Episode Ignis: Prompto's Day off.
It was beautiful. A fleeting dream or reality. The morning glee of excitement, sunrise at its finest peak of glory.
On first person, the one who was treading through flowers of sylleblossom blooming in the field. Slowly and steady, panting heavily. They stepped into the strange domain, and unexpectedly, the light consumed them.
The entire area have changed from Tenebrae to the Manor, where blood of the Oracle reside. They were standing in a garden, and they looked at their hands if it was real. It shows a black bandana wrapped around their wrist.
Wha... what?
Prompto was bewildered in the sudden transition from one to another. He could've swore he's in Lucis, not Tenebrae. He blinked several times despite his perspective was blurry and bright.
"Guys? Not funny dude!" Prompto yelled.
Nothing responded him back but gentle winds.
"Ignis? Ravus? Yura? Hellllloooo?"
It's just a dream, cool, yeah. But why Tenebrae? Prompto thought.
Prompto eventually proceeded to explore the mansion on the first floor. He'd never seen Tenebrae, but this is breathtaking. Never in his life to see luscious green and insanely fancy Manor. The color resembled sylleblossom, dark blue and white. This dream seemed too realistic, as if he was witnessing someone's else vision.
He always wished to visit Tenebrae, where Lunafreya lived. He always dreams of taking quality snaps for his journey, but he was born during the war.
Prompto scurried around the Manor and exited to the garden. There, he spotted highly detailed trimmed bushes, topiary, bed flowers, a fountain resembling a lady in dress, gazebos, and typically, he thought of fancy stuff for spoiled people.
"Wow..."
In awed, he strolled through the courtyard. He came to a halt and tried to pull out his camera. Only to hit him because it wasn't in his pocket.
"My camera!" He shouted. He throws his arms in defeat and proceeds to take a glimpse around the courtyard.
There was a white gazebo covered in vines from the distance. Underneath the gazebo was a garden table, a nice spot for tea and sweets. He decided to keep searching for a way out of this illusion, but something or someone urged him to go there. A temptation or a strong force pursuade him to go the gazebo.
Whatever it is, he tries to focus by shaking his head mentally, and his objective was escaping this fake Tenebrae. He strolled by the gazebo.
"Prompto..." A voice seemed very familiar behind him.
Immediately, the blondie turned his entire figure around. Frantically, he glanced left and right, feeling spooked. "Hello?" He yelled, sounded aghast.
His eyes fall to a mysterious lady, sitting alone underneath the gazebo. This lady was so familiar that Prompto rubbed his closed eyelids to see if it was real.
"Prompto." The lady said with a gentle smile in a radiant sun.
"Luna?" Prompto approached slowly, feeling tensed and goosebumps rising from his skin.
Lunafreya gestured her free hand to an available chair. "Come, sit."
Prompto was hesitant, thinking it could be a trap or some sort of dark magic. He shook his head, rejecting her offer by shaking his head in a mental way to wake himself up. He turned around, took a deep breath, and exhaled.
"It's not real. Yeah. Ravus confirmed she passed... just my mind playing tricks on me." Prompto reminded himself, his body shaking nervously. His breathing grew choppy and wary of it.
"It's not a dream, Prompto. Thank you for using the dreadnought to guide Prince Noctis to the altar." Luna confirmed, resting the table with her hands clasp together.
The blood shot of his memory triggered his brain and immediately turned around back to the princess of Tenebrae. There was no way she'd witness his assist during the upheaval—
"H-how did y-you...?" Prompto stuttered through his broken tongue.
"The Crystal—it shares the memory and records every aspect of history." Luna began, looking down her ball of fists and back to Prompto brilliant blue eyes. "It shares its secrets, undiscovered and forgotten. It records every minute passing by, including life and death."
Prompto felt really bothered after this 'Luna' babbled about Crystal and history. But if it was really her, speaking through before she had a chance to say goodbye, he strolled slowly, calmly, and alerted.
Before he let his guard down, he asked her a question to testify her. "Luna, do you remember which dog I saved of yours and who I named?"
Lunafreya blinked, the wind was gentle and cool, and her hair was slightly moved by it. She nodded once. "Pryna, and you called her Tiny."
Bewildered and eyes widen in shock, it was really her. "Luna! I-I just wanted to thank you... for everything."
"Come again?" Luna begged to differ as she leaned close to the table.
Prompto rose to the table and sat the comfy cushion chair that Luna invited him to seat himself. His eyes implored, saddened, and heart aching. "Everything! From Tiny coming into my life, your letter to me, I met Noct as a young, from being pals in high school, and at this very day!"
He looked down at his laps, eyebrows furrowed in sorrow. "And where we ended up was an unforgettable event day on Altissia..." He looked up to Luna pure blue eyes, gripping his hands together tightly to a ball. "I wish I would meet you in person... before..."
He couldn't finish his sentence. The event took place as a burden to everyone heart, especially how he understood how Ravus felt. Argentum took a stuttering deep breath. "Before you..."
