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savage-rhi · 2 years

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Immortal Shield Chapter 1: Resurrection

The first thing the lifeless body felt was the air. How cold and rigid the environment was. Much like a newborn taking in its first experience post-birth, it reacted with a shudder. There was no consciousness in the body; no ego to pilot the suit of meat. Not yet at least, as the body began to turn itself back on like a switch to a light. Little by little, systems began to reboot.

Ardyn tensed. His skin was littered with goosebumps as instinctive whimpers escaped past his pale lips. Sensations long thought extinct began to awaken as his lungs beseeched him to take in a deep breath. The rush of blood to his heart was enough to cause Ardyn to stir though he was still under the illusion of death. The dark was comforting much like a mother's womb, where there was a potential yet dreamless sleep. No, not yet…he for the briefest of seconds thought aloud before he went back to being nothing.

A blank slate of darkness within a half-dead corpse began to blossom into a mind, with memories pouring like water over a broken dam. Bloodshed, hope, familiar faces, and monstrous creatures rapidly encroached, infecting the calm void with a chaotic dance of colors. The only means of escaping the sudden influx was to open his eyes and acknowledge the truth he had been desperately trying to cling away from; he was alive once more. By the curse of the Gods, he was alive yet again.

“N-no,” Ardyn whispered to himself. His breathing became more labored. “N-no. Not again. Not after--I’m--n-no…”

Alive . The word ran amok in his head. Everything about it from tone to definition felt wrong in the core of his being. This had to be a mistake. Some cruel joke. One last laugh from the Astrals. That or his great nephew the would-be king screwed something up to make this wretched curse come to pass once more. God, he felt enraged. Though the anger served to mask the deep sadness Ardyn had dwelling within himself. His dignity had been taken away yet again. His autonomy was cast into the wind without care, much like how his naked body felt. It added further insult to injury, not being resurrected with clothes this time around.

Ardyn managed to flail onto his left side weakly and threw up, curled in a fetal position as his mind began to process how he got from point A to point B. Ardyn was used to pain in his previous life, but this time around it felt as if his body had been beaten to a pulp, something that was a foreign concept to him in all his 2,000 years of being immortal. It hurt to move, and it hurt much more to think about anything else other than the pain of being a living creature.

Hours laying on his side passed, and Ardyn began to feel the cloudiness of his mind settle, unlike the sea storm currently ravaging Angelgard. There was something off about his retention nonetheless. He could recall the final battle. How Noctis, himself, and Lunafreya took down Bahamut and brought the dragon god to his knees. The bitter feud between himself and Somnus which resulted in the loss of his love Aera, a split kingdom, anger, and retribution from 2,000 years ago. His time as a Chancellor of Niflheim and the schemes he concocted to ensure his revenge against the Lucis bloodline. It was all there. His tragic story from beginning to end like one large textbook had been rebooted in his brain, but he felt there were missing pages. Chunks of text missing from the overall picture.

It slowly began to dawn on Ardyn that his mind was much more quiet than usual. The voices of thousands that he had daemonified in the past were not present, not sharing centuries of information at his beck and call. He may still be a cursed immortal, but his brain belonged to that of one man--himself. Ardyn wasn’t sure if he should be overjoyed or scared shitless at the fact. Both came naturally to him as he wrapped his arms around himself, a vain attempt to keep his body warm from the cold.

It didn’t take long until Ardyn was screaming at the top of his lungs until they felt like a fire had caught hold of them. The sorrow in his heart was too great to keep locked away. He had never felt so broken in a long time. Not since the night, he had been condemned to Angelgard and whatever was left of his loved ones were struck down by Somnus's most loyal like his beloved Aera. He bellowed until not a sound would move past his lips, his throat ached from shrieking vocals that shouldn’t have left the body of a man.

“Why, why am I not allowed to rest?” Bitterness laced his voice as he swallowed. He didn’t know if there was an afterlife, or if he had been reunited with Aera. He couldn't remember. Nonetheless, the dreamless sleep had been a comforting friend for a period of time. He craved the void like an addict, and much like an addict who had his drug of choice taken away without consent, the withdrawal angered Ardyn with seething rage.

Rain from the coastal storm surrounding Angelgard gently caressed Ardyn’s skin. The sensation of the water cascading off the fine hairs on his body snapped him out of his stoic contemplations. He tiredly blinked. Aching groans left him as his body began to move of its own volition. He instinctively tilted his head back, opening his mouth to allow the drops of water from the sky to soothe the scratchy sensation on his tongue. It wasn’t much, but enough to jolt him further. Ardyn shivered as the storm picked up speed. The rain matched the tempo of his mind as he saw the irony in the fact he was resurrected at Angelgard yet again and defenseless.

“The damn gods…Noctis. How--how could you screw this up?” He hissed.

Ardyn contemplated whether or not he should get up and try to live again. There was no doubt his body was beginning to feel the first stages of hypothermia being out in the storm. The fumbling hands and utter exhaustion were indicators he was tiptoeing on the line of mortality. Perhaps if he merely waited for death, it would return him to its embrace. Even though he couldn’t recall an afterlife, he had a feeling Aera in some shape or form was waiting for him. He had to go back. If only for her.

