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savage-rhi · 6 months

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Mending Shadows // Chapter 24

Summary:

Y/N was a simple Scavenger of Lucis, until meeting a deadly blow at the hands of an infected creature. At the crossroads of death, they are found by Niflheim’s cryptic Chancellor with his own agenda. Now bonded to Ardyn Izunia, and tossed into the world of Niflheim, Y/N struggles to cope with their new life as an Imperial Icon all the while battling their feelings toward their fate and that of Ardyn’s.

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The inside of the bathhouse was quiet. Steam rose from the natural springs that the establishment was built around. It was complimented by low lighting, and soothing ambiance that screamed Altissian decorum. Y/N gazed over the walls while their body soaked, admiring the craftsmanship that went into some of the tile decorations. The blue and turquoise greens glimmered from time to time against the warmth of candles nearby. A thick fog of incense smoke slithered through the air, intermingling with the hot steam coming from the surface of the water. The scent was sweet and earthy, and not one Y/N could recall to mind. Nevertheless, they liked it.

Inside the springs was like being cocooned in another world. For a while, Y/N didn’t think about anything. The scourge, the war, and all their obligations might as well have been a million miles away. Even the attempt at Ardyn’s life almost forty eight hours ago seemed distant.

The heat of the water numbed their aches from the scourge, and their mind of discomfort. It was funny in a way to Y/N. If they could live twenty-four-seven in a hot tub or something equivalent, they could see themself surviving the scourge and its full misery. Then again, this plague was one that loved to adapt to a challenge. It took Ardyn 800 years before he settled with his lot, and Y/N doubted they had the same endurance as he.

The scourge seemed to have read Y/N’s mind about their little plan, for they felt their shoulders tighten. They gasped aloud. Perhaps this was a warning, or at the very least it felt like an underlying threat. Y/N took this time to gaze downward at their right shoulder. Near the collarbone was a scourge patch, followed by a deep rash that every so often ached like a burn. They noted the color was more pale in comparison to the other day. Instead of violent reds, it had muted to lighter pinks and orange specks.

Y/N recalled how excruciating the mark was initially. It was almost as if they were being branded like cattle, with no warning for when the hot iron would stick to their flesh. Even after hunkering down at the lodge hours later, the rash remained. At first, Y/N chalked this up to a sign that the scourge was getting worse, but the heaviness of it felt like another matter entirely.

The thought of the mildew texture of the scourge on their tongue, and how they choked on their own bile during the bleedthrough pulled Y/N out of their thoughts. With a shudder, they grimaced and shook their head. Even after all this time, it was strange to acknowledge something so putrid coursed through their body like a spare blood supply.

Their mind shifted toward Ardyn, wondering if he was alright from the attack. The situation was serious enough to where he couldn't budge from the House of the Courts, nor could he communicate with anyone until the entire establishment was cleared. Y/N reassured themself. If he was worse for ware, Ardyn wouldn't have broken protocol to send a message to Y/N about the Altissian Springs. Nor would he have dived into a history lesson via text on how the waters soothed scourge marks. Much less would he suggest they meet up after Y/N had their fill enjoying a private bath at said springs.

It was easier said than done though not to fret after what Y/N experienced. They wondered what Ardyn saw on his end during the bleedthrough, and what sort of memories of theirs he had access to now.

That can wait for later...The rash began to act up, and Y/N cupped some water in their left palm and splashed the area. Upon hearing footsteps, their actions ceased. Squinting their eyes, Y/N looked through the thick fog coming up from the spring water. A loud creak suddenly emitted from the entry doors, and the sound reverberated for a few seconds before the doors clicked closed.

Save for the few workers in the main office, no one was allowed inside. It was all a matter of security, according to Ardyn. To keep Y/N safe for the remainder of their stay in Altissia while tensions were high. He privately booked this time slot just for they and they alone.

So, who the hell is that…? Y/N thought to themself. Their answer soon arrived upon seeing Ardyn’s form come into view, and Y/N felt their heart stammer.

He was naked save for a cerulean towel that was wrapped around his waist. It looked like the one Y/N wore earlier when they first ventured into the spring suite. Scourge marks littered his flesh and left him paler than usual. He was having an inflammation attack, much like Y/N had experienced numerous times.