"Passed?" Princess of Tenebrae finished off his sentence, her eyes staring fathomless to his face.
"Y-yeah..." Prompto breathed, gazing down at the frilly table cloth.
The winds suddenly picked up its speed, and the atmosphere began to weigh them down of sorrowful truth. But for Luna, despite the hardship for her and the endurance for everyone sake, she simply smiled.
"Oh, Prompto, I am truly blessed of having you to our life—to be Noctis' friend. I must thank you for all your time with him." Luna beseeches. To alleviate the tension, Luna reached Prompto's clasping hands.
Prompto forced himself to look at the gentle, yet, warm welcoming hands of embrace from Lunafreya. His breath became erratic, stuttering to feel so much loss and hope. He looked at Ravus' sister under his dreary breath.
Her eyes indicate a genuine and modest smile. "I am pleased to meet you."
Prompto retracted his hands from Luna in shock. Astounded, did he really meet her... in the afterlife? Or some sort of dream prison he's encased in? It sounded real, and her contact seemed legit.
Fleuret knew exactly what he was thinking, so she spoke up before he had any doubts. "It's my dream, connected to the Crystal. My conscious and silhouette still exists—as a duty of the Oracle."
Hearing the unanswered question relieves his thousands of ways of where the heck he was in, he leaned back on the chair.
He didn't know where to begin asking the princess with all the questions bear in mind. From destiny, the Great One, Tenebrae history, relationship, what she think about Noctis, the crystal secrets, saving Ignis from the forbidden ring, the Chancellor calling...
But he brought an excellent question he had in mind. Of all the odds of unanswered questions that seemed relevant, he asked the Oracle directly. But his voice deepened in pain and sadness as he spoke.
"H-how did you cross the afterlife?"
It was unusual for her death was untimely. The fact he is aware of her sacrifice weakened her, something has sped up the process, or worse. The winds grew intense, and even Prompto failed to realize until now that the wind of pace felt ominous. Luna begins to look around frantically. Her expression changed from gentle to fear, causing Prompto to grow out in concern.
"Luna?" Prompto said urgently.
The princess looked around and gulped. She clutches Prompto ball of fists tightly, the intense pressure of warning. She let go of her grip and held hands together to her lap.
"He is watching us." Luna abruptly rises from her garden chair in a hurry. She offered her hand to Promoto quickly. "We must hurry and warn your friends about—"
Suddenly, she gasped. The sharp pain travels throughout her body, immobilizing her from moving. Prompto immediately stood up from his garden chair as it fell off. He went over to Luna, gasping in shock.
"Luna!" He grabbed her before she fell to the floor or hit the table. "Luna, can you hear me?!"
Luna was gasping for life, clinging what's left of her energy time here... or something else has answered Prompto inquiry. One of his hands gripped on her side, felt wet and sticky with liquid. He lifted his right and discovered her blood seeped into his pale skin. Not only does he feel the blood bleeding profusely, but there is also a dagger inside of her side.
Prompto felt his heart stop. "W-w-what...?" He was broken to finish off his sentence. Petrified and afraid.
Luna fell off of his embrace. Prompto tried to keep his grip, but an invisible barrier pevented him from doing his action of caring nature. She collapses to the ground, panting and imploring.
He glanced around his surroundings, finding the culprit who threw the dagger. Speechless, out of his mind, the entire location has transferred to ruins of Altissia. Raining. Crashing of water waves hit the broken streets of Altissia. Engine failing from Niflheim. He begins backing away, breathless, shocked, and perturbed.
Prompto looks back at Luna, and her entire attire changed from Tenebrae tradition to mingle and shredded dress she once wore to announce the Tidemother awakening in Altissia. Her elegant braided hair was loose over her shoulders, damp and shredded. He tried to reach for her but halted because someone or something walked by him quietly and swiftly. An eerie presence that caused Prompto to get goosebumps on his bare skins.
"Oh, how long are you going to replay this lovely day of your death, hm?" The man, seeps with malice, casually walks by and pulls the dagger out of Luna.
Prompto gasped. He witnessed the man himself... who stabbed Luna? Words were spread that she shortened her lifespan trying to covenant the Astrals. It truly exhausts her, flesh is failing, and nearly killing her. Did... did it reveal the true culprit?
"Noctis will fulfill his duty... as a True King..." Luna begs. "And godspeed, you may find peace..."
Ardyn Lucis Caelum gave her a mocking look, knowing she had already failed his king. He was twirling his dagger around like a toy, smeares of her blood. The King of Darkness snickered.
"Ah, your bride is waiting..." He shot a glare over the horizon where he claimed to be Noctis present.
Prompto did look in his direction, and he glanced back at the man, who was staring right into his soul of confusion and heated. He felt like this was a memory of the Crystal replaying the Altissia event, but why does he feel like Ardyn... can see him right now?
Ardyn steps closer, and Prompto begins to step back in fear. Prompto gulped, raising his hands defensively. He was stuttering. His body trembled in fear.
The man asked. "What are you doing in here?" He said ominously.
