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Immortal Shield Chapter 40: Allies

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Tagging: @seradyn

“Are you insane?!” Gladio exclaimed.

“Could you not yell at me point blank?” Noctis countered with a heavy sigh. He shook his head, taking a seat at the end of the dining table within his and Luna’s chambers. The queen herself reached out for Noctis’s left hand that was laying against the tables surface. He welcomed the warmth of her touch as Luna sat beside him, briefly making eye contact with her before casting his gaze onto his retainers.

“I know this plan is a stretch, but--”

“Noct, if I may be blunt, this is more than a stretch. This could outright cause the destabilization between our kingdom and that of the other countries.” Ignis interrupted. He did his best to remain composed, but like Gladio, shared the same concern: that Noctis had lost his marbles. He didn’t have the heart to say the actual words.

“Guys,” Prompto interjected. He felt everyone’s eyes staring through him and knitted his brows. “I don’t think it’s so bad. I mean, as long as everything remains between us in this room, we got no problem!”

“You’re being way to optimistic about us risking our heads and kingdom to rescue some assholes warlord girlfriend.” Gladio said bitterly.

“Hey, Cae isn’t just some girlfriend to an adversary. She’s not that bad of a person either.” Prompto said in his defense.

“Oh yeah? And I suppose you can vouch for that personally? What, did you and Cindy have a fall out and Caelan was the rebound?” Gladio scoffed.

“Okay, now you’re just being an ass!” Prompto raised his voice. He rose up from his seat as did Gladio. The two men stared each other down until Prompto blinked a few times, casting his gaze away. He shook his head, then gestured out with his hand to call for peace.

“Regarding Cindy, her and I--we bumped into Cae and Ardyn, at The Solstice. The night we went to see the Vote Abandon concert--”

“What?!” Everyone in unison shouted, interrupting Prompto. He visibly flinched, making a face as Ignis zeroed in on him.

“And you neglected to notify us you saw Ardyn, several days before he showed up at the public forum?”

“W-well, I didn’t know if it was him for sure! The night club was so dark, I drank a lot, and--I chased them! Cae is a client of Cindy’s. She worked on Cae's car, the Scepter. I talked to Cae about it while she was waiting for Ardyn. I guess they were on a date? I don't quite remember. I think they were.”

“That’s irrelevant.” Ignis sighed.

“Prompto,” Noctis spoke up, silencing the mess of the conversation happening and furrowed his brows. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

Noctis didn’t have to say a word to convey his disappointment. It was visibly felt from his dark blue eyes. Enough for Prompto to feel the first waves of guilt hit him for not reacting as he should’ve. As a retainer and personal friend of the king, Prompto knew he screwed up his duties in more ways than one.

“I didn’t see the point in wasting resources on something I could’ve drunkenly imagined. With how sick you were Noct, I didn’t want to add more gasoline onto the fire. Everyone was on edge and so pissed off all the time, I--I didn’t want to cause trouble. I didn’t want to burden you. I thought I could handle it myself.” Prompto offered an apologetic shrug. The remorse in his voice lingered as he continued.

"I was scared. If that was Ardyn, I know I'd freeze up. I needed to confront him on my own terms. I don't expect you guys to understand, and I'm owning up to my mistake."

There were several disappointed sighs and disgruntled huffs, yet Gladio ventured over to Prompto’s side. He gave Prompto a few firm pats on the back with Ignis following suit. Ignis offered a caring smile to his friend as an apology for his earlier behavior, then let him go.

“Don’t be stupid next time. We all have each other’s backs, no matter what storms we are in. I’m sorry for what I said, about you and Cindy. That was out of line.” Gladio gently said, then stepped away.

“I know…and it’s okay.” Prompto murmured, giving a nod.

“Let’s move forward.” Noctis let out a breath, and gave a reassuring smile to Prompto. The kings retainers nodded and they all decided to sit down for the rest of the meeting. They took their place at the kings side, all of them processing the plan Noctis laid out. The uncertainty was like a heavy storm cloud, and it lingered over each of the men.

“You guys are my best friends first before retainers,” Noctis began. He gestured out to everyone for emphasis. “What else would you have me do regarding Ardyn? He can’t just remain here under house arrest until the end of his days. If we are successful, this would give him purpose. Something to focus on so he doesn’t go off the deep end.”

