#izunia

 “You alright?” He asked quietly, trying not to draw attention to them. 

 “I will be,” Caelan nodded. Mostly to encourage herself she’d get through the bouts of pain here and there. “I wasn’t kidding. I think you might’ve broke my ass yesterday.” 

 Ardyn suppressed a snort, shaking his head as he rolled his eyes. Whatever concerns he had for Caelan’s health fell on the wayside. The sarcastic comment on her part pulled him out of debating with himself if their fighting had been too much. 

 “If there’s anything about you I’d gladly break, it’s your tongue.” Ardyn snickered. 

 “The hell is that supposed to mean?” Caelan shot a glare his way, standing up with the jerky in hand. “I’m assuming that’s a fancy term for ‘shut up Cahl’, ‘you talk too much Cahl’, ‘You can strand me here and I don’t need your assistance cause I’m being a smart ass, Cahl’.”

 “Oh don’t be so dramatic,” Ardyn teased. “It’s quite unattractive.” 

 “So is your entire personality.” Caelan counters under her breath.  

 Ardyn couldn’t resist letting out a laugh. A grin forming on his face as he grabbed a few Ebony’s from a mini fridge near the snack aisle.  

 “One of those better be for me,” Caelan quipped as Ardyn raised a brow at her, his playful demeanor shining through as he sighed. 

 “I recall you stating you preferred paying for your own things. Out of pride, are you?” Ardyn canted his head. Caelan's entire body language screamed she was not in the mood for his games. The temptation to continue on nagged at his nerves, but seeing how tired she was had Ardyn second guessing. 

 “Very well,” Ardyn sighed in defeat. “I guess I don’t mind sharing my spoils with--ack mdents!” 

 One of the Ebony cans slipped from his grasp, the can tumbling to the ground with a loud thud before Caelan or Ardyn could dive down to retrieve it. There were some customers that looked toward the direction of the noise, but paid it no heed when they registered it was nothing serious. Ardyn let out a relieved breath, seeing the can didn’t appear to be dented nor poised to explode as he picked it back up. When he rose, he was met with an expression by Caelan that could only be described as bewilderment. 

 “Something amusing?” 

 “What was it you just said a bit ago, ack mdents?” Caelan asked curiously. The intrigue grew further while she watched Ardyn put the can back in the fridge and grabbed another. Not wanting to risk the drink going all over the place if he were to open it up. 

 “You’re quite fortunate we don’t live in my time. You wouldn’t want to be caught saying that aloud.” Ardyn muttered, his face flushed as Caelan started to laugh playfully. 

 “Did you curse in some ancient language?” Caelan’s excitement grew as she approached Ardyn, grabbing one of the Ebony cans from his arms so he didn’t have a repeat of before. 

 “Perhaps I did,” Ardyn mused. “What of it?” 

 “For one thing, you never curse. I don’t think I ever heard the word 'fuck' leave your mouth. You’re too proper than most even when you’re pissed. Second, tell me more about it, the language!” The frown Ardyn made afterward was humorous in of itself to Caelan. She couldn’t tell if she struck a nerve or if he was worried that educating her about it would be akin to opening a Pandora’s Box. 

 “I don’t believe sharing such old knowledge would be to your benefit. It would fly over your head, being a modern Lucian and all.” Ardyn said as a matter of fact. His amusement grew as he could see Caelan was highly let down from his answer. 

 “Fine, then I’ll just keep repeating what you said until it drives you crazy.” Caelan said bluntly, giving a shrug as Ardyn made a face. She could tell he was about to call her bluff until she took in a deep breath. 

 “Ack mdents! Ack mdents! Ack mdents!” Caelan yelled out. Not afraid to give the weird words a bit of a flirtatious kick. No one was paying attention, nor did they care, but Ardyn was growing redder by the second knowing full well what it all meant. 

 “Cahl!” Ardyn exclaimed. He used his free hand that wasn’t holding onto the Ebony can to silence Caelan. His palm covering her mouth. He could feel her snickering against his flesh. The warmth of her breath making him twitch as he growled before letting her go. 

 “I won’t stop until you tell me more.” Caelan threatened. The grin she displayed made Ardyn tempted to smack her upside the head but he relented. 

 “Once upon a time it was the common tongue of Lucis. My people called it ‘God Speak’. We considered talking a gift from the heavens if you can believe such a ridiculous concept. In Niflheim, archaeologists named it Deus loqui.” Ardyn sighed, rubbing the back of his head as he made his way to the front counter. Ready to pay for everything. He grabbed the second can from Caelan, setting it down at the register. Even being bold as to take the jerky she was going to purchase for herself. 

 “Hey, I can pay for--”

 “Please, indulge me.” Ardyn interrupted. He was quick to toss some gil the clerks way, then made a beeline for the exit. Though no one knew what Caelan had said, he was quite embarrassed enough for them both.

 Ardyn tossed one of the Ebony cans at Caelan after all was said in done. Shortly after doing the same with her jerky. He chortled when she nearly dropped both items.

 “Would you teach me how to speak it?” Caelan piped up as they exited the building and began their walk to the hotel. She could see Ardyn was rather taken back by her question. Puzzlement filling in his eyes as she felt put on the spot. Her face was growing warm by the minute with how he stared at her. 

