Chrome's body moved on its own. She exited the camper. Prompto had been the only one to notice, as Ignis was pressing his chin down into his chest. He quietly followed her in the shadows. She moved so strangely.

Her body stopped in a strange grove, there were remnants of a home that had been long weather beaten and burnt. Most of its spaces had been overgrown, there was evidence of a rune-infused fence that once lined the property. She stared down at a certain spot, touching the earth.

Prompto approached her, clicking on his light. She noticed suddenly, turning around. Her face startled him. Circles were dark, shading under her eyes. Her countenance appeared lost, frightened.

"How did you get out?" She almost lunged towards him, but her body refused to move. Her voice had the echoes of the cold and raw bellows she once held so fiercely towards them.

Prompto flinched, "What are you talking about?"

"The containment area…how…?" She frustrated scoffed, focusing, "Oh. No. Apologies. I need to survey this area."

"What…is going on with you?" He inched backwards.

"It was here." She simply responded, her smile inching across her face, then drooping back down. "It was right…here."

Prompto's skin was crawling, but he swallowed his fears. "Chrome…you're tired. Come on, let's go back."

"Of course, Alpha. You were the one they favored anyway." She allowed her hand to outstretch towards him. Prompto gently took her tattooed wrist. He glanced side to side, and behind him, ensuring he was not followed. He inched his wristband off, reflecting his own brand. Beyond a few numbers, theirs were identical. "Who are you Chrome?"

"I don't know." She was telling the truth. No light glimmered in her eyes. "I used to. And now it's gone. Leave me." She fell into the grass, coiling around it in a fetal position, "Let me die with her."

Prompto knelt next to her, pressing his palm to her back, his voice cracking, "H…Hey…no…don't be like that. You're Chrome Animalia. Beast Master extraordinaire! You're crazy strong. You like animals and you're really spunky. You draw really well and you have this aura that just blends in so well with the guys. You were just really hurt. Come on…" He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and lifted her up, pressing her body against his front. She curled around his arms, whimpering. "I just wish I knew why you were so like me."

"I know." She swallowed past a swollen tongue, "But I can't tell you. You need to learn on your own. I'm sorry. It…It will break you." Her form was still limp, numb. She stared at her hands, "How do I keep going? How do I still keep moving forward? How do I stand tall when so much has been taken from me?"

"We are all in this together…" Prompto firmly told, propping her up as he stood. He let her lean on his form as they shuffled back towards the RV. "I…understand how you feel. Gladio and Ignis were born into their roles. But me? I'm a pleb. I'm nothing compared to them. And on top of it, I was stupid enough to fall in love with my best friend."

Chrome managed a weak chuckle, "I fell in love with my best friend too. And it broke my heart. It was my own fault. I should have known it would never last…we both did but denied every instance of reality." She stared at him intensely as they paused, "I won't tell him. I promise. I'm sorry…I just wanted to know."

"Chrome…what happened at that place?"

"That's where the Empire captured me. That is where my mother became a daemon and died." Stabbed more like. By the very person who transformed her. She shakily pointed to the spot she had fallen into, "And I saw it all."

He winced and covered his mouth for a moment., "Shit…Chrome…I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

She held him, her limbs finally coming to life, "No. None of this is your fault. And I'm…I've been…" She sniffled, "I love you Prompto…I just want you to be okay."

It wasn't a romantic declaration. That was for sure. His soul felt like it had made a strange connection, swallowing dryly. He leaned his head against hers, feeling the pulse in her temple. As if it would help him understand, help him figure things out. "I love you too Chrome. I'm glad you're here with us…really."

"Okay." She gripped his side tighter and they walked softly back. He lowered her down into the chair. "I will keep going. So long as you do too."

"I'm doing my best." He forced a smile. "Do I need to throw you into Gladio's bed again or…?"

"Fuck, you found out."

"It was hard to ignore." He giggled, "You've got a thing for him, don't you?"

Her expression changed, hanging her head, "I'm not sure yet. It's very…complicated. I'm still hurt. From a lot of things."

He sunk his hands into his pockets, "Well, if things go the way we planned, he's gonna need a plus two for the wedding party. Despite his flirtatious notions, he tends to shy away from serious dating. Moreso cause he's worried he won't be good enough…I think."

