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If only I could have put my inspiration for the Twisting Time series on the cover of the book instead of the goofy looking guy in the fur coat they put here. The people who know me know who is wandering around in these books, starting with Twisting Time.

https://www.extasybooks.com/Twisting-Time?search=Twisting%20time&category_id=0

https://www.amazon.com/Twisting-Time-Luann-Lewis/

When the past and the future are twisted, can two people’s fate become entwined?During the Cold War, ruthless and cynical British operative

#patrick mcgoohan #mcgoohan #ice station zebra #david jones #john drake #Twisting Time #Facing Fate #Defying Destiny

“Now War, you know I love fighting you. But it’s the middle of the night, and I’m cold and wet. This isn’t the best time.” War raised a hand and pointed. “You should use that anger to strike at me fiercely and prove your strength.” “I’m not really angry, War. Just mildly irritated.” “You should use that mild irritation to strike me fiercely and prove your strength.”

Andrew Rowe, Defying Destiny (The War of Broken Mirrors, #3)

#irritation #war #anger #strength #Defying Destiny #Andrew Rowe #The War of Broken Mirrors

Defying Destiny - Chapter 4

Finally, just finally got back to this.

As usual tagging the Soulmate AU/Story Followers Squad! @cupnoodle-queen @themissimmortal @nifwrites @chocobrostrash @juvenile-ridge @suckmyhd @tarunart

Chapter: 4

Word Count: 3023

Previous Chapter Next Chapter

“Awwwwweeee! Why does Kelly get the front seat?”

Prompto whined, leaned back in his seat between a rather amused Gladio and a sleepy Noctis, dazing in and out of dreams and reality.

“Because, she’s probably less annoying to Iggy when he’s driving.” Gladio mused.

“Or because you did lose rock paper scissors against for her for it.” Noctis mumbled. Prompto huffled a little playfully, crossing his arms and then glancing at the bigger of the males he was sat between; Gladio seemed distracted looking at the mark on his arm, one they all recognized well.

“Wow, your mark is so out in the open, at least it’ll be easy for you to find your soulmate, Gladio.” The blonde grinned. “Mine.. ehhh..” he lifted his shirt to show a darkened spot on his abdomen to the left. “Not so much.”

Noctis too, nodded and glanced at the carbuncle shaped symbol on his hand. This caused Gladio to raise his eyebrows “How ‘bout you, Specs? Where’s your mark?” The male only glanced at their reflections in the rear-view mirror with a quirked brow to wonder if they were actually serious.

“If it weren’t obvious, driving takes priority at the moment.”

Kelfina too, studied Ignis silently; It would be rather difficult to catch glimpse of such a symbol with his attire; arms- covered, legs- covered, hands- covered. From his neck to his feet, he was one hundred percent covered, and there didn’t seem to be any trace of one along his face or jaw. Then again, she too was pretty much the same in that department, with the amount of skin covered. It was a funny feeling, having such a perplexing situation regarding her own soulmate mark. When it was covered, she was free. She could be with anyone, or no one. Any person was a possible soul-mate match… she had felt random- quite intense even spasms of pain- confirming that she at least did have a soulmate out there- if they did exist, and one that got hurt quite a lot at that.

“Hey Kelly!”

Prompto leaned forward a little from his seat. “How about you? I remember when we were kids everyone always said you didn’t have one.. Is that true?” Everyone at this point seemed to be silent, awaiting an answer. The girl in question twiddled with her braided hair, resting over her shoulder.

“Um.. I… I never really thought much about it.” “How can you not know if you have a soulmate symbol?” She seemed to get uneasy, shifting in her seat. “I.. my father.. Um.. I- My father didn’t believe in all that.. Soulmates and things.. He always told me it was just a myth.”

“Just a myth…?” Prompto almost seemed disappointed by the news. “But, so many people have said to have found their soulmates! How can he have told you that? It’s.. it’s like- a part of childhood to know that.” “I don’t know.. H-have any of you ever met your soul mates?” she asked, eyes scanning the group. The car fell silent again, confirming her answer. Gladio shrugged.

