~3rd Person POV~

Destroying one of the Empire's bases was not an easy feat, but the group achieved their goal. As they headed back to the Regalia, Noctis looked around for a certain (h/c) haired girl.

"Where's (Y/n)?" He asked the others. They all turn to see she wasn't with them.

"I thought she was right behind us," Prompto said.

"We've got bigger problems," Gladio said, nodding towards a man approaching them. When they got a closer look, they recognized the man to be Ravus Nox Fleuret, Supreme Commander of the Imperial Army. Anger consumed Ravus' posture as he made his way over with his sword drawn.

"What do we do?" Prompto asked.

They ignored him and glared at the Commander. Once close enough, Ravus aimed his blade at Noctis' neck. "I only see four of you. Where is the other one?" He asked with a sharp glare.

"Like hell I'd tell you," Noctis spat, glaring back at Ravus. His eyes narrowed and his blade drew closer. The other readied their weapons, but were stopped by the prince. "Now, tell me where your sweetheart is. There's a reward on her pretty little head," Ravus said.

When all went silent, the sound of running footsteps caught their attention. Ravus turned and a wicked smile spread across his face as he saw who it was.

"(Y/n)," Noctis whispers the girl name as she comes into view. She stopped in her tracks as her eyes met with Ravus'. He withdrew the blade from Noctis' throat and slowly began walking towards her.

"Hey, you bastard! Leave her alone!" Noctis shouts. He charges at the commander, only to be thrown back by him. Gladio caught the prince before his body slammed against the Regalia.

Prompto and Ignis summoned their weapons and aimed at Ravus. The commander easily dodged their attacks, keeping his eyes on (Y/n).

"(Y/n), run!" Noctis yells desperately. The girl refused to move as Ravus sauntered over. She looked down to the ground with clenched fists.

"We must do something!" Ignis shouts.

"We can't even touch him! How are we supposed to protect (Y/n)?" Prompto asked worriedly.

"Wait, what's wrong with her?" Gladio questions. They all stare at the girl and saw her hair and eyes were changing colors. When Ravus tried to touch her, his hand was burnt. The commander gritted his teeth in pain and pulled away from her. "What the hell?" He cursed as he noticed a change in the girl's demeanor. Ravus took steps away from her.

"I was hoping I wouldn't have to use my powers, but it seems you'll have to learn your lesson the hard way," she growls. A bright light emitted from her body and blinded all of them. The light vanished and revealed a creature no one has seen in centuries.

The Phoenix screeched loudly at Ravus. His eyes widened as he took in the sight before him. "A Phoenix?" He mutters.

The others ran over and gasped at the sight. "W-wow," Prompto murmurs in surprise. The most shocked person was Noctis. He watched her every movement as she expands her wings. She swiped her talons towards Ravus and got him on the defensive. Her powerful attacks sent him skidding back on his heels. She snapped at him with her sharp beak and broke his blade in half.

"Dammit!" He cries out. (Y/n) cornered Ravus with ease. Before she could attack, Ardyn appeared out of nowhere and stopped her. "Calm yourself, my dear. We do not wish to hurt you or your friends any further."

Ravus clicked his tongue and pushed passed Ardyn. Keeping a close eye on the giant bird, the commander left the base. The chancellor tried to touch (Y/n), but she snapped at him. "How cold of you. I thought we had grown close."

(Y/n) screeches, making Ardyn back up a few steps. "I understand. I shall leave you to your friends and lover." Ardyn waved farewell and left the base.

Noctis was about to approach the Phoenix, but Gladio stopped him. "What the hell do you think you're doing? She's dangerous." Noctis freed himself of Gladio's grasp. "She's still (Y/n)." Noctis sent a glare to his shield. He turned his attention to the Phoenix and slowly approached her.

When (Y/n) felt his presence, she turned and faced the prince. Her once fiery attitude had simmered down as kindness flooded her golden eyes. Noctis stopped a few feet from her and stuck a hand out. (Y/n) cautiously approached and leaned her head into his open hand. A huge smile spread across his face, running his hand through her soft feathers. Even thought her feathers burned brightly, the fire didn't burn him. Her feathers were cool to the touch.

She lowered her head even further, resulting in Noctis hugging her. "You're just full of surprises," he whispered with a chuckle. She chirps happily and rubs her head against his cheek.

The others noticed her docile state and approached her. When Noctis was finished hugging her, Prompto took his place. "Woah, so soft!" He chants with a small laugh. Ignis was the next to lay a hand on her head. He smiled as she looked at him with her kind, golden eyes. Gladio was still a little hesitant but was persuaded by the others to feel her feathers.

He sighed with consent as his fingers traveled through the soft texture. Noctis grabbed her attention and stared into her beautiful eyes. "Can you turn back so I give you a proper kiss?" She chirps and transforms to her normal self.

"I know you all probably have a ton of questions, but I--"

Noctis silenced her with his soft lips. His hands found her cheeks and pulled her even closer. The warm sensation made their bodies heat up.

They had to cut the kiss short because of all the eyes they were feeling.

"Wow, that was bold, Noct," Prompto chuckles.

"Shut up, Prom." The prince still kept his eyes on the girl in front of him. Her hair was back to its normal shade, but her eyes were still gold. "Oh, they'll go back to normal shortly," she reassures him. He smiled and ruffled her (h/c) locks.

"Shall we head to Lestallum?" Ignis asked.

"Yeah, but can we at least get some dinner before we do?" Noctis asked his advisor. Ignis sighed and fixed his glasses.

"Please, Iggy?" (Y/n) begs with her hands clapped together. With her plead, Ignis crumbles. "Alright, dinner it is."

Noctis and (Y/n) cheered happily and ran to the Regalia. Gladio chuckled with a smile at the two. "I swear, they were made for each other." Prompto nods in agreement.

"You can say that again."