As the minutes ticked on it began to seem less appealing to die in this fashion. Ardyn had perished many a time, but it wasn’t quite like this experience. So uncomfortable, and his pain tolerance felt weakened. It was almost as if he was a mere human once more and not the Adagium; the creature who never truly felt the strangle of mortality. There was also the creeping superstition that even if he succeeded, he’d just come back again. That was the last thing Ardyn wanted. To live through this hell over and over. He had to find the answers to his predicament. No matter how much he despised the situation.

With great resentment, Ardyn forced himself up. He let out a numbing groan as he stumbled to his feet. His skin felt hot and cold at the same time. Like fire and ice trying in vain to come to an agreement. His body swayed as it attempted to right itself. The clumsiness of his actions nearly caused him to topple as he trekked the environment. Goosebumps kissed his flesh, and he wished more than anything he had clothes to cover himself with. Hugging himself wasn’t doing much to sate the stinging sensation of the cold.

Ardyn’s vision blurred in and out as he came upon a clearing, and shock graced his features as he could see below there was a settlement of some kind. Lights illuminated in the dark as the storm raged on. At first, he thought it to be a comforting hallucination until there were only so many blinks he could perform to make the lights go away.

“This--can’t be right.” He said softly to himself.

Ardyn recognized he was on the island of Angelgard due to the strong petrichor scents and rugged terrain, but this was something he knew for sure didn’t exist the last time he was on Eos.

“How long has it been?” He asked aloud, knowing no one would answer for him.

A blinding flash of light hit the direction to his right. Ardyn snapped away from his thoughts to shield his eyes from the onslaught. A tightness surrounded the outer part of his pupils as he jumped back. Muddled voices flocked to his ears and he tried deciphering what was being said but to no avail. He hoped that whoever stumbled upon him wasn’t about to hitch his sorry hide back to Niflheim as a lab rat. Those seven months were hell being poked and prodded in the shallow labs Verstael ruled with an iron fist. Ardyn would’ve preferred being left to rot in the caves on this godforsaken island than to endure something akin to Verstael’s experiments once more.

“I asked if you’re okay!”

“I--” Ardyn was speechless as he began to register what was being shouted his way. He lowered his arm in time with the flashlight as it traveled over his body aside from his face. Ardyn could make out three men, one in his late fifties while the others appeared to be young twenty-somethings. Their attire was very much modern, which gave Ardyn’s mind some reprieve. He wasn’t too far into the future from the looks of things.

“I may have--ran into some trouble.” Ardyn forced himself to reply. Despite being utterly exhausted, he began to craft a lie to protect himself. Instinct told him he needed to keep a low profile until he could figure out what year he was in. So far he felt he was doing a poor job, but it seemed to be working on the older man as he approached.

“Damn. You cold, son? Here.” The old man took off his coat and wrapped it around Ardyn’s shoulders, making sure it didn’t slip off of. The man made sure to pat it down further so Ardyn was no longer exposed. The last thing anyone needed to see in town was a sickly naked guy no matter how humorous his tale might’ve been on how he got to that sorry state.

The warmth immediately had Ardyn sigh in relief as he shuddered into the soft material.

“Thank you,” Ardyn muttered, keeping his head down.

“Don’t mention it. What happened if you don’t mind me asking? Were you robbed?” The old man gestured as the two younger men watched on with caution.

Ardyn shook his head as his bottom lip trembled. Another wave of cold air from the storm hit him as he tried to bundle up more into the oversized coat.

“Afraid not. You see--I was shipwrecked. I lost everything.”

“Shipwrecked?” The old man made a face.

“Yes. Not the--brightest idea I had. Going into the storm from Galdin Quay.”

“You don’t say.” The old man shook his head. A disappointing sigh escaped his mouth, causing the fine hairs of his mustache to blow upward as he ignored the rain pouring hard on him. It wasn’t his first time hearing an experience such as this. Concern lingered in his voice as he questioned Ardyn further.

“Was there anyone else with you?”

“N-no. Just old me.” Ardyn replied.

“In that case, let’s get you to town. C’mon, the boys and I will give you a ride to an inn. Get you settled. Can you walk alright?”

Ardyn merely nodded, not in the mood for further conversation. He wanted nothing more than to curl up somewhere warm and not feel this miserable. Despite not giving an answer regarding if he needed assistance, the two men from afar came to his side and helped guide Ardyn to the truck. The times he stumbled, they helped him back onto his feet. These acts of kindness were a far cry from the Niflheim troops that dragged him out of the caves at Vestael’s command. The contrast in experiences was interesting to Ardyn, to say the least.

During the ride into town, Ardyn passed out in the backseat before the old man could pry further into his tragic tale of becoming stranded in a storm. His body fell into a deep slumber. Dreamless and dark. For a good while, Ardyn assumed he was dead until he awoke to the comfort of a soft bed. The sheets smelled floral as if they had been imbued in rose oil. The pleasant scent was enough to stir him from sleep. From afar, he could make out a window with the sun pouring in to greet him.