Prompto tries to withdraw his Executioner into his hands, but nothing occurs. He was backing away, unarmed. He gulped loudly and accidentally tripped on himself. Landing on his bottom against the wet, damp concrete floor of Altissia ruins. Raising his bare arms over his face as his heart pounding against his ribs harshly and fast.
Ardyn scowled was ferocious, face was in a horror movie of starscourge, and definitely uglier.
"I asked again, boy." Ardyn continued, his voice rising. "How did you get here?" He summoned his signature bloody weapon, grew very hostile, causing Prompto to kick and drag his feet back further in fear.
Luna saw the dangers for Noctis' friend, and she raised her hand and adjure for assistance. Her hand begins to glow golden radiantly. Her deep, excruciating, final breaths as she pleas.
"Return into the beyond!"
The final breath heed her calling, and the environment turned into dust. Within seconds, she disperse, and so did Altissia and Ardyn. Before Ardyn faded by her command, he mouthed a few words and a sneer.
Prompto was gasping for air, trying to gather all the information and fear into one bundle. He coughed several times, struggling to rise on his feet. Breathing in and out. His hands were on his kneecaps, pushing out a heavy feeling on his chest.
He straightened his back and found out he was in some kind of blue void. He was still heaving and eventually stabilize his lungs. He walked clumsily and stood perfectly. He rubbed his closed eyes to clarify his location.
"That's enough dreams for today," He said aloud. "Time to wake up, Prompto." He slaps his face cheeks several times.
"Ow." He stung his cheek too much. He blinked again to regain his sight and caught something... something far away. Black, curled into a ball. Drifting alone, ragged jacket so familiar to his sore blue eyes.
He squinted harder...
And...
To his astonishment...
Was that...
O' trusted companion of the chosen king. Heed thee callings.
An outline of a crystalline knight had materialized before him, blocking a figure. Prompto glanced above him, aghast.
"Who are you?! Were you the same person talking to my buddies? Answer me, damn it!" Prompto shouted. He was familiar with Gladio, Ignis, and uncertain of Ravus foreshadowed by the same description standing before him.
Prompto expected it to give cryptic advice, but it didn't. It spoken to him.
I am Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, and I guide your callings, heed my words.
Argentum eyes widen in shock. His heart rapidly beating again with his encounter on Ardyn.
"Luna?" He was completely shows source of distess.
It continued or claimed to be the Princess of Tenebrae in crystalline figure. Go, your King awaits you, into the beyond, the truth lies within the part of the crystal memory lies.
You will meet him again... unravel the truth into Eos... together...
Prompto was in revelation disbelief... Will he actually meet Noctis... again?
"How?" He begged to differ. "How is it possible?"
It stood, quietly and judged the blonde. It begins to fade, even Prompto felt lightheaded as the room was beginning to consume with light.
He felt light, his body went numb and his conscious was blinded by light. The last word was foretold before he realized it was the end of his time was allotted.
Till we meet again...
x~~~~~x
Prompto gasped, shot out from his bed inside a garrison tent established for hunters. The sweat breaks through his pores of his face, feeling shocked. His irregular breathing became stable as he analyzed his surroundings. He wiped his forehead, relieved it was one big nightmare... or a dream his friends spoke of.
It's been a few days since they arrived here. Immediately, Gladiolus was sent to the clinic along with Ignis and Prompto for urgent care. Staying in the clinic for a day, Prompto was dismissed after his recovery with simple instruction to prevent long-lasting pain. Ignis, however, he stayed more than a day. It was exactly three days. The doctors from Gralea and Tenebrae were marvelous to greet, especially Neville, who also helped Ravus during their escape.
In a precise and accurate surgery, adding potions for vial to have a probability of accelerating and improving his healing, the doctors successfully operated Ignis into full recovery. He is able to use his arms that were impossible to save. It was a miracle as Neville agaped. He was dismissed yesterday, meeting up with Prompto in the tent.
Gladiolus concussion was serious. The back of his head has a huge split. His brain possibly hit the impact that he may get brain damage. Although there were no signs of it. It is possible he dodged it or recovered a miracle like Ignis. There was no theory so he stayed longer until he was awakened from his coma.
Prompto threw his legs off to the bedside and noticed Ignis wasn't with him in the tent. He probably woke up earlier as usual.
Eventually, the Blondie went to his shelf with his neatly piled Attire, clean and folded. Ignis sure likes to organize and always likes to tip top their everyday appearance.
After he changed his night gown into his Attire, he heard noises, believing the Glaives were in training. Since they're getting used to using huge machinry, it's going to be a reckon with magic and metal.
He stepped out of the tent and noticed the day was noon. Prompto was definitely sleeping in, a good one for head and a twisted dream he didn't approve.
Strolling through the Aracheole Stronghold, it was pretty fortified. Higher slopes, a large barrier around the curve, the entrance was heavily reinforced with rare metals and watchtowers. This new establishment became a sanctuary for survivors around the world to reside, especially Ravus favorite spot. They're building more homes and facility for food, shelter, clinic, and military purposes. The tents are for temporary and survivors to take heed where to sleep until they are fully processed. They will not tolerate traitors or anyone who compromise their home.
