Her pale fingers wrapped tightly around the metal bars. A snarl filled her lips. Her eyes darted around, spotting the figures approaching.
It was the second day here. She growled, forming her hands into claws as one of the men approached.
Four of them had struck her down during the raid, failing to kill her. She knew them by heart.
The description Ardyn had provided was deadly accurate. This one was Ignis. He had signature brown locks, shaped into a strange, spikey tower atop his head. A pair of glasses bridged his nose, nearly covering his pale green eyes. In his gloved hands, a plate neatly balanced atop. He carefully leaned down, opening the small door.
"This is despicable…" He muttered, carefully inching the food within the cage. The wild girl snarled, leaping over with teeth bared. Before she could take a bite, the tactician had already shut the door, recoiling his hand close to his chest. "Keeping this girl like a wild animal."
"Well, she should stop acting like one then." A gravely voice echoed from the shadows. She sniffed at the food, trying to recall when she last ate like a human being. The one approaching was the one she feared the most. He was massive, built like a tower with ink running under his tight skin. His hair was long, silky, and black tumbling down his back effortlessly. He had amber-brown eyes that pierced through the blackest night. He had been the one to finally knock her down. Ardyn had warned her of him: Gladiolus, the king's Shield.
She began to tear into the beast's leg that she had been offered. It was a fowl of some sort. It was intensely savory. It caused her to slow down, a flash of recollection growing fondly in her stomach. For the first time in ages, she could clearly see herself in the reflection of the platter below.
No older than twenty-five, behind a dirtied face were dotted freckles across a pale face. Black bags hung from crystal blue eyes. A matted wad of blonde hair reached to the nape of her neck. Tears filled her eyes, as she reached to touch the plate, her wrist still marked with the striped ink. Still, she could not help but to gnaw at the leftover bones.
The prince himself began to ponder, "Why does she look like…?". She narrowed her gaze, glaring at him. Bent over, she growled. Beastly, fierce. Scared. Noctis was a handsome man, she could not deny it.
Something soft in his face reflected. She could see scatterings of his ancestry in his expression.
'Do not pity this monster'. She thought, as if he could hear what was inside her head.
"I don't know…" The boy with her face replied, "It's creeping me out." Prompto Argentum. A voice of malice had come from Izuna's lips when he pronounced the sharpshooter's name to her. A clone of the man who had captured him so long ago. But he looked nothing like Father. Father was old and ruined. This man was still in his prime, with not a care in the world behind his sparkling blue orbs. His hair was just as sunshine blonde, and his freckles nearly perfectly matched hers. It shamed her that they were of the same brood. She stared at the wristband on his arm.
She stood up and skulked over to the bars closest to him. A snarl emerged as she swiped his way. He jumped back, hiding behind the prince with a high-pitched yell.
"You needn't hide it. Expose it. They're your friends, aren't they?" Her voice was muted with disuse, rumbling and caked with fear.
"What the hell? What are you…?" Prompto gasped, "Wait, you can talk."
"Of course I can talk, daft boy." She scoffed, "Did you really take me for less than human?"
"She speaks archaically…" Ignis mused, pressing his glasses up with thought.
Gladiolus scoffed, "You would know." He leaned against the bars near her. She began to swipe, but was caught off guard when the Shield effortlessly grabbed her writhing hand, "Hey, easy. Don't wanna break those long nails of yours."
"Let me go, you swine!" She demanded with a roar, struggling but she could not out-perform his grasp. "I will ruin you."
"I'd like to see you try." He lowered himself to her level, giving a deathly stare. Forced breaths escaped through her nose, she did not break away from his eyes. Her chest fluttered up and down, like a rabbit caught in a snare, "You're no daemon. Why were you working alongside them?"
"I won't tell your kin. You were supposed to die last night."
"She's with the Empire then…"
"Odd. She doesn't seem like she's of their kin. There's something about her…" Ignis pondered, biting his lip.
"We should give her some space for now. I don't think she's going to answer to us anytime soon." Noctis commanded. Two nodded with understanding. Gladiolus stayed behind, turning to them, "Let me try something, okay?"
"Oh boy, time for the ladykiller to work his magic…" Prompto waved, taunting him before Noctis grabbed him by the shirt, dragging him off. A door opened, letting in the morning light before shutting hard.
Gladiolus crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. From what she could gather, they were in a garage of some sort. There was a trickle of light coming in from the sole window behind them. It was unclear, but the atmosphere was dry and there was a distinct smell of cooking food wafting in, mixing with the scent of oil and gasoline. Perhaps this was Hammerhead? Being this close to The Crown City might be dangerous, even if the kingdom had been overrun by their forces.
The Shield finally broke his stance, clenching his teeth and jaw. A formidable foe. She gave a morose chuckle as he clutched the bars, "What? Want to try subduing me again?"
"You sure know how to flirt." The irony in his voice was thick, "Who exactly are you? Why do you look so much like Prompto?"
She was silent, lips in a straight line. He opened the small door, beginning to reach for her platter. She gasped, "No!" and dove for his hand. He did not flinch, allowing her claw into it and draw blood.
He slowly brought his hand back, pouting, "Tell me before I take away your food."
