I do not own squat.
Eos
On the road from what was left of their home, four men just rode in silence. That morning the bright future all of them were looking forward to. Came crashing down and around their heads. When they had gotten up, they had read that their home had fallen. News even over the radio was giving the details of the attack and subsequent destruction of Insomnia. It hit them hard with a mixture of emotions. And they had to see for themselves and well after what had happened above their home with the soldiers. It had sunk well and thoroughly in that they were probably now wanted and also on their own.
Even though the news reported their 'deaths' per say. Like Cor said over the phone, the Nif's aren't stupid. Sooner or later, they are going to realize Noctis was alive and that could create problems for the Empire. The fact the other three were Kingsglaive didn't help either. Still now was the time to pull themselves together and figure out their next move.
Therefore, pulling into Hammerhead for gas and information via Cor who had said he would be waiting.
"Glad you all made it out." stated a familiar blonde. Watching as Cindy approaches them, she gives a warm look of sorrow and simply hugs each of them. "The marshal left already but he left a message with Papaw, he's over in the Garage with Buffy." She smiled. "She just got out of the city herself. He took a shine to her, so she is all good in my book."
Curious to say the least, they all head to the garage where they find the old man tinkering with a weapon, as what appears to be a small slender blonde woman watches.
"Really? That thing, can make this do that?"
"Uh huh, you are a lucky little lady. Considering that I had it on hand, your crossbow has a little extra oomph."
"Nice" Grabbing it immediately, the blonde whirls and finds the sight she asked about not only installed but it allows her a multi targeting system in perfect order as it locks on to each of the four men behind them.
"Now, put it down girly, I know these boys." The old man started as he walked around. Having seen them in the reflection of a picture, he nods for her to go off and join Cindy. Her head accepting his words, none of them notice save the old man himself as she glances at each one.
A slight smile crosses his lips as he remembers the events of the previous night when she met Cor. The old man couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions for these boys. One is a regret for them, especially Regis's son as the poor guy just lost his father and home in one night. But maybe a measure of hope as well. According to Cindy who had come across her and other survivors in her truck, she found Buffy fighting off saberhusks along with a couple of others. The three of them were working hard to get the others time to escape. All watching were impressed at how fast she could take them down, especially his granddaughter.
When a behemoth started approaching from a distance, The two gestured to the blonde at what was approaching, she nodded her head and gestured towards the truck. Knowing full well that she was the only one who could get these people in a hurry. Cindy had helped the refugees onto her truck as the three finished off the saberhusks. Running pell mell as his granddaughter had started up the engine, the other three ran and hopped on as they avoided having to face the king of beasts.
Bringing them to Hammerhead it was then that Cid had realized that one the two men that had fought was Cor. The two commiserate over the death of their friend and King. Memories and what to do being discussed. The smaller blonde had skipped over and introduced herself in mid talk.
Flashback
"Hey can anyone tell me what was all that about in town back there?" she quipped. "I mean I have just arrived and I have to find someone and help him. Then someone tries to kill me which I find really annoying. But I also need a new set of clothes and with everything I killed I got this money that somehow is that by the way?" The two men listened to her questions. Cid can't help but chuckle as an old nervous twitch of Cor's start's up. Noctis had very much been like this when he was a kid and had peppered the man with questions much to Regis's amusement.
But curiosity had been biting him and so he had to ask.
"Slow down girly,I heard a lot about your skills with the sabretusks, you a glaive?"
"That's the second time someone asked me that, you know." She replied slightly annoyed. "What's a glaive?"
"With your skills and how can you not be one?" Cor had spoken up. "Where are you from?" His suspicions rose as she could be with the Empire. Looking at her small figure wearing a white sweater and what seems to be tan pants and ankle boots. The old man admits even now he would not think she could fight. But according to Cor and the others, she did and not only that she had a speed to rival even the fastest.
"Sunnydale."
"Never heard of this place miss…?"
"Summers, Buffy Summers, but you can just call me Buffy." She replied brightly as she caught a dagger that Cor had thrown at her without looking. "And if you want a fight, can we take it outside, I mean Cindy told me this was her and her Papaw's garage I would really like to not damage it."
Ends
He will never forget that slip of a nothing girl, beat Cor the Immortal. He knows that he will lord that over the younger man with glee. Still though he looks to the four men in front of him, "He was a good man and sad what happened to him."
"Yeah the Empire." Prompto muttered. "Bunch of traitors."