 “Why would you want to learn something that will go extinct once I perish?” He legitimately found her request to be peculiar. 

 “I mean,” Caelan began. She paused for a moment to think it over, her reasons. “Yeah, it’s a dead language but it could come in handy for us both. It would be good to talk in another form so enemies can’t know what we’re plotting. The possibilities are endless when you put it that way.” 

 Ardyn was rather impressed to say the least with Caelan’s reasoning. He looked ahead for a moment, thinking it over as they walked before clearing his throat. 

 “I suppose you make a fair point. Very well, would you like a first lesson?” Ardyn mused. A sly glint in his golden eyes as he studied her. The way she seemed to brim with excitement had him feeling all the more better about pulling the rug from underneath her feet. 

 “Absolutely!” Caelan froze when Ardyn leaned forward, his face inches away from her ear as he murmured. 

 “Next time, don’t scream out  ‘fuck me’  in the middle of public.” 

 “Oh my gods--” Caelan covered her mouth. Her face turning several shades of red in a matter of seconds. It didn’t help that Ardyn began to cackle like a rabid animal at her expense as he pulled away from her to take pride in his work, how he had thrown her under the bus when it came to embarrassment. 

 “Now you know how I felt back there.” Ardyn gestured with his head towards the market. His laughter dying down after he felt Caelan swiftly land a punch to his right shoulder. He didn’t begrudge her for the reaction. 

 “Alright, what I did was childish.” Caelan admitted as her face grew hotter. 

 “An understatement.” Ardyn smiled. 

 “You could’ve warned me,” Caelan whispered under her breath. Not before raising a brow as she she started to smile big. She could tell the action caught Ardyn off guard. His eyes landed on her, expression reading to Caelan as ‘be out with it’ as if she knew a secret he didn’t. “Or you could’ve been into it.” 

 "Temptress." 

 "You started it." 

 Ardyn rolled his eyes, averting his gaze from Caelan as he felt his own blush coming back to haunt him. 

 “Don’t be ridiculous.” He muttered begrudgingly. There were few times Caelan had managed to cut him off, this being one of those rare moments. Ardyn had nothing clever to say and remained silent. Mostly for his sake. 

 As the hotel and Scepter were beginning to come into view, Caelan stopped. Her right hand gripping on the bag of jerky as her gaze traveled to her feet. 

 “Cahl?” Ardyn was visibly worried as he watched Caelan’s expression change. There was a look of sadness on her features. Her eyes showing some apprehension, as if she was scared to say anything further. 

 “I’m curious about something,” Caelan began to settle with the feelings. Something about their current conversation brought her back to their texts the night she rescued Kurt. “The night I stormed Formouth, I tried calling you several times. Why didn’t you answer me?” 

 Ardyn blinked a few times. His mind combed through his memories and then it dawned on him what she was referring to. Like a ton of bricks, it hit him. His thought process of where he was that night. His feelings towards her, Somnus, Aera, Serpo. All of it. Ardyn was never one to hide unless he was going to incorporate the element of surprise towards an opponent, but in this case he just wanted to fade.

 “I had a rather eventful and long day that evening. My daemonic powers had been triggered. I slept through it.” 

 “You’re lying.” Caelan said with a laugh, trying to ease the tension between the two of them as Ardyn raised a brow. 

 “How do you figure?” He didn’t outright correct her, but he was curious as to where her thought process was. 

 “Your eyes are giving you away,” Caelan said as Ardyn let out an amused laugh. It was brief, but enough to convey he had found some amusement there. It was the second time someone had called him out for such a thing as he remembered Serpo telling him.

 “You didn't return any calls, then suddenly my phone was blown up with messages. When I returned you gave me a verbal beating, then a hug like nothing happened, then you gifted me my blade--” Caelan hesitated mentioning the part where he had kissed her knuckles, feeling her body tense at the experience. 

 “You've been hot and cold with me since we left Florens and Kurt,” Caelan said as her eyes locked on his. “Like yesterday too. I know you pushed the envelope so I could learn, but I honestly couldn’t tell if you wanted to kill me or not. I guess I’m just wondering if I’ve done something wrong. I've been feeling like that this whole time."  

 “Oh no,” Ardyn was quick to say, shaking his head as he approached her. “No, its not you at all.” 

 “Then what’s been wrong?” Caelan asked, furrowing her brows. Her frustration evident on her features despite her voice being gentle. “Like you, I don’t like being kept in the dark either, Ardyn.”

 “I’m--” Ardyn stopped himself. His brows knitted, feeling nervous all of a sudden. “To be honest, I myself am still processing…things.” 

 “Things?” Caelan repeated, perplexed as ever. 

 “Yes, things.” Ardyn said a bit more firmly. His voice softened. “I don’t know where to begin--” 

 Ardyn made a face, letting out a surprised gasp when Caelan put her left hand on his chest to silence him. His eyes then followed the direction she was staring at. From afar, members of the Einherjar had surrounded the Scepter. A few lounging on the hood of it, with Tempus leaning against the back of the vehicle.

