Immortal Poison (FFXV)

Chapter 4

Five years ago...

       The streets of Insomnia were overflowing with breathtaking decorations. There was barely room to walk, to breathe, as the many citizens crowded every block. For the common people, the desired place to be was right outside of the Caelum Via Hotel. Regis, and his fiancée, Aulea, were married early that morning.
     While the world outside the hotel was beautiful, it seemed like nothing compared to what was on the inside. The recreation area on the rooftop was where most of the guests mingled that evening. Elegantly dressed, and in high spirits, they applauded Regis and Aulea as they made their appearance.
      She was a beautiful bride, glowing from the top of her shiny jet black hair, down to the detailed embroidery at the bottom of her white gown. Regis couldn't stop smiling, or keep his eyes off of her, even when they engaged in conversations with their guests.
      Cor observed the party from the side, with the entrance well in his sights. He almost appeared to be studying everyone as they socialized, and showed off their best moves on the dance floor. The party was going better than anyone had imagined, but Cor tried to remain cautious. However, while he always took his job seriously, Cor's mind occasionally wandered elsewhere during the course of the day.
     "Why so serious?" Clarus gave Cor a playful slap on the back. 
     "Just making sure everything goes smoothly." He answered, adjusting his jacket.
    Overhearing them, Regis turned and smiled. "You know you were invited as a guest, right?"
     "Yeah. Lighten up!" Clarus grinned.
     "Cor Leonis. Always on the alert." Aulea smiled, joining them and locking arms with Regis. "Go socialize."
      "Yeah. You're what? Twenty? Go get wild." Clarus suggested before shock took over his face. He immediately bowed his head to Aulea. "Please excuse me."
       She giggled. "It's all right. Cor, did you bring a plus one?"
      He nearly choked. "P-plus one? No."
      In his constant scans of the rooftop, he'd been searching for Ruby. Her ability to blend in so well was like a curse to him. They don't call her 'the Ghost' for nothing. Once she was found, she stood out like a bright star. Ruby didn't attend the wedding with him, but he knew she'd been invited. During the last few busy weeks, leading up to that day, Cor and Ruby hardly saw one another. When they did, it was simply in passing, which was unfortunate, because he wanted nothing more than to just talk to her. By this day, the butterflies he'd been feeling, caused by his own thoughts, were long gone.
      "Don't worry. I've got you." Clarus patted Cor's shoulder. "You really shouldn't be so stubborn."
      Lowering his brow, Cor defensively stated, "I don't need your help."
     "No, but you need a push." Clarus stretched his pointing finger forward. "Isn't that your girl?"
     Regis and Aulea turned, following Clarus' finger. Cor's face flushed at the sight of the young blonde, laughing with a group of people. She wore a long, black, lace trumpet dress. Her loosely curled hair fell over her right shoulder, and was held in place by a silver skull hair clip.
There was no one else. As Cor expected, she stood out; appearing to be the most mysterious looking guest to anyone who didn't know, or interact with her. Had he seen her earlier in the day, there was a high chance he wouldn't have paid much attention to the wedding ceremony.
"Who? Ruby?" Regis asked.
      "Yes. She's got the right amount of passion and devotion that makes her one of our most promising agents. Her choice of attire is clearly out of respect for her country and its royal family. That right there, is his Lucian woman. Can you see him with anyone who has less pride?" Clarus lowered his arm, with an undeniable confidence in his voice.
       "I guess not." Regis chuckled. "He does spend a lot of his down time with her."
       "She's lovely. Go talk to her." Aulea encouraged him.
        With his large hand against his back, Clarus gave Cor a gentle shove that sent him a few steps forward. He shot a quick glare back at Clarus, before getting lost in the crowd, making his way towards Ruby.
  Shifting her eye, Ruby noticed Cor instantly. She grinned, excusing herself from the conversation, and walking further away from him. Before he knew it, she had completely disappeared within the crowd. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he let out an aggravated sigh.