“Can you risk the possibility of war, or at minimum, sanctions?” Ignis asked aloud. “There is much danger with the plan you shared with us today, Noct. The repercussions, I don’t want to even grasp. Especially with our current economical standing between both Accordo and Niflheim.”

“Yes, there is risk and with it may come consequences. Guys, I can’t think of a better way we all walk off the board once and for all. Whatever Ardyn chooses to do afterward, that’s on him. We won’t be held responsible. It'll be in the hands of Niflheim.” Noctis said in defense of his idea.

“Even though I think I’m the only one here that agrees with you bud, I gotta say Iggy has a point.” Prompto began. “This plan has chips in it. If something fell through the cracks, we’re all screwed. Even the people we are trying to save.”

“If it were me,” Gladio began. “I’d throw him in prison. Send Ardyn back to Angelgard or whatever. He’s hurt too many, Noct. There’s already calls among the people to have him in shackles. Why not just kill him? He's mortal now as you've said. It would save us all the trouble, and his girlfriend is going to die anyway. I could get the glaive to handle it.”

“That man saved the lives of my wife and unborn son. He saved all of you from me. Bahamut would’ve used me to destroy Eos if Ardyn hadn't shown up when he did.” Noctis’s unyielding tone sent the whole room into silence. He looked each of his retainers in the eye, casting daggers into Gladio’s. Enough to where the shield glanced off to the side, not able to keep meeting the kings hardened stare.

“Now I don’t like him either--far from it--but we are not killing Ardyn. If he is to perish, it won't be at my hand nor any I command. I will not continue to allow generational trauma to fester in my line anymore than it has. Sending Ardyn to his death, is off the table.”

“If I may interrupt, I’d like to offer a different way of looking at things.” Lunafreya piped up, grabbing the attention of everyone in the room to her presence. She gave Noctis’s hand a gentle squeeze which he returned.

“I fear you're all searching too far ahead, scared of what schemes Ardyn may or may not perform in the future. You're not focused in the present. Ardyn isn’t the same man we faced years ago. When the Astrals sent me signs that someone was coming to help Noctis, I was given visions as to the persons character. Initially when I discovered so late that it was Ardyn, I was upset but---I can’t describe it. You must take me at my word as Oracle when I say, I don’t believe Ardyn’s going to pose much of a problem for us, so long as we don’t cast the first stone. He may not act it, but Ardyn's more vulnerable than you could possibly imagine. He's alone and he's terrified.”

Lunafreya offered a small smile towards her husband who looked upon her with so much adoration that she had to look away or else be smitten. She let out a deep breath, reaching with her left hand to pat her abdomen upon feeling the baby kick, rubbing smooth circles into her clothing to soothe both herself and the infant.

“Noctis shared the plan with me before he confided in you all today,” Lunafreya said sincerely. She doubted she could ease the tension in the room, but felt compelled to give it a try. “I believe it’s the right thing to do.”

“As do I!” Prompto chimed in, giving the table top a few strong pats for emphasis that he was game for it.

All eyes fell to Gladio and Ignis. The two men were beside themselves. Alas, Ignis was the first to let out an exhausted sigh and nodded in agreement.

“I can argue with the king all day, but not a queen all night.” Ignis gestured to Gladio that he was the only one left that had the floor. To which the shield didn’t seem to keen about. A growl left Gladio as he resigned himself to fate.

“I guess I’m stuck with you bleeding hearts,” Gladio shook his head in disbelief. He made a face, furrowing his brows as he cast his amber eyes towards the group as a whole. “So, which one of us is going to break the news to Ardyn?”

“Not it!” Prompto exclaimed, flinching at the thought of incurring the wrath of the man who psychologically tortured him years ago. As much as Prompto was game for helping others, there was still much to unpack regarding how he felt towards Ardyn.

“Why don’t we all go together to see him?” Noctis suggested.

“Good thinking.” Ignis nodded with a sigh. “We’re safer in numbers.”

Ardyn squinted his eyes while he attempted to read from an old book he found at random within the chambers. He was able to get through a couple paragraphs until the strain caught up to him. Ardyn's right thumb went to the corners of his eyes, giving both his eyelids a soft rub before trying his hand again at reading.

