Chapter 20

The next day, Velcia found that the Adamantoise was front and center in her mind. She was feeling more rested, now having had two nights of good and uninterrupted sleep, and the time spent shopping with Prompto and visiting the underground cavern with Ignis had helped to shake some of the frustrations away.

More than anything, her success in finding a way to defeat the Bear had greatly bolstered her confidence. She wasn't sure yet how they were going to defeat the dark tortoise of the mountain, but she was feeling much more confident that they would find a way.

It was a puzzle her mind spent quite a lot of focus on that day, and she found she could hardly pay attention to other things around her because of it. The others took note of this, particularly Ignis who feared that she was upset about something, but she assured them that she was just thinking.

By the time the group met up for lunch, Velcia was starting to believe she had some ideas. The others decided to eat at a restaurant nearby the hotel, and so they each ordered some food and sat down at a table on a flat balcony overlooking the hill down Lestallum's main street.

After eating a good, but not complete, portion of her food, Velcia looked up to the others. "Do you remember when we were driving up to Meldacio, those tall, growing metal poles that we saw those vehicles setting up by the road?"

Noctis nodded, swallowing his food. "Yeah, the power lines?"

"Yes, those exactly," Velcia said. "I've been wondering… how hard would it be for us to get something like those, if not perhaps even those exactly?"

Gladiolus' eyebrows raised curiously. "It probably wouldn't be too hard to just steal a few from their road crews, but those things are going to be pretty heavy. Why do you want them, anyways?"

Velcia lowered her hands, folding them in her lap. "Well, I've been thinking about our Adamantoise problem. We have a few solutions now for cracking through the shell, but I've been trying to think about how to actually damage it once we have."

Ignis spoke up, sandwich in hands. "And you believe these power poles may be of use?"

"Yes, I hope so," Velcia nodded. "I've been thinking about our battle against that cat Heartless at the power station, and the lightning strike we saw on the way back… and I'm beginning to wonder if we might be able to open a crack in the shell and put one of those power poles into it. If the pole can grow taller than the crack is deep, I am hoping that we might be able to strike the pole with lightning magic and have it channel the power right down into the Heartless' body."

The others paused, looking wordlessly between themselves as they considered this. Velcia watched their faces eagerly, trying to gauge their reactions but finding herself unsure of their thoughts. "I… I may not fully understand the way your technology channels the electric energies."

Ignis sat his food down. "Quite the contrary, Miss Velcia, that sounds like it may be exactly the sort of solution we're looking for. What say you, Noct?"

Noctis nodded. "It sounds like a good plan to me. We'll still have to figure out how to keep from getting thrashed around, but I say it's worth a try."

Gladiolus turned towards Cindy. "You think the airship can carry a bunch of those?"

"I ain't so sure about that, I'm afraid," Cindy told them reluctantly. "There ain't a whole bunch of room left in the airship and too much more weight'll likely make it so we can't escape if we start gittin' chased again."

A voice spoke up from the nearby stairs onto the balcony. "Well well, a solid plan at last. All you need now is my help…"

The group turned to see Ardyn, who Velcia recognized as the man who'd bumped her a few days prior, standing at the top of the steps with a mischievous smile.

"Ardyn," Noctis growled. The mood of the entire group seemed to have shifted instantly, and now they were all deeply upset.

"No need for such a hostile attitude," Ardyn said. His tone was smooth and calm, his body language as casual as could be, but as usual there seemed to be a hidden complexity behind his eyes. "I am merely here to help. Does the Adamantoise not threaten us all?"

Velcia stood up, the others quickly doing the same, and she spoke seriously. "So, are you the one who sent the letter to Yen Sid?"

"Of course he is," Gladiolus said.

"Ah, and what fortune I have brought us all by doing so," Ardyn said with a bow. "Though, I must say, from what I'd heard of Keyblade Wielders I had not expected the Adamantoise to be so troublesome."

"Hey, watch it," Prompto snapped.

Ardyn waved his hands defensively. "No offense meant, of course. Still, it sounds like at last there is a plan in place that just needs one, last thing… and I happen to know how to get exactly what you need. No need to steal anything, or carry said stolen equipment in your ramshackle airship."

Cindy pursed her lips and crossed her arms at this dig, but didn't say anything.

Noctis, still glowering at the man, motioned towards him with a flick of his head. "Alright, so out with it then. Where do we go to get whatever this is?"

"Ah, exactly the sort of attitude I've come to find so… charming," Ardyn said, shaking his head. "The power poles you've seen may work, but they are not by any stretch ideal for the job." He turned towards Velcia, and bowed his head with respect. "If you come with me, I will bring you to meet with someone who will be able to help provide something more effective."

"I thought you said you could help us," Noctis bit.

