As she dozed at the table, propped up by a single hand, a dream of a memory faded in and out.

She stood, patiently, abandoned among the many, many pods. All of them with her face, all of them male, none with any hair but she knew they would be blonde, just like her.

Ardyn had dropped her off while he discussed his plans. She was shaking still. It had only been a few months. The Adagium had been nauseatingly sweet to her as he guided through, blindfolded. He left, right before lifting the cover of her eyes. "Say hello to your brothers for me. I'll be back once you see to them." His laugh had echoed into the darkness.

There must have been dozens at least. Maybe hundreds. It was hard to keep track. Row after row after row, they stayed asleep in a fetal position.

One was special. Subject #22 was twitching more than usual. Below the observation platform was a screen with several red bars across its face. She reached over to touch it. To her dismay, it touched back and opened a single violet eye at her.

She dismissed herself, running past them and panting, finding herself under a lone desk. She cowered in the corner, whimpering, feeling the shadows caressing her.

"Hey…" A kind voice rang out, "I've met you before…"

"No!" She denied, holding out her hands, "Go away."

The hand was bigger than hers, and soft. She finally opened her eyes. Aranea stood before her, her features had grown into that of a woman's. Chrome gawked a bit, before curling her hands around Aranea's and quickly wrapping her hands around her middle. The woman before her was nothing like before. She wore a similar outfit to Chrome's, befitting of the Empire. But she still had a warm expression. Chrome remembered she was ten years older than her…finally poking her head out from the dragoon's abdomen.

"Aranea! Why are you here?"

"I'm on break." She dismissed, holding Chrome's scalp, "What…why are you here?"

"Mom…they got mom."

Aranea's lips curled into a scowl. She squeezed her closer. "Dammit…" The dragoon glanced back and forth, looking deep into the pods then back to her, "I get it now. That asshole sent you in here to gawk. Get you scared. What a dick."

Chrome found herself smiling through the salty tears running down her face. "You haven't changed much."

Aranea placed her hand on her hip, "This…isn't really my assignment. But I'm here pretty often. You need to keep moving for me okay? Don't let Ardyn and his lackies get to you. They're going to try and break you, but you can't let that happen. I'm…still trying to find a way out myself too."

"Aranea…"

"I'm sorry Chrome. I don't want to get either of us in trouble. But I'll keep you safe, in my own secret way…okay?"

"You promise?"

"I promise. The Niffs don't know I'm an inside job. I know passwords too. I'll see how I can adjust the assignments they give you. And hopefully I'll be able to 'catch' you between sessions. Get my meaning?" She held out a pale blue handkerchief to her.

"Thank you…" Chrome wiped her face.

"Oh and by the way. Exit uh…South? There's a break area for the soldiers. Most of them don't go there. But I do. And there's…something special over that way too. They like fish if you ever wanna dump your nasty meals out." She leaned forward and gave her a wink.

Chrome took her knowledge to heart, giving a small bow as Aranea gave her hands one last squeeze. "Stay strong, walk tall. For me, for everyone."

"I will." Chrome promised, "I will."

"Hey." Iris nudged her, "You okay?"

"What…?" Chrome stretched and lifted her shoulders from the table's surface. "How late is it?"

"It's pretty dark. I was hoping we could get back tonight. I messaged Gladdy…but he said he can only meet us halfway. So we need to get going."

"Alright."

"You girls be safe out there." The owner, Wiz boomed as he waved them off, "You got good wits about you. You'll be okay."

"Thanks Wiz." Iris nodded, clicking her tongue to move her bird. Sophie called gently, fluffing her feathers as they began to descend into the night.

Chrome's eyes darted about, watching for tendrils in the bleak environment. She was all too familiar with how the daemons would appear, they would often appear from a purple/black cloud, manifesting and then attacking whatever was closest. One was skittering around. But it was no daemon.

"Fuck! Hundlegs!"