“I must’ve been out for hours,” Ardyn mumbled to himself. He turned to his side to enjoy more precious sleep, only to be interrupted by a knock at the door and a man with medical attire ventured in along with a woman whom Ardyn assumed was either a nurse or another medic.

“You’re awake!” The man greeted warmly. He pulled up a small stool nearby to Ardyn’s side of the bed and smiled.

If Ardyn had the energy to roll his eyes at the doctor’s happy-go-lucky demeanor, he would’ve and then some. A disgruntled groan left his lips. He sighed before speaking.

“I guess I am now,” Ardyn muttered, rubbing his head as he rose up. “I’m assuming I’m not at the inn?”

“Afraid not. You scared the people that brought you here. You wouldn’t budge when they’d try to wake you. How are you feeling? Are you comfortable?”

Ardyn nodded. He winced upon feeling something sharp in his upper left arm. He pulled back one of the blankets, seeing he was connected to an IV. His eyes followed the hollow tube and up to the sack of liquid hanging beside his bed. While he made his observations, the doctor continued to speak. Ardyn didn’t register a word, not in the headspace where he wanted to begin a long conversation. He was too tired for long-winded rants.

“How long has this been inside me?” Ardyn asked, ignoring the rambling of the doctor. He briefly looked the way of the nurse who had been taking notes and making small adjustments to the IV now. Suspicion was clear in his gaze, recalling when Verstael brought him back to base and lulled him into a sense of security before the experiments commenced.

The doctor furrowed his brows, slightly taken back by the change in discussion. “A few days. You were dehydrated and suffering hypothermia. It’s only fluids we gave to speed up your recovery, I assure you. You should be well for discharge this afternoon.”

Ardyn sighed in relief, closing his eyes for a moment. “Good.”

“You seem upset. Is this about what happened to your ship?” The doctor asked.

Ardyn raised a brow, his gaze looming over the man as if he had said something idiotic. He caught himself though, blinking a few times as he cleared his throat.

“You can say that,” Ardyn began then started to steer the conversation in his favor. “I’m not familiar with this side of the world, perhaps you could enlighten me. I didn’t know Angelgard had a town. I could recall it being too desolate for life to flourish on its soil.”

“Oh!” The doctor exclaimed. “You must be from Niflheim. Angelus Vitae has been functioning on the island now for five years. Many that were misplaced from the war between Lucis and Niflheim immigrated here after King Noctis purged the daemons from the world. This year we vote if we get sovereignty or not since we now have almost 3,000 people.”

“3,000?” Ardyn furrowed his brows.

“Yep! 3,000 and counting.”

Ardyn made a face. He could have sworn he had merely seen a few buildings. Not much of anything to qualify as a town or city. Then again he had just been brought back to life and wasn’t himself, nor was his mind as sharp as it could be especially on the night of his resurrection.

“Why did you assume I am from Niflheim?” Ardyn asked. His body tensed as if bracing itself for an impact, worried that perhaps the doctor knew who he was; the former chancellor who doomed everyone and everything for the sake of vengeance. He was caught off guard when the doctor kept smiling and remained calm, not knowing he was looking into the eyes of the Adagium.

“Many from Niflheim aren’t aware of Angelus Vitae, nor the other changes on this side of the world unless word of mouth travels. Did I mistake you for an immigrant?”

Ardyn shook his head, deciding to go along with the doc’s assumptions. “No, no you didn’t.”

“I understand it might be a little jarring in Lucis, especially with your country trying to patch itself up with the limited resources it has. Communication between all the kingdoms has been abysmal at times because of the damages the Astrals caused, but I believe it’ll get better.”

Ardyn quietly contemplated. So it seemed that the people of Lucis at least knew a piece of the truth, that the great Gods themselves were ready to condemn the world. He wondered to what extent Noctis and the rest had shared of their final battle. So many questions, and so little patience to deal with them.

Ardyn glanced towards the window, seeing some elegant trees from the distance swaying back and forth against the southern air. The storm he had fared had long passed. A mental one now took its place as Ardyn attempted to figure out how long it’s been since he died. Noctis was still a king, and it seemed that the world was in an alliance of sorts to fix up the mess the Astrals and Ardyn himself left behind. Culture shock didn’t necessarily capture how he felt, but it was close enough.

“I must tend to other patients. What’s your name? I need it so we can discharge you.”

Ardyn took in a deep breath, furrowing his brows as he watched the nurse leave the room after making a note on the chart by his bed that the IV had been adjusted. He scarcely felt anything, much less her presence due to distraction.

“Adrien,” He paused and debated with himself about using Izunia before settling on a different last name. His features softened while he picked the first thing that came to mind. “Adrien Calamitas.”

‘The next summit of the National Restoration Project (NRP), a global truce between all kingdoms to rebuild Eos post-starscourage, will be taking place within Insomnia’s borders. Representatives of King Noctis stated that discussions assisting Niflheim with returning running water to its citizens will be the first on the agenda, followed by announcing new immigration policies for Lucis. Provisions for those who were displaced by the war and the starscourage are expected to continue for the next three years, however, according to Insomnia’s treasury, it may run out sooner than expected.