“Gods…”

“I’m afraid they didn’t wager a hand on this,” Ardyn quipped. His voice a tad too quiet in comparison to his usual grandiose.

The closer he got, Y/N noticed the bags under his eyes. Ardyn looked so tired that Y/N was surprised he hadn’t fallen asleep right then and there. They wondered how something as old as he felt right at this second. That's when Ardyn locked his gaze with Y/N. Visible confusion dwelled in his amber eyes that had Y/N taken back. It was almost as if he knew what they had been thinking.

Ardyn’s features quickly changed. He went back to neutrality, yet he did smile.

“I didn’t mean to startle you,” Ardyn said softly. He stopped near the edge of the spring tub Y/N was in, and carefully sat down. His right hand held onto the towel so it wouldn't slip off and expose him. Eventually, Ardyn put both his feet into the water and let out a deep sigh in relief. He leaned his head forward, letting his auburn hair fall over his eyes.

He looks like he's on cloud nine...

“I didn’t think I’d be seeing you so soon.” Y/N sunk into the water. Though the pool was murky due to the natural minerals and was therefore dark, they felt self-conscious being around Ardyn in this state. They themself were naked after all.

“Well, here I am. In the flesh.” Ardyn mused with a dark chuckle. He closed his eyes, letting his body get used to the heat. Afterward did he carefully push back his loose strands of hair, and adjusted his posture so he was once more sitting upright.

“Shouldn’t you be somewhere hiding out?”

“Why would I cower away?” Ardyn raised a brow as his eyes opened.

“You’re a political figure who nearly got slain. I mean, isn’t there a protocol for that sort of thing?”

“Yes,” Ardyn nodded. He let out a huff. “And I chose to ignore it after the dust settled and the perpetrators were taken into custody.”

“Why?”

“I couldn’t very well leave you alone. Not when those that wish to harm me know you're a guest among my company." Ardyn shrugged.

“There’s plenty of Niflheim soldiers you brought along on this trip,” Y/N countered. “You could’ve had them or even Loqui watch over me here while you recouped somewhere safe.”

“As much as I adore his excellency’s personal foot soldiers, the emperor's men proved incompetent during the court fiasco. I wouldn’t forgive myself if they allowed you to perish under my command.”

Y/N wasn't sure if their body was overheating from the water, but their pulse rose from his words. Blood rushed to their cheeks at how sincere he was. At least he was attempting to be.

“You could get yourself killed.” Y/N sighed in protest.

Ardyn chuckled. “You forget that I am immortal. Such altercations don’t have me worried about my welfare. If I am vanquished by someone’s hand, I’ll wake up at Angelgard like it was all a bad dream sooner or later.”

“You make it sound like it’s happened a lot.” Y/N let out a nervous laugh.

“Oh yes,” Ardyn mused. “I’ve honestly lost track. It gets rather boring, you see.”

“I can’t imagine!” Y/N laughed, watching Ardyn’s lips curl into a genuine smile. He breathed while rubbing the back of his neck, and it looked as if he could already feel sweat trickling down his skin from the humidity.

“I’m sure you have a thousand questions as to what transpired. I know I’ve been vague thus far.”

“And I can tell you’re not in a mood to answer every one of them.” Y/N smiled amidst the worry that was no doubt being conveyed through their eyes. “At least answer me this: what’s going on with your body?”

Ardyn mulled over their question for a while, rehearsing in his head before deciding to grace Y/N with an appropriate answer.

“I overexerted myself,” he admitted. “Some of the protestors took to arms when they were not allowed into the main chambers to confront everyone. As soon as they cast the first stone and attacked, I took action while keeping the Imperial Representatives safe. When I battle, I sometimes experience a frenzy through the scourge. My daemonic tendencies like to creep through. However, given my predicament, I couldn't let loose since I had an audience. What you're seeing before you is a punishment for holding back. The body keeping the score as one would say."

Y/N swallowed. “Is it normally this bad?”

“No,” Ardyn replied. “In the past, at most I’ve had nose bleeds, but never inflammation and not to this extent. Not with the pain. It feels like I'm on fire. I believe the serum MedZin infected me with brought my defenses down. At least that's what Verstael theorizes how it works."