 “We need to table this conversation because look who decided to crawl in.” Caelan said bitterly. The whole unit wasn’t there, which meant a couple of things in Caelan’s mind: The others were hiding elsewhere ready to strike, or the unit had split into groups to cover more ground in order to find her and Ardyn. She didn’t like either option. She gestured her arm out, and her blade appeared. Her free hand securing the hilt, more than ready to do battle if it unfortunately came to that. 

 “Cahl, did you bring any of the camping supplies into our room from the car?” Ardyn’s voice was calm and collected as Caelan glanced towards him. 

 “Yeah but not all of it, any thoughts on what we should do?” Caelan sighed. 

 “There’s a backdoor to the hotel, is there not?” 

 Furrowing her brows, Caelan nodded. “Yeah, there is. Why do you ask?” 

 “I want you to go to our room, gather what you can, and make a run for the woods.” Ardyn stated firmly. His resolve growing as astonishment took over taking over Caelan's expression.

 “What about the Scepter?” Caelan asked. 

 “When we make it to Lestallum, I can have it towed.” Ardyn said simply. 

 “What if they ransack it?” Caelan sighed. 

 “Then I’ll have it repaired for you once more.” 

 “What if--” 

 “Cahl, I know you are rather territorial about the automobile, but I need you to comply with me.” Ardyn turned his head to face her. His eyes were serious as his gaze lingered on Caelan. They were both silent for a time. Each of them trying to make the other back down subconsciously with their body language without the other truly realizing it. Caelan lost the fight though as she closed her eyes and breathed out. 

 “I’m your shield. I should be the one taking care of this, not you. What are you going to do?” Caelan asked as Ardyn smirked. He placed both the cans of Ebony at her feet then rose up with a smile. 

 “Think nothing of it. Between the two of us, you’re in no position to try besting many in combat. Not after how hard we trained. I’m going to be cordial and have a conversation with my fellow dear Lucians. I’ll buy you some time.” Ardyn’s smile sent a shiver down Caelan’s spine. She had no idea what he was intending. For all she knew, he was going to kill them all. She wouldn’t be surprised nor would she hold it against him. The thought did somewhat nerve her though. 

 “Go, Cahl.” Ardyn murmured. He watched her give a nod and take off, seeing her backtrack towards the market.

 With a deep breath, Ardyn closed his eyes and could feel himself shifting into character of the elusive chancellor of Niflheim. It was like night and day as he strolled over to car. The air of self righteousness pooled from his body as he could see each pair of eyes from the Einherjar suddenly look his way. A small chuckle escaped him sensing the fear that overcame each and every soldier. It seemed despite giving him injuries during their past altercation, the men and women remained terrified of his presence. 

 “Well, when they say the past comes back to haunt you, I guess I didn’t take it seriously enough.” Ardyn mused, his voice feigning he was more than honored to see them. His eyes directly fell upon Tempus as the man approached, standing between him and the rest of the Einherjar. Ardyn thought it to be adorable, that a man with no honor would be willing to put himself in front of the Adagium and his prey. His eyes widened for a split second as suddenly everyone’s weapons were pointing straight at him. 

 “Oh dear, is this really how we are going to carry on a conversation? After all the men and women I butchered from before.” There was a smear of darkness behind Ardyn's polite demeanor. It became glaringly obvious it struck a nerve in Tempus as the man's left eyebrow twitched. 

 “I’m only going to say this once, where is Zamfir? If you don’t talk, we’ll make you.” Tempus's voice was rigid, eyes and brows forming into a tight glare as he watched Ardyn’s movements like a hawk. He wouldn't make the same mistakes as before. 

 “My former shield was last heading to a junction over yonder. I’m sure she’s lurking if you wish to seek her out.” 

 Tempus raised a brow. His resolve faltered as he looked behind him to his comrades. Each of them uncertain as he was met with a barrage of shrugs, nods, and perplexed looks.

 “Bet you weren’t expecting me to be so civil.” Ardyn mused. 

 “What’s the catch, Adagium? I thought Zamfir was your shield.” Tempus called him out, further surprise taking hold of him as Ardyn sighed bitterly. He visibly appeared to be irate at the mention of Caelan. 

 “We had a rather nasty disagreement. I decided it was best we part ways. Irreconcilable differences. I do apologize dear Tempus for our previous transgressions. I should’ve listened to you. I mean to be traveling alongside a genocidal freak? My reputation already precedes me. Lest I need anymore notoriety.” Ardyn said as a matter of fact. 

 “I’m not buying it,” Tempus was blunt as he remained in place like a rock. “If you both aren't so well acquainted anymore, why is her car here?” 

 “A rather depressing subject,” Ardyn sighed heavily. He sauntered to the Scepter, giving the roof a gentle pat as some of the men and women moved out of the way. Not wanting to risk being touched by someone considered a monster. 

 “The poor girl tracked me all the way here and begged I employ her again. She didn’t take too kindly to me saying no, and left in a huff. She’s low on gil or something of the sort. I wasn’t paying too much attention. I've been preoccupied trying to catch up on rest before I leave for Insomnia. The junction I mentioned isn't that far from us. You can easily make it by foot if you want to catch her." 

