Nighttime fell across all of Lucis. Prompto and Gladio split from the others once they infiltrated Fort Vaullerey to cause a distraction. Noctis, Ignis, and (Y/n) currently stood behind a few crates, crouching down and avoiding detection. The Horseman peered over the wooden crates, surveying the area. Her (e/c) eyes landed on a man in ornate armor walking straight toward them. "There. That must be the commander."

Ignis peeked out from behind their cover, listening to the man ramble on to his bodyguards. "The insolence of that up-jumped mercenary...And there is still no word. This cannot be borne. Such behavior besmirches His Radiance's good name."

"That's our target," Ignis whispered. "Let's follow him. Seize him on my signal. Stay hidden 'til then." (Y/n) and Noctis nodded in unison.

As they snuck alongside the commander using whatever they could as cover, the Horseman tuned in to the man's conversation as he rambled on. "What is that chancellor playing at? I'm no man's fool. He sent Highwind to watch me."

Continuing to sneak through the shadows, Pestilence ended up further ahead than Noctis and Ignis. She kept to the shadows, scanning the enemies that blocked them from moving forward. In the blink of an eye, she vanished and reappeared directly behind a soldier. She conjured a single chakram and sliced the blade through the man's back deeply, killing him instantly. She stepped back from the body as it fell to the ground before evaporating.

Noctis, spotting the second soldier not far from where (Y/n) was standing, warped and killed him with a single blow. The two exchanged nods before killing the next two soldiers in unison.

Further along, the duo eavesdropped on the commander's conversation as they took out another few guards patrolling the catwalks above. "It's no mere coincidence she and I meet wherever I go. Claims to "trust her as a person." Hollow words from the mind behind the magitek movement."

While distracted with listening, (Y/n) didn't sense the approaching patrol. She was suddenly tackled to the ground behind a large piece of machinery and out of sight before the trio of men could spot her. She winced in pain from the abrupt impact and stared up at the person who pinned her to the ground, unconsciously gripping their uppers arms in the process. She ended up staring into a pair of jade eyes masked behind a pair of glasses. She turned her head when she heard the guards' metal boots clacking against the ground on the other side of the machine they were hidden behind. "Seems I was careless."

"Forgive me for my abruptness, (Y/n)," he whispered to girl pinned underneath his lean body.

"I should be thanking you. I would've ruined our plan," she whispered in response, focusing her (e/c) eyes back onto him.

The two fell silent as they heard the commander's voice, once again, as he walked through another magitek-powered gate. "I may have acted in haste with that impudent steward back in Lestallum, but my mission remains clear. And I'll be damned if that mercenary gets her grubby hands on the prince before Caligo Ulldor."

(Y/n)'s and Ignis' eyes widen when they knew exactly who the man was talking about. The Horseman pushed against the advisor who still had her pinned to the ground. He refused to move, knowing she was just as angry as him and would act rashly. "Ignis," she hissed. "Let me-!"

"I partake of your detestation," he responds calmly. "But we must act accordingly."

Pestilence inhaled deeply before exhaling a heavy sigh. "You're right. I'll continue to aid Noctis in annihilating the guards."

Ignis was hesitant in releasing (Y/n), but he nodded and removed himself from her. She stood up, offering him a gentle smile before disappearing. He stared at the spot where she once stood before pushing forward.

<-------<<<<<<

Ulldor comes to a stop before another magitek-powered gate and gives orders to the magitek troopers standing guard on either side of him. "I'll give Highwind one last chance to respond. Stand guard here. If the commodore arrives, send her through."

Noctis and (Y/n) stood side by side on a catwalk above, watching the commander step through the gate and leave his guards behind. The Horseman could hear Ignis' voice from the prince's earpiece. "Now's your chance, Noct. Close in from behind. And remember: we need him alive." Noctis warp-strikes into position behind Caligo and hits him in the back of the head, knocking him unconscious. (Y/n) appears at his side just as Ignis approaches. "You're in fine form. Keep it up."

An explosion suddenly rocks the base, grabbing the trio's attention. "Seems it's time," Pestilence muttered.

"Looks like they've set to work. (Y/n) and I will escort him off the base. You regroup with the others," Ignis said to the raven-haired boy.

"Guess it's time to let loose." Noctis throws his sword, warping away and out of sight.

The ivory-haired girl's gaze traveled down to the unconscious man beside her feet. "It will prove to be arduous to carry him out in such a state." She kneeled down beside the commander and placed his hands behind his back. Then, she hooked her hands around his wrists and created a pair of handcuffs out of solid ice. "There. Now, to wake him."