“...Everyone’s hearts are in the right place, but the fact of the matter is that economically, Insomnia will not be able to take care of so many people at the rate we are spending.” A treasury spokesperson reported over the weekend.

“...The Lucis and Niflheim kingdoms played a hand in the suffering of many due to the years of contempt and war between lands. Insomnia will do its part to ensure that everyone, regardless of citizenship, will be taken care of in Lucis while the restoration of Eos continues.” King Noctis proclaimed in response to the treasury’s warning.

Accordo and Tenebrae will bring their agendas to the summit regarding territory borders and rebuilding their respective government's post-Niflheim rule. Queen Lunafreya is anticipated to give her feedback on Tenebrae’s governmental policies in the coming days.

First secretary Lady Camelia Claustra is continuing her efforts to find war criminals within the lands of Accordo. “...Our forces will stop at nothing until we have rounded up every last man who took advantage of the fall of not only our country but other nations due to the starscourage and the Lucis-Niflheim war. Justice will be swift and Accordo will deliver.”

Lady Camelia last month sent more men to the Lucis kingdom to work alongside King Noctis’s new Crownsguard to search for war criminals. The focus on finding crimes related to genocide remains first priority for Accordo troops.

The Niflheim Committee has reported that Lady Solara Aldercapt Antiquum, granddaughter of the late Emperor Aldercapt, has declined ascension to governing Niflheim. Lady Solara finalized the documents of her relinquishments this past Friday. A spokesperson from the Niflheim Committee stated the following, “...We are deeply saddened, nonetheless we acknowledge and support Lady Solara’s decision. Niflheim is undergoing many evolutions of change, and we will continue doing our part in making sure the needs of the people are spoken for until a new ruler or form of government will take its roots.”

Niflheim continues its struggle to bring clean water to its citizens. It is unknown what actions the Committee will take regarding governmental policy, but it is anticipated to be brought up at the summit.

Ardyn sighed, furrowing his brows as he attempted to digest the news that appeared on the small TV set within his hotel room. That was something that didn’t change within the last couple of years, how insufferable the media was reporting on every little thing. He could barely keep up with how rapid-fire subjects were lain out. It was convenient for kickstarting disdain between citizens and nations, but now being on the other side, Ardyn could understand why this was annoying.

“At least everyone seems to be taking a break from trying to slaughter one another,” Ardyn said with relief as he turned off the television and sat at the edge of the bed, removing the new shoes he purchased recently.

The black boots were a far cry from what he had years ago, but they would help with the rough terrain outside of the Quay. His clothes were simple too. A white dress shirt, green trousers, and a long black coat reminiscent of his custom garb from Niflheim were all that he owned for the time being. He smirked some upon looking over the coat after shoving his boots to the right. He missed the old thing more than he thought he would.

Weeks flew in a blink of an eye for Ardyn as he settled in Galdin Quay upon leaving Angelus Vitae. To keep himself inconspicuous, he performed odd jobs around the outskirts until he could accommodate the new knowledge of the world to mind and find shelter. Ardyn hadn’t worked a regular job in ages, not since he was a boy. There was something nostalgic about not having to worry about the gripe of politics and living simply that he appreciated. He did miss some things from when he was chancellor, taking a break at his leisure for one thing.

Despite the contentment, struggles of a different sort appeared that Ardyn wasn’t used to. Without access to the memories of people he had corrupted with the starscourage, Ardyn had to adapt slowly to life. Learning the basics of how to work a phone among other advancements was beyond frustrating, especially when at one point in time it was second nature to him.

Ardyn recalled feeling like an idiot asking people in passing how to update his phone. Biologically, he was thirty-three, but at that moment, he felt he could’ve easily passed for being over 2,000. He was never one that felt self-conscious about his true age, but it seemed in this lifetime there was always something new to be discovered, and he had a hard time keeping up.

Stretching he reached for his phone. Ardyn looked at how many credits were left on his account with an app. His golden eyes for a second looked towards the nightstand where two previous phones were sitting at the top, smashed in due to stress from not figuring out how to use the blasted things. He hoped the third one would be the last for a while if he could keep his anger under control.

As he scrolled through his banking account, Ardyn was surprised that his earnings from being chancellor wasn’t confiscated during the restoration movement. Whoever was keeping tabs on Niflheim’s treasury department was doing a piss poor job. Despite how lazy he admitted himself to be with the task, Ardyn knew he could’ve called upon better security.

With a few calls, Ardyn was able to access some of the wealth he earned while serving the empire. It paid to be gifted with a silver tongue and able to concoct stories on the fly, lying to the workers that he was a former associate of the chancellor that was promised a sum for his services years back. The new war displacement policy in Lucis worked in Ardyn’s favor as well to get his money transferred to a new account. Alas, the funds weren’t enough to allow a life of luxury like he was accommodated to in Niflheim, but he could easily settle if indulgence was what he sought.