 Ardyn could see he seemed to have most if not everyone ensnared by his tale. Even Tempus gestured and muttered some commands as the Einherjar began to travel in the direction Ardyn shared with them. 

 “Back at the check point, you said I have no honor,” The bitterness in Tempus's voice seemed to lighten up a little as he approached Ardyn. His eyes attempting to find a hint of deceit in Ardyn’s features as he was met with a raised brow by the Adagium.  “What do you want in return for giving us Zamfir?” 

 Ardyn laughed, shaking his head. He stepped away from the Scepter and walked off before turning around. His hands on his hips as he shrugged towards his adversary. 

 “I don’t want anything to do with you nor any human,” Ardyn began. “I simply wish to be left to my own devices.”

 “That is still a request,” Tempus corrected. “Which I can comply with since you’re staying out of the way and not getting involved.” 

 There was a brief look of rage that overtook Ardyn’s golden eyes at being ‘corrected’ by the brute of a soldier. Nevertheless his even temperament remained. Nothing would make him budge emotionally. So long as the Einherjar weren't following Caelan. 

 “I do so appreciate your understanding,” Ardyn smirked, taking out a small pouch of gil and tossed it towards Serpo’s feet. He watched as the man stared down in bewilderment. 

 “What’s this for?” Tempus asked. 

 “Consider it an act of apology. Compensation towards the men and women I slaughtered last time we met. I may be monstrous, but I know when to be a gentleman.” 

 “Indeed,” Tempus muttered bitterly. He was quick to pick up the coin and pocketed it. Not bothering to check the amount. “Did Zamfir tell you where she was heading?” 

 Ardyn nodded. “She was southbound before coming across me. I assume for an odd job or another. It may be to your benefit to head East and cut her off. I have no doubts she will be heading to the Leide region again for car repairs, that is if you don’t catch her now. Now, if you’ll excuse me. I would very much like to be on my way. There's a mattress calling for me.” 

 “Right,” Tempus murmured. He watched Ardyn give a respectful bow of his head before venturing away. Tempus was quick to assign orders to the last of his men who were around, directing them on how they could best corner Caelan and capture her. As soon as Caelan was in his units custody, he was determined to come back for the Adagium. The prosect of turning in both a former comrade and a legendary monster to clear his own crimes was far too great of a deal to pass over. Even if said Adagium was being rather compliant and turned on his only helper. 

 Tempus was about to head off with a team of three, until out of the corner of his eyes he looked to where Ardyn was at. Curiosity getting the better of him. Ardyn's figure ever so distant yet Tempus could make out the Adagium crouching down to pick up something. Tempus didn’t see what it was until Ardyn made his way to the hotel. Two cans of Ebony. At first Tempus thought nothing of it until his instincts started to question the motives behind such a miniscule detail. 

 After a few moments of his mind debating if what he witnessed were red flags, Tempus decided to investigate. A sneaking suspicion that Caelan was with Ardyn the whole time began to grow. One of the cans had to be for her. He snuck quickly into the hotel, keeping his distance from Ardyn yet followed him down the hallways until he could figure out which room he was staying in. As soon as the Adagium went inside, Tempus sprinted down. His leg kicking in the door as he burst through. 

 “Gotcha!” He exclaimed, with two men behind him, their guns at the ready only to find Ardyn wasn’t there. Having teleported away. Tempus ventured further into the room. His eyes gazed over the two beds. He made a mental note of how the blankets were in disarray, along with some leftover boxes of food sitting on top of a mini fridge. He traveled closer to the beds, fixating on the right one and found some strands of hair. No doubt belonging to Caelan. Tempus was seeing red as his blood boiled and he made a fist. 

 “Son of a bitch!” Tempus yelled, then began barking orders. “Check the entire building! They couldn’t have gotten far!” 

 Far away from the hotel, Caelan had run quite far. The clattering sounds of her camping equipment in her backpack constantly shuffled, making a rhythmic noise while she sprinted. Her eyes kept forward, occasionally glancing around to make certain she wasn’t being followed. The woods were alive with an array of noises coming from creatures big and small. Caelan was surprised she could hear traffic from up ahead meaning a road had to be near, or a part of the highway to Lestallum.

 Mixed feelings about her current observations ran through Caelan's mind. On one hand, she was heading the right way towards the city. On the other, being close to roads meant danger if the Einherjar didn’t fall for whatever Ardyn cooked up. Caelan decided if she came across the main road, she’d quickly get back into the woodlands. It was better to take her chances among nature than to try battling her way through on pavement. She had more places to hide where there were plenty of trees and rocks. Easier opportunities to ambush if necessary as well. 

 Caelan climbed and stepped over a large trunk of a tree that had been blown over by a windstorm. She lost her footing at the last second during the climb over, falling onto her back. The shock from the unexpected hit had her murmuring out curses as she rose back to her feet and started to run again. A sharp gasp left her as she collided into a body, the person nearly toppled over. She was prepared to summon her blade, arm gesturing out until Ardyn caught her wrist. Mostly it was to prevent himself from falling, but also to keep Caelan from trying to cut his head off. 