“It’s my fault.”

“Y/N,”

“It’s got to be. What with the bleedthrough and everything, and our bond--.”

“Y/N,” He raised his voice slightly so as to not spook them and yet command attention. Ardyn gave a reassuring nod toward Y/N after catching wind of the sadness in their eyes. “Even if our bond contributed, it’s but a fragment compared to what the serum has done to my body. Please relax your conscience, and trust me.”

The cadence of Ardyn's voice gave no reason for Y/N to be suspicious he was lying for the sake of pacifying. It didn’t subside all the guilt Y/N had, but his word was enough for now. They didn’t want to argue with him either. Not when he was hurting so bad.

Y/N sighed. “What were the protestors speaking out against?”

Ardyn was surprised at the change in subject, assuming Y/N would move on to the bleedthrough. Nevertheless he indulged them.

“With surprise, it wasn’t because of the betrothal ceremony,” he chuckled. “The majority were Lucian sympathizers and anti-imperials. They were enraged over the agreement Madam Secretary made with Niflheim some months ago. Allowing more of our navel fleet to pass through Accordo’s seaway to reach Lucis. Apparently, some of our men have bullied the sea fairing folk along one of the waterways, thus causing strife.”

“What’s to be done about that?”

“Nothing for now. It’s all hearsay until evidence is gathered. Obviously, they didn’t take kindly to our commitment of due process.” Ardyn had an epiphany as he decided to change the course of the conversation. “Speaking of evidence, did you get on well with Betrys D’Bhara regarding the tomb?”

For a moment, Y/N looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Ardyn was tempted to repeat himself, but he held back to give Y/N a chance to recalibrate. He slightly smirked, knowing that sometimes Y/N's mind liked to jump ten steps ahead before their mouth could catch up.

“I’d say we hit it off a little too well,” Y/N murmured and snorted under their breath. Before they’d allow Ardyn to question their statement, Y/N continued. “Betrys said the tomb was located off a small island near Avem. She stressed that if you want to have a look for yourself, you gotta do it ASAP. From what it sounded like, it’s going to be closed off indefinitely once Lucian officials catch wind.”

“Ah, what fortune!” Ardyn sighed in relief. Hearing the news caused some of the tension he had been holding in his body to die down. “I think after another day of recuperation, we should make haste for Avem. The wedding isn’t for another week, so there’s plenty of time to tackle the tomb.”

“We?”

Ardyn nodded. “I wouldn’t mind you accompanying this little excursion of mine. Unless of course you’d rather be frolicking about with Higher Imperials and socialites?”

“As if!” The blunt disdain of Y/N’s tone caught Ardyn off guard and he laughed. Life seemed to return to his eyes, and it almost pained Y/N for what they were about to drop on him.

“I hate to kill the vibe,” Y/N began. “But the information came with a price.”

“Price?” Ardyn furrowed his brows. “Did Betrys put you up to something incredulous?”

“She said you owe her a night on the town. A date.” Y/N coughed, trying to ignore how cute it was that he was concerned for them. “I tried to redirect her on your behalf, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer. She made a big deal out of you not paying your dues as of late.”

Y/N had never seen a man look so humored and mortified all at once. It took courage to not even so much as let out a giggle at his expense.

“I should’ve known that heifer of a woman would resort to an uncouth tactic,” Ardyn bitterly remarked. He canted his head with fascination. “How do you feel about it?”

Y/N blushed. “Why would my opinion matter? It’s your ass on the line!”

Ardyn chortled, biting the inside of his lip as he cheekily pressed forward. “What if I were to say I value your opinion at this stage of our companionship?”

“I’d say what’s the catch this time?”

“That does so hurt my feelings,” Ardyn slyly feigned hurt. He smiled upon seeing Y/N roll their eyes at him albeit playfully. “I am nonetheless curious, and it would be an honor if you’d indulge me.”

There was a strong part of Y/N that wanted to tell him not to go through with the arrangement, but they had no clue how to justify themself. Not without looking crazy. Not when Y/N didn’t know why they felt overprotective of him. Nonetheless, they couldn't leave him in silence.

"I’ve come to find rich and powerful people of Eos do weird things with and to each other. It’s not my place to judge since I didn’t grow up in this world. But given your history, I’m worried about you.”