Noctis stated. "My father was a fool." The younger of the two black haired men had spoken. Noticing the emotions rolling through the prince, he felt some sorrow. Empathizing with him as losing one's home and family in one night is something no one should go through. He looks up sharply as he shakes his head in disagreement. Knowing that it was Regis's son, the old man looked at him with a mixture of anger and regret. "Now listen boy, Regis was no fool. He just got dealt a crappy hand and he worked it to the best advantage he had."
Silence answers him as he starts heading out. "Cor left out earlier boys. Left a message with Buffy though. I believe she is probably hanging out with Cindy at the moment."
That said he fully left the garage leaving the four alone to talk amongst themselves. Each one following, they were startled as they watched said girl throwing a man into one of the tanks. The bang heard, they saw Cindy giggling as Buffy washes her hands.
"Ick, I really wish they would understand the meaning of the word no." Smelling her hand for a moment she backs away in disgust. "Dude go take a bath you stink."
"I like her." Prompto stated at the smaller blonde's bluntness. "But did you see how far she threw him? I mean seriously she has got some strength. Heck big guy she might beat you."
Said big guy remained silent, the four took in her outfit. Wearing a top similar to Cindy's but covering a little more. The blonde was baring a tanned belly, the pants seemed to be leather and hugged her like a glove. At her side were two blades in a sheath and the crossbow from earlier at her back.
Right now she was talking to the weapons guy as she gestures to a weapon that appears to be a scythe.
"Oh come on pretty please lower it just a little bit." Both blondes twirling their hair in a provocative way, the boys watch as the seller just grins like a blinking moron. He nods his head in a mixture of adoration and determination.
"Okay 60 gil and I can't go any lower than that."
"Thank you!" Both blondes, high fiving one another, the man is paid and the one they know as Buffy snatches it right off the wall. Stepping back and twirling it with an expertise that even Gladio admits to himself envies. She grins as she hugs the weapon to her in joy.
""My new precious." Grinning happily, the blonde lifts her head up as she speaks. "You know if you take a picture it might last longer."
"Been there already done." Prompto chirps, as he heads over and offers his hand in greeting. "Name's Prompto Argentum but you can call me Prompto." A smile crosses her lips as the bubbly blonde male points her to the other men watching and introduces the others. "You see that guy over there that's Noctis. But sooner or later we all call him Noct."
"Prompto…" Groans said man. Younger than the other two by the looks of him, the blonde points to the other two. "The big guy is Gladio and the one with the specs is Ignis." He states brightly. "But don't call him Iggy, he really gets annoyed with that."
"Nice to meet you," She chuckles. "Name's Buffy. Buffy summers."
"I have to ask, how do you throw a guy that far and that hard?" Noctis asks curiously. The other three men look to him in surprise, as it was the first time in a long while that the prince has taken an interest outside of Lunafreya.
"Can't really explain that." She replies sheepishly, "It takes too long to explain. But considering what you deal with here?" Looking thoughtful as she struggles to find the proper words. "I guess you could say where I come from I would be the equivalent of this glaive thingy."
"And where is that you come from?"
"Sunnydale, and before you react no it is not in Nifleheim, and I already had to kick Cor's ass yesterday. Don't make me kick yours."
"You..beat Cor?" Prompto said in awe.
Those words spoken, it had Gladio grinning almost in excitement. Seeing his hands twitching, the blonde looked at him for a moment and nodded her head. The two both smiling, Cindy happily took the weapons save for the two blades at Buffy's side. Both heading out a distance, the fight begins. Hearing the bangs and occasional crashes as the two battle out, Prompto was just taking pictures left and right to catch it all on film. All flying out of his camera they could see ones where both started smiling at one another and others with a grimace as they got smacked with the opposing weapon.
The fact was she was keeping up with the shield of Insomnia's prince, now king, even if he was on the run. "So what do you think, Noct." Ignis asked. Being the chief advisor for the younger man of a couple years. The royal is thinking much about said subject, the fight stops as both look tired but grinning unrepentantly. Now walking back towards the others, the bigger of the two speaks up
"We have got to do that more often. Doesn't happen a lot when I am kept on my toes. " Gladio said with a grin. The blonde grinning in return, she gestures to rejoin the other three. Prompto of course hooting and hollering at them both.
"I know, I haven't had a good sparring session like that since…" She replies as the look crossing her features becomes sad for a split second.
"You ok?"
Caught off guard by the comment, she nods her head in embarrassment. "Sorry about that, Gladio." She replied "just remembering an old friend. He died recently."
