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rain0205-blog · 6 years

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Terminal State

Summary: She tried leaving, submerging herself in work to escape the horrors she had seen. The horrors she kept seeing. She never wanted to go back to that life. But when the Empire takes her home, she’s forced to face her past. Can she move on? Can she cope? Or will she require a bit of help? still bad at summaries, still working on it. ever so slightly more than slight AU gadioxoc

32 Hours

...

"Need help in here!"

Dr. Virum shouted as she lowered the headrest of the gurney. Her patient was a pregnant woman, only twenty weeks left of her term. 30 year-old female, shortness of breath, swollen feet, fainting and dizzy spells, low heart rate. The fetus was doing fine but they had to fix mom first. Labs showed an infection, but their medication was limited with the allergic reactions. So they were monitoring her in order to keep her alive and find something that would work, however, they weren't having much success and the patient was crashing. Two nurses ran into the room, one beginning CPR while Virum instructed the other to push a very low dose of epinephrine.

"Get the crash cart," she instructed.

The nurse not resuscitating went to grab the cart, turning it on and handing Dr. Virum the paddles. Placing jelly upon them, she gave crisp orders and the prepared herself.

"Clear!"

The other nurse held her hands up. Dr. Virum placed one paddle on the patient's chest and the other off to the side closer to the abdomen. The patient jerked with the jolt and the nurse quickly checked for a pulse, all eyes on the monitors.

"Normal sinus rhythm," reported the nurse.

Virum nodded, placing the paddles back and pulling out her tablet. Examining the fetus quickly, she found that there was no cause for concern just yet and updated everything on the digital print, ordering more medication. One of the nurses nodded at her, leaving the room to carry out her instructions while the other one went back to the nurse's station. The doctor observed her patient again, sighing sadly. It wasn't looking good and she didn't want this child to grow up without a mother. There was nothing that could be done now, leaving the room and walking to the nurse's station with her tablet in hand. Scrolling through the pending patient files, she noted it was getting fairly busy in here again. Her hazel eyes darted to the clock, happy that she was almost done her shift. Currently, she was hour 32 and there were only two more hours left. Her eyes were burning at having been asked to stay an extra shift and then resume her regular schedule but at least she had the night off after this. With the Glaives in town, she was hoping for more medics to assist her, however, that wasn't the case. Most of them had healed in the last week since that attack, the strange one with the tentacled daemon.

In desperation, Dr. Virum had contacted Cor, wanting to talk to him about what happened out there, however, the Marshal was extremely busy, something she should have known with everything going on as of late. Just figured when she actually wanted to talk to him he was unavailable. No matter how much she tried, she couldn't get the images out of her head and it was starting to intrude upon her life. Her sleeping patterns were much worse than before, something others hadn't failed to notice. Athenacia had bailed on Gladiolus at least twice and she knew that was sending warning signs to him. It wasn't that she didn't want to see him, she just didn't want him to ask about what was bothering her. She didn't want to have to lie to him because there was no way she could talk about it. Not yet anyway...

The doctor continued on her job, treating patients. 78 year-old male, respiratory arrest, monitored on oxygen. 41 year-old male, cirrhosis of the liver, put on a transplant list. 25 year-old male, severed ulna, set and placed in a cast. 2 year-old female, flu symptoms, antibiotics. 36 year-old female, smoke inhalation and third-degree burns, oxygen and antibiotic cream.

Virum sighed as she walked out of the burn victims room and to the nurse's station. It was with relief that she pulled out her tablet, noting that her shift was over. Dr. Brette was here to take over finally. Offering him a tired smile, she went back to her tablet, pulling up the patient file on the pregnant mother and informed him of what was happening not wanting to miss a beat on the woman. The two doctors looked into the room briefly and then Dr. Brette assured her that he would keep her in the loop no matter what. Smiling, she darted towards the change room, opened her locker and pulled out her clothes and toiletries. There were three types of vomit in her hair and blood from the last three shifts. It was not her best look but something she was used to. Strolling into the showers, she removed her dirty lab coat and dark green scrubs, tossing them in the bin and heaving another heavy sigh. The water turned her skin red instantly and she pulled out the tie from her hair as she let the scorching temperature wash over her. This only made it harder for her to keep her eyes open as she was finally warm. Athenacia washed thoroughly, hating when she had bodily fluids in her hair. It was with regret that she had shut off the water, grabbing a towel to cover herself and sighing once more while drying off her body before moving onto her mop of a head.

Athenacia pulled on light blue jean capris and a light purple tank top with a thin black sweater over top of her shirt, low cut enough that one could see what colour her shirt was. Her shoes had a small heel, open-toed with a strap over the toe line and another right before her ankle. Her toes were painted a midnight blue, her foot donning a tattoo of a tribal sun. Sometimes she forgot she had the thing since as her feet were always covered in socks. It was her only tattoo, something she had gotten long ago in her youth and easy to hide should she need it. Towel drying her hair in front of the mirror, she quickly gave up on that and put the blow dryer on it. When she was finished it flared out at the end as usual. It grew like a weed, the bottom of it already grazing the tops of her shoulders. Her highlights were fine but her eyes were brought to her face. Hazel eyes puffy and bloodshot, dark circles underneath looking like someone had used her as a punching bag. Her skin was pale and it made that ugly scar on her neck stand out until it could no longer be seen underneath her clothing. There was no sense in putting on makeup, she was just going home to sleep anyway.

Packing up her things, she pulled out her phone to make sure the sound was turned on. Athenacia did not want to miss any updates on her patient, a nagging feeling taking over her body. Pulling on her purse, the black jacket with the grey hood and her black and grey striped fingerless gloves, she slammed the locker closed and walking out of the room with the last of her energy she could muster up. As she came up to the nurse's station she couldn't help but smile, even though it was tired. Tash was standing there, talking to a mountain of a man, one that she knew all too well. Gladiolus seemed to take it upon himself to show up at her work, so late to boot.

"Hey Doc," he greeted upon seeing her.

"Gladio," she smiled, walking up to him, "What are you doing here?"

"That is not what you say to someone who surprises you," chided Tash, giving her a stern look.

"Came to kidnap you from work," he grinned.

"Well lucky for you, I'm finished," replied Athenacia.

"Lucky for him? Lucky for you! So ungrateful. Why haven't you kissed him yet?" insisted Tash mockingly.

Athenacia groaned, rolling her eyes slightly, "Ignore her, she's menopausal."

Gladiolus laughed, taking her hand in his own to start to lead her away from the room.

"I am not that old young lady!" Tash called after them.

The two ignored her as they walked hand in hand out of the emergency department. The stars were out, the sky clear and the moon visible. A gentle breeze blew against them, soft and gentle, not cool in the slightest. It was a spectacular night and the doctor wished that she had the energy to enjoy it with him, but she was sure the only reason she hadn't collapsed was that he was right there to keep her up. Their hands parted as they came to his car, both of them getting inside. She leaned her head against the headrest as she put on her seat belt, reclining the seat slightly and eyes closing.

Gladiolus observed her, smiling sadly at her appearance. Athenacia looked terrible, frail and weak. How she managed a shift that long he wasn't sure but it was evident that she wasn't taking proper care of herself. The Shield had thought his presence would have made an improvement and it seemed to, until the defeat on the wall, when she had told him about the number of injured Glaives that had come back. In the back of his mind, he wondered if maybe it was triggering flashbacks she was trying to repress from the war. Athenacia looked worse lately than when he had first seen her but he didn't ask, afraid of dredging up those memories. Putting the thoughts from his mind, he started the engine and pulled away from the hospital, headed in the direction of her home. It didn't take long to get there. It was late and the roads were mostly empty. Athenacia shook off her dozing as she got out of the car, rubbing her eyes and almost tripping over her own feet in exhaustion. It was like she had been out all night drinking. Gladiolus put an arm around her shoulders as he guided her toward the elevator and she leaned her head on him, inhaling his scent. That was not helping her stay awake at all, it was too soothing. The elevator lurched, reaching the seventh floor and she went back to working her feet. One foot, then the other, no need to try and move more than one at the same time, she would have to remember that.

As they got to her door, Athenacia fumbled with her keys trying to get them out of her pocket. A loud thumpwas heard as her forehead hit the door while she tried to focus on the lock. Gladio was about to assist her when she managed to get the key inside and turn it, opening the door and nearly falling inside. He was quick to grab her before she fell, trying to keep his face passive, not wanting her to see his frustration at her actions - though he knew they weren't entirely her fault. He grabbed her keys from the lock, closing the door behind them as she kicked her shoes anywhere. Shrugging off her jacket and purse, she flopped them on the floor and dragging her feet towards the kitchen. Her apartment wasn't as clean as the first night Gladiolus had slept there but it wasn't as messy either. The only pile of laundry was actually in the laundry room this time and the take-out food containers were limited to only the kitchen counters, shared with empty beer bottles. The Shield observed that she had drunk a lot more than the last time he was here and that was yet another sign that something was bothering her, something that she wouldn't tell him even if she could. Now was not the time to even think about questioning her, watching as she rummaged through her cupboards to look for something to eat before she collapsed in her bed.

"I got this, Doc," he spoke, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Athenacia smiled at him in thanks, going back into the fridge and pulling out two beers. Gladio accepted one, waiting until she was laying down on the couch before he saw the only food option she actually had. For someone who got sick of them, she did keep a big stock of cupped noodles, and really, who was he to say no to such an easy and good meal? The Shield went to work, keeping an eye on her and seeing her occasionally take a drink of her beer. When he was finished he grabbed two forks, sticking one in his own and one in hers, taking his beer and walking over to the living room. The doctor sat up when she saw him as he took the seat where her head was just occupying. A tired smile found her face as she took her food, turning to face him and bringing her legs to cross in front of her, right up against him. Athenacia told him about her work day, explaining how she had to cut someone open to perform CPR on the naked heart and it just... exploded at her. Gladiolus laughed at her as she went on to describe some of the better moments of her shift, not wanting to tell him about any of the patients that were terminal or didn't make it through the day. The Shield only informed her of his training with the Prince, not wanting to bring anything serious into the mixture. He then went on to talk about some of Prompto's not so graceful movements concerning women.

"He looks, he talks, but as soon as he gets anywhere near them he shuts down," said Gladiolus.

"Well, it's not easy for everyone. I'm sure you had trouble sometimes," she replied, taking a drink and placing her empty container on the table.

"No, not really," he shrugged.

"Right, ego, how could I forget?" she raised a brow, her voice dry.

"There aren't many who don't want a piece of this," he told her seriously.

"I can think of one person who would be turned off by it."

"Who? You? Then what am I doing sitting here?" he smirked.

Athenacia giggled at him and his own smile grew as the sound hit his ears. Gladiolus took the moment to kiss her, softly but with longing, the taste of beer and noodles on her breath. Their noses grazed against each other as he pulled her in for another one, firmer this time. He quickly moved her so that she was sitting on his lap, her legs straight out as her back was against his arm that rested on the armrest, grinned as she squealed with the movement, capturing her lips once more. When they pulled back he softly rubbed her cheek with his thumb and she smiled as she stuck her forehead into the left side of his neck, sighing contently. Gladio rested his head on top of hers, putting his free arm over her legs.

The physician inhaled his masculine scent, allowing it to put her tired body at ease. A small smile was plastered on her face as she dozed off to the sound of his heartbeat, absently listening for any abnormalities and it was healthy. Okay, it was probably beating a little faster than normal but she liked to think that was her presence causing it. Gladio moved his head to see that she had completely passed out, which was what he was waiting for. Carefully he stood, noting she was a lot lighter than the last time he carried her to bed from the couch. Once he placed her down on her bed, he killed the lights, smiling at her when he returned. In the short time he was gone, Athenacia had thrown off most of her clothes to the floor and tucked herself underneath the comforter. The large man walked over to the other side of the bed, able to see from the lights on the street and removed all but his underclothing before crawling into bed beside her. Even deep in her slumber, she smiled as she felt his warmth near her once more, pulling herself close against his naked chest. With an arm wrapped around her, he began his own descent into sleep.

...

The howling wind tore at her skin as she stood, facing her enemy. The red sky bore down upon her as she could clearly see the source of the disturbance. Only one of the creatures was near her and her skin burned hotter with every second but she faced her enemy with defiant eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks. Gleaming red eyes stared at her, long, thick, sharp teeth ready to tear her to shreds as a long purple tentacle began to inch its way toward her. Her skin was ablaze and she dropped to her knees in agony, crying out once she could see a tentacle making its way near her. An azure glow began to emanate from her as she screamed, bringing her own fist to try and deflect it.

Athenacia purposefully punched the air with such force that she launched herself up and over the side of the bed, landing on the hardwood floor of her bedroom with a loud thump. She was breathing heavily, trying to comprehend what had just happened as she put her hands flat against the floor. Sighing, she rolled over to her back. It was still dark out, the sun not even close to rising though she was unsure of the exact time. A pulse of pain coursing through her, she noted that she really needed to stop hitting her head on hard, wooden objects.

"Doc, you okay?" asked Gladiolus from her bed.

The girl could hear the creaking of the springs in her bed as he shifted to prop himself up on one arm to have a look over the edge.

"...Yeah..." came her reply shortly after, rubbing her eyes.

Gladio was silent, setting back down in bed.

"Is it okay to laugh now?" he asked, not even attempting to hide the smile in his voice.

"Jerk," she responded in a light tone, though she let out a small huff of a laugh.

The Shield roared with laughter then and she kept a smile on her face as she got up from the floor and back under her covers, into his massive awaiting arms. Her head was on his chest as his arm came around her, holding her against him. Athenacia placed a leg over him, having it fall in between his own as his chuckles subsided.

"Don't worry, Doc, I'll protect you from the floor," he smiled at her in the dark.

"My hero," she mocked him, her eyes closed.

Gladio kissed the top of her head, before pulling her closer and closing his amber eyes. Athenacia pretended to be asleep but truth be told, she only lied awake, unable to allow that deep slumber claim her again. Once she could feel his breath even out and hear some of his light snores she rolled over, putting her back toward him while keeping his arm in her grasp, holding it to her body. The physician did not expect him to roll with her, however, so she was startled when his other huge arm came to rest upon her body, pulling her back against his chest. The large man placed his head over hers and she stayed perfectly still against him, relaxing only when she heard his light snores start up once more. Athenacia sighed - though she had a smile on her face - definitely missing being close to someone and it was completely different with Gladiolus. Maybe it was because he was born a protector, maybe it was because she felt different around him, either way, she didn't question it, she just accepted that she had let her guard down to have him worm his way into her life. There were no regrets and she started to fall asleep once more, contently.

...

She was running, her bag clutched tightly against her body as she fought through the raging wind. Avoiding debris was difficult in the angry wind, trying desperately to get to her target. A cry escaped her once she was knocked off of her feet, unable to avoid the obstacle she collided with at an alarming rate. The ground beneath her quaked, making it difficult for her to get back up but she still had her bag, had people to save and she was going to do so. Forcing herself back onto her trembling legs, she set out again toward her destination. Once more she was swept off her feet, feeling tears in her eyes at the pain she felt. She couldn't stop, she had to keep going. Their screams filled her ears and she continued on her path but the dark shadow ahead of her wouldn't let her pass. Frozen in fear, it attacked her, that gleaming blade coming for her swiftly.

Athenacia shook herself awake before the impact. The sunshine was in her windows, peeking its way up to alert her of the morning. That was far from her mind, breathing heavily with her heart hammering in her chest at her nightmare. The doctor nearly jumped out of her skin as she felt Gladiolus beside her, his arm still on top of her and holding her against him. She took in a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Shit, she didn't want him to see this.

"You alright?" he asked, completely alert.

"Yeah," she breathed, "Just a bad dream," she tried to be reassuring.

"Mm," he grunted at her, taking in a deep breath of his own. It was then she felt his lips against her neck, sending a jolt down her spine, "Let me help you forget it," she felt his grin against her skin.

"Such a gentleman," she replied dryly.

