Night and Day

Chapter III

On the road

'The decreed hour is come', announced king Regis, upon his throne addressing his two children.

Sol and her brother stood before him, facing their father's eyes with their own looks. Sol retained, after an hour of mental preparation in the bathroom, her stoic looks yet her eyes showed full alert and attention to the words their father spoke. Royal protocol education hammered into her mind after all…unlike Noct.

The prince looked neither disinterested in what was unfolding yet at the same time looked so indifferent to the whole thing, as if though he were at a restaurant waiting for his meal. At times like this the princess wished she had the same courage or laziness her brother possessed, it would no doubt benefit her and risk chances of stress clawing up to her head.

Both dresses in their royal fatigues, her wears a black jacket that he (for whatever reason) keeps unzipped with skull-motif buttons, zipper tag and sequin details on the pockets. Underneath, he wears a steel grey shirt with skull prints. He wears black cropped trousers and black buckled boots with red soles along with a black motorcycle glovelet on his left hand. Why he wore that glove is beyond her as far she could she remember he never drove a motorcycle.

Sol's was similar in his design, a black jacket that was smaller than his and without sleeves, long gloves that clung to her hands and forearm, a red belt around her waist securing her overhauled shorts with an additional utility pocket at the front and a short duster at the back extending to her heels. Black buckled boots like Noct except the soles were grey. Around her left arm bicep was a red band that covered her bicep to shoulder.

'Set forth with my blessing, Prince Noctis, Princess Sol', Regis said.

The twins bowed in response to the king, the princess casted an eye towards the prince, hoping he'd have some formal set of words ready. 'Thank you, …Your majesty', Noctis said, though she could see the last part was just added for courtesy's sake alone. 'Thank you, your grace', she said adding her own words. Confident and polite like Nigrum had taught her, least she prepared that response in her head and not just threw in the last one.

Regis gave them both a curt nod before speaking: 'Take your leave, and go in the grace of the gods'. Sol and Noct raised their heads but before Sol could speak for them, remembering the lessons at heart and hoping to say farewell like true members of the royal blood. Noct?

'Right'.

And without giving his sister so much as a glance or even a signal to tell her they were moving, he strolled out of the throne room. Composing herself with a small cough, the princess gave her father one more bow before chasing after her brother. Once outside and no sooner had the door closed behind them with a small "boom" sound, she spoke. 'You couldn't use more than one word could you?', she asked exasperatedly. 'I could've just said "K" and it wouldn't have made a difference', Noct responded casually.

Sol sighed, berating herself mentally for thinking he'd do something else than that. Noct said: 'You're too uptight, you know dad wouldn't stop us from if we failed the protocol'. 'That's not the point', Sol argued, 'Need I remind you we're going to a wedding that will seal the treaty?'. Noct rolled his eyes as Sol continued. 'If we cannot act accordingly before our father then our chances in future meetings will become a nightmare if we're not taken seriously'.

'Tch, you're sounding like Ignis', Noct groaned. '…Oh dear Six I am', Sol said with a whine. She didn't think she'd reach that level but there she was, lecturing her brother as if she suddenly turned into Ignis. 'Least I'm not telling you to eat your vegetables…'.

Outside the palace, the twins of the Lucis line looked towards their party. Gladio and Armis just finishing packing the camping equipment into the trunk of the Regalia while Mederis, beside them, was listing off the inventory and judging from her frown Sol suspected they were gonna need to restock sooner than she feared. Nigrum and Ignis were chatting together by Mederis' car and Armis' motorcycle, the brother of the sword had a look of annoyance. No doubt he would riding with Armis.

Prompto and Unius were excitedly talking away about, no doubt, chocobos. According to Mederis there is apparently a chocobos ranch that as the name suggested, there would be chocobos galore and even some for riding. The very moment those two heard of such magical delight, they declared it'd be the first place they visited after the wedding. Least they were excited for the trip, unlike Cultro who, currently leaning against the bike, dreaded being near those things. Her only disdain of the trip so far, she even bribed Ignis to use whatever excuse to not go there.

Bribing Ignis to try and convince Prompto and Unius to not go see chocobos? He is a man of many talents but even he's got his limits.

Everyone is dressed in their Crownsguard attires, Gladio wearing black leather trousers with a small side chain, and an open black shirt with nothing but a pendant underneath. He has a small arm sleeve over his left wrist, and wears black shoes with red soles. She was certain he had an undershirt but just chose not to wear it, either showing off his muscles or tattoos…and he claims Noct has an ego.