 “You can relax. It’s just me.” Ardyn said with a startled sigh. His grip was neither too strict nor too soft against Caelan’s skin. He watched the relief flood Caelan’s eyes before deciding to let go of her. 

 “Thank heaven,” Caelan said aloud, letting the tightness in her shoulders subside for a moment. 

 “What happened back there? Are you good?” 

 “Yes, I’m quite alright.” Ardyn nodded. He ignored her question regarding what happened between himself and the Einherjar. Too focused on her. He found it endearing how she was checking for wounds or any signs he had been hurt. His own eyes looked her over in the same fashion before his attention fell behind Caelan. Disgruntled yells and noises were coming from afar. 

 “Whatever you said, you sure pissed them off.” Caelan muttered, feeling her skin tremble as the yelling became more hostile. 

 “It seems Tempus once more proved he’s a dishonorable brat,” Ardyn said begrudgingly. “Come.” 

 Caelan let out a surprised yelp when Ardyn took her by the hand and led her through the woods. Her feet desperately trying to keep up with his. She was amazed at how many obstacles the forest had gifted their way and how neither of them had tripped and fallen. They ran for a long time, crossing over a road and then ventured back into another thicket of trees. 

 “Ardyn, I need to catch my breath--” Caelan pleaded. She was startled he had come to a halt on her behalf. In her experience being his shield, Ardyn stopped for nothing and no one. Not even her. He appeared concerned as he let go of her hand and approached. 

 “You can drop the pack and leave it here. I can always buy us more camping equipment.” Ardyn gestured to the backpack. His brows knitted further into a frown as Caelan shook her head, panting in between sentences. 

 “I got this. Please. I can’t keep having your wallet come and save the day. It’s not realistic.” Caelan let out a tired laugh as Ardyn chuckled. He too allowed himself some respite from the run as he breathed. 

 “Stubborn as they come,” Ardyn began. “I don’t mind spending my money on you.” 

 “Why’s that?” Caelan raised a brow. She wasn’t sure if it was the lighting from the sun coming through the branches of the trees, or if he was truly as tired as she was, but Caelan could’ve sworn he was blushing. 

 “Because a part of me enjoys spoiling you,” Ardyn admitted. 

 “Oh,” Caelan said softly. Her voice astonished, albeit there was a smile that began to form in the corners of her lips. She could see Ardyn was mirroring her expression before a snap from behind her had them both distracted. Caelan quickly ducked behind a large boulder, not before dragging Ardyn to the same spot. They both fell silent, listening as members of the Einherjar caught up to their location. 

 A series of commands, shouts and pent up frustrations pooled from all directions. Ardyn felt Caelan shudder against him. The fear was evident in her body despite her facial expressions conveying she was made of stone. Instinctively he wrapped an arm around her waist, bringing her close. Not minding the proximity as he offered a quick smile when her gaze met his. He quickly averted, feeling a sudden rush of whisps and noises begin to radiate in his eardrums. 

 There was a strong compulsion that was suddenly triggered from his actions. The more he could feel Caelan tremble, the worse it became. It was almost as if he could hear her heartbeat in his mind. Feel it speed up as trepidation swept at her nerves. He could feel it. The urge to maim tempting him into submission. The inhuman growls slowly started to slink past his lips, unable to help himself as he could suddenly hear the pulsing beats of hearts that belonged to Einherjar travel through his skull. His arm around Caelan shuddered, alerting her as she tugged on his jacket. 

 “Ardyn,” Caelan's voice hitched, looking up to be met with his black and gold eyes. Like when they trained, Caelan held her ground as he stared at her. The fear remained, but she didn’t feel as terrified as before when his daemonic nature began to leak. 

 “I want to kill them,” Ardyn’s voice, inhuman but with a twinge of softness murmured back. “I want to kill them for you.” 

 “I understand you mean well, but they're my burden. I'm your shield. You're the one in need of protection, not the other way around. I need to get out from here and pick them off. So you can run.” Caelan breathed, swallowing nervously. She knew there was no way she could stop him. The intent was there in his features. It was not a matter of if but when he’d strike. 

 “Cahl,” Ardyn caught her attention. His eyes bored into hers as he grabbed a hold of her chin, forcing her gaze to steady on his more grotesque features. “I know I’m safe with you. Let me return the favor. Please. Let me pick off a few. I need to.”

 Caelan could feel goosebumps travel down her flesh when he spoke. The primal unease of being captured by something predatory never ceased to leave her mind. Yet his words replayed in her head, lulling her fleeing senses down. There were two meanings behind Ardyn's words. He wanted to unleash the pent-up rage that had been long burning inside of his body, and he wanted her to be comfortable around him. Even when he was daemonic. Caelan felt it in her heart that he wanted her to accept all parts of himself. Even the monstrous bit. 

 “Okay,” Caelan barely spoke above a whisper. Nodding in his grasp. She felt her pulse throb as he let her chin go. 

 “I don’t want to see it. It’s nothing against you, I just can’t.” Caelan said with a deep breath. Blinking a few times she looked ahead. Tempus and the others had long walked past them, in the direction where both Ardyn and she should've been going. 