Ardyn glanced over at him, his narrowed eyes the only indication of his repressed annoyance. "And so I am. The only place you'll be able to get the Magitek machines ideal for this purpose is from the Niflheim Empire. You four," he said, motioning towards Noctis and his retinue, "would never be able to strike a deal with them. But, the Wielder…"

Velcia nodded softly. "So, you are going to take me to meet with someone from the Empire, to work out a deal for the Magitek machines we need?"

"Cut and dry, truly simple," Ardyn confirmed.

Gladiolus stepped forward with a single, sturdy footstep. "Ardyn's not to be trusted, Velcia. We'll figure this out on our own."

"Ah, yes, I expected you would be distrusting of me," Ardyn said.

"After the crap you've pulled, I think we've been pretty understanding so far," Noctis told him.

Ardyn shook his head. "Just think about it. It was I who learned of the imminent threat to Eos, and it was I who summoned a Keyblade Wielder to our world to prevent it. Our differences aside, Noctis, do you really think I would have anything to gain by now working to betray the only hope Eos has of surviving the threat of the Heartless?"

"How should I know?" Noctis asked. "All I know is that every time you offer your 'help', things go wrong."

"I see I'm wasting my time," Ardyn said, turning now to Velcia. "Keyblade Wielder, you understand the threat the Heartless pose to this world, and I hope you understand that Bahamut will surely destroy all life on Eos if he believes the Heartless will be its undoing."

"I… I do…" Velcia said hesitantly, looking towards the others. "Is Bahamut's fury really so close at hand?"

"Is that really a risk worth taking, when the solution you need is so freely available?" Ardyn asked, eyes locked to hers with a laser-like focus.

Velcia tried to avert her eyes, but Ardyn's intense stare demanded her attention in a way she found deeply uncomfortable. "N-no… No, we need to take out that Adamantoise," she said, turning to the others. "I'll… I'll go with him, and get what we need."

Ignis was mortified. "Miss Velcia, it is likely a trap. There's no telling what sort of treachery or danger lies ahead."

Noctis nodded, arms crossed and brow furrowed. "Ardyn makes it seem like everything's alright, but by time things go south you're stuck until he gets what he wants."

"Don't underestimate him," Gladiolus warned.

"I… I understand," Velcia said. "I don't trust him, but, with this… my Heart tells me I should believe him. He is the reason I came here, and if he really does have a way to help then it's a risk worth taking."

Ignis grabbed her hand. "Miss Velcia… are you sure about this? Truly?"

Velcia glanced back over towards Ardyn, who was waiting quite graciously and patiently with his hands folded as they deliberated amongst themselves. She turned back to Ignis. "Yes, I am… I don't think I will be in as much danger as even Ardyn, if his motives are evil, may expect."

"Is that so?" asked Gladiolus.

She nodded, glancing over to Ignis and whispering softly. "I've learned a new escape trick, with the help of a turtle."

Ignis' eyes lit up. "Yes, that may work."

"A turtle?" Prompto exclaimed in confusion. "What's she talking about Iggy?"

"I'll explain later. For now… I believe she is correct…" Ignis said reluctantly.

"Woah, hold on, you're not saying we're actually doing this?" Gladiolus said.

Velcia turned towards him, bowing respectfully. "I am. I'll go with him and see if he really has anything of value for us, and if not… I'll come straight back here."

"Noct?" Gladiolus asked, in stunned surprise.

Noctis shook his head. "I don't like it any more than you do, Gladio, but… I can't stop you either, Velcia. If you're really sure about this…"

Velcia took a deep breath, restraining a shiver of unease. "I am."

Ignis, still holding her hand, squeezed it tightly. "Take care, Miss Velcia, and return safely to us."

She looked up at him, their eyes locking together, and she felt like she had so many things that she wanted to say that she simply could not. They stared at each other for a moment, and she shook her head. "I will, Ignis. I promise."

Velcia let go of Ignis' hand, and stepped past him as the others turned to watch. Ardyn turned his head towards her slowly, a curious smile teasing the ends of his lips.

"And have you reached a verdict?" he asked.

"We have. Please, lead the way," she said.

Ardyn's eyes lit up. "Prince Noctis would do well to keep someone so astute in his council."

Velcia glanced over her shoulder once more, eyes running across her friends thoughtfully. "I believe he has everybody he needs."

She followed him down the balcony steps, and then the two began to make their way down the street. The others watched uneasily from the balcony, and before they were out of sight Velcia turned around and gave one last wave good-bye.

"How much further are we going?" Velcia asked.

Ardyn pointed out into the distance, down in the flatlands between Lestallum and the mountain that separated Leide. "We must travel to Aracheole Stronghold. Presuming you do not have a vehicle, I rather expected we would take my car."

