Chrome could not quite recall the last time she had risen alongside the fingers of sunlight, reaching across the skies and into the earth. It colored everything with its radiant hues, the Star sluggishly creeping into position.
She sat upright, clinging the blankets to her bosom with fright. But her shoulders fell, realizing she was not within the confines of that horrid Empiric building, nor the cage. Wiping the sweat of her brow, she glanced down. Gladio was still asleep.
A dark thought was creeping in her skull. Reach down. Cut his throat. Your nails are sharp enough. Quick, easy…painless. But something held her back. She tried to reach but couldn't bring it further. Why was she shaking?
The lies…She had never taken a human's life before. She had told Adagium otherwise. The snarling, snake-like hiss of his words still lingered in her mind, "Kill his companions. Leave the future King of Light to me."
Tears threatened the corners of her eyes. In the heat of the fight, in the shadows of the night, it was so easy to throw everything she had at them. She spotted the scars she had given this tank of a man, feeling queasy. What had she done? This was not her. Despite those six hellish years stuck with them…this was not her.
Gladio rustled, woken by the sound of the chain's rattling. He yawned, prying his eyes towards her. "Morning princess."
She was straight-faced, ever silent.
"Did you rest well?"
She motioned to the cabin interior, "As well as I can under the circumstances."
"What? Worried one of us would kill you?"
The thought never quite passed her mind, but now it filled her with dread. Her stare was unbroken, he waved a massive paw in front of her nose. She was tempted to bite it, but recoiled instead. "Eos to Chrome…?"
"I am peckish. Is the bespeckled one awakened?"
"Why do you talk like that…?"
"Conditioning." She bluntly responded.
"You don't have to act all formal around us. It's…a bit strange honestly. I didn't even like it when Regis talked like that."
The name of the king sent shivers down her back. Many nights she had been succumbed to the tragic tales and dramatic recitals of the daemonic king. Somehow, they never seemed very accurate. If Noctis truly was his son, Ardyn's words had been twisted with malice.
"Ignis should be up, making breakfast. I'm the last to fall asleep, second to last to get up."
Curiosity got the better of her, "Who is the last?"
"His royal majesty." He chuckled, pointing a thumb to the sleeping prince. Chrome was slightly compelled. He sat directly across from her, right next to Gladio. He looked peaceful, harmless. A charm was placed on his pillow, shaped in an oddly familiar pattern. "A messenger…Carbuncle…"
"How'd you know?"
Chrome quickly shut her mouth, trying to think of a way to explain, "I am…familiar with many beasts. It is in my nature to know."
He cocked his eyebrow with suspicion, shrugging it off quickly. "You ready then?"
"Indeed…" She stood alongside him, crowded by the sheer mass of his form. She grunted as she lightly shoved him, digging her nails into his skin ever so slightly. He hollered, swiping her away gently.
Noctis rose quickly, as if coming back from the dead. The sight of him froze the beastmaster. She stared at him for a moment before he relaxed, yawning. "Pavlova day."
"What?" She hissed.
He glanced at her, she almost looked away. "Pavlova. It's uh…a cake. Sort of. You'll see. You should try it. It's really good."
Gladio forced the two to exit, letting the prince walk out and stretch in the sun.
Prompto was already at the table, folding his arms and resting his chin between them on its surface. He pried one sleepy eye open, gently waving at his best friend. Noctis quickly scuttled over, smacking the back of his head. Prompto yelled out, Ignis quickly scolding the two as he worked.
Chrome took in the scene, feeling alien and lost. Her chin fell to her chest.
Gladio sensed something, but she stiffened back up as he looked at her. "Come on, coffee?"
Stiffly, she responded, "I suppose."
She sat with Gladio, separated by only a few feet of chain. It clunked upon the table's surface, fully waking their sharpshooter. Prompto squinted at her, "Oof…nasty scars. Do they hurt?"
Her mouth grew a deep scowl, "Silence, whelp."
"Sheesh…serves me right for asking."