Putting the phone away, Ardyn relaxed into the bed and stared up at the ceiling. An empty space began to fill his heart as he made an attempt to relax after working a night job for some locals. He felt like a ghost living inside a body he didn’t recognize. A ghost who lost his way in life. Nothing inside. No heartbeat despite there being a pulse. No racing thoughts, only a peculiar numbness with a tunnel vision of morose feelings and regret nudging him closer to a precipice that was indescribable. The emotional pain of his resurrection felt excruciating despite how collected Ardyn appeared on the outside. He could easily be yelling at the top of his lungs, and no one would notice.

Everything he had done, from slaughtering whoever got in his way to manipulating the highest, Ardyn had no regrets. Not until he had put on the ring of the Lucii and acted as the blood sacrifice in Noctis’s place to take Bahamut back to whatever hell he crawled from. Ardyn’s story and his quest to fill his bloodthirsty nature amounted to nothing in the end. So many lives were destroyed all on account of the Gods treating humans like playthings in the cosmos. And he played a huge hand in them nearly wiping out the planet.

Ardyn’s fingers grasped onto the blanket out of hate. If he could slay the Astrals over and over, he would’ve done it in a heartbeat for the misery they had caused.

He lost count of how many times Aera’s death replayed in his head as of late. The what ifs plaguing him regarding Somnus and the Gods’ scheming agenda. If only he could’ve talked with his brother. If only Somnus would’ve allowed such a request. If only Aera had stayed with him and not gone back home. If only he could’ve approached Regis years ago and pleaded his case. If only Niflheim didn’t find him on Angelgard. If only he had stuck to his convictions and didn’t feel the persuasive pull of war from Verstael’s crafty proclamations. If only. If only.

If only he had never been born.

“Aera,” Ardyn choked out. He could feel himself becoming emotional as thoughts lingered on his love. She was the only solace he could hold onto when the agony stroked his heavy mind.

“I promise I will be back to rest. For good this time. There’s nothing here for me. Eos will be for the better after I find permeance. Please wait for me again.”

The journey to Insomnia to confront Noctis once more was around the corner. And Ardyn prayed before he felt sleep carry him off that his great nephew would strike him down for a final time.

#ardyn izunia #ardyn #ardyn lucis caelum #final fantasy xv #fanfic #caelan zamfir #caelan zamfir final fantasy xv oc #original characters #chapter 1

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savage-rhi · 2 years

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Immortal Shield Chapter 2: Caelan

The temperature outside of Galdin Quay was abysmal. It felt like the Astrals themselves set the air on fire. For someone passing through, it would be sweltering but nonetheless an easy trek if one was in a vehicle with ample air conditioning. For Caelan, she felt like she would collapse at any moment. Then again carrying the large corpse of a rogue Flexitusk in 100-degree weather without a car would be well justified for sudden death in the heat.

As she adjusted her weight to her left to compensate for the numbness on her shoulders from the Flexitusk’s corpse, Caelan cursed herself for not servicing her car when it needed to be done. Not to mention allowing the Flexitusk to rip the car in half. The dread of turning in her Hunt and getting the reward money only for it all to go back to her towed Scepter at Hammerhead had Caelan pissed to no end at her lack of foresight. She wondered if foregoing her old vehicle would be better in the long haul, just leaving it for scrap metal instead of painstakingly building the engine from the ground up. Then again unlike most folk, she didn’t have the luxury of waiting idly nor could she escape on foot from the men hunting her down.

A few cars passed Caelan, some traveling slow to get a good look at what they were witnessing. The pale white creature upon Caelan’s back reeked of death as if it had been sitting out for days. The fruity undertones combined with the sulfur were enough to make drivers gag and speed off, long before Caelan had the chance to say hi and ask if they could offer a lift.

“Okay, nice knowing you too…jerk.” Caelan said aloud with a sigh, seeing yet another driver take off at the mere whiff of the monstrous corpse. They even went so far as to flip Caelan off. Despite the agitation, Caelan couldn’t blame folks for wanting to avoid her. She had three days to get well acquainted with her Hunt and its endless bouquet of smells. An advantage she wouldn’t wish on anyone, even if she hated them. The situation didn't suck any less however.

Arriving in Galdin Quay an hour later, Caelan breathed deeply as she took in the familiar sights. What was once a beach resort dedicated mostly to the upper class was now a thriving coastal town. Many who were displaced by the war of Lucis and Niflheim made their homes there, especially during and after the starscourage ransacked the world. Of all the places to be stranded, Caelan was content living here until she would need to move once more.

Much like the travelers outside of the town, Caelan was avoided like the plague itself came strutting through. From the reactions of the Quay’s citizens, Caelan estimated she’d probably have to shower more than once to get the Flexitusk’s residue and juices off her skin and clothes. Up ahead she could see the Hunter’s Trading Post that was connected to a café. A sigh of relief escaped her mouth as she grinned. The mission would be over soon, and she’d take a much-needed break before traveling back to Hammerhead for her car.