The beasts were even a bit much for Chrome. Overgrown centipedes, they stood on their lower legs and intimidated prey with their other dozens of forearms. They had chittered and flexed their large mandibles.

Iris stuck out her tongue, "They're gonna be in the way aren't they?"

"Gladio's over there…" Chrome spotted a light bouncing in the distance. "Let's fuck these things up and show him what we're made of!"

Iris grinned, "Alright, only if you tame one?"

"These brainless shits? Too easy." Chrome immediately withdrew her polearm-axe and tossed in vibrantly into the earth. It only took a few whistles before the Hundleg on the left began to sway under her command. Iris began to punch away at the exoskeleton of one before kicking its head clean off. Chrome directed her controlled bug towards the last one, and the two fought. Hers was relentless, its mandibles cannibalizing the other. Chrome sunk her axe into its midsection, severing it in half.

Gladio finally approached, clapping. "Hey girls. Looks like I came too late to enjoy the bug squashing."

"Gladdy!" Iris whined as she wiped the slime from its guts on his pants. "They're so gross!"

"Ugh…thanks Iris. Come on you two, let's get moving. We got a bit of a ride."

"Isn't it a little early for it to be this dark?" Chrome mentioned, glancing at the time from her phone's screen.

"We met a professor who mentioned nights getting longer. I guess I never really took much notice to it." Gladio confessed as he calmed down his chocobo. Chrome took in the sight for a long time, he seemed almost too big for the bird. It was an amusing show, he constantly moved to balance his long legs between the saddle. "Having a hard time over there?"

"I'm tall, can't help it."

"Funny." She rode up alongside him, "Only a few more inches and we'd be the same."

"No way. I'm a whole foot taller than you!"

"Sure, deny it." She rolled her eyes and rode ahead of him, snickering. Gladio paused, watching her and Petal run ahead for a moment. Iris caught his lecherous gaze and shrugged, "What? Can't appreciate a nice ass?"

"Gladdy! You're so gross!" Iris shoved him lightly, causing him near to tip over.

"I was…uh…talking about her bird!" He sweat, gulping dryly.

"Yeah right." Iris stuck out her tongue, putting space between him and Chrome, blocking his view of her.

Chrome dismounted and entered the hotel, such as her routine had been. It was like clockwork now. But the difference was the beef of a man between her and Iris. He leaned against the backside of the elevator, cool and calm with arms folded against his bare chest. "I thought I asked you to wear more casual gear."

"Eh. Sorry. I like this a lot better."

"Alright. Just expose yourself." Chrome huffed, crossing her arms as well.

He pointed to her naval, which she quickly covered with her palms, "Explain that then."

"You dickheads gave me this outfit!" Her shrill tone was soon quieted as she watched Gladio remove the band holding his hair together. It fell perfectly against his neck. A scent filled the air, was it his shampoo? Coconut oil and just a touch of rainy air. A buzz of electricity sparking off his fingertips as he smoothed any knots out. Every muscle was so amazingly visible, moving together in an opera of human ability. Everything about him was perfect in that moment. A heat simmered her neck and ears as he began to tie it back. She stopped his arm from moving, shaking her head, "Can you…keep it down…again?"

He smirked, the shadows filling under his jaw and chin so perfectly. He gave a small growl, "Of course princess." His words creeped into her skull and made the hairs of the back of her neck stand on end.

Iris made a gagging noise as she clutched her ears, the first to rush out into the hall and violently open the door. She straggled over to Noctis and buried her head between his shoulders, "They're being gross!"

Noctis flinched as the two entered the room casually side by side. No hand holding, no furiously making out. Just physically close. The prince was confused, "Gross how?"

"They're flirting!"

"We were not!" Gladio and Chrome's voices fell into near unison. They glanced at one another, then quickly away at the others. Prompto held back a laugh. Ignis' face even cracked from its usual stern façade. Noctis' brows rose, "Oh really?"