"That's…good to know?" A yawn broke her remaining thoughts. "I don't even know how to dance at a royal ball."

"I can show you later. Come on…" He plucked her back up, "You're cotting with me then."

"Why?"

"Not sure. But someone needs to pin you down, apparently." He pushed her through the RV's doors, pointing up.

She clambered up to the upper bunk bed, avoiding Noct's fingers wrapped around the ladder bars. Her body squished against the wall again. He propped a pillow against the railing, sinking himself into it.

Prompto was much thinner than Gladio, it was nice to have room. But there was a strange comfort about him. They finally felt like proper siblings, despite his lack of knowledge. Perhaps somewhere, deep down, he knew.

He turned his back to hers, their spines meeting gently. "Goodnight, Chrome…"

"Goodnight Prom…" She shut her eyes, allowing herself to finally sleep.

Another day came and went much the same. No news had been brought forth regarding the Regalia. Ignis found himself fed up with the whole ordeal, announcing to unanimous agreement that the Empire had it in its clutches.

A stranger appeared one day, as clouds began to rush in and fill the skies. Chrome cautiously remained at the RV, watching the four converse with her. A dog bolted off, and the woman vanished without a trace.

"What was that about?" She asked as they came back, saddling their birds. She started to, but Gladio shook his head, "Sorry princess, this one's for us only."

"Why?"

"God business and such." Noctis frowned. "It was bad enough asking you to help with Titan of all things."

"Actually, if you could, would you mind going back to see if Iris is okay? She was never really great with storms." Gladio asked. Just as he finished speaking, a rolling bolt filled the sky with a roar.

"And this one might take a while to clear up, depending on where we need to go for it…"

She gave an understanding nod, despite the frown.

With a heartfelt wave, she saw the men off as they scrambled into the green distance. It was like a dream, they vanished into the fog. It left her feeling empty. She glanced to her phone, sending a message to Iris. Rain started to pour, heavy and pelting. It was no natural storm. She quickly gathered her own bird, making way along the roads towards Lestallum.

Iris sat at the hotel's entrance impatiently. Chrome parked her bird outside the city limits, rushing inside as fast as she could manage. She was dripping wet, shaking off. "Never thought I'd be one to complain about a rainshower…"

Iris smiled gently, offering her a towel. Chrome gladly took it. "The room's still free…" She said sadly, holding tightly onto the oversized moogle doll she clutched.

"What's wrong?"

"Storms…hate em."

"Okay. Let's go upstairs and we can make a cup of tea…calm your nerves a bit."

Iris clutched Chrome's arm and frowned, whimpering a bit as the lighting struck again. "What's even going on?"

"King duties, apparently. They didn't let me go this time."

"This time?"

"I…helped them subdue Titan."

"Oh man, that was you guys making all that noise? We were scared shitless over here!"

The elevator dinged, signaling opening doors. She still clung hard onto the beast master's arm. Chrome pat her hand, "Easy, your grip…I just don't need more bruises."

"Sorry…"

The elevator rose, and they arrived to their floor. She signaled towards the room. It was the same as before, the one she had spent so much time recovering in. It felt so much more empty without the others here. Iris reluctantly let her go. Chrome shuffled to the kitchen area, parting the cupboard doors. There was luckily a few pre-made satchels of tea, a good whiff told her it was chamomile. Perfect for calming the nerves. She set a full kettle on the stove, going back to Iris' side. The girl stuck herself under Chrome's arm.

Chrome awkwardly hugged her back, rubbing it down. The second time now she had to comfort someone on this royal brigade.

"What usually helps you with this…?"

"Gladio does. But we're getting older, and I know he can't protect me forever."

She sighed, "How old are you then?"

"Fifteen?"

"And still afraid of storms?"

"I'm! Getting better…a bit…"

Chrome chuckled, "It's okay. You're very young still. Maybe you'll grow out of it."

"And what about you?"

"I'm twenty." She confirmed softly, parting them, "Just as old as Prompto and Noctis."

"You just, seemed older. No offense."

"None taken, promise…"

The steam of the kettle began to make it whistle sharply. "Here. I'll show you how to make the perfect cup."

She unpacked the tea bags from their packets and set them inside the black coffee mugs. Gently she poured the water into the basin, letting them soak. She set a timer and procured honey and a measuring spoon. "Hey Chrome…"

"Hm?" She focused hard, dipping the bags in the water a few times after the timer had released.