“One rogue Flexitusk ready for inventory!” Caelan greeted with amusement as she slammed the deceased creature onto the counter near the Trading Post Master. Caelan was so relieved to get the corpse off her shoulders that she didn’t notice the looks of disgust, people backing out of the way, or downright leaving the establishment.

The Trading Post Master covered his nose impatiently upon catching the wretched smells tickle the hairs in his nostrils. He made a face at Caelan, a look of disappointment before he began inspecting the Flexitusk. The rough porcelain hide of the canine creature looked intact despite the obvious decay. A good sign that the body could be salvaged for tools among other things despite its grotesque condition.

“So, what do you think?” Caelan asked, taking pride in the fact she was able to hunt down such a rare creature. One that had been causing problems for many outside of the Quay. The beast had killed and maimed more than a dozen folks in recent weeks.

“I’ve seen better,” The Trading Post Master grumbled then sighed while taking in a deep breath. “Nonetheless I’d say this earned you 1,000 gil--”

“Now wait,” Caelan interrupted before he could finish. “The Hunt said it was well worth 1,500 gill with a 300 bonus.”

“300 gil if you brought it back before it could decay as per the contract statement, and the other 200 I took off because you done scared off any customers I was servicing. Not to mention the gil will be going to make the place smell cleaner. Also, this beast is so far gone on the right side that I can’t barter anything from it. It’s a waste of good meat.” The Trading Post Master huffed, taking out a blade from one of the cabinets below the servicing dock to begin processing the Flexitusk.

“Do you have any idea what I went through to bring him back here?” Caelan argued her case as she glared. “This creature killed many and cost me a damn car. I have to travel by foot to Hammerhead for it. I deserve at least 1,300 for the trouble.”

“1,120. And I am being generous.” The Trading Post Master paused, giving Caelan an aggravated stare before he slammed a pouch full of gil onto the counter and shoved it in her direction, not before taking out the amount he intended to keep “Take it or leave it, honey.”

Caelan growled, not bothering to hide her disdain. Nonetheless, she was in no position to argue.

“Fine. Here are my tags.” Caelan turned in her contract and after going over the formalities and signing off, she took the gil and left.

Outside she made sure to count the gil on hand along with what she had left from having her car towed. The amount the Trading Post Master awarded would set her back financially. Caelan knew she’d have to either take on an additional five hunts or do something else to repair her car. She swallowed, knowing she was in a bind.

“Damn it, this is bad.” She muttered to herself, rubbing her forehead and strands of hair from her eyes. She had a pitiful 2,120 gil to her name. Not enough for a hotel much less a trailer for a night's stay and a far cry from the estimated repair cost she received from Hammerhead. Even with the changes that had come to the Quay, the officials seemed to find a loophole in charging ridiculous prices for basic necessities. Caelan didn't think to get camping supplies since she assumed she'd have enough gil to rent somewhere decent for the night. She mentally beat herself up for not thinking about it.

“Excuse me.”

Caelan’s eyes widened, withdrawing from her current thoughts as she quickly turned around to find the source of the rich voice. Her gaze fell on a tall male with golden eyes. The initial shock began to wean as he smiled her way.

“I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation at the Trading Post. Are you alright?”

Caelan nodded, her eyes roaming over the man’s frame carefully. It was a habit built upon being jumped by those that wanted to carve a reputation in her own hide. The mannerism seemed to put the man on the spot as he briefly turned his head to the side and cleared his throat.

“Oh!” Caelan blinked a few times, snapping out of it. “Sorry. I’m not trying to ogle you. I didn’t know if you had any weapons. Thievery is haphazard when you walk out of the Trading Post with a lot of money, you understand?”

The man smirked for a moment seemingly amused by Caelan’s justification, then gestured his arms out, doing a playful and slow spin so she could examine every inch of his person. He rest his arms to the side after the performance and his smile returned.

“As you can clearly see, I haven’t anything dangerous of the sort. Nor would I care to steal from you. I wouldn’t be so bold as to kick someone when they are already down. Unless of course it was well deserved.”

Caelan let out a sigh of relief, crossing her arms as she briefly looked to her side to see some folk walking to the beach. She turned her gaze back to the man, keeping her eyes on his.

“You proved your point, so why were you eavesdropping on the conversation when it didn’t concern you?” Caelan asked. Despite his friendly nature thus far there was something familiar about him Caelan couldn’t pinpoint. She decided to err on the side of caution. Better to be on the defense than to unknowingly get captured by one of her father’s men or an Accordo troop.

“I wouldn’t call it eavesdropping when your voice carried on several feet away.” The redhead smirked. He seemed to delight he struck a nerve, yet quickly made amends.

“You mentioned having lost a car on your hunt. I’m assuming the pitiful scraps you were thrown for that Flexitusk won’t be enough for the repairs. Correct me if I’m wrong?”

Caelan made a face, getting over the remark that she had been rather loud at the establishment. She didn’t like coming off as entitled, despite the circumstances, and feared perhaps she came across as such to the stranger.

“You can say that,” Caelan relented from giving out further information. Still unclear as to what his angle was in the conversation. “Look, if you’re trying to sell me something, the answer is no.”