Ignis, ever the more regale looking of the party, is wearing a purple and black patterned dress shirt with his black suit and black shiny red-soled shoes with sequenced crystals at the tip. He wears shimmery silver driving gloves. Like the party he has skull motifs to his outfit but the most prominent one is on the back of his jacket.

Prompto wears two bands on his right arm, black gloves, a black shirt with a white pattern, and a sleeveless black vest with a dark red flannel shirt attached underneath. He wears dark pants with a faint leopard print. He wears black boots with red soles that are lined with white fur. Sol also knew he added his own personal traits to the uniform, such as slang or taglines on the back of his vest, ever the supporting fan she guessed.

Mederis is currently wearing a mixture of her old espionage gear with Crownsguard attire, a long black and grey cloak that was attached to a grey metallic pauldron on her right shoulder, a black jacket with zippers around the shoulder, a belt and long pair leather pants with a satchel on her thigh, black boots with red soles and on the tip were the espionage emblem, a black fox head. On her right arm was a watch that looked more complex than an average watch.

Nigrum's was similar the original attire Noct had with some alterations towards it, a grey poncho that covered just above his stomach with a leather vest strapped with blue and black belts, closing it. His left arm was devoid of a sleeve instead showing off his wolf tattoo of white ink that gave him an otherworldly look, long grey pants with a chain attached to his pocket and back pocket. Boots were grey and silver with red soles.

For her sword, Armis wore a long black trench coat with the skull motif on his back, a dark blue vest with his lion chain around his neck, leather biker gloves with a fire pattern on the back of his hands, a pair of grey pants with a pair of grey and green sneakers. He was rather happy with his coat, something he specifically asked for.

Unius' was a little unique to the others, a dark tank top with two long red straps that stretched down to her waist, a pair of leather shorts hugging her knees with brown leather pouch strapped to her lower back. A pair of boots and a unique gauntlet to her right arm, not a weapon but for design, a pair of goggles around her blue head band, something she wanted upon learning Armis would be using his bike, and finally a pair of ear phones looped over her left ear.

Lastly but not even remotely least, Cultro wore a black leather bomber jacket with a fur trim collar and a V-neck white shirt, black pants a belt that was decorated with pouches and black boots and gloves. On her right index finger were two silver rings, earrings on her left ear in the shape of a tear drop and last a necklace of a skull as opposed to the skull motif on her uniform. On the back of her jacket though was a slang in dark red "Live or Die".

'So how'd it go?', asked the samurai, folding his arms.

'About as you would expect', Sol answered as she and Noct walked down the steps to them. Yet suddenly the eight guards all stood up properly and at full attention. Sol's curiosity was answered when a distant "Your Highness" sounded.

They both turned to see Drautos, captain of the Kingsglaive, and their father. Regis slowly walked over to the twins, his cane present and, as Sol noticed, his pace slower than ever. She retained her composure though, knowing how her father was whenever she displayed worry over his weakened form. 'What now?', Noct asked impatiently. Sol gave her brother a "gentle" nudge to his stomach with a forced smile.

'Brother, be patient. Lunafreya isn't going anywhere', she assured. Noct scoffed as their father got within distance of them. 'I fear I have left too much unsaid', spoke the king. The twins gave their father an understanding look as they lessened his trip and stood closer to him. Yet he raised a hand to stop them from aiding him, whether our of pride or dignity they would never know, as he addressed the men and women who would be in charge of protecting his children. 'You place a great burden on those who would bear with you', he said.

Sol allowed herself to smile at the others, proud of their dedication and thankful for their loyalty herself and Noct. Even Noct gave a small smile in response although the king saw neither of the smiles.

'You're one to talk', retorted the prince. Regis just gave him a raised brow before returning to the guards. 'I ask not you guide my wayward children', he said. 'Merely, that you would remain by their sides'. With that request, they bowed to him, although Prompto and Unius were a bit slower and clumsier. 'Indeed your Grace, Ignis responded with utmost confidence in his tone. 'We'll see them both to Altissia if it's the last thing we do', promised Gladio.

'Y-Yeah, what they said', Prompto squeaked. Sol resisted the urge to giggle, the boy was so precious sometimes~. 'Hate to break this up, but Cor's got the motor running', Noct announced, no doubt wanting to go now than ever. A good bet would be to prevent his father to further "embarrass" them. Sol turned to Drautos with a curt nod. 'Father is in your hands Drautos', she said. 'I trust I can put him in your care without concern yes?'. 'Without a doubt your Majesty', he assured.

'And another thing', Regis said, taking a step forward to his son.

