You're an AU artist, if you could make an AU of FNaF what would it look like? Which games, books, ect would you base your au canon on?? Any redesigns for any of the characters in mind? Btw I am in love with the way you draw the sb bots + your take on Foxy <3
Oh it would 100% be an AU of Security Breach, been thinking on one for a while especially since I've been replaying the game lately with the Cut Content Mod lol
The AU would be pretty much a game rewrite imma be honest, as much as I love security breach (in all its buggy and glitchy glory) this is how I would imagine the game if it was in context of my AU, but this is all obviously just a sound board for now.
RUIN dlc would technically not be a thing in the way it originally is, in that it would not be to where the pizzaplex is completely well... in ruin, the Pizzaplex itself is just shutdown for like a week for for the duration of both gameplay runs (due to the sinkhole investigation or whatever idk lol)
It would have some elements be combined with Security Breach gameplay as a separate (but still connected story-wise) player mode. 'Id lean waaaay more into the liminal space horror aspect of it for the cleaner backareas of the plex.
Gregory Run
pretty much follows the original basic plot with Freddy as our ally & guide around the plex as we gain higher security clearances and decommission the other glamrocks for their parts.
However I'd probably lean way more into Gregory just legitimately being a scared kid who is trying to hide/evade Vanny.
Gregory tries to contact Cassie when he is first locked inside before communication to the outside is abruptly cut off by Vanny
Animatronics and Vanny are infected with Vanny Malware & Glitchtrap Virus. Vanessa got infected first before she then infected the glamrocks and moon with her Malware.
Vanny and Moon are way more present in darker areas of the game i.e the endo warehouse and backstage areas,,, moon has so much imagery in the endo warehouse like his ass should've been an additional threat to avoid back there as the only thing that moves/will still try to chase even when you stare at endos if you stay in one spot for way too long
More environmental clues around the plex hinting at Bonnie's whereabouts & how he disappeared both in this run and cassie's (Not sure what exactly that would be but these are just soundboard ideas for now anyways lol), but this wouldn't be solvable until we get to a DLC that takes place post-game
Instead of Burntrap ending, it's an ending involving the Mimic (obviously with more buildup to it) who got ahold of the Glitchtrap virus. Gregory does end up stuck down there with a malfunctioning/virus-infected Freddy! This would be run's true end would technically be a Bad Ending and would lead soon into the start of the Cassie Run. However the mimic itself still cannot escape due to remaining security nodes, but has learned to mimic Gregory's voice.
Cassie Run
The basic plot of breaking into the pizzaplex looking for Gregory is the same. It takes place pretty soon after the true ending of Gregory's run.
Moon has more of a presence in the early game as we usually see more of Sun, but after he is freed from the virus we get to see more of him again.
Sun is not too knowledgeable on things in the pizzaplex outside of the daycare area, unlike Freddy. He is more of a comforting presence for Cassie and a moral compass... He has a bad feeling about Cassie deactivating the remaining security nodes!
We learn about Foxy being deactivated/decommissioned soon after Eclipse (sun/moon intertwined, rather than as a 3rd presence) was moved to be the DCA through our time together with Sun, and how now with moon having been infected that the weight of his own loneliness and isolation has been more deeply felt. Cassie and Sun can relate to each other on this front.
More of an actual reliance on security desk cameras to lure infected bots away from certain areas just like we do in ruin.
Vanny Mask is sorta functional, only works to hide from certain endos -it doesnt work on the glamrocks, eclipse, or dj anymore lol, deactivate wet floor bots, and security nodes (none of that teleporting/jumping through walls junk lol) with a couple glimpses of out of context memories, including some of the Gregory run from Vanny's perspective.
It still DOES have the Glitchtrap virus still partially active, but also reveals the way to cure the broken & infected animatronics - through the arcade machines, just like Princess Quest! As well as an alternate route to under the plex where Gregory and the Mimic are trapped. Though the more Cassie uses it, the tighter the grip it has on her.
Arcade Games to Beat: Chica's Feeding Frenzy, Gator Golf, Roxy Racers, and Balloon World!!!
Cassie's favorite animatronic is still Roxy, however she gets freed from the Vanny Malware 2nd to last (before moon) since she is also tied to the last security node. We still get an emotional moment with these two like we do in RUIN before Roxy is "shutdown"
Gregory and the Mimic have been fighting for communication control to Cassie the entire time they've been down there (this is what leads Cassie into being tricked to deactivate the security nodes in the first place)
Cassie and the now newly cured animatronics (minus Roxy since she got shutdown ///rebooted///) run into the malfunctioning Glamrock Freddy before they are able to get to Gregory - they have to essentially decapacitate him somehow,since he now has all their upgrades after Gregory's run! (By disconnecting his head from his body)
Moon and Cassie are the ones to progress while the others take Freddy back to the main plex above ground.
They finally run into Gregory and the Mimic, who has now managed to escape from where it was confined and has been trying to kill Gregory!
Roxy to the rescue! Like she does in the cutscene in RUIN, she manages to hold the mimic back long enough for the others to escape, even as broken and blind as she is from the events of the previous run. Moon meanwhile takes the lead and tries to get the kids out of there!!!
Also various endings like the RUIN DLC, true ending being that they manage to get out safely and reunite with the others, but only manage to temporarily contain the mimic once again, so he's still a looming threat or whatever yadda yadda yadda xp
DLC Game -Bonus Content Post Game
Play as Vanessa!
She comes back to try to figure out a more permanent solution for dealing with the mimic.
Some Vanny memories revealed during the Cassie run are re-contexualized through her eyes as we play post-game as her.
Fixing the animatronics!
The mystery of glamrock bonnie is solved (Greg and Cassie tag along for this!)
We see some of Cassie's struggles with the bare bone beginnings of the glitchtrap virus.
Sun/Moon have a deep distrust with Vanessa.
More DJ being a chill guy just because I think he's (terrifying) neat <3
Biggest Change -The Daycare Attendants.
Sun is an ally for only one (Cassie) of the two player modes! (Sorry Greg)
Main game mechanic for Sun would be to help us get into normally unreachable (high) places like vents via Moon's wire, since Cassie would not have access to security clearances like Gregory did before her run. The gameplay changes for Cassie's Run in using alternative routes to get around the pizzaplex, however Moon/Sun's wire would not be available around the entire non-backstage/warehouse/employees only areas of the plex (like the main atrium for example)
Additional gameplay would include fixing electrical circuits/electric breakers (broken by the tiny music man that scuttle around in the vents) under a certain time limit to prevent Moon from coming out to hunt you down
Can't bring Sun into certain areas that perpetually remain "too dim" until we cure Moon from the Vanny Malware before the climax/ending of the game.
Sun/Moon would be more direct metaphors of Fiona/Edwin in the game leading into their reveal for Secret of the Mimic (if I had it my way lol)
Mmmm I'm tired so that's pretty much the ideas for now. They'd definitely all be getting some kind of redesigns though they probably wouldn't be too far from the canon designs, I'd probably just end up giving the glamrocks more makeup & actual clothes (or at least give Freddy some pants lmaoo)
For sun and moon, I'd probably try to lean harder into the theater/jester theme they have going on.