“Plenty of time to find em’ I mean, that’s why we have long lives right?” He rested his hands behind his head. “I’ve always thought my soul mate was gonna be a little hellraiser with a cute face and great legs. Someone I could go have fun with.”

Noctis scoffed, but grinned as he lowered his head. “I always pictured mine as… a redhead. A redhead with one-of a-kind eyes..”

“I dunno. I’m open to anyone. Though I think someone with a really unique smile and does really cute things all the time would be pretty cool.. that way I could always take cute snapshots of them!. “

“Those descriptions are… oddly specific.” Ignis gave them a wary glance in the mirror before returning to his driving. Prompto merely shrugged.

“Hey, everyone's got a type, right? Well, at least we got the gems Dino wanted; should be smooth sailing from here, right?” Ignis shrugged. “So long as Dino holds to his word, we should be fine.”

~ ~ ~

But of course, things were never that simple. Upon arrival back to the sandy shores, the ride to Altissia promised was one that was not to come until at least the morning after.

“How ‘bout you guys find a place to stay the night? On me!”

Being completely honest, Kelfina didn’t expect someone as (she had to admit) appealingly slick as he was shady to come through, but the hotel Dino had arranged was absolutely beautiful; its open, warm toned structure was one that reflected the peacefulness and relaxation of the beach it resided upon. Food was a few steps away, and there was plenty of space within the open-style suite they were given; two queen sized beds per room, with some comfy accommodations also outside on the porch, privacy given by curtains that swayed ever so softly in the evening breeze. Decor was minimal, but tasteful. A few pictures hung here, a potted plant there, but the simplicity was all the more relaxing.

“I have to admit, I can see why this place is so popular..” Noctis sighed as he resided on one of the clean scented beds, neatly made despite his comfy residing.

“I know right? Gotta admit I’m liking the royal treatment here..” Prompto chuckled as he resided beside Noctis, though he was upside down, feet by Noctis and head hanging over the bed’s edge.

“Well, I think while I’m here I might as well break the new lines in..” Noctis quickly pulled himself up, outstretching his hand to summon a fishing pole- a smirk residing on his face as he did so. Kelfina watched curiously, still in awe honestly of magic even on such a simple level. It appeared it had just dawned upon him that he could do so.. was fishing really so important to him? Endearing..

Kelfina gave him an odd glance. “It’s… getting dark though..”

He shrugged. “We’re close enough to lights that daemons aren’t really a worry. Besides, the coolest fish come out at night.” and with that, he was gone.

“I’d better go keep an eye on him, His Majesty gets rather royally butthurt if nobody’s there to watch his big reel-ins.” Gladio mused, following suit out the door. Ignis too dusted himself off, adjusting his glasses.

“I hope you don’t mind, I was entertaining the idea of sampling the local delicacies while we’re here…” he seemed hesitant though, glancing at the two blondes residing still in the room.

“Sounds good! I think I’m just gonna kick back here a while..” Prompto stretched, before returning his arms underneath his head, still upside down.

“I’m not.. really hungry at the moment, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying yourself.” Kelfina said as she smiled a little. “I hope you have a lovely time..”

Ignis too smiled a little, before nodding “Very well,” and closing the door behind him.

“Soooo, Kelly.” Prompto turned his gaze to the only other person left in the room. “It’s ah… it’s been… a while…”

“It has..” she twiddled with her braid, glancing at the younger male. “You look…”

“...Thinner? Y’know it's okay if you say it.” he forced the small grin to stay on his face, playing with his camera.

“I... was going to say happier…” she said, furrowing her eyebrows a little.

“Oh, sorry.. Force of habit I guess.” he chuckled a little nervously. “It’s just the first thing people tend to notice, y’know?”

“Right… Right..” Kelfina seemed to nod slowly and her eyes drifted downward, eyebrows still furrowed.

“I can’t say I’ve been as successful in that regard..” her eyes averted, tugging on her braid.

Now it was Prompto’s turn for his eyebrows to furrow in concern. “Hey…” he sat up, swinging his legs over the bed. “You… but you were never.. You know.. Like me…” he tilted his head. “You.. you looked good, you know?- You look good, I mean. Still do.”