“Far from it!” The redhead said immediately after. “I need to make haste to Insomnia. I don’t have an automobile myself, you see. I was planning to travel to Hammerhead by foot, and hearing your plight, well, I believe we could come to a beneficial arrangement.”

“Such as?” Caelan gestured for him to get to the point.

The man chuckled, shaking his head.

“You seem quite impatient.” He remarked.

“Time I waste talking to you could be the time I’m putting into another hunt or other odd job.” Caelan shrugged. “It’s nothing personal, but either get to it or I’m leaving.”

“A trait you and I yet share. How intriguing.” He paused for a time. His amber-colored eyes searched over her gaze for...something. It was enough to get Caelan to look away for a moment, then forced herself to focus. She felt intimidated but kept quiet as he spoke up.

“If you would be so kind as to give me a lift to Insomnia, I don’t mind footing the bill for your car.”

Caelan looked at the man as if he had bugs slinking out of his nostrils. The shock was an understatement as she laughed, seemingly not believing his offer in the slightest.

“Are you serious? Do you have any idea how much an engine replacement costs these days?”

“I assure you I have the means,” His voice lowered as if hurt by the assumption he was worse off much like Caelan was money-wise. “If you require proof, I have no objections to showing you statements.”

“There’s no need,” Caelan shook her head. By his tone and the way he carried himself, Caelan had the feeling he was someone important. The way he talked too gave way he had to have some form of authority.

“I apologize. I’m a bit grouchy today. I don’t have the luxury of putting my faith in one person. And I don’t think you’d want to be around me for too long. I don’t exactly have a great reputation in Lucis.”

“Is that so?” He tilted his head thoughtfully. “You don’t strike me as the type to get into trouble, save for having rotten luck with vehicles. Surely you can’t be that bad?”

Damn it. Caelan was mentally beating herself up. This had been her go-to in order to get people to quit while they were ahead, but it seemed her statement only piqued his interest further. It didn’t help that his gaze never left her eyes. A shiver went down Caelan’s arms when she caught him looking over her face, lingering on her mouth at times.

“Do you have somewhere else to go?” Caelan asked, trying to dodge answering his question.

The man chuckled at how flustered she had become, alas giving a look of defeat as he sighed. “I can tell I overstayed my welcome. Here, for your trouble.”

Before Caelan could say anything further, her eyes widened as a small sack of coins was tossed her way. She nearly fumbled catching the bag, looking down upon it questionably. To say she was shocked at seeing 900 gil was an understatement.

“What’s this for?”

“Consider it proof of my income and hospitality. It should cover you for a night at a caravan.” He began to take his leave only to stop himself short when he had forgotten to say his peace. He offered a final smile, turned his head towards her, and spoke.

“If you do reconsider my offer, I’m staying at the Inn. By the way, I go by Ardyn.”

At hearing his name be said, Caelan could feel her skin turning white. Her blood ran cold as she watched him leave. Goosebumps ran up and down her arms, her spine stiffened as if bracing herself for an onslaught. The uncanny feeling she had from seeing the man before finally started to make sense. The long red hair and garb, the way he approached her, she couldn’t have mistaken him for anyone else. It had to be Niflheim’s notorious chancellor, the one who should’ve been dead and rotting for the past five years.

Caelan closed her eyes to calm herself, and she was transported. 14 years old and watching the TV alongside her father.

Emperor Aldercapt and Chancellor Izunia arrived to discuss the treaty between Lucis and Niflheim with the king and his advisers. It is anticipated they will reach some sort of agreement within the coming days. More to follow after the latest regarding Tenebrae and their opinion on the matter.

Julian Zamfir sighed and debated turning off the TV set. Shaking his head in disbelief he took a swig from a large bottle of wine. The creases on his face and his hollowed eyes were evidence that he had been on a bender. A war of conflict raged inside of him seeing the Emperor and his lapdog walking on the roads of Insomnia, paved by the blood, sweat, and tears of all who defended and died by the city.

“August and Aila would be turning in their graves if they could see this now,” Julian said to Caelan. “To think that the men who played a hand in their deaths are here. Already prancing towards the palace as if they own the place.”

Tears threatened to spill from the corners of the warriors eyes. Julian couldn’t believe how low King Regis had stooped to welcome such treacherous men onto his turf. Especially after Julian returned home from a recent altercation with Niflheim’s troops, losing well over a hundred men in the process.

Caelan watched the camera pan in and zoom on the emperor and chancellor while they got out of their vehicles. Aldercapt looked ancient. As if he hadn’t slept in days yet he smiled every so often while Izunia appeared to do more of the talking between themselves and some of Insomnia’s political advisers. Aldercapt looked like he could be a resident in one of Insomnia’s nursing homes, while Izunia was quite the character, to say the least. He stood out compared to the other Niflheim politicians that traveled to the city with their emperor. Like he couldn’t be bothered when it came to presentation. If someone instructed him otherwise, he’d ignore it and do his own thing. Caelan could only dream of breaking the mold when it came to how she was raised.