Ignis watched (Y/n) like a hawk as one of her hands was consumed in bright flames. She placed it against the back of his armor, the fire melting the metal and reaching the man's clothes underneath.

Caligo's eyes flew open and he cried out in pain from the intense heat on his upper back. He tried to yank his arms free, but the ice didn't crack or shift in any way. "W-What the hell is this?!"

Using her foot, (Y/n) turns the commander over onto his back with a smirk. "Glad to see you're awake, commander."

"Y-You..." He growled. "Get the hell away from me, you monster!"

Ignis crosses his arms, glaring down at Caligo. "It seems our esteemed guest is acquainted with your title."

"It appears so," (Y/n) said, her grin widening. She squatted next to Ulldor, eyes searching his face. "If I'm the monster, that would make you a hypocrite. A monster calling another person a monster is quite hypocritical, don't you think? Or is it because you believe all you've done is for a greater cause that benefits the entirety of Eos?"

"Go to Hell, Horseman," Caligo spat.

"Oh," (Y/n) snickered. "I've been to Hell and back. It's actually quite lovely this time of year. For tainted souls like yours...not so much. Now, on your feet, commander.

Ignis grabbed the man by the arms and yanked him to his feet, earning a yelp of pain from him. "You'll both pay for what you've done here," he growled. "A damn Horseman and the one and only royal advisor to Prince Noctis himself-Ignis Scientia."

"Seems he also knows you," (Y/n) remarks, looking toward the tactician.

"The hunters shall decide your fate," Ignis vehemently stated, dragging Caligo out of the fort and handing him over to the hunters in the area.

Once the commander was dealt with, (Y/n) and Ignis returned to Fort Vaullerey and searched for Noctis, Prompto, and Gladio.

While searching the fort, Ignis received a transmission from the hunters he handed Caligo over to only a few minutes ago. He frowns after receiving the news of the commander's escape. (Y/n) waited for the strategist to end the transmission before speaking. "I could pursue the commander if you desire, Ignis. That man has done unspeakable things and deserves to pay for it all."

"No," he shook his head. "I would much prefer your presence at my side."

Ignis hadn't realized what he said until it rolled off the tip of his tongue. He looked away from (Y/n), unable to meet her (e/c) gaze after such a comment. She clasped her hands behind her back, stepping forward to stand beside him. She popped her hip out and bumped it against his own, sending him tumbling sideways slightly. "I'll be right here when you need me, Ignis."

Unbeknownst to the royal advisor, Pestilence was smiling brightly as her heart thumped wildly in her chest. She took the lead, taking the opportunity to hide her slightly red cheeks and giddy smile.

They followed the sound of explosions and gunfire, which led them to the missing members of their party. Another booming explosion shook the fort as the trio took down one of the larger machines.

Ignis deactivates the security gate and he and (Y/n) stepped through, rejoining the others. "Glad to see you lot were successful."

"Does that mean you guys weren't?" Noctis asked, his sword dissipating from his grasp.

"We placed our captive into the hunters' custody, but we've just been informed he's fled. He lives to die another day."

"And I'll gladly help him with that."

As the five prepare to depart, (Y/n) suddenly grabbed Noctis by the back of his jacket and yanked him behind her. She summoned her staff just in time to block the lance that was heading directly toward the prince. "Not who I wanted, but you'll do, snowflake," the woman wielding the weapon chuckled darkly. She flips backward away from her, then takes up a fighting stance. "Never fought an immortal before, but you won't hear me complaining. Let's see what you can do!"

The woman charged at (Y/n), who swapped out her staff for her chakrams. She blocked her attack and managed to knock her off balance, creating an opening. She kicked the woman in the side, sending her to the ground. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to stun her.

The mysterious woman quickly recovered and swung her lance at Pestilence. Before the Horseman could block it, someone jumped in front of her and parried the attack. It was Noctis. Then, a gunshot rang out alongside Prompto's voice. "This doesn't look too good."

"Quite the formidable foe, indeed," Ignis said, using his javelin to attack the assailant.

Gladio swung his greatsword around, but the woman easily blocked each swing before putting some distance between her and the group.

(Y/n) switched out her chakrams for her staff, immediately casting a shadow spell the moment her hand wrapped around the thin, cool metal. A single black tendril surged through the ground and wrapped around the woman's ankles, preventing her from escaping. The boys swiftly swarmed her and attacked. She was only able to block a few blows while she felt the pain of the others.