Velcia paused in her tracks, and Ardyn turned as soon as he registered her faltering footsteps. She looked out into the distance. "You didn't say anything about needing to travel that far."

"I am sorry for the misunderstanding," he apologized, "I suppose it didn't cross either of our minds to delve into such trivial details."

Velcia sighed, thinking back to Noctis' warning. "Very well then."

"Right this way," Ardyn said, turning and continuing on.

He led her to the parking lot, where his car awaited. Like the Regalia, it was a convertible and the top was open. The sleek body was painted a vivid rose-red with a white pinstripe that ran from the front grill to just above the license plate on the back, with matching stripes lining the bottom of the doors between the wheel wells. He opened the passenger-side door for her and bowed.

"After you," he said.

Velcia came up and glanced in at the seat, then back at Ardyn who stood holding the door patiently. The whole affair was deeply disconcerting to her, but she sat down anyway and gave a small nod of thanks once he closed the door. As Ardyn made his way to the other side, she leaned against the door, finding a way to sit somewhat comfortably with her hand resting against the outside of the car.

Ardyn took his seat, starting the engine and setting his hat down between them. Velcia remained silent as he pulled out of the lot and took the car to the highway.

"Now that we are allies, it seems only fitting that we become properly acquainted," Ardyn said, shifting carefully as the car picked up speed. "I am Ardyn Izunia."

"Velcia Anthes," she said, keeping her eyes on the road ahead. Her hand, out of view of either her or Ardyn, glowed as a ball of magic formed in her palm. She let go of it, leaving the tether behind them as they drove off.

"Hmm. Your demeanor seemed so much warmer when we met the other day, Miss Anthes," Ardyn said, as if hurt. "I assure you, you have nothing to worry about from me."

She looked towards him. "Respectfully, I've spent quite a lot of time with Noctis and his friends and have a great amount of trust and respect for them. If they have warned me to be cautious of you, then I believe they must have good reason."

"Respectfully," Ardyn echoed tersely, "The only things I have done for the young Prince have been to guide him further along his destined path. No matter how much he fights or tries to delay it, his destiny awaits him all the same. If nobody else will give him the push he needs, then I will. His appreciation matters not."

Velcia turned back to the road ahead. "For someone who says they are of little importance, you certainly do seem to pull a lot of strings."

"Ah, but it is true. Each of us plays the hand we are dealt, and for those of us not destined to a life of glory or power, what can we do but strive to push forward those who are?" Ardyn said. "Of course, as a Keyblade Wielder, perhaps it is a foreign perspective to you."

She was silent as they went, and continued to place tethers periodically.

"Tell me, Miss Anthes, what was it about your occupation that drew you in? I know little about Keyblade Wielders, and am fascinated to learn more of the order," Ardyn said.

"My occupation? I'm a potion maker by trade, a family business. I never intended to become a Keyblade Wielder, but now that I am, my intention is to help whoever I can."

"Ah, what a curiosity. And who was it that inducted you, a humble alchemist, to this struggle against the Darkness?"

"It was a gift from someone very dear to me after I helped save their life," Velcia said tersely, eyes narrowing. "That is my interest, Mr. Ardyn, and what compels me to travel with you today. And what of you? What makes you so eager to save Eos, if you spend so much effort working against the King of Lucis' attempts to free his lands and find a way to stop the Star Scourge?"

Ardyn chuckled, but she could sense a tinge of malice to it. "My relationship with the Lucian Err to the Throne has very little to do with your mission, and I suggest you focus on your part in this ordeal."

"I see. So all of this then has just been an attempt to learn more about me?" Velcia asked. "Is there anything of value to be found at all on this road trip, or are you simply working to pull more strings?"

"So suspicious!" Ardyn said with great amusement, tutting with a reprimanding wave of his finger. "As I said before, I want the Heartless driven from Eos as much as anyone. I may have my own contentions with Noctis, but I have no quarrel with you."

"Very well."

Ardyn gave her a quick, wry smile before turning his eyes back to the road. "There is always someone pulling the strings, Miss Anthes. All you have to do is open your eyes to see it, and wherever there is power… there are strings attached."

Velcia bit her lip. "So, am I correct to assume then that this is your way of saying your assistance comes with a cost?"

"Of course not. I am not offering anything but assistance from the generosity of my heart, much the same as you," Ardyn said, shaking his head. "People like you and I must be wary of those who lurk deeply behind the scenes, lest we get snapped up and have our good natures taken advantage of."

She cast a suspicious glance over towards him again. "You make it sound as though you are concerned about me."

"Shouldn't I be?" Ardyn asked innocently. "Tell me, do you know who pulls the strings in your life, who orchestrates it and to what purpose? A terrible curse can come disguised as a blessing, and the most terrible of evils can camouflage themselves in a shroud of light."

