Absolute

Chapter seven

After a day or so of much needed recovery and decent showers, it was time to face the issue at hand. The cause of Noct's headaches along with the earthquakes. Ignis couldn't stand much more of the endless moaning and groaning about it, lest he go grey and develop a nasty twitch at the mere mention of a headache, no-one wants that at twenty-two. Gladio on the other hand had just about enough of the earthquakes spilling his cup noodles everywhere, some things will never change. Prompto opted to change the subject every time either issue was mentioned, trying to entertain Iris and Talcott all the while.

Noctis hadn't really done much besides tour the town with Iris this morning. Prompto suggested they visit the outlook, unsure as to how it may help the situation but it turned out to be fruitful in a sense. Aside from running into the self-proclaimed 'man of no consequence', he merely said their meeting it was coincidental, the boys did not agree.

"Come now, you may find the answers you so desperately seek, if you're willing to accompany me to the Disc." The man said, his voice grating to Gladio's ears. The only aristocratic accent he wants to hear is Ignis'. Suffice to say Noct and Prompto would agree.

Gladio nudged Noct and the four of them conferred on the matter. Settling to join him but, safety was their first priority, if something looked or felt dangerous they'd retreat immediately. Or be dragged off by Gladio. Whichever came first. "Alright. We'll come with you." Noct sighed, shifting uncomfortably under the man's scrutinising gaze.

"Excellent! I suppose a formal introduction is in order. My name is Izunia. Ardyn Izunia." He said, flaunting to the parking lot with the boys in tow, a reasonable distance away however.

Ignis narrowed his eyes when the name clicked. "As in the Imperial Chancellor Izunia?"

"The very same. Now! Allow me to choose your driver... You four will follow behind me. My poor thing pales next to your Regalia but she's a lovely car. Now... I choose... You!" Ardyn pointed at Noct, amber eyes fixed on the Prince in a way that made Gladio and Ignis stand on guard. "I have a few rules before we depart. First, you'll stay behind me, no over-taking. Second, no tailgating. Third, do keep up."

Noct just nodded in mild interest, not really paying attention to what Ardyn was saying, he- Much like his friends- Just wanted to get this over with as soon as possible. The sooner they stopped Noct's headaches and figured out the source of the earthquakes, the sooner they could part with the ever charismatic Ardyn and continue with their journey.

With Noct behind the wheel this time, Ignis clambered into the backseat with obvious reluctance, brow furrowed in thought and fingers pulling at the loose thread of his jacket. Prompto looked like he was ready to burst- Into tears or laughter, one couldn't be sure, Noct hadn't driven at all yet and the apprehension was unwelcome with the knowledge that Ardyn was present and allied with- No, he was a leader for their enemies. The ones that had taken their homes and families from them, violated the trust of so many for something they cannot hope to fully possess or control, all for the sake of power.

"So, what do we think about Ardyn?" Prompto eventually asked, snapping away at the passing landscape.

Noct hummed and tightened his hold on the steering wheel. "Creeps me out. We sure he ain't going to screw us over?"

"I fear we have no other option. He seemed sympathetic to our plight, and has extensive knowledge of the Disc where we do not. However, I must confess he does seem rather..." Ignis trailed off, trying to find the right word.

Gladio cleared his throat, putting a hand on Ignis' shoulder. "I think what Iggy means is: We don't know shit and while this guy is super shady, he's the best chance we've got at figuring this out right now." Prompto snickered at the way Gladio grinned and Ignis glared, blocking the shield's attempts at affection with a cold stare and his elbow, the gunner couldn't help snapping a quick picture of the moment.