For nooooow that's pretty much it for the setup of the actual AU until I can come up with an actual name
Since I’ve written a lot about Dispatch and explored a handful of AU’s and headcanons, so now I wanna talk about the changes I’d personally make to the story (not to say the overall story is bad, but we all agree it fell flat in some areas)
General Changes:
Make the game take place over the course of a month rather than a week, there was too much that happened with not enough focus on building relationships (You cannot tell me Flambae’s hot headed ass went from hating Mecha Man to following his orders in a week)
Episode 1 Changes:
Change who’s with Flambae in the bar when he encounters Mecha Man. This seems like a minor and unimportant change, but why the fuck is he with Coupé and Punch Up? His best friend is Prism, why isnt she there? Doesn’t it make more sense to immediately imply who Flambae would have synergy with once you start dispatching?
So I have two suggestions: either have Prism with him, giving the player a hint that they know each other well and hence would have good synergy while dispatching
OR, replace Punch Up with Sonar. Why? Because then we get an equal footing opportunity to meet both of the character’s we’re gonna be forced to cut, making us know who they are outside of the minor dialogue we get with them in Episode 2
Episode 2 Changes:
I get why we didn’t get much from the Z-Team in terms of personality but also why the fuck do we only really get a one on one scene with Visi? At this point we don’t know much about her or anyone else, so doesn’t it make more sense to build up the other characters too?
So my suggestion would be to split the scene between Robert and Visi in the break room into two separate scenes, one in the break room and one directly after
While in the break room trying to discuss Visi disobeying Robert’s orders it keeps getting interrupted by the other members of the Z-Team. First it’s Sonar screaming, then Malevola comes in through a portal, Prism jokes about them being on a date, Golem’s footsteps keep Robert from talking, Coupé and Punch Up come in and their conversation over takes theirs, and finally Flambae comes in and insults Robert, which finally prompts Visi to leave, but he grabs her and tells her their conversation isn’t over
This leads to a scene where Robert brings Visi into a secluded room (maybe the bathroom since I would replace their other bathroom talk scene) and snaps at her disobeying him and everything, which would basically be exactly what happens in the actual game
The difference is that this time they’d get to talk a little bit more about and the reason Visi punches him isn’t just because he made her feel bad, it’s because his comments made her mask slip a little, and she punches him to keep him from seeing her cry
Episode 3 Changes:
Nothing, I think this is one of the best story wise because despite hating that I had to cut someone, I think it makes both Coupé and Sonar a lot more interesting
Episode 4 Changes:
I think the wet dream scene should’ve either been completely cut or it should’ve been moved to the end with either Flambae or Blazer having it rather than Visi because, say it with me, Visi shouldn’t be a romance option
While I think InvisiMech is a good ship, I think Visi being a romance option made her character fall a little flat, specifically because I think Robert and Visi’s relationship should’ve been focused on Mentor/Mentee first and a romantic couple second
Now why would the dream be moved to the end? Well because it would change depending on who you decide to romance instead of someone being shoved in your face (I also think it’d be funny if the episode ended with the date, cuts to dream which makes the player think they’re already fucking on the first date, then the character waking up and going “fuck” before cutting to the credits)
This leads to the second change of making Flambae the second romance option rather than Visi and this is for a few reasons
1. Flambae and Robert already have a shit ton of chemistry, especially with the very clear love-hate relationship Flambae has with Robert and Mecha Man
2. Give us a gay option you cowards. Flambae is literally a flaming homo and yet we can’t date a man?
3. Unlike Visi whose character gets undermined by being romancable, Flambae’s character gets MORE to it if Robert can date him
Now onto what Flambae’s date would be and that’s easy: the entire Z-Team at a bar which is followed by Flambae getting annoyed and kidnapping Robert so they can talk on their own without the others breathing down their necks
Just like choosing Blazer gives us more about her, choosing Flambae would give us a bit more insight into the Z-Team, but specifically Flambae as we would learn he’s extremely protective and territorial and so on
The last change is that no matter who you choose to date, Visi will crash it and you’ll be able to build a bit more relationship with her to help keep her a hero
Episode 5 Changes:
The only difference here would be a cool idea that I had:
If you tell everyone you’re just Robert, everyone will move on except for Flambae, as he’ll claim he can tell you’re lying about something, and you then can either double down or tell him the truth, and either way shit goes wrong
If you double down, he demands to know why you’re lying to the team, he thought everyone was finally bonding and yet he wants to keep secrets
If you tell him the truth, the same thing as canon would happen where he tries roast Robert UNLESS you went on a date with him in Episode 4, where instead he’ll stop himself and fly off without a word (which will happen if you immediately tell the truth as well)
Episode 6 Changes:
No changes, I love this episode as is
Episode 7 Changes:
I hate that we’re forced to keep/defend Visi from being cut to get the good ending, because the team’s right, at this point we already cut Sonar/Coupé for something way less and it’s not fair to keep her on the team
I don’t mind that this is the final point of her going villain, but with all the other variables, it becomes less of a player choice and more of a “do I want the hero or villain Visi ending?” And at that point, what’s the point of the choice?
With that in mind, I think we should get three choices: Cut Invisigal, Defend her Actions, or Disagree with the Team
Cutting her instantly gives you the villain Visi ending like in canon
Defending her actions or disagreeing with the team makes Visi appreciate you but there’s a difference between them: if you defend her actions, Robert specifically says that she’s in trouble and that this won’t go unpunished, but ultimately she did what a hero is supposed to do and that’s what matters versus disagreeing with the team which has Robert completely saying they’re wrong and makes the team slightly hate him since he’s being a hypocrite (this especially pissing Flambae off if you’re romancing him)
Episode 8 Changes:
The ONLY change I’d make is the ending where Visi turns villain, specifically I’d change it so the entire ending is the same as the hero Visi one up until you get shot and are given the choice to spare or kill Shroud
The ending as it is is fine, but I think it’d be a lot more shocking for the player to, for a moment, think they could either kill or spare him only for the choice to be completely ripped away and Visi kills him before you can choose (obviously this is the same as in canon, but I think having the ending near identical would make it more shocking)
Obviously the problem is who blocked the shot to save Robert and I know you guys are gonna hate me but it’d have to be Chase
Chase sacrificed himself to save Visi only to nearly die and then is shot because she turned villain just like he warned Robert about, full circle moment for Robert
And while this is technically another change, I wanted to also say that Flambae and Robert’s romantic ending would have Flambae grab him by the collar, kiss him, then say “you’re a goddamn idiot.” Before talking to him a bit about what happened
“Sorry I freaked out.” Six breathed once everyone took their place in the car.
“Stop talking about it.” Noctis sighed, not wanting her to keep beating herself over it, “You’ve seen us freak over pretty much everything. Besides, you travel around with four weirdos all day for the past I don’t-even-remember-how-long-anymore days, you’re entitled to it.”
“I am?” she raised her eyebrows teasingly, catching his point right away.
“You know what I mean.” he grunted.
“I do.” she smiled, making his cheeks turn pink at the sound of her voice, “Thanks, love.”