Noct turned to his father, seeing that smirk. 'Do mind your manners around your charming bride-to-be', he said playfully but the strict tone of the father was carefully planted. In response, Noct approached him and gave with mock bow, his own snarky response. 'Your Majesty as well'. 'Try to mind yours around our esteemed guests from Niflheim'. Sol gave him a roll of her eyes once his own turned to hers.

'Neither of you have cause for concern', he promised. 'Nor do you, father', Sol promised. He looked at his two children, the looks of a proud father glistened in his eyes, before him were two fine and great adults, destined for greatness. 'Take heed, once you set forth, you cannot turn back', he warned. 'You think we would?', Sol inquired. They had been prepared for this since they night of the announcement of the wedding, the day had come and yes at first they were both apprehensive and nervous, but the desire to see the world greatly over weighed their fears.

'I need only know you are ready to leave home behind', he said. Noct shrugged. 'Don't know about you but I'm as ready as I'll ever be'. Regis turned to his daughter, who gave him a comforting smile. 'As am I father', she responded. They both turned to their paths in silence. 'Take care on the long road', Regis spoke.

They both stalled and turned to him. 'Wheresoever you should go, the line Lucis goes with you', he said, the last piece of fatherly wisdom that shall come from him. He then placed his hands on their shoulders and for this moment, Sol and Noctis saw their father. Not the king that placed a great task upon their shoulders, not the man they strive to please nor the very man that her brother would one day succeed. No, this was their father, forced to watch his children grow and leave their home behind them for a journey that will decide the future of their home.

'Walk tall, my children'.

*Outside of Insomnia*

Another car drives by, Sol sighs and Gladio grunts in annoyance.

'I think we can forget about hitching our way there', the shield said as he approached the driver's seat of the Regalia, where Ignis laid his forehead against the wheel in annoyance. With the heat of the sandy world boring down upon them and pushing their vehicles certainly did more than just wear them out, it was no wonder why they were all jacket-less and sweating like being trapped in a sauna.

Sol and her brother both sat against the Regalia in exhaustion, though theirs paled in comparison to Prompto who laid spread open upon the road. 'I can't believe it, we're just starting our road trip and poof, three vehicles down for the count', whine Unius, looking Mederis' car, and one stern glare from the owner stopped her from kicking it in frustration. 'Don't be so dramatic, we've just underestimated the heat and its effects on the engines', promised Mederis who closed the hood of her car down.

'Too bad we didn't think that far ahead', Armis pipped as he wiped the sweat from his forehead.

'No that would be far too easy', Nigrum muttered.

'Ignis, how much farther is to Hammerhead?', Cultro asked as she took a swig of her bottle of water.

'Not much farther it seems…but you may change your tune when we push', promised the advisor.

'Thought people were kind outside the city', Gladio groaned.

'There is so much you can rely on human kindness', replied Ignis.

The giant chuckled as he gently kicked the two royal children to get them up. 'Come on, we're gonna have to push this ourselves', he said. Noct and Sol groaned but reluctantly rose back to their shaky legs regardless, the princess joining the others to help Mederis' car. Prompto however remained where he was. 'Prom', Nigrum started but Gladio waved him off.

'I've already pushed myself…to the brink of death', he panted. Ever the drama queen it seems. 'Come on', Gladio said, giving him a light kick on his feet, 'Car's not going to move itself'. With a loud groan, Prompto rose back to his feet and settled on the passenger side of the car with Noct on the driver's side and Gladio pushing from behind the car. 'I thought the cars were supposed to move us?', Prompto whined.

'Would be nice', Cultro muttered as she grabbed the driver's side. 'Can it already', Gladio grunted impatiently. Armis and Nigrum pushed from behind while Unius pushed from the passenger side and Sol pushed Armis' bike with some form of difficulty, Mederis and Ignis in the driver's seat respectively. Pushing the vehicles turned out to be more of a workout than the party had anticipated, grunts and groans mixed with curses of the size and weight of their chosen vehicles.

'Un. Believable', Noct grunted.

'If father could only see us now…', Sol sighed as she pushed the large bike.

'Not exactly the fairy tale beginning huh Prince Noctis?', teased Gladio.

'We let ourselves get carried away', Ignis sighed.

'Then can we all agree to not let this happen again?', Armis groaned out. 'Last thing we need is for someone to report we died over exhaustion of pushing our methods of transport'.

There was a collection of chuckles mixed with some mad laughter from Unius. 'To be honest dying sounds like a needed reprieve!', the dancer teased.

