The Sole Star (Final Fantasy XV Fanfic)

Chapter XXXIV

"We've got it on its last legs!" Prompto shouted, firing his gun at the beast.

The treant roared in pain and swiped its long tail at him. He managed to duck under it. Noctis summoned flames and Ignis threw a vial of fire elemancy at it. The treant was engulfed in flames. It cried out before collapsing, its plant-like body being consumed by the fire. Everyone took a moment to catch their breath.

"Now that that's taken care of, let's get that royal arm," Gladio said.

The five walked away from the burnt ashes of the monster and over to the tomb. Noctis unlocked the door and everyone went inside. The prince collected the weapon. At their rate, his arsenal of weaponry would soon be completed.

"Great," Lorelai said. "So, can we get out of here? I don't know about you guys, but I could use a break from all this nature."

"How about a trip to Lestallum?" the prince suggested. "We haven't been there in a while."

"We have been camping nearly everyday," Gladio stated. "I don't mind that, but a little civilization is always a nice change."

"Not to mention a chance to restock on curatives and such," Ignis added.

"Woohoo!" Prompto cheered. "Soft beds, baby!"

All five agreed on Lestallum. They made their way out of the Myrlwood, fighting any monsters that attacked them on their way. Once they finally got back to the Regalia, they all climbed in. They sped down the road, finally leaving the Vesperpool behind. They passed through Meldacio and finally arrived at Lestallum. Lorelai stretched her arms and legs.

"Nice to finally see people and buildings again. Seems like we were camping for more than a week."

"Let us first rent our rooms at the Leville," Ignis said.

"Then we can have fun, right?" Prompto asked.

"Right," Noctis answered.

The gang headed to the hotel and rented a couple of rooms. "Now, I'm off to the market," Ignis said. "I'd like to see what ingredients I can procure."

Gladio began following him. "I'll come with you."

Watching the two leave, Lorelai hummed in thought. "You know, shopping doesn't sound like such a bad idea. I think I'll do just that."

"Mind if we tag along?" Prompto asked.

She smiled. "Sure, if you want."

The prince shrugged. "I've got nothing else to do."

Lorelai led them along. The two watched her happily walking ahead of them while humming to herself. They didn't know exactly where she was going, but they didn't mind. It was just nice to finally relax after so much training. Noctis noticed the dreamy look on his best friend's face as he stared at the girl in front of them.

"So?" he quietly questioned the blond.

"So, what?" The gunman looked at him, confused as to what he was asking.

"You gonna ask her out again or what? This is the perfect time to. We're not going anywhere for a while."

Prompto's cheeks turned a light pink. "Oh, p-probably later."

Truthfully, Prompto was afraid to. He knew Lorelai considered him a close friend, but he still didn't know how she felt about him. Her actions often confused him. They sometimes hinted that she might return his feelings, but other times it seemed like he was trapped in the friend zone. He honestly felt like the latter. He still believed he wasn't good enough for an amazing girl like her, and didn't see how she could ever like him as anything more than a friend. But he continued to cling to that little bit of hope that he was wrong and that Lorelai did like him, even if just a little.