“Hey, listen.” Prompto turned around in his seat, looking back at them all excited, “I have got this insatiable urge to take a photo with a chocobo. Can we go? Like right now?”
Six and Noctis exchanged a couple of stunned looks, laughing at the blond’s eagerness before the Prince gave his answer, “If you really want to, sure.”
“I do, I really do!” Prompto smiled brightly, “Oh man, where should I get the shot?”
Gladio followed the side road, bringing the Regalia into a stop at Wiz’s Chocobo Post. The blond photographer almost running out before the car had even fully stopped.
“Take a shot from here.” Noctis showed him the row of chocobos and Prompto agreed right away, “Good call. Now it’s picture time!”
“The gang’s all here, see? Us?” he smiled proudly at the picture he had taken before making his way to the car again. His needs to take a picture and see a chocobo up-close both sated.
“I might have asked before,” Noctis said, passing Ignis one of his Ebony cans when back on the road to Caem, “but is Ebony all that good?”
“I might have answered before, but Yes it is!” he looked back at the Glaive, laughing at his enthusiasm before taking a sip, unable to hide his own smile as she seemed to be doing a lot better.
It was late noon when they finally reached the lighthouse.
“Really looking forward to Iris’ cooking.” Prompto thought out loud as he exited the car, stretching his limps as Ignis looked at him through his eyelashes, mocking irritation behind his voice, “I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.”
“Oh, don’t be like that.” the blond blushed in embarrassment, “It’s different when a girl cooks for y-”
“Well, then I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.” Six was quick to join in the teasing.
“Oh, man.” he ruffled his hair before starting to catch up with Noctis and Gladio, already making their way to the house where Talcott and Iris waited for them.
“Finally ready to set sail.” Noctis commented once the house was in view.
“Altissia, baby. Big city, here we come!” Prompto shared in his excitement. After everything Six had told them about the beauty of the floating city, the boys were all eager to see it for themselves.
“How ya doing, Talcott?” the Prince asked; the kid’s eyes lit up at the sight of them all coming back.
“Good, Prince Noctis.”
“Hmm? What’s that there?” Six commented, seeing the boy’s figurine on the table behind him.
“Oh, this thing? It’s a cactuar figurine.” he smiled up at her, cheeks turning a light shade of pink, “I really like cactuars.”
“Oh...” Noctis nodded as the kid continued. “You can buy them in different places, and in different colors. I wanna finish the collection, but I still need a yellow and a blue one. I guess you wouldn’t have seen them at any shops, have you?”
“Uh, sorry, no.” Noctis answered before Six had the chance to, “Never paid attention to them before.”
“Oh, well, of course you wouldn’t.”
“But I will from now on. If I see the colors you’re missing, I’ll grab ‘em for you.”
“Really? Thank you!” the boy’s eyes were as big as a puppy’s when the company moved further away.
“Where can we find them?” Prompto asked almost right away, they all wanted to help do this for Talcott.
“We won’t have to look.” Six smiled, having everyone look at her, “I have both of them in the car, along with my things.”
“You do?” Noctis frowned his brows at her before realizing what she meant, raising one of them in mock judgment.
“Well...” the Glaive’s cheeks turned red almost immediately when she saw the rest shared his look, “Yeah.”
“Why?” Prompto almost sang.
“Everyone’s got a hobby.” she muttered before starting for the car, the boys close behind her, snickering about how awkward the mighty Glaive seemed over her ‘hobby’, “I can’t always collect swords, you know.”
“Yellow, from the Chocobo Post and blue from Lestallum.” She looked at the figurines before giving them to the younger boys, thinking they’d want to be the ones to present them to Talcott.
“Hey, Talcott. We got ya the goods!” Noctis said proudly as both him and Prompto showed the kid the figurines. Talcott’s eyes sparkling right away with glee.
“What? Really? Whoa… Yessss! I got them all now! Thank you so much, Prince Noctis!”
“How do you feel, momma?” Gladio wrapped his arms around her, hugging her from behind and letting his chin touch her hair, seeing the smile and calmness Talcott’s reaction brought out in her, “That feels a lot better that keeping them for myself.” she answered.
“I never really had you for a hoarder, ya know.” he laughed, earning an elbow to the side before she turned around, “It’s a hobby.” she laughed.
“I know, I know.” he mirrored before kissing her.
“We should go see how the old guy’s doing. Everything should be ready by now and the sooner we leave the faster we’ll reach Altissia.” the Glaive turned her attention to Noctis once he was done talking with Talcott about how fascinating cactuars are.
“Right.” the Prince nodded and they all started for the lighthouse where Cid waited for them, a bark stopping them just before they stepped foot inside.
Noctis dropped down on one knee, petting his loyal friend and taking Luna’s notebook, reading her message and placing his own before sending him away and joining the rest on the elevator.
Everyone was waiting at the hidden harbor.
“Look, Prince Noctis,” Talcott pointed out, “Even the marshal came to say goodbye!”
“I guess it’s goodbye for now.” Iris smiled sadly, “The Regalia is already below deck. Hopefully she will serve you well across the ocean, as she did here.”
“Something I gotta get off my chest.” Cor started speaking as the company made their way next to him, Six’s eyes falling on the old picture of them on the table between them.
“What’s that?” Noctis asked.
Cor let his arms unlock from his chest and move to his sides as he spoke again, looking at both Prince and Glaive as he did, “I’m sorry. Sorry I wasn’t there for your father. I swore an oath to protect the king, but I wasn’t strong enough to uphold it.”
“Cor, it-”
“Ain’t nothin’ nobody could’ve done to stop what happened.” Cid’s voice cut her words as he made his way to the couch next to the marshal, the latter’s eyes never leaving the ground.
“Yeah, I realize that.” Noctis answered with a low voice, just because he believed it, didn’t mean it hurt any less.
“But you need to realize just what you mean to the people by your side.” Cid continued, taking a seat, looking at the same picture she did.
“I do.”
“Even if they can’t solve your problems, you can’t hide what’s goin’ on from ‘em. It hurts like hell. Remember- those ain’t your bodyguards, they’re your family.” everyone took a step ahead, keeping their heads high at Cid’s words as well as the first smile he’d blessed them with, “Trust in ‘em. Always.”
When everyone was ready to set sail, and Prompto had taken one final group picture, Cid found his way on the captain’s seat of the boat, “Waitin’ for an invitation? Get your asses on board!”
Talcott and Iris came to see the boat off, Six and Noctis looking down at them and smiling their goodbye, “Hey! Your Majesty!” Talcott called out.
“What’s up?”
“Please come back soon! We need our king!”
“Yeah! Count on it!” Noctis used his hands to yell back at the boy before waving as his Glaive smiled, seeing the boat get out on the open waters.
"What's it gonna take for you guys to leave me alone?"
The first three years of darkness were the hardest.
"Gotta stay on my feet. Gotta reach Cor and the others."
Daemons were everywhere.
It didn't matter what time of the day -or night, it was anymore.
Humans couldn't tell it apart; neither did monsters, prowling every corner of Eos.