"Noct!" Gladio tumbled towards the prince and he rose his hands up in defiance a little too late. Before he knew it, Noctis was struggling under the beast of a man as Gladio twisted him into a strange position. Prompto cheered and elbow dived onto Gladio's spine. "Shit!" The Shield spat, holding his tailbone, "That was a bit low Prompt!"

"Sorry!" He squeaked before getting taken into a headlock. Ignis and the girls slowly retreated into kitchen, revealing the bouquets. "These are for us? You are far too kind."

"Once the boys are done being…boys…we have another gift too."

"It's a surprise though." Chrome added, turning back to watch them, "How long does this usually last?"

"Until one of them eventually gives up. Usually it's Prompto…" just as he said the marksman's name, Prompto flailed his arms up in a T, "Then Noctis…" The prince stood up, fumbling with his hair, "And Gladiolus makes an ass of himself."

"Woo! Two down in one big swing!" Gladio rose, flexing his muscles, "You puny punks could never stop me."

"Alright now's our chance!" Iris nudged Chrome with the bouquet, "Go!"

Chrome thought she was waltzing in, graceful as a flying bird. But she was more like a cat trying to walk around the edges of a table, as she tossed the crowns unceremoniously onto their heads. "Hey!" Noctis complained, nose twitching as he sneezed.

Prompto fluffed the hair around his, checking a nearby mirror, "Oh I look good in a crown. Maybe I should be the next king."

"In your dreams." Noctis managed to state between his sneezing fit.

Ignis' boots clacked loudly as he walked in, proudly displaying the bouquets in his arm that matched the flower crowns. His had been of a sea-green variety to match his eyes, cornflowers and baby's breath tied around wild wheat. Noctis was given blues: wild lilacs, violets and pansies. Prompto, a bundle of beautiful golden flora: yarrow, black-eyed susans and wild sunflowers. Chrome gently plucked her own bundle up. Her knees almost felt shaky as she began to inch closer to Gladio. Why had she become so nervous? They were simply friends. But her clutch on the stems was tight, nearly breaking her hard work in two. "Iris helped me with this."

The flowers within matched his crown, bright red and pink roses. There had been hundreds of them dashed upon a hill, each with a signature scent. They matched the hot tone of his amber orbs. He gracefully extended his palm, Chrome set her gift in his grasp.

"What's the occasion?" He asked in a near whisper, sultry as always.

"You and your crew were able to subdue the storm. Once the rains were parted, Iris and I were able to find these flora to celebrate your safe return." She gave a graceful bow, exaggerating the formalities.

"I don't have anything to give you in return." Gladio's face made a pitiful pout.

Chrome unconsciously leaned forward, pointing to her scar. It trickled out at first, then siphoned, "A kiss…here. That would do."

Noctis and Prompto glanced to each other before making cooing sounds to the two, whistling and waving. Ignis simultaneously flicked the back of their ears hard, causing them to wince. Iris was beyond herself, leaning forward with star-filled eyes.

Gladio gave a nonchalant shrug, "Works for me. It wouldn't be the first time I've kissed a beautiful lady."

"Just shut it and get it over with then." Chrome demanded.

Gladiolus was surprisingly gentle. He craned his head down, hovering above the area within the breadth of her skin. She felt his hot sigh on her scarred cheek, then the softness of his lips wrapped around its depth. He pressed his face forward, his eyes shut. Chrome felt her eyes widen as he gently intertwined their fingers together, if only for a moment.

The tightness of her heart began to unravel. It was inevitable, the woven fabric of pain was slowly being frayed by him. Like a greatsword through silk.

He dragged the kiss on, making an odd sound as he popped his lips from her cheek. "Mwah!" He chuckled. She could feel his hardened palm slipping away as he stepped back, longing now for the feel of his callouses on her hands once more. She pictured the ink eagle unfurling its wings as it wrapped around her, she shut her eyes, expecting more. But nothing arrived. Her hand found her scar, and the small wet spot from his lips. Her face and ears tinted a lovely pink, as she sunk her neck down into her uniform.