As for the boys, they prefer a tent to stay for a while.
Prompto approaches the closest glaive, which is a male who is dressed an Altissian resident. He survived the Insomina attack and stayed there.
"Hey, uh, have you seen a dude with freakisy good-looking with glasses walk around here?" Prompto query the male glaive.
The male glaive stopped his training and observed the lad. "The Crownsguard Officer?"
Prompto nodded lucidity. "Yeah, pretty tall, slim, and talk like a british accent?"
The male glaive lowered his Rapidus SMG that he was practicing his shooting at the dummies in the gallery. "The last I've seen your friend was heading towards the clinic tent. Aye, they do not allow visiting hours today, more injured has arrived in the morning."
Prompto threw his fist in front of him. "Aah bummer, I probably missed it. Iggy is in there. I know for the fact that he refused to leave our buddy."
"Yeah, perhaps you can help out the others around the area? Surely, they appreciate the extra hand, some grub to eat, or shooting range to teach us. I've heard big gossip you are excellent on arms, 'specially bullet arts." The male glaive smiled while he gestured his free hand at the construction, cafeteria, and training area.
Prompto examined the Rapidus SMG he had gripping and several more on the table. Some are emptied, and magazines are lying on the table beside it. Prompto can certainly tell it was his first time trying firearms.
"Do you know how to reload this?" Prompto picked up an empty SMG and inspected it.
"No, sir. I follow the instructions, and it seems no bullets come out of it."
Prompto adjusts the SMG by releasing the handle and removing it with ease. "First, you need to press this button to release an empty mags and replace it with the ready to use ones."
Prompto did exactly what he knew, and the glaive watched the young sharpshooter. He pushed the mags in. "Push it in, pull this trigger to reload, release, and it's ready to go."
Prompto positioned himself, aligned his scope, used the crosshair to see through, and pressed the trigger. Bullets flying in high speed, puncturing the sandbag dummies. The glaive was fascinated.
Prompto lowered his weapon and handed it to the glaive. "Give it a try. Let me see how you do this."
The glaive was hesitant, but he took it. He tried to position himself, but Prompto noticed his slack. "You gotta have the blunt near your face as you look through the scope. You may feel vibration, but it's easier said than done. Let it rest on your shoulder, one hand at the trigger, and the other holds the bottom. Like this." He noted.
Prompto helped the fellow glaive into the right position. He listened to the blonde and began shooting. Surprisingly, it worked really well! The bullets spitting out from the Rapidus SMG flew and penetrated the dummies. He stopped his shooting and thanked Prompto.
"Thank you, sire! Your skills are simply magnificent for a glaive using magics with blades!" He complimented.
Prompto felt embarrassed as he shrugged the glaive off in not so offensive way. "Bah! No biggie! We are supposed to work together, right?"
The glaive nodded, agreeing the skilled bullet art lad as he resumed his training. Prompto thought it's best to look around after helping someone. Maybe he's on to something to ask and help around...
He continued his strolling around the Stronghold. There were more people from around the world, it seems. Some he recognized their shirt resembles Gralea. A handful of retired glaives became hunters are fairly common.
It's oddly rare to see a Tenebrae resident. She had blue sleeveless top with white jeans. She wore heavy duty boots and her hair was blonde and pretty long over her shoulders. She decided to go to the cafeteria, which is a huge tent, so he gives himself a greeting. Maybe he should est lunch as well for skipping breakfast.
"Hey." Prompto only way to introduce himself towards female was a blonde civilian glanced at Prompto and smiled.
"Greetings! You're awake, Prompto, a friend of Noctis."
Prompto blinked. It sounded like she knew him. "Yeah, uh..." He trailed off. He cleared his throat and resumed. "Have we met?"
The resident placed her empty tray down, standing in front of Prompto. She unexpectedly bowed at him with respect. "My apologies! I was told by my Monarch King Ravus."
The lady respectfully places her fist near her heart. "I'm Delilah. I'm the newest recruit of the Glaives. Jenica is my best friend, and she told me her adventures with the Crownsguards."
Upon hearing Jenica, who joined their expedition five days ago, he was astounded to hear her name. "Yeah! She was a huge help to us."
Their chit-chat was smooth and simple. While they converse, they grabbed their food trays filled with sliced apples, and the main course for today was Breaded Cutlet with Tomato. When the two walked away from the station, one of the glaive commanders called the Tenebrae resident.
"Delilah, your outfit is furnished and ready for your style." The glaive said, a familiar Kingslaive outfit draped around his right arm. Although, unlike the tradition of Lucis, this particular one is white.
Delilah looked really happy as she set down her tray of food to an available table and approached hurriedly. She rose to the soldier, clamps her fist to her heart, showing high respect on the glaive. The sharpshooter set his food beside her and curiously strolled them.
