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yzeltia · 11 months

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Year of the Drake: WOLFMAN FOREVER

May: Dark Knights of Steel Characters: U'rahn Nuhn, @driftward 's Nyx Blackmoon and Zoissette Vauban, @mintibunny 's Minti Chocolate, Y'shtola Rhul, @erickgage 's Erick Gage, @autumnslance 's Dark Autumn, @ladyofvoss 's Ibara Voss, Y'zel Tia, @saesama 's Klynt Gothawyn, and @xiuhteena 's Mayo'tta Rating: T for Tia Notes: So, since YOTP is from Batman stuff my mind went Dark Knight = Batman and Steel = Garlemald

Moving day had come for Gage Acquisitions. It had been a rather difficult move for U'rahn, finding himself a bit farther from his family than he would have liked; however, it provided the opportunity for him to suggest cohabitation to Nyx.

In his usual U'rahn way he'd fumbled with the question rather than being direct, resulting in Dark assigning him to inventory duty along with Y'zel. Lesson learned, his next attempt was far more direct, and therefore, successful.

This of course meant enrichment for their resident interior designer to accommodate the new living situation leaving U'rahn to bum it around headquarters. Having been given a box of Garlean comics by Jullus, he sequestered himself upstairs in the reading nook and curled up and was enraptured in the pages of a particularly worn set. By the time Nyx had located him, he had gone through them all.

"Rahn, Gage has requested you not use this space to rest while our new quarters are being prepared. He finds your natural odor unpleasant and worries about the new furniture smelling like you."

U'rahn's ears perked a bit before he turned his head to sniff at himself, tail standing on end for a moment before looking up to Nyx as she looked at the scattered comics.

"What is a 'Wolfman'," she asked, looking back up to him.

"Only the greatest Garlean hero ever," U'rahn said with a beam, getting on his knees to clean up.

"Do you mean the Black Wolf?"

"Huh? No, not the old man. Wolfman is uh…well…," he started, crossing his arms before thinking a moment then beaming wide, "Like I said, the greatest herrro of Garlemald! By day he's gillionare B'rhance nan Wane, and by night the Defender of Justice, Wolfman!"

"Understood. I do not recall such a person. I am to understand this is a storytale then?"

"Yeah yeah!"

"Then you may tell me about Wolfman while you clean up."

"Can't I just tell you now?"

"I have been instructed to use our new power washer on you if you decline to clean up in a timely manner."

"Right! To the showers then!"

With that, he carefully set the box of comics aside then led Nyx to the baths, tail flicking about. "Right…so, a Wolfman story…To start, you gotta know his backstory. See, when Wolfman was a boy his parents were well respected in the Garlean court, even favored by the Emporer himself! They focused a lot on philanthropy with their money, helping territories that had been taken over by Garlemald get medical supplies and necessities. There's a lot of different versions, but the most popular one is that he watched his parents get mugged in an alley after an opera. Some said it was a hit put out by the Garlean aristocracy that used mobsters that didn't like the Wane family. Traumatized by the incident, he grew up wanting to protect the people from mobsters and those who would use their power to make life hard for all citizens of Garlemald, especially those who had found themselves relocated due to Garlemald's colonialism of their homes. Criminals grew to fear the symbol of the Wolfman. He was the symbol of night. He was the symbol of justice. He was the Dark Knight! But y'know, not like the combaty kind."

"Acknowledged."

U'rahn nodded as he discarded his clothing. "In his time getting hero cred, Wolfman eventually finds a sidekick! A Miqo'te that lost all her family in a tragic acrobatic stunt, sabotaged by a member of a mob to send a message, Dyx Greymoon. AKA Starling. And together they patrolled the streets of the capital, fighting crime and saving lives.”

“Violence befitting most Garlemald picture books,” Nyx answered, watching U’rahn carefully as he paraded around the baths before his tail shot up.

"They're not picture books! They're graphic novels," he corrected before sitting down on a stool to fill a bucket with water, "Anyroad, my favourite story so far went a little like this."

[Alert. Alert. Robbery in progress. Alert. Alert. Robbery in progress.]

These words echoed through The Wolf Den as the two caped crusaders rapidly suited up into their crime fighting costumes. Looking to one another, they gave a nod of approval before Wolfman stepped forward. "Wolf Computer. Brief us on the situation."

[Right away Wolfman. Pulling up live footage from the museum where the robbery is taking progress. It seems a masked villain known as Ser Freeze is stealing ancient ice crystals from the Garlemald World Heritage Museum.]

"Great Solus's Ghost, Starling! The villain must be trying to summon on Eikon right here in our fair Garlemald! We cannot let that happen," Wolfman exclaimed, hurrying to the Wolfhanger

"Affirmative, Wolfman," his sidekick answered, following.

"To the Wolfwagon!"

The two hurried over to the large black car, both jumping into the front seat before Wolfman flipped the switch and jetted them off toward the city.

“Rahn. I understand you do not like to be interrupted; however, for my understanding of the story, I wish to know what you mean by ‘flipped the switch’.”

U’rahn blinked as he climbed over to get into a tub. “Y’know….the on switch to the car? To make them go.”

“Garlemald models would use a key that would be used to close the ignition circuit. This delivers power to the starter motor so that the engine can create sparks and mobilize the entire vehicle through small combustions.”

"Oh. Huh…Well. He did that then. Ah. Um. Would you wash my ears?" U'rahn asked, leaning his head back on the tub.

"Yes."

U'rahn let out a little purr as he felt the tips of his ears be firmly seized by his girlfriend. "Rrright…so they got to the scene of the crime…"

"Halt there villain! Those crystals belong to the good citizens of Garlemald," Wolfman called out as he and Starling descended down from the ceiling.

The Elezen scientist turned, her frosty stare narrowing through her goggles as she held up her frost blaster. "They were taken from Eorzea! Garlemald has no use for them other than a glorious trophy from our Emperor's invasion. I shall use them for a greater purpose…and I think you mean Freeze!"

The woman aimed her gun at the two. Taking evasive action, the two began to box step as the ray hit them, working out to keep their body warm so as to not succumb to the blast .

"Nice footwork Starling!"