Athenacia smiled then, turning to face him. They kissed as she wrapped her leg around him, hooking him to her so he couldn't move. The arm she slept on pulled her against his body, as his other hand firmly ran from her back down to her thigh, taking his time with a handful of her right, lower cheek. The physician placed a light kiss on his jaw, diving in at his neck and causing low rumbles of moans to erupt from his throat. The vibrations against her lips emboldened her to continue and then she pulled him back for another hungry kiss. Swiftly, Gladio rolled her onto her back, causing her to smile at him as he continued his barrage of kisses with her. Athenacia heard her phone buzz on the night table beside her bed and her eyes darted toward it instantly. Just as she was going to reach for it, Gladiolus moved his lips from her own down right underneath her left ear, distracting her as he pulled the flesh into his mouth and enticed a light sigh out of her. The phone vibrated again and she reached for it, prying her eyes open to have a look at the message. Shit. She sighed, putting her phone back, hating herself right now.

"Gladio..." she said gently, in a serious tone.

The man ceased his actions and looked at her. A frown began to crease his brows, he knew that look, "Doc, no," he protested.

"I'm sorry I have to," she was genuinely upset, though mostly with herself for doing this to him again.

"I'm gonna throw that thing out the window," he grumbled, rolling off her with a heavy sigh.

"I'm so sorry, I just..." she propped herself up, looking at him, "I'm really worried about this patient, she's pregnant and she coded again last night and I..." she didn't know how to describe it, frowning.

Gladiolus sighed, as he gazed at her. He understood her position, who was he to deny patients her care? Smiling sadly, he pulled her in for a quick kiss.

"Get ready," he instructed softly.

"I'm so, so sorry."

"You owe me," he said as she got up and started to put on her clothes.

"I know," she replied.

"I'm serious, Doc," he stood, putting on his own clothes.

Athenacia walked up to him, standing on her tip toes and wrapping her arms around his neck, "I swear just this morning shift and then I'm completely yours after," she told him sincerely, pulling him down to kiss her.

"Deal," he smirked, kissing her quick before she let him go.

He followed her out of her bedroom, where she frantically grabbed her purse, jacket and hastily put her shoes on before leaving with him at her side.

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zacoiy · 6 years

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hi! i just wanted to say i like your drawing of noctis and your oc with pink hair. i have a question. Is your oc from a world of your own or are they made to be in the Final fantasy world?

Oh thank you so much!=Dthat oc is from the world of finalfantasy^^ He is based on my character from Finalfantasy xv comrads! =D (Most of my other oc’s are from RPG-worlds our universes me and my friends making up just for fun^^)

#tatsjogren

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littlemisspandemonium · 7 years

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Headcanon: During the ten years noctis was in the crystal

Prompto: weather sure is muggy out there Aurora: I swear to the Six Prom if I find all the camps mugs outside I'm feeding you to the behemoths Prompto: *awkwardly drinks from a bowl* @thecrimsonmotherfucker Don't deny this could happen

#finalfantasy #final fantasy XV #headcanon #headcanons #ffxv #ffxv headcanons #final fantasy xv headcanons #oc #ocs #oc headcanons #oc rp #prompto argentum #prompto #aurora #Aurora Cecilia Scientia #Prompto x Aurora #Chocobros

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x-avavarts-x · 4 years

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Hi everybody! I come with a new part of:

A Knight For The Light

A final fantasy fanfiction for my oc and her family.

Characters: Cor Leonis, Laura lucis caelum (my oc), Ardyn lucis caelum, Loqi Tummelt

warning:

My national language is not English. I apologize for spelling and grammar mistakes.

Sorry, my network is so weak and I can't insert photos and my story's poster.

summary :

When your flesh and blood are mixed with pain and you are nurtured with it, you dedicate your whole being to those who were trying to improve your suffering by touching their love. What's wrong with you? It does hurt to lose these loved ones, even thinking about it bothers you. At that time .. you grab everything to stop the destiny .. like a bird stuck in a cage and trying for freedom, you knock yourself on the door and the wall to find a way ... and if you find it. Nothing can stop you, even if it is a God!

Part:13

"Laura?"

I raised my head so I could see him. There was no one but Loqi! I put the gun on the guarantor and answered the method while installing the muffler.

"what has happened!"

He stood beside me and put his hand on the gun:

"Here is not the laboratory, Laura, you have must be very careful."

" You don't have to worry about her !!"

Cor's answer to Loqi brought a smile to my face. In these difficult circumstances, touching the senses by cor was sweet, and lovable. He stood beside me and continued with his always charming frown:

"I'll get over her."

I started arguing with them before their argument started again. I put the gun strap on my shoulder and pointed at both of them with my hands!

"Once we assess the plan. Loqi goes and disables that device. Cor and I open the way to the crystal!"

I paused for a moment and then lowered my hands. My gaze was focused on Loqi:

"Our life depends on your work, Loqi! you have to hurry, ok??"

He nodded with complete certainty. The ship landed, it was about midnight, and Gralia was drowning in darkness and terror! The sky-high buildings looked black and scary due to the low light of the city. Loqi got out of the ship first! To be able to take more soldiers with him. This would make it easier for us to get out. I opened the map and looked at it. I was on my way to work and finding the closest way to the Crystal Hall, I closed the map and raised my head to say to Cor which way we should go, but before I could speak, he kissed me, I was shocked and stared at his face. :

"what are you doing?"

He took my hand between his hands and answered me with the same seriousness, as usual, now we had made a pact, it wasn't a big marriage, but we were married! And he was my husband !!

"I love you, Laura, promise me that whatever happens, you will leave this city safe!"

I frowned, and again, out of those strange words, I put the map in my pocket and got up from the chair:

"What do you mean by that? Do you want to say maybe you will die to save me? Instead of talking nonsense, focus on getting back together! You are my husband now, you shouldn't say go so easily!"

We stared at each other for a few moments! He got up from his place and pulled the gun that Loqi had taken out of his hand:

"Very well, Laura. Let's go back together!"

I was relieved to some extent, but it was only in appearance, there was a storm of anxiety inside me that I had no control over-controlling. I pulled my gun out of the guarantor and went out first. There was no one and we entered the building very noticeably. There were security cameras everywhere, we didn't have to worry about MTs because they were under Loqi's control.

This was the headquarters of the enemy command. We were right at the mouth of the dragon, the slightest mistake would lead to our death, I and Cor were together, we were on the battlefield again. There was not the slightest sound from us.

We were moving slowly and behind security cameras.

Just when I doubted this peace and quiet .. Suddenly the sound of the siren sounded !! Cor quickly guarded me so he could react in time, and I was looking to see what had gone wrong! Apparently, there was a laser sensor in front of my foot and I couldn't detect it. I clenched my teeth:

"Damn!"

"Before we get caught, we have to run, Laura!"

He said to make me aware of the environment! I looked around. I armed my gun and ran to the corridor leading to the crystal, without saying anything, and Cor followed me. The first shots were from the Cor side! And then it was my turn to show up. I hit a few people running towards us from the front and opened the way.

Facing cleansing was my job and I had Cor behind me! In just one step, my weapon's bullets were finished. I held the gun in my hand and hit one of the soldiers on the head with its butt!

"Cor!"

I quickly sat down on the floor and he shots with the last bullets he had left before two assailants attacked me. He dropped his gun and took my hand:

"You have to go!"

I got up from my place and went to one of the corpses to use his gun:

"I don't leave you alone between these."

Before I could reach the gun, he grabbed my arm and pulled me back quickly. I lost my balance and hit the wall. Cor shielded me. I was leaning against the wall, and Cor was leaning against me to defend me against the grenade that they had thrown towards us. The grenade was close, but thank God Cor was not wounded. Inside the ears of both of us, a continuous whistle was reflected. Cor put his hands on my ears and tried to tell me out loud what he wanted!

"Go to the crystal! Don't Stay here, we must return sooner than later."

I listened to him and quickly separated from him. It was closing fast in the big and iron door. I threw myself inside and the door closed. Cor stayed behind. I was breathing and staring at the closed door. The only thing I could do for Cor was to hope that nothing happened to him. I hurried to the end of the hall, where there was an elevator. I knew where this elevator was going! I had to finish my work with crystal sooner and go back to Cor. When I got on the elevator, my whole being froze at once! It feels like fear. It's as clinging to my feet and lifting myself up. I took a deep breath and closed my eyelids, opening the crystal chandelier. But that fear was terrible. The elevator stopped and opened. With a deep breath of me. I opened my eyes and stepped into the iron corridor. Crystal was in front of me now !! And I was just a few steps away from him, I could feel his soft light with my heart. I slowly raised my hand and pulled slowly over the glass and purple crystal.

"Well ... now I'm here ..!"

I took a step and stood respectfully in front of the Crystal. I held out my hand to it to ask, but the sound of familiarity was reflected in my ears!

" He doesn't accept you !!"

It was Ardyn who made me angry by saying this. I didn't know what that lanyard was doing here, but I hated it so much that I couldn't stand it in front of him with a false gentleness. But ... he was Cor in front of my eyes. With a body that trembled and a pain whose effects were visible on his face. I was shocked because Cor was standing in the fence of Ardyn's hands.

Involuntarily, my sword disappeared from my hand, and Ardyn was holding his hand over Cor's eyes. And his other hand, while hidden between the black smoke and the purple light, was on Cor's heart. I was so frightened that I couldn't frown or even brag. He leaned his head on Cor's head and stared into my eyes, his eyes were eerie:

"Ah .. are you finally married my dear? In lonely?? What a bitter marriage!"

Ardyn opened his mouth and played with my feelings in a tone that seemed sad. I was completely looking to Cor. Hr was in pain. His skin was dark and his neck veins were black and swollen. Fear and anxiety-filled my body, and I stared at Ardyn. The begging was the only thing sitting inside my voice as I tried to hide it behind my anger:

"Leave him a disgusting creature! He's not in the game!"

Ardyn laughed and Cor screamed! I looked at Cor again. Anxiety filled my face and my eyes shone with fear, he was my husband! He was the only man who had taken my heart. How could I look and say with pride, but it was as if nothing was happening to me at that moment. Cor was screaming in pain and his voice had changed. It was bass, that sound, the sound of a monster, not the voice of a man whose existence was the best thing in my life.

Finally, Ardyn raised his hands. He put it on Cor's shoulders, while Cor was silent, and there were no traces of pain in his breath or in his gaze. Her blue eyes were now golden ... and instead of all that peace and beauty, her eyes were filled with hatred and anger.

My throat became swollen and in pain due to crying. I frowned and my face was like someone who was full of anger but inside I felt defeated! I turned my head towards Ardyn and stared at him:

"You don't live long ... I'll come to you damn !!"

And he laughed again. He opened his hands to the sides and slowly moved away from Cor:

"It's interesting for me to know how you escape from his hand. He won't calm down until he wets his throat with your blood, baby!"

When Ardyn's sentence ended, he attacked me! I quickly pulled myself back and reached behind him with a point warp. I wanted to force Ardyn to attack him to bring Cor back, but it was as if Ardyn hadn't come there at all! My pause didn't last long because Cor attacked me again! I barely escaped his attack this time, I showed my sword and defended myself against his quick attacks. A black liquid had spilled from his eyes on his cheeks ...

The sound of our sword's hammer had filled the large space of the hall, I was breathing and trying to survive Cor's attacks. Should I have killed my dearest? Should I have killed my husband, the person I have loved for long years? Was it fair that my destiny was like that? Was it fair to see my dear death at my own hands ??

"Run!!"

It was a Cor's voice asking me. It was as if he had been imprisoned inside. I was shocked that he was still here. I hoped !! I kicked him to keep him away from myself, he fell to the ground but he stand up quickly, he attacked me again:

"I don't want to see your death !! Go!!"

I smiled! A smile that was more bitter than poison! Cor was far away from me, but by running towards me, he tried to eliminate this distance and plunge his Katana into my chest! I closed my eyelids! but no!! I was not ready to die. I suddenly opened my hands and activated my armiger. Divine mode, which I used less often, 25 powerful weapons circled around Cor and began to spin.

My husband was standing in the blue light of the glittering weapons and crystals. As my eyes glowed pink, the weapons got faster around of Cor. He was shocked and tried to break the narrow circle of weapons by shielding his Katana, but to no avail. I didn't have much time, so I turned to the crystal. I reached out to it and asked it in the most pleading tone:

"Please .. don't let innocence die with my hands! Help me to be the savior of this land, keep my friends for me and let me be a source of your pride!"

I knew that opening an equal crystal would save Cor from darkness ... but I didn't see a reaction from the sacred crystal. I couldn't accept it and begged again:

"Please, give me your strength and defend my friends!"

I was suddenly disappointed. The Crystal did not accept me !! I experienced my first failure .. not a normal failure .. due to the shock that came to me, my Armiger stopped and I just stared at the crystal! I tried to ask again:

"Please.."

I hadn't finished my sentence when Cor noticed me with his loud scream. I quickly turned my back, but before I could defend myself, his Katana moved toward my throat. I pulled my head back as far as I could, but I couldn't escape the attack completely, and his Katana tip split my face! I fell to the ground and stopped at the crystal. The pain and burning inside my face spread all over my body. I wasn't ready to kill Cor yet. But if I hadn't restrained him, we would both have died!

I forgot the pain, stretched my hand toward Cor, and focused my Armiger on him again. He wanted to attack me again, but the rotation of those swords prevented him. He screamed at me to show his hatred, and I put my hand back to the crystal and screamed to force it to obey me:

"Beg will be my work against you forever! You have to help me because I am fighting for your honor! I am fighting for your power. Help me .. Save my friends now !!!"

At the end of my sentence, the crystal finally shone. Its soft white light shone on my body and Cor. My breath came out of my lungs deeply in relief, I turned to my husband and wiped out Armiger. Cor had fallen to the ground. It was as if he was in pain because he was pressing his fists firmly against the surface of the hallway. His skin color became normal and I knelt in front of him:

"Cor? look at me!"

He raised his head and I could see his beautiful eyes again. I didn't give him a chance to express his sorrow for my face. I hugged him tightly. His hands wrapped around my body and he squeezed himself to me. I felt like I was alive again, my tears were flowing quickly on my cheeks, and I cried in my husband's arms. The husband I had been wandering with for a few moments before he was killed or died. Now he was by my side and you were breathing with me. I was scared ... I was very scared. And the result of this fear and shock was my weakness. My body was so weak that I couldn't even lift my fingers to wipe that black liquid on my husband's face.

"I'm sorry Laura .. I hurt you .. I'm sorry!"

He had opened his mouth, but I kissed his lips again and silenced him again. I put myself in his arms and whispered in a tone that still had the effects of horror inside:

"Let's go from this hell !!"

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x-avavarts-x · 4 years

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"The power in this ring is just a device, Lunafreta, not everything! We are our own power! Our will is power! I will not be a slave to fate! Never!! And I hope you see with your own eyes how I will destroy the real tyrant, the great power!! "

#ffxv #final fantasy xv #ffxv oc #laura lucis caelum #ff15 #my oc #lunafreya nox fleuret #my art #my fanfic #ffxv fanfic #ffxv fanfiction #final+fantasy+xv+comrades #final fantasy 15 #finalfantasy xv

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x-avavarts-x · 4 years

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A Knight For The Light

A final fantasy fanfiction for my oc and her family.

Characters: Cor Leonis, Laura lucis caelum (my oc), Gilgamesh the blade master.

Warning:

My national language is not English. I apologize for spelling and grammar mistakes.

Sorry, my network is so weak and I can't insert photos.

Summary:

Part:15

She runs to the trees so that she doesn't lose Ventus. She didn't want to fall back. She twisted the point warped a few times to get to Ventus. Her breath was heavy and her lungs were burning with heat, but Laura ran with all her might because she knew Ventus was going to show her something, and Ventus ... had nothing but Dariolus to show her! There were still a few meters between Ventus and Laura when Ventus stood between the trees. The tension shone brightly with the red light, and suddenly, with a wave of red light, the awfulness of his, Gilgamesh appeared in front of Laura! Surprised by his tall stature, he stood like Gilgamesh, the myth of battle and loyalty! Her long, well-groomed eyebrows twitched with a frown, and the women's breaths stared at Blade master awesomeness:

"You .. ??"