'I just hope that this isn't some form of an omen', Mederis mused as she steered to remain straight on the road, following at a far distance from Ignis.

'Gladio, do me a favour', Noct said.

'What now Noct?'.

'Push this thing yourself!'.

'All by MYSELF!?'.

'You won't even notice if we let go~', Prompto said, and judging by his tone he seemed perfectly ok with the concept.

'Prompto you so much as lift your finger from this I swear to the Six I will hurt you', promised the shield.

'Prompto, Noct, no slacking!', Sol ordered, almost tripping.

'Says the girl with the bike!', Noct argued.

' You wanna push this thing on your OWN?', warned the princess.

'You all may want to save your breathing for pushing', Ignis said.

With a collective groan the arguments ceased, perhaps the heat and exhausting task was enough for any arguments to decline. Not that the princess complained, she'd rather hear pants and groans than whining. The Regalia's engines were not built to withstand the intensity of the heat outside the Crown City, and truth be told why would it be? Sadly the same concept applied to Mederis' vehicle, the engine granted didn't last as long as the Regalia.

Armis' bike sadly fared no longer nor less than the Regalia, and despite knowing his bike like the back of his hand the sword is unable to figure out what's in need of a tune up. Sol didn't have long to ponder as her muscles screamed in exhaustion, how did he manage this thing was beyond her, it weighed so heavily she may as well be pushing a tank. 'How much farther?', Cultro asked, grunting.

'It shouldn't be much further', assured Ignis.

'Didn't the map say it's literally next door?', groaned Prompto.

'On the MAP, yes', Nigrum grunted. 'Big difference when it comes to the world'.

'World's a big place…', Noct mused…

*Hammerhead*

No training Gladio had ever forced upon them could rival the exhaustion and agony the party felt, Sol swore if something, like an imperial or a wild animal, came and murdered her she'd oddly be perfectly okay with it.

The cars and bike were FINALLY pushed to the garage known as Hammerhead, a relatively popular and friendly spot on the map that according to the reviews is the best place for vehicle repairs. 'Hey there, y'all kept a girl watin'!', called out a voice. The party of half dead souls looked to see the mechanic approach them, smiling at them all, and Sol was starting to realize there was more to the garage than just quality car repairs.

'Now, which one of y'all is the royal folk?', she asked. Sol and Noct stood up with a weak wave to greet her. The mechanic beamed at them. 'Howdy your majesties. Congrats on your wedding', she said, smiling at Noct. 'Uh, not hitched yet', the prince said bashfully. He gained a small elbow to his stomach, courtesy of his sister. Hitched now or later, she refused to let him flirt with the rather beautiful mechanic. 'Lady Lunafreya's groom-to-be, here in Hammerhead', she said.

'Apologies for taking so long', intervened Ignis, 'As you can see we've had our fair shares of disasters'. The mechanic gave each vehicle a look, circling around them but nothing about them seemed to bother her, if nothing else it would seem she looked rather excited to be working on them. 'You'd be best saving your apologies for Paw-Paw', she responded. ' "Paw-Paw"?', Mederis asked.

'So that makes you…?', Gladio asked.

'Cindy- Cid's grease monkey granddaughter', she introduced kindly.

'Roll'em in while I'm still young!', a cranky old voice boomed. They turned to see the old man, no doubt Cid, looking over the Regalia. When he raised his head up to see the party, he gave a look. 'Didn't yer daddy tell ya? She's a custom classic, not some beat up ol' clunker', he explained gesturing the Regalia. Cid then turned his eyes to the twins. 'Prince Noctis and Princess Sol', he addressed. The twins looked at him, Noct confused but indifferent while Sol looked full alert. He then scoffed and waved his hand dismissively.

'Your vehicles are gonna take a while, y'all get her in and run along', he said as he headed for his garage. Leaving the party, mixed looks formed upon them. 'What's up his ass?', Armis asked. 'Sorry y'all, Paw-Paw's just a wee bit cranky', Cindy said with a grin. 'Well y'all heard him, let's get your gals a movin'!'.

With one last groan from Unius, the party pushed their defeated vehicles into the garage. Now with that problem partially resolved, they now must play the waiting game. At least it'll give them all some time to come up with a way to come up with the money they would need to pay for the repairs.

Also they would need to learn what a "gil" is…

AN: Kind of a meh chapter I know and it was more or less to introduce their designs and get the story going. Sorry.

This will be the last chapter for 2017, so big thanks to everyone whose supported my stories, feedback and just been awesome. Happy Christmas, Happy New Year, and as always, stay awesome but most importantly stay safe!