Shockingly, the Tenebrae resident became a glaive? He was fully aware of Altissa, Lucis, Gralea, and Tenebrae. Can be hunters— let alone, Kingsglaive? Did this lass also obtain the power of the Kings of old?
Delilah happily accepted the outfit and straightened the thick coat. Observing the style, she was stoked to have her signature Tenebrae elegant white tradition of their late princess. She noticed Prompto was beside her and she explained her role.
"Oh, yes. I forgot to mention Prompto. The Oracle bestowed me the power to heal from the King of Old... The Lucis! A Tenebrae birthright. I may not be suitable for combat, but I can not stand still as my friends and family are in danger. Risking their lives to save others..." She explained and continued with a smile. "I have decided to join the Kingsglaive to put my talent into use."
Prompto blinked a couple of times, agasted. His jaw dropped briefly to shut it instantly. This world really evolved in a short span of time since Noctis was absent. He cleared his throat and grinned.
"Sweet! Welcome aboard! It's kinda radical to have a Tenebrae fighting alongside us!" Prompto eagerly responded to the new sister in arms.
Delilah laughed hardheartedly. The two decided to finish their lunch hour and went separate ways. The Tenebrae glaive decided to start her training, and she was fond of crossbow as her primary.
Prompto explored the Stronghold, helping glaives with lifting, mini quest such as deliveries from one tent to another, suggesting his opinion about the structure, and converse with his fellow Lucis. Far from the center, inside the facility holds civilians of survivors. He knew the middle of the Stronghold was a huge tent with Tenebrae embroidery symbol flags swaying with the strong winds. That is pretty much the main room. Around it was under construction. Bricks and slabs on the ground and have hardworking ladies and gentlemen volunteered to assist the King.
He wondered how large it'll be. Maybe humongous to house numerous weaponry and technologies. On the right was the infirmary, where he believed Ignis and Gladio is currently located. On the left is where the desk with hunting posters. Of course, there are several glaives around it, inspecting the board.
There were goblins, bombs, Giants, Garula, Dualhorns, Ronin, and more. There are type of stars above the wanted poster, assuming the difficulty for the hunt.
Prompto decided to head towards the training field where he practiced the armaments from Niflheim. Since pretty much the entire nation commandeer the mechs for survival, the Glaives and Hunters are working on it at its fittest.
He walked to the shooting range section where the glaives and hunters learn how to operate long-distance combat. There were hundreds of Rapidus SMG, Revolver, pistols, Bazookas, Lumine Flares, melee weapons, and so much more. All propped inside the cargo, ready to use for practice.
He plucked one Rapidus SMG from the shelf, fully loaded magazine, and aligned the arms at the dummy. Inspecting through the scope, he can see the crosshair and press the trigger.
After one hour of practicing bullet arts, he had forgotten how to adapt the firearms by picking it up. Especially during his time escaping the Keep to rescue a friend. Wrapping up, he went to the cafeteria for dinner since he failed to notice how time flew by fast.
After a delightful rice and chicken bowl, he strolled by the clinic once again and saw Delilah healing an injured hunter. They probably went on a hunt and collected meteor shards for their power source. He stood 30 feet away from the entrance of the clinic.
Delilah smiled, resting her hands on their side of the hunter's wound where there was a huge scratch across his body. Her fingertips glowed of pure green energy as the wounded flesh began to mend itself. Her smiles widened because she noticed her ability was saving lives.
Prompto grinned, viewing the nations once separated from a long bitter war and reconciliation the entire Eos. Delilah chatted with the hunter, resting her hand on his should for assuage, and looked very familiar to him as if she almost looked like...
It looked like someone faded in his thought.
A flash of his memory came to life.
That smile, Delilah long blonde hair, healing abilities...
He recalled his dream.
He saw a brief image of Lunafreya screaming. Screaming because a dagger plunges into her side wicked sneer from the darkness. The devil himself.
Prompto gasped. His heart ached in despair, and he took a step back slowly. Shaking his head a few times to reflect the dream versus reality. He was speeding backward from the clinic, feeling tensed than before.
Delilah spotted Prompto and waved at him, but her response was cut off because Prompto sprinted off without responding back to the newest recruitment. Puzzled, she wondered why he ran away. Before she decided to make an act, another glaive asked for her assistance, and she was pulled to work.
x~~~~~x
Prompto fled to the top of the watchtower. Taking a flight of stairs and hiding himself from the society. He held his camera with both grips, examining the empty spot where it once laid an Astral—The Archean.
Watching the sunset view, resting his body on the rail, arching his back slightly, he can see the blue crystal aura emanating from the core where they last take foot on treacherous area that he caught sight of it a week ago. He felt the sensation that it was calling his name. All of his friends as well.
He drummed the camera softly on the side, messing the lens focus and reverting back to the accurate point. He took a deep breath and exhaled and store his camera into his Armiger. He felt bad if he fled from Delilah, who enjoyed his company. But he was afraid.
He couldn't stop thinking about Luna.
Was her untimely death caused by Ardyn all this time? Not due to her life force being shortened when she covenant the Astrals.