“Do you need glasses?” Seraphii asked curiously, observing the struggle.

“Hm? Oh no my dear. I’m simply tired.” Ardyn let out a frustrated sigh, deciding to give up for the time being. Not to mention he didn’t want to consider the possibility he needed such a tool to help him see text. It was a minor struggle in the grand scheme of things. One Ardyn could deal with for now. He sat the book down beside him, turning his focus to the child who had been coloring and drawing from afar.

“You see, when you get older you’re more prone to exhaustion from simple tasks.”

“That sounds---boring.” Seraphii’s bluntness had Ardyn chortle.

“It’s a fact of life I’m afraid. One you’ll get to experience yourself when you grow up.” Ardyn mused. He shuddered a little, scooting closer to the hearth. The blanket that had been wrapped around his body adjusted, and Ardyn grasped it tighter to himself. It felt good to be up and about more. He was thankful the IVs were no longer of use to him. Dragging them around was an extra chore his mortal form didn’t need to contend with. He didn't like how unnatural it felt having needles in his arms either. They reminded Ardyn too much of his imprisonment at Angelgard.

Ardyn's eyes stared at the flames and their orange red hues for a time, thinking about the news Ignis had brought earlier. His mind danced around the possibilities of what had become of Caelan. He felt aggravated the retainer didn’t give any more information other than notify that the king would pop in later. Ardyn hoped Noctis had a good excuse for providing so little.

“Whatcha thinking about?” Seraphii’s little voice pulled Ardyn out of the more darker recesses of his mind. He offered a smile, then rubbed the back of his neck.

“A friend of mine who I miss very much.” Ardyn said simply. “Do you have many friends?”

“Nope.” Seraphii shook her head. “Just my uncles and…I think you now?”

“I’d consider it an honor.” Ardyn chuckled. “Though, I don’t suppose your parents would appreciate that.”

“I don’t care!” Seraphii exclaimed. “You pay attention to me. I like you!”

The little one's stubborn attitude reminded Ardyn a lot of Somnus when his brother was around the girls age. No cares in the world but his own ambitions. It seemed that element never bothered to skip a generation. Mors, Regis’s father, retained that trait and then some all the way up to his death. Ardyn didn’t miss the late king one bit, and luckily didn’t have the pleasure of bumping into that descendant in person. There’s no way Ardyn could’ve kept his composure around him. Regis and Noctis were rather tame in comparison to both their father and grandfather respectively.

“I finished it!” Seraphii exclaimed. She got up from the couch and brought the small stack of drawing paper she had along with a pencil. The five year old presented her drawings to Ardyn at the hearth, eagerly awaiting his feedback.

“Well, you certainly have talent!” Ardyn chuckled. His eyes cast downward at Seraphii’s pieces, admiring the scribbles and shapes. He was quick to find a crude portrait of himself among the pile, impressed that she nailed down his unkempt hair and moody expression. For a kid, she was able to grasp the basic foundations of art quite well.

“That’s you!” Seraphii pointed to the one closest to Ardyn. Her small brows knitted. Her excitement faltered when she noticed a mistake in the drawing she made of him. “Eyes are so hard to draw…”

“Hmm, you don’t say?” Ardyn debated with himself, then beckoned Seraphii to approach and hand him the pencil. He smiled at her when she handed it off. After adjusting on the floor and leaning forward, Ardyn grabbed one of the blank pieces of paper Seraphii laid out and started to sketch.

With fascination, Seraphii watched as mere shapes began to take form into something else. It became evident Ardyn had been drawing for years. Maybe at one point in his life, he was a professional himself.

“Whoa, you draw too?”

The awe in her squeaky voice had Ardyn smile.

“Yes, I used to draw quite often when I was younger. A favorite past time.”

“How come you don’t anymore?” Seraphii inquired, tilting her head as she kept her big eyes focused on what Ardyn was doodling.

“Hard to say,” Ardyn made a face, his head canted some while he observed his own work. Occasionally, he’d glance to Seraphii then back to the paper. “I suppose given how busy I am, I simply don’t have time for such things.”

“Maybe when you see your friend again, you could draw them over and over until you want to draw everyday!”