Once the shadow tendril vanished from around her ankle, the woman leaps away from them to higher ground. She rids herself of her lance and feigns a pouting expression. "Aw, is it that time already?"

"What time?" Noctis asked curiously, eyes narrowed.

"Quittin' time. Sorry, but this girl doesn't work after hours. I could, but there wouldn't be a single gil in it for me." Her eyes fell upon (Y/n), her pout morphing into a grin. "We should play again sometime, snowflake." She leaps out of sight and disappears as quickly as she appeared.

"Who the hell was she?" The prince grumbled in bewilderment.

"I'm as baffled as you," (Y/n) confesses, dispelling her staff. "But by her skills in combat, she is no normal imperial."

"Does this mean we won?" Prompto's joyous tone sliced through the serious atmosphere surrounding the group.

"I do believe so," Ignis stated.

"Great," Gladio sighed. "Let's get the hell outta here and back to Iris."

The freckled blonde nodded in agreement. "Right behind ya on that one, big guy."

<--------<<<<<<<

On the trek back to Old Lestallum, Erra reappeared with a jubilant neigh. (Y/n) was glad to see her steed wasn't injured or captured by the empire. "Good boy, Erra," she smiled from the saddle of Ignis' chocobo. The horse followed beside the smaller animal for a few seconds before disappearing into a plume of smoke.

As the five were crossing the highway, numerous of black vehicles sped in their direction on both sides. The boys pulled their chocobos to a quick halt as all the cars slammed on brakes.

"Not again," (Y/n) murmured, Ignis being the only one who heard her.

The same group of men who ambushed them on the bridge emerged from the vehicles and circled around them, blocking any points of exit. The leader, Silas, pushed through his lackeys and slowly approached the chocobo Pestilence sat upon behind the royal advisor.

(Y/n) dismounted the bird, earning a glower of disapproval from Ignis. She crossed her arms with a frown. "Your men are in the way, Silas."

When the boys thought the leader of the gang was going to grab her, they were shocked when they saw him fall to his knees instead. "I beg of you, Pestilence. Grant us your power and we'll purge all of Eos of those who refuse to see the real beauty behind the Four Horsemen."

Her (e/c) gaze sharpened into a deadly glare, a bright flame lit in her eyes. "A desperate man never finds resolve. He only discovers more pessimism and desires to eradicate all."

Silas shook his head. "No! I only desire your power! Nothing more, nothing less."

"I should eliminate you where you stand," she hissed. "Leave before I act irrationally."

The man lashed out and grabbed the girl's arms tightly. "You will give me your-ah!"

(Y/n)'s eyes widened in shock when she saw the dagger embedded in Silas' shoulder. She recognized it as one of Ignis' blades and looked over her shoulder to see he had dismounted his chocobo alongside the others.

"Damn you!" Silas growled, glaring past the Horseman to meet Ignis' gaze as he ripped the blade from his flesh. He raised his hand in the air, signaling his men. They pointed their firearms at the four boys with their fingers resting on the triggers.

Before Silas could order his men to shoot, (Y/n) acted quickly. Her eyes scanned the crowd. One by one, men crumpled to the ground with blood oozing from their mouths, noses, and eyes. Many vomited blood before their bodies became lifeless. The only ones to survive her gaze were a couple of lackeys and Silas himself.

The man in front of her looked around after hearing his men fall. "N-No!"

(Y/n) stumbled backwards after feeling her own blood dripping from her ears and eyes. As she was about to fall to her knees, an arm wrapped around her waist and kept her from falling. Looking to see who caught her, she saw a familiar pair of beautiful jade eyes.

Ignis supported her body with his and used his other hand to wipe the blood excreting from her eyes. He was puzzled as to why she was bleeding in such a way. "What is the cause of such bleeding?"

"Exhaustion. If I exhaust my plague ability, some of the side effects rebound and affect my body," she explained just above a whisper, eyes fluttering and threatening to close. "I'll be fine..." (Y/n) used the remaining of her strength to stand on her own.

Ignis was reluctant to let her go, but he knew she could be stubborn when it came to her own well-being.

The Horseman decided to summon Erra and ride back on him to avoid getting blood on Ignis. She slipped a few times while trying to mount the horse, but she finally was able to climb on his back. She followed behind the four chocobos up the road, but she didn't make it far before her body slumped forward and she lost consciousness.