Kelfina didn’t respond. Instead, she glanced down at her torso; taking in the remarks. Though pretty well covered from head to toe, she easily glanced at her soft thighs, lacking any form of gap and filling out the pants of her attire, her shoulders, broad beneath their leather cover, wider hips, generous bosom, and soft pudge that resided on her belly, somewhere in a limbo of not-so-flat yet not-so-arched. “I always looked chubby.” she finally spoke, playing with her gloved hands. “I mean.. I still do.. But I wouldn’t necessarily say that I looked “good… especially with the way other kids viewed it.”

“..Right..” Even Prompto seemed at a little loss for words in this situation. “Kids.. yeah, kids can be mean.. And it really is a pain dealing with it every single day.. Before Noct I..” he hesitated. “I um.. Really didn’t have much of any friends.. “

“I’m glad you two found each other though.” She said earnestly, traces of a smile as she glanced down to her hands. Prompto studied her expression, quirking his head a little as he stared.

“I mean.. I was pretty bad. I had fast food every night and cared more about getting home to that then trying to talk to my classmates for the longest time but.. Kelly.. I don't get it… why didn't..

..Why didn't you have any friends?”

She raised her eyes to meet his, a flash of something possibly resembling hurt for a moment caused him to backtrack. “I- I mean.. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. It was just.. y'know I never saw you with anyone and I just… didn't really know why…”

“It's alright Prompto, really.” She held a hand up in assurance as she made herself comfortable, pulling one leg up to her chest. “I'm flattered you think that highly of me, having friends. Well… um.. I guess there's no point in not explaining.. considering you were there..” she raised her eyes up in thought. “One, like I said, I wasn't the thinnest girl in my class by any stretch of the imagination, I'm sure you can relate to that. “ the male nodded. “Two.. I wasn't.. really the best at communication. I was highly introverted, so much.. I had a heavy stutter when trying to talk to anyone, I guess it was an anxiety issue.. that never really gave me a boost in popularity either.” Her fingers fiddled with the fabric of her gloves. “I just.. never really belonged- as cliche as it sounds. And with everything going on.. my father working for King Regis, school, and my…” she stopped for a moment, seeming to change her mind mid thought. “-I just had an overwhelming amount of things to adjust to, but people just never seemed to want to adjust to me. “

“Well, if it means anything- you seem pretty cool to us. Even Gladio offered the spot in the car, and he's usually not cool with anyone getting near Noct. Then again you are his doctor so..” he chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. “But anyways, we do like you, what everyone's seen of you. So I mean, keep it up and you could have three new friends! If you wanted- it's a buy one get three offer~!”

His laugh couldn't help but make the girl stifle some giggles herself. “Perhaps I'll have to consider taking you all up on that offer..” she said as she stared into the younger male’s eyes of dusty violet. So bright.. so young and full of life, and here he was only but a year younger than she was. Did she still have that? That small, spark of life in her eyes that resonated youth and innocence? Or was that lost long ago? Even she, failed to answer this.

Picturing Prompto as she last saw him; round, babyish features hidden as he hunched himself over, making himself more minuscule and less patent, clinging to his digital camera like a lifeline as he brushed past.. he too, hugged the walls and avoided contact with anyone that wasn't a figure of authority. Funny, how similar the two were.. back then at least.

One instance, the only instance she could recall from those days was a rather drizzly afternoon in mid October; even from the silent classroom she resided in, she could hear the squeaking and squelching of rubbery sneakers leaving footprints on dulled tile flooring. The final bell of the school day had children eagerly brushing out doors, anxious to find friends and chat about weekend plans; lockers slamming, the smell of petrichor looming even in the halls before being graced with the outside air. She was one of the last in her class to shuffle out the emptying halls, catching sight of the blonde’s profile, face scrunching up in frustration as he fumbled with his locker. With the school halls rather empty, and his struggling becoming more and more evident by the second, she made a rather unusual decision to step forward.

“D-do you.. n-need any help?” She asked quietly, yet still startling the younger boy slightly.