Despite all temptation for any rash behavior, she swallowed hard, "Alright, that will do."

Iris bounced up and down with excitement, "That was so cute!"

"You were just complaining about them flirting!" Noctis pointed out.

She simply answered by shoving a pillow into his face. Chrome winced a bit, feeling a cramp unfurl and clutch at her spine. She leaned her arm against the Gladio's stony abdomen, holding her own. "Ow." She whimpered. He responded by slowly rubbing his thick hands down her spine. "It's okay. I do this with Iris too."

"Shut it Gladdy!" Iris threatened, pointing a finger in his direction.

"Here…" Gladio palmed her lower back and before she knew it, she was scooped into his clasp like a bride to be. Her mouth became dry, "Wait…!"

"Well, you're coming with us tomorrow? Can't have you cramping up. You should rest." He set her down on the couch, she was stiff with hands close by her chest like a frightened animal, eyes wide. He made sure her head was propped up softly before heading over to the mentor in the kitchen, "Iggy what's good for this kind of stuff?"

"Most like a potion, additional over the counter medication as well. Perhaps a cup of tea?"

"That would be nice…" Chrome admitted. It had been many years since she was able to take the luxury of relieving her menstrual cramps. Every part of her was swollen and sensitive. "I should be fine by tomorrow, the first day's the worst."

"Ugh tell me about it." Iris rolled her eyes as Prompto made a face at the two discussing their womanly habits. She set down a bottle, "Here, take two of these. It'll help with the pain and get some of that fluid off too."

"You're far too kind, Iris."

"Nah, just looking out for a fellow girl." She sat by Chrome's feet, "I'd offer a heating pad but I think…" She drifted off.

Chrome knew that look. Iris was thinking about Insomnia. "It's okay. You're doing your best."

"I just…miss it so much. It's still really hard to think about…dad. He's just gone."

Chrome's frown deepened, "I understand…I do."

Ignis walked in gently setting down a steaming cup with a honey spoon lovingly wrapped next to it. A minty scent wafted towards her. Chrome reached over to the table and plucked it up, "Thank you Ignis."

"You're free to call me Iggy if you so desire." A hint of a smile crossed his lips.

"Do you want me to?" She lifted a single brow inquisitively.

He adjusted his glasses, lessening the bright glaze, "It's just strange to hear my name so formally from a friend, I suppose."

"Ah, so we're friends now?"

"I would hope so. You are a lovely woman. A man could only dream of having such a great friendship with someone such as you."

Her heart fluttered. It wasn't as violently as when Gladio would speak to her, but a flood of emotions was flowing in her blood. If things had been different, perhaps it would have been him she would have feelings towards. Another world, another time. But indeed, he was a solid companion. His presence was more akin to an older brother, protective and stern yet with a vulnerability to him.

"To think we were at each other's throats just a month ago…" Chrome sighed, "You're good people, Iggy."

"That's better." He bowed and made his seat.

Chrome listened as the men began to recall their tale of finding the trees of the Fulgurian. How Gentiana's voice had carried through them and sent them clues on the directions they needed to go. "Big guy. Long beard. Orange eyes, intense." Noctis shivered.

Prompto poked at Chrome's shoulder. She opened her eyes and hummed. He held her notebook out. "Is…it okay if we look through this now? I wanted to see…"

"Ugh…fine." She clutched her abdomen as a stray pain filled her, "Just be careful with it."

"A bestiary. How useful." Ignis complemented as he was handed the book, thumbing through its pages. "You have quite an eye for details."

"I'm just not good at drawing people yet. I'm practicing."

"Wait…" Noctis pointed to a cat holding a sword in its mouth. There were depictions of his teleportation abilities, but in anthropomorphized forms. "Is that supposed to be me?"