Velcia breathed deeply, glancing out into the distance and praying that their destination was not far. The magical tethers she had been chaining along throughout the drive did not take a lot of magic individually, but having cast so many of them, she was beginning to worry whether she could keep it up long enough.

"What's your point with all of this, Ardyn?" she asked.

Ardyn smirked. "With the arrival of the Heartless, Eos has become a part of a bigger world. I, for one, would like to know more about who the new major players are going to be. But you… you truly don't know, do you? Is your world so black-and-white as an order of selfless monks versus an inevitable, looming Darkness?"

"Does it need to be more complicated than that?" Velcia asked impatiently.

"It does not need to be, and yet it always is. You cannot be faulted for not yet knowing who is using you, or why… but I recommend you prepare yourself for the day you learn the truth," Ardyn said, his voice low and heavy with bitterness.

"I don't believe-"

"Nobody does. Nobody can… until it's too late. The great faith you place in Noctis and his bride-to-be serves you well, and certainly paints an optimistic picture, doesn't it? A selfless light, destined to destroy the Darkness… a farce," Ardyn said with a sadistic, amused chuckle. "The Scourge of Eos has been here for thousands of years, untold generations, and this is not the first time this myth has played out. Long ago in Eos, Lucis itself, there was a healer even more powerful than your Lunafreya who selflessly strove to drive the darkness out of the people; taking it into themselves instead. They dedicated their life to this mission of compassion and love, and when it came time for their reward… they were cast aside, spat out. Power given to those too compassionate, too selfless, to use it for themselves, is only ever meant as a manipulation."

"...that's a rather bleak way to see things," Velcia said softly.

"And yet it is the truth of the universe," Ardyn told her bluntly. "Noctis understands nothing of his true destiny… a destiny he has spent his life ignoring and avoiding, choosing instead to live in a simple, carefree world."

Velcia turned towards him, studying his face intently. There was a passion and an intensity lurking underneath the surface that both frightened and intrigued her, but so hidden and vast she could never hope to understand it. "Who… who are you?"

"Nobody," Ardyn repeated firmly, "Of consequence."

She'd heard him say this many times before, but this time, she couldn't help but wonder if perhaps it meant more to him than just a phrase to be used to deflect attention. "But… but you should have been, shouldn't you?"

He turned towards her, eyes narrowed and brow furrowed so deeply it seemed to cast a frighteningly dark shadow across the rest of his face. Velcia's heart began to stutter, and she tensed with anxiety. "You… that great darkness I felt in Lestallum… it's from you, isn't it?" she whispered.

A smile cracked across the tall man's face, and he returned his attention to driving. "Don't look too closely, now," Ardyn said, his voice much lighter in tone. "We are nearly to our destination."

A chill washed over her, her face pale and her confidence in her situation waning rapidly. Noctis' warning about Ardyn echoed in her head, and for a moment she found herself wondering if she should simply retreat along her trail of tethers.

Ahead of them, Velcia could see the entrance to the Aracheole Stronghold. Swarms of Heartless ran around the outer walls, and once Velcia noticed them she realized she could sense many more all around.

Ardyn's face was plastered with a mischievous grin. "It seems we're going to have to go right through them," he said, flooring the gas pedal. The car's engine roared wildly and the machine jerked from the sudden acceleration, and as they approached the gate Ardyn began to honk on the horn. Some guards on the wall saw them and began to make their way to open it, but Ardyn had to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting the locked gate.

The ruckus caused by Ardyn had drawn the attention of all the Heartless and they began to make their way quickly towards the car, and many previously dormant Heartless began to awaken to join in on the attack.

Ardyn shook his head and gave a disappointed tut. "It would seem the gate guards are quite lax in their duties. Why, I don't believe they'll have it open in time," he said with poorly-feigned worry. He glanced back to the Heartless, then towards Velcia. "I suppose you'll just have to buy us some time, won't you, Wielder?"

Velcia pursed her lips, shaking her head slowly in annoyance. "I suppose I will," she said, standing up on her seat and flicking her Keyblade to her hand as she turned around.

Once the Heartless saw her Keyblade, they began to shriek and howl. The ground started to rumble, and out from some craters in the distance Velcia could see a trio of Darksides rising. Ardyn watched in an entranced amusement which irritated her to no end, and with one last agitated glare towards him she leaped from her seat and onto the rear of the car, before vaulting off of it and into the fray.

She swung her Keyblade, swiping away the Heartless that were closest to her and quickly following up with her usual assortment of fire and thunder spells. This sort of encounter had become routine for her, and she bobbed, slashed, and cast her spells with the focus that experience afforded her.