"I do not have anything to tell you, Loyal Shield." Her tone was sarcastic, teasing. Gladio narrowed his eyes. He pulled up a chair, sitting forcefully, "I've got all day."
"Your kingdom has fallen, and the prince's bride awaits. Who knows what horrid things await the beautiful Oracle." She snickered, but ceased upon seeing his fierce scowl.
"You targeted us. Purposefully. And you were controlling the daemons…" He reached out and from the air itself, an axe on a pole arm materialized. She knew something had been missing! It was standard size and shape, having a signature curve, deep obsidian black. He also revealed her other missing item, her helm. A beautifully designed one with curving horns that sat perfectly at her skull. "With these…"
"Give them back!" She cried out with a shrill tone.
"Unlikely. Can't risk having you break out of that carefully crafted cage. Cid really does think of everything. So what's the deal…?" He held the helm up, hovering it over her.
"I have a remarkable ability, one that was bestowed upon me by the darkness to allow me to control beasts and daemons…" She hissed. "They are the only thing I have that connects me still to my…humanity."
"You're still human." He set her things down on the chair and approached the cage. He clasped his fingers around the bars, letting her claw into his skin again. When it was apparent he would not let go, she backed down and stared to the blood running down his skin. She watched as it flowed and then looked at her nails. A slight tinge of guilt spread in her eyes, quickly replaced by knit eyebrows, "Why do you stand there and take it? Do you like to hurt?"
He winced, "No…It hurts like hell. But you're still a person. Noctis wanted me to try to help you. So I'm going to try at the very least. I don't want to fail him of all people."
"So very loyal. Disgusting."
He stared her down, a softness to his grizzled face, "Do you have a name?"
"Why would you ever want to know?"
"Well, if you're going to kill me, I'd at least like to know the name of the one who will slice my throat."
"How very romantic." She scoffed, lingering close, "It is Chrome."
"Last name?"
She bit her lip, drawing a small trickle of blood. "Animalia. Not like that matters any longer…" She found strange comfort flowing from within, speaking that name from so long ago. Her hands found their way around her upper half, and she squat down, back turned to the man. "Leave me."
"Okay." He finally let go of the bars. "We need to run out for a while, but we'll be back later tonight. If you get hungry, yell for Cid. There's water bottles. We can bring you some pillows and blankets for later if you behave. Sorry about the uh…" He motioned to the bucket in the back, complete with sanitary objects. She frowned at them: toilet paper, wet wipes…pads? "Not my idea but it was the safest we could do. I have a sister, so I know these things happen…"
"Why do you pity me so? I almost destroyed you."
"We have our reasons. You promise you're not going to off yourself, right?"
The corners of her lip turned sour, "Fuck you."
He saluted as he opened the door, "See ya, Chrome."
It was the first time in many, many years she had heard her name spoken with such softness. Her hands reached out, but the door shut. She was alone, truly. Tears began to collect at her eyes. Against all wishes, she shut her eyes and remembered.
It had simply been fate. The soldier had taken a wrong turn. As her comrades fought against Adagium and his hellish daemonic force, she was still trying to find her way through the labyrinthine halls of the laboratory. A strange room called out, lingering on the edge of her vision.
It was shockingly comforting, yet still sterile and harsh. Surrounding the vessels were monitors, calculations, vials, and cameras. A baby lay within each of the two strange vessels, shaped vaguely like cradles.
The monitors upon the fronts described them:
Subject A. Male. Perfect copy genetically, with additional diversity to prevent the ailments that I have personally suffered from. Note: take further models from this specimen.
Subject B: Became too enthralled and displaced genetic sequencing at base level. This one is imperfect. DNA is all but the same save for the base chromosomal level, a mistake on my own behalf. Female. Still has potential for further experiments. Change marking to sequence differently for potential copying at later point.
She watched the babies, sleeping away. They were both so perfect, content in their containers. Each had a tattoo on their wrist. Subject A had it on his right, Subject B on her left. Beyond a few mismatching freckles and wrinkles, the two were extremely similar. She said a small prayer as she found a monitor, locating its power source. Quickly, she disposed of it and the cradles opened with a woosh, waking the infants within. Soon they howled, their warm bodies now in contact with the chilled air.
She quickly ran to them, scooping them up. She soothed them, and soon they were calmer. She couldn't leave them here…but she could not assist her comrades with the infants in tow. Against orders, she fled back to their vessel.
"Two?" Mrs. Argentum stared at the soldier's arms. She leaned into her husband, who toted a pipe in thought. It had nearly been a year since the two had been recovered, taken back to the Crown City.
The soldier nodded, "Indeed…" She frowned softly, "It will be very hard to let them go. They've been such wonderful children. The prince even found some interest in their playdates…"
Mr. Argentum grumbled, "We are very busy. Both of us work now with your security systems…"
"I understand." The soldier frowned, "I suppose…I can take one…but Regis and I will have to discuss it. I cannot be a mother and work for the crown. It would be far too dangerous. It does not matter to me which you pick, but please, I would like a name."
The new parents stared at the two for a long time. Finally, Mr. Argentum plucked the male baby up, taking him into his arms. He smiled gently, letting his wife hold him. "When we first were trying, we were wanting a son."