“You're just full of ideas, aren’t you?” Ardyn shook his head. He had to admit, perhaps the little one was onto something. It was definitely a talent Ardyn had yet to share with Caelan. He felt his eyes growing weary and his heart dropped. He missed Caelan so damn much it hurt to even think of enjoying a simple pleasure like this with her company.

“I believe this will help you in the future with your eye problem.” Ardyn blew away some of the leftover eraser he used at the end of the pencil, and handed Seraphii what he finished. There was a portrait sketch of her in the corner, and a five step guide on drawing eyes. The guide wasn’t super detailed compared to the portrait, but it clearly would help her with the shapes.

“Thank you! This is nice!”

“No, thank you for drawing me so well.” Ardyn said sincerely. His right fingertips carefully reached out for Seraphii’s artwork on the floor, and he pulled the piece of paper towards himself. “I’ll be sure to cherish it always.”

“You better!” Seraphii laughed.

“Already making threats are we?” Ardyn raised a brow. He smiled hearing her giggle at the playfulness of his tone. The two looked up upon the door opening. Noctis came through, stopping in his tracks the moment he saw Seraphii was in the chambers.

Before Ardyn could say a word, the king had raised his voice for his daughter to approach him. As much as he wanted to interject, Ardyn decided to let it play out and give space. He got up from the ground in front of the fire place with the drawing Seraphii made, and ventured back to the bed. Ardyn placed the drawing down on the mattress. He made a face, looking out towards the window nearby while he eavesdropped.

“What did I tell you about coming in here and bothering our guest?” Noctis was crouched down, facing his daughter. The intense gaze in his eyes had her shirk back some.

“I wanted to show Ardyn I could draw. Mama said I could see him.” Seraphii murmured.

“You’re not to be alone with him, do you understand me?”

Seraphii nodded.

“I’ll speak with your mother regarding coming here. Now leave us.” Though he was firm, Noctis made certain his tone was gentle. Regardless, Seraphii sniffled and took off running. He furrowed his brows, watching her small legs work hard to get her far away from him. She nearly bumped into Ignis, Gladio and Prompto while the three were on their way to catch up with Noctis.

Sighing, Noctis shook his head and gestured for his retainers to wait outside the chambers. Gladio, Ignis and Prompto nodded and went to their respective spots outside the door. They braced themselves for what was to come.

Ardyn heard the doors shut and the sound of Noctis’s footsteps draw closer. He finally turned his head to face him, furrowing his brows out of concern towards his smaller guest.

“Must she be punished? The fault was mine. I initiated with a kind hello.”

Noctis growled a little, but relented from allowing his emotions to get the best of him. He knew well from his earlier conversation with Ardyn that he wouldn’t harm Seraphii. It didn’t help his nerves nevertheless. Her safety was of the upmost importance, and Ardyn still remained a risk.

“She needs to learn boundaries. She certainly won’t succeed in that if she keeps visiting you.”

“Or visiting a creepy criminal for that matter.” Ardyn playfully jabbed. He nearly snorted seeing the questionable look Noctis threw at him. “Don’t play coy, highness. Everyone in the room is thinking it. I'm aware of how you all perceive me.”

“We should get to the point of why I’m here.” Noctis began, steering the conversation his way. He wasn’t in the mood to correct Ardyn that he wasn't considered such a thing. “It’s about Cahl, and--”

“Has she been harmed?” Ardyn quickly interrupted. His features softened. The concern he had desperately tried to keep under lock and key came forth through his expressions. Ardyn felt his pulse rise, his pupils dilating. These past few days with no word about her had nearly driven him crazy. He was tired of waiting.

“Not exactly. You might want to sit down for this.”

“Please, don’t prevaricate. Tell me. What’s become of her?”

Ten minutes had come and gone between Ardyn and Noctis. Outside of the room, Ignis, Gladio and Prompto were somewhat growing bored. Minus the kings shield, the other two checked their phones. Ignis took this time to catch the palace workers up to speed on certain hospitality tasks via text while Prompto checked his player status on Kings Knight. Gladio yawned, stretching his arms before crossing them along with his legs while his back rested against the wall next to the doors. The three were suddenly snapped out of their relaxed states when they heard a bellowing yell followed by the doors to the chamber opening with a violent crash.

“I’m going to kill them all!” Ardyn’s angered call echoed down hall as he marched away the red phantom limbs of his armiger out and poised to attack as they encircled him.