"You're…stiff."

"Yes." She simply responded, pouring the honey carefully into each mug.

Iris took the cup gently, cradling it in between her hands, "I'll find something calm to watch…the TV is still working. There's a bath. Why don't you run it and get some tension off? The boys are treating you like one of them…it's proper time you felt like a woman."

Chrome found herself smiling, a deep chuckle escaping her throat. "Iris…that's kind of you. I think I'll take your proposal. You going to be okay?"

"I have to learn to be sometime. It's just good knowing you're close. By the by, that rumor people made up about storms during tub baths…totally overblown. Promise you won't get electrocuted."

Her eyebrows lifted, "I'll…remember that…"

Chrome carefully took the tea into the restroom with her, eying the tub with an enamored look. The last time she had even been in a bath…well the last two times…

The second to last was a memorable one. Ravus had the silly idea to 'have some fun' in the tub. The two had struggled and fought amongst the waves within, finally giving in with her laying atop and helping him out.

The last one was carefully planned, while Ardyn's eyes had been busy with planning Insomnia's downfall. Her body was scrunched and tight within the metal bearings, but it had been warm and welcoming after the cold walls of their imperial war fleet were all she knew.

Her fingers ran across the water's stream as the hot liquid flowed within its basin. Soon her cup was emptied, and she dipped her toes in to test it. Perfectly, overly hot. "Time to make…Chrome soup…" She chuckled, recalling Ravus' comment towards her bath temperatures being 'too scalding' for him. She missed him. The thought rolled down her body as she watched it move in the mirror. Her skin was far less pale now, more freckles protruding across her skin. "Creature of light indeed…" She touched the mirror, closing her eyes for a moment before examining herself once more.

The scar on her face was not the only one she bore. There were some in between her shoulders, and one at her hip. Bruises splattered her arms and legs.

She quietly held the space under her stomach, watching it bulge under her fingertips, "That damn chef is going to make me fat." Her words were almost silent, turning around and twisting the water's steam off. Slowly, she inched into the water. At first it stung, making every part of her shiver. But soon, it was a reprieve, welcome and tempting. The steam from its surface rose and collected at the ceiling, she spread her fingers through the tendrils and watched them dissipate. She fingered some loose hairs collecting towards her neck, "Getting too long…" She mumbled.

Her thoughts were suddenly roused to Gladio's face from the few days before. She remembered the way he was splayed, so uselessly, with spine lined up against Titan's gift of the earth. How far her foot sunk into the hardened skin of his chest, just above his clavicle. The pulse in his neck had been so wonderfully visible. His breathing was forced, labored. She recalled his amber eyes, staring up at her. The expression he made. Acceptance? Fear? Arousal? All?

Her cheeks flushed over with heat, swatting away the thoughts. Her core was warming, tingling. It had been so very long. She felt a need for release. But with Iris close by, she denied herself that simple pleasure. It wasn't fair for the sister to listen to a desperate woman's masturbatory session, splashing water and crying out to the heavens. Besides, what good would it do? Ravus would still be gone. Gladio would still be…

She gasped at her own creeping visions of him. "Stop that…" She grunted towards her heart, "I refuse…I can't…Ravus still might…" She argued with herself, leaning back. She at least allowed herself to caress her breasts in thought, pouting. She quickly let go and sat upright. "No…I cannot fall in love again. Maybe the damn Adagium was right…maybe love really is for fools. Iris…Prompto…they both love Noctis. And they will be forever denied that. Happy endings…what a fairy tale."

Disappointed with herself, and satisfied with the bath's power, she popped the drain and let It flow away, like her broken dreams. She winced, feeling a sudden warm rush.

Quickly, she entered the main room with a towel wrapped around her exposed body. Iris watched her desperately searching. "What's…?"

Her question was soon answered as Chrome turned around, simply holding up a thick, disposable menstrual pad to her. The beast master returned, and quietly placed it in her underwear before returning in a sleeping gown. "That…explains a lot…"

"Don't you just love being a girl? Isn't that fun?" She smirked, pushing her lightly, "It's probably a good thing you decided to take a break with me?"

"I came cause your brother asked me too." She retorted. A thoughtful look spread over her face.

Iris immediately noticed, "What's the look for?"

