jaune before he walked to his friends from Insomnia, leaving his childhood friend with the 'Classic Weapons type' guy. As he reached his chocobros, Prompto glanced over Noctis' previous position.
"Wait, that girl is the famous Ruby? Why is she approaching that goddess?" He asked when he saw Ruby actually walking towards Yang.
"Goddess?" Noctis raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, that goddess over there!" Prompto pointed at Yang with a thumb.
"Because that goddess is actually Miss Rose's older sister" Ignis explained.
"Woahahahah, hold up for a sec Specs!" Prompto stepped back, surprised before he looked at him and Noct. "Is that true?!"
"Yup, true like the time we studied at dawn when we had the exams" Noctis said, reminiscing about a certain night years ago.
"..." In silence, Gladio nodded although he didn't look at his friends. In fact, his frowed gaze was focused over a certain girl at the other side of the auditorium.
"Tough guy, you're okay? Got any kind of sickness—" Prompto called out Gladio, who just shook his head before a smirk appeared over his face as he suddenly wrapped his arm around Prompto's neck as he ruffled his hair with his free hand. "—OUCH! NO PLEASE! NOT MY HAIR!" Prompto pleaded, yet his pleas fell on deaf ears.
"Cut it off, you two" Ignis said as Noctis separated the two, although all of them knew that Gladio was joking, even Prompto knew this.
Simultaneously, while the Chocobros were talking, Ruby ran off toward her sister who greeted her with a wide smile.
"How's your first day going, little sis?"
Ruby crossed her arms and stared at Yang. "You mean since you ditched me and I exploded?"
"Yikes, meltdown already?"
"No, I literally exploded in front of the school! There was fire and lightning, and I think some ice too."
"Are you being sarcastic?"
Ruby groaned. "I wish! I tripped over some crabby girl's luggage, or rather, you twirled me into it! And she yelled at me. And then I sneezed. And then I exploded! And then she yelled again. And I felt really, really bad. And I just wanted her to stop yelling at—"
"You!" White dress and jacket covered in snowflake motives. Icy blue eyes, fair skin, long white hair. Indeed, Weiss Schnee was worthy of a 'Queen' moniker.
Ruby jumped in surprise and ended up in her sister's arms. "Oh god, it's happening again!"
"You're lucky we weren't blown off the side of the cliff!" The Schnee yelled.
"Wohohohoaah!" Yang looked down at Ruby in surprise. "You really exploded!"
"It was an accident." Seeing the disbelief in her sister's eyes, Ruby jumped down to face Weiss before repeating herself at her. "It was an accident!"
Instead of an answer, she got a pamphlet shoved in her face. "Dust for Dummies and Other Inadequate Individuals," she read out loud.
Before she could get a word in to clear up a few things about her own proficiency with Dust and about what she thought of a company that would print a pamphlet with such an insulting title, Weiss broke into a rant that would have made every bored sales rep proud.
"The Schnee Dust Company is not responsible for any injuries or damages sustained while operating a Schnee Dust Company product. Although not mandatory, the Schnee family highly encourages customers to read and familiarize themselves with this easy to follow guide to dust applications and practices in the field."
Ruby stared at her dumbfounded.
"You really want to make things up to me?" Weiss asked when no reaction was forthcoming.
"Absolutely!" Ruby nodded several times.
She shoved the pamphlet into Ruby's hands. "Read this and don't ever speak to me again!"
Yang sighed. "Look, it sounds like the two of you got off on the wrong foot. Why don't you just start over and try to be friends, okay?"
"Yeah, great idea, Sis!" Ruby cleared her throat and offered Weiss a hand. "Hello, Weiss, I'm Ruby. Wanna hang out? We can go shopping for school supplies."
Weiss brought up her arms in mock happiness "Yeah, and we can paint our nails and try on clothes and talk about cute boys, like tall, blond, and scraggly over there!" She pointed at a very confused looking Jaune standing in the background. "Or like that other tall, cute blonde guy but completely elegant over there!" Then, she shifted her index from Jaune to Ignis in the distance.
"Oh, wow, really?" Ruby asked.
"No."
Ruby's hopes shattered leaving her in an even worse mood than before. She couldn't understand what Weiss's problem with her was. All she had done was to try and be nice and friendly. Even if Weiss didn't want to have anything to do with her, she didn't have to be so mean about it.