“Hey, where do you think you’re going?” Gladio called out.

“I’m going to Accordo! I’m going to stop Cahl’s execution if it’s the last thing I do!”

“Oh yeah, you and what army tough guy?” Gladio scoffed.

“I’m plenty! Fuck off!”

Gladio’s eyes widened. He couldn’t recall ever hearing Ardyn curse before in the past. It seemed almost out of character for the kind of person he was, being haughty and conniving. Gladio had nothing clever to say. He started to begin his chase to stop Ardyn from continuing further, until Noctis appeared at the entryway and beckoned Gladio to halt.

“Wait! Wait! Don’t attack!”

“Are you hurt, Noct?” Ignis called out while Prompto ventured to Noctis’s side to assess for damage. There was not a scratch on him.

“I’m fine. Ardyn’s...a little upset.”

“A little?” Gladio huffed. “I can’t just let him go on a rampage because he’s pissed his girlfriend got arrest---!”

Before Gladio could finish his sentence, all of them stared towards the end of the hall upon hearing a loud thud. Ardyn collapsed. The red pink hues of the royal arms fizzled in and out of reality before they completely disappeared into star dust, going back to the realm from whence they came. Ardyn’s shallow breaths could be heard throughout the corridors.

"Damn it! Damn it, you listen to me!" Ardyn exclaimed. He righted himself, getting onto his knees and tensed his body up to draw in power. Ardyn gestured out his arms, summoning the blades again. The ghost like forms of the swords slowly circled around his body, and like before their bright light crackled with a low buzz that reverberated throughout the surrounding area. The blades of the forefathers were as weak as their master, not able to draw enough of Ardyn's life force out to power themselves in full. Ardyn once again fell forward and the weapons faded.

"I had a feeling this was going to happen." Noctis let out a sigh. There was a part of the king that felt sorry for Ardyn in this moment, watching him struggle because he so desperately wanted to save someone he cared about. Noctis never thought in a million years he'd witness Ardyn perform such a feat. He gestured to his retainers.

“Prompto, Ignis, will you two go help him up?”

“Right away!” Prompto nodded. He didn’t bother to wait for Ignis, running up ahead to check on Ardyn. The closer he got to him though, Prompto could feel his hesitation begin to eat away at his mind. He forced himself down on his knees, and carefully coaxed Ardyn onto his right side, and began to hoist up the upper half of his body.

"Don't touch me!" Ardyn snarled. The harsh reaction was enough to get Prompto to back off. Ardyn watched as the blond nearly fell over himself.

"Do you talk to Cae like that when she helps you?" Prompto scoffed, shooting a disgruntled stare towards his former adversary.

"Shut up you little ingrate," Ardyn seethed still trying to catch his breath as he remained on the floor. "You talked with her once. Don't pretend you know her as well as I."

"I do know one thing about her. She sees something good in your sorry ass. Enough to get Noct into letting you keep living against better judgement." Prompto countered. The glare Ardyn tossed his way could smite the soul out of a chocobo, but Prompto held his ground. Nervously he swallowed, forcing himself to continue.

"You're not going to save Cae with that attitude. Nor are you going to make it to the palace gates much less Accordo if you keep letting those damn swords suck you dry when you don't have a leg to stand on. I know you have a lot of pride, but c'mon, would it kill you to let me help?"

"Why bother?" Ardyn growled. "You have every reason to hate me for what I've done to you. How do I know this isn't a trick?"

Prompto made a face, letting out a disappointed sigh. He offered a shrug as consolation prize. "I could make a big speech about trust, but it would waste both our times. I'll make something clear, I don't like you. Not one bit. However, I'm not gonna let that stop me from being a good person. I see a need, and I'm trying to fill it and right now, you're hurt. It's your call, Ardyn."

Ardyn let out a bitter exhale. He closed his eyes, mentally debating with himself. Prompto's little speech greatly reminded him of the long winded conversations he used to have with the boys biological father, Verstael. Yet it amazed Ardyn, how different they were as people. Even the little nuances didn't match quite solidly. He attempted to rise, but fell just as quick. With surrender and a wounded pride, Ardyn glanced up at Prompto and gestured with his head for the boy to approach.