It was hard enough to move around in a vehicle, but Six? Six had put herself in serious trouble.
She was on a rescue mission. A couple of her glaives had gone missing some hours ago and she'd taken it upon herself to find them.
Not taking into account the time; or place they'd gone missing.
Galdin was one of the first places to turn into daemon strongholds after Noctis' decent into the Crystal. The sea providing more and more of them almost every day; making it seem they spawned from Angelgard itself.
Six, having given her truck to a couple of fishermen out to try and bring supplies to Hammerhead, was now stranded; surrounded by multiple enemies of various shapes and sizes. Wounded. Looking for a way this could turn to her advantage; or at least a way to survive it long enough to see her daughter again.
"Damn it!" She swore under her breath, clutching the wound on her side as blood run between her fingers, staining her sword.
"In need of assistance, dear sister?"
The voice made her swear again, this time out loud, "Fuck, not you again."
"Why, it is a pleasure, seeing you like this!" Ardyn smiled sarcastically, walking calmly between his minions, "Trust me, I would love to let my toys destroy you, right here and now..." the Accursed followed the bloody trail up to her side with his golden eyes, smile growing ever bigger as she winced in pain, "but I have my very own plans for your personal destruction."
"Brother..." she begun, wanting to explain.
"I'm ecstatic the rumors are true, dear sister... or should I say... Somnus... my long lost brother whom I so despise!"
"Ardyn-"
"Go. Be with your friends and companions, sister." Ardyn snapped his fingers and the daemon horde opened in half, creating a path for her to walk through them untouched, "The time for my revenge is soon to come. I would be devastated if you missed but a second of it."
Just admit it guys. You made us play Royal Edition so we could go through the ending and get our hearts broken.. again.. because five hundred times is NEVER enough..
Btw, guys, after the new contents of the story, my game rewrite will have some small changes as well..
“First Titan, now Ramuh.” Gladio said once the company started for the first Runestone “Chasing down deities is hard work.”
“Think how Lady Lunafreya must feel.” Prompto thought out loud in answer to his friend.
“If the strain of the rites is as Gentiana suggested, I fear she’s far worse off than we are.” Ignis said, looking back at Six, making sure her sickness was not holding her back.
She nodded her head at him, readjusting her hood and blessing him with a smile.
Walking a little further down the road, the company was startled by one of Gladio’s infamous sneezes. Six, being the one to stand closer to him was the first one to turn towards him “We should get outta the rain.” She laughed at how he startled her, ruffling his hair as he scrunched his nose.
“We should be getting close.” Noctis said, looking back at them.
“We should have gotten a chocobo ride.” Prompto thought out loud, moving to walk closer to them.
“With this kind of rain?” Six smiled back at him.
“The little cuties would probably feel sick.” Prompto pouted at the idea.
“Talking of sick,” Gladio wondered, turning his attention to his lady and wrapping a hand around her waist “Are you feeling any better?”
“I’m fine, love. Don’t worry about me.” She gave him a warm smile as he kissed her forehead.
“You don’t have a fever, so that’s a good sign.”
“We should hurry up and get out of this blasted weather anyway.” Ignis instructed.
“Over there.” Noctis said, pointing at a path behind a couple of Niflheim drop-ships.
“What do we do about the MTs?” Prompto asked, summoning his gun.
“We could go around them.” Noctis suggested.
“Or we could take them down. It’s not that many of them.” Six argued, not liking the fact that Noctis would prefer to go around than hone his skills.
“Six,” Noctis sighed “you’re sick. We’re going around before we get hurt.”
“Noct…” Six was about to scold him for using her sickness as a means to flee the fight but sighed as she was sure there was going to be another chance soon “Fine.”
The company sneaked away from the unaware MTs, getting closer to what seemed like a tree trunk –or a frozen lightning, Prompto and Noctis kept bickering about what each of them saw.
“You’re supposed to touch it,” Six said with a sigh, eyes darting between the boys “not guess what it is. It’s a rune stone.”
“Right.” Noctis laughed at how annoyed she seemed to be. It reminded him of all the times she would say something similar when he and Prompto would get into a fight like this one. Each of them not changing their mind as to what was happening; and Six getting in the middle of it like a referee –or a mother. Someone they could both use.
Noctis moved closer to the rune stone and extended his hand towards it. Sparks of lighting filled the space between them, making their way to the tips of his fingers while a sense of energy run though his body.
Suddenly, Noctis was back in Tenebrae again. He had fallen asleep, looking at the pictures of Luna’s book.
Six was there, as always. She was talking with another woman. Noctis thought she was really pretty. Her long black hair, just a little shorter than Six’s, pale skin and rose cheeks. Her eyes were closed. Why were her eyes closed when she spoke with someone?
“I know what I must do, Gentiana.” Noctis heard Six say to the lady. Gentiana. Beautiful name. “I just wish he will be ready as well, when time comes. And that I will be able to let him go.”
Six’s voice got lower as Noctis opened up his eyes. Looking at the two women and gasping as Gentiana turned her attention to him.
“Ah, the young prince is recovering well.” She told him, eyes still closed, making Noctis turn to Six with a questioning look.
She just nodded at him and his attention was back to the impressive lady as she got up from her seat “Who…?”
“Gentiana, a Messenger.” She answered before the question left his lips “The prince has read of our kind?”
Blue eyes back at his friend while she pointed at the Cosmogony book in his hands “Oh,” he said once he understood “I tried to, but I only know what Luna and Six told me.”
“Hm, Lady Lunafreya.” Gentiana said with a soft smile.
“Yeah, Lunarffr…” Noctis stuttered, trying to pronounce the name just as Gentiana had just done and failing, making both the older ladies huff a smile at his try “Luna.”
“It is heartening to see the future King and the Oracle enjoy such familiarity.” The Messenger said, slightly turning her head towards Six, as she slowly rolled her eyes at her with a smirk “The fate of our world may depend on it.” Noctis remembered her say, before she opened her dark emerald eyes to take a look at him.
“I remember…” Noctis said, getting his bearings back “Back in Tenebrae with Gentiana…” he turned his attention to Six, he wanted to ask what she was talking with the Messenger about; her choice of words capturing his attention. He stopped when his eyes met hers. A certain look of wonder painted in her tired silver eyes.
“The revelation of the Stormsender awaits the King…” Gentiana’s voice was heard inside Noctis’ mind. “Hurry hence to the eye of the Storm. Foreign hordes fear the True King’s ascension. The fearful seek to seal the path of what must come.”
Six flinched in pain as Gentiana spoke to the dark haired Prince, “What’s wrong?” Prompto asked, catching her reaction.
“Slight pain.” She turned her attention at Noctis, who seemed to be experiencing the same thing “Noct? Another headache?”
“I hear her,” he said, making his way to her “Gentiana. Did you-”
“No,” Six answered, slightly offended that she only got to experience the aftermath of the Messenger’s voice but not her words “I can’t hear her. She must be speaking directly to you.”
“Divine voices in your heads again?” Gladio asked, worry embedded in his voice.
“Hopefully it won’t amount to the same headache it did with the Archean.” Ignis thought out loud, measuring his friends’ feelings.