A faint smile crossed Caelan’s mouth. They looked like mere men. Strip away the titles and fanciful get up, they were no better off than anybody else involved in the war. It gave her hope that the truce between the nations would work out. Maybe her father would find peace, somehow from the union.

Julian turned his head to the right, watching as his daughter Caelan continued to watch the screen with fascination. He made a face, staring daggers into the back of her head as he caught onto where most of her attention was centered.

“What’s caught your eye, Zamfir?” He asked.

“Nothing in particular,” Caelan was quick to say. “Just observing them is all. Seeing if there is another motive like you’ve been teaching me. This whole situation could be a ruse for something dangerous.”

Julian furrowed his brows, glancing between his daughter and the screen as if he was trying to pinpoint where she was fixating her eyes. He grunted as he got up to fix himself another bottle, realizing he had run out of the drink.

“For a moment there, you had me worried,” Julian said, his tone holding malice as Caelan watched him venture to the kitchen.

“Worried about what, Commander?”

“You seem transfixed by Izunia. Don’t deny it. I saw the smile on your face. The man and Aldercapt are bastards that play to theatrics. The whole lot of them are wolves in sheep's clothing. Anyone from Niflheim, especially the politicians, are murderous shits. Don’t let their fancy clothes and curtseys get the best of you. I raised you better than that.” Julian spat bitterly as he slammed the fridge upon grabbing another red wine.

Julian was quick to pop the top off, sighing as his gaze fell upon Caelan. She had her head bowed, standing at attention as a good soldier would do.

“I’m sorry. I won’t be swayed by their presentation.” Caelan said firmly, keeping her gaze to Julian’s feet. She didn’t dare look up until he would allow it. The years of training at her father's hand to become a Crownsguard shut out any and all other thoughts.

“See to it that you aren’t,” Julian’s voice was soft. With his free hand, he firmly grabbed Caelan by the chin. The hiss she let out had his gaze firm as he glared right into her eyes. “If I catch you lingering on anyone from Niflheim, I’ll put you in the ground. Do you understand, Zamfir?”

Caelan nodded. “Yes sir.”

“Good.” Julian was quick to shove Caelan out of the way as he returned to his post, the seat in front of the TV to drown in his sorrows, and await for the Crownsguard or Kingsglaive to give any orders.

In the present, Caelan was beside herself as the memory replayed in her head. She couldn’t believe that after all these years she’d hold onto something so trivial at 29. Sighing, she swallowed nervously and decided to shower, clear her thoughts, and hopefully, the memories of her youth would wash down the drain with the grime that collected onto her clothes and skin.

After departing from Ardyn, Caelan decided to rent out a trailer for the night. It was the smallest on the lot, but it had running water and was well stocked with basic foods. Whatever trepidation she felt towards Ardyn was gone for the moment. She wouldn’t be in this place if it wasn’t for his random act of generosity. Nonetheless, as she bathed, thousands of questions threatened whatever peace attempted to plant itself in her mind.

The funeral held for Ardyn Lucis Caelum was broadcast over several networks throughout the kingdom as soon as power and electricity returned to Insomnia. Even on the outer rim of Garex, Caelan could remember seeing folks glued to their screens as King Noctis proclaimed that his ancestor, the brother to King Somnus had been the rightful founder of Lucis and that he had died giving his life to protect Eos. Ardyn’s second life as chancellor was revealed shortly after through the media grapevine. Controversy followed his name ever since.

Most of the world hated Ardyn for playing a hand in ruining Eos, and incurring the wrath of the Astrals. There were some that argued in his favor when the king revealed a further history that had been purged from records, even going so far as to have a statue of him and Somnus erected in the private gardens of the renovated palace to solidify that peace had been gained between the two men. There were even Niflheim citizens who vouched for the former chancellor in passing, claiming that although what he had carried out couldn’t be justified, Ardyn had done a better job taking care of the empire’s citizens than Aldercapt himself.

Now he was wandering Eos, alive once more, and Caelan had been approached by none other than the Adagium himself. The creature her mother used to tell stories of at bedtime, the one who would bring ruin to Insomnia until the true king of light would emerge. The man she was fond of for his outspoken attire and mannerisms on TV when she was a teen had been the devil in the flesh. Shock and bewildered didn’t quite convey the weight of this situation. The gravity of it followed Caelan as she stepped out of the shower, rinsed off her clothes in the shower itself, then fixed something to eat.

Caelan estimated she had less than three days left in the Quay before her father’s men would come snooping along to find her, not to mention the Lucis and Accordo troops that had been patrolling for war criminals like hawks within the Leide region. She knew she would be cornered. It was not a matter of if but when, and time wasn’t on her side.

As much as she wanted nothing to do with the man considering his notoriety among being a legendary monster, Caelan understood that she needed to work with Ardyn. He might be the one to clear her name, especially if she could hand him over to the king and let the nations decide the fate of his current incarnation. She had to try even if he killed her. She was dead anyway at this point.

Caelan filled her lungs with fear. Exhaling, she threw on some fresh clothes after eating some cup noodles and departed from the trailer in search of the Inn Ardyn was staying at.

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