 “I’m going to run, and keep running. When you’re finished, you come back, hm?” 

 Ardyn nodded. He was unable to contain himself any longer. He teleported in a flash and Caelan bolted onto her legs and ran. She didn’t hear the first of the screams and blood-curdling yells until she was long out of range. The distinctive sounds of flesh being torn from limb and monstrous roars pulsed in her brain until her mind had no choice but to tune it out for her sake. All the while, Caelan recalled the various victims of Julian and Einherjar over the years. Their horror inducing cries and pleads for mercy ignored as they were struck down brutally. She could only imagine what Ardyn was doing to the poor souls that were in his wake. The tears didn’t cease as she long escaped. 

 Hours seemed to have passed for Ardyn as he stepped away from the carnage he had unabatingly created. Blood covered his entire form as he panted, feeling his impulses had been satisfied and then some. He looked down at one of the bodies. The corpse was mutilated beyond recognition as were the other five in the area. A part of himself felt disgusted by his actions yet he couldn’t afford to linger. What's done was done, and he had accomplished the goal of scaring the ever loving crap out of the survivors. If the Einherjar kept trying to pursue himself and Caelan after this, Ardyn wasn't sure what else to throw at them. The nightmares of how they could potentially die at his hand should've been enough to make them stop. 

 Tempus and whoever was left managed to flee his wrath for now. Ardyn hated how they were able to exploit him being blinded by debris. Someone tossing dirt in his eyes as he nearly ripped their leg off. A pained wince escaped his mouth as he looked to his waist, seeing there had been a knife sticking from his flesh. He pulled it out, ripping a part of his white overshirt to stuff the wound. Healing would have to wait. He needed to clean up and find Caelan first. 

 Using the last of his energy, Ardyn teleported to where he could sense Caelan the most. His golden eyes blinked, registering it was another part of the woods. A content sigh escaped him as he noticed a river up ahead. The gentle swish of the current tempted him to dive in right away. He didn’t hesitate to strip down, still wearing his pants as he jumped into the running water. The cold temperature was a welcome shock as he popped up to the surface, taking in a deep gasp while moving his hair from his eyes. His hands working down his arms to scrub away filth, grime and whatever bodily fluids managed to sink through his clothes and touch his flesh.

 He pulled himself out from the river a while after. Laying down on the shore as he breathed, tampering down adrenaline. Ardyn leaned up when he heard some rocks nearby begin to shift, making crunching noises indicating someone was near. Concern but a determination to kill the person where they stood resonated in his expression. His features immediately softened as he saw Caelan approach. The blood looked as if it had been drained from her face. Her eyes bloodshot. It didn’t take long for Ardyn to comprehend that she had been crying for a long time. He could feel a sense of guilt rising in himself. He wondered if she was frightened of him. 

 “You got hurt,” Caelan choked out, gesturing at Ardyn’s waist. The knife would was still bleeding, but not nearly as bad as before. 

 “Aye, I got hurt.” Ardyn nodded. Giving a small smile. His vain attempt to ease the tension didn’t seem to do any good as Caelan continued to stare. 

 "Did you kill them all?" 

 "No," Ardyn reassured. "I was merciful. As I could be." 

 "You should've just let me handle it. Otherwise, what are you paying me for? You shouldn't be fighting my battles. Not like that." 

 “This wasn’t your fault, you know,” Ardyn said softly, giving a shrug. He ignored her comment.

 After a long silence, Ardyn was about to say something further, offer some form of an apology, until Caelan walked to his side. He watched her crouch before him. Her knees ignoring the rough texture of the rocks on the shore as she lowered to his level. Her arms wrapped around the upper half of his body, her face pressing to the top of his head.  Ardyn instantly repeated her motions. His arms snaking around her waist as he lay his head against her chest. The calmness of her heartbeat soothed him and what was left behind of his monstrous appetite.

  It was the afternoon by the time they made it to Lestallum’s main highway. The walk was long, tedious, and both Caelan and Ardyn commented many times how much they missed the car. They debated about going back to retrieve it. Caelan insisting the coast had to be clear at this point considering Ardyn eviscerated many of the Einherjar. Ardyn strongly protested. Not budging from his offer he could have it towed to them when they reached the city. She was too emotionally drained to give a damn any further on the subject. 

 Lestallum felt like it was an eternity away despite making it to the bridge and its junction. By car, it would take about fifteen to twenty minutes to cross, but by foot maybe a few hours. The sun was preparing to settle down as the clouds morphed into bright pinks and yellow splashes. Neither of them had the strength to make the trek. Not after their recent brush. Caelan found a colony of caravan close by. Ones that had been recently placed until an inn would be later built at an old parking stop. The area was quite nice. Mostly surrounded by fields, a few large trees here and there, and of course there were chocobos. Wild ones traversing through with not a care in the world. 

 Once rental agreements were made with the current owners of the units, Ardyn and Caelan ventured to the meadow nearby. Both watched the giant yellow birds go about their business. Either of them contemplative in their own respective worlds. It wasn’t until Caelan studied Ardyn’s morose expression did their self reflections end. 