Laura said ... without any respect, and in return Gilgamesh answered, without any respect too!!

"Usually I don't go to caelum family! It is my duty to calling my children to evaluate their loyalty! But now .. you are my addressee .. Laura Lucis Caelum!"

The grin on Laura's lips moved to the left of her face, her head turned to the same side, and she stared at the forest that shone under the golden and red light of the setting sun:

" Did you come and tell me to fight with you so that I can get your power?"

The grin was the guest of Gilgamesh's lips this time. He removed his mask from his face and stared at Laura. Her long white hair was moved by the wind, which caused her hat to fall back a little and hit of her head on fall to his shoulders! His strong, serious voice forced Laura to look at him:

"I can't accompany you. My soul is connected to Bahamut and I have no power over it! But you made Somnus' heart happy, and it's valuable to me because you want to do a job that my generation should have done."

Laura's gaze was fixed on Gilgamesh face, Laura was the only one who could see her face, after Somnus and Ardyn. She turned her head to the sides and answered without looking at h:

" I'm not thanking you .. I'm fighting to save Noctis and my father! Also ... Somnus!"

Gilgamesh lowered his head so he could stare into Laura's eyes. He smiled half-heartedly and answered in a firm but eloquent voice:

"A strong motivation in your path illuminates your victory ... but you can't do it alone .. If you came out, your husband wouldn't be exposed to darkness, little queen!"

Remember what happened in Gralia washed Laura's frown off her face. She lowered her head and took a deep breath:

"Fortunately, I was able to open the crystal in time, but you are right .. My companions are in the dark .. and I cannot defend them alone .."

She raised her head again and stared at Gilgamesh so she could speak better. Eye contact motivated Laura to speak:

"But I started this way .. I can't let my loved ones be in danger! I don't want to lose anyone else!"

Gilgamesh stood up straight again. He raised his head and looked at Laura. He smiled proudly and stood in the bright strands of red light that surrounded him:

" I don't want to be deprived of the battle to save my king, so I will give half of my immortality to your shield! A warrior without a shield can't fight well !!"

Gilgamesh's body shone so brightly that Laura had to step back to protect her eyes and hold her hand in front of them! Out of the bright red light that turned a little white, Ventus was released, but it wasn't just Ventus. A man was still standing in the light!!

Just like an explosion, the light went out! Laura's eyes opened quickly and she stared at where Gilgamesh was standing! Dario .. While the tension was still shining, he was standing in front of Laura. Laura's eyes stared in disbelief at Dario's body. The sworn face was still unpainted and his eyes were closed. When the light went out, Dario's body fell to the ground. Concern filled Laura's heart and she reached Dario with a point warp. Taking him, she didn't let his dear friend's body hit the ground. She slowly laid it on the ground:

"Do you hear me?

Dario's sleepy face and cold body had doubled over Laura, she couldn't help but laugh at the joy of being alive or shedding tears over his death. Slowly he stroked Dario's messy hair and suddenly shouted at him:

"Dario !!"

Laura did this, because she always woke Dario like that, waiting for Dariolus to open his eyes and send a firm pull to his face! But that didn't happen. Laura's gaze was fixed on Ventus' golden eyes. Because that angry eagle was always waiting for Dario to wake up, or at least tell Laura that he was alive! But don't hesitate!

That didn't stop Laura from losing hope. She locked Dariolus' hands on his shoulders, and as she got up, she pulled Dariolus on her shoulders so that she could carry the camp. Dario was tall and heavy! Laura couldn't lift Dario at all Italy, who had lifted Loqi. But she wanted to take him to the camp herself.

"Get up, asshole! Does my back hurt?"

Laura said as she tried to rely on Gilgamesh's words. Laura was alive with hope. Especially now that the crisis is over. Until he endured Dario to camp on her weak shoulders. She was breathing but he kept going.

As soon as she arrived at the camp, Cor was staying in front of the tenth. He didn't know who the man on his wife's weak shoulders was. He ran towards her with a frown that was always between his eyebrows, running because he was worried about Laura:

"Laura?"

Cor's voice calmed Laura's heart. He stood up and turned his head towards her beloved husband, smiled and pointed to Dario:

"Help me take him to the tent. It's so heavy!"

For a moment, Cor's eyes fell colorlessly, he was shocked to see Dariolus' face, but his face did not show any of the feelings he had at that moment. He took Dariolus' arm and pulled it towards himself so that his weight would not be on Laura's body. Dariolus' cold body showed that he was not alive. But why was Laura so happy to see a corpse? He looked away from Dario and stared at his wife to see why Laura was doing this. But Laura hurried to the main tent:

" Let him be lay, he needs to rest !!"

Cor's thoughts are terribly messed up! Laura was worried about a corpse !! He looked around to see the reaction of the others! Everyone stared at Laura in surprise! He was arranging the bed for Dariolus while everyone knew Dario was dead !! And Laura's attention was on a shocking corpse. Cor, he was worried, he felt that Laura's soul had been hit so hard that Laura had lost her mind! He put Dario on the bed.

He straightened his back and turned to Laura to say something, but Laura's eyes were fixed on Dario! Laura's faint smile was on her lips. At that moment, Cor was just worried .. he was scared .. he was so scared that Laura would lose like this! He slowly grabbed Laura's arms and pulled her to the other side of the tent. Laura's gaze finally parted from Dario and she stared at her husband.

" I haven't put a blanket on Dario's body yet. He doesn't like to sleep without a blanket!"

Cor frowned for a moment, barely wiping them away because he didn't want to inject his worries into Laura with frown and anger. At that moment, he had to gently close the wound that had formed on Laura's mentality. He stroked her hair and tried to keep his tone as kind as possible:

"Dear ... he's dead! It doesn't touch anything! No need for a blanket!"

"He didn't die !!"

Laura shouted at this! Laura's screams caused the glaives to watch in groups of two or three.

"Calm down, Laura. Pls! I know you went through difficult circumstances, but please be calm!"

It was a quiet, Cor's voice trying to calm Laura down. But Laura...she put her finger on Cor's chest and pushed him back:

"This is not related to you !! Try to be careful with your work so that you don't fall into that stare scourge again! Because I no longer have access to the crystal to save you! Now leave me alone!!"

Unlike a few moments ago, Laura's voice was not loud. She didn't want to break Cor's personality in front of others and she also didn't want others to understand him! Laura's stare was Cor, he didn't mind, he didn't get angry because she was right. He left the tent to start his night hunt by organizing the glaives! Laura wanted to leave him alone. Laura's frown disappeared and she worried. It wasn't his fault that he thought Laura was crazy! He didn't know anything! He shouldn't have been treated like that !!

"Cor?!"

Once again, it was Laura's voice that rose. Cor turned to his wife. His face was as cold as ever and he preferred to be quiet! Laura reached out to him and stood in front of him.

" Give me your ring!"

The request to return the ring for Cor was a strong slap in his face. With a pause, he took the ring and handed it to Laura. He wondered if Laura had been hurt so much that she even wanted to end her marriage. He did not object to Laura, returned the ring, and wanted to go. But his katana that was locked in his hand was pulled by Laura! He stood up and turned back to Laura!

She let go of Katana and then held the ring between her two hands, her eyes closed and the tension gleaming with blue light. Her two-colored hair was partially suspended and shone with blue light:

" I don't want what happened to happen again! I can't be with you to take care of you. You are all of me, Cor ... Your loss is equal to my death!"

With Laura's words, that blue light also faded. He opened his eyes, which shone with pink light, and also parted his hands and took the ring. After blinking a few times, her eyes returned to their previous position, she took Cor's hand with her other hand and give the ring to her Immortal again!

Cor looks at the ring that shone with a little light:

"what have you done?"

"Now my force is protecting you. Whether against darkness or against any other danger!"

Laura's answer was accompanied by a kiss. She kissed Cor's lips deeply, Cor's eyes were full of love, love for Laura. He took her between his arms and kissed her forehead. Because he knew Laura loved kisses without lust! And she saw a kiss on the forehead as a pure kiss of love! He held Laura in his arms for a moment and then parted:

" I'm going to look for my job Laura, take care of yourself !!"

"Is this an order?"

Laura said with a laugh! Cor's smile was just a mask. Because his whole mind was distracted by Laura's behavior. He kissed her forehead again and parted from her.

"see you soon."

Cor said this and walked away from Laura. Laura's gaze was fixed on the man whose greatest fear in her life was losing him.

She lowered her head and slowly returned to the tent. No one was inside the camp except for two wounded glaives. She poured herself some coffee and stood in front of Dariolus' body. She drank some coffee and thought, suddenly a strange and dangerous thought came to her mind! If Dario is alive, as Gilgamesh said, then he must wake up with the plan that Laura drew at that moment! She could have done that plan now, but he would rather do it when Cor comes back! She drank some of her coffee again and looked at her phone, which was ringing on the Cor's table, frowned, and walked over to it! Seeing the Noctis number, she answered without hesitation. She wanted to talk, but Noctis's voice soon became louder in her ear:

" Do you think I can reach the crystal before I die?"

Laura frowned, not out of anger but out of sadness. She lowered her head, placed her cup on the table, and smiled faintly:

"Listen carefully to what I'm saying."

Noctis's gaze was fixed on the ground. In front of his father's sword, he leaned against the wall, sat down, and hugged himself:

"Do you want to instruct me? Like what Gladio and Ignis do?"

"no, my dear!! You know, I don't like instructing at all ... I hate giving false hopes!"

" So what do you want to say?"

"You will not die ... You will open the crystal, you will return and you will reunite the National Army of Lucis, under your flag we will fight against darkness. I will try my best to reach your goal.

"Laura ..!"

Noctis's voice forced Laura to be silent. But her silence was not appropriate for Noctis, so she replied:

"Say my cat!"

"Ignis ... he went blind because of me !!"

Laura turned her gaze towards Dario and stared at him, but her audience was still her brother, who was in a difficult mood!

"Ignis was blind, but Dario died! I promise you that when the battle is over, we will turn his eyes to him!

"R u sure?"

The smile painted Laura's lips:

"Of course!! I know one person who can do it easily!"

"Hearing your voice calms me down, Laura ... I feel scared I feel meaningless .. You are always careful!"

"Your feelings are right! I'm not with you now in appearance .. but my soul is completely involved in your existence ... rest assured that even if you die, I will exchange my life for you to return to life .. just ... remember one thing .."

Laura's pure interest calmed the horror that the darkness and the bitter events of Alissa had caused to Noctis. He got up and stood up. He took his father's sword in his hand and replied:

"What!"

"Breathe and walk firmly, this is not your whole life, your point .. this is just a part of your life That will end soon! I promise you!"

Laura, like the rest of the people around Noctis ... was trustworthy. They seem to have a cold relationship! But Noctis had a strong emotional attachment to Laura! Laura also loved her brother, although she suffered a lot because of him, she could never take revenge on that little boy!

"Thank you for answering me .. I have to go!"

"I'm waiting to see you .."

The call was cut off and Laura stared at her phone's background.

The sun shines the last rays of light on the Eos. Soon was a guest of clouds that prevented light from passing through. From the night Laura spoke to Noctis until now, there has been no news of her. Because Noctis had left the land of Eos, and darkness was now the guest of this land. Laura had fallen asleep in a tent waiting for Noctis and had just arrived with travelers from Gralia. None of them had a smile on their face. Prompto sat down at the command table and waved his legs as he hung. Crying puts so much pressure on his throat that he couldn't soothe his sobs! He turned on his camera and suddenly burst into tears when he saw Noctis' photo. The sound of Prompto's cry made Gladio angry. He turned his head towards him and spoke to him in a nervous voice trying not to get up:

"When Laura wakes up, will you tell her?"

"No! I'm not saying I can't talk !!"

"So shut up so we can get out of here. Then cry as much as you want."

Poor Prompto just nodded, unaware that Laura had noticed! She raised her head from Dario's body and turned to them:

"What a disaster for Noctis!"

"The Crystal has imprisoned him .. !!"

Ignis was the one answering Laura. Laura's gaze turned to Ignis. He was sad to see his wounded face, but nothing came to her face except frown! She got up and went to calm her mind with a cup of hot coffee:

"Are you all okay?"

Crystal's gaze fixed on the ground became a little tearier. She raised her head and stared at Laura to answer:

"Only Luna needs a break!"

Laura turned to Luna, finding her helplessly in Loqi's arms. Slowly he turned to her and stared into her half-open eyes:

"what has happened..!"

"Noctis went beyond to gain enough strength. The length of his absence is unknown, but as you can see ... darkness reigns! We lost our sun."

Luna's answer silenced Laura. She was still frowning. Now Noctis was with Bahamut. He had to hurry to keep it. She raised her head and looked at Noctis' friends. She tried to thank them with a short speech!

"You have been with Noctis for years and he has been by your side. I understand the feelings you have in his absence. What happened should have happened. But fate will be like sweet honey. Go and get energy in the absence of the Noctis, because when he comes back ... you have to serve him in the way of governing ... Thank you all guys ..!"

She turned her head towards Ignis and continued:

"Especially you, Ignis ..."

Ignis's blind eyes were soaked with tears. The man was very self-conscious in controlling his emotions, but ... now it was as if he was crying, which was stronger than Ignis 'will. Ignis' tears devoured everyone because he understood how much deeper this pain was than before! Laura's gaze was still on Ignis, but now her audience was Loqi:

"I want you to take Ignis to Aurora Loqi .. I know she can restore Ignis' vision. She has knowledge."

Loqi stared at Laura. He just obeyed, so he could take Luna to safety. He realized that Luna was dying and that Crystal was the one who kept her alive. He returned to his ship. Crystal and Ignis follow in the footsteps of Loqi and Luna after respecting the great family of caelum. Lunafreya knew that Laura was going to go to war with Bahamut. She didn't want to leave her alone in this way because she had the same task as Oracle of Noctis. He raised his head and stared at Loqi's serious face:

"Put me down, Loqi!"

Lunafreya's sentence surprised Loqi. He stood up slowly and stared into the eyes of the girl he loved:

"what do you wanna do?"

"I have to talk to the Princess."

#ffxv #final fantasy xv #ffxv oc #ff15 #laura lucis caelum #cor leonis #my oc #cor x oc #cor x laura #laura x cor #finalfantasyxv fanfic #finalfantasy xv #final fantasy 15 #final+fantasy+xv+comrades #final fantasy xv orginal character #final fantasy xv oc #my fanfic #A knight for the light

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x-avavarts-x · 4 years

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“When I hear that you are my father, I felt I didn't love anything except you, I felt nothing mattered When you were by my side, I felt I could always walk tightly and not be afraid of anything because I saw you a mountain that supporting me. All my life, I've tried to be your proud, but now ... I don't have you daddy..! I don't have the hero of my life and now, I feel like I have to fight for something that you have entrusted to me..! Don't worry my hero. I take him safe in this way, to death for light..!”

#ffxv #ff15 #finalfantasy xv #final fantasy 15 #regis lucis caelum #regis #regis older daughter #ffxv oc #ffxv original characters #laura aesthetic #laura #laura lucis caelum

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x-avavarts-x · 4 years

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And last, my dear daughter with her love 😍.

Happy Valentine's Day 😚😚💙🖤

#cor leonis #cor x oc #cor x reader #laura x cor #cor x laura #laura lucis caelum #CoRa #ffxv #ffxv oc #finalfantasy xv #final fantasy 15 #final fantasy xv

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x-avavarts-x · 4 years

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"I love you my Immortal!"

@babelast 😁

#ff15 #cor leonis #ffxv oc #final fantasy 15 #finalfantasy xv #my art #my oc #cor x oc

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rain0205-blog · 6 years

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Terminal State

Technical Difficulties

...