Distortions from the speakers prevented any further escalation of the situation between them. Professor Ozpin, the headmaster of Beacon Academy, cleared his throat before beginning his speech. "I'll keep this brief." He sounded bored. "You have traveled here today in search of knowledge, to hone your craft, and acquire new skills. And when you will have finished, you plan to dedicate your life to the protection of the people."
Ruby looked left and right with a wide grin plastered on her face. She had dreamed about this ever since she had been a little kid. To protect people like the heroes in the stories Yang had told her over and over again. And when she saw Noctis nodding to her, her smile grew again.
Yet, their peers didn't seem to share her enthusiasm. She wasn't surprised to see Yang unfazed—coming to Beacon had never been about the heroism or the ideals for her—but the look on Weiss's face worried her. If there was one thing the girl seemed to have in spades, it was confidence, but what stood next to her with its slouching posture and melancholic expression couldn't be more different.
The same composed and calm gaze on Yang could be spotted over Ignis and Gladio as well, while Prompto couldn't hide the excitement just like Ruby. Even if they are brothers in all but not in blood, the heirs of the Scientia and Amicitia's families are still performing their duties as official retainers of the crown prince.
"But I look amongst you, and all I see is wasted energy in need of purpose, direction."
Ruby noticed the shift in Yang from the corner of her eyes. That part of the speech had not gone over well with her sister. Where Weiss seemed depressed, Yang seemed angry. The headmaster wasn't scoring points with either of them.
"You assume knowledge will free you of this, but your time at this school will prove that knowledge can only carry you so far. It is up to you to take the first step."
With that, the headmaster stepped away from the microphone, but not before he glanced at Noctis for a last time. His speech had turned out a lot shorter than expected. And a lot more controversial.
Yang ran a hand through her hair—a common sign that she was trying to calm her mind and rein in her temper—making Ruby wonder what she had missed. Taking fate into her own hands should have been right up her alley.
Glynda Goodwitch stepped up to take over. "Before we release you, I would like to go over your schedule for the remainder of the week. As first-year students, you will not be assigned dorm rooms immediately. Instead, you will spend your first two nights here at Beacon in the ballroom. Sleeping bags will be provided at the entrance if needed."
"Aaaw, and here I thought we could've finally sleep on comfy beds, but no. More days on the ground" Prompto sighed and lowered his head while Noctis solemnly nodded, feeling his buddy's internal pain.
"Oh come on Chocobutt" Gladio patted his friend's head before pointing at him with his left thumb. "At least this will give you a bit of muscles like me"
"We're not like you shirtless 24/7 y'know?" Noctis said, one hand over his hip.
"What, afraid to show your puny muscles, your Highness?" Gladio smirked, crossing his arms as he looked at Noctis which had a comical vein over his forehead.
"Oh come on, I already said it Gladio! I do have them!" The prince overreacted a bit, making Gladio chuckle until Ignis glared at all of them.
"She's still bloody hell speaking!"
"Today, you will be split into small groups and shown around campus by volunteers." Glynda raised her arm in the direction of a group of senior students standing to the side of the podium. "Afterward, you are free to do as you please. Keep in mind that tomorrow's initiation will be very taxing and potentially life-threatening. You are advised to rest up and prepare accordingly.
"The day after tomorrow, you will be split into teams and assigned your shared dorm rooms. There will be no special provisions made for mixed gender teams. Consider it a learning experience as you will often have to spend days, if not weeks, in close quarters with each other out in the field.
"Finally, your regular class schedule will begin on Thursday." She pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "That is all."
After that, the students all began to disperse, some going to the ballroom that Goodwitch had just mentioned, others just mingling amongst other students, and the remainder contemplating Ozpin's speech just now. The four Chocobros were actually in the middle of the first group and the last group, since they were talking about the speech as they were directed to the ballroom. "Well, I'm certainly pumped," Prompto sarcastically cheered.
"No kidding. I think even Drautos gave better motivational speeches than that," Gladio agreed, recalling one of the Kingsglaive Commander's infamous speeches.
"Wait, do you mean Drautos as in when we were actually at war with the Nifs, or as in now in peace and without any war?" Noctis questioned.
"The former," Gladio replied.
"Effectively, Professor Ozpin definitely seemed a little…off" Ignis admitted, referring to Ozpin's almost emotionless speech. "It was almost like he wasn't even there."
A Fantasy based on Reality…