"Noctis told me everyone has one food or drink they just cannot stand."

"Oh gosh, him and those damn vegetables."

She smirked, "I think, honestly…for me. It's coffee. Tea's just so much nicer. It's not as abrasive."

"You should tell that to Ignis when you get back. As much of a caffeine-chaser as he is, he makes the BEST cups of tea ever. He is from Tenebrae, they're known for that stuff." Iris adjusted herself, laying down on her own bed.

Chrome propped herself up, stuffing the pillows around her head, "Have you ever been off Lucis?"

"Not yet. I'd love to go to Tenebrae. Altissia…maybe even the lands the Empire stole away if we get them recovered someday." Her eyes widened and she suddenly sat up, "Oh! We should go to this place tomorrow. I saw it from the balcony. There's some wildflowers there. And wild roses. We should go make the boys some bouquets once the storms die down. And I can show you how to make flower crowns. It will celebrate their victory!"

Chrome snickered, "Okay. That sounds fun. But only if you promise to throw some crowns on their heads with me. And get pictures."

"It's a deal." She flopped back into bed, "Alright, let's get some sleep."

"Sure."

The night was long. Storms raged on. Despite this, Iris was comfortably snuggled under the blankets, loudly snoring. Chrome scoffed, noting the feature ran in the family. Her eyes followed the strikes, and a memory came back.

She was back to twelve. A large bandage was stuck upon her left cheek, the wound still seeping fresh blood. She grumbled as she was forced inside, her mother quietly tending to their garden outside. A fresh crop of tomatoes were emerging, ripened and red. She snipped at their stems, plucking bundles of lettuce alongside it. She waved to Chrome from the window, "We still have cheese in the fridge, right honey?"

"I'll check!" She desperately moved, dashing to the kitchen. Their fridge was never really empty. But today it looked a bit bareboned. The Empire had been in full swing lately, more and more ships had been seen flocking about. Their trips to the city were limited. But there was still a thick slab of creamy mozzarella lovingly tucked into a container. She gave her mother an 'ok' hand from the window.

Carole sighed, "Come on out, help bring these inside. We'll have this salad and a big ol garula sirloin steak tonight. Your momma went hunting last night!"

"Oh man!" Chrome salivated as she gingerly opened the door. A huge mass of clouds began to enter the horizon, dark and booming. She flinched a bit as she heard thunder. Carole smiled and chuckled, rubbing her hair with her cleaner hand, "Oh little one. It's just Ramuh, rumbling away in the clouds."

"Do you think him and Titan ever duke it out?" She simulated a battle between two forces.

"Perhaps." Carole confirmed, handing her a basket. Chrome diligently took the veggies inside and began to wash them at the sink. The storm rolled in just as Carole slammed the door, wiping off her feet and removing her boots.

"That girl I met at the Hunter's camp was real fun. She had this crazy silvery hair."

"Do you remember her name?"

Chrome hummed as she began to chop a perfectly round, red tomato, "Aranea? I think. She was older than me. Said the Empire wanted her. It's sad that she was thinking about going."

"They do offer some benefits for those who have lost much. But I still am distrusting of them. It's hard to deal with in political climates like this. Lucis stalls all its hard work so the Empire can take what it wants, and eat its own cake." Carole sighed, "We're…usually not as involved with that stuff. I deal with the Hunters, and that's it. They're bad enough sometimes. Bunch of loudmouths."

"You learned to cuss from them, didn't you?" She jabbed her mother with her elbow, snickering.

"And you better not start young lady, or else I might toss you for a sacrifice! To the Storm Astral!" She tickled her sides.

"Ah!" Chrome quickly set down the knife and jittered over to the couch, "No horseplay with knives mom!"

"Oops, forgot my own silly rules." She winked towards her daughter and Chrome relaxed, coming back in. Carole whipped up the steaks on an open pan, lovingly seasoning it. The whole home smelled of cooking meat, Chrome read prone from her favorite Crown City magazine while kicking her feet in the air. "Hey mom!" She giggled as she came into the room, smoothing her hands over a picture.

Carole pouted hard, looking at Regis' aged face. They were not far apart in years, but the toll of the Crystal had created centuries in his skin. Standing before him was the Prince, Noctis. He looked unpleased to say the least. "He's scrawny."