Understanding her words, Gladio did not say anything else. It was out of respect that he did so. Continuing to chat about weapons and other things involving weapons. Comparing them to others left and right, they rejoin the other three as Noctis and the others approach. Said man accepts his duty as he is pulled to the side.
"Well?"
"She's all good Noct. Her skills talked for. She means no harm to anyone and is definitely not a Nif." The shield replied. "She isn't stiff and very fluid. Even better than you in some things." Chuckling good naturedly as he takes a hit.
Taking his words into account, the younger of the two holds his tongue as the others join them. Ignis nodding his head towards her, it is Buffy who speaks next. Her eyes beautifully bright and crystal clear, she spoke with conviction.
"Cor told me that he wants all of us to meet him up at an outpost of hunters up near the town." She stated.
"All of us? Including you?" A confused prince replied. The young man not minding in the least having seen her fight. He knows that she doesn't have to get involved.
"Yep, including me, Princey boy." She smiled. "So let's get moving as soon as Taka gets me caffeinated," Bounding up the stairs, she grins happily as the cook hands her a cup with a smile on his face.
"Just like you asked for, milk and sugar included." Taking a sip, she sighs in pure bliss. "You Taka are truly blessed." She grinned as she practically skips out the door, sipping it. The cook pleased at her words the Evony smell is familiar to Ignis and the others as the spectacled man drinks a lot of it himself.
Following her, they find her waiting by the car with weapons in hand as she chats with Cindy. Watching as the latter is showing her something, the smaller of the two blondes was happy and hugging the taller. Making a motion with her hands, they watch as the petite girl places all the weapons away and simply stand there with an expression of awe as she speaks.
"I have got to show this to Dawn."
"Show what and who's Dawn, Buffy?" Prompto asks. The small woman looks at him with a smile seeing his puzzled look as she hears him.
"She's my little sister." She answered happily. "By now her and the others are probably working on building a safe place for themselves at the moment.
"Then why isn't she here with you?" the blonde male questions. Ever curious the woman looks at him.
"It would take too long to explain," she said softly as she looked at him. "And besides I don't think you would be ready for it." Turning to look at the Regalia, they watch as her eyes light up and take it in.
"Oooo I call shotgun!" Buffy said as Prompto immediately protested. "Hey!" The two started to bicker over it and in the end all it took was for her to give a little please. And as she had done to the weapons dealer, Prompto gave in as she used a finger to hush him which made him happy.
Gladio smirks as he opens the door in amusement. "Means more leg room for me then." The big guy chuckles. Prompto, annoyed as he slides between him and Noctis who was already in the car. With Ignis, waiting for them in the driver's seat, they got settled and were on the road towards the outpost in minutes.
Traveling as they went; they find themselves talking to Buffy. Her blonde hair flies to the side, thanks to the wind, as she gets on her knees in her seat. Turning around they listen to her voice as she asks something.
"So, boys tell me what you guys do here for fun?" She asked curiously.
"Photography!" Prompto replies as he brings it up and takes one of Buffy who gives him pose despite the car and the speed.
Pulling the picture out, he is buzzed as their new friend talks to him. "Oh, oh let me see?" Handing it over to the woman, Prompto grins as he takes in her expression. "Wow, you are good at this blondie."
"Thank you, thank you." He said proudly. Talking some more about pictures he has taken since they left. She eventually turns to Gladio.
"What about you?"
"Read, play games, train." He responds.
"Among other things," Prompto quips. "Like charming women and beating the hell off me and Noct."
An eyebrow raised, as the big man looks embarrassed and not to mention slightly annoyed. Giving the gunner a dark look for a moment, he looks up at the blonde woman whose skills impressed him greatly. Admittedly he knows he shouldn't be interested in her, but still finally a woman who can keep up with him. Most women Gladio knows who see him, usually want to sleep with him or are too scared of his intimidating look. This woman on the other hand looked at him like he was a regular guy. Just like Prompto did for Noctis when the two were children. But unlike the blonde male well…...
This made him want to know her even more. Watching as she turns toward Noctis, she raises an eyebrow. Because as usual the prince was apparently fast asleep. Shaking her head in amusement, it is Ignis who responds next, allowing Gladio to contemplate some things.
"Cooking."
"Oooo like what," Turning around rapidly as she sits back down. "Nothing beats home cooked food. My mother was the best."
"Oh? Do tell. Perhaps if I know some of her dishes, I can make them for you."
"Really?" A happy look on her face, the advisor, listens as she describes dishes left and right. Some unknown things he admits pique his interest. Knowing full well the others are listening as Noct was awake the whole time. Some of them even interest him. A very picky eater, the prince of Lucius was, and well if he can get him to eat other things. He was all for it. Especially if it was vegetables of any kind.