"Acknowledged Wolfman."

"Curse you both," Ser Freeze huffed, charging another blast.

"Not so fast! Wolferang," the masked vigilante called out, tossing a wolf shaped shuriken at the villain's hand while Starling ran up and retrieved the gun.

Wolfman soon rushed Ser Freeze, grappling and punching at one another until the wolf swept his tail under her feet and knocked her back.

"You fool!? How will I save my beloved research partner now? I was on the verge of a cure for Voidsickness!"

"Golly. Gee. Wolfman, that is the deadliest illness in the world. Do you think she is being accurate and peer reviewed?"

"There's one way to find out! Ser Freeze! By the mercy of our Emperor, I will take you to their research facility where you can research under the careful watch of His Majesty's top chirurgeons."

"You'd make an exception for mercy," the scientist asked in disbelief.

"Yes. Sometimes justice is best…soft served."

U'rahn let out a little purr as he let his feet float up onto the water's surface, enjoying the ear rubs.

"Wolfman contains a lot of propaganda," Nyx commented.

"Just a little. Therrre's a good message there. Wolfman listened and didn't just send the bad guy to jail! He found her a place that would help her!"

"Ser Freeze would be under strict watch and once her project was completed, and be forced to do more research or banished to a more remote location to be imprisoned for life."

"Rrreally? Aw…Well…what about this one?"

The streets filled with people screaming as Wolfman and Starling arrived at the Garlemald Menagerie. Animals scattered about with them, most small herbivores, fleeing as vines and overgrowth started to climb up and over the walls.

"Solus's All Seeing Eye, Starling! What on Etheirys is happening here!?"

"The Wolfcomputer stated that a Viera known as Poison Minti has taken over the Menagerie using her power over plants. Please refrain from getting too close. Her kisses are poison."

"Not to worry Starling. My heart belongs only to Lady Garlemald and her people…and a certain sidekick."

"Your patriotism is noted. As is your clumsy flirtation. You should engage the enemy. I will subdue any dangerous animals non-lethally."

Wolfman nodded then hurried inside with Starling at his side. Animals scattered everywhere, running free and confused. The acrobat soon flipped away, using bolas to ensnare the larger beasts while Wolfman hurried into the gardens, avoiding snapping vines. Inside, he found the deadly beauty crossing over a bridge, turning to him as he approached.

"Seems I'm a little late. You wouldn't be-leaf the traffic getting here," Wolfman chuckled.

The woman raised her brow then flicked her wrists. Two great trees soon slammed down toward Wolfman as the hero nimbly jumping up and over then to join her on the bridge.

"Apologies puppy, but I don't have time for you…though, perhaps a kiss," Poison Minti hummed before smooching her hand and blowing it toward him.

Wolfman blinked then flushed, finding a sweetness wash over him. He chuckled then fumbled forward, face hot as he stared at the woman's lips, letting her cup his cheek as he drew in close.

"Golly. Gee. Wolfman. I warned you about her kiss," Starling's voice called out, "A cold bath is recommended."

Swooping down on a vine, the sidekick booted Wolfman out of the way and into the water before taking a fighting pose. Poison Minti shook her head then moved in defense.

"Couldn't stand to see his love blossom for someone else," the Viera asked.

"I do not experience jealousy; however, I know he would not enjoy your embrace. No mint is permitted to grow in this garden. I shall enjoy experiencing this."

With that, the two began to strike one another while Wolfman surfaced and shook out the water in his ears. By the time he got back on the bridge, Starling had subdued Poison Minti and had her over her shoulder.

"Good work Starling! Now, what should we do with our unlucky rabbit here?"

"Put me down! I must liberate the animals," Poison screamed.

"If we did that, then they'd die in the cold landscape of Garlemald. Here they can have a nice life in an enclosed space and be loved by all the citizens of Garlemald!"

"That is not enough! This is not their natural home!"

Wolfman thought for a moment then snapped his fingers. "Yet you could make it so, correct? Your powers of planting could make this place a real paradise!"

"...They could."

"Then it is settled! Instead of going to jail, you can stay here and create perfect biomes! Not only would the animals be happier, but you will enrich the education of our great citizens! What do you say?"

"I suppose that will be amenable. But my work is not done. There are still-"

"We did it again Starling! We've saved Garlemald and have made it a better place for all!"

"Rahn. This continues to be propaganda," Nyx said plainly.

U'rahn sighed, cheeks red as Nyx continued to lather his ears, resisting the urge to give them a twitch.

"He saved the day though. He's a grrreat herrro!"

"Starling saved the day. Wolfman was shown to be incompetent by not listening to Starling's warnings. I believe she should be in charge."

"Ah. Maybe I'm just not telling a good story arc…I guess there's…"

Terror had struck the heart of Garlemald once more. The Wolfman symbol high in the sky. The daring duo soon found themselves at the source of the commotion, The First Credit Union of Garlemald. Running up the steps, Wolfman and Starling soon found themselves jumping away from one another as a safe came flying out at them.

Laughter that sounded much like quacking echoed through the street as Apkallu and Paine emerged from the doors of the bank. The golden haired villain smirked as he held his beanbag gun umbrella against his shoulder.

"You're too late Wolfman and Starling! Me and my new partner have already seized control of all the banks in the area! Now everyone will be forced to leave their money under my care so I can invest as I please!"

"Solus's Bountiful Beard, Starling! The Apkallu is going to make unwise investments and drain the good citizens of Garlemald's hard earned money from their accounts! We cannot let this happen!"

"A robbery is in progress, Wolfman. The protection of the citizens and members of the union are a priority."

"Well said Starling! Wolferang! Go!"

With that, the hero pulled out his carved shuriken and chucked it at The Apkallu, knocking the umbrella from his hand while Starling did a bunch of flips up the stairs ending in a flying kick into Paine. A great battle ensued, the heroic duo clashing with the greedy Gil stealer and the masked beauty.

"Wolfman," Starling said plainly, but loudly as she was lifted up over Paine's head before quickly being brought down toward Paine's lifted knee.

"Starling! No! Wolfmallow! Go!"