“My history?” Ardyn huffed. “You don’t think I can court?”

Y/N’s mouth dropped. “I never said you couldn’t, but…”

“But? ” He said it so salaciously that if he weren’t practically naked, Y/N would’ve found a way to drag him into the spring and dunk his head underwater.

“2,000 years is a long time to not be in the dating scene.”

“What makes you believe I haven’t had my way with numerous charming women or men who have been taken with me?” He almost looked appalled even with his sly comeback.

Y/N hesitated. “Because of the loyalty you had for Aera.”

Ardyn narrowed his gaze. He felt strange as mixed feelings flooded him. Anger at being called out, and joy that someone understood that old side of himself so deeply. He felt he should've known better. That Y/N would see through his coltish pride.

“I didn’t mean to offend you. I just know because of the bleedthrough.”

“It’s quite alright,” Ardyn gently dismissed. He sighed through his nose, and loosened his features. A faint smile pressed itself upon his lips as he tenderly recalled a memory of his beloved. How Aera plucked up the courage to tell him she had feelings for him, and how he had been clueless. It felt like both an eternity ago, and as if it happened yesterday. Time was a cruel temptress.

“You know,” Ardyn murmured delicately. “I remember being surprised when she fell for me.”

“Why, don’t you like yourself?” Y/N sarcastically quipped. His laugh made their body jump, causing the water around their chest to slosh.

“I do, I just didn’t think it was contagious!"

There was a moment of silence that arrived after the laughs died down. The only noise that dwelled within the room was the sound of moisture droplets meeting the water's surface as the humidity increased.

Ardyn cleared his throat and gestured with his head toward Y/N. “Mind turning the other cheek so that I may submerge?”

“Uh,” Y/N did a double take, then nodded while tucking a strand of their hair back. They averted their gaze downward. “Yeah, go for it.”

Y/N didn’t dare look up as they heard the towel hit the tile floor and the sound of water splashing. They felt their body sway from the small waves Ardyn created after he jumped in. As he walked along the bottom, Y/N could feel the movement of his legs underwater. A weight fell upon their chest, and their heart rapidly sped.

“There are other pools available,” Y/N said before they could stop themself. They glanced between the water’s dark green hues and Ardyn who was now chest deep and making himself comfortable a few feet away. “You could have one to yourself.”

Ardyn swam toward the pool ridge, leaning his head against the edge while he contently closed his eyes and laughed at the remark. “I don’t much care for large bodies of water. It gives me, shall we say, apprehension. Though if my presence offends you I could--”

“No!” Y/N interrupted. They realized how desperate that sounded especially when they met Ardyn’s eyes and the mocking expression he gave. “Forget about it. I just didn’t want to embarrass your honor, as the socialites say.”

Ardyn snorted. “Embarrass my honor?”

“You know, see you naked.”

“I took you for being shy but not a prude.” Ardyn teased.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“Take from it what you will.” Ardyn shrugged nonchalantly. “It’s not my place to solve every riddle for you.”

“At least I’m not scared of open water like some people.” Y/N quipped.

“At least I acknowledge the primal fear,” Ardyn said bluntly. “Unlike someone who is terrified of potentially seeing a naked man in full. It’s quite telling of your lack of maturity.”

Y/N scoffed. Embarrassment was close to how they would describe feeling at this particular moment. Ardyn's chortles after the fact didn’t help. He definitely won this battle of wits, much to Y/Ns chagrin.

Y/N was thankful Ardyn didn’t seem to have anything else clever to say at the moment. He began to clean himself, his hands splashing water against scourge ridden skin. That was when something red caught Y/N's attention from the corner of their eye. Something unsettling.

There was a large dark scab upon Ardyn's right shoulder. The exact spot where Y/N's own rash was located.

Y/N's eyes nearly bulged, wondering why they hadn't noticed until now.

“Ardyn,”

“Hm?” He canted his head curiously as concern began to take root against his features.

“Is that from the attack?” Y/N lifted their right hand out of the water and gestured toward the injury.

Ardyn looked down. “A rather embarrassing moment on my part. Prior to the full brawl, a protestor managed to knife me mid-handshake. Oldest trick in the book and I fell prey to it!”