"She's sure sharp." Noctis simply pondered, languidly piercing a fork the space between his fingers.
"Noctis, please stop." Ignis prompted, lowering his plate down first. The future king took no time to dive into the dessert presented. It was fluffy, coated with a strange icing and plump slices of fruit. Chrome began to salivate as she watched the inner coating flaking off in the fork, Noctis pressing the pieces into his maw.
"What, is the advisor your mother, prince?"
"Like you would know what one is…"
Chrome found her fist pounding on the table against her will. Her mouth was fully open now, panting. Rage filled her eyes. Noctis recoiled.
Gladio pressed his hand to her clavicle, pushing her back. "Easy…"
Prompto frowned deeply as he was handed his share. He quietly began to eat. Ignis set the other two plates down. Chrome awkwardly worked her way around the chains and cuff, finding her fork. Another thought drove through her brain. Dig it into his flesh. He's right there. Do it!
She lifted it, stabbing the ends into her cake. She took a large bite, letting its flavor melt. Something inside her was melting too. The sweetness of it was delicate. It had a savory crisp crunch inside, and she gnawed it quietly.
"You're…crying…" Ignis paused as he sat down, coffee steaming from his mug.
Chrome reached up, touching her wet cheeks. She only looked at the three sets of eyes across the table, then to Gladio. A knowing stare fell her way. She did not answer, and continued to eat while choking back sobs.
Gladio switched Chrome's handling to Ignis. To her genuine surprise, the tactician was well built and could handle her tugging. Gladio had snuck off with Noctis behind the caravan before they prepared to board their black vessel. She remained quiet, trying to overhear snippets of their conversation echoing across the desert heat.
"She….Shield…knew…" The tower of a man was loud, even when he was attempting silence.
"The Empire…really…" The prince was far more docile.
"Driving?" She briefly snorted to Ignis.
"Usually." He was just as curt as she was. A worthy opponent. She gave him a wry smirk, "What, don't trust your wonderful future king? You really do mother him."
Ignis did not respond, only moving to adjust his gloves and the cuff. He stiffly moved his jacket over his arms, sneaking it off. It limply hung on the chains. "Ah…I thought I could get around that."
"Smart." She began to reach for it, but he waved her off, "No, don't. You'll scratch it with those nails. I'll just suffer with the heat for now."
A roll of thunder began to sweep across the skies. Thick, bellowing clouds tumbled from the distance, closing in. "Ah, a blessed day. Ramuh must be in a good mood to bestow the desert with a rain shower.
We'll have to use the roof then."
Rain. Not snow. "Wait…" She urged.
He cocked his head. Her words almost sounded desperate. She held her hand out to him, "May I…stand in it…for just a moment? I know it is an odd request."
"Not odd at all. It will be here soon. But we cannot stay too much longer. We are bound for the Disc of Cauthis."
Her breath caught in her throat. The sky opened up. Prompto cried out as he rushed into the car, shaking off excess droplets. Noctis and Gladiolus sauntered inside, exchanging a few glances with their new 'companion'.
Chrome felt the water of the sky flowing from her scalp to the nape of her neck. It was brisk, and cool. It pooled in her hands. Ignis slowly coaxed her within. She still stared at her palms as he pressed the seatbelt around her form. Her thoughts focused and she breathed out, watching the scenery slowing changing outside as the Regalia rolled along.
"Titan." Chrome repeated her mother's lesson. The city of Lestallum was growing on the horizon. The car puttered and coughed, its tires groaning with sheer age. "He's…our family's patron god."
"Good!" Carole praised, before silently cursing a slow driver ahead of them. She made a rude gesture as she sped around it. "Don't do that…"
"Okay mom."
"What else can you tell me about Titan? Mommy needs a bit of a distraction from these…" She thought, "City drivers!"
"Hm…" Chrome watched the environment change, the landscape slowly being consumed away by the hand of human progress. Trees faded, replaced with buildings. Animals became humans, dotted around.