In a heroic dive, the masked crusader tossed a white wolf shaped treat at Paine's knee. On impact, it expanded into a large fluffy marshmallow, cushioning Starling's blow. The weight of the gelatin caused Paine to topple over onto Apkallu, trapping them both as the foamy treat enveloped them.

"Thank you Wolfman," Starling stated, brushing off the mess on her back.

"All in a day's work my dear! Now then! What to do with these two?"

"Apkallu's greed seems to have gotten the better of him. Our reports state that Arick Cobblestone, self-proclaimed Deadliest Gentleman of Crime. Faced with losing his family's wealth after bad foreign investments, he sought out crime to fill his coffers. Paine, a dear friend of the family, followed him on his spree out of loyalty."

"I see! Then perhaps instead of jail, a financial literacy class at one of Garlemald's prestigious night schools might help him handle his finances better in the future and prevent future defaults. Remember this well when investing, Apkallu: Garlemald Grown and Grinded is Great!"

"...Is this guy for real," the villain asked to Paine, getting a shrug.

"As for Paine. Loyalty to one's comrades is truly respectable. I'm nothing without my partner. Right, Starling," Wolfman asked.

"Affirmative."

"There will be no punishment aside from helping rebuild the Credit Union you've damaged, restoring it to the great feat of Garlemald beauty it was before."

"Rahn. These storytales are very blatantly propaganda with product placement. The villains are also increasingly becoming more aware of Wolfman's incompetence as a hero. His placating methods will result in their inevitable return to crime."

"Well, if they didn't come back now and then there wouldn't be any reason for him to help fight crime."

"There would be reduced crime if he eliminated his targets."

"His hero code prevents him from killing! No exceptions!"

"His code is inadequate for his intentions."

U'rahn puffed his cheeks out a bit as Nyx let go of his ears. "Are we having our first argument?"

"I am stating objective facts, Rahn."

The warrior dipped under water then moved to sit across from the other. "There's other sides of Wolfman too aside from the goofy crusader! He's got some suaveness. Like the time he…"

Wane Manor glowed and with opulence as people inside danced and made merry for the annual Emperor's Day celebration. B'rhance had given his speech and managed to find a spot on the Ballroom floor where he could be seen if needed but left alone by passerbyers. Dyx was otherwise occupied, chatting with Ibarba ban Gordon, the third member of their Terrific Trrio. AKA: Wolfgirl.

Something was afoot though. While everyone danced and glided about around him, one masked pink-haired Miqo'te seemed to not as gay as he should be. The suspect seemed to flit about from partner to partner, and Wolfman's careful gaze noticed the once glittering arms with watches and bracelets become bare after each exchange. The little thief sauntering off the floor, B'rhance made his move following the Miqo'te up and into his library, find the other flipping through books.

"If you're looking for free knowledge, the Garlean Public library will be more than happy to issue you a library card. My tomes; however, will not find themselves leaving the grounds," B'rhance hummed, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed.

The masked Miqo'te let out a little click of his tongue before shutting the book and returning it to the shelf. "Don't you have hosting duties to tend to Mr. Wane?"

"What kind of host would I be if one of my guests sought to read rather than join the crowd? Not to mention without their belongings that I'm sure they intended to leave with."

The pink haired Miqo'te hummed, moving in close to stroke the other's tie in his palm. "Oh I'm sure many of them won't notice, blinded by their wealth and all. I doubt even you would have noticed that little ol' manuscript misplaced should I have had the chance to abscond with it."

"I don't recall having added a thief to my guest list."

"Though you hired wait staff. You really should check rrreferences," the other Miqo'te purred.

"Going forward I'll put in the effort…Er…"

The Miqo'te smirked, lifting his mask to show off his round Keeper eyes.

"Zelen'a Kyhle," he hummed.

"Bold to give me your name. How do you know I won't just track you down? There's also Wolfman."

Zelen'a tilted his head back and forth a moment, humming, "I'll worry about the Masked Mutt when he crosses my path. As for you, Rhance, you'll just have to come find me."

With that Zelen'a lifted up, kissing B'rhance softly before kicking back his foot to send an antique lamp into the air. The thief did a backflip as Wolfman's gaze followed the lamp, hand outstretched to catch it.

"Nice moves, playboy. Thanks for the parting gift," the Keeper laughed, taking back the book before falling backward out a window.

B'rhance rushed after, looking out as the thief drove away on a motorcycle. "Great Solus's Gemstones," the hero whispered before shaking out his head. "Such a villain! I am devoted to my Dyx! I-"

"Rahn. I do not require embellishment to prove your fidelity. You are a Miqo'te and it is a storytale about a gentry class hero."

"Well, yeah…but he loves Dyx the most…just sayin'," U'rahn mumbled, folding his ears with a sheepish smile.

"Acknowledged. However, that story did nothing to add to your argument of Wolfman being an efficient hero. He let the thief go free."

"Okay, okay. The best for last then. His nemesis…the ultimate bad guy and his own best gal. The Chuckler and Hardy Flint!"

Cackling…malicious cackling…or rather…sinister chucking chuckling. It echoed through the Capital as bomb after bomb began to erupt. Atop the capitol building's steps, the Mummer Heir of Crime, the Chuckler descended down, arms wide while Hardly Flint followed behind.

"C'mon mutt! I've got your darling Emperor and the city in my grasp! The hour of your reckoning is at hahaha-hand!"

"Yeah! C'mon mutt," Hardly echoed, pulling on a chain and pulling out Lord Varis in cuffs, having allowed himself to be taken in a noble gesture to protect his citizens.

The Wolfjet flew low to the ground, letting Wolfman, Starling, and Wolfgirl drop down before the steps.

"Great Solus's Grandson! Literally! Unhand our glorious Emperor right now you fiend," Wolfman cried out, "Wolfgirl, to the citizens! Starling, with me!"

"I'm on it," Wolfgirl called out, springing into action, dashing off to put out fires with her Wolfray.

Howls echoed through the streets as the sound waves blew out the flames, letting citizens pour out of their buildings and run off toward safety.

"Acknowledged," Starling answered in turn, springing into action to engage Hardly in combat, freeing the Emperor from her grasp for now.