The Darksides took up positions in a quarter-circle perimeter beyond the increasing sea of Heartless, dropping to their knees to fire their projectiles. Velcia blocked or dodged these, slowly weaving her way through the crowds to try to begin to take out one of the larger monsters. She spun around in a circle, a spray of frost magic forming a protective barrier around her, and when she did something caught her attention. Sparing just a moment, she looked back towards the base to see that Ardyn's car was gone, and the gate was nearly closed again.

She grumbled to herself at the sight, annoyed but not in the least surprised, and continued her assault. The closer she got to the Darksides, the more difficult the fight became, and she soon found herself advancing very slowly as she alternated between defense and crowd control. She measured her breath, and kept her focus on the task at hand.

Velcia found herself coming into a rhythm with her spells, and as she did the now-familiar sense of warm, enveloping magic began to overtake her. She felt hesitant, but curious, and after only a moment she closed her eyes and focused on this power, embracing it fully. The surge of magic shot through her, radiating out in a brilliant flash of light that blinded and confused the Heartless, and once it subsided Velcia had already begun attacking ever more ferventantly with her magic.

Her outfit had changed, and now she wore an almost angelic white toga, reminiscent of the garb of the gods of Olympus, and great, feathered wings stretched out behind her. She felt as though she could see and feel the magic energies of the world clearly, and as she cast her spells she was pulled along these previously-invisible magic currents, swooping and twirling through the air as she fired her super-charged spells.

The Darksides did not take this turn of events lightly, and began to swipe at her furiously with their claws. Her new magic sense almost seemed to telegraph their attacks, streaks of dark magic shooting out in advance of their strikes which she deftly twirled to avoid.

Velcia turned back towards them, Keyblade glowing white-hot. She held her hands low by her sides, grasping the magic energies around her and pulling them up into tall, shining pillars of holy magic. These blinding pillars of light shot forwards across the surface of the earth, igniting the ground behind them in tall blue flames of holy fire and incinerating the Heartless they came into contact with.

This final powerful attack depleted the energy sustaining Velcia's new form. When she opened her eyes she found that not only had her physical appearance seemingly reverted and her magic sense restored to normal, and she was now falling down to the ground. She quickly caught herself with a slow falling spell, and immediately after landing she jumped to engage the final remaining Darkside. This beast was quite wounded and after only a few moments more it too was vanquished.

She glanced around quickly, blasting the remaining stragglers with her Thunder spells, and once they were cleared her eyes turned towards the fortress walls. She tightened her grip on her Keyblade and clenched her fist, and began to march towards the tall metal gate.

Many of the guards saw her coming and, noting her determined stride, quickly ran towards the turrets mounted on the walls. Velcia groaned and stood her ground, casting a barrier spell with a swing of her Keyblade. Now she was certain that Ardyn's machinations were nothing but a show.

A voice shouted out from behind the fortress walls. "Is that any way to greet a guest?"

Velcia looked up to see a silver-haired woman, clad in scaly red-and-black armor, arrive at the top of the wall. The guards looked towards her and, seeing her gesturing for them to cease fire, stopped immediately. The woman jumped up onto one of the parapets, standing tall and eyeing Velcia with curiosity.

"So, you're this new warrior who needs help from the Empire, are you?" she asked. "Seems you can hold your own against the darkness well enough."

Velcia lowered her barrier, but remained at the ready. "A man named Ardyn said I could find help here. I'm working to destroy the Heartless Adamantoise."

"Well, well… that is rather ambitious, isn't it?" the woman said, pacing across the wall but keeping her attention locked on the orange-haired Wielder below. "You seem like you can take care of these lowly monsters easily enough… but are you ready for something with more bite?"

Without warning, she crouched and leaped high into the air, grabbing her lance from her back as she arched down towards Velcia. Velcia jumped aside quickly, the woman's weapon crashing into the ground where she'd just stood.

Keyblade held defensively, Velcia readied herself for another battle. The woman yanked her weapon from the ground and turned to face her.

The silver-haired woman smiled with amusement. "Ready for anything, huh? Good. You'll need to be." She lowered her lance, standing more upright now. "And you are?"

Ardyn's deceptions were well in her mind, and Velcia kept her defensive stand and Keyblade at the ready. "I already told you," she said.

The woman scoffed. "Guess I'd be touchy too, if I was stuck in a car with Ardyn. Name's Aranea," she said politely. "I've been told you need some Magitek weapons?"

"Not weapons," Velcia shook her head. "Something more like those growing power poles your crews have been using on the road to Meldacio."

"Power poles?" Aranea asked with a surprised chuckle. "What do you need those for?"

"I told you, we're working to destroy the Adamantoise," Velcia repeated. "I believe I've found a way to penetrate the mountain shell, but the cracks seal too quickly and the Adamantoise shakes too hard to be able to take advantage of it. If we can put those poles into the cracks, my hope is that I can use them to channel Lightning magic straight into the beast."