As the company started for the second Runestone, Gentiana’s voice was heard once again, sending chills down the Prince’s spine, as well as his Glaive’s “The Oracle’s call awakens the gods… that their blessings find the King.”
“You alright?” Six asked Noctis, sharing his pain “What did she say?”
“That Luna’s awakening the Six.” He answered, looking back at her, trying to understand why she felt the pain but had no idea what Gentiana said to him.
“Hey, how come that lady’s helping you out anyway?” Prompto asked after a few minutes of walking in the rain.
“Gentiana?” Noctis wondered.
“Yeah. Is she like your fairy godmother or something?”
“I think she’s more a Messenger of the gods.” Noctis answered his friend’s curiosity “Whoa! So she’s human?” the blond turned his attention to the hooded Glaive, wishing she knew more.
“Don’t know.” She huffed a laugh “Ramuh was the one to explain it to me, once, but he’s not much of a talker.”
“You can speak with the Gods?” Ignis asked in awe.
“I did, once.” She smiled at how much of a child he seemed to be. His advisor’s certainty fading for a few seconds.
“The hell?” Gladio grunted as he moved his phone to his ear again, waiting for his sister to answer one more time “I can’t get a hold of her.”
“Iris?” his girlfriend asked, wonder in her voice.
“She call you?”
Six checked her phone to make sure “No messages.”
Gladio let out a sigh, pushing the end-call button and placing his phone in his back pocket, he was starting to worry.
“Hey,” Six touched his bicep, drawing his attention away from his thoughts, “She probably has it on silent.”
“Yeah.” The Shield agreed, intertwining his fingers with hers as they all made their way to the second Runestone.
As they reached it, Noctis heard the messenger’s words in his head “The covenant is forged, but the revelation awaits. Make now for the Stormsender and let judgment be passed.”
“Noct! You okay?” Gladio asked, feeling the light squeeze Six gave his hand as she had yet another headache.
“Yeah.” The Prince answered casually “Another reminder to receive the blessing.”
“That divine power’s just waiting for you.”
“Almost like Ramuh’s not feeling up to a good fight.” Six mocked the easiness of the trials.
“Do you really wish to mock the gods?” Ignis raised his eyebrows at her.
Six didn’t answer; just shrugged her shoulders with a playful smirk on her lips.
Noctis grew silent as he moved closer to the second Runestone, letting his eyes stay on Six’s face for a few clicks; when she nodded, he arched his hand, letting the power it held fly within him; Gentiana's voice filling his thoughts again once all power from the Runestone was his.
“O King. Journey to Fociaugh, the eastern hollow. The seal has been lifted. Deep within the heart of the rock lies the rune stone, the portal to power. No other can be allowed to find it.”
“Last one’s in the cave.” Noctis grunted, rubbing the exact same spot on his forehead as his Glaive was.
“Let’s hurry up and get this over with.” Gladio proposed, his worried eyes darting between the Glaive and the Price.
“Finally!” Prompto breathed in awe “Time to meet with the Stormsender!”
…
“Amazing.” Gladio thought out loud when the company finally seemed to be close enough to the cave they were looking for “The power of the gods in the palm of your hands.”
“Never dreamed I’d see lore come to life before my very eyes.” Ignis agreed.
“Leaving Insomnia was eye-opening, but this is mind-blowing.” Prompto joined in the conversation.
“You still have more to see, Prom.” Six smiled at the boy, her words painting a smile on his face at the possibilities of upcoming sceneries and adventures they promised.
Before Noctis managed to open up his mouth to join them, a lightning strike came down, connecting sky and earth just a few feet away from them, where the cave was supposed to be.
“That one was pretty close.” Gladio commented, placing his hand on Prompto’s shoulder to calm him down as the sound the lightning caused made him jump up in fear.
“Which means we must be as well.” Six continued his thought, looking as Noctis made his way forward.
“Look,” Gladio pointed at the rubbled entrance “over there. I bet that’s the spot the lightning struck.”
“And we’re supposed to go inside?” Prompto stuttered a bit before he swallowed his fear away.
“Fociaugh Hollow.” Six whispered as she reminisced the last time she was there. Back then, there was no opening in front of the cave.
Ramuh was watching! She could feel it.
“No telling what waits inside.” Ignis said, fixing his hair now that the heavy rain didn’t weight it down.
“No.” Six agreed, taking her hood off and using her fire magic to help all four of them with their wet clothes “So keep your eyes open.”
“Stay sharp.” Gladio instructed Noctis as he moved on ahead.
“Always.”
“I’ve got a bad feeling about this place.” Prompto moved faster to stand next to the Glaive and the Advisor as the Shield and the Prince moved forward.
“As if danger lurks ‘round every corner.” Ignis agreed, making sure he’s checked all around them for possible movement.
“Avoid all corners! Got it!”
“I’m not sure that’s what he meant, sunshine.” Six laughed at the kid’s answer.
“Over here,” Noctis called back at the rest as he felt around the rock walls “there’s an opening in the walls.”
“Should be able to slip through.” Gladio commented when everyone was in place.
“Let’s see.”
Noctis went first, followed by Prompto as Six instructed before slipping through behind them. In order of height and size, they all moved through the cracks, leaving the Shield to pass through last.
“Tight squeeze.” Gladio grunted when he felt the cold rock against his buffed chest.
“Maybe for you, pretty easy for me, though.” Prompto answered, proud for his torso’s size; until he felt the walls around him tighten “On second thought…” he grunted as well “maybe not!”
“Stop whining you two. If my chest can fit, so can yours.” Six said, earning a low growl from the Shield and making Ignis scold them both.
“Not the time, children.”
“Sorry, Iggy.” The couple laughed.
“Shh. Keep quiet.” Ignis instructed once they were all out in open space. His eyes darting around the seemingly empty halls in front of them.
“It never ends!” Prompto comment on their surroundings and walking around dramatically, moving ahead to stand on the end of an opening that seemed deeper than it should be “Guys… wait! What was that sound?”
“My baby…” everyone was a little off after hearing that bone chilling whisper. The voice sounded to be coming from everywhere at once, given that it echoed around the empty chambers and openings of the cave.
And then, Prompto’s terrified scream and Six calling out to him while running off is all Noctis managed to comprehend before he found himself running right behind her.
The rooms and the halls were now filled with daemons. It was a trap. One they never saw coming.
The remaining four all run toward the sound of Prompto’s voice as they kept on killing anything that stood in their way.
“Prompto?” the dark haired prince called out to his friend.
“Prompto!” Gladio decided to test his own roaring voice “Are you okay?”
“No, I’m not okay!” Prompto yelled back at them “This place is literally the worst! And why did it have to be a snake!? That thing dragged me all the way over here!”
“Prom, just stay away from it! We’re on our way!” Six ordered him, summoning her sword and piercing it right between a Midlayer’s eyes.
Prompto’s scream was her answer as the daemon disappeared into a purple smoke.
“Prompto!”
“They just keep coming!” Noctis warped next to her, saving her from a Hobgoblin’s punch.
“Then we keep sending them back!” Gladio answered, taking it down once and for all.