 “I’ve never seen a grown man so depressed looking at a chocobo. Its unheard of.” Caelan’s tone was spirited as she looked Ardyn's way. One of the giant yellow birds several feet away raised its head up from the grass, tilting curiously towards Ardyn and Caelan before scratching at a spot in the ground and diving in. No doubt finding a nest of grubs to consume to its delight. 

 Ardyn remained neutral despite Caelan’s jest at play. A heaviness pulled at his heart strings while he observed the avian creature. The fine gold feathers of the chocobo splayed in the breeze as the wind picked up and gently carded itself against its massive form. Ardyn wasn’t sure if it was nausea, but his stomach was churning in painful knots as old memories he thought had been long gone began to resurface. The faint squeaks of a baby black chocobo hatching from a lone nest echoed through his ears. 

 “Ardyn?” Caelan’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned to look at her. 

 “Hm?” 

 “You look like you have a lot on your mind,” Caelan remarked, deciding to sit down on the grass and enjoy the view of the birds more. She gazed up towards him, offering a sincere smile. “A penny for your thoughts?” 

 “It’s nothing I should trouble you with.” Ardyn said as he too decided to sit. After the long day Caelan and he had, his knees needed the rest. 

 “Is it about what happened earlier?” 

 “No,” Ardyn shook his head. “I’d rather not indulge in talking.” 

 “Suit yourself. I'm here though, should you need me.” Caelan said as she stretched her legs out. Her hands absentmindedly pulled at the grass beside her, inhaling the pleasantly sharp and sweet smell that was left behind. She didn’t have the energy to press on with whatever was ailing him, though Caelan was worried. Ardyn wasn’t usually this silent unless he was either deeply contemplative, or was preparing to kill someone. 

 Caelan’s mind traveled to earlier on in the day as Ardyn assassinated members of the Einherjar unit in cold blood. Though she was grateful he had come to her aid, Caelan felt a subtle chill travel down her neck. Ardyn’s daemonic eyes, black and gold, flashed before her mind. The disturbing grin he had all the while adding further goosebumps to her skin. 

 “A long time ago, I had one of these beautiful birds as a companion.” Ardyn’s rich voice broke Caelan out of her thoughts. The fondness in his tone immediately had her attention fixed upon him. 

 “What was the chocobo’s name?” Caelan asked curiously. She smiled at how content he sounded and was happy he decided to say something after all. 

 “Absalom,” Ardyn replied with a smile. His eyes still watching the chocobo’s nearby continuing to preen and feed. 

 “My brother Somnus and I were gifted two eggs from a lone nest on our enthroning day. It was a ceremony to celebrate us becoming future rulers. I was sixteen and he was thirteen. The eggs were a gift from one of the poorest families in Lucis, though considered a high honor. Chocobo’s were worshipped and had many meanings 2,000 years ago. More titles than now.” 

 Ardyn paused for a moment, allowing himself time to choose his words carefully and allow Caelan time to reflect and ask questions. 

 “Were there many chocobos back in your time?” Caelan asked, watching Ardyn nod. 

 “Oh yes,” Ardyn gestured out with his right hand and slid across the air for emphasis then returned it to his side. 

 “As far as the eye could see, there were fields of them. Some towns considered chocobos a nuisance if you can believe such things. Always poking their heads through windows at odd hours, eating up gardens, that sort of mischievousness.” Ardyn laughed. The sounds he made were contagious as Caelan laughed herself, shaking her head at the remark. 

 “The majority of course were gold, save for a few rare ones that would arrive every generation or two. Absalom was as black as the night, like he hatched out of the cosmos itself.” Ardyn grinned proudly. As he closed his eyes for a moment, Ardyn could see Absalom in all his glory. The silly bird of the dark bobbing his head as he awaited a treat. 

 “The priests at the time proclaimed it was a good omen and a sign of my right as the future king. For only the Astrals would bestow such a beast carved from the heavens to the crystals chosen. That bird imprinted on me, and never left my side unless I made it absolutely clear.” 

 The admiration Ardyn had for such an animal had Caelan smiling big. She could almost feel it begin to hurt. The way Ardyn’s voice conveyed how beautiful Absalom was, had him almost sounding like a young boy who was enthusiastic about a subject that greatly inspired him. 

 Caelan could feel her happiness falter, knowing that the bird had to have been long gone. Unless there was such a thing as an immortal chocobo, but Ardyn never brought it up nor did she want to ask if the bird of darkness was roaming around Eos somewhere. Though be as it may, Caelan was still curious about Absalom’s demise. 

 “How long was he your companion?” Caelan watched as Ardyn’s features became serious in a matter of seconds. A silence hung in the air that had the hairs on the back of her arms stand at attention. She realized perhaps she might’ve crossed a line and decided to make amends. 

 “I didn’t mean to pry--”

 “He was with me until the day of my crucifixion,” Ardyn interjected. The bitterness in his voice was hollow. He gulped, regaining his composure as the spots along his body where steel had once met broken bone throbbed. Ardyn may have been free from the chains of Angelgard, but the muscle memory of being carved into would always remain. It took every ounce of willpower in himself to speak as he glared towards the rolling fields. 