"Yes…he could use a few bits of muscle." She confirmed, sighing. Chrome noticed her mother's sudden mood shift. "What's wrong mom?"

"Well…" She paused her cooking, "I suppose I can tell you. It needs to cool a bit anyway." She gently guided Chrome into her bedroom, and shut the door. Chrome felt a sickly feeling entering her gut. The last time they spoke like this, Carole had to inform her of the unfortunate reality of the birds and the bees. Her cycles had started not that long after the conversation.

"Are we going to have another sex talk again?"

Carole chuckled and slowly swung her head, "No, no. That's enough of that. This is different." She stared at Chrome's drawings sprawled along the wall. Her room was a soft pink color, one that never really changed over the years. The trimmings were littered with stickers, faded and peeling. Toys had come and gone, but one particular favorite of hers, a strangely oversized moogle, still remained by her bedside. A small personal computer now sat on her desk, shut for the moment. Postcards and souvenirs from different regions filled the remaining surface, between small piles of trash and discarded pencils.

Carole looked back to her daughter, who fiddled with her toes. Chrome stopped and gazed back.

"Chrome, I'm from the Crown City. I lived in Insomnia. But I found you…and…" She held her heart and swallowed, "Chrome, you have a brother…."

"What…?" She frowned, "Where?"

"He's back in Insomnia."

"Why is he there?"

"Because…dear." Her frown deepened, "You're…you were…found. I found you. At a lab. In the Empire. I worked for the king. And I just couldn't leave you two there. But the agreement Regis had with me, was that only one of them could stay and the other had to be outside the city walls, as it was a huge liability."

Chrome's eyes widened with the information, "So…you're not my mom."

"Oh honey…" She clutched her close. Chrome allowed her to sink into her warmth, sniffling. "You'll always be my little girl."

"I don't care. You're my mom! Even if we don't have the same blood. I love you." Chrome promised, wiping her nose on Carole's sleeve. A crack of thunder shook the house. The two squeaked, clutching each other tightly before laughing. "Oh look at us, crying. When we have food that's getting cold. Come on…"

"But what about my brother?"

"Oh. Well, I still speak with his family. His name is Prompto Argentum. He's a lovely little kid. He's an animal lover, like you. He goes to the same school as the prince. I wonder if they're friends or not…" She hummed, "But when they are ready, they will be letting you two meet. It should be very soon. Maybe by the time you're fourteen?"

"Two years?" She groaned, "But why?"

"Politics dear…blame politics." Carole lifted herself up, "I can show you a picture." She unveiled a folded photo from her skirt's pockets. Carefully she unraveled it, revealing it.

Chrome was not impressed. The kid in question was rather bulky, heavy-set with thick glasses and a strange haircut. "Really? That's him? We don't look alike at all!"

"Oh don't be mean. City folk have it easy. He's lucky he can look like that."

"I'm just glad I've got you as a mom then. I probably would have been porky too!"

"Chrome Animalia! That is rude!" She chided, her daughter giggling as she opened the door once more. She ran over to grab her plate, taking her portions. As her mother emerged and made her dinner, Chrome hugged her and leaned up to give her a peck on the cheek, "Thank you, for telling me."

"I meant to so much earlier. There was just…never a good time. But I do feel better, knowing that you know. That's why we must stay close to home. The Empire will always be looking for you, and for me."

"Then let's hope this stupid war gets done with soon." She grumbled, beginning to take her first bites.

It was late morning. The sun began to emerge from behind a thick plume of smoggy clouds. Iris nudged Chrome. "Pst…" She hissed.

Chrome swiped her away, "No mom…It's early."

"I'm not your mom…and it's like nine! Wake up!"

She bolted upright with wide eyes. "Ah hell. Sorry. I slept in."

"The storms just started to vanish. The boys must have done it. We'll have to wait for a message, but let's go grab our birds and head out. It's a field by the chocobo stables, not too far from here. Promise!"

"That's like an hour ride, Iris…" Chrome complained, reaching out. Her fingers came into contact with a hot mug. Inside was a cup of steaming tea. "Green, mint. I hope you like it."

"You made this for me?"

"Yeah, as a thank you from yesterday."

"Thanks Iris…You sure you and Gladiolus are related?"

She crossed her arms, "Hey. Gladdy is just…stone. He's a rock. But he's a good guy, really."

