A Man Of No Consequence (Ardyn x Reader)

Across the Seas

Running through the narrow streets, you squeeze your bags in your hands. I'm late. I'm gonna be too late, and he's going to leave me here, out of spite... You turn a corner, bumping into an elderly man casually walking down the alleyway.

"Hey watch where you're going!"

"So sorry! I'm so sorry!" you shout in passing, hurrying down the stairs on the alley that leads towards the main road.

The sun is high up in the sky and you feel droplets of sweat run down your back as you make it out of the maze of little streets into the steamy road, panting, trying to see if there's any trace of Imperial troops. Looking up, you see a magitek engine drift away in the horizon.

"No, no, no..."

You try running after it, realizing the futility of your attempt. Abandoning the idea, you drop your bags on the pavement, and sit down on the bigger one. Here I am again...

You were given a time by the Chancellor, to board the magitek ship with him, your only viable way of reaching Altissia. You exhale, remembering that's the least of your troubles. It's only started to sink in, what happened within the last few days.

Your friends back home, dead. Your home, destroyed. There's no going back. And you've fallen hard for the man who's responsible for everything. He has bewitched you, told you stories of legends and prophesies, made you believe you're somehow part of it all, part of his master plan, and that it's your destiny. Letting out a despairing sigh, you look at the passing cars and the dust rising off the road.

"Miss! Hey, Miss!" you hear a familiar voice calling behind you.

Turning to look, you see Wedge running down the stairs, dressed in his full Imperial uniform.

"Miss," he stops, finally reaching you, trying to catch his breath. "There... there you are."

"Wedge, what's the matter?" you get up from your suitcase. "And why are you wearing a leather coat on a day like today?"

"Haha, very funny... trust me... it's not out of choice..." he responds, still out of breath.

"I've been looking for you, miss. I saw you leave the hotel, but the Chancellor sent me to escort you to the ship. Ship's gone now, miss, we've missed it!"

"I know!" you respond in an annoyed voice, instantly realizing you're being rude. "And thank you. I'm so sorry I made you run around."

"It's ok. Lady Aranea's coming to pick me up soon. I reckon we can drop you off at Altissia, was it?"

"Yeah," you nod, "Altissia."

Seeing the Captain's face is a real relief.

"Welcome on board," she smiles, offering you her arm and pulling you up the ramp. Wedge and Biggs insist on carrying in your bags. You feel embarrassed with all the help they're giving you, and can't even keep a serious face talking to Aranea.

"Thank you so much," you chuckle. "I'm such an idiot."

"No problem, doll," she responds with a wink. "Still running errands, huh?"

You purse your lips together, nodding.

"Fine, if that's what you guys call it," she responds.

The magitek engine takes to the sky, the familiar humming engine growing louder as you see the city of Lestallum getting smaller below. Fastening your seat belts, you take your place next to Aranea again.

"So tell me," she turns to you, talking over the humming engine, "Not that it's any of my business, but... well you know, are you looking after yourself?"