"What about you Buffy?" Prompto asks. Gladio and the other three listened.
The woman, looking thoughtful, responds with a quiet joy, "Let's see shopping of course, going out with friends. Hanging out with them, learning new things of course." She grinned. "But I guess mostly just being with the people I care about."
8888
Talking on various topics as they get to know one another. They don't notice as Buffy keeps half an eye on Noctis. She can sense the sorrow and confusion in him. Having heard about everything that had happened in Lucious and its capital, from her own experience plus other sources. She knew he was mourning the loss of his father and home. Her own face once having mirrored his a long time ago she understood that eventually he would blow.
It took a long time for her to…
Happy a bit though as Gladio hands her some Evony coffee for Ignis, she sneaks a sip out of his cup. Said man is still noticing anyway, he just raises an eyebrow at her. "I will have to buy more then."
Slightly embarrassed by smiling anyhow, she looks as Ignis begins to turn. Seeing how a bunch of buildings are clustered together, with men and women in black. The blonde woman practically bounces as she hops out of the care when it stops. The other men getting out as well, they all follow Noctis as he approaches a woman.
"Greetings your highness," the older woman said. "I am glad that you made it out."
"Is this all there is?"
Her own look depressed, Buffy said what she felt. "It is…"
"Indeed Miss…most of the glaive stayed behind to get the people out. We did all we could to escort Lady Iris out of the city. She is with Jonathan and other refugees on the way to Lestallum."
"Good." Gladio breathed as he was in relief, Buffy confused for a moment Prompto answered the question before she could ask. "She's his little sister."
"Ohhh"
"The Marshal wants you to meet him at the tomb." Monica replied. Watching as Noctis nods his head, Buffy simply follows them. Her thoughts going to all the tombs and graves she had to desecrate to take care of a baddie, she wondered if she had to again in this one. Giving a little sigh, she is startled as Noctis throws his sword and he teleports to where some of those sabretusks awaited. Curious about that, and partially wanting to know if she can do it too, she pulls her blades out to go join him. Seeing as birds were about to dive him, he nods towards her as she uses Gladio as a stepping tool to leap and throw her blades at both. The big man is impressed by her improvisation in his gaze, both him and Ignis work on the husks. Soon enough the monsters were gone, and they were at an open door.
Feeling more like a mausoleum at its appearance, she grins as she sees Cor pacing. This time wearing a black suit, he sees them and pauses.
"Good you're here." The older man stated as he began to talk. Taking note of Noctis's reaction to what he was told, her heart went out to the younger man as he shook in pain. Saying nothing she simply placed a hand on his shoulder. Startled by the movement, he freezes as she just stands there and says nothing. Which to the confusion of the others save Cor, calms him down. His posture stiffening up next, the prince walks forward with his hand out and over the grave. The weapon on top seems to glow as it is lifted up and then vanishes into a light that sinks into his chest. Re-emerging only seconds later to float around him.
It was then at that moment that a voice seemed to emerge around Buffy who blinked several times in confusion.
"Hey you alright?"
Looking up to find Gladio staring at her concern on his face, the petite blonde gives him a sheepish expression. "Sorry, I was thinking."
"Want to talk about it?" The shield responded, concern evident, Buffy found herself interested in the man. I mean what red blooded woman wouldn't be. This guy was the epitome of hotness. He was a package of yummy goodness. Muscles, tats, the whole nine yards was there. The fact that he could keep up with her was such a plus in her book. Still though, she shakes her head to not only answer his question, but to clear her mind. She needs to help Noctis first. Her instincts say this, it will not be easy for him. Already he has lost his father and his home. His grief was bottled up right now. She will be there for him when it breaks. Although, the package in front of her was Gladio. And she really (REALLY) wanted to open it.
Seeing Noctis gesturing for them to come on as he and the other three left, the blonde smiles and points towards them. Taking off after the med, she dives into a small sabertusk pack that was waiting for them. Unaware of the men watching her as she moves flawlessly with a natural grace. Hearing the snicks of a camera as she moves she really has to ask Prompto something.
How the hell is he taking pictures as they fight?
2 hours later
Having moved into the Keycatrich mines, because according to Cor there was a tomb there. Leaving them, to make sure the Nifs weren't watching for them, Buffy took the lead beside Noctis. The slightly younger man's sense of direction plus her inner slayer not only was getting them through. It prepared them for fights. Goblins were here through the dozens and luckily Ignis had a lot of healing items.
