A Heart Of Fire (Final Fantasy XV)

Chapter 15

"This must be the outpost Cid mentioned," Ignis says as he slows the car to a stop. He turns the car off and we all exit and begin walking up to the outpost. It wasn't the nicest of outposts, but in times like this, who really cares at this point?

"Looks like a hub for hunters," Gladio says.

"Maybe they know something," Prompto says hopeful as we walk into a shed. A few people were hanging around, having a chat with one another.

"So these are hunters," I said as I looked at each hunter in the space around us.

"Your Highness," a voice called out behind us. We turned around and saw a woman with short, light brown hair approach us with a relieved face. Beside her was the face of a familiar and close friend of mine, one that I was relieved to see okay.

"Lillian!" I exclaimed as I bounded up to the blonde woman and locked her in a tight embrace. She giggled softly and returned the hug with a smile.

"Thank the Six your alright," she said as she pulled away. "I was beginning to worry about all of you."

"That's supposed to be my line," I smiled, then frowned slightly. "I tried calling you on your phone, but you didn't pick up."

"I lost my phone somewhere in the city trying to escape. I did try to contact you, but with everything that's happened, it was hard to find a working phone to contact you." I nodded in understanding, then smiled a genuine smile.

"I'm just glad you're alright," I said softly, looking into her brown eyes. I began to take in her appearance as she stood before me. For the first time, Lillian looked older to me. I never really noticed until now, but I was able to see the aging wrinkles on her face and a few grey hairs in her blonde hair. Although she aged, she's still just as pretty as I remembered her.

"Staring is rude, my dear," she smiled as she tucked a few strands of my red hair behind my ear.

She then turned her attention to Noctis, and bowed with Monica respectfully to him. "I'm glad you're safe," the brown-haired woman says with a smile.

"As am I," Lillian says as she raises her upper body. "It has been a while, Prince Noctis."

"Yeah, it's good to see you guys too," Noctis says with a grin. The woman with Lillian was Monica Elshett, a Crownsguard officer under orders of Gladio's father.

"Monica! Where're all the others?" Gladio asks worriedly as he uncrosses his arms.

"Most of the Crownsguard didn't make it. It was all we could do to escort Lady Iris out of the city," Monica says with a sad frown. Lillian puts a hand on Monica's shoulder and looks up at Gladio with a small smile.

"There's no need for concern, however," she says. "Dustin is with her, taking her all the way to Lestallum as we speak." Gladio let's out a sigh of relief.

"I owe you guys big time," Gladio says greatfully. The two smile and nod, then Monica turns to Noctis with a more serious expression.

"Head for the royal tomb," she says. "The marshal awaits."

"Wouldn't want to keep the man waiting," Lillian says with a smile. "He seemed to be in a rush when he showed up, so you guys might wanna get moving."

"Our thanks, ladies," Ignis says, bowing his head in appreciation. The two women nodded their heads with smiles as the five of us turned and headed for the door. I stopped by the door and looked back at Lillian, staring at her face. Her gaze met mine, and she gave me a little frown that made me smile.

"It's rude to stare," she repeats in a slightly irked tone.

"Sorry, it's just that..." I trailed off.