She could have lived. She could have saved Eos. She could have ventured off with them after all.
But why did Ardyn decide to kill her?
The pieces were beginning to match. Ignis informed Bahamut was a threat and possibly Ardyn, a prisoner, to do its bade. Knowing its malicious intent was to sacrifice Noctis for a false savior of Eos from eternal darkness.
It ended Lunafreya, and it was saving his best friend for last.
It vile Prompto stomach into a knot of disgust.
"We'll save you, Noct. I promise." He mumbled to himself, his eyes flare of determination.
There was voice coming from behind Prompto, nearly startled him as he drifted off into his own thought.
"I figured I find you here, Prompto."
Prompto turned his head towards the direction where the flight of metal stairs and spotted Ravus. He retired his commander outfit in exchange for his Tenebrae outfit. He wore a white button shirt and rolled up one sleeve as the other was cut off for his mechanical arm. He wore black jeans and still wearing his boots that are easily can be heard ascending the metal of stairs. Yet, Argentum failed to hear him.
"Heya Ravus." He greeted nonchalantly, just like how he treated all royalty friends. He was slowly getting used to the Oracle company, just a bit.
They were staring at each other briefly until Ravus started his move towards the excellent friend of Noctis. He went beside Prompto and leaned the rail to mimic his pose, admiring the aftermath of the Astral. It was strange at first, but Prompto stared off the same spot again.
"May I invite myself to admire the view with you?" Ravus query the lad despite he lolled in.
Prompto jerked his head back slightly and glanced back to the crater. "Uh, not at all!"
The two stood quietly, and the wind was gentle and cooler due to the high temperature of the core of Eos. The beautiful untangiable light glowed within as Prompto watches the center. Since Lestallum is the hottest and hot spot for tourists because of the meteor and Astral resting spot. Prompto, on the other hand, felt high anxiety building up in his chest.
He stood beside the King, sister of Lunafreya, who died by a homicidal of their sister, and Prompto felt really hot. Maybe the temperature from the meteor was getting him? Or the huge dread of silence that prompted him to share what he was foretold? They're relatives, of course. His most concerned is his reaction.
Should I tell Ravus about Luna's death? Prompto thought, clutching the rail tightly. That's his sister, maybe he deserves to know this... But Ravus has already been through enough.
"Is something a matter?" Ravus spoke up.
Prompto gaped, cleared his throat, and answered the Oracle. His quick thinking that Ravus was purely honest towards them and spoke up in his perspective.
"Y-yea. I had a... dream. Just like you, Ignis, and Gladio."
Ravus turned his head slightly to Prompto astonished. "Explain." Not as serious and intimidating voice he uses on their few encounters like in Altissia. It was calm and sincere.
"I was in Tenebrae... I saw Lunafreya in my dreams as if she looked so real and... alive."
"My sister..." Ravus' voice was appalled and a pinch of sorrow. He nodded to permit Prompto resumed.
"Yeah, we had a chat about the events—the Crystal is our answers to the events happening this day and... suddenly, we ended up in ruins of the altar from Altissia."
"... You caught a view of a memory."
"The Crystal memory, maybe? It may record everything we do, actually." Prompto affirmed his theory.
Argentum continued, and his face expressed sadness to relay the devastating news. "I know how Luna died."
A revolting news, Ravus turned his body halfway towards Prompto, urging him to finish his presentation. His face changed from solemn to serious and outraging expression.
Prompto swallowed his words. He blinked several times and eventually spilled the truth. "Ardyn stabbed Luna... I saw it happen right before my eyes. There was a wound on her side, right there and—" He gestured his free hand and rubbed at the particular spot on himself.
He noticed Ravus had not laid eyes on him nor reaction on hearing the dire truth. Instead, he was staring off the sunset, both hands clutching the rails tightly. He can tell his muscle tightened while gripping the metal structure. He clenched his teeth, revealing his teeth indignantly.
Prompto knew the body language too well that he was in despair, agony, or maybe cursing the land or heavens above. But he remained subtle, conscious of what was around him especially. Ravus shut his eyes harshly, breathing heavily, teeth clattering until he stopped. He let go of the railing and proceeded to exit himself from the watchtower.
Prompto stood quietly, watching the King pardon himself utterly in mute. Ravus didn't descend the stairs just yet, his back turned at the former ally of Lucis and motioned his head without looking at him.
"... Come."
Before Argentum make a comment, Ravus already descending the stairs, heavy metal footsteps clang sounds can be heard. He obeyed after five seconds after reconsideration on relaying the vision he witnessed. He wasn't sure the shift of mood he was currently in, but he follow the king as the two traverse together.
They crossed the less busy Stronghold as the rest of the survivors retired for today. Ravus lead Prompto to the main tent with the flags stopped its movement becaude the wind ceased.
The glaives that guarded the entrance saluted the King of Tenebrae in high respect as Ravus proceeded to enter with Noctis' friend. Ravus lifted the tent to allow Prompto to slip through. Stepping foot at the main base, Prompto noticed a large table displayed Eos. A hologram that represents Tombs of Past Kings and Queens.
