Mistaken

Chapter 1: Elephant

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" A 25-year-old, blonde haired, gunslinger groaned as two more Mushussu's came charging at him.

"Just keep shooting 'em. Noct and I will finish them off!" A large, built male with a mohawk instructed as he successfully struck a Mushmahhu in the stomach with his greatsword.

Another male sighed, summoning his own greatsword. "Has there EVER been a time when we haven't heard him whining?" A teasing smirk gracing his face from the quick glare he received from the blonde.

"NOT FUNNY NOCT!"

The banter didn't last long, like the hunt the royal retinue and the Prince of Lucis were completing. They weren't exactly doing it for the money. It was a gesture of goodwill for the Hunters residing in Meldacio Hunter HQ.

At present, Princes Noctis of Lucis, was in the middle of establishing a strong alliance between the Hunters and the Kingsglaive. If successful, King Regis would be able to detect any activity by Niflheim in the other regions of Lucis. The once thriving country had lost enough to the Empire, it would provide an opportunity to prevent any more attacks to the lost regions and Insomnia. Of course, with his royal advisor, Ignis Scientia, royal shield and protector, Gladiolus Amicitia and his best friend, Prompto Argentum, the process seemed to go swimmingly, with Ezma and Dave Auburnbrie commending their efforts.

This wasn't the first time King Regis had sent them out on an expedition. The moment Prompto and Noctis graduated high school, the four began working under the direction of the King himself. Maintaining the wall surrounding Insomnia was taking its toll on the King, therefore it was crucial that Noctis begin taking responsibility as heir to the throne.

"Shall we return to Meldacio Hunter HQ then?" Ignis suggested, after harvesting from the fallen beasts.

"Yeah," Noctis replied lazily, stretching his arms and relaxing as they began the walk back to the Regalia.

"You reckon (Your Name) is back yet?" Gladio asked curiously.

"Huh?" Prompto asked, pretending he didn't catch on, despite the heavy atmosphere hanging above them all.

"Prompto..." Gladio sighed, "You know very well who I'm talking about,"

Prompto frowned. "I think now and the drive back to Meldacio is the best time to discuss the elephant in the room or car..." Ignis suggested.

"I guess," Prompto mumbled, not looking forward to the conversation ahead.

"Are you sure this glaive we're supposed to meet is (Your Name)?" Noctis' question seemed to be directed to the group. "Sure the glaive's mission started around the time we got wind that (Your Name) left Insomnia. But do we have anything else to suggest it is her?" Prompto could feel his blooding pumping through his ears. His anxiety was getting the better of him.

"That's what we're trying to figure out," Gladio sounded already fed up. Prompto didn't blame him, being part of the reason why the topic had been coming back in loops. The gunslinger figured now was as a good time as any to delve deeper.

"I just don't see it though," Noctis grumbled, "She always dreamed of joining the Kingsglaive. She was the top performing trainee and all. So I'm not surprised that she would be sent on missions like this. But, to decide not to come back? Insomnia was always going to be home for her," Prompto knew quite well where Noctis was coming from. He was there when you and Prompto first met, saw the chemistry that built over a few months, and throughout the course of the relationship.

"Ne! Noct! Let's got to the arcade to blow off some steam!" A young Prompto suggested excitedly.

"Sounds good," Noctis agreed, laughing as Prompto started prancing down the street.