After a while of fighting, it was Prompto, who’d found them first, shooting down all four remaining Imps with his gun, before reloading.
The company just stood there, looking at him out of breath. He took them down with a smile on his face after getting away from whatever was holding him.
“I’ve seen worse.” Six smiled up at him, letting her sword dematerialize as she caught her breath and moved closer to him.
“Do you mean it?” Prompto’s eyes widened as she checked him from cuts or bruises “I mean, do you? Mean it?” he cleared his throat, eyes still wide, awaiting her response.
“I’m glad you’re alright, kiddo.” Six chuckled, ruffling his hair before turning back to the others.
“She’s here.” Prompto felt a chill down his spine “I just know it. Show yourself already!”
“Cool it!” Gladio gave him a light shove, before turning around at the unsettling sound.
That when the Snake daemon appeared. Naga! She appeared as if from the water of the cave, placing herself between everyone and Gladio. Cornering him against a wall and breathing green smoke down on him.
“See! I told you! There she is! That’s her!”
“Gladio!” Six run to her boyfriend’s side, only to find a small green frog in his place “What?”
Her eyes turned red instantly, Naga grabbing all her attention as she stood there, asking for… her baby?
“Baby?” she thought out loud, eyes turning silver again as Ignis took Gladio’s frog body and placed it in his pocket “We don’t know where your baby is.” She answered the daemon “Turn him back and we can help!”
Naga’s features turned darker once the words left Six’s lips “LIAR!” the snake roared “YOU took him!”
And just like that, she attacked! Using her lower body to send everyone flying.
Gladio fell from Ignis’ pocket and right on Six’s feet. She picked him up and brought her closer to her face “Just hang on.” She whispered to him.
“You could kiss him and bring him back.” Prompto threw an idea toward the Glaive as he shot Naga in the face.
“I’m not gonna do than in the middle of a battle, TAKE HER DOWN!” Six ordered, placing Gladio down and charging toward the snake “Avoid the green smoke!”
Naga might have seemed strong, but the fight was over pretty quick, all it took was a blizzard spell from Ignis and Noctis’ sword to bring her down, but even then, she kept on asking for her baby.
What on earth could she mean?
The thought left all their minds once Gladio hopped back into his original body, standing on his own two feet again.
“See, he’s alright.” Six huffed a laugh as a shiver run down Gladio’s spine.
“That…” he said “Was horrific!”
“Yes, let’s not let anything similar happen again.” Ignis agreed, dematerializing his daggers and fixing his glasses on the bridge of his nose.
“Noct, another one out!” Prompto cheered proudly.
“Yeah, nice one, Prince.” Six agreed as the dark haired boy tried to hide his blushing cheeks with a casual “Thanks.”
“Let’s go find that final Runestone, yeah?” she asked and they all agreed. Moving towards the entrance of the chamber Naga was standing in front of; coming across the Stone right away.
Just like the other two, the company could see and feel the energy emerging from inside it. Calling the Chosen toward it.
“That’s the last Runestone.” Ignis said in awe once they moved close enough to it.
“Finally.” Prompto and Six shared the same thought.
When Noctis touched the last stone, he saw her. Luna, forging the covenant with the Astral, Ramuh.
Once his hand touched the stone, Six’s eyes turned a bright red, taking everyone by surprise as she seemingly didn’t know. She kept staring at Prince Noctis, and soon, the red started fading away. When the blessing was received, they understood. As the Chosen opened up his eyes the power flying within him could be shown, his eyes had changed.
“Titan.” The word left Six’s lips as a low whisper while she stared into the fiery eyes of her old friend, wondering why she couldn’t understand a word he said. She could only comprehend what the boys could. Gibberish sounds and a really angry glare. What was with him?
“Goddamn…” Noctis swore, getting back to his feet “This is the Archean?”
Six didn’t answer. She didn’t have anything to say about the giant in front of them that they didn’t already know.
“Seems we woke the big guy up.” Gladio thought out loud, gently getting hold of her hand and drawing her back with them “You alright?”
“He’s trying to tell us something.” Six flinched at the stinking pain she shared with Noctis “But what?”
“Noct!” Prompto’s voice was heard from above the fallen cliff “You okay?”
“Thank heavens you’re safe.” Ignis followed “Is there a way back up?” he asked, getting as close to the edge as he could, enough not to endanger himself or Prompto.
“Iggy? Prom? Stay away from the cliff!” Six ordered and they instantly took a step back “There’s a path.” She said once they stopped moving again “Gonna see where it leads.”
“You two try to get down.” Gladio yelled back at them and Ignis agreed with his plan.
“Very well. We’ll look for a way. Be careful, now!”
“You, too.” Noctis joined in the loud conversation.
“What?” they heard Prompto whine, almost in fear “We’re going where?”
“Don’t rush off on your own, huh?” Gladio turned his attention to Noctis, who was quickly stepping ahead of them.
“Don’t get left behind.” Noctis barked back, not changing his pace as Six rolled her eyes at their upcoming bickering.
“Wise guy.” Gladio continued before a pack of Dynoaevis flew above their heads “They’re on edge… let’s not ruffle their feathers any more.” He said and Six nodded in agreement, chuckling to herself as Noctis continued his little barbs.
“Um, try shutting your beak.” He said in a princely manner, moving his hand like a poncy brat.
“Just offering sound advice.” Gladio was starting to get pissed off and Six noticed. Shooting a glare at his direction as he squinted his eyes at the dark haired Prince while he continued with an exasperated sigh.
“Yeah, like a parrot in my ear.”
The three made quick work of the beasts. With Noctis and Six warping around in the air and Gladio striking the killing blow when the creatures were laying on the ground, the flying pack was out of the way faster than the lava around them burned the soles of their shoes.
“Here.” Six made her way to stand closer to Noctis, dematerializing her sword “You’re all dirty.” She said, whipping some of the ash on his cheeks as he frowned his brows at her sudden urge to mom him.
“Hey, over here.” Gladio pointed at a narrow passing at the edge of the mountain walls before making his way ahead “No room for error here.” He urged the two, plagued by headaches, to watch their step.
“No time to chill, either.” Noctis said, looking around nervously “Make it quick.”
“Hey.” Six grabbed the sleeve of his jacket and tugged him, making his attention dart back to her “Can you chill for five seconds? He’s doing the best he can to get both of our asses out of this hell hole.”
“Just want this to be over.” Noctis made a small pause at the end of every single word, moving through the broken road, his back stuck to the wall as the tips of his feet stuck out of the edge, making his footing unsteady as he moved in Gladio’s steps.
“I know, kid. You’re gonna make it.” Six reassured him, moving close behind him, one hand touching the stone behind her, steadying herself, while the other stood ready to catch Noctis if needed.
“Tremors… Hang on!” Gladio was quick to turn towards the two when yet another earthquake shook the ground underneath their feet, knowing that the aches usually hit right after.
“My head.” Noctis whined softly, grabbing his head while trying to keep going.
“Of all the times…” Six breathed, mirroring the Prince’s actions.
“You two need to be on steady ground.” Gladio sounded worried “Let’s hurry the hell across.”