Ardyn smiled. He was about to say something wittier until he caught onto how scared Y/N appeared. Before Ardyn could ask what was wrong, the rash and scourge markings on Y/N's shoulder came into his peripheral. His features became cold, almost stoic while he put two and two together.

“You felt what happened to me, didn’t you?” Ardyn asked quietly. He swam over to Y/N until he was standing in front of them.

“Yeah,” Y/N muttered with a nod. “I think I might’ve.”

“I see.” Ardyn glared and cast his gaze to the tiled wall not far from them, blinking a few times while he contemplated.

Y/N let out a breath. “During this last bleedthrough, it popped up. I felt like my arm was being ripped open, and the rash appeared. Of all places, it happened at The Serpent Society's headquarters.”

“Did Tuti come to your aid during this blight?”

“Yeah, Tuti made sure I was safe when that happened. She shielded me from everyone.” Y/N paused for a moment to think. “Ardyn, what do you--”

“Did you feel or sense anything else?” His eyes were serious, poised as if to strike.

“No,” Y/N shook their head while they recalled the odd wave of emotions that overtook them when they, Loqui and Tuti made it back to the residence.

One moment they felt anxious, and the next they had a strong urgency to protect what was around them. Loqui at one point had to step in and snap them out of it because of how irate Y/N had become. The anxiety felt natural. It was a common symptom Y/N experienced when the scourge flared. However, nothing could explain the overprotectiveness. It finally dawned on why Y/N felt at odds: the hypervigilance was Ardyn's feelings during the riot, not their own. It scared Y/N at how far they had blended into him without knowing.

Y/N knew deep down their response was a lie, and they hoped Ardyn wouldn't catch onto it.

“Good,” Ardyn sighed in relief as if his secrets remained under lock and key. He once more looked at his wound. The sharper edges were starting to seal up from his regenerative powers. He mulled over questioning Y/N further, then decided to speak his mind.

“I’ve never had this happen before,” Ardyn began. “A physical manifestation of one’s wounds carrying on to another is unprecedented."

"You felt your bonded die though when he killed himself."

Ardyn frowned. "Though I felt the pain of the blade, and the sensation of my innards tumbling outward, it didn't truly happen to me. Not like this occurrence."

“So,” Y/N let out a breath. “This is truly new for you?”

“Yes,” Ardyn admitted. “It explains much on my end of things.”

Y/N was curious as to what Ardyn meant by that. They wondered if he had been experiencing emotions that were out of place, or weren't exactly of his mind's own making. As much as they wanted to recant their earlier answer, Y/N didn't dare broach the subject. Now wasn't the time. Not when he was exhausted from what happened at the House of the Courts, and not when he was perplexed at what was going on between them.

Speaking of...Y/N's eyes widened a little. They thought back to some of their intrusive thoughts regarding Ardyn. Y/N hoped through their bond he hadn't picked up on such feelings. Especially the ones that had been more inclined to intimacy versus wanting to tear his head off. They were so caught up in worry, that Y/N didn't noticed how close Ardyn was to them. When it finally hit them, Y/N felt their skin tremble.

Goosebumps began to prickle their way down Y/N's arms when Ardyn's calloused fingertips gently felt over the rash. A look of regret washed over his features that had Y/N confused. He looked guilty of something, but Y/N couldn't pinpoint the reason.

“You must keep this information only between us,” Ardyn warned. His hardened gaze held a quiet plead. “I know you don’t speak with Verstael, but he can’t catch wind of what's going on. This is something we'll figure out together. In the meantime, I’ll do my part to not be as reckless so you won’t suffer for my actions.”

Y/N’s breathing became unsteady. The humidity from the springs, and their nerves being contributors. That's when they felt a compulsion begin to manifest. Y/N wasn't sure if it was of their own volition, or from the peculiar bond they shared with Ardyn, but suddenly their hands reached for his body. Their palms rested against his chest before their fingers traveled upward, and smoothly traced over the wound; nearly mimicking the same motions he had applied to their own rash.

“I promise I won’t say anything,” Y/N murmured. They noted how Ardyn winced from the contact, but he didn't back away. Nor did he demand they stop.