“C’mon! You got this!” Prompto was mostly saying the words to encourage himself to be brave, but it also worked with offering compassion towards the man he was deathly afraid of. Prompto was surprised when Ardyn muttered a few 'thank yous' in between tired breaths while he helped Ardyn rise the upper half of his body up.

“Give me some space. I can take it from here.” Ardyn waved his right hand towards Prompto, beckoning the blond to stop trying to help him up. Once the retainer was out of the way, Ardyn winced and began to slowly rise to his feet. His balance was off, but he caught himself. Prompto was ready to catch his fall as well. Ardyn brought his arms up around his chest, suddenly feeling cold to the bone. The temperature felt like it dropped to zero in a matter of seconds. He couldn’t remember feeling anything like this before when he had used the royal arms. Not since he was a youth 2,000 years ago and learning the ropes on how to use the weapons without killing himself.

Ignis arrived on scene, having grabbed a blanket from the chambers and presented it to Ardyn. The latter glanced between the material and Ignis. A part of Ardyn’s mind couldn’t help but wonder if this was some ploy. He knew everyone here didn’t much care for him. The cold feeling grew worse, and Ardyn found himself throwing caution to the wind and taking the blanket, throwing it over his shoulders and bundling up much like he had done at the hearth.

“Thank you.” Ardyn muttered.

“You shouldn’t try using the armiger right now,” Noctis said as he and Gladio came into view. “Given that you’re mortal, it's going to cut into your life span. More than what you’re probably used to.”

“I’ll alert the media.” Ardyn said sarcastically. He shook his head, feeling beside himself and angry. Angry at how weak he had become. His grip on the blanket tightened. He wanted nothing more than to punch something, but relented.

“How am I to protect her when I can’t even--” Ardyn was nearly in tears, unable to help it.

“I was going to tell you we have a plan. You stormed off before I could begin.” Noctis said as a matter of fact. He watched Ardyn’s interest pique, and for a brief moment, his sadness seemed to dissipate.

“You have me intrigued. Go on.”

“Let’s first get you back into the chambers. You’ll want to get comfortable.” Noctis calmly explained. He was surprised to see Ardyn nod a few times, and walk back to the room with compliance. It was strange seeing his former enemy in such a precarious state. The king for the first time had a true sense that Ardyn didn’t want to cause trouble. For now, at least. There was still much to be said for later on after the plan was laid out.

This whole thing is a mess... That was the first thought that ran through Ardyn’s mind after Noctis and the boys spent a good hour and a half discussing the plan and its many pros and cons. Blinking in disbelief, Ardyn bowed his head and rubbed the back of his his scalp. It was in a vain attempt to settle down his stress. Sighing soon after, Ardyn lifted his head back up and met everyone’s uncertain gazes.

“What do you expect of me, to leap with joy at this grand proposal?” Ardyn huffed. There was a slight sneer in his words.

“A little thank you for bothering would be a start.” Gladio said as he crossed his arms.

"I'd rather be tempted to thank mosquitos for their services before I compliment your good nature." Ardyn replied bitterly. He heard Gladio growl, and observed Ignis firmly grasp the brute's right shoulder, keeping the kings shield from charging. Ardyn smirked for a brief time before going neutral.

“Even if all doesn’t fail,” Ardyn began. He let out a breath and took his time to look every man in the eye. His brows formed into a glare. “How do you expect me to tell the person I love that we can’t be together once the dust settles? Forgive me when I say this so-called rescue mission feels like a handful of salt to a festering wound.”

“We know how much this displeases you,” Ignis cleared his throat. “However, it doesn't mitigate the facts. There are people in the world who want you dead for the things you've done, Ardyn. You'll need protection. Protection we cannot afford to give without risk to Lucis. Think of this not just in terms of yourself, but for her too. Separation won't be forever, Ardyn. Not if you still wish to remain at her side."

Ardyn shook his head. His fingers began to comb through his hair out of frustration, trying to self soothe and offer a minor distraction to the conflict he had brewing inside himself.

“Everyone wins,” Prompto piped up. “The people get justice, you get to go back to Niflheim, and Cae remains in Lucis until you can figure something out to come back and retrieve her. After her trial is done of course.”