Noctis tried to keep a steady pace, moving behind his towering friend while the Glaive tried to keep an eye on him, squeezing her eyes shut in pain every second step “Noct, you doing alright?” she grunted.
“No…” he answered, breath picking up as the pain hit harder. He felt as if someone was pounding his head with a hammer, the rising heat around him not helping one second.
That’s when he appeared again. Titan’s gigantic hand, moving to break through the mountain rocks to get to them.
“Hey, buddy! What’s the big idea?” Six yelled back at the giant as his hand moved to grab whatever –or whoever –he could.
“Save it, we’ve got to get across!” Gladio ordered, everyone starting to move again at the sound of his voice.
“Faster!” Noctis picked up his pace, not caring about his pounding headache.
“Calm down.” Gladio urged him, doing the same “I’m going as fast as I can!”
The pounding in their heads was strong enough for Six to start losing focus on the moving hand, just a few inches before her face. Knowing the same thing was happening to Noctis she turned toward him fast, warping and catching him just seconds before he fell to the abyss under them. She called upon her weapon, throwing it right under him and warping through him on the lower level of the mountain. Luckily it was an open space, so they didn’t hit on anything as they both found themselves on the floor. Six holding Noctis close to her, making sure he wasn’t hurt before Gladio jumped down next to them as the Titan’s hand destroyed the passage they were walking on.
“If that’s his welcome,” Gladio said giving a helping hand to both of them “hate to see how he treats intruders.”
“He’s not mean.” Six said, mostly to herself, as she tried to understand why the Astral acted that way. Trying to understand if that was his way of getting Noctis to prove his worth.
“You wanna talk?” Noctis asked, seemingly to both Gladio and the Titan “So do I.”
“Glad the feeling’s mutual.” Gladio answered “Let’s move.”
The three moved further away from the attacking hand of the Titan, following the trail deeper in while Noctis kicked every piece of small rock he could find and grunted “I’m sick of this endless walking!”
“And I’m sick of your endless whining!” Gladio was off the edge now, grabbing Noctis’ arm and making him turn to look at just how mad he made him “Calm the hell down.” He ordered, taking him by the collar and making Six jump at his sudden outburst.
She just stood there, ready to act if needed; having a small battle with herself as to what she was supposed to do. It wouldn’t come down to it; but in case it did, what was she going to do? It was time to face the question that haunted her since the start.
“Get off my back.” Noctis whined.
“Are you a man of royal blood or aren’t you?” Gladio asked in a serious tone. Fiery eyes looking straight into Noctis’.
“Of course I am!” Noctis ordered, pushing Gladio off him “I couldn’t forget it if I tried. What about it?” he demanded to know.
“I ain’t saying that you’ve forgotten,” the Shield was calmer after hearing his answer and Six realized what he was doing, relaxing her posture and standing straight again, waiting to see where he was going with it “but you gotta know something: You’re not the only one who’s having a tough time!” he said, eyes darting between the Prince and his Glaive a couple of times as she let her eyes fall to the ground, not liking the feeling of becoming a burden “We’re all on edge.”
Silence fell over them for a second, before Gladio continued his chain of thought “We Amicitia are the king’s sworn shields.” His sentence sending shivers down Six’s spine, her mind traveled back to Gladio’s father, Clarus; her friend. Noctis realized where this was going too. Lowering his head and listening carefully to his friend’s words, drawing strength from them. From him.
“Guard the king with our lives –that’s the way it’s always been. I’ve embraced my duty.” He looked up at Six, blessing her with a warm smile, knowing she understood the feeling “And I take pride in it.” Gladio turned his attention to Noctis once again, hitting his fist on his chest, giving power and meaning to his words.
“When you can’t focus, I focus for you. It’s my job, so let me do it, alright?” he turned to move ahead but Six stopped him, placing her hand on his lower back as he turned to look at her.
“I’m so proud of you.” she mouthed, silently and he graced her with one of her favorite side smiles before winking at her and moving ahead.
“Come on.” She moved her head for Noctis to start follow again and he was kind of surprised at how sweet her voice was, how calming and caring.
Gladio’s words and Six’s voice lit a fire in Noctis’ heart. He was once again focused on his task. Determent to fight, not only for himself, but for them as well.
“Sorry,” Gladio said after they were on their way again “but I had to get it out.”
“And remember, don’t rush ahead on your own.” Six momed him again.
“Hey, Gladio.” Noctis said “Your dad… I’m grateful to him.” He moved closer to Six, tugging her arm and making her look at him “To you too.” He smiled warmly.
“Just doing our job.” Six smiled back.
“Is that your phone?” Gladio asked, both him and Noctis turning towards her as she answered.
“Ignis?” she answered after looking at the name on the screen, almost wondering how it was still working.
“You’re safe.” She heard him let out a breath he was seemingly holding in, in between the static of the low signal “Good. Listen, imperial troops are near.”
“What is it?” Noctis asked.
“Got cut off.” She answered, pointing higher up at the Niflheim drop-ships “But I got the idea.”
“It’s about to get even hotter in here.” Gladio commented on the news, moving ahead through the burning surroundings to the clearing straight in front of the Archean “We finally made it.”
“I know.” Noctis said, swiping off some of the sweat building on his forehead.
That’s when they noticed them. Imperials assassins! Right in their way.
They never got the chance to deal with them; as Titan’s hand swiped from the sky and sent the MT’s flying through the air, crashing on each other when they hit the rocks and exploding.
“Hey! I’m here!” Noctis yelled at the Astral in a wave of bravery.
The Titan began his gibberish again, sending a wave of pain on both Noctis and Six’s brains “What the hell is it you want?” the prince mattered, mostly to himself before raising his voice against him again “Quit screwing with our heads!”
“NOCT!” Six screamed, opening her eyes right as the Titan had clenched his fist, aiming it at Noctis.
“You gotta be kidding me.” He breathed before he saw her materializing in front of him, taking most of the punch as her sword blocked the Astral’s attack; both of them sent flying into the air before warping on steady ground.
Noctis warped right on spot while Six lost her footing and hit the ground with a thud; Noctis run over her protectively.
“Are you serious?” She breathed, watching as the Titan raised his foot, ready to stomp on them both.
“Six!” Noctis called out, summoning his Mystic sword “Stay down. I’ve got you!” He covered her body with his, standing tall as he countered the Giant’s foot with all his strength; helping her on her feet before the Astral decided to make another attempt at attacking them.
As the Titan’s foot came down with might and both of them stood ready to deflect him, Gladio jumped for the rescue. Literally jumping through them, grabbing both and landing them on safe ground.
“Are you two alright?” Gladio asked in a panic, making his way close to them quickly before helping them up.
“We owe you one.” Noctis breathed, getting back on his own feet.
“This ain’t gonna work.” Gladio said, making sure Six was okay to follow his next order “We gotta run.”
“Best advice you’ve given all day.” Noctis commented, following the couple close as they all run to safety.
“Well, we can’t have you dying here. C’mon!” Gladio took the lead, blocking or jumping away from the incoming punches of the Astral as they kept on coming in a steady pace.