There were Gralean, Tenebrae, and Lucis who shared the same space as they decipher a way to extract them.
They all gazed who enters the room, which is Ravus and Prompto, and return to their work. They were cautious whoever entered the main room of operation as the two crossed to the back tent.
The two went through the extended tent entrance that lead to the huge building where the store units of war machine into a training room, but it's not like the similar one. It's more of a private personal quarters that shows a table of variety of ranged weapons. One glaive was there, and he was very familiar.
"Your Majesty." He stood firmly in highest resolution.
"Kaiser, if you may represent the latest invention to our talented savior of our future for our children, Prompto." Ravus concluded, his voice being sincere towards the rogue glaive.
Prompto looked completely scandalized to spot a glaive that assaulted his ship. "Wait, weren't you and the other sent to exile?" He said aghast.
Kaiser glanced at Ravus for his permission to speak by eye contact. The King nodded, knowing the body visual as he prepared the new and established ranged weapons on the table in order.
"Yes, my soon to be wife and I were exiled. We were punished for our lives, but none were harmed. Our representative, Cor Leonis, made a bold and wise choice to exile us instead of our lives. I should thanked him." Kaiser explained.
"Yeah, I know Cor isn't that harsh. He got a soft spot for all his people." Prompto replied, corner of his lips elevated slightly.
"We respected our Crownsguard due to our errors. Before we headed out from Lestallum, Ravus pulled us aside and requested where we were heading off to. In brief, Ravus understood us and took us in." Kaiser raised his fist to his heart.
The red-haired warrior continued, showing his admiration and loyalty of what glaives would do. "I swore an oath to protect Ravus at all cost, even a price of my life to pay. My earnest gratitude for a King of the Tenebrae to whirl another chance for Adele and I."
Prompto commended the opportunity given by Ravus. He started to really like Ravus more than before. Kind and understanding, loyalty, and determination.
Ravus decided to pry himself through their praise about him and pointed out the glaive. "Kaiser, please demonstrate the weapons."
"Yes, your Grace." Kaiser replied quickly and picked up Rapidus SMG. Prompto followed the glaive a few steps ahead to the dummy and presented the weapon towards him.
Prompto tilted his head slightly, confused about their grand project. It seems ordinary like the others. Why is this one special in particular? Raisong a brow, he accepted the offer and examined the SMG from the sides.
"Uh, seems like the other thousands of the ones we used." Prompto issued his opinion.
"The Highness operated this one a very unique design meant for glaives like us." Kaiser began. "This one will never run out of ammo."
Prompto eyes widened in joy and veracious tone no one had ever heard of him. "No freaking way..." His jaw dropped in awestruck.
"But there is a catch. There is a cool down on how long it'll recharge. Our Armiger or crystal power will eventually power up. In the given time, ten seconds, based on our analysis on prototype. Today is a fully operational ranged weapon, and Ravus proposed to give you the weapon." Kaiser explained as Prompto never ceased his eye contact from the SMG.
Prompto looked up and nodded happily and stored his new personal weapon into his Armiger. It felt satisfying for a weapon that was rightfully manufactured from Niflheim into light shattered particles.
"Hell yeah!" Prompto fist pumped the air and inspecting the Rocket Launcher, Rifle, Battle stick, and Grenade on the table. He pointed them out. "What about those?"
Ravus rose to the duo and explained the rocket launcher first. Upon seeing the King approach in dignity, the glaive stepped back and maneuver his way towards the entrance and guard. "They're in working progress. Bazooka has issues of where the reloading takes an hour to recharge due to the high power of explosives. But in due time and tweaks, it'll be operational for you."
Ravus proceeded to the Lumine Flare as he picked up with his artificial arm carefully. "This will be finished in no time. Perhaps the next few days or a week, make sure you come back to retrieve your arsenal. Final preparation until it is fully operational with the crystal power within you."
Ravus set down the grenade and went to the rifle, not looking pleased for his code project. "This... however, has a missing element that refuses to recharge. Currently under development, but I'll doubt it will cooperate crystalline powers."
The Oracle picked up the combat melee stick and handed it to Prompto. "This took one day to work since the Lucis specialize blades."
Prompto observed the charcoal colored melee stick and smiled. Despite he isn't fond of close quarters combat, he definitely needs to practice on it. He set into his Armiger and nodded again in respect.
"Thanks Ravus and Kaiser. So this is the project you been working on for weeks?"
"Indeed, our reunion of Lucis and my people has excelled, I would like to associate with your people and put my knowledge of Niflheim and Tenebrae in greater use." Ravus nodded solemnly. "My next plan of motion was to prepare the incoming darkness loom over the horizon, which I conclude armory for all of us, especially Lucis in crystalline powers within, and I must thank you and your comrades for all what they have done." Ravus extended his right arm towards Prompto, asking for a handshake.
In instant, Prompto snatched the offering and shook the hand of the Oracle sturdy and one big swift movement up and down. The two let go as Ravus crossed his arm over his chest.