The two exchanged blows around the building, Hardly swinging her hammer wildly while Starling nimbly dodged and ducked.

"You can't dodge me forever! I'm gonna clip your wings little bird and give them to my darlin' Chuckleflan as a gift!'

"I do not have wings; however, I do have on steel boots," Starling responded cooly.

"Huh?"

As Hardly paused, Starling kicked high, catching the Roe's jaw and sending her onto her back in a daze.

Meanwhile, Wolfman and The Chuckler exchanged blows before the chained Emperor. The fiendish Miqo'te laughed with every blow, even as blood dripped off his chin.

"How dare you chain our Emperor and harm out glorious city! I've just about had enough of your insanity!"

"The party is only beginning, you hahahalfwit! Your eyes are on the wrong prize," the villain cried out before lifting a rifle to his right and firing it into Starling.

The sidekick dropped down and then fell down steps just in time for Wolfgirl to swoop in and pick her up. B'rahnce let out a wail then lost control, punching and kicking the Chuckler backward until the laughing mad man fell back, letting the gun fall from his grasp. Wolfman quickly picked it up while the villain rose back up to his feet, hands in the air.

"Hey now! You don't use guns! You gotta stick to your code," the Chuckler breathed out.

"I never said I don't use guns. I just don't use them on people," Wolfman growled before firing a round.

The sound of metal breaking echoed through the empty streets. The Chuckler opened an eye then looked around before bellowing with laughter. "Hahahaha. You missed-"

The Miqo'te was cut off he was suddenly scuffed from behind. Towering over him Varis stood, freed from his shackles. The Great Emperor tossed the Chuckler like a rag-doll down the steps and into the street, metal heroically clanging as he followed.

"I'll take it from here Wolfman. You tend to Starling," the gracious leader said before turning forward to pummel the evil Miqo'te.

Wolfman jumped down to Wolfgirl and Starling, pulling her into his arms. "Starling! Say something!"

"You are inflicting further injury to my shoulder by holding me so tight."

"Sorry. I thought…I thought I lost you. I don't know what I would have done."

"My wound will heal," Starling answered before looking to Wolfgirl then back to Wolfman to lean up and give him a kiss on the nose, "My hero."

Wolfman blushed under his mask then nodded before lifting her up carefully, letting Wolfgirl summon the Wolfcopter. Lord Varus of course brought the Chuckler to justice, locking him in the deepest of dungeons.

"Your story continues to be propaganda and given the many vehicles, a means to sell toys."

U'rahn flattened his ears, story seeming to fall flat. Nyx moved into the water with the vexed Miqo'te, sitting on his thighs.

"I may not always enjoy the content of your storytales; however, I do enjoy you telling them."

U'rahn flushed a bit then chucked a bit, reclining a little to scoot Nyx forward on his lap, hand trailing up her back. "I would preferrr to tell stories you enjoy. I'll keep trying."

"Acknowledged. I look forward to your next attempt."

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lucianhuntress · 6 years

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The Bodyguard & The Princess Ch. 2

Word count: 5807 Pairing: Nyx x Fem!Reader Warnings: SFW, fluff and light angst. NSFW content eventually. Notes: When an oneshot turns into a multi-chapter fic. A soulmate au.

Also: if you are wondering who is Cassian Lacertus, he is just a random guy I invented for this fic.

Tagging some Nyx dyx-fans (it’s the work name I use for this fic): @glaive-eve, @bleucommelhiver, @owldearest & @singlebecauseofthechocobros.

Hopefully you enjoy this chapter!

<< Previous Chapter

High hopes of spending the evening with none other than Nyx Ulric were shot down like a bird on a hunting season. A guest after a guest flooded you with questions and suggestions, attempting to be subtle — yet failing terribly.

“Good evening, Your Highness, how are you doing today? Are you seeing anyone currently? I just happen to know the perfect bachelor. A real charmer, you’d be surprised.”

A surprise would have been if they all didn’t know a guy that just happened to be single. But as the princess of the Lucis kingdom, you had to force yourself to act like you were completely invested in their rosy speeches about a man you hadn’t even met.

Nyx wondered how you managed to treat them all with such kind, welcoming smile that made his heart skip a beat if you happened to flash it into his direction. He could feel the frustration through his soulmate mark, but he had no idea that you were the one carrying the counterpart to his.

Those fleeting happy moments, moments when your eyes met Nyx’s made you forget about everything else. The agony the guests gave you washed away with just a glimpse of the familiar ocean blue. Knowing that he stood by your side, made you feel safe, blessed and maybe even slightly giddy.

“I am going to need a break soon. I want to sit down for a while,” you sighed out your thoughts as you waved off another elderly couple and a new one was dangerously glinting their eyes towards you. Like vultures waiting for an opportunity to sink their claws in an already weak target.

“I can tell them to back off,” Nyx informed, feeling relieved of your urgency to take a break. Physically he would have gladly stood there all day — but the guests were slowly drawing him mentally towards the brink of a breakdown.

You lifted your gaze and saw him staring right at you. The content purring of your soulmate mark had been suffocated and replaced with exasperation caused by the constant pour of questions and now you could feel the bond strongly again — spreading its warmth all over your body.

The usual sensation of delight had gained a new shade of steadily growing desire as the evening shifted closer to night.

It made you side-eye Nyx even more than usual and Nyx tried to ignore the feeling as best as he could, but his mind kept slipping through his grasp.

You just looked damn beautiful and the exhaustion you wore made him want to steal you away. Of course he had to mentally punch himself in the gut for such selfish thoughts.

“I would appreciate that,” you said, the glow heating up your cheeks and causing you to fan your face with a hand to cool down. How did one man drive you all hot and bothered without even trying? No one else had managed to do that yet.

If only there was a balcony to retreat to.

You had no idea how to behave around the man, so you kept a polite, princessly approach as you spoke to him. He did the same by acting as professional and emotionless as he could, even when his heart screamed against it.

Nyx nodded and stepped in front of you to block the way just before another elderly couple managed to greet you.

It slightly pained you to deny their chance to have a chat with you, but you desperately needed to rest.