Carole groaned as they were stuck in a heavy traffic flow.
Chrome whistled then giggled, "We have Titan as our guardian god because he has dominon over the earth. The earth and its creatures too. So we therefore are harnessing some of his magic to use when we do beast taming!"
"Yes! You're so smart!" Carole lifted her hand, the two giving each other a high-five. "UNLIKE THESE GOD'S DAMNED…!"
"MOM!" She gasped, "No yelling in the car!"
"Sorry love." Carole pressed her hand against her cheek with frustration, groaning. "It's just…I really wanted to you to get to see him before the sunset today. It's your birthday after all. Now we're going to be late."
"Oh mom, it's okay." She lovingly pat Carole's hand with a big, full grin. "We can just get a big slice of pavlova tonight to make up for it!"
"Fine!" She rolled her eyes, pulling the car into an open spot. "We'll rest up at the hotel then, no camping tonight."
"That's okay. I wanted a bed anyway. Birthday girl wishes!"
Carole grumbled, "Hopefully we can actually find someone who sells your silly cake here."
The two spent the rest of the evening admiring Lestallum's grand sights. Palm trees swayed and danced to the tropical rhythm of the street musicians. Dogs barked as they dashed up and down alleyways. The heady scent of the food stalls tempted them. Chrome fiercely demanded a freshly grilled burger, biting away as she kicked up her feet on the edge of a fountain.
"This place is crazy!" She pointed at a man in an oversized moogle costume, holding balloons. Carole sighed and plucked one out for her, shaped like a glittery star. She brought it back, handing it over after kissing her daughter's forehead.
After searching the street vendors once more, they finally came upon a dessert stand. And behold, her beloved pavlova was there. The two carried their goods in full hands, giggling amongst each other at couples trying to sneak kisses in shadowy alleys.
"Mom…" Chrome vaguely mentioned as they entered the wide space of the main hotel. Carole gave her a signal to hold her thought as she was purchasing a room. "Damnit…they didn't have anything big. Sorry kid. No king sizes tonight."
"That's okay!"
"What did you want to ask me, dear?" She quietly reached for a pamphlet, an informational about Titan. She pried it open, biting her lip with concern as the concierge led them to their room.
"Did you ever fall in love?"
Carole's heart became heavy. The door was unlocked, the two given a key and led inside. "Goodnight Animalia family. Rest well." He quietly shut it behind him.
"Well…" Carole was still trying to sort her answer out, "I did. And he…was a very good man."
"What was his name?" She swooned, opening her box. She quickly pried into her food with open hands, shoving it into her mouth.
Carole smiled gently at the icing smearing her daughter's cheeks, "It was Atticus. He was a gentle man. He loved me bunches. But he was in the military, serving the king." She told a small lie, "The pin on our altar is his."
"He's…gone…isn't he?"
Carole only nodded. She sat close to Chrome, whose eyes were filling with tears. "Oh sweetheart. It's okay. I'm sorry. He would have loved you so much."
"Don't remarry! You can't! You loved him so much!" She pressed her sticky hands around her mother's side. Carole chuckled, "Chrome…I'm not even seeing anyone."
"So where do you go when you leave?"
Carole thought again, "I just visit some old friends…that's all. It's nothing romantic, whatsoever. I promise."
"Oh!" She let her go, continuing to eat her dessert. Carole groaned as she wiped the icing from her day dress. "Chrome, you got me all sticky!"
"Sorry!" She reached for her glass of icy water and guzzled it down, giving a light burp. The two laughed with each other before Chrome rushed to the bathroom to wash up and dress in her new pajamas. She jumped out, coated from head to toe in a onesie shaped like a ram. "Ah! I'm a BEASTMASTER! ROAR!"
"Oh no! Don't tame me!" Carole pretended to falter, shaping her fingers like horns. She ran away, causing Chrome to get on all fours to chase her. "Watch out! I've got my axe!"
"Ah, no! Not the axe!"
