Exeuntes, a Story Based on Final Fantasy XV

Chapter XXI: Destruction

Song for this chapter:

32. Don't Stop Me Now by Queen

Pictured:

The Cygillian Ocean with Cape Caem in the background

November 4th, 2020 - So the chapter that was here is being moved to the next one. I've made some edits on this one that you may not notice but they're important nonetheless. Kudos to you if you take the time to re-read this after the edit!

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"When... will... this... end?" Rhea whines, barely able to take another step.

Vincent also stops in his tracks, "I'm with Rhea, this king's gotta rest for a sec."

Nathan and Domani turn to the two before looking at each other. Knowing that they're not going to be able to force them to continue, the governor general and advisor also catch their breaths. Domani steps closer to Vincent and shakes his head, "King, you say? I need not remind you that we have an actual soon-to-be king and an actual queen waiting for us. We should hasten our escape."

"Going to have to agree with Dom here," Nathan says, slightly annoyed, "I'm pretty sure we've been gone for a few hours. They must be worried sick."

"Two hours and thirty-one minutes to be exact," Domani confirms, checking his watch. He peeks his head around the corridor they're hidden in, hearing some footsteps and the sound of metal approach.

"I'm certain they should be around here somewhere," a voice guesses, clearly Tenebraean.

A familiar person sighs, "Well, I expect you to find them as soon as possible. And where's that partner of yours?"

"He's guarding the cells, sir. Shall I fetch him for you?"

"No need, continue your search. I will send out orders to the other units soon. Report to me directly should you find them."

"Yes, sir!"

The voices fade away as Nathan and his group look at each other worriedly. Rhea's about to say something but Domani quickly puts his hand over her mouth, hearing the faint sound of the engines starting.

"Well, it looks like we're going to be stuck here for a while," Vincent says, crestfallen, "Can't we catch a break?"

Nathan sighs, "Every day my faith in the Astrals decreases. They must have something against us."

"I think you may be wrong in believing that, mate," a person says from behind him, startling the group.

The guard with Jordan from before takes a few steps into the corridor and attempts his best bow, "Biggs Callux, at your service."

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Everyone is gathered on the RNA Camelia's bridge as they watch an Imperial airship take off.

"Tell me that isn't the one Nathan's on..." Jordan hopes, already fearing the answer.

Prompto can't even look him in the eye as he replies, "...It is."

The younger of the two sinks into a jumpseat and stares at the ship as it slowly fades into the horizon, eventually disappearing altogether. Not too long after, everyone else exits the bridge, leaving him alone. Captain Marcato is the last to leave, taking the airship's access key with him.

That just happened, didn't it? It was all just a waste... all that... for nothing.

Shortly after, he passes out, the trials he's endured for the past few days catching up to his body. An unspecified amount of time later, a knock on the bridge's door jolts him awake.