"I told you! Not good at people. I was studying how you fight. How you leave those…ghosts of your body behind you. Fascinating stuff."

He scoffed, "A cat though?"

"You act enough like one."

"Oh what kind of animal am I?" Prompto flailed up his hand.

Chrome chuckled, "I think you already know, chocobutt."

"Aw!" He clamped down the spike of his hair, only for it to return back to its signature fluffy point.

"I'm not even going to try with Ignis. He's too much of an enigma for me."

The tactician shrugged, returning to his personal reading.

"And Gladio…" She eyed him as he sprawled out in the cushioned chair. He closed his legs and sat upright, cocking his head with interest, "A behemoth. In every sense."

"Maybe you and Deadeye were related." Prompto teased.

"I wish. That was a bitch of a beast to bring down."

Chrome's eyes fuzzed and fluttered before she shut them once more. Conversation became a blur as she fell into dreamless sleep.

She was simply awakened when she felt something begin to cover her body. Gladiolus was holding the edges of a soft blanket, flinching as he noticed their eyes meeting. A dim lamp had been flipped on, his body illuminated like a strange piece of art, "I didn't mean to wake you up."

"What time is it?" She mumbled, rubbing her throbbing temples. She sipped quietly at a new glass of water nearby.

"It's late." He tucked the blanket around her shoulders once she was done.

She yawned, "Why are you up then?"

"I told you before. I'm usually the last one to bed."

"Did you…before?" She felt her eyes becoming heavy once more, "Sorry. My body's really kicking my ass right now."

"I thought I was the only one allowed to do that."

"You wish." She noticed that he was kneeling close by, their faces only a few feet apart. His arms were folded close to her side. She felt his eyes burning into her skin. "What?"

"I just can't help but notice how much you look like Prompto…but you guys are a lot different too Your skin's a lot softer, rounder."

"I am a girl…" She puffed her cheeks up playfully.

He smirked, "And obviously the scar."

She tried to change the subject, "Did you guys find the Regalia?"

"Yeah…are you okay coming to raid a pop-up base with us?"

"Hell yeah." She weakly pumped a fist and returned her arm to the safety of the blanket.

For a few long moments the two enjoyed each other's presence alone. Chrome slowly blinked, almost afraid that every time she closed her eyes, he'd be gone when they opened again. She followed his hand as it slowly rose. She didn't wince this time as he touched her scarred cheek, placing the edge of his knuckles on it. She pressed her fingertips onto the back of his hand, allowing him to cup her cheek.

"Hey Chrome…" He spoke with a quiet, hush-hush tone. It felt secretive, and secure.

"Yeah?"

"Is it okay…if I…" He licked his lips with nervous anticipation.

"Just friends huh?"

"Let me see what I think."

Chrome watched as he came closer. Her heart was skipping, her stomach knotting. But everything unwound as his hand caressed her face and his lips slowly came down around hers. She felt the air escaping his nostrils, the fuzz of his chin dangerously close to her neck. She reached out and clutched onto the back of his head, deepening the kiss with the threat of parting lips. Her other hand traced his scar as he slowly, ever so carefully unlatched their mouths. They became lost in one another's gaze for far too long.

She blinked again, "Are you sure I'm not dreaming?"

"Yeah…" He promised, a smile finding its way to his lips.

"More than friends…then?"

"Something like that…I'll have to do this again to find out."

"Soon?" She watched as he rose above her.

He took her hands, returning one to her side and then kissed the back of the other, right above her tattoo. "Soon. Goodnight princess."

"Goodnight Gladio."

They parted, slowly. Every part of her screamed to tackle him to the floor, to declare unending devotion to him. But something still held her back, tethering her to the couch. But watching him return was a gift itself, watching his rump sway back and forth, his hair untangled swaying and moving with each tiny movement. He was a gorgeous being, she prayed to any Astral listening that she could learn the ways of drawing people. He'd be her first muse.