"I know." She teased, sipping the tea. It was a bit strong for her taste, but it still filled her mouth well. "It's perfect.

"Alright, well hurry up and drink it! I wanna get out there before it gets too late!"

Chrome obeyed Iris' request, quickly sucking down her tea. The two ran out to the city edge and Iris procured her chocobo whistle. Chrome watched as the beasts miraculously appeared, probably another power of the future King. She smiled as her own bird returned, cooing as it craned its neck down to Chrome. She glanced to Iris, "Don't tell anyone, but I've thought about dying her pink."

"Oh! Pink! How bright. You…like that color?"

"It's my favorite actually." She blushed, clicking her tongue after she mounted the chocobo.

"She's got a name yet?"

"No…I haven't thought of one."

"Hm. Pink, pink…" Iris thought as they started to dash towards the chocobo forest. The birds talons clambered and squashed on wet soil and plants, the noises almost unbearable. Iris was silent in thinking until she exclaimed, "Peaches?"

"Name some other things."

"Lilies? Cherry blossoms? Roses?"

"Roses…" Chrome hummed, "Rosebud?"

"Ooh sounds mysterious."

"Petal." She pat the bird's side. "It's on every flower. And it could be pink."

"Petal's a cute name!"

"Then that settles it. You shall be crowned, Petal." She pat Petal's head, who blinked with indifference. "What about yours?"

"Oh! I called her Sophie. Not sure why, it just suit her."

"That's sweet." Chrome smiled, "Oh hey…"

The light of the Chocobo post was glowing bright, even in the mid-afternoon sun. Chrome's eyes swept over the bunches of birds collected together, politely perched and munching on greens. The chicks were fluffed up and roaming about on little legs. "Aww! They're so cute!"

"All chocobos are cute."

"Here. The flower field is right here on the hill. See?" Iris pointed.

A verdant rolling hill full to burst with wildflowers sat at the edge of her vision. The long tendril of disrupted earth danced in its eternal reach across the land in the distance. A bundle of pines nearby produced a heady, dreamy scent. The skies were stark blue, the sun was just warm enough and a cool breeze waltzed through the long grasses. Insects sang. Frogs chirped. Iris made a face, "Just watch out for bugs."

"What, not a fan?"

"No!" She retaliated, dismounting the Sophie and sending her to play with the other birds. Chrome pet Petal who sat and observed.

The two girls hovered close to one another. Iris showed her how to pick the flowers enough to leave the stem. Chrome was never good with plants, her mother was more of the gardener. She effortless weaved a bundle together, popping them together with a small string. They were lovingly paired, pinks, blues, yellows and whites popped out in random directions. She showed Chrome the way to create a crown. Chrome awkwardly made one with her, breaking a few of the stems at first. But there were plenty of flowers, and plenty of time.

Iris giggled as Chrome dragged her over to a black-colored chick, placing the crown atop its head. The small chocobo peeped. "All hail the new King of Lucis!"

"Oh stop!" Iris wiped away happy tears, "You're killing my sides."

"And look!" Chrome plucked on of the nearby chicks up, fluffing some of its head-feathers upward, "His loyal retainer."

"No wait!" Iris fashioned a pair of 'glasses' from the stems. "Now it's Iggy!"

Chrome simply turned a third chick around, "And Prompto!"

"CHROME!" Iris was practically snorting. "Don't you dare."

Chrome licked her lips as she inched to a last one, its feathers ruffled. She placed a few spare stems in an odd fashion on its scalp as it chirped, "And your brother! Look its even a little bigger than these ones."

Iris lost it, doubling over. She laughed and laughed, falling onto her back and kicking her legs up in the air. Chrome chuckled alongside her, offering a hand to help her stand back up. "Come on giggles, let's go get some food before we mingle back with the boys."

"They're actually supposed to head back to the hotel. After we eat, we can head back then?"

Her stomach knotted with anticipation. "Sure. Today's been a lot of fun."

"Yeah. Glad we didn't get bug-napped. The beasts around here are massive."

"Yes, but you know I could totally handle them."

"For sure." Iris skipped over to her, latching their elbows together. They awkwardly strolled, entering the post.

Maybe…Chrome thought…being with Gladiolus wouldn't be so bad. At least she could see Iris more.