The ground shook beneath her, causing her to lose her balance. The bodies strewn around her were mostly dead and she struggled to keep consciousness, her own body protesting in pain. She had no idea how she ended up here but she was stuck and could no longer remain on her feet. It became evident she would die here, closing her eyes and finally knowing she could rest in peace. Unfortunately, death didn't come as she wished, she could still feel pain and anger within her. The quakes and tremors, the sounds of her fallen comrades screaming their agony before they fell in battle and chaos around them, she would die with those. It was better this way, but her resolve said no.

She willed herself to move before she was buried in flying debris like the rest of them. The sky was an angry red, the wind ripping apart at her skin. More devastation followed every second her eyes were open. There wasn't a way to stop this, it was a tangled mess that consumed everything around it. The force was much greater than anticipated. This was overkill, and yet the attacks still came in full force. They never ended, this was going to be annihilation. This was a mistake on both ends and it had to be covered up by any means necessary. No one was getting out alive.

But she willed herself to move, she had to, there was no other option. Cries of pain, dying and suffering filled her ears and tore at her very being, a shaking breath escaping her as the smell of blood and decaying flesh high in the air reached her nostrils. Lifeless bodies flew in the sky like dolls, strung up and used as a weapon against them. The ones that were barely alive were frozen in fear, contorted in pain as they could do no more to save their own life. They spectated as the world around them was enveloped in chaos, shattering in a spiral of destruction from their losing battle. They could only watch as their death came slowly, mouths agape and the life dying from the insides of their very eyes.

And she willed herself to move until finally, she was on her knees. Minor debris collided with her, some of it hurting worse than others. Big rocks and pieces of the buildings in the abandoned town she was in flew around in the blowing wind, grazing her skin as they tore through her in their unforgiving path. She lacked the ability to cry out anymore, and she wished she was numb. With every prick, every piece that touched her skin even just slightly sent a violent reverberation of pain throughout her body. The agony made her want to fall again and give up entirely. Willing to survive was the only thing that kept her going, despite the fact that she didn't want to feel anymore, didn't want to know the woes of war as she did now.

So she willed herself to move, feeling dizzy as the raging wind brought more agony to her. In a haze, she could see the three red-eyed omens of death while they made their way closer. Her breath was heavy as her eyes were trained on them, filling her heart with fear, an unbearable sense of grief at the hatred and pain they caused in their path. This wasn't right, no one could hope to defeat such monsters. They were berserk, not even obeying their own masters as they moved closer and closer towards an unknown target. The need to kill, the need to destroy and devour all life was the only thing that kept them going. Chaos followed in their wake while the wind only accelerated its path of rage and consumed all in the path. And they had a very big appetite. This wasn't right.

While she willed herself to move, gaining the ability to be on her feet, her legs trembled beneath her as more screams of her comrades filled her ears. Tears welled up in her eyes, the aching pains only getting worse while she was awake. They were all dying around her and she was powerless to stop any of it, powerless to anything besides watch in the fear that sunk deep into her bones. It took all her strength just to withstand the blows she was taking from the tornado. To continue to stay on her shaking feet as the ground was quaking, begging her to return to it was taking all the strength she had left. The tears streamed down her cheeks as every passing second she was in more agony than the last.

Then she willed herself to move, knowing that here and now she couldn't give up. She had fought too hard to be here and she wasn't going to let anyone down, she had to focus on winning, on staying alive long enough to defeat the darkness that wished to consume them all. Making her way slowly toward the source of the devastation, she could feel her skin start to burn but she felt no more pain as her eyes clouded over and she forcefully pushed herself further and further. Her breath was heavy, her heart hammering in her chest. She had to keep going, had to stop the chaos. An azure glow started to emanate from her, growing hotter with each passing second. The pressure was pulsing through her entire body, from her core and to her fingertips. A scream erupted from her lips, starting from her throat and excelling while it echoed through the entire battlefield, no longer able to withstand it.

Athenacia shook awake, hitting her head on something hard. Deep breaths came in heavily as she held her head where pain pulsed through it thanks to the new impact. Her eyes were sandy, mouth left with a foul taste in it, throat dry, and she rolled over onto her back on the cool surface she was lying on. When she opened her eyes they squinted at the bright lights burning through her retinas. Letting out a very audible groan, she recognized her bathroom ceiling, the tiles of the floor dusty on either side of her head. Composing herself, she looked around her in a tired haze. Her head was beside her toilet, the thing she had smacked it on as she was jerked out of her nightmare. Moaning in displeasure, she could see her shoes thrown around lazily on the ground as well, the ones she wore last night. The bath mat sitting in front of her tub was at her feet, her purse on the ground and her own keys off to the side near the doorway.

Relinquishing the hold upon her head, she grabbed the first thing she could to try and pull herself up slowly. Dizziness greeted her, the world spinning at the gesture and she leaned over in her toilet bowl to vomit. There was already some in there, meaning she had been in here the entire night. The taste of her own bile only provoked more, the burning sensation in her throat the source of her pain. Forcing the last of it out, she drew in a deep breath before flushing the toilet as she was sure there was no more coming out. Sighing at her own illness, the events of the previous night coming to her. A tender smile passed over her lips, remembering that she had gone out with Gladiolus and drunk way too much - though she was sure it was the noodles that really did her in. It was with relief that Prompto had distracted them, giving her ample time to run up here and vomit. That was a shame that she was able to keep to herself. In the end of it, her bathroom floor tiles were nice and cool and she didn't even notice that she passed out here. This was not the best of her moments but at least it was one shared to only herself. The doctor wasn't sure vomiting was a very good first impression, and then she frowned, wondering why she cared so much about it.

Athenacia looked around for her phone, wanting to check the time. Groaning outwardly, she saw it was in the toilet, far too big to get flushed. Just great. The physician wiped the vomit from her chin and reached in with her other hand to fish it out. It was toast, she wouldn't use it again knowing it was sitting in a toilet bowl full of bile. Great job. This meant she would have to get a new one as soon as possible. Pushing herself to her feet by using her toilet as leverage, she had a look at herself in the mirror. The word train wreck came to mind but she was sure that wasn't even accurate enough. There was make up all over her face completely melted it looked like, smeared to imperfection. Vomit crusted in her hair, everything about her appearance completely dishevelled. Athenacia couldn't even run a hand through her hair, the tangled mess held together by dried up bile. Honestly, what was she thinking? She had come out much cleaner after most shifts than one night of irresponsible drinking. Ripping off her clothes, she immediately started the water for one of her scorching hot showers. It was going to be a long day.

...

A week had passed and it felt like it was just flying by. Gladiolus was a little sullen about it as it came to a close. Anyone could notice he was a bit off but they didn't ask him about it. In truth, he probably wouldn't have told them anyway. The Shield was on his phone often, checking for a response to the few messages he had sent to Athenacia. Things were dead silent on her end and it made him uneasy. He was under the impression that they had a good time the other night, that all was well with them. That the ice was finally broken and he could maybe start seeing her on more of a regular basis. But she had bid him good night and not responded to a message since and that was what made him so sullen as the time went by. The Shield didn't want to assume that something had happened but he definitely wanted some sort of explanation as to why she just changed face and decided to ignore him. Gladio would have stopped by her place, but he had no idea which unit she lived in and neither did anyone else. The only person was Cor, and Gladiolus didn't think asking his Captain for that information was a very good idea. It would raise questions, ones that he wasn't interested in answering. While the Shield was sure that only Ignis could decipher what was actually going on with him, he was happy his friend was respecting his privacy. The tactician saw everything, even when he pretended not to.

As he finished his session within the training room by himself, he grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat from his forehead. Gladio kept the towel around his neck, his chest bare as he fished in his things for his phone. Still nothing. Grunting, he put his phone away as he heard someone walking in. He looked up only to be greeted by the stern look of Ignis. The young Adviser looked like he was going to begin his own session and Gladiolus felt he could go another round with a partner this time. Throwing away his towel, the two of them went to stand a good distance apart - and then it began. Ignis was much faster than his friend, as should be expected given the obvious size difference. The two of them had trained together for years so the Shield was prepared for the first tentative attacks that came at him. The younger man was much stronger than he looked and his quick and precise moves made him a hard target to hit. It was what made training with him so fulfilling. They were complete opposites in fighting styles, and yet, one couldn't outdo the other. Tonight, however, Ignis was at more of an advantage starting out fresh while Gladiolus had been in here for a couple of hours already. Still, the Shield could defend himself just fine, taking no injuries.

It was actually a mistake on Ignis's part that ended the fight. After about an hour of it, the Adviser miscalculated one of his usual moves, Gladiolus parrying unexpectedly and ended up with a slash on his right arm. The blood flowed freely and Ignis was immediately administered a potion. His gash, however, was quite large, something that the Shield felt guilty about. Though the man wasn't too hurt from the flesh wound, he still found it tender with the potion. Gladio grabbed a fresh towel and gave it to Ignis, helping apply pressure to stop the bleed.

"Excellent move," Ignis complimented.

Gladiolus shrugged, "You come off predictable to someone like me."

"A mistake I must rectify for next time."

Ignis removed the towel and Gladiolus had a better look at the wound. He frowned, "You should probably get that looked at."

The younger man regarded his friend suspiciously for a brief moment but then agreed. The pain he felt was minimal with the potion, however, he would need some help with it since he couldn't fix himself up with only one arm. The two men cleaned up their mess, Gladio checking his phone one last time before they started to walk down the Citadel hallways toward the clinic. The sun was setting, night coming upon them once more. They were silent as they walked, neither of them needing to fill in gaps of time with meaningless words. Gladiolus was a man of action and Ignis silently studied everything around him and as they came to the entrance of the clinic, it was closed early. That was a bit shocking, to say the least and Ignis immediately pulled out his phone, looking for somewhere else they could get his injury properly dressed and treated. Unfortunately, he found nothing else open. There was no helping it, he would have to take a trip to the emergency department. At least things wouldn't be overly hectic over there like the last time.

"I'll go to the emergency room at the hospital," said the Adviser starting to walk away.

"I'll take you," offered Gladiolus.

Ignis kept his suspicion to himself as the two of them left, walking toward the elevator. The ride down was uneventful and quick and they took Gladiolus's car. Ignis was fine leaving his own here for now, knowing that he wouldn't really need it. Besides, until he got his arm looked at he wasn't going to test out driving. Still, Gladio jumping at the opportunity to go the emergency room was still off given his strange behaviour as of late.

"I do hope you aren't using me as an excuse to follow up with Dr. Virum," said Ignis as they left the Citadel grounds.

"What d'ya mean?" asked the Shield, his amber eyes thoughtful.

"Your outing the other day. It's become obvious she hasn't responded to your further advances."

"What outing?"

"Don't play coy, Gladio. Your car was parked at the building long before your arrival that night. The only conclusion I can draw is that she finally agreed to see you on your terms and afterward, she has ceased all contact - which explains your otherwise abnormal nature."

"I didn't cut you up on purpose if that's what you're getting at."

Ignis nodded, letting the matter drop. Gladiolus kept his focus on the road, the streets not nearly as packed, as usual, being the hour that it was. The sun was fully set and the stars were out in full nature, obscured by the light pollution of the city, something that always bothered him. He enjoyed falling asleep under the stars, the night breeze blowing on his face and the crackling of a fire in his ears, keeping him warm. That something that just couldn't be done to its fullest in the city.

"Was your courting positive?" asked Ignis finally, mildly curious.

Gladiolus shrugged, "Seemed like it."

"Perhaps the reality is what deterred her decision afterwards."

"What's that mean?"

"She's damaged, as you've observed. But not just in a physical nature, as she was adamant about not involving herself with Crownsguard. Treading lightly is in your best interest if you wish to continue your pursuit."

The Sheild was silent, taking in his words. The voice of reason never failed to sink in where it mattered. The only real mystery was why Ignis cared so much about it. He usually kept himself out of these sorts of situations, Prompto fell in love about six times a day but then, maybe that was the difference. Gladiolus hadn't been involved with someone for quite some time. There were a few one night stands here and there, sure, but nothing serious. Ignis, he knew, had resolved to plunge himself directly into his duty, ignoring any sort of selfish desires that might overtake his mind once in a while. Gladio rationed that his own existence is solely based on the fact that his father had wanted happiness and thus he and his sister were the proof. It was the reason he had no shame in pursuing girls, whether it was just for a good time or something a little more than that. Ignis generally stayed out of his business, hardly taking interest in the flings but Athenacia was far different than the usual women the Shield chose to keep company with. She was older, for one, and had her own career, as well as a fierce independence that was second to none. Perhaps the idea of another intellectual among them was what motivated the man beside him to interfere. Whatever the reason, Gladiolus was thankful for the help of his friend.

As they pulled up to the hospital parking lot, Gladio was actually starting to feel nervous. There was a chance that she wasn't even here and he was getting himself worked up for nothing, but there was no turning back now as they approached the glass sliding doors of the emergency department. The waiting room bore but a few patients in line to be called up next. That was a good sign, they wouldn't be here for most of the night. The Shield kept his gaze on the nurse's station, looking for any sign of Athenacia. Ignis walked by himself up to the triage nurse and was immediately admitted and placed in a room. Gladiolus followed his friend, observing as the pregnant nurse he recognized as one of the resident nurses was taking vitals and noting everything on her tablet. She then had a look at the wound inflicted upon the young Adviser by Gladiolus and marked that down as well. It definitely wasn't pretty and he felt guilty about having done it in the first place.

"Sorry," Gladio grunted once the nurse had left the room, closing the curtain and the glass sliding doors.

"A learning experience," replied Ignis in his usual calm demeanour.

The Shield just nodded, crossing his arms over his chest as they waited. The room was much the same as any of the others he had been to, generic as this was a place for temporary patients. It had been a while since he was actually in a treatment room like this, the last time being for the code grey, standing guard near the quarantined zone almost the entire time. That was a little over a week ago and he hadn't been near here since. Pulling out his phone he looked one last time in vain for a response that he knew he wasn't going to get.

The man's attention was snapped up towards the door as the curtain was pulled back. His face moved into a crooked grin as he spotted her, those hazel eyes looking at the tablet in her hands. Dr. Virum was pushing some buttons, her highlighted blond hair in that usual high ponytail, appearing as it stuck straight out this time, exactly like when he had first seen her. She wore purple scrubs under her billowing lab coat, that bore her name: Athenacia Virum, M.D. Placing her tablet into the pocket of her lab coat and grabbing a set of latex gloves from the holder on the wall, she put them on before looking at them. She blinked in near disbelief as her bloodshot hazel eyes came upon them. Gladio noted that she was back to her regular haggard and overtired appearance that she usually wore when she was working. The sleep deprivation was obvious in her pale complexion, dark circles under her eyes were very visible despite her desperate attempt to hide them with her makeup. Still, inside of that slightly startled hazel gaze upon them he saw the woman he went out with a week ago. He saw the healer that so expertly saved lives on a daily basis, saw a small light in her eyes that he could never look away from. The Shield knew that underneath all of this there was a beautiful soul that he was pulled toward every time he saw her. Perhaps most importantly, in her gaze he could see the relief of his presence though slight as she was on the clock. It made all his earlier thoughts of rejection fade away but only briefly as he couldn't still understand why she had cut him off so suddenly.

"Hey Doc," his usual response burst out of his mouth before he could stop himself.

"Good evening," she smiled tiredly at the two men. Her gaze drifted towards Ignis, "Mr. Scientia, you are definitely an unexpected guest. Let me have a look at you."

Ignis complied, as she walked toward him. Her hazel eyes scrutinized the gash in front of her, careful not to touch it just yet. Virum grabbed a cotton swab, wetting it a little with anti-bacterial fluid and gently ran it along the length of the injury. The patient didn't move as she worked and she was thankful for that. There were no other major concerns in his chart so she backed off a bit and went to grab her repair kit.

"You boys need more stitching up than old rag dolls," she smiled slightly.