“That, that right there is my biggest concern.” Ardyn shook his right index finger towards them. To say he was pissed was an understatement. “You want me to sit back and allow Cahl to potentially rot in a Lucian prison. Do you see how screwed up that is? I rescue her, only to toss her into another cage. No, no, I won’t do it!”

“Ardyn,” Noctis’s voice was firm. As soon as he made eye contact with his ancestor, he softened his face yet remained grounded. “Even if Caelan is absolved of her past doings, she still must be judged for the crownsguard she slain the day of the public forum. I’m doing everything in my power to appease all parties and the people of Lucis. This is the best I can do for her.”

“It’s not enough.” Ardyn shook his head. “It’s just not.”

“And it never will be.” Noctis admitted. He nodded in agreement and sighed. “I know if Luna was--”

“Don’t you dare,” Ardyn interrupted. His voice became low and steady, like that of an animal weighing out its options before going in with a killing blow. “Don’t you dare make comparisons, boy. If this was your precious Lunafreya, you’d never have the heart to sacrifice Eos on her behalf. Not like I would for my beloved. So don’t even try to appease me in a domain you could never fathom. You don't have the grit."

There was a foreboding silence that filled the room soon after, and a subconscious acknowledgement that Ardyn was right. Noctis knew he was right about that. This is where they both differed as people when it came to core values. Noctis, much like his forebearer Somnus before him, put the collective above all else. And despite 2,000 years having long passed, Ardyn still believed in the value of individual life having a chance to thrive. Both men knew even without saying it aloud, that these were lines not to be crossed. Nonetheless, Noctis knew they needed to meet in the middle.

“The offer is final and absolute. I will not yield to anything dangerous that could cost more life than what has been taken.” Noctis let out a deep breath through his nostrils he had been holding in, and beckoned towards Ardyn. “Tell us, what’s it going to be?”

Ardyn rubbed his eyes and forehead. He sniffled, trying not to give into the weight of his emotions. He had no cards to deal out. No alternatives to offer. He hated being trapped. The only light at the end of this tunnel, was ensuring Caelan wouldn’t die at the hand of strangers. He would see her again. And whatever time was allowed, Ardyn knew he’d cherish it above all else.

Gods above, he had words for the Glacial. So much for peace in returning to life...Ardyn thought to himself then sighed.

“Are you absolutely certain the Niflheim council agrees to this?” Ardyn broke the quiet that began to permeate. He could see the boys and their mixed expressions running amok. Noctis cleared his throat.

“I haven’t spoken with them directly, but I have no doubt they will be open to our offer. At the Summit they were keen on taking you back.”

“This will surely fracture your relationship with Accordo and Tenebrae if they catch wind of our plot.” Ardyn said bluntly.

“So we keep our lips zipped. Nothing leaves this room.” Gladio shrugged. “Even if Niflheim tell us to go kick rocks, they’re not in a position to go off tattling to the other leaders of what we’re up to. It would be like shooting themselves in the foot.”

“Gladio is right.” Prompto chimed in. “And once everybody is back on Lucian soil, Accordo won’t have a leg to stand on.”

“And what do the people of Lucis know about my standing?” Ardyn asked.

“You’re in a secure facility until the king has time to take testimonies to decide your fate.” Ignis replied. “For all everyone knows, we are adhering to the laws. No one will know the wiser you’re staying here and gathering your strength.”

Ardyn nodded to the remarks he received, then got up from the bed. He stumbled at first, still trying to collect his bearings from using the armiger. He waved off Ignis, observing the man was getting ready to come to his aid. That was the last thing Ardyn needed. As much as it was kind of Noctis’s little friends to assist him, Ardyn knew if this-- for lack of better word--shitshow of a plan was to be successful, he couldn’t rely on everyone. He had to be strong enough to carry the weight.

“If it’s all the same to you four, I’d like to be left alone.” Ardyn muttered. He ventured towards the large window within the dwelling, peering out into the city. Insomnia’s night life was beginning to rise as the sun settled down. Ever thankful for hearing the shuffling of feet growing dim by the second, Ardyn allowed the quiet to sink in. He had three weeks to prepare. Fighting Bahamut was hard, but this coup felt much more grievous. Ardyn had a lot to lose this time around.

He prayed Caelan would forgive him.

#ardyn lucis caelum #ffxv ardyn #ardyn izunia #fanfic #final fantasy xv #immortal shield

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