It was odd. She had thought before their kiss would be something that ignited passionate sparks, that would set her very soul on fire with arousal and sensuality. Something that would make the Infernian blush with envy. But it was comforting, reassuring, not anything like Ravus. It put hope in her soul.

A dreamless sleep was more than welcomed that night. Her only lingering thoughts kept forcing themselves to Gladio's face, his half-lidded eyes as they had parted from their first kiss.

The smell of bacon immediately signaled the sun's arrival. Chrome nearly leapt from the bed, collecting herself in the bathroom, soon sitting down before Ignis. The tactician offered a coffee, and she shook her head, "Black tea, please."

"I'm turning you in a Tenebrean." He smirked, turning around to fashion them both a fresh cup. "Bacon is baking, eggs should be done in a jiffy. You don't mind scrambled to you?"

"Not at all." She didn't mind any food anymore, so long as it wasn't mass produced Empirical rations. Noctis stumbled into the kitchen, holding his head and clutching onto Chrome's shoulder, "Morning Prompt…"

"No." She chuckled, "Wrong one."

His eyes opened fully, "Oh, sorry Chrome." He yawned, sitting next to her and slumping his head on the table. Ignis smacked the surface close to his ear, causing him to jolt upright. "No resting on the table please."

"Sorry Iggy." He groggily took his cup of coffee, sipping it down. Prompto burst in, flopping an arm around the prince, "Hey beautiful. Look alive!"

"Chipper…too early."

Gladiolus was next, sauntering into the room. Chrome found her eyes meeting his. Instead of looking away, he matched her gaze and rubbed his nose with a single finger. "Smells like bacon."

"Indeed. I know it's a favorite. Plenty to go around."

Iris yawned as she followed him. She was in her pajama gown still, a deep purple smock with baggy leggings to match. Her moogle plush limply hung from her arms, "Do you guys have to go so soon?"

"This is a pretty important matter. Without the car, we're limited on travel." Ignis explained.

"We won't be that long, I'm sure."

"Just keep in touch…" Iris frowned.

"We will." Noctis reassured, patting her back as she was the first to get her food. Chrome was next, Ignis carefully sat her food down.

Gladio sniffed, "You feeling okay enough for this Chrome?"

"Much better." She affirmed, despite the soreness in her lower back stating otherwise.

"Then let's hustle."

A bright full moon cast down, illuminating the faces of the men she had felled. The memories made this morning were fading with each rugged pant, her eyes finally came into focus. Her fingers wrapped tight about her axe, her helm nearly lopsided from battle. Blood and oil had splattered upon her form, painting her with reminders of her newfound loyalty. She stared down at the earth from the unholy dais of the metal catwalk, reminding in each and every brick and crevice that she was once a prisoner of the Niff's clutches.

She watched below as Noctis, Prompto and Gladiolus fought relentlessly against a massive robotic creation. She had been sent up to pursue any troops that shot from above and eliminate them. For the second time in her life, she would bear witness to the incredible strength of the Astrals.

A massive gray hand emerged from a plume of smokey clouds above. A robed arm clutched, taking the men in its grasp as if they were nothing more than playthings. She watched as his Ramuh's body materialized. He was just as she imagined, a wise Elder with a extensively long, white beard that curled down past his feet. His eyes glowed a fierce yellowish orange, taking a staff into his right hand. He lifted it into the sky, and a massive bolt filled the heavens. It rushed down, crashing into the base's floor and destroying any threat that remained. Its impact rattled her very core, she still could hear its cry as the robotic sentinels fell to their knees. A heat still scorched the pavement, cracks from the hit still glowing with white-hot energy.

The four were let go, signaling to her with a wave to follow. She obeyed quietly, following them from the catwalks and make-shift roofs.