"Lucky for us you're always here," replied Glaiodlus.

"Indeed, fortune was our friend today - in spite of the reason for our arrival," agreed Ignis.

"Flatterers," she said gently, pulling up a stool and sitting in front of her patient.

Dr. Virum re-cleaned the wound since it was deeper than they had anticipated. Still, Ignis remained stationary while she worked. Once she was satisfied, she dabbed his skin gently with the numbing agent, using a few cotton swabs. The cut ran diagonally from his shoulder and down near his elbow. Whether or not he felt the pain she couldn't be sure as he kept that stern look on his face at all times, his green eyes studying, calculating, as they observed his surroundings. When she had thoroughly finished cleaning, she began her methodical stitching routine, running her tools carefully through his skin and pulling the thread along with her small needle. As always, Ignis watched her, seeming to try and learn her technique for himself. Virum supposed with his occupation it would be a good lesson for him, though she wasn't sure she could teach him. As she finished up, she ran another round of the numbing agent and took another curious look at him. She pulled out her tablet, bringing up his chart and frowning slightly in thought. Gladiolus and Ignis looked at her, not really sure why she seemed to hesitate like this.

"Is something wrong?" asked Ignis finally.

Virum looked up at him, "Nothing pressing, I'm just trying to figure out how long you've been sick."

He frowned, confused, "I beg your pardon?"

"Yeah you're flushed, temperature slightly elevated. If it were caused by your work out then you would have been back to normal now. You haven't noticed that you're sick? That seems out of character for you."

"I do not succumb to illness."

She laughed out loud at him, "Ah, that's why you didn't notice."

"I'm afraid I don't know what you're on about."

"Its simple really. Doctors, nurses, healers, even nurturers like yourself often think that they can't get sick. But we're all human and susceptible to ailments just like the next guy. You seem fairly early in stages, you can still fight it off before it gets worse with some home remedies if you wish."

Ignis sighed heavily, "Indeed, I'm sure I have something at home that should suffice."

"Perfect. You're all stitched up and ready to go."

"Thank you, Dr. Virum."

"Thanks, Doc," said Gladiolus.

Virum smiled at them both, stepping out of the room. Gladio watched her go, noting the hint of sadness she carried with her last look towards him. Without thinking, he walked out after her, knowing that if he didn't speak up now he would lose the opportunity. However, she shocked him, facing him expectantly once he stepped out of the room. Athenacia held her phone in her hand, closing the gap between them as she walked over to him and then held the device out to him.

"My phone was damaged, had an accident and lost everything on it. Had to get a new one," she explained at his confused look.

A foolish smile grew on his face at her words as he replaced the number that belonged to him in her contact list. Gladio handed her back the phone and she smiled shyly.

"Thought maybe my ego chased you away," he grinned at her.

"Well I would have told you sooner but your ego never showed up."

The Shield ran a hand through his hair almost in a nervous manner. It made her smile grow as she observed him, but their moment was short-lived, as one of the new resident doctors needed her attention. Dr. Virum was gone in an instant while Ignis was standing at the door to his room, ready to leave. Gladiolus took one last look at the doctor before turning to the exit. The two men walked out of the glass sliding doors and out into the night air. The walk to their parking spot seemed to take longer than it seemed but maybe that was because of Ignis's stare upon him. Gladio heard his phone chime and he pulled it out, unlocking his car and getting into the driver seat. He smiled that same foolish smile he often wore when involved with Athenacia.

Good night, Gladio.

The Shield replaced his phone back in his pocket after saving the new number and started the car.

"Well, it seems all is well with the universe after all," said Ignis.

"Except you catching a cold," Gladiolus smiled at his friend.

Ignis sighed in his annoyed manner, deciding to keep his mouth shut for the rest of the ride.

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rain0205-blog · 6 years

Text

Terminal State

Temporary Prison

...

Athenacia was unhappy about being forced into the Citadel like this. As a doctor, she knew that she shouldn't even be discharged this early but they were pulling strings to get her out and free up a bed. Not that she would have willingly stayed anyway, she would have been up treating patients regardless of her condition and her boss knew that. Hell, everyone knew that, so they went behind her back and relieved her for two weeks minimum where she would work in the Citadel clinic treating bumps and bruises. It was the only offer they were giving her, and she begrudgingly took it. At least it was only for two weeks and she was sure she could push it after a week and a half. It was just the location that bothered her the most.

So, she was discharged and placed in the care of Cor Leonis who was her proxy after she appeared to have no one else listed. No one alive, anyway. Cor was not one to fool around and he knew her fairly well, which meant that he would make sure she followed her doctor's orders. It was the only reason he wouldn't let her go home in between shifts at the Citadel clinic. Those thoughts ran through her head as she carefully got into his car. Her wound was still tender and she had trouble sitting against the seat. Athenacia took one of the painkillers given to her, taking the edge off but not exactly numbing it completely. Long ago she learned that pain was a way to communicate limitations in oneself and she generally pushed father than necessary. The Marshal took off carefully away from the emergency department and towards her apartment building. The drive was silent, she had nothing to say to him. While she was happy that he cared enough to take care of her, she was pissed that he was forcing her to go back to a place she absolutely refused to be in. That was part of the deal and he knew that, however, she didn't argue as he was her commanding officer still - especially in this situation. Athenacia kept her eyes trained on the window, sitting away from the seat and observed the city during the day. Overcast took over the sky and rain wished to fall but only teased them here and there. The weather seemed to match her mood, how appropriate.

As he pulled up to her building, she saw the Prince and his guard, Ignis, leaving. They both spotted her. Shit. Luckily they were looking at the Marshal who just nodded in dismissal at them. Athenacia absently felt her head, remembering that she had dried blood crusting in her hair. Ignis looked thoughtful as he made eye contact with her for a brief moment, and then he left with the Prince, out of sight the way she wanted it. Sighing in relief, she exited the car and began to scurry toward the elevator. Cor wasn't far behind her, a stern look still on his face. The elevator ride wasn't long since she didn't live very high up. More often than not she took the stairs but she knew she couldn't with her injury. Athenacia opened the door, happy that she cleaned the last time she was here. The mountain of take-out food containers, laundry and garbage weren't attractive in any way, and she would have been ashamed to have him see it. Wordlessly, she disappeared into her room and began to gather some of her things: personal items, her technology, her toiletries and anything else she might need while she was away. She packed it all in a small bag and took a quick look at herself in the stand-up mirror. The clothes she was wearing the night of the attack was gone to wash at the hospital, so instead, she was wearing one of her scrub outfits, a pink one. There was a lot of blood in her hair, more than she had previously thought and she was in desperate need a shower. Sighing, she went to find a hat to cover her head. Pulling it so that it reached her eyebrows, she left her room with her bag. Cor took it from her and she locked up her home after taking a few steps down the hall, the Marshal giving her a pointed look to remind her. The elevator ride down to the garage was about the same as it was going up, silent. Athenacia had nothing to say to this man while she was angry at him but she felt guilty for being angry at someone that was just trying to help her. Cor ignored her internal struggle since he couldn't see it while she kept her face neutral. The elevator opened on their desired floor and the two people she really didn't to see were there waiting. Shit.

"Marshal," Ignis nodded his head politely at his Captain.

"Hey Cor," greeted Noctis causally.

Cor nodded briefly at them, exiting the elevator. Ignis was looking at Athenacia suspiciously and she tried to make herself as small as possible as she walked passed them, smiling politely under his gaze. Ignis held out his hand, seeming to guide her out, however, as she exited his hand accidentally grazed her wound on her back and she flinched violently away from his touch while hissing intensely. The girl froze, almost like a deer in headlights. The two men were both looking at her confused but had no chance to ask about anything as Cor carefully yanked her arm and pulled her away. Without another look, they walked to his car and the elevator door closed, blocking them from view.

"What do you think that was about?" asked Noctis once the elevator started ascending floors.

"Couldn't tell you. She appears to be injured though," answered Ignis, turning everything that happened over in his mind.

"Yeah. Wonder what happened."

"I'm sure it's nothing to concern ourselves with."

"You think? If Cor's involved..."

"The Marshal will take care of it," assured Ignis.

But even he couldn't help wonder why she was being dragged around by Cor and where they were going.

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

Later on that night, Noctis was joined in his apartment by Gladiolus and Prompto after Ignis had fed him dinner. The four men often got together at least once a week, though Ignis and Gladiolus had their Crownsguard business to attend to. Noctis probably spent more time with Prompto than the other two but he was happy that they were all off duty - as much as possible - and able to just sit around as friends. They had started a game of King's Knight, the mobile game that occupied their time more so than anything else. It was a boisterous sort of night, as Gladiolus took his win and his car keys back. Prompto was sullen about losing the car he had for only half their deal but he was never a very good gambler. As things wound down the television began to make some noise, no longer having to compete for sound with the men in the room. Ignis looked up from his phone, as all of them did. He read the title on the bottom of the screen in red. It was a report of someone getting attacked late last night.

"I heard about this," said Prompto, grabbing the remote and turning up the volume.

"...There were no reports of casualties, but the assailant was in critical condition while being rushed to hospital by ambulance. The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, escaped with minimal damage. The victim was discharged from the hospital at an unknown time and refuses to comment on the situation. The attacker, however, seems to have gone under a 72-hour suicide watch. Other patients claim they heard him crying out with wishes to die..."

"I heard the ambulances. It was a girl, he cornered her in an alley and stabbed her in the back. So I heard," said Prompto.

"How did you hear that?" asked Noctis.

"The place I go for my midnight snacks said they saw it. I think she almost killed him, there was blood everywhere. I saw them cleaning it up this morning."

Ignis looked thoughtful at his words, thinking back to earlier in the day when he had seen Dr. Virum and the Marshal, Cor, leaving the apartment building. Cor was holding a bag that clearly belonged to her while she seemed more on edge than usual. The way she flinched from his touch on her back when he was sure that he hadn't even made contact with her. She was wearing a hat when she came down, trying to hide something. Now that he thought about it, the scene was bothering him more and more. Dr. Virum admitted to being a combat medic, her affiliation with the Marshal making sense. Curious.

"What's up specs?" asked Noctis, looking over at his friend.

"Nothing of consequence," he replied gently, not wanting to make any assumptions.

"You're thinking that I'm thinking, aren't you?"

"Perhaps."

"You think it was her, the victim from last night."

"Too many coincidences it seems," he said, sighing heavily.

"What's this?" asked Prompto.

Noctis and Ignis shared a look briefly, before looking at the other two. Gladiolus's eyes hardened a bit at the look on their faces while Prompto had genuine curiosity written all over his baby-like features. The Prince crossed his arms, giving Ignis a nod.

"Earlier in the day we ran into an unlikely, though not abnormal duo. Cor, the Marshal was escorting Dr. Virum to her home it seemed and then left with her shortly after," explained Ignis.

"Cor?" questioned Gladio, "What would he want with her?"

"As I told you, you were correct in assuming she was a combat medic," explained Ignis, pushing up his glasses. Gladiolus grunted, waiting for him to continue, "I suspect that she was the victim in the report. My arm held the door of the lift to ensure it would not close and she flinched away as I drew nearer to her back."

"But what was she doing here?" asked Prompto.

"She lives in the building," replied Noctis.

"Small world, dude. So you really think it was her then?"

"Couldn't have been," Gladiolus interjected confidently.

"What makes you so sure?" asked Noctis suspiciously.

"Because I walked her to the hospital last night so she could go to work. Can't get stabbed in an alley if you're not there."

Prompto laughed, "She actually let you near her without her lab coat on?"

"She was leaving the Citadel, in plain clothes. I didn't think it was okay for her to walk alone."

"She does have her own vehicle doesn't she?" asked Ignis, finding this information more troubling than the previous.

"I didn't ask. I just walked her to work and then went home. Could have driven but someone had my car," Gladio looked darkly at Prompto.

"Hey big guy, we had a deal, you lost," Prompto teased, holding up his hands.

"Either way, she wasn't the victim if she was at work all night," said Noctis, "Wonder who it was."

"Food for thought," agreed Ignis, letting the matter drop.

But Gladiolus kept his thoughts on the situation presented to him. He didn't stay much longer, muttering some lame excuse about making sure Prompto hadn't ruined his car and then he left the apartment. The Shield didn't go home, instead, he drove down the familiar streets toward the hospital. It took longer than normal to get there seeing as people were on their way home from work. Gladio was a little impatient but eventually, he made his way into the hospital parking lot. The mundane task of finding parking seemed to be an eternity and he practically sprinted into the emergency department once he found one. The sliding doors opened and there were people waiting to be treated. This appeared to be a slow day and he walked to the nurse's station, looking to see if Dr. Virum was anywhere around. He didn't spot her directly, however, he did see the pregnant registered nurse that was often talking to said doctor. The rooms were filled with people but she did manage to spot him on her way toward the station.

"Can I help you?" she asked politely.

"I'm looking for Dr. Virum," he said, a little hastily.

"She's not in, but I can have another doctor look at you if you wish?"

"No, I was supposed to follow up with her," he lied, "Can I make an appointment to come back and see her?"

"I'm afraid she's out for the next two weeks, but I'd be happy to have her attending follow up with you?"

"No, that's alright. Thanks," he smiled, turning to leave.

Out for two weeks? That seemed unlike her. Gladio frowned in thought, wondering what could have happened. He lingered around the hospital longer than he needed to that night he parted ways with her, suspecting she was lying about having to work but would she really have left after that? It would have been late, far too late for someone to be wandering around alone at night no matter who they were. She was last seen with Cor this morning, he was escorting her away. The only place the Marshal would take her is the Citadel, that's where he always was. Gladiolus looked over at the looming building, knowing that the chances of finding her in there again were slim. She was in such a rush to leave there last night, so reluctant to be near any Crownsguard there was no way she was there. Shaking his head, he refused to succumb to his own paranoia. She could easily have just been at home resting, taking a much-needed vacation. A smile came across his face as he thought about their walk here last night. Gladio made his way back to his car, hearing her words in his head as she called him by name. With one last look toward the Citadel, he decided to go home. Assuming that something had happened, if Cor was involved, then he really had nothing to worry about.

...

About three or four days into her prison of the Citadel, Athenacia was moving easily enough that Cor let her out of her borrowed room back to work. It would have been a day sooner but they had a fight about it and she felt that he was keeping her in there out of spite. It didn't matter now. After showering in a temperature less warm than usual - the water did irritate her wound - she got ready to go work the entire day in the clinic. One of the real benefits of being here as a guest of the Marshal was that she had food delivered to her room three times a day. Real food. She also slept like a normal person while on her medication, no nightmares. It was amazing what taking real care of oneself could do. Athenacia didn't linger on those thoughts for very long, observing herself naked in the mirror of the bathroom and wiping the steam away. The scar along her neck ran lower than she thought, all the way down to her just below her shoulder. She then lifted her left arm slowly and turned her body to look at the stab wound. It was ugly and it would scar, but overall it was healing properly, no infection and the bruising was beginning to finally fade away. It was still tender, she was probably pushing it going to work, however, she was going stir crazy and couldn't sit here for any longer.

Dr. Virum pulled on her scrubs, light green ones, and began to blow dry her hair. It still reached the tops of her shoulders, the tips grazing against them as she worked. Pulling up her hair into her high ponytail, the same small little bits fell out as they usually did. There was no sense in bothering with makeup, her hazel eyes were normal looking and there were no longer bags under her eyes. Satisfied with her appearance, she pulled on her comfortable working shoes and grabbed her lab coat. There was no need to bring anything as she was confined to the Citadel limits. Virum sighed as she opened the door, noting the very non-discreet guards Cor had posted along the corridor. She paid them no mind as she made her way toward the clinic, the morning sun making its appearance over the horizon. As she opened the door there, happy she hadn't run into anyone on her way, she noted that the nurses at the station were looking at her in alarm. They probably weren't filled in on her arrival, which suited her fine. No one needed to know her business. Cor had her scheduled for the morning only but she planned on staying until the clinic closed. He wasn't so foolish as to assume that she wouldn't, however, she was particularly put out with him and ready for a fight if he tried it. The charge nurse smiled at her, handing her a tablet and offered her the use of Dr. Liato's office. Liato was away doing who knew what - probably forced into a vacation so that she had somewhere to be.