"Not a problem!"
Prompto took a few steps ahead to the shooting gallery, scanning at the dummy, and call forth his very own Rapidus SMG in thin air with style as he spun the gun once. He rested on his right shoulder briefly and positioned himself into a proper way to grip it. It felt so natural for him that he can feel the flow of this weapon become his signature. He aligned the crosshair and took aim.
"Let's give this badboy a try."
He pressed the trigger as bullets rapidly flew across the air and rained on the dummy nonstop until the SMG ran out of ammo. Which he did successfully and annihilated the bullseye completely. He switched to the melee weapon and get the feeling of it in case if any monsters or defective Magitek leaped on him again.
For at least 10 seconds, he switched back to the SMG and examined it. He positioned himself and took aim again. He pressed the trigger again, and in fact, the SMG recharged by his crystal power. Ravus clearly know what he is doing.
"Sweeeet baby Chocobo! It actually works! It's infinite!" Prompto yelled of enlightenment.
"A catch of a cool down." Ravus clarified the sharpshooter. Prompto nodded again because Kaiser noted it had a duration. He snapped his weapon into particles of light into his Armiger. He took another glance on the ranged weapon that is currently under development for future endless battle against the darkness.
Just before he inquired about the supplies, a glaive entered hurriedly. Kaiser momentarily stopped the glaive to proceed any further. Which netting Ravus and Prompto attention because of their heavy footsteps closing in.
"Your Highness, the Crownsguard is awakened."
Argentum eyes widened in wonder, adding a gasp. "Gladio!"
Ravus nodded quietly and a hint of relief expression. Even Prompto failed to examine his reaction. Ravus walked out of the secret training room and Prompto decided to tag along.
The two exited the main tent and strolled across the hard concrete ground. Prompto raised himself to stand beside Ravus and whispered as low as possible. Something has been bothering him. All the kind gesture from Ravus forging a weapon for Lucis to be compatible with Armiger, and he shared his perspective of the tragic event.
"Hey... Ravus... I just wanna say I'm really sorry..." He felt strained, nerving, and pressured to elaborate his side of dream that recently happened to him. He had seen Ravus really cool, kind, and a radical King so far, but he wasn't certain how he feels.
"I thought of sharing the others, but I think I shouldn't. She's your sister, after all..." Prompto trailed off. He had never felt so uncomfortable sharing to someone he rarely knows. He continued his part. "... yeah. I-I am not too happy about it either but—"
Ravus halt his pace, looking straight than Prompto. Although, he could see him from the corner of his odd colored eyes. Prompto paused as we when the Oracle make a sudden stop in a middle of the Stronghold. For the first time, Prompto witnessed a small tear forming under his eyelid as he blinked several times.
Eventually, he looked at Prompto full pose and spoke in a calm and relaxing tone of appreciation. "Thank you."
Prompto let out a wary smile. Despite the Oracle is older than him and his friends beside Ignis from the future, Ravus shown sympathy towards his allies, and it came to his understand more of his feelings.
Ravus begin moving his legs and resumes their pace towards the clinic tent. Prompto walked beside him and plan out to his fellow King ally.
"So... I know we talked about heading out soon if Gladio wakes up." Prompto said, trying to change subject and focus on their next objective.
"Rock of Ravatogh, I'm aware. I'll contact Aranea to your coordinates and help you extract the Tomb." Ravus filed the detail with him.
"Yep, not only that, the crystalline power resonating there for a reason so we can get in depth into the crystal."
Ravus glanced at Prompto with a puzzling expression. "What crystal power?"
Prompto immediately catches his breath, sounding bemused. Does Ravus not notice the flow of mana or divine crystal translucence power in the crater? He and his friends can see it, but not him? He should be a part of this, is he?
"Uh, never mind. I was seeing things. Maybe it was the meteor shards." Prompto dismantled his conversation and replaced it with other materials that release a glow.
Ravus expresses a blank look and proceeds to stroll. He spoke in a natural tone but softened near the end. "Perhaps you need glasses in a Lothario way."
"Hey! My eyes and sight are perfectly pristine and—what?" Prompto was slightly embarrassed to be teased by the Oracle on his sight, but what throws him off completely at the end of his sentence.
Prompto realized about Ravus. He looked astounded as he spoke up. "Whoa... Ravus... was that... a compliment and a humor?"
Ravus didn't reply to the sharpshooter as he continued walking away from the bedazzled friend of Noctis. He grew distant from Prompto, and he immediately ran to catch up with the Oracle.
He finally caught up with the Tenebrae King and nudged his right elbow with a smile.
"Not too shabby!" The Oracle didn't reply, but he presented a respectable nod as the two made their way to the clinic tent.
A/N— Yeah, it's been a while. Probably months. Life do be busy and lots of unwanted drama. I'm slowly writing stories again, so thank you for the follows, likes, and reviews. (despite it barely making progress.)
Prompto with the siblings kinda cute and I saved the best for last of course.