You heard him apologizing to the guests while you headed towards a bench to sit on. The glaives who you had ordered to scatter around the room kept their eyes strictly on you and you couldn’t deny the surge of uneasiness washing over you when you were being under so many eyes.

He felt it too; his soulmate mark emitted an anxious swell as it purged the joyful choir the marks had joined in to. Nyx wanted to comfort his unknown soulmate, but he was powerless to do so.

If only had he known that his soulmate was just a few feet away.

You let your body slump after all that standing around. To carry your body like a princess drained all your energy.

Talking like you were the most knowledgeable creature and speaking like your tongue was made out of silver had your jaws jammed and brain fried. Your whole body was sore from all that, even when you were used to it on daily basis.

Fortunately Ignis wasn’t at the event to see you sitting shoulders slumped and eyes fixed into oblivion, or else you would have heard about it for the next three weeks — or longer, if he felt like you needed a reminder.

Nyx flashed a smirk as he returned to you, “everything okay, Your Highness?”

You lifted your gaze and tried your best to answer him with a smile — but you felt like your cheeks were falling out from their places and you lips felt so numb. You had never felt so “charming” before.

“Just exhausted.”

He chuckled and positioned himself next to you. He was standing while you were sitting — as sitting next to each other would have been seen as an act of courting.

Such a thing wouldn’t have been allowed between a princess and a measly soldier.

Nyx felt a pinch of sadness in his chest as he thought about it — why did he even think about it? He could never have someone like you and you would have deserved someone better. Much better. Not him. And yet he couldn’t stop thinking about you.

You sensed the saddening sting poking your heart and for a moment you felt sorry for your soulmate. The heartache you both suffered caused an awkward silence to fall over you. Nyx kept his gaze strictly on the surroundings, his hands behind his back and expression blank — as it was supposed to be. But in his eyes anyone could have seen the shroud of melancholy of not being able to do anything about the situation he and his soulmate were in.

Your hands rested in your lap, squeezed gently into fists. But your lips were gradually tugging themselves into a smile, though it was a sad one. Sad from not being able to help the suffering you felt through the mark.

“Uhm, Nyx,” you mumbled eventually and the glaive shifted his gaze to you, but denied himself of getting a better view. He saw the sorrowful downward curl of your lips.

What’s wrong princess?

He wanted to speak out the words aloud, but he couldn’t.

“Your Highness?” he spoke instead, dismissing the moment of anguish he had experienced. He'd have to deal with it later.

Once you turned, you lifted your eyes to meet his side-eye.

Nyx felt like everything had paused. He knew he belonged there, next to you. He swallowed, wondering if he could just… no.

“I—” you started and in an instant, you were knocked down from the bench. A sharp pain twinged your elbow and your lower back as you fell down on the cold concrete floor with a huge, furry dog quickly gaining its position on top of you. All of its four legs sprawled around you and hot breath fanning against your skin as it prepared to get a taste of you.

At first you squealed in terrified panic—

“Princess!” Nyx gasped in horror and jumped to remove the dog from top of you.

—and then you giggled as the fluffy creature had a great urgency to clean your face with it’s soft and wet tongue. You shrieked from the tickling sensation and you could distantly hear how Nyx and a couple of others shouted for you.

Nyx had not been so worried in years. Worried of losing someone he barely knew, yet his heart ached every time he heard your high-pitched squeaks. Just the thought of you getting hurt made him work harder.

The canine was stronger than anyone would have guessed. The creature had almost feral strength. Strength it used to smear its saliva all over your face.

Finally, with the cooperation of a bunch of glaives and a couple of animal shelter workers, the dog was pushed away from you. It whined as if it had been interrupted rudely and it kept looking at you longingly.

“I am so sorry, Your Highness I—” one of the shelter workers whimpered, tears were streaming out of her reddened eyes.

“No need to apologize,” you paused her with a whisk of your hand. She stared at you, sniveling and sobbing but the expression turning ultimately confused. “He is an amazing dog and I surely hope that he will find a forever home for himself.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” another worker stepped in. She was as horrified as her co-worker, but at least she wasn’t crying. You shot them both a warm, reassuring smile and turned quickly to give orders to the group of glaives who had instantly dashed to help you with the furball.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, I am fine — but I think I should go and clean up my face…”

Your back and elbow still ached uncomfortably, throbbing pain coursing through your body — but it wasn't that bad. It would heal. Eventually.

Nyx eyed you up and down, surprised by how you managed to be so… calm. He knew you weren’t like most of the nobles; he knew you were different. But still he had expected to see some kind of lash out at the workers, or even hear the disappointment with a couple of well-chosen words to scold them.

No. You just kept amazing him every day with the most simple actions. It made him want to see more of you, a side hidden from the public. A side he had managed to catch glimpses of.

“I will escort you,” Nyx stated, his tone could have cut even through steel; he was determined. But his heart told the other: it was still racing with anxiousness from the scene the dog had caused.

You turned your head just slightly to see the glaive standing next to you. His back straightened, hands on sides and mouth pulled into a thin line.

“Thank you.” Your response may have sounded weak, but Nyx saw a sign of relief in your expression. He responded with a tiny nod and waited for you to head for the ladies’ room, while the remaining glaives scattered and resumed their positions.

You walked in silence, Nyx only a few steps behind you. You wanted to say something but the uneasy flickering in your chest rendered you speechless.

He was a glaive and you were a princess — sharing a common interest sounded quite absurd.

“Thank you,” you finally said.

Nyx quirked a brow in surprise, “why are you thanking me?” He ran his hand through his brown hair and groaned inwardly. He hadn't been the only one running to the rescue.

“You turned away those guests, helped with the dog… I…” you looked down at your hands for a second or two. “You have been kind to me.”

Nyx blinked, unsure of how to react. “Those were the orders.” He hated himself for that; they hadn't only been the orders, he had wanted to do it and would do it again. Any time.

But would it be wrong if he told you?

“I see…” you mumbled with a slightly trembling voice. You had hoped for a different kind of answer.

You felt an uncomfortable burn in your soulmate mark. It didn't hurt, but it bothered you. Nyx placed his hand on his left shoulder to feel the tingling heat through his Kingsglaive garbs.

What is going on?