But she was bored. Two hours into the shift and not a single person showed up. After doing everything she could possibly do on her phone (including giving Gin a very long message about her horrible time away from the emergency department) she picked up the tablet, not really sure what else to do with herself. Dr. Virum began looking at different patients that had been in the last week. There were none she recognized and that made her feel good at least. There weren't any recurring patients either so the likelihood of her seeing any of them way low. Of course, she was really only absently looking for the two Crownsguard and their Prince that seemed to be pushing their way into her life. Her thoughts were interrupted by a nurse coming into the office. There was a patient waiting for her. Finally, only took three hours into the shift. Virum pulled up the new information that was placed into the shared files of the clinic computer. 20 year-old male, multiple contusions to the left arm, possible fracture. She frowned in thought as she noted there was a star beside the file. High priority patient. This person must be very important. Placing the tablet in the pocket of her lab coat, she walked into the examination room and almost wanting to laugh out loud at the irony of the situation.

"Hey Doc," said Gladiolus, smiling at her as her hazel eyes scanned the room.

"Dr. Virum," Ignis nodded his head politely.

The patient, who was indeed the young Prince just looked at her with a nervous smile.

"Gentlemen," she tried to keep her voice neutral, "No Mr. Argentum? Shocking," she spoke in a dry voice, grabbing a pair of latex gloves and putting them over her hands.

"Prompto was too lazy to show up today," shrugged Noctis.

"That's a shame," she replied absently, walking toward him.

"Surprised to see you in the clinic," said Ignis, looking at her suspiciously.

"I'm just doing a friend a favour," she responded, not even looking at him.

"You're very generous. Did you treat the man that attacked that young lady the other night?"

She blinked, not expecting him to ask her something like that, "I did. He was put on a suicide watch."

"He took his own life this morning," said Ignis.

Dr. Virum froze at his words. Her hazel eyes bore into Noctis's arm as the information swam within her head. She should have been there, should have been able to do something more to help the man. He was her patient and she should never have been forced away from the hospital like that.

"Doc?" Gladiolus reached out to gain her attention.

His hand grazed against her wound and she flinched violently away from it, hissing at the sting and snapping back to her reality. Ignis narrowed his green eyes thoughtfully before sharing a knowing look with the Shield.

"Are you okay?" asked Noctis.

"Yes, sorry. It's... never easy losing a patient," she said, smiling sadly at him. Virum observed his arm, carefully taking it in her hands. Her face twitched at her own movements, something neither Gladiolus nor Ignis had failed to notice. But she kept her focus on the Prince, "What happened?"

"I overshot my warp and crashed into the wall," he explained sheepishly.

She nodded, bringing her hand over the contusion that was over top the possible fracture, "Does this hurt?" she asked, pushing her fingers down on it.

"A little," Noctis winced slightly.

"And this?" she pushed in a completely different spot, and she got no response from him.

"No, nothing."

'How about this?" she asked pushing in one more spot just below the wound.

"Nope."

Virum nodded, satisfied, "No fracture or break, just bruising."

"That's a relief," said Ignis.

"Yeah, can't get out training now, Noct," agreed Gladiolus brightly.

"Is there perhaps anything you recommend?"

"For you, Mr. Scientia, I'm thinking some new friends," she smiled briefly at him. He returned it, and she put her attention back towards Noctis, "For you, Highness, simply just watch where you're going."

Noctis nodded at her, "Only if you drop that formality," he laughed a little.

"Would that I could, but this is a professional setting, Sorry, Highness. Enjoy the rest of your day boys," she left the room promptly after that.

Virum quickly hurried into Dr. Liato's office, not wanting any of them to pop out and ask her what she was doing here in the clinic. Luckily, she could hear the three men exiting the clinic, the door closing firmly behind them. The shift started to pick up a little more after that. More Glaives and Crownsguard alike came in with the usual bumps and bruises from training. There were a couple of bones she had to mend, which was not pretty. Some soldiers just didn't do well with pain and she wondered why they would even enlist anyway. The close of the second shift had finally come. Virum had been so put into work she hadn't noticed the time. Her stomach growled in protest of not having food all day. This was why she never spoiled herself like this. It was going to be hard to go back to her take out diet when she got back to her regular job. The nurses had all vacated and she was the last one left, cleaning up around the clinic and placed the tablet she was using on the desk of Dr. Liato. Virum didn't even have any sort of bodily fluid on her scrubs or lab coat. That was a record. Usually, she had changed six or seven times by now in the emergency department.

Satisfied with everything, she closed the lights and opened the door, exiting the clinic. As an afterthought, she locked it and then turned to leave, only to be startled by the big form of Gladiolus standing in her way. The Shield had his arms crossed as he looked down at her, amber eyes angry and she was unsure of what to think right now. What was he even doing here? Was he going to try and get her home again? Athenacia couldn't have that, she wasn't even supposed to leave the Citadel but she didn't want him to know that.

"Can I help you?" she asked, confused as to why he was looking at her like that.

Gladio didn't respond, simply reached toward her wound and touched it again. His movements were quick and she was unable to stop him before realizing what he was doing. Athenacia flinched more violently this time away from his touch, as he used a little more force that also caused her to cry out. What she wouldn't give for her pain medication now. The physician looked at him in alarm, like a child who had been caught doing something wrong while one of her hands was holding onto the source of agony gently. His face only looked angry at the confirmation he had received from her actions.

"You were the one who was attacked," he stated, the emotions clear in his voice.

"I..." she looked down sighing. There was no sense in lying to him now, the cat was out of the bag, "Yeah, I'm the one from the news."

"You sliced him up and then saved him. That's what the locals near the incident are saying."

"I just reacted without thinking."

"Why didn't you let him die?"

Athenacia frowned angrily, looking up at him in disgust. So he did know who she was, believed everything that was said about her. Figures he would have found out eventually given who he was but she hated to admit that she liked the way he looked at her, like she was a person and no one to be feared. The illusion shattered, he would see her as everyone else did. So much for that, Athenacia was stupid to think otherwise in the first place. This is why she didn't want to get involved with him in the first place.

"Because I'm not the monster everyone says I am!" she blurted, angry that he would even ask her such a question.

He was a little too close to her so she struck him with her left hand as she spoke, wincing at the pain from her wound. Angry tears formed at the bottom of her eyes but she refused to let them fall.

"What are you talking about?" he asked her, genuinely confused at her reaction.

The physician gasped, almost like she had taken a blow. Searching his amber eyes, she saw no trace of the usual judgement that followed her tail. Gladio really had no idea what she was saying. She jumped to conclusions, shaking her head and offering no explanation.

Gladio grunted, "You left the hospital after I was gone, didn't you?"

"Yeah... I had to go home, I wasn't supposed to be at work until the morning."

"Why didn't you just let me walk you home?" he was accusing her now.

Athenacia looked up at him, now realizing where she had gone wrong with him. Why he was really upset. He was a Crownsguard, a bodyguard, a sworn Shield to the Prince. Her getting attacked went against what he was trained to do probably from birth. It didn't matter, Athenacia wasn't the one he was meant to protect, she didn't need his protection. On top of that, he was hurt. Hurt that she didn't trust him, that she had lied to him about her destination.

"Because you don't need to know where I live," she answered truthfully.

"What d'you think I'm gonna to do?"

"I don't know, maybe find excuses to show up there like you do my work?!" she was getting angry now.

"What's that supposed to mean?!" he retorted, mad that he was caught.

"Ever since you figured out I work at the E.D you're always there! I didn't want the same thing to happen if you knew where I lived!"

"I'm not some kind of stalker!"

"You just don't get it, do you?! No means no! I do not want to grab a beer with you, I do not want to see you outside of a professional setting. You were a patient, that's it!" she screamed vehemently at him.

"Have it your way," he snarled at her.

"About fucking time! Good day, Mr. Amicitia!" and she turned on heel and walked briskly away from him, shaking in rage.

Athenacia rarely swore but she was happy that no one was around to hear that fight. Slamming the door to her room, her lab coat was roughly tossed to the ground before she threw herself on the bed in a huff. As the dust settled, she released a large sigh. She didn't mean to snap at him like that. It wasn't his fault that she was so screwed up, but the events of the other night combined with finding out that her patient died had really gotten to her and she needed an outlet. Ironic, now would have been the perfect time to grab that beer.

Gladiolus watched her walk away and disappear around the corner. He was fuming, his knuckles white from the grip he had on his own arms. She was right, he did come off as a stalker and if he had any chance of gaining her favour he just blew it right then and now. The Shield walked away from the scene, absently wondering if he would ever see her again.

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rain0205-blog · 6 years

Text

Terminal State

Misinformation

...

Gladiolus raced out of the diner not two seconds after Athenacia had. There was no sign of her on the streets, lost in the crowds no matter which way he craned his neck in pursuit. Frowning, he brought his arms to cross over his chest, still keeping an eye out. How did she do that so quickly? His frown deepened while in thought, walking back to his car. There was a small chance she had walked back there but somehow he doubted it. While he walked he kept his eyes and ears open, not really shocked that she didn't stand out in the slightest outside of the workplace. Once he arrived at his car he wasted no time in getting in, pulling out his phone with the intention to call her but stopped as his amber gaze met him on the black screen. What would he even say? The Shield knew that approaching the subject of her past was suicide, Athenacia very adamant about running away from it. What was she running from? What did that Pius guy even mean? The Glaive was definitely implying she was someone who slept around, after someone named Grun. It didn't fit, Gladiolus saw no signs of promiscuous activity. Hell, he had spent weeks chasing her just to go for a simple beer.

"Why didn't you just let him die?"

"Because I'm not the monster everyone thinks I am!"

The conversation he had with her in the Citadel a while back, after she had been attacked. Gladio was so hurt by her actions he completely ignored her what she said then. It became clear now that she was referring to something like this, what a Glaive might say about her in public. The Shield stared at his phone, firing off a quick text to Ignis. It was about time he dug into that past she barricaded away from herself if he planned on continuing to pursue her. Starting his car, he decided to head to the Citadel. Athenacia had just finished a sixteen-hour shift, was up all night. It was plenty of time to gather the information before he would stop by the hospital later when she worked and figure this all out then.

...

Gladiolus finished his work out and wiped the sweat from his forehead with a fresh towel. Sitting on the bench, agitation settled in at the silence of the phone he fished out of his bag. The Shield was getting a little impatient waiting around, never doing good with sitting and waiting - he was a man of action. Grunting, he tossed his phone aside before cleaning up his mess. After the events of the morning, Gladio was careful to avoid anyone in order to clear his head. Evening had settled in, the time going about unknown while he impatiently waited for word from either Ignis or Athenacia. His oldest friend was the best to gather information, Gladio wouldn't even know where to start and he was sure his rage would otherwise deter anyone who spoke ill of Athenacia. So, he found someone more objective to figure out what this secrecy was all about, and then he could finally get to the bottom of this in order to proceed properly. He was sure that these were rumours, made up out of cowardice at her person. Whatever it was, he knew that it was the reason she stepped back as a Glaive and submerged herself in her work.

As he left the training room, his phone chimed in his hand. Ignis wanted to meet up with him, having acquired all the information he could it seemed. Gladiolus replied quickly before heading to his car. The Shield wasted no time in taking off, absently aware of his speeding but was a little sick of waiting around. As he pulled up to Ignis's building, mildly surprised that the man was at home, he tapped his foot impatiently while he waited for the elevator to take him to the desired floor. Gladio didn't knock, he walked right in and found Ignis sitting on his couch with a cup of ebony. The Shield nodded at the man, before taking a seat across from him in the chair. They sat in silence, the bespectacled trying to collect his thoughts as Gladio waited impatiently.

"Well?" the Shield asked.

"It's a bit obscured, but the consensus is relatively the same," replied Ignis.

"What's up?"

"Athenacia Virum was the youngest Glaive to ever see battle. She was revered for her excellent and precise combat skills and underwent personal training with the Marshal. That caught the eye of many, they appeared to have a personal relationship. Where she came from no one is quite certain on that. Perhaps the Marshal knows, I dare not question him. She went on to battle and accelerated quickly in the ranks. Eventually, her commanding officer at the time gave her a unit to work with. This is where things grew troublesome. The defence mounted against the Empire was a catastrophe. She was the only one to return alive, though just barely. Cor immediately took action in her favour. She was relieved of duty and granted a position in her current place of work. The Marshal would not speak of the events that took place, nor would she.

"But the rumours took a life of their own. In the end, other Glaives speculated that the only reason she survived is that she's an Imperial spy. Her troupe somehow retained that information and she had them all killed. Given that her origins remain a mystery, it was an easy thing to believe. She's a murderer and a spy," explained Ignis, taking a sip of his ebony as if he were discussing the weather.

"And she's after me now that Cor dismissed her," said Gladiolus dryly.

"That's the news now though, she was relieved of duty at her own insistence. She was positively adamant about never seeing battle again, nor the inside of the Citadel."

"Funny road to go for a spy."

"Precisely."

"And Cor?"

"Absolutely refuses to engage in conversation about those events. In fact, anyone is severely punished for even bringing it up."

"Which means he's protecting her from something."

Ignis nodded, "Whatever happened that night, the truth only lies with Dr. Virum. I suspect she had been silenced both willingly and as a command."

Gladiolus frowned in thought, turning over all of this inside of his head, "What about Grun?"

"He was her commanding officer. The two had a history, though that was shattered after her battle. No one knows the true nature of their relationship, however, he turned against her before he was killed in action."

Gladiolus grunted, "So the thought is, lay low and then get involved with me in order to pick up more secrets for the Empire."

"More or less, after this morning's spectacle."

"I don't buy it," said Gladiolus at once.

"It does raise concerns," agreed Ignis.

"Cor trusts her. He has to have a reason behind it, even if he won't tell anyone."

"The Marshal does exhibit a renown judge of character. Still, I cannot help but wonder why all this secrecy if there is in fact, nothing to hide."

Gladiolus frowned in thought again, Ignis's words striking a nerve within him. If anything, he was more confused now than when he started. He just hoped that his intuition was right this time as it had never really let him down before.

...

Athenacia drunk probably her third beer of the evening, sitting in her living room and having called in sick to work for the first time ever. Gin was overly suspicious but the doctor silenced her simply. She didn't want to talk about this morning, she hated herself for even engaging with that asshole. The fatigue caused her to react, so sick of people looking at her like she was some kind of monster. Sick of their accusatory implications, sick of being judged by the ignorant. So yeah, she was sick, but not in the traditional way. The girl wanted nothing to do with today and was upset that she even let any of this get to her in the first place. The scene would surely have people around town talking. After she had left the diner in a rush, she blended into the masses of civilians on the street and headed toward her home. Athenacia didn't have her car at home and didn't feel like using public transit to get to work in order to get it. Instead, she just came come and collapsed on her bed, catching a couple of hours sleep before her nightmare woke her up as it always did. The doctor didn't even bother to bathe or anything just ordered food and added to her mountains of garbage.

Most of the day was spent stewing in her apartment at her windowsill and looking out over the city, her view of the park perfect. Athenacia checked her phone, not even sure why she looked at the damn thing. She had called in so work wasn't going to need her for anything, she didn't have any friends, so there was no worrying about anyone getting a hold of her. Gladiolus hadn't even messaged her since she ditched him this morning and it stung, but she should have seen this coming. Imperial spy indeed! This was the main reason she stayed away from Crownsguard and anything to do with any of it. If she was being honest with herself, she was sad things had to end this way with him, she had really liked him. A smile finally found her face, thinking about the amount of effort he had put into chasing her around. It made her feel like a normal girl, almost like she could take a step away from the burdens of her past and live a normal life.

But she was wrong.