As hard as she tried, Carole could not outrun her. Chrome pounced, knocking the two onto a bed. They screeched and flailed, tossing pillows at one another until the door rattled, "Quiet hours, please!"
They shamefully stared at each other, bellies rolling with laughter. Carole finally got into her own, matching set of pajamas just as the room began to shake. Chrome squealed with gentle fear. "It's okay honey…" She sat close, "It's just Titan. He's dreaming. Sleeping away. Waiting for the true king to awaken him."
"Aw! He's just a big ol kid too!"
"Maybe…" She tucked her under the covers. "Dream well. We'll be seeing him tomorrow."
Chrome's eyes finally pried open. The air had changed. It was heavy with moisture, as if the rain had danced along the car's path. A warm, wet heat flowed through her hair, the top of the car was now pried down.
Her breath caught in her throat, staring at the city line of Lestallum. She gripped the seat hard, biting down. In a panic she reached over, taking the wheel from Ignis' hands. He nearly jerked it away, swerving the car to the side of the road. The other three men cried out as they were toppled onto their sides.
"What gives?" Noctis grunted with impatience, his angered face quickly softening as he saw the pale face of Chrome. Her chest was rising and falling, eyes wide and staring, mouth quivering dryly.
"Are…you okay?" Prompto reached out. She roared and slapped his hand away, "Don't fucking touch me, swine!"
"Okay…! Shit!"
Ignis sighed, "I think it's time we stepped out then. Gladio, Noctis, Prompto…please go on ahead. Feel free to do what you need. Come back when you have ample supply."
"Oh I saw some herd of animals over there…we could start getting meat for dinner tonight?" Prompto offered.
"Sounds good to me." Gladio nodded, "Cup noodles with big slices of steak."
"We are NOT eating cup noodles tonight! That's Lestallum, city of spices and exotic wares…" Noctis prattled on as the three distanced themselves.
Ignis crossed his arms. Chrome's mouth finally shut. She felt his stare, glancing over. "What? Going to dispose of me?"
"No. I noticed…you have night terrors. Don't you?"
"I don't know what you're talking about?"
"Why are you being so uncouth? Why did you even want to kill us that night? Your behavior is irrational…"
She snarled, "You wouldn't even begin to understand."
"Try me."
"Fourteen." She frowned.
"Pardon?"
"They took me at fourteen." She threw the cuffed hand out, pointing in the direction of the prince, "And now, I'm stuck with the very people I've been trained to destroy since that time! Yes, they treated me kindly at first. But soon I was subjected to cruel, long days. It was hell. And every day I lost part of myself. I only wanted my freedom. Is that good enough for you, bastard? What else do you want me to do? Kneel and suck your cock?"
Ignis was unfazed. "I see."
"You DO NOT!" She lunged his way, but he quickly dodged.
He produced his dual knives, sticking them up to her chin. She lifted her palms up in surrender. He quietly lowered them, staring her down, "Unlike his majesty, I do not carry much sympathy for those who wish harm upon my brothers. You try to harm us, you will be struck down. Now…answer my questions please."
"Shoot." She spat a wad of saliva onto his shoe.
He winced, quickly wiping it in the grass, "Did the empire give you that tattoo?"
"What?" She looked to her left wrist, "No. I've had that since I can remember. Why is that important?" Her eyes glimmered with a knowing stare.
Ignis grunted, "No. When is your birthday?"
"What…fuck you. I won't tell you that!" She flailed her arms out to her sides with disbelief.
"You and him have several matching details! I just…need to know why."
"Well, you won't get that information from me, sir." She crossed her arms tightly, sticking her nose high in the air to glower, "Sorry."
"You took on the task to destroy the prince's retainers. But just them."
"Yes. I was told the king was to be dealt with from my…commander."
"I suppose you won't tell me who that is."
"I will not."
The stare down continued. Ignis sighed, "I suppose there's no getting through to you in this state. But can you answer just one more thing…please." He took off his glasses and lowered his head, "Why were you crying this morning?"