Sunlight began to peak again across the horizon. Chrome squinted as she spotted the Regalia, placed ever so carefully against a few militarized tanks. But her breath caught. Just as the men found their way to its welcome embrace she saw him.

Ravus. He walked towards the group, slowly and with ill intent.

Chrome felt herself freeze over, as if Shiva had her in a grasp. The noiselessness filled the space between her ears of a ringing pulse. She saw their mouths move, but could not hear their voices. Ravus stuck his blade to Noct's chin, the young prince backing away. Chrome noted the metallic arm that had replaced his skin…his once gray eye now a shining violet. His face was pained, frustrated…sad.

Then the sword was at Gladio's neck. She felt blood trickling down her chin from her own sharpened teeth, her bones lighting aflame once more.

Gladio protected against the next swing with his own massive blade. But in the blink of an eye, Ravus knocked it aside and sliced a blow into the Shield's abdomen.

In haste, with every bit of bone in denial, Chrome leapt from the balcony. She landed with a roll and dug her heels into the ground, legs flying across the pavement.

Raves drew his blade back once more as he narrowed in towards the four men. Gladio clutched his wounds, struggling to rise. Chrome rushed forth, spreading her arms outward and splaying herself before him.

Ravus stopped, his eyes widening with realization. "Chrome…" His lips quivered, as if just stating her name alone would break him. He lowered his stance. Noctis stepped by her side, the many weapons of his forefathers circling around his body.

Ravus scowled, "Should the Chosen fall, that too is fate…"

Ardyn's voice interrupted the scene, as he stood at the edge of her vision, "I'd say that's far enough."

He inched into the area, smiling with that false grin. Ignis began to rush at him, until Izunia simply put up a hand. Ignis could feel the power from him, stopping.

"Need a hand, your Highness?"

"Not from you…" Noctis retorted.

"Oh but I'm here to help."

"How's that?" Ignis demanded. Chrome returned to Gladio's side, propping him up. He lifted his hand, a fresh coat of blood lined his palm. She set a potion-soaked rag to the opening in his shirt, staving off the swelling and clotting the wound.

"By taking the army away." Ardyn confirmed, his sickly eyes shaded by the inappropriate hat upon his maroon scalp.

Gladio grunted, panting, "You expect us to believe that?"

Izunia simply turned around, ignoring him. "When next we meet, it'll be across the seas."

Chrome ignored the rest of the banter between Noctis and Ardyn until he began to exit. Ravus stood, staring intensely at Gladio and Chrome, before siding with the daemonic king.

Prompto's breath finally started, "You guys know that guy?"

Ignis glanced to his shoes, "Ravus Nox Flueret, first son of Tenebrae…and elder brother to Lady Lunafreya."

Gladio tensed and glanced down to Chrome. She frowned, feeling his stare bore into her scalp. "You…and him…?"

"My loyalty is with you now…" She promised, helping him into the car. "Come now…let's get you rested up."

He winced and clambered inside. Ignis took the wheel. She took Noct's arm before he returned to his seat. "It was him. It was him…who I loved once. And now…" Her jaw trembled, intertwining his fingers with hers, "No more. He is no longer who I once knew."

Noctis gave a grim phantom of a smile, his eyes still lost with thought. Confusion was swirling about his mind, she could tell he was trying to recover.

"Let's get back…Iris should be on her way to the cape now." Gladio reminded the team.

Chrome saddled up to him, still tending to his wound. The car began to putter forward. As Ignis and Prompto spoke back and forth to clear the situation, he softly whispered to her, "You helped to save us…when he was right there."

"He's not…" Her heart swelled, breaking and mending all at once, "He's not Ravus. Not anymore. Something in him has changed. Just that glance…it's all I needed to know. Power is all he seeks."

"I just…can't believe it. I wasn't strong enough."

"Shh…" She pressed her lips to his cheek as a tear fell from his eye, "Rest…we can worry about that later."

He pressed his head against the seat, letting her work on his wound.