Embarrassment, shame, tension and disappointment scorched your marks almost in a scolding manner.

“Your Highness.” His voice made you halt.

You turned to look at the man over your shoulder. There was a slight frown shadowing his handsome looks, but you could see the gratitude in his eyes.

“I appreciate it. I may have orders, but that doesn't mean I don't want to protect you.”

He saw how your eyes lit up with excitement. It made his heart melt.

You felt it too; your heart fluttered once again when it was just the two of you. You hadn't even realized that you had paused your journey to the ladies’ room.

Nyx wished for the time to stop and he was about to lift his hand to caress your cheek. But he stopped, his hand slightly in the air. “We should continue.”

“Oh, sorry!” you mumbled nervously feeling your cheeks grow warmer.

Nyx’s brows shoot up from curiosity. A princess shouldn't apologize. But one thing he was sure of, as he watched you pick up from where you left.

The dog had a damn good taste for girls.

The charity event ate a good portion of your already scarce free-time. The ride in the black bulletproof car had been awkwardly quiet — like it had been when you arrived at the party.

But at the same time you couldn't stop beaming inwardly, nor did you want to do so. The small chat you had managed to uphold with Nyx cast a fluttering in your gut again as you kept reminiscing in the memory again and again.

On that very same night after getting lectured by a council member or two, you retreated to your quarters. Nyx’s shift had ended and he had returned to his own matters, but your heart was already longing for his presence.

What a selfish person you had become, you wondered as you thought about calling him back to work.

The feeling made you chuckle in the darkness of your bedroom.

The confusion of the feelings you felt around him corroded you; no one had ever made you feel like that. You didn’t even know what he was like and yet you couldn’t wash away the loneliness when he was off-duty. Part of you thought about getting his address from captain Drautos — but would it be right to just knock on his door like a lovefool girl?

...a lovefool?

You wanted to laugh and cry simultaneously and with your hands squeezed into tight fists you bit your lip. A fleeting sting in your lip and the taste of blood, blurred your senses.

“I’m an idiot.” There was no mirth in your little, cold laugh and you hoped that no glaive outside your bedroom would listen to your brief monologue.

Nyx felt it too, half-thanks to his mark, half-thanks to his own thoughts that were somewhere along the same lines with yours. He was lying down on his bed, staring at the ceiling and the picture of Ghalad taped on it.

His mind wandered to you, to his family, to his feelings… He sighed, hoping to understand more. Why the princess of Lucis kingdom was on his mind constantly? He barely knew anything about you — as a person.

He wanted to protect you, to be with you, feel you. “Why am I doing this to myself?” he groaned to himself, surprised to hear his thoughts aloud.

After all, Nyx was all alone in his apartment. He would continue to be alone too. He had no family nor a steady relationship. Libertus was like a brother to him, but that was it.

And what if he couldn’t protect you, like he couldn’t protect his… Nyx swallowed as he tried to seize the train of thought getting off-tracks, he didn’t need any extra emotions with his current ones. But there he was, getting off-track to unlock the chest of memories — full of forbidden thoughts.

You had nearly dozed off as the exhaustion tried to claim you, but the growing pain took away all the tiredness.

Why does it hurt so much?

Your own tears suffocated any reasonable thought and your mind was shrouded inside a thick, black cloud of misery. You felt angry, sad and lonely at the same time.

Your palm, curled into a tight, fist was flickering from the flames inside. Whatever your soulmate was going through, had your guts burn in agony. The hurt, the longing, the sadness and the disappointment had brought a ball of fire into your hand.

It didn't burn you, it brought warmth on your skin as the small flames roared desperately on your palm. It fought against you, weakly.

I'm here for you.

Shifting your thoughts into something more cheerful calmed down your soulmate. The hurt was still in there, poking around, looking for a weak spot.

Everything's going to be alright.

You let out a sigh of relief and closed your eyes. Wet trails on your cheeks from the tears shed for your soulmate being the only telltale of your brief misery. The dreams were finally able to claim you to a realm unknown.

“Thanks man, I needed this,” Nyx yawned as he caught a bottle of beer Libertus Ostium had slid to him across the table. He welcomed the day off with open-arms as he pushed away the need to be by his princess’ side.

“You have been burying yourself in work lately. Found yourself a girl from the Citadel?” Libertus snorted and opened a beer bottle in his hands, “lucky you if it's the one at the office.”

Nyx chuckled and observed the bottle. It was so nice to finally relax and enjoy. His newest assignment had kept him so busy that he had barely even seen Libertus in a while. “I thought you called dibs on her first.”

Libertus shrugged, “well— I tried, but I don't think she's interested.”

The glaive brothers laughed and clinked their bottles. A well deserved weekend had begun in the company of Nyx's best friend.

They talked about whatever came to mind and after downing the first bottles they ordered new ones. Nyx felt tipsy after three bottles of beer and the cheerful feeling hid the ones his soulmate mark was sending.

“You okay?” Gladiolus Amicitia asked, his hand on your shoulder keeping you still.

“I’m fine…” you giggled unexpectedly. You slammed your hand over your mouth and felt the embarrassment burn your cheeks.

“Are you drunk already? What did you drink at dinner?” Noctis grunted disapprovingly.

“N-no — my soulmate seems to be having a good time,” what you had attempted to say with a nonchalant laugh, escaped with a slurred chuckle — like the ones you often let out for your guests entertainment in the high society gatherings.

It was sweet to listen to and you managed to wrap your guests even tighter around your finger. But around your brother and his shield it had no effect.

Noctis and Gladio traded worried looks behind your back.

“Soulmate?” Gladio asked, mystified by the thought that someone actually had a soulmate.

You peeled your sleeve just enough to reveal the mark resembling a crescent moon with a dagger. Noctis groaned in irritation, but Gladio remained silent.

“I can’t believe you actually believe in that stuff — isn’t it a bedtime story for kids?” Noctis said, rolling his eyes in disbelief.

“Or you just have a lame soulmate and you pretend that they don’t exist!” your protest made Gladio howl in laughter.

Everyone had a soulmate mark, to end up with your destined one was just a question of motivation and luck.