Aranea crossed her arms, holding one hand up to her face. "Then you've come to just the right place. I guess Ardyn's good for more than I give him credit for."

"You don't like him?" Velcia asked, blinking in surprise.

"When I'm on the clock my opinions are strictly business, and right now that business is getting you the tools you need to take out that monster in Leide," Aranea said, looking back towards the base. "I can procure some Magitek bunker-piercing lances and deliver them straight to the Adamantoise myself."

Velcia stood up, lowering her Keyblade. "You… you can do that?"

"A perk of the job… and also an order from the Chancellor. Win-win, huh?" Aranea said with a wink. "We'll have to meet up again to work out the specifics once I get production cleared by high command… you got a place to rendezvous?"

"I'm… Yes, we're staying in Lestallum while we prepare," Velcia told her.

"There's that 'we' again… others like you?" Aranea asked.

Velcia shook her head. "No. I'm working with Noctis."

"Are you now?" Aranea said, her voice dripping with intrigue. "Of all things for Ardyn to leave out. Fine, then, I'll meet you in Lestallum sometime tomorrow afternoon. Unless… you all need more time?"

"Tomorrow is fine," Velcia said. "And… thank you."

Aranea cracked an amused smile. "So you've got a soft spot after all. I look forward to working together with you soon. Make sure to give my regards to the King, won't you?" Aranea said with a smirk.

"I will," Velcia told her, glancing back towards the highway.

"You have a ride back, or do you need me to bring Ardyn back out?"

Velcia shook her head. "No, thank you. I have my own way back… and I'd much prefer my own company."

Aranea gave a dry laugh. "I don't blame you."

She began to return to the Stronghold, and Velcia turned towards the road. She closed her eyes, feeling the magic of the nearest tether. She reached out to it, and in an instant she had warped her way to the magic beacon. She wasted little time, pausing only to let her senses catch up to her before repeating the process.

Several bright flashes of magic erupted along the side of the road as Velcia warped from tether to tether, slowly picking up speed as she did. Night was falling and she could sense the daemons and the Heartless growing active in the darkness around her, and though she found it to be rather disconcerting she stopped taking breaks between each stopping point.

By the time she reached the final tether, her eyes shot open in panic. "Where's the next one?!" she gasped, desperately searching for the next step without thought that she may have already arrived at her destination. Her senses began to return to her, the first of which presented her with a heavy and deep exhaustion that dropped her to her knees. The next of her sense to return was her sight, and as she blinked slowly she began to smile in the realization that she had indeed made it back safely to the Lestallum parking lot.

She felt a hand resting on her back, and turned to see Ignis kneeling beside her. A wave of relief crept slowly across his face, the dour tension slowly cracking away as her eyes lit up. "Ignis…"

From beside her, she could hear Prompto shouting out. "Hey guys, Vel's back! She's alright!"

Velcia smiled, taking a deep breath. "I made it. It's all going to work out."

Ignis nodded slowly. "And you? Are you alright?"

"I am. Exhausted, but alright…"

"Where'd that snake Ardyn go?" Gladiolus asked, searching the area.

Velcia sat down, breathing a sigh of relief as she cracked a proud smile. "I left him behind in Aracheole."

Noctis nodded. "Good. You doing alright?"

She chuckled. "Yes, I am. Someone named Aranea will be here tomorrow afternoon to work out the details of our plan."

Gladiolus grinned. "Aranea huh? Well there's a lucky break."

"You know her?" Velcia asked.

"Yeah, we've worked with her a few times," Noctis said. "If we have to work with anyone associated with the Nifs, I'm happy it's her. I'm glad you made it back safely, Vel."

"Yeah, you need anything?" Prompto asked, squatting down beside her. "Just say the word, I can go get anything!"

Velcia smiled. "Just rest, thank you."

"Alright Prompt," Gladiolus said, grabbing the boy's arm and pulling him away. "Let's give her some space and let her breathe."

"We'll head back to the hotel for now," Noctis told her. "Let us know if you need anything."

Prompto turned to Ignis, who was sitting beside Velcia. "You coming Iggy?"

Ignis glanced up towards Noctis, then back to Velcia. "If it is alright with the both of you, I believe it may be wisest for me to remain here to render assistance if needed."

Noctis cracked a knowing smile. "Sure, whatever you need. Come on, guys."

Velcia turned towards Ignis. "Thank you, Ignis."

The others turned and began to walk away, and after a moment Velcia slowly stood up and made her way over to the bench with Ignis following behind anxiously.

"Were you waiting for me here the whole time…?" Velcia asked.

"Indeed… we followed from a distance until you and Ardyn drove away. We weren't sure where you were going, but I hoped that you would be able to return to your tether," Ignis said, the relief in his voice palpable. "I am… so very glad that you've made it back. We were beginning to worry something had gone wrong."

