FFXV: After the Fall

Chapter 4

They assembled at ten-to nine...eventually.
Prompto still hadn't packed everything and was the last to arrive in the entrance hall, running towards the others.
   "Wait for me!" He yelled with a wave.
   "Oh-oh," Noctis said loudly, "here comes trouble."
He dumped his backpack on the floor briefly and caught his breath, doubling over for a few seconds. "Whew...sorry, guys. Still needed a few things."
   "Like what?" Ignis asked him. "This isn't a holiday."
   "Well first I couldn't find my camera- and I go fucking nowhere without that- and then, I'd not got enough film with me."
   "Every shop in Eos has some."
   "...you know how expensive that is? They charge an arm, a leg and other body parts too, if they can get away with it. So, I brought all my spares." He opened his pack to show them briefly; half the things in there were film cartons. "See?"
Helena smiled. "So you're the photographer, huh?"
   "Yep!" He grinned. "Did some awesome ones on the last journey. Cos' this one's gonna be even more special, I don't wanna run out of film for that one crucial shot. Could happen. In fact...let's get that ball rollin'." He pulled his camera out, then swung round to aim it at the very unimpressed Roc, who put his hand up.
   "Say cheese!" Prompto grinned as he took the first picture.
Roc blinked, and shook his head. "Do you mind?" He snapped.
   "I'll have you know it's considered an honour to be in one of my albums in some parts of the world."
   "Where, exactly- the morgue?"
   "Ooh, frosty." Noctis commented. "Don't worry, we'll be out of your way before you know it. C'mon guys, let's go."
   "Before you depart, I-"
   "See ya." Noctis override him. "Hate long goodbyes." He then carried on walking, and waited outside the doors.
Roc huffed slightly, but let it drop and turned to Helena next. "I'm looking forward to hearing from you. If you make good time, there'll be more than a few sights to see."
   "I've heard." She smiled. "See what happens."
   "If you need to go to Lestallum for anything, it might be an idea to pay a visit to Iris. She's a good source of information."
   "I'll bear that in mind. Thanks."
Roc then looked at the remaining three men in turn. "I'll make this as brief as I can," he said, "I'm sure you're all eager to get going. I can't rule out the possibility of foul play by Niflheim; some of their number may still try to attack you on sight, away from any towns or Outposts where news wouldn't reach. Be on your guard at all times. Also, I know that you'll be looking out for Noctis as a matter of course...but I'd also like you to watch over Helena as well. No matter how gifted she is, she may still be considered a target by someone or something, so please protect her."
Ignis nodded. "Of course. We were going to anyway."
Gladiolus also nodded. "With my life." He replied.
Prompto looked at them both. "Uh...what they said."
They then all turned, and vanished through the doors to join back up with Noctis and head for the castle's garage.
   "Got some nice wheels?" Helena asked.
   "Sure do." Prompto replied first. "Although...guys, can the Regalia actually seat five people?"
   "I rather hope so." Ignis told him.
They looked at the space inside it, and decided that a slight adjustment in seating preferences would solve the problem.
   "Before anyone suggests it," Gladiolus first said, "I am not gonna sit in the front. Could barely move my legs after last time."
   "Don't worry, we weren't going to." Noctis smiled. "Hey Iggy, can I drive us out? You always drive."
   "That's how it goes." Came the polite refusal. "I drive, and I cook. Why don't you sit up front with me? Prompto is slightly slimmer than yourself, so that should give us room to place our Lady into the back."
   "Awww!" Prompto pouted.
   "Would you rather walk?"
   "Okay, okay, I'll sit in the back. Just don't squash my camera."
   "How about I sit in the middle?" Helena offered. "I'm quite a slim one too, I doubt I'd squash anything."
   "...yeah, that'd work. Sure."
   "Let's gooo." Noctis insisted.
   "Can't wait to leave, huh?"
   "Just wanna get some distance between me and here."
They put their bags into the boot, then finally took up position; Ignis was in the driving seat with the impatient Noctis as front passenger, and Helena sat in the rear middle with Prompto to her left and Gladiolus to her right. It was cosy, but not cramped.
   "Still alive back there?" Ignis checked as he started the engine and began to pull out of the garage.
   "Yep." Helena and Prompto both answered.
   "All good here." Gladiolus thirded.
   "Right then." Ignis nodded. "And...we're off."