“I.. um.. I just got assigned a new locker.. but.. I think this one is stuck..” he said as he tried tugging on the metal slightly. “I've put in the combination two times but.. it still won't budge.” She leaned forward slightly, studying the locker before leaning down and slipping a finger around the release latch. Feeling a familiar resistance, gave her the answer she needed.

“S-some of the lockers here w-were made r-rather quickly, offcentered. These es-specially on the w-west side sometimes get stuck. T-there's a trick to t-them.” She said as she put a palm to the locker, pressing it inward as she used the other hand to lift the latch, unlocking the locker.

“Oh..” Prompto smiled a little in understanding, seeming pleased there wasn't anything wrong with his new locker as she nodded, and started to walk away, pulling her coat closer around herself to brace for the October chill. As she left the school, she swore she heard a soft “..Thanks.” leave his lips from the other side of the hall.

It wasn't until about a week later, when she was going through her things, cleaning out papers and past assignments into the trash that she had realized once again she was the last to leave the hallowed halls. Or, so she thought. Shutting the metal container, sound bouncing off the narrow space, she treaded down the walkway she had many times before.. before she heard a voice call out to her.

“Oh! Um.. Hey!”

Stopped in her tracks, Kelfina turned around to see the younger boy once again, rushing towards her, with something in his hands. He seemed rather bashful, fumbling around for something in a book he had retrieved from his locker. “I.. I um… it's a weird thing to ask but.. you like roses.. right?”

An odd question to ask to a stranger indeed, nonetheless, she nodded tentatively.

“I.. y-yes.. how did you..?”

“Um.. when you come to school a lot.. you go by the rose bushes near the exit a lot..” his cheeks were reddening now. “I- it's just because we get to school around the same time, I promise I wasn't following you!”

For the first time in a while, she felt her lips tug upwards into a smile, even a giggle managed to escape slightly. “It's okay.. a-anyways, why do you ask?” He quickly found a page, and pushed a small, square piece of paper into her hands.

“Thanks again.. it's um.. it's for the locker.. see ya!” He said shyly, hurrying off towards the exit, halls being long empty now besides the young girl, looking down at what had been given to her.

“This.. this is..?”

It was photopaper. No doubt, he had been carrying around his camera almost every instance she had seen him around school. Turning it over, her eyes widened. Oh.. it was beautiful. A Polaroid of a small bunch of roses- certainly from the garden area she always visited. Morning dew drops reflecting the early morning light off of soft, crimson petals. Before she could utter a word of thanks, he was gone, and things reverted back to routine.

They never spoke to each other again. Not really because neither wanted to, but school assignments grew in length and classrooms shifted locations. Every now and again though, she had caught glimpse of him in the halls.. before high school had arrived and she withdrew from public studies to work with her father. She wondered what had happened to the chubby, sweet boy with the camera...

It all seemed so long ago..

Her thoughts were interrupted by a growl sound, turning to see it was emitting from Prompto’s stomach. He chuckled, embarrassed as he curled an arm around his abdomen. “Sorry, guess I probably should've taken Iggy up on grabbing some dinner..”

“It's alright, I can bring you back something.” Kelfina said as she brought herself to stand. “Anything in particular you're in the mood for?”

“Huh? Wait, you don't have to do tha-”

“I wouldn’t offer if I didn't want to. Besides, I might grab something for myself as well. You should rest,- I think the others will be back soon anyways. “

“If you're sure..”

“Definitely.”

Slipping on her coat, Kelfina made her way towards the door, hesitating.

“Hey, Kelly?”

“... Yes? What's on your mind?”

“If.. if you recognized me.. why didn’t you say anything?” She paused.

“I.. honestly didn't think that you remembered me. I felt it was safer to reintroduce myself. “

She turned, confused as she heard him chuckle again.

“I guess that makes two of us then. “

Her heart panged a little, realizing that he felt just as unmemorable, as insignificant as she had.

“Well, just to clarify…” she turned the knob and stepped half way, turning her head to glance at Prompto once more. “I never forgot about you… after all, friends can’t forget their friends.. now could they?”

As the door closed, she knew she saw the smile, the same smile she had seen all those years ago on his lips.

And somehow, that made all the difference.

#defying destiny #ffxv #ffxv fanfic #oc fanfic #final fantasy 15