The man was wise and incredibly smart. Kind of like Giles, but younger she mused as he tossed a potion to her. Cracking it in her hand as she was taught by Cor briefly when they met. She found herself renewed. Grinning, her senses tell her as Noctis tries to open the door in the middle of a hall, that she needs to go there. Holding her hand up as she pushes him back and stands in front of him. Curiosity on his face, as he and the others watch her focus and only seconds later kick the door hard.
Seeing as it blows open, Prompto just sums up their reaction.
"AWESOME!" the gunner exclaims. "Getting in and out of this creepy mineshaft will be so much easier now."
Happy to oblige, she hurriedly stabs a very large spider as it comes down, shivering in disgust as its guts cover her.
"EWWWWWWWWWW!"
A little smirk of laughter escaping his lips, Buffy promises revenge as Noctis ducks a claw swipe. Watching as he teleports behind an Arachnae, the monster is howling in rage as his sword lands across its back. Nearly dodging what could only be described as a lighting attack, she gets a lift from Gladio when his sword goes under her feet. Lifting her up, she slashes at the primary line of silk forcing the spider beast down. The boys finishing it off, she tackles the one remaining spider easily.
"I hate bugs." Prompto states affirmatively as avoids some guts. Noctis agrees as he looks at a gore covered Buffy who glares at him. Trying to avoid another snicker as she looked like a mess, the woman steadily approached him. Something telling him to run as that look reminded him of the times he and Prompto would get Ignis or Gladio, he gulped. The other three having been smart to not laugh at her appearance they simply backed away.
"Really, you don't like them, do you Princey boy." She said smiling.
"Hate em…Buffy."
"Uh huh." Now right in front of him, covered in red chunks and some unidentifiable goo. "How about I get you up close and personal with them huh." Tackling him, the prince cries out traitors as the other three laugh. The blonde woman makes sure to clean as much of the gore on him. Satisfied as she got up and at least the front of her clothes was a lot better, she couldn't help but grin. "Prompto did you get all that?" The young man grinning as he was trying not to laugh more at his best friend. "I sure did Buffy!" He replied. "Can't wait to show it to the Lady Lunafreya!"
"Prompto, don't you dare!" Watching as Noctis gets flustered and chases after his friend and even resorting to teleportation. The slayer inside her couldn't help but smile. Their gift was death, but it was also love. The prince hadn't blown up yet, but until then scenes like this. It will remind him that there are people in his life who still care.
Finally settling down with a still happy gunman and a reluctant but smiling prince. They resumed their trek further into the old mines. Squeezing through a hole in the cave wall about an hour later, they found themselves in front of another door. This one much bigger and larger,Buffy's senses went into overdrive. Recognizing some of the symbols on it she pulls the others away.
"Something is sealed in there." She replied. "My senses are going off the charts! It feels way too much like a Hellmouth, but I know it's not."
"I take it that's bad and Hellmouth?"
Sighing, she turns to the four men and gestures for them to sit down. "Okay I'm not going into any lengthy discussion. But remember when I told you guys what I can do is similar to what you all called a Glaive?"
Heads nodding, she continued on telling them about Slayers. Listening to what she said, the 4 guys just nodded their acceptance. "So you've been fighting daemons all your life and alone? "Noctis asked.
"Not quite, I was called when I was 16." She replied. "I was lucky then some have been called as young as 13 according to Giles. And as for being alone, I had my friends to back me up. Much like you got us Princey boy."
Making a face as the name started to get on his nerves. "Call me Noct."
"Okay Princey boy!" She answered with a mischievous look as he groaned. Despite that, he smiled at her as she turned around. Aiming for the hole in the cave, they followed her out. Her head tilted towards Noctis, they turn to the right on the path and find themselves in front of a familiar door.
"Jackpot!" Prompto exclaimed as Noctis opened the door. The five entering, they see the tomb for which Buffy notices the prince clench his hands. Knowing that look on his features all too well, she once again comes up behind him. Somehow, she can tell that he knows she's there for him. Relaxing his stance, the fugitive prince raises his hand. The weapon rising up, this one was an ax compared to the sword from before Watching now as it rises up and becomes light as it sinks into Noctis's chest. Remerging to float around him for a time when he needs it, the prince turns around. A tired look on his face that the woman sympathizes with, he gestures for them to come towards him. Her and her fellow blonde taking an arm, Gladio and Ignis a shoulder, seconds later, they leave the Keycatrich mines.