No matter what she was destined to be alone, because no matter what her past would trail her wherever she went, ruining any sort of relationship she had with anyone. There would never be peace for her, it seemed that no matter how many lives she saved, Eos would always be against her. Not that she threw herself into medicine just for redemption, she truly wanted to help people. It just seemed that there was no end to her suffering no matter how much good she did. The world was cruel and unfair, and she wished that she had the power to cure all suffering but alas, she was just a lowly citizen. Athenacia sighed, finishing her beer and grabbing another before perching herself back into her spot, the sun invisible behind the storm clouds as it began to set. Alone in the dark, lightning illuminating her apartment for mere seconds before thunder followed after it. The doctor absently watched people scurry out of the unforgiving rain, as it pelted down the streets through the magical barrier. Tipping her head back to finish half the bottle, the effects of her consumption wasn't felt at all. Makeup smeared over her face as she rubbed her tired, puffy eyes, her appearance far from her mind while she moped. It wasn't like she was going out today anyway. Why did the world suck so bad?

Athenacia was brought out of her thoughts by her phone buzzing. Groaning, she finished her beer and tossing it in one of her garbage piles before picking up the device, almost dropping it in the process. The brightness of the screen caused her eyes to squint, trying to make out the text before her. Thunder roared outside, while she was able to read that she had a message. It was from Gladiolus. Her heart started to thump in her chest, nausea settling in while her body bubbled with anxiety. Athenacia put her phone down, holding her head in her hands. After sulking about not hearing from him all day, now she had her chance and her mind was totally blank. What would she even say to him? Taking a deep breath, she picked up her phone again, feeling tears well up in her eyes as she opened the message.

We need to talk.

Another wave of anxiety flowed through her.

Can't, I'm at work.

The doctor sent back her immediate response, not liking the idea of talking about anything. Athenacia knew that he would respect her work time, wanting to avoid any of this conflict. Her phone buzzed again and she picked it up instantly.

No you're not.

Shit, he had already gone there. Panic flooded through her, the idea of having this conversation right now threatening to make her vomit. She just couldn't... Her phone buzzed again and she looked at it, wiping her tears and sniffling.

You owe me an explanation.

Damn. Those were the only words the could force her to meet with him. Athenacia sighed. Gladio was completely right, she did owe him after what happened this morning. Running a hand through her hair, a heavy, quivering sigh escaped her with a fresh stream of tears, trying to compose herself.

Okay.

What else was there really to say? The phone fell from her hands, replaced with her head while she shook in her sobs. Her stomach flipped as her phone buzzed again. She picked it up, sniffling again.

Pond in the park near your place. Half hour. Don't be late.

Vision blurred with tears as the device once again fell from her hands. The storm that was raging over the city was starting to let up, thankfully. Rubbing away her tears and sniffling one last time, she got up and walked toward her bathroom. Once she turned on the light she was able to see the true mess she was. Her hair wasn't terrible, but her face was a wreck. She did not wear crying well, her eyes bloodshot and puffy. The sleep deprivation was a norm for her, probably attributing to her poor appearance. Leaning over the counter, the weight of everything she was about to do settled in and left her light-headed.

Athenacia took in another deep breath, forcing herself to look back into her mirror. She was a soldier, a Glaive, assistant manager of the emergency department. She wasn't a coward, that's why she had threatened Pius, she was a warrior and she wouldn't let this get the better of her. Wiping her eyes for the last time, she began to fix herself up. There was less than half an hour to make herself presentable. Luckily, she only really had to fix her face, washing off the old smeared makeup from this morning and reapplied it, noting that it didn't really do much to hide her pale complexion. The messy hair had a brush run through it and then placed into a low ponytail. It wasn't her best work, but she didn't really care. Gladiolus would just have to deal with since he was probably going to break it off with her anyway. Athenacia was going out with her head held high, her past be damned!

When she was as satisfied as she could be, she put on her purse, boots and her trademark black and grey striped fingerless gloves. Pulling on a black jacket with a grey hood, closed the door behind her and raced to the elevator. As she stepped out the front entrance, she was happy that all the rain had stopped, leaving a fresh scent in the air though she could still hear rumblings of thunder and the sky still flashing with lightning. Athenacia began her trek, walking faster than she needed to. She just wanted to get this over with so she could go back to stewing in her apartment alone and try to move on with her life. Sighing, she stopped on the cement path and pulled out her phone, noting she was about five minutes early. No one was here, she was the only one. Taking a quick look around told her that no one was really there anyway.

Gladiolus could have just as easily stood her up. And why not? After the way she reacted this morning, she was surprised he even wanted to go this far. What did he even want from her anyway? He was a Crownsguard, the Shield to Prince Noctis, it wasn't like he couldn't figure out what happened in her past. Athenacia doubted she'd be able to tell him much, she was sworn to secrecy by the King himself. None of it was common knowledge, all her and Cor ever said was no comment. The Marshal was adamant about keeping to themselves and she welcomed that, only wanting to focus on the future ahead instead of living in her past. Not that she ever had the chance to move on but she could at least work and try to forget.

The doctor was pulled out of her thoughts when she heard footsteps. Another wave of panic surged through her, the wind rustling the leaves and bringing the promise of another storm. A large shadow was spotted approaching and after the last time she was walking around at night, she immediately tensed up. Once it drew closer, she recognized the silhouette as Gladiolus and relaxed a little. Externally anyway, internally all the resolve she had gained in her apartment had vanished upon seeing him. The hard look on his face made her breath catch in her throat, her heart beginning to race the closer he was and their eyes met.

"Gladio... I-mm-"

Athenacia was cut off from anything she was about to stammer out of her mouth. In a few short strides Gladiolus had closed the gap between them, but he didn't stop there, swiftly reaching for the back of her head and pulling her toward him. His lips crashed upon hers, his other arm wrapping around her back and closing the gap between their bodies. Her hands were on his chest, eyes wide in shock at what was happening. He threw her completely off guard and she wasn't sure how to respond. A tear fell down her face as her eyes closed and she gave into him, losing herself completely in their first kiss. Pulling back only a small distance, his amber gaze was upon her the entire time. The hand behind her head was placed it on her cheek, gently wiping her tear with his thumb while she searched him for answers to his behaviour. Her face was so small it could fit entirely in it and she let out a breath, sniffling again. The doctor didn't even know what to say to him anymore, his entire demeanour throwing her off. Raindrops slowly fell sporadically on their heads, going unnoticed by the confused girl in the large man's arms.

"I don't care," he said finally, "Whatever you did, have done, I don't care. I know what I see, and it's not what's been said."

"You don't think I'm a murderous spy?" another tear rolled down her cheek and he was quick to wipe it away.

"No. I chased you down and if that was really part of your plan then so be it," he said, holding her gaze.

The girl almost laughed as more tears streamed down her cheeks. The rain grew heavier, beginning to thoroughly soak them to the bone. They didn't care and he pulled her in for another kiss. This time she welcomed it, feeling relief sweep through her knowing that he was here for her. Her arms snaked around his neck, pulling him closer as she was standing on her tip toes just to reach him. Gladio still had to bend down but he didn't mind in the slightest. They separated, tears still falling down her face though hard to notice while the rain pelted her pale skin. Athenacia was still shy, trying to push past her utter shock of his reaction toward her. His own face wore a loving smile as he looked down at her and then a loud crash of thunder snapped their attention.

It became very evident that they were standing in the middle of a thunderstorm. Athenacia let out a shiver, breaking their embrace. Gladiolus grabbed her hand gently and led her back toward her building. The wind began to rage again as lightning shone in the sky, a large crack of thunder following. It didn't take long to get back there, she was practically running just to keep up with him. When they were safe inside the lobby she was out of breath, trying to keep herself composed as they watched the storm outside, soaked to the bone. Her hand was still in his own and she wasn't really sure where to go from here but as the cold settled in, it caused her to shiver. Almost like a reflex, he brought her back into his arms to try and warm her up. His proximity had her warm alright, just not in the way he was aiming for. Biting her lip nervously, she walked toward the elevator and called one to her. Gladio watched as she pushed the seventh floor and waited patiently for the door to close. The ride up didn't take long and he walked with her down the corridor, stopping in front of her door, 708. It was at the end of the hall, a corner unit. The door wasn't locked, opening with no issues before she turned on the light and instantly regretted it. Shit.

Gladiolus was a bit shocked as he walked into her home, closing the door behind him. The foyer was mostly clean, there wasn't much there aside from a mountain of shoes, and he politely added his own to the pile. When he walked down the hallway he stopped in his tracks, brows raised in shock at what laid before him. There were laundry piles and garbage all over the place, take-out food containers and beer bottles littered along the kitchen. A thick layer of dust blanketed everything, only a small pathway from the foyer to the bedroom was visible. The Shield looked down at her expectantly and she was at a loss for words.

"I'm sorry I..." she was thoroughly shamed, "I'm never here and when I am it's just to change and then head out..." she explained, her face turning bright red at her own embarrassment.

The longer he stared at her the more flustered she became, causing him to grin. Finally, he roared with laughter at her.

"You're a slob," he said lightly.

"I-I, I'm just busy!" she sputtered as he continued to chuckle at her.

"Sure, Doc," he grinned.

Athenacia sighed, smiling at him again before laughing at herself. Leaving him standing there, she quickly scurried down the hall to her bathroom, closing the door behind her and grabbing towels out of her closet. From there, she went through the second doorway into her bedroom and closed that one as well, rummaging in her closet for a change of clothes. Swiftly pulling on grey sweatpants and a black tank top she put all of her soaking clothes in a pile before gathering them up. On the way out of the room, Athenacia caught sight of her herself in the stand-up mirror, noting her makeup was running again. Sighing, she pulled the tie out of her hair and grabbed an extra towel to clean up her face and then dry her hair off a little. Keeping the towel around her neck, she grabbed the spare, put her phone in her pocket and left the room, coming back to Gladiolus and handing him the towel before continuing to her laundry room. Once there the dryer was open and she tossed her clothes inside with a load that was left over from who knew when.

"These to," she heard Gladio behind her.

The doctor grabbed the ball of clothes he handed her, throwing them in and slamming the door shut before starting a fresh cycle. Satisfied, she turned to leave but stopped dead in her tracks once she caught sight of the Shield standing in her doorway. Athenacia swallowed, her heart beginning to hammer in her chest to the point she was sure she was on the brink of cardiac arrest. Hazel eyes rolled over a glistening chest, perfectly defined and chiselled chest. Further down, he was only wearing her towel dangerously low around his waist and she could see the definition of all his muscles, crafted by all of his training. The breath she didn't know was holding escaped her, mouth going dry. A burning desire filled her, something he must have felt too.

Gladiolus captured her lips, hungry this time. Athenacia allowed him to lift her effortlessly off the ground and sit on top of her dryer so that she was closer to eye level with him. A hand ran up her back underneath her shirt, pulling her closer to him. The towel was tossed aside, replaced by his large hand that deepened the kiss. A sigh left her, tiny arms holding on for dear life. Gladio felt something vibrate against his left hip where the inside of her thigh was touching him. It was ignored, Athenacia breaking her connection with him for a mere moment while her shirt was hastily thrown away. As soon as her skin touched his she felt aflame trying to ignore yet another vibration from her pocket. It was to no avail, the buzzing in her pocket continuing relentlessly and she pulled away from him in order to check her phone. Gladio kept his hands on her hips, holding her in place with his lips ghosted along her cheek, hot breath making it hard for her to focus.

"They want me at work," she said sadly.

"Didn't you call in?" he asked.

"Yeah, but this is the night shift now. There was no replacement for me tonight and they want to know if I'm good enough to go in."

The Shield sighed, leaning back a few inches but moving no further as he kept his gaze on her.

"You should probably go," he conceded, his voice heavy.

"Yeah..." she smiled sadly. And then it hit her, "I don't have my car, it's still parked in the staff lot."

"What's it doing there?" he asked.

"You picked me up..." she looked up at him nervously.

"Right. You walked home?"

"I needed to clear my head."

He nodded, "You can take my car."

"What? But-"

"Clothes aren't dry. You'll be back in the morning right?"

"Well, yeah but-"

"So take my car."

Athenacia hesitated, "O-okay."

Gladiolus nodded at her, stepping away and letting her down. Shaking out of her shock, she grabbed her shirt, putting it back on and leaving the room with him behind her every step. The doctor quickly grabbed her things, her purse and a pair of socks before slipping on shoes and then putting on a dry jacket. When she was done, she turned to face Gladiolus who was just watching her the entire time, something that she was completely aware of.

"My bed is untarnished by my mess, you can sleep there," she said.

Gladio nodded, handed her his keys and using that opportunity to pull her in for another kiss. At this point, she was considering telling her work to fuck off but she knew that she couldn't now. He was smiling at her as they broke apart.

"Go save some lives."

Athenacia returned his smile, nodding at him before turning to leave. Gladiolus took a look around him, wondering if Ignis was upstairs or not.

2 notes · View notes

rain0205-blog · 6 years

Text

Terminal State

Not Glowing

...

Dr. Virum smiled as she watched a mother with her infant daughter leave the hospital after a routine checkup. This was the patient with an enlarged heart, needing a new one in order to survive the life she barely even knew. The transplant for that baby had been a success, however, and she was responding well to treatment meaning her body wasn't rejecting the heart. The mother was so grateful to Dr. Virum that she personally stopped by to thank her every single time she came back for her check-ups. Virum, of course, was beyond happy to have helped out in any way, having a real soft spot for children. At least this time, she was able to save a life and that made up for all the misery she suffered in this job some days.

As the doors closed behind that small and happy family, the doctor pulled out her tablet and looked at what was next on her agenda. The vibrations of her phone in her pocket had her abruptly stop what she was doing and swiftly fish it out of her lab coat pocket. Gin, the pregnant resident nurse saw the reaction and was looking at her friend suspiciously. Dr. Virum smiled in a way she only recently started doing as she stared at her phone - and she rarely had her phone out while she was working. Chewing her lip in thought, that same sort of glow reached her cheeks before replying to a message and putting it back in her pocket. It was then she caught the look of her charge nurse, wondering why on Eos she was being stared at like that.

"What?" she asked.

"Who's that?" asked Gin, nodding her head towards the phone.

"This?" Dr. Virum held up the tablet, "Looks like 45 year-old male presenting with severe abdominal pain likely caused by constipation."

"No I don't mean the patient files, I mean on your phone. Who's making you glow?"

"Glow? What are you talking about?"

"All week you've been glowing at your phone. Who is he?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," she scoffed, regretting that she even opened up her mouth.

"Is it that huge Crownsguard you were making kissy faces with last week?"

Virum felt the heat rise to her cheeks, "What? Kissy faces?" she tried to feign disbelief.

"You know, that really big one that kept asking you out. Did you finally say yes?"

"You're crazy lady. Those pregnancy hormones are really messing with you."

"You DID say yes!" Gin confirmed.

"You have no idea what you're talking about," she walked away into the patient room.

"This isn't over, Cia, I want details!"

"Don't hold your breath waiting for something that never happened," she said gently before opening the door and stepping inside.

45 year-old male, severe abdominal pain. Constipated, mediated with stool softener and left for observation. 89 year-old male, broken hip. Administered antibiotics and put on a list for hip replacement. 13 year-old female, severe abdominal pain. Beginning of menstruation. 29 year-old male, severed femur. Mended, given pain medication. 32 year-old male, nausea, dizzy spells, shortness of breath. Common cold, administered antibiotics.

I know it's hard to hold in your desire to see me.

73 year-old female, shortness of breath. Asthmatic, administered oxygen. 8 year-old male, persistent shortness of breath, sinus infection. Cystic fibrosis, sent to pediatrics for continued treatment. 96 year-old male, cardiac arrest. Time of death, 19:08. 33 year-old female, fainted. Low blood pressure.

Your ego is the perfect remedy to kill that sort of desire.