“I have one too,” Gladio flashed a wide smile at the embarrassed prince. Noctis attempted to hide his mildly reddened cheeks by looking in the other direction.

“Do you believe in soulmates?” Nyx asked after he had downed his fifth beer. His speech had started to slur from the consumed alcohol but that didn’t stop him. It didn’t stop Libertus either, —who had had the same amount of beer as Nyx—, from understanding his best friend.

Crowe and Pelna had also tagged along after a training session. Nyx had bought bottles for the freshly joined weekend-celebrators and the four of them sat around a wooden table, enjoying their drinks.

“Don't you remember what your old man told us?” Libertus asked with his brows shot up in bemusement.

Crowe seemed interested in their talk, while Pelna was checking out a girl passing by them. He had lifted a bottle half-way up and thanks to the pretty lady had obviously made him pause. Crowe nudged him subtly with an elbow.

Nyx shrugged lightly. He couldn't possibly remember everything his dad had told him and the much less happier memories tended to take over. He took a sip from a newly opened bottle and swept his mouth with the back of his hand.

Libertus sighed heavily in dismay.

“Well, we all carry our marks — so I guess I do believe in them,” Libertus sighed and his gaze dropped briefly. He kept rolling the bottle in his hand. “Did you find your soulmate, or why are you asking?”

Nyx’s lips widened into a smirk, “just curious.” His soulmate had helped him calm down when he was having a moment and it rose a warm, fuzzy feeling in his chest.

Libertus repeated Nyx's words quietly, like he was mumbling to himself in disbelief.

“Hey, don’t give up, maybe yours is behind a corner,” Crowe tried to cheer Libertus up with a light laugh.

“But there is a girl…” Nyx continued. He had not mentioned about his feelings to anyone. The booze certainly had opened the gateway to his rose petal-coated secrets. “A girl that I can never have.”

Libertus frowned, “sucks to be you, then.”

“Is there even a girl our mighty hero can't have?” Pelna rolled his eyes, but laughed after.

“I'm sure there are plenty.” Crowe snorted.

It brought a smile to Nyx’s lips. Even the beer couldn’t take you away from his thoughts on a day off.

“Yeah? Probably because you take so much time doing push-ups instead of feeling things,” Noctis paused the taller man with his snide comment, to which Gladio answered with a smug wink and grin.

“Are you the right person to talk about feelings?” Gladio asked smugly.

The two of them had started a debate whether soulmates were true or not. Maybe Noctis was just too thick to notice? Or maybe Gladio's dating life was so active that he didn't notice the feelings of his soulmate.

Noctis surely seemed to be convinced about it all being a fairy tale.

“Hey, at least I have more game than you do,” the shield howled and you had hard time keeping your composure, instead of rolling on the floor and suffocating from the laughter. Not to mention the sluggish feeling your drunk soulmate emitted.

“If you think the mark is just so that you can feel your mate being horny — you are both wrong,” you trembled from the fit of laughter trying to bust the doors of self-control open.

“Then what's it for?” Noctis asked.

“Finding the love of your life — obviously.” You rolled your eyes to the roof and sighed. It was just so simple.

Noctis snorted as if you had just told him a good joke, but Gladio seemed more interested in your statement.

“Love of your life, huh?” You could hear the shield mumbling to himself.

The thought of your soulmate made you feel warm and you pressed your palm over your chest, right over your heart. The tipsy feeling still bubbled inside you and you let out a quiet giggle. One that missed both Gladio's and Noctis’ ears.

Days passed. Some of the days passing infuriatingly slow and some of them so fast, that it felt like you had just gotten up from bed when you were already preparing to go to sleep. You had literally no idea what happened on those days.

Nyx had returned to work from his brief vacation and nothing would have made you happier than seeing him standing in guard in your chambers.

It was a great relief during those fleeting days, because no matter how many times your eyes met his, you felt like the whole world stopped from revolving.

For once in your life, you were bored. It was still an hour or so for the next object in your schedule, so you had time to sit down and… wait.

You took it as a chance to get a bit bolder around your guards. Normally you pretended that they didn't exist, as it made your life easier to not think about having eyes on you constantly. But now the situation was almost begging for a conversation.

“Do you have any hobbies?” you asked politely from everyone, even when your question was meant for Nyx. You barely knew anything about him — just his background and what was on need-to-know basis.

You wanted to know what was his favourite food or if he liked watching movies. You were curious to learn more about his history and most importantly: was he seeing anyone? You fiddled with the hem of your shirt, looking as innocent as ever.

Sadly, no one answered right away and for a moment you had thrown a chunk of hope out of the window. Maybe you had been too hopeful.

Nyx pondered whether he should answer. He had been ordered to not to communicate with you unless it was necessary. Casual chatting was forbidden — which seemed almost ludicrous.

“I tend to work out whenever I have free time, Your Highness,” Nyx answered finally, shattering the calm the glaives had been ordered to upkeep. He had decided to screw the rules for once, there was no harm in answering a simple question.

“Ulric, we aren’t supposed to have this kind of conversation with the princess,” one of the glaives scolded from a corner, eyes glinting in the dim room dangerously.

Nyx cocked a brow at the grumpy glaive, “so I should ignore a question the princess kindly asks?”

He could hear the displeased grunt coming from the glaive, while the other let out a quiet chuckle.

“No, please. I don’t mind talking to you,” you said, trying to sound carefree. You just wanted to know more about Nyx and there was nothing wrong with that. Whoever had come up with instructions on how to act around you deserved a slap and a reassignment.

“But the orders—”

“I give you an order,” you paused the protesting glaive with a warning glare and when you turned your head back to Nyx, you could see him enjoying the situation. He looked half-surprised and half-proud.

“I go out for walks with my friend and her dog whenever I can,” the other not-so-grumpy-glaive told.

“That sounds fun!” you beamed.

“Drinking with friends ain’t that bad either,” Nyx chuckled.

You were filled with wonder. Nyx had seen so much life compared to you. “Do you guys ever go to a drive-in and order food?” you suddenly asked.

“After a heavy night out only, Your Highness,” Nyx answered with an upward curl of his lip.

“Oh?” you gasped curiously, wondering if Nyx knew any good places. You had only escaped the wrath of Ignis a few times before with Noctis and Prompto. Everyone surely made a big deal of your diet.

