Exeuntes, a Story Based on Final Fantasy XV

Chapter XXIV: Escalation, Part I

An Introductory Note:

This is the second of ???? chapters that I've added since beginning to edit this entire me- story. Again, the content in these chapters is similar to what you might have already seen prior to the edits but a lot of new stuff was added. Don't be surprised if you don't remember some of the scenes!

Song for this chapter:

35. Careening Into Danger by Yoko Shimomura (playlist linked to this chapter)

Pictured:

Map of the Lucian Continent. The Lucian Province of Galahd consists of the islands to the right of Insomnia, the Kingdom of Lucis's capital (commonly known as the "Crown City").

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Two hours later.

"Well, that sure was something."

"Yep... I never wanna do that again."

"I must concur."

"But it's still not over, is it?" Nathan asks, joining his friends at the dining table in his new home.

They all turn towards him, "Ah, glad you joined us," Domani says, handing him a plate of food an attendant had delivered just a few minutes earlier, "I apologize for snapping at you and your brother before the hearing."

Nathan shakes his head, "No problem. How are you all holding up?"

"Not too bad," Rhea replies.

"Could be better," Vincent adds, earning a look from Rhea, "I mean... I'm okay."

"Dom?"

"I can assure you I am fine. Just a bit tired, I suppose," he answers, finishing the last of his coffee, "Though perhaps I'm also more stressed than I thought, considering my behavior earlier." He lets out a sigh before standing up, "The break ends in about half an hour. I'm going to go for a walk, see you there."

They all bid their goodbyes before Domani disappears through the back door. Rhea sighs, "Y'know, I can never really tell if he's okay or not."

"Me neither," Nathan agrees, watching him walk to an unfamiliar building.

Thirty minutes later on the dot, they're all outside the meeting room again, readying themselves for the rest of the hearing. Vincent sees Domani approach, uncharacteristically late, "You sure you okay?"

Domani nods, "Of course. I was only momentarily distracted. I believe things should be easier from here, relatively speaking."

"And why is that, Mister Lorenzia?" Rhea asks, mimicking a snooty Tenebraean accent.

He shakes his head but his lips curve into a slight smile, "Well, Miss Vitra, I believe it will be the turn of the Accordoani to ask questions. They will most likely go easier on us, considering I'm an Accordoan myself."

"Are you sure? I don't really want to answer Queen Caelia's questions... she looked pretty pissed earlier," Nathan admits, straightening his tie for perhaps the tenth time since they left for Optimus Hall.

"You mean Grand Duchess Caelia. If anything, I am sure Her Grace will direct her questions to me instead of you. You need not worry," Domani assures, patting his friend's back.

A person tickles Nathan's back, causing him to laugh, "What the- I knew it! Charlie, stop that!"

The first secretary laughs as he places his hands on his brother's shoulder and shakes him, "Chillax. We got this."