"I was worried about that too, to be honest," Velcia said, shaking her head. "You all were right about Ardyn… he hides it well, but he is a very, very dangerous man…"

Ignis stiffened. "I hope he did not-"

"No, other than sneaking away while I fought the Heartless off their doorstep, Ardyn more or less did exactly what he said he would," Velcia reassured him.

"That is a surprise… but a welcome one," Ignis said with a sigh. "I… I found myself much more worried than I expected I would."

Velcia turned towards him. "I'm sorry…"

"Don't be," Ignis said, grabbing her hand gently. "It's… something more personal."

She smiled softly, her cheeks flushing lightly. "I… We… we can talk about it, if you need to."

He let go of her hand abruptly, slightly red himself now as he turned to the distance. "To put it bluntly, Miss Velcia, I've found myself appreciating your company more and more. You know we all value your assistance and your friendship, but…" he turned back towards her. "I've come to find that I appreciate you much more than I let myself realize."

Velcia's face softened, her heart melting. "...It's the same for me, as well… I've always been so scared of it, and with everything going on, I told myself I shouldn't… but…"

Ignis reached out, placing his hand gently on her warm cheek and brushing his thumb across it. Velcia reached up and grabbed his wrist gently, and found she couldn't help but flutter her eyes. "So… what do we do?"

"I am not sure. To be honest, I don't know that either of us can afford to walk down this path, but…" Ignis paused, still holding her cheek gently, "After tonight, it feels foolish to deny that I… I care for you deeply, Velcia."

Velcia blushed, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. "I-Ignis…" she sputtered softly, staring into his eyes. She reached up slowly, resting her hand against his cheek as well, and after a moment of trembling anticipation they found themselves slowly pulling towards each other until, eyes closed, their lips locked tenderly together.

When Velcia returned to her room that night, she hardly noticed Cindy when she opened the door. After one last goodbye to Ignis, she entered the room. Cindy had been laying casually on her bed, looking at the model car Prompto had given her, but was quickly attentive when her roommate entered. She had heard from the others that Velcia had made it back safely, and was very excited to see her again.

"Howdy, Vel! It's great to see ya back!" Cindy greeted, setting her model car aside.

Velcia turned around slowly, her face glowing, and she leaned back against the door. "Hello, Cindy," she said, kindly but clearly distracted.

"You all right?" Cindy asked.

"Oh," Velcia said dreamily, "I'm wonderful."

Cindy watched with some confusion as Velcia slowly slid down the door to the floor, melting away. She pursed her lips and, after a moment of hesitation, spoke up. "Vel, I gotta be honest, I ain't rightly sure I know what ta think about you acting so smitten after a road trip with that Ardyn fella."

"What?" Velcia exclaimed, the shock of such a heinous idea snapping her out of her trance. "You… Oh, goodness, no!"

Cindy nodded slowly. "Right… well, that's a relief. So uh… what's going on, then?"

"I suppose it's not something that will remain a secret…" Velcia said softly, her face warming once more. "After I got back, Ignis and I had a talk about some things, and…" she trailed off, the resplendent joy washing over her again.

"Is that so!" Cindy exclaimed. She leaned forward, voice low and eager for the details. "So… you and Iggy?"

Velcia shook her head. "I don't know what will become of it, or us, but at least now we know." She looked over at Cindy, who was swaying her legs from the side of the bed as she waited for a straight answer. "Well, you see, we do both quite like each other, and in the course of the conversation it may have…" she blushed wildly as she took a breath, "Well, he kissed me, and I've never felt this way before, and even though I'm so so scared about it all I'm just so overwhelmed and happy and somehow it's just wonderful."

Cindy smiled, shaking a finger at her. "I fig'red you two were sweet on each other! And a right fine match if I do say so."

Velcia held her hands to her cheeks, finding herself somewhat startled at how hot her face was.

"Y'know, I don't know if I expected Iggy'd ever end up with a lady friend," Cindy said, leaning back on her hands.

"Oh?" Velcia perked up, looking over to her. "Why's that?"

"It ain't nothin' wrong with him, don't you worry, it's jus' that for folks like Iggy and me, well, we're just too focused on other stuff, you know?" Cindy said, glancing back over to the model car beside her. "I always say I'm married to my job, and ol' Iggy seemed like a kindred spirit in that regard. Heh. Guess he must feel mighty strongly about ya."

Velcia held her hand to her chest, wondering now just how quickly her heart could beat before it became a health hazard, and took some deep breaths. "I suppose he must…! Truth be told, I never suspected I could feel like this either. Why, just before I came to Eos, I was telling my mother it was an idea entirely out of consideration…"

Cindy pulled her legs up to the bed, crossing them underneath her. "Well then ya got something real special there now, don't ya?"