The soldier beamed, "He will be very happy here, I assure you."
"If you cannot be a soldier with the crown, where will you go?"
She frowned, "I will most likely have to leave the city. I will be allocated to the Hunters Guild, I am sure. We…have had this discussion before. It is something I am willing to do, for the happiness of my daughter. But, as she is a product of the Empire, as is your son, it would be unsafe for us to contact you. It is enough risk having her away from the City."
"How sad…"
"Perhaps one day, when the Empire faulters and fails, we can have peace. And our families will be reunited. I will tell her of her brother when she is old enough to understand. I just pray we are doing the right thing."
"We don't even know your name, ma'am." Mr. Argentum noted, as the soldier began to walk away. She turned at the edge of the sidewalk. Her blazing red hair was a fire in the morning light. Her brown eyes shone with pride and she bowed, "I am Carole Animalia. I was chosen for the crown's guard specifically for my ability to help tame animals. I hope…to pass this onto her as well." She nodded, "Chrome."
"Prompto." They responded. The baby opened his eyes, squealing as he reached out. Chrome did the same. Carole bit her lip with a heavy heart, carrying her farther and farther away from her twin brother.
Carole stood before Regis that afternoon. She knelt deeply before him, infant propped above her head. He frowned deeply, holding her shoulder, "Are you quite sure? We could keep her here…"
She stood, meeting his eyes. She cradled the fussy Chrome, "I am sure, your Highness. It is for the best, I believe. The Empire will be searching for them. It is dangerous to have them both here. Who knows what they were planning with these poor children. Beyond that, I have always wanted to be a mother. I should have considered that before my acceptance to your services…"
"You are a very selfless woman, Carole." He chuckled, "You have always been one of my favorites. I can accept a loss when it is for the greater good. You are allowed to be selfish in this instance. If it were me, I would have done the very same thing."
"We will miss you." She found her eyes watering over.
"I will remain in contact. And if time serves well, you are always welcome to visit." He picked up her hand and kissed her ring. The tears flowed over, dribbling down her cheeks. "Is Aulea well? May I say farewell?"
"Of course, Carole. Please, she is with the prince."
Aulea was a marvel of beauty, enchanting and pure. Her hair was dark as night, and eyes just as black. Her loveliness was enhanced by the greenery of their indoor garden, scented heavily with lilac and early summer honeysuckle. The prince, barely a toddler, was chuffing about with fat baby cheeks.
"Crawling already…?" Carole softly introduced, letting herself into a gentle embrace with the queen, "You must be proud."
"He is just like his father." Aulea's face was pale with illness, one Regis had been working nonstop to find a cure for. She weakly pat the seat beside her on the bench, eying her husband. "Regis, you can let us be. The baby's not going to make me sicker, I promise."
"Yes, love." He scooped in to steal a kiss, Carole glancing sideways with reddened cheeks. "Call for aide when you are ready to return."
"I shall my love." The king made his leave, greeted by another arrival of councilman.
Aulea turned to her friend, "My apologies…I know you miss yours dearly."
"Life happens. Our world is fraught with danger. It was a risk we both took when we wed, knowing we were in the crowns' army." She paused and adjusted Chrome. She revealed a bottle and sighed, propping it into her welcoming lips. "If only he were here to see her."
"She's so beautiful…" Aulea frowned, "You're…not staying are you?"
"No Aulea…I am sorry. I just…want what is best for her. And honestly, between you and I…I'm tired of seeing death. I saw what happened to the others at that lab. It was...ghastly. Inhuman."
Aulea leaned back, watching her son as their black cat approached. He reached out with curiosity, the creature approaching and letting him pet it. The two women swooned in a motherly fashion, laughing gently amongst each other.
Aulea began to cough, at first it was soft, but it grew into a fit, ending with her coating a fresh handkerchief in blood. Carole reached out her hand to place it on hers, "Perhaps it is best that you are leaving. I am not long for this world."
"Aulea…please don't say that…the king…Noctis…"
"They will live well, even without me. I will watch him from the realm of our Gods."
"I am sorry…not even the Oracle can cure this?"
"She is still young; her power has not grown yet. I have accepted this."
"Oh, Aulea…" They embraced once more. The queen found herself crying, dabbing the tears away silently. "I wish you could stay. But fate calls for a different way. It must be this way. Perhaps, in another world, in another life, things would have been different. But this is what we are given. I am so grateful I was able to know you. You have been a good friend, and a loyal soldier."
"I shall be turning in my uniform in upon my leave. Please, take it with you. It may help protect you in your final hours."
"I will." Aulea promised. The two women kissed each other's wet cheeks. The queen scooped her son into her arms. Carole pressed her lips upon the prince's forehead, "May he walk tall with his father."
"And may your daughter be protected by the Astrals." The queen pressed her lips to Chrome's forehead. The prince reached out, grabbing at her foot as Chrome kicked gently. The women softly laughed, slowly parting ways again.
"Perhaps, someday…they'll be friends."
"I'd like to think so." Carole nodded, "Farewell, your Majesty."
"Farewell, dear Carole."