 “After Somnus had hauled away my beloved Area’s corpse, and found alas his men couldn’t kill me, I was paraded in the kingdom streets before departure to Angelgard. A warning to mothers to protect their children from the monster lurking in the dark, and to behold the people of my unholy gift of immortality. Behind the procession was Absalom. I can still hear the screams the poor bird made as he was beheaded out of my sight. His head twisted upon a spear and swung around like some grotesque trophy. Voices proclaimed the bird was evil just as its master due to its complexion. He was killed for merely being associated with me.” 

 Ardyn could feel himself begin to falter. His voice shaking as the dam broke, and the memories flooded every crevice of his mind. For a moment, he could’ve swore the metallic scent of blood traversed through his nose as if it were fresh. 

 “Ardyn,” Caelan’s voice was barely a whisper. Her throat bobbed. The corner of her eyes beginning to tear up at the utter anguish his words carried. She watched him wave her off, dismissing not only her but his feelings. She heard him sniffle before he spoke up yet again. 

 “Absalom was the first of many killed because of one’s loyalty to me. Somnus never decreed such acts upon his honor as king, but neither did he stop the bloodshed. I’m certain it was my imprisonment that had these so-called hunts for black chocobo gain popularity over the years and why the species heavily declined after generations.” 

 Ardyn furrowed his brows, closing his eyes as he took in a deep breath. His amber eyes looking at the golden birds ahead with a sorrowful fondness before he turned his focus to his hands, plucking strands of grass to distract himself of any emotional pain. 

 Caelan was beside herself as she comprehended the heaviness of Ardyn’s experience. Her heart thudded deeply in her chest. She put herself in his shoes. The pain of people poking and prodding at him to ensure death, the anxiety and helplessness at being dragged through streets once beloved now a monster, the cries of the bird he raised from its infancy doing everything it could to get away, it was all too much. Tears flowed down her cheeks as she blinked. Sniffling from time to time.

 “Cahl?” 

 “Sorry--” Caelan quickly said, using her arm to wipe away at her eyes. “It’s nothing.” 

 Ardyn closed his eyes. A regretful look graced his features as he turned to her and carefully placed a hand upon Caelans shoulder. He realized perhaps he had gotten too excessive in his detail and description of events. He himself was trying not to further make his blood rise. Nevertheless, he took a gentle approach with Caelan. 

 “Forgive me if anything I said upset you--”

 “No, it’s not you. I promise.” Caelan said truthfully. Her head turned to the side as she looked upon him with a morose smile. There was genuine empathy in her eyes that had Ardyn paralyzed for the moment. 

 “You didn’t have to tell me any of that, but you did. It was a brave thing to do. I feel kind of honored. It’s all untold history that maybe only myself will know.” Caelan shrugged, watching as Ardyn’s hand retreated from her. 

 “I suppose that’s a fair statement,” Ardyn said thoughtfully. He hummed in thought, suppressing a laugh. “Would you be opposed to me tossing you gil if you were to become a walking diary for yours truly? Perhaps when the king once more destroys me, at least someone could put in a good word on my behalf.”

 Caelan blinked a few times, rolling her eyes at his playful jab. Her head shook. “You couldn’t pay me a million gil to be your professional consort much less go through something as idiotic as that.” 

 “Ah,” Ardyn sighed, his eyes glancing about the scenery as the wind picked up further. “But your credentials are far too outstanding to ignore. You listen well, truly.” 

 “In that case,” Caelan mused. “I think I deserve something for the trouble. And by trouble, I mean you in general.” 

 “Trouble?” Ardyn acted as if he was appalled. His body language exaggerating further as he put upon theatrics, causing Caelan to laugh out loud. “I know we got off on the wrong foot, but are you saying you find me an inconvenience?” 

 “Only when you talk too fancy. Like you’re doing now. I swear you’ve only ever read a thesaurus as a kid. That or one of those Solheim epics.” Caelan said with sarcasm. Laughing as once again waved her off. 

 Ardyn smirked. “Ah yes, I merely forgot that the modern brains of Lucian’s aren’t the brightest. Too busy looking at their phones that they can’t appreciate the art of conversation.” 

 Caelan glared towards him. “I resent that. And you still owe me something for nearly bawling my eyes out. I don’t get paid enough to play therapist to captives.” 

 Ardyn chuckled, his full attention on Caelan as his right hand went underneath her chin. He pulled her forward, causing a small gasp to escape from her especially once he pulled her head down just a smidge. 

 Caelan hadn’t expected the gesture much less did she expect Ardyn’s lips to press atop of her forehead. She could feel her face flush a million shades, and a single minute began to fell like hours before he pulled away and looked upon her. The fondness in his eyes had her knees weak, and Caelan was more than thankful she was already on the ground. 

 “For your trouble, sweet girl.” Ardyn murmured softly. His confidence soon after began to wane, as if he realized he had overstepped his boundaries. Clearing his throat, he got up, patting down his pants of debris from the grass and gestured to the trailer he and Caelan were staying at. 

 “I’m going to turn in. Best not stay up for too long.” He was quick to excuse himself, leaving Caelan stunned. She only snapped out of it when one of the chocobos squawked her way, causing her to jump.