His sincere gesture threw her off. She stepped back lightly, turning to look at the city. "A memory. That's all. It hurt to remember."
"I…am sorry." He replaced his spectacles, "You are in good company Chrome. As much as my comrade will tease, we will not be harming you. Unless you truly intend to carry out your suicidal mission. Gladio will not kill you…he has his reasons not to. But you try. I will be the one who ends you." His voice was icy behind his polite Tenebrean accent. "Do you understand?"
"I do." She felt herself faltering under his stare, his pale green eyes like sharp daggers.
Before long, the other three arrived back. Gladio had a heavy sack strapped to his shoulders, shuddering at the texture, "Ugh…the only bad thing is the dressing then the carrying."
"I am not touching that." Prompto grimaced as he rushed past the two with a cocked eyebrow. He didn't want to get involved, hopping into his seat once more. "Nice and warm!"
Noctis watched Ignis and Chrome before quietly opening his door, slinking in his throne. He yawned, "It's getting close to lunch now isn't it. Can't we at least go check out the vendors before we get to the hotel?"
"If you want…" Gladio frowned. "But make it snappy."
Ignis quivered the chains. "You will be going to the hotel right away. I'll drop you off with Iris before we park the Regalia."
"Iris?" She asked as he snaked back to the car. The weight of the cuff was gnawing into her bones. She gripped at its exterior, fighting the need to show her pain.
"Gladiolus' sister. She's younger than you. But she has as much power as her brother. The Amicitia family is well known for their strength. She is no exception."
Chrome shivered. If Gladio was built the way he was, she anxiously pictured how massive this Iris might be as well.
The car paused as it entered the city, just barely into its busy alleys and fountains. Chrome's eyes wandered nervously with anticipation, her memories clear and bright. She saw her mother's face in every woman's smile, staring past each set of eyes and fighting the hurt that lingered under her skin.
A young girl with short, dark hair was walking closer and closer. Chrome blinked, glancing back to Ignis. "This is Iris?"
"Yes." The tactician confirmed.
The girl was much shorter than Chrome imagined, even shorter than her. Her face was rounder and bubblier than her brother's, although she still sported the same amber-brown eyes. She was bouncy, looking slick in her sleeveless black top and short plaid skirt.
"Oh Iggy warned me about you. Chrome right?"
She only gave her a hum as affirmation.
"Alright…" She held out her hand. Ignis handed her the cuff. Iris grasped it tightly, waving them off. The Regalia vanished from sight. "Come on…let's get you to the hotel."
Iris came close. She winced as she felt her undo the clasp of her shackle. "I'm not gonna parade you around. But hold my hand. Don't let go."
She flinched. Every instinct told her to bolt. But against her inner desire, she latched onto Iris' hand and gave her a nod. They began to walk.
Chrome only looked at her feet as they meandered through the streets of the city. She did not have the strength to look any higher. She could barely stand the smells and sounds. Everything was so painful. Every reverberation of a child's laughter dug a knife through her heart. Every scent of searing meats ripped a hole in her stomach. Every sob and laugh and swell of music made her ears throb and ring.
"Hey…you're awfully pale. You need to sit?"
"No. Take me to the room please."
They entered an alley, passing a few vendors and a fountain. The same one she had sat on so long ago, kicking her feet over its edge, watching it flow. Her eyes widened. She found that her stomach twisted, and she could not stand it any longer. Vomit protruded, she wretched and expelled every fluid within her stomach on the side of a nearby building, grasping at its bricks.
Iris was holding her back, saying muffled words, "Are…okay?"
"Fine…I just need…to rest…"
Iris grabbed her wrist, dragging her along. "Don't make me pick you up!" She warned, Chrome moving a bit faster at her demand.
Quickly the concierge helped, getting the room. It was quite spacious, bigger than the one she had stayed in the past. It even had a set of leather furniture. Chrome fell heavy into the closest bed. Iris rushed to get her a glass of water, but by the time she had returned, the beastmaster fell into a heavy slumber. Just as the quakes began.