Nyx flashed a knowing grin at the glaive who had been complaining and then he shifted his gaze back to you. “If you ever have a craving to get some greasy takeout food, just let me know and I’ll help you get there.”

You couldn’t help the burning sensation in your cheeks nor a relieved smile from spreading across your face. “That would be—”

“Your Highness,” hit your ears as soon as the door to your chambers opened. You flinched mildly and saw Ignis bowing down curtly at the doorway before continuing: “the King has requested for you.”

“Already?” you breathed.

Nyx couldn’t suppress the sudden uneasy feeling in his chest. It was like his heart had clenched just a bit.

Your eyes had frozen at Ignis and you swallowed. Questions and thoughts poked the back of your mind. It was quite unusual for the King to ask your presence out of the blue.

“Yes, he wishes to see you immediately.”

“Oh, okay,” you responded somewhat meekly and stood up from the comfortable couch you had been relaxing on previously. The glaive trio in your room stiffened as they prepared themselves to follow after you and Ignis.

You followed Ignis all the way to another level of the Citadel. It was a small meeting room you usually met your father and brother. A family meeting room as Gladio used to say.

This time you entered the room, but there was no sign of Noctis in there. Only the King and his shield stood on the opposite side with a concerned frown worn on their faces.

“Good afternoon,” you greeted with an attempt to sound eager — but couldn’t keep it steady and you ended up sounding worried and fragile.

You saw how worry passed through Regis’ gaze before he steeled himself again. You knew he was going to talk to you as the King of Lucis, not as your loving father. Clarus kept a blank stare, but you could see him gritting his teeth, because his jaw clenched from time to time.

The glaive company and Ignis was left behind the door as it closed after you.

“Y/N,” Regis spoke, pondering his words and choosing the right options carefully.

“Yes?”

“I cannot stop the council any longer, so we have arranged a date,” he said slowly.

“A date?”

The King sighed, dark circles underneath his pale eyes, looking tired as ever. “You are going on a date with Cassian Lacertus.”

Lacertus was an old family line, mostly consisting of officers and soldiers — even a few special agents under that noble family name. You would have probably ended up dating him a few years ago if he hadn’t had a girlfriend back then.

And how fitting would it be to date a princess? You sighed, knowing that it was something your father was forced to accept. Going on a date with a noble guy probably wouldn't mean anything. If it was up to you, he'd end up being discarded like a wet towel.

At least that’s how you planned it; you had no means to be together with a guy who did it for social reasons and not because he had a crush on you.

“So it’s happening now,” you exhaled — disappointment obvious in your tone.

Clarus bit his lip and lowered his gaze. He had always been kind to you and he seemed to be pained by the thought of you dating someone not worthy of you. The king did not respond. He just observed you in a calm manner.

“I-I thought…”

“Like I said, the council is very determined in this matter,” Regis said calmly. “You have been avoiding your duties long enough.”

Duties? What kind of duty is it to date someone I don’t even like? Or even marry? I...

Before you could utter another word, Regis stood up. “Things aren’t looking good on your behalf,” he said softly, like he was trying to apologize and he walked over to you to give a pat on your right shoulder. “They are even considering to announce an engagement between you two.”

The shoulder the King had touched, tensed. Your soulmate was watching over you — you knew it so.

You saw the sad kindness in his eyes. “Thank you, father,” you mumbled, feeling too numb to flash him a smile.

Why am I even thanking him?

He nodded curtly and exited the room, Clarus following him.

Somehow your knees felt weak. Your heart throbbed from sadness and you felt empty. Turning around to leave the room consumed a lot of your energy.

But you couldn't take another step before the realisation struck in.

“Are you alright?” you heard Ignis asking. He had entered the room after the King and his shield left.

You tried to respond, but only a hum escaped your dry throat.

Nyx and the two other glaives followed Ignis to the room. Nyx saw how void your gaze was and how you were squeezing your hands tightly — like you were holding onto something.

“Your Highness,” Nyx said. His heart made an anxious skip.

What is going on? Why is she so pale?

You couldn’t bring yourself to answer. You felt weak. So weak. First you saw the world like you normally did, but now it had turned bleary — like you were looking at it through a mosaic glass.

Nyx saw how limp your body suddenly turned and how your trembling, numb legs gave up. You were falling for what felt like an eternity. He instantly dashed to embrace you — to stop you from collapsing and getting hurt.

His heart ached and pounded like mad. “Y/N!”

“Nyx…” you whispered — eyes fluttering. You felt how his arms wrapped around you and it cut the shroud of unconsciousness you were almost fell into. Your felt lightheaded, warm and complete.

Is he… holding me?

You saw him so clearly even through your half-hooded eyes. You felt the warmth of his body as he held you a few inches above the floor. You wanted to touch him — to be sure if he was real.

“Y/N!” you heard Ignis shouting off somewhere. It must have been irrelevant, you thought. You were in Nyx’s arms and you wanted to be nowhere else.

Nyx couldn’t stop staring at you. He was afraid for a moment before he caught you — but now he felt complete. His soulmate mark had never been so content before as it was now.

She’s so beautiful… so innocent and pure.

He should have helped you up, but his mind was jammed from holding you like a flower — afraid to break you if he did something.

She really feels like the finest silk or the smoothest petal. Why am I feeling like this?

“Ulric!” one of the glaives raged at him. Pulling Nyx out of the dreamy world.

“Oh— right!” Nyx gasped and helped you up, “are you alright, Your Highness?” He felt abashed from his sudden loss of self-control. He was still on duty and there was no way that holding the princess like that for that long would look good.

You shook your head. “I think I need some rest…” your heart roared in your chest and your soulmate mark was on overdrive. It really made you see stars.

Next Chapter >>

#nyx x reader #nyx ulric #ffxv fanfiction #ffxv reader insert #fanfiction #ffxv #final fantasy xv #ff15 #final fantasy 15 #kingsglaive #soulmate au #noctis lucis caelum #gladiolus amicitia #ignis scientia #crowe altius #libertus ostium #pelna khara #regis lucis caelum #clarus amicitia

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