"I do…" Velcia trailed off in thought, a discouragement beginning to cloud her features. "I… I really don't know if it can last. Between Ignis' duties and my own, I just… I don't see how it could work…"

Cindy moved the model car from the bed to a side table, and patted the mattress beside her invitingly. Velcia stood up on queasy legs and made her way over to sit beside Cindy, who smiled reassuringly. "It don't much matter right now though, does it? If it's meant ta be, y'all'll find some way to work things out eventually. In the meantime, jus' enjoy yourselves and live a li'l."

"You're right. I'll try. My emotions are in such a frenzy right now, I don't know what to do. I feel like I'm going to mess it up," Velcia confided.

"You got into this jus' by being you, Vel. All ya gotta do is keep being you and you'll find yerself getting through it jus' fine, I reckon."

Velcia sighed, a sense of calm returning to her. "Thank you, Cindy. For someone who's married to her work, you certainly seem to know a lot about handling relationships."

"Well sure, I been married for fifteen years, you'd hope I'd have learnt something!" Cindy jested, the both of them laughing together. Cindy shook her head, grinning like a fool. "I just hear a lotta stuff from folks travelin' through, and hearin' stories and advice from my gramps sure helps too."

Velcia pulled her legs up to the bed as well. "Thank you for the advice, Cindy. Even if it's not something you're interested in personally, it means a lot that you seem so happy for us."

"Sure thing, Vel," Cindy said, scooting back to lean against her headboard. "Truth be told, 'fore you came in here I was considerin' if it's the sort of thing I oughtta perhaps think differently on."

"Oh?" Velcia asked curiously.

"Mebbe. I dunno. I got caught up thinkin' about this model car Prompto gave me, and I 'spose that thinking went a mite farther than I expected," Cindy said, motioning towards the aforementioned object beside her.

Velcia smiled, remembering what sort of planning and forethought must have gone into the gift. "Why is that?"

"Eos is gettin' wrecked by these Heartless, Lucis is getting invaded and captured by the Nifs, them boys are constantly travelin' and in danger and takin' care of things… and that Prompto remembered the one time I mentioned this here car, somehow managed to order one for me, and the day it came out had it ready and waitin'," Cindy said, shaking her head in disbelief. "I'd plumb forgotten about it myself, 'specially what with the garage getting smashed up by the Adamantoise… but he remembered."

Cindy looked back to Velcia, seeing an eager and encouraging smile on her face, and laughed. "Now, now, don't you go thinkin' I'm fixin' ta get all sweet on 'im just because he bought me a toy car, Vel," she said, shaking her head in disbelief. "I'da got married a dozen times by now if that were all it took. But… I'd be foolin' if I said it's not got me thinking a bit about being a part of someone else's life much the same way."

"Of course. I'm still quite shocked how this with Ignis snuck up on me… I suppose sometimes, it just happens," Velcia said. "Although, with how hard Prompto's been trying to catch your attention, perhaps it wouldn't be so spontaneous."

"Heh. It ain't like I haven't noticed that, either," Cindy said with a smirk. "Still, a nervous crush and somethin' like this are pretty far afield I reckon."

Velcia looked down, running the fabric of her clothes between her fingers. "Far be it from me to play match-maker, but I think you two would do quite well together."

Cindy leaned her head back, staring at the ceiling. "I 'spose he's got the best odds outta anyone at the moment."

Velcia cracked a mischievous grin. "I'll try to make sure not to mention it to him," she said playfully.

Cindy shot upright, eyes wide. "Don't you do nothin' of the sort! Last thing I need is him doublin' down!" she squealed.

"I won't say anything," Velcia laughed, "I promise."

"Good!" Cindy said, crossing her arms and hunkering down a bit. "Got enough distractions fer all of us as is."

Velcia paused, her playful smile softening. "Cindy… I really would never-"

"Ha!" Cindy said, pointing teasingly at her. "I know yer too sweet fer something like that, I'm just given' you a hard time. I wouldn't even be talkin' with you about this if I reckoned you fer the type to go blabbering."

Velcia nodded and stared off into the distance, slowly slipping away into her blissful thoughts. Cindy observed this for a moment, then shook her head with a chuckle. "You sure got it good fer him, don'tcha?"

Velcia blushed, running her hand through her hair with a nod. "Yes… I really do."

Author's Note:

Hello! I am so sorry this week's chapter was posted so late. My job has had me so busy I've hardly had room to breathe. Hopefully, I'll be right on schedule for the remainder of the story updates. I almost can't believe how far along it is already! I really hope that you all have been enjoying it. To everyone who's made it here through all twenty chapters so far... wow! Thank you! I really appreciate you coming to my little corner of the internet and sharing this story with me.

Have a great week!