24 year-old male, overdose. Resuscitated and put on 72 hour watch. 40 year-old male, sprained ankle. Wrapped up, given pain medication. 55 year-old female, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation. Fungal infection, administered medication.

That hurt, Doc, I think I might need to come in and get it checked out

28 year-old female, nausea, dizzy spells, vomiting. Pregnant. 50 year-old female, shortness of breath, loss of movement in entire body. Final stage Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Time of death, 21:54. 33 year-old male, multiple lacerations and contusions, fractured ribs. Fighting, stitched, patched, administered pain medication.

Maybe it's you who's desperate to see me.

Dr. Virum sat in the lounge, taking a much-needed break. She was also hiding from Gin, knowing the woman was on her way out soon and wasn't interested in being pestered about her personal life. Here in the lounge, everyone left her alone, knowing that she did a lot of work while she was here. Her phone buzzed again and she smiled as she pulled it out, unlocking the screen.

You got me. When's a good time?

Virum sighed. Gladiolus and herself had been texting back and forth religiously since she regained his number in her new phone nearly a week ago. The two hadn't seen each other since then, their schedules remaining out of line but he was getting impatient and she could tell by the urgency of his messages, pushing again to see her outside of work. It wasn't that she didn't want to but while he was busy with his day in the morning she was more often than not, sleeping. Well, sleeping as much as she could given her constant inability to sleep a full cycle. Lately, she had been working double shifts, the evening and the night. They were short staffed and she was the only attending in her department to look after the new resident doctors. She wished there were more around but she did her job.

Wish I could say. I'm on throughout the night.

Small white teeth captured her bottom lip as she sent the message, feeling bad that she had to once again turn him down. It wasn't long ago that she was doing it with ease, now that they were a little more familiar with each other she was having more trouble with it. Things seemed more complicated now and she missed the simplicity of not having any feelings. That doctor liked him, that she couldn't deny. Somehow he had crawled under her skin despite her attempts to keep him at bay. Sneaky. Her phone vibrated in her hands, snapping her out of her thoughts. It wasn't a reply, however, simply an alarm to signal the end of her break.

Sorry...

She sent it as an afterthought when he took longer than normal to answer. Her stomach twisted as she was nervous. Heaving a sigh, she kept her hazel orbs on the screen before her, knowing that she would have to get back to work. Just as she was about to put her phone away, it buzzed again.

I get it. They need the best on site.

Virum smiled at his response, that warm feeling spreading throughout her body at his words. At least he wasn't taking this personally, accepting she mostly put her job before anything else. It was with relief that he knew she wasn't still trying to avoid him.

But I get to go to sleep tonight. You, however, get to stay up all night at work thinking about me.

The response caused her to laugh out loud at her phone. Again she captured her lip in that nervous manner before typing in her reply.

Good night, Gladio

Night Doc.

A smile still plastered on her face, she put her phone away and was extremely happy that Gin wasn't here to see this. Taking a deep breath, she left the lounge, getting ready to finish the rest of her shift. Hopefully, it would be another quiet night where she could squeeze in some twenty-minute naps here and there.

...

Dr. Virum sighed heavily as she observed herself in the mirror. Her bloodshot hazel eyes made her look like she had been up for days on a bender. Just one more hour and she could leave. The girl was extremely hungry, her stomach in protest at the crap she had been feeding it as of late. After all of this hard work, she knew that the only way to settle herself was to eat a real breakfast, no matter the exhaustion, and then return to her home. Yeah, she was going home this morning, she hadn't been there in a couple of days and she didn't care if she slept in one of her massive garbage or laundry piles, she was sick of hearing beeping and the hum of lights. Rubbing her eyes carefully in an attempt to keep herself awake, she absently wondered why she even bothered with makeup at all. If anything, the constant layer of black only amplified the dark circles that formed under her eyes in contrast with her pale skin. Virum missed when she looked mostly human and not some hollow shell containing her medical brain. Sighing once more, she left, going back to work.

As she approached the nurse's station, Tash was looking at her with an amused smile on her face. What could that be about? The older woman was always very motherly, always thought she was one step ahead. Virum didn't say anything under that steady gaze but pulled out her tablet to look through patient files. She was aware of the older woman's eyes following her everywhere she went. Turning her back, she pulled up the file, trying not to focus on being watched. 23 year-old male minor chest pain. At least this would be simple, men that age didn't have too much wrong with them. Glancing at Tash one more time who was now openly grinning at her. Dr. Virum narrowed her eyes in suspicion before going toward the treatment room. The doctor opened up the glass sliding doors and pulled back the curtain, studying the file before her. Placing her tablet in her lab coat pocket and grabbed a pair of latex gloves, she began to pull them over her hands and then stopped as soon as she looked up. Virum rolled her eyes slightly, letting out a little laugh as she looked at her patient. He was grinning at her as he usually did, his amber eyes mischievous as he observed her. The girl didn't even bother with her gloves, giving him a pointed look and tried to keep the smile off her face as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Hey Doc," he greeted casually.

"Gladio, happy to see you utilizing our hospital resources," she replied dryly.

"Nurse said you weren't busy," he shrugged.

"I guess I'm not. What are you doing here?"

"Told you, I had to come get checked out. This mean girl hurt me."

"Awe. She sounds like a real bitch."

"Wouldn't know, only see her at work."

Her smiled turned sad as she shifted her gaze downward, "Sorry."

He shrugged, "You're done soon right?"

She brought her attention back towards him, nodding, "Little less than an hour."

"No chance of skipping out early?"

"Only if the relief doctor comes in early, and he probably won't, he never does."

Gladio nodded at her, his smile never fading from his face. Virum took a quick peek behind her, glaring with a smile at Tash who only looked at the young woman knowingly. Gin had a big mouth. Bringing up her tablet, she noted that there wasn't anyone waiting so she could linger here for a short time. The doctor put her face back in her tablet and discharged Gladiolus, looking pointedly at Tash one more time.

"Well?" he asked her.

She turned back towards him, "Well what?"

"Aren't you going to examine me?" he raised a brow with a wolfish smile.

"Rain check."

"I'll hold you to that."

"I'm sure you will."

The Shield stood from the gurney, walking towards her. Dr. Virum kept a respectable distance, this was a workplace after all. Besides, the curtains behind her were open and she was very aware of the older woman's gaze on her back. The doctor looked up at him as he approached and then watched him walk by her, stepping outside of the room.

"I'll be in the waiting room," he said.

Virum smiled and nodded at him before he turned and grinned at the resident nurse watching from her station. Tash waved politely and then her smile turned back toward the young doctor, her eyes glowing in amusement. Dr. Virum walked back to the nurse's station, tablet in hands and looked at the nurse expectantly, waiting for some sort of explanation as to what that was all about.

"Gin's right, he does make you glow," said Tash, looking back over at the Shield.

"I'm not glowing," Virum insisted, keeping the smile from her face.

"Whatever happened to, 'I don't date Crownsguard' anyway?"

"I..." she sighed, glancing quickly at Gladiolus happy he hadn't noticed her, "I don't even know how this happened. But it did, and I'm not entirely unhappy about it," she finally conceded now that the cat was out of the bag, "I'm not really sure what I think, I've been here more often than not."

"Well, praise the gods, the ice queen has feelings after all."

"Ice queen? Is that seriously what people call me?"

Tash shrugged, "More or less. You're never with anyone and you never go home. And most have heard about where you were before you came here."

She frowned, "You don't believe them... do you?"

"I wasn't sure at first. Now I know."

She smiled relieved, "Thanks."

...

After about 45 minutes into the last hour the relief doctor, Dr. Brette, made his appearance and she was free to go. Virum nearly sprinted toward the locker rooms and punched in the code to her locker, placing her tablet carefully inside and pulled out her toiletries with a fresh change of clothes. The door was slammed closed, hastily grabbing a fresh towel and hitting the showers. The water was scorching as usual, her skin turning red upon contact and with it, relief of the stress she had carried the last sixteen hours. But she didn't linger so long, knowing that Gladiolus was waiting patiently for her.

Athenacia pulled on her clean clothes, dumping her hospital attire in the waste bin to get washed for the next shift. She blow dried her hair quickly in the mirror, letting it flare out at the bottom that only reached halfway down her neck. Jewelry went back in place and another coat of makeup was swiftly applied in a poor attempt to look mostly human. There was no hiding those bloodshot eyes that carried her sleep deprivation wherever she went. The dark circles if anything, looked worse than before on her pale complexion. Sighing, she wondered what anyone could possibly see in her. That ugly scar on her neck was mostly hidden by her thin, long-sleeved black shirt. It wasn't very low but didn't bundle up around her neck, letting her necklace be visible against her skin. Her dark jeans clung to her body but allowed her to move freely and she put her boots on. They were black, with a very noticeable zipper that stopped about mid calf and a very small heel to them. As satisfied as she could be with such short notice, she walked back toward her locker, opening it up again and dumping her things inside before grabbing the last items to leave. She pulled on those telltale fingerless black and grey striped gloves, her purse and then a soft, form-fitting leather jacket.

Checking her phone, a small bout of anxiety swept through her at seeing it was 30 minutes after her shift ended. Half an hour wasn't exactly a terribly long time to take to get ready but she hated when people were waiting for her. Athenacia walked briskly back toward the emergency department, giving a small wave to Tash on her way past the nurse's station. She slowed her pace as she walked into the waiting room, her hazel eyes scanning it quickly. Gladiolus wasn't exactly hard to spot and she found him dozing in a chair off to the side. Athenacia smiled sadly at the scene, feeling guilty about having him wait on her like this, but was overly thrilled that he had gone through the effort to wake up early and invade her work like this.

The girl walked over to him as other staff were beginning their shift change. Her smile grew as she heard a light snore coming from his nose and she tilted her head slightly in thought before reaching her hand out slowly towards his shoulder. Athenacia was about to make contact with him when his hand suddenly jerked and grabbed her wrist. Suppressing a squeal was easy but she couldn't stop her body from jumping in response, taking in a breath of relief while he regarded her with the playful grin he seemed to always wear. The doctor smiled back at him, feeling extremely small as his massive hand seemed to take over most of her forearm. Gladio stood then, keeping their connection as he moved his hand to keep hers occupied within his own. Athenacia wasn't really prepared for that but didn't make any effort to move as she felt heat on her cheeks while being lead out of the emergency department.

"Where to?" he asked as he began walking with her toward his car.

"Breakfast, I'm starving," she emphasized the last word.

"I know just the place," he replied, regretfully letting go of her hand as they approached the vehicle.

Once she had gotten in she leaned her head back on the headrest, the exhaustion setting in upon her. The sun was already up, people along with it waking from their slumber and getting ready for the day. Gladiolus drove and she tried to keep track of where they were going so she had an idea of where she was. They didn't travel for very long, the streets pretty well empty at this hour. The girl was dozing a bit, the harder she tried to keep her eyes open the more asleep she was. But when she felt the car stop she was alert for a brief moment, getting out and closing the door gently before meeting him on the sidewalk.

Athenacia blinked in surprise as he swiftly grabbed her hand again and began to guide her down the street. They weren't walking very fast but they were silent as she was fighting with her stomach to settle down with his proximity. In truth, she wasn't exactly prepared for his boldness and it was throwing her completely off guard but it wasn't unpleasant either so she went with it as they walked. It was only about a block away that he started to lead her toward a diner. The door was being held open already as they approached and he released her hand to allow her to step inside first. A small blush crept to her cheeks when she felt one of his hands graze her back as she took a step up into the door. Athenacia then sidestepped to allow him room to enter as she wasn't even sure where she was going. Gladio grabbed her hand again and led her to the table that was right in the window, the only one that seemed to be free at the moment. It was very busy here, this place being open all hours of the day and night according to the sign. It reminded her of the diner down the street from her house and made her feel mostly at ease. The girl looked over the menu and her mouth began to water. As the waiter approached, Gladiolus ordered quickly and then the attention was on her.

"I want a peameal benedict, three eggs medium, a side of fruit and a peanut butter milkshake," she told him seriously. He wrote it all down faithfully, taking her menu from him.

Gladiolus raised his eyebrows, "You're going to eat all that?"

"And then some, that caramel chocolate pecan cheesecake is next."

He laughed, "I'm impressed."

"I haven't eaten since about two this morning."

"Busy night?"

"Yes and no. There's just so much late night cafeteria food one can take. Tash brings me snacks, but she's not always on night shift."

Gladio grinned at her as they continued to talk about the sudden need of her for double shifts. Athenacia explained that with the war going on they needed more staffing at the other clinics and since she was mostly the one managing the department it usually fell to her to take the extra shits. It was the norm, seeing as all she ever really did with her free time was work anyway. Gladiolus could see the damage that Ignis had spoken of as she talked but their conversation was interrupted by their food being brought to them. The doctor dived in immediately, the pang in her stomach refusing to be quelled until she did. Gladio watched her with amusement in his amber eyes. Athenacia had no shame about eating and given her small stature, he was definitely not expecting it. When she finished the entire thing he had to admit he was a little shocked, she had eaten more than him, and just as she promised, ordered that slice of cheesecake. Her eyes were aglow as it was brought out to her but she savoured this instead of wolfing it down. The Shield could see the bags under her eyes despite the effort she used to hide them.

"Do you ever sleep?" he blurted without thinking.

Athenacia looked at him with the fork in her mouth, her lips covering the bite she was taking. She slid it slowly out, chewing and swallowing with her eyes downcast. The question definitely took her by surprise.

"Here and there. Once in a while, I get lucky to manage to get a few undisturbed hours."

"Your job?"

"No, they usually leave me alone."

"What is it then?" he narrowed his eyes slightly as he studied her.

"It's... Just a bad dream sometimes..." she replied evasively, hoping he wouldn't press the matter.

"Good, you should be suffering after what you did," a voice sounded behind her, delivering the words with pure hatred.

The doctor turned to look at the source, as the man walked up to their table and stood in front of them. He was tall, lanky, with his arms crossed as he glared at her with hard emerald eyes. The stranger donned the uniform of a Glaive, his strawberry blond hair falling down his face, completely untamed as he regarded her. Athenacia matched his stare, Gladiolus noting that her hands tightened into fists. He imagined that she had white knuckles underneath her gloves.

"Athenacia Virum, still walking the streets of Insomnia pretending to care about lives that you destroy," he said in malice.

"You wanna step away now?" warned Gladiolus, his amber eyes hardening at what he was hearing.

"Oh? Got yourself another bodyguard did you?" the man regarded the Shield, and then smirked, "You move quickly. First Cor, then Grun, now it looks like you're after the Prince's own sword Shield. What's next, Virum, the Prince himself? You seem to go younger as you get older."

Gladiolus growled but Athenacia was on her feet before he could react. Despite being shorter than the Glaive, she matched his stare with zero issue, keeping her breath calm and even while the anger bubbled within her. Gladiolus also stood, on guard and waiting for anything to happen. All eyes in the diner were on the three of them and that only fueled her rage more as she fought with herself to contain her anger.

"You need to leave now, Pius," she seethed between gritted teeth, "Or I'll show you first hand exactly what happened that night," and to emphasize her point, she opened her hand, sparking a fireball with the King's magic she could still wield from long ago, "You do remember how adept I am with fire, right?"

Athenacia kept it contained in her hand, ready to strike him if need be. Pius had his face contorted in anger as he looked between her, the fireball, and once at the Shield who held his own death glare. The tension in the room was extremely high with each passing second, the civilians wondering whether or not they would witness a fight, if that fireball was going to make its move. Pius then scoffed at her, turning toward the door.

"You'll get what's coming to you, Virum, don't think you won't," he spat at her before leaving.

Athenacia kept her hateful gaze on the spot he occupied for just a moment before dismissing the flames in her hands. A large, shaking breath left her lips, one she didn't even know she was holding, and she suddenly became very aware of all the eyes that were on her. If it was possible, she became paler as her nerves got the better of her. She bolted out of the diner without a second thought, knowing that she needed to get out of there, leaving Gladiolus in her dust to sit and wonder what had just happened.

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