‘What the hell are you doing?’ Six stared up at the Archean after deflecting his attack; clutching on her side and watching the way he looked at them. A mixed look of sadness and anger. ‘What’s going on, Arc?’ she wondered before Noctis made her run with him again.
“Over here!” Gladio showed the two a butte on their way, getting ready to give both a boost up and over it.
Six went first, stepping on Gladio’s hands and jumping up gracefully, turning around to help the boys. Noctis followed suit, landing on all fours while she helped Gladio push himself up and flinching in pain.
“You alright?” he asked, looking at her pained expression. She’d hurt her shoulder when deflecting the first punch the Archean had made against Noctis, using the same arm to counter the next once and helping Gladio’s muscled body up didn’t let her heal; the last action sending waves of pain through her body, as well as the her hurt ribs from Deadeye.
“Move!” she heard Noctis call out before she had the chance to answer. Darting her eyes up, she saw the Archean attacking again, not leaving any opening for them to catch their breath. Six pulled both the boys on her and jumped back and away from the incoming punch.
“Go, keep moving.” She ordered, shoving both of them ahead as she followed close behind “Don’t stop. Run!”
“I’ll hold him!” Gladio roared, summoning his great sword and stopping the Titan’s hand from moving any further, putting all his might in holding him in place after Noctis glided underneath the blade “Get clear!”
“Gladio?” Six breathed but he send her away.
“Hurry! I can’t keep this up!”
Six followed his order, running towards Noctis and pushing him down the cliff with her by his waist; keeping him close as she warped him away, on steady ground.
She cried out once her feet touched the ground, falling on one knee as she grabbed her shoulder in pain.
“Six?” Noctis run to her side.
“Look out!”
The Titan had left Gladio alone, turning his attention at the Prince in question, getting his fist up in the air before forcefully bringing it down upon him. Noctis stood protectively again, forcing the Archean away as Six got back up, placing her hand on his shoulder, nodding for him to attack instead of deflect, and he followed her lead.
Both throwing their swords directly at his fist before he punched them down to his feet “I’m not gonna take any more of this crap!” Noctis yelled in exasperation.
“I’m here. Let’s do this!” Six was slightly limping, moving to stand next to him as protectively as he had for her.
Both summoning their weapons, timed perfectly at his attack and hitting against him with everything they had left, one attacking from the right as the other attacked from the left, determent to bring him down.
“Did you miss us?” Prompto’s voice was heard from behind them, right before the loud bang of his gun.
Six stepped back at the noise, falling straight on Ignis who had just thrown a fire spell, catching her “Apologies.”
“Where’s Gladio?” she asked, eyes wide with worry.
Ignis shrugged before summoning his daggers, sharing her concern as they hadn’t seen any sign of him while making their way down to the Archean’s feet.
“Take him down!” she ordered, eyes darting between the Titan and the Imperial drop-ships, leaving MTs all around them.
“Think those imperial soldiers just wanna say hi?” Prompto laughed, changing his gun’s mag.
“Doubt it –look out!” she got him out of the way of the Astral’s attack just in time.
Six turned around towards the MTs. They were also trying to keep the Titan down. They wanted him defeated. Was this the reason Ardyn had helped them?
“Are we alright?” she felt his warm arms getting hold of her shoulders, drawing her back as she turned around to look at him. Gladio was safe! The company was whole again. It was time to put an end to this before it got out of hand.
She nodded before giving the situation a couple of seconds of thought, coming up with a plan.
“Noct!” she grabbed his attention “It’s time. Use your Armiger.”
Noctis didn’t even question how he was supposed to do it. He trusted her to be there and he instantly knew what to do. Using the power of the Kings he possessed as both their eyes glowed a bright red! Noctis attacked the Archean alongside Six, as she mirrored his movements while the others stayed there, looking in awe. It was like she shared his power, being able to possess the power of the Kings. When Noctis grabbed one of the Kings’ weapons, Six grabbed the other. Both attacking in perfect synchronization and bringing the Titan down hard.
“Ignis. Now!” Six ordered once she and Noctis were done and the Advisor knew exactly what needed to be done. He passed a Blizzara spell on both Gladio and Prompto and they all threw them at the Titan, freezing him instantly before Noctis and Six dealt the last blow at him.
“It’s over!” Noctis yelled, bringing his sword down with all his might. The Titan’s crystallized arm shattering at the heavy contact.
“We all still here?” Six asked after the attacks stopped, dematerializing her weapon and looking around at her people.
“Does this mean it’s over?” Prompto asked, taking in deep breaths, trying to calm himself.
As the words left the blond’s mouth, the Titan slowly stood tall again, winding up as the earth around him shook.
“What is he doing?” Ignis asked.
“He’s winding up!” Prompto voice reached a high pitch at the feelings overflowing him.
Six took a step forward, staring straight into the Astral’s eyes as her own glowed a faint red color, like they had before “He’s proven he’s worthy!” she yelled at him; the Titan’s attention seemingly being on her. He could understand her again. “You know what must be done!”
The Archean bowed his head, eyes moving to stare at Noctis before he screamed to the heavens as his body lit in flowing power. Noctis saw it clearly now. He knew what the Archean asked of him.
“That was…”
“Luna.” Six breathed, understanding as well. She had made a pact with the Astral, vouching for the Prince’s worth as it was the duty of the Oracle. His Oracle!
“You spoke with her?” Noctis looked straight at the Astral “That’s why…”
The ground shook again, stopping him on his tracks and making everyone fall to their knees as a huge wave of power released from the Archean’s body. Bringing down all the surrounding ships of the Empire and extra power in Lestallum.
He was gone!
The meteor had also fallen, unleashing all the heat, fire and lava the Titan was holding in place with his presence.
The company was in danger; with no obvious way of getting out and the fires getting higher around them.
But alas, the ‘man of no consequence’ blessed them with his presence and offering of assistance once more.
“Fancy meeting you here!” he smirked at their need once the doors to the Imperial drop-ship opened, revealing his grand posture.
“Of course.” Six breathed, finally connecting the dots.
“It occurs to me I never formally introduced myself.” Ardyn smiled, taking his sweet time making himself known to all of them “Izunia. Ardyn Izunia.”
“Imperial Chancellor Izunia?” Ignis asked as Six took a more protective stance over them. The heat of the surroundings taking its toll on all of them as her shoulder and ribs were still hurting in every bit of movement she tried to make.
“At your service.” Ardyn winked at her, smirking “And more importantly, to your aid. I guarantee your safe passage. Though you’re always welcome to take your chances down there. Buried among the rubble, is it?”
No one liked the idea of accepting his assistance again, especially now, knowing who he actually was. Knowing he’s working for the enemy. But there was no other way.
“Dying here is not an option.” Ignis spoke his mind and Six agreed in her way.
“I’d rather die than trust him.” She said, looking at his never fading smirk “But Ignis is right. We have no choice, Noct.”
“I know.” The prince said before they all made their way to the enemy drop-ship that would lead them to safety.
The trail was complete. Prince Noctis had won the Archean’s favor and Six’s friend was nowhere to be found –or heard.