Ardyn had every intention to back away, yet he remained in place. His thumb continued to rub circles near Y/N's rash. He couldn't help but lean more into the touch Y/N provided in turn. A wave of mixed feelings began to brew in his gut and spread out. All the while, Ardyn could've sworn he could hear two pulses ringing in his ears. That of his own, and that of Y/N's. He felt the danger that presented itself right then and there, and yet he couldn't resist the devil pulling him further into the shallows. The entities within his body rapidly spoke. He couldn't distinguish what was being said, but could feel something urging him on.

The scourge wants this... As soon as his own voice broke through his psyche, the others drifted away, little by little. Until it was only he and he alone.

I want this...

“Y/N,” He muttered their name quietly, hoping they wouldn’t hear but he watched their expression change to concern.

"Yeah?"

Ardyn gestured his chin toward them. “That pin in your hair. Take it out.”

Y/N was speechless. The request was odd, but they found themself doing as he said. They pulled the small object out from their head, allowing their dampened strands to fall and cradle their face. Further surprise came when both of Ardyn's hands cupped either side. Y/N felt nervous, seeing the way he looked at them. It was like his eyes were beholding something he had lost, and now having found it, wasn't sure if he could let it go again.

The million and one questions Y/N had all but disappeared and were replaced by a sudden urgency; a strong desire to be close. As if the scourge needed to be at home with its own kind. As if Y/N needed to get this flighty feeling out of their system.

"Even with the scourge, your light remains."

A somersaulting flutter in Y/N's stomach grew when he leaned forward, and pressed his nose to the crook of their neck. Y/N closed their eyes, feeling a million questions fly by along with a yearning. They were surprised that he didn't attempt to feed. Instead he pulled away, his eyes boring into theirs while he whispered.

“My morning sun."

Y/N's mind went blank as their hands reached around Ardyn's head. Their fingers entangled into his dampened locks, and they captured his lips in a deep kiss.

Ardyn gasped into Y/N's mouth. His body remained in freeze, until the soft warmth of Y/N's lips pulling against his own made him return the affections. Every part of himself was screaming to stop, but it felt too good. Y/N felt too good.

The pulsing beat of both his heart and Y/N's in his head drove Ardyn mad with hunger. Quick pecks began to devolve into something more primal as Ardyn's right hand left Y/N's cheek, wrapping around their waist and pulling them flush to his chest. He felt so intoxicated that he hadn't noticed himself tempting one of Y/N's legs to hook around his waist.

The water sloshed around both their naked bodies, and Ardyn felt Y/N’s teeth begin to pull and suckle his bottom lip. Before his tongue could beckon for entrance into Y/N’s mouth, that’s when Ardyn felt the bile of darkness creep through his veins. Feeling the scourge leak from his gums, Ardyn violently tore himself off of Y/N and pushed them to the side. He panted heavily, as if he had been drowning in a sea that he wished would've taken him elsewhere.

He slowly glanced toward Y/N, seeing they too looked just as confused and shocked. There was also an underlying fear in Y/N’s eyes that made Ardyn look at them questionably. He caught his reflection in the water and saw his eyes were pitch black, save for the dying embers that were his irises.

“I’m-” Ardyn began, but he couldn’t find any words. There was nothing he could say to fix this or save his own skin regarding his actions. Shame was one of the many emotions he felt as logic and reason returned.

Y/N swallowed regrettably and reached out toward him. “Ardyn, I'm so sor--”

"Don't!" Ardyn recoiled away. He averted his gaze, and with haste wiped the side of his mouth and quickly swam for the edge. As he got out of the spring and grabbed his towel, Ardyn ignored the pleads of Y/N asking him to come back as he ventured to the exit.

Ardyn slammed the doors behind him, and Y/N was once again left alone.

#mending shadows #ardyn izunia #ardyn lucis caelum #ffxv ardyn #final fantasy xv #final fantasy xv fanfic #fanfiction #fanfic #ao3 fanfic #reader x canon #gender neutral reader #gender neutral y/n #final fantasy xv ardyn #**I finished my graduate midterms and I'm burnt out from writing. Just an FYI I will be taking a pause. Thanks for reading!#there's some spice in here #not much but a little #fanfic writing

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