Prompto sat up with a tired yawn, the smell of something cooking catching his nose. Looking around, both Ignis and Ryella were absent. With Gladio beginning to stir, the blond stepped around the tattooed male to exit the tent. Ryella and Ignis were both over by the cookware, working side by side to whip up breakfast. Ryella glanced over at the gunman with a smile.

"Good morning, Prompto," she greeted. Her chipper tone made it seem as if the previous evening never occurred.

"Morning," the boy responded with a grin. "Looks like Iggy's got a helper now."

"Oh, I've only been doing small things. Ignis is doing all the real work."

The bespectacled man flashed her a faint smile. "Nonetheless, your assistance is greatly appreciated. I can't even recall the last time I had any sort of help preparing meals."

"So, uh, Ryella?" Prompto was careful of his words. "You okay?"

The girl's joyful expression faltered briefly as she replied, "You mean after last night?" She smiled once more. "I'm fine. I guess I was just feeling a bit wistful and homesick. But talking with you, and even just resting, really helped."

"Happy to help. It's good to see you smiling again."

Gladio suddenly climbed out of the tent. "Mmm, something smells good. Watcha cooking?"

"Classic Tomato and Egg Stir-Fry," Ignis answered, keeping his focus on his cooking.

Gladio licked his lips. "Sounds tasty."

Prompto and Gladio both sat down to wait for breakfast. They talked a little, and the gunman found himself flipping through his photos on his camera. He had been taking a lot of Ryella lately, he just couldn't help admiring her. Pictures varied from the Guardian in her dragon form to when she absorbed elemental energy to fight enemies, and there were the occasional few that she was aware of and posed for. Looking back on the first photo he'd captured of her at the Rock of Ravatogh, he remembered just how much he was fascinated and drawn to her. Even back then, he connected with her well.

Noctis suddenly came stumbling out of the tent. With half-lidded eyes, he shambled over with a tired yawn. He stretched his arms over his head and practically collapsed into the empty chair beside his best friend. No one said much to him, seeing as how he was still half-asleep and most likely not paying attention. But with the mouth-watering aroma of breakfast in the air, it didn't take long for the prince to completely wake up. Ignis finished making the food, and Ryella began serving it up. With a bowl full in each hand, she walked over between Noctis and Prompto. The blond was quick to put his camera away before she could see the pictures of herself stored on it. She politely handed a bowl to the prince, who muttered a "thanks", and gave the other to Prompto.

"Thank you, m'lady," the blond said in a playful accent.

Ryella giggled lightly at him and went back for her own bowl along with Gladio's. She swiftly took two more, going over to hand one to the shield while she kept her own. With Ignis snatching up his bowl, he went over and gestured for Ryella to take the last vacant seat.

"That's alright, you can have the chair," she told him.

"I insist you take it, Ryella," the advisor argued with a faint smile. "It would be rude of me to force a lady to sit on the ground."

"Well then...thank you, Ignis."

The girl seated herself in the chair while Ignis got situated on the ground. Everyone dug in, enjoying the delectable meal. "Hey, Ryella," Noctis began, getting her attention, "you okay after last night? You were pretty down in the dumps."

The brunette smiled. "I'm sorry for worrying all of you, but I'm alright now. I had been suppressing my sadness for a little while now, it just finally caught up to me." Her smile disappeared. "It's hard to think that they're...really gone." She looked at the prince, her emerald eyes shining with determination. "But I know they'd want me to be strong and move forward, and to continue on this path to protect others, especially the prophesied King."

"And what about that other Guardian out there?" the shield inquired.

Ryella paused, turning her gaze down to her food. "To be honest...I'm deathly afraid." She placed a hand over her heart, clutching the fabric of her dress. "I've faced monsters and daemons alike, but never have I ever fought another Guardian, not in a serious battle anyway." She slowly looked over each of the males. "But I won't let that stop me from fulfilling my purpose. I'll do whatever I can to serve and protect those dear to me."

"That's reassuring," Ignis responded. "You're quite courageous when others are in need. That's a desirable trait to have."

"It's pretty sweet having a Guardian around," Noctis admitted, shoveling spoonfuls of food into his mouth and acting as if he didn't care. "I think I can safely speak for everyone when I say, you're a great addition to our team, and I hope you'll continue with us until the end."

Ryella gave a firm nod. "I will."

"Now if only you could let loose a little," Gladio quietly said.

That caused the girl to tilt her head to the side in confusion. "Wh-what do you mean?"

"Just that your manner of speaking is often so formal," the shield pointed out. "You remind me of Iggy."

Prompto nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's rare to hear you talk more casually. Not that it's a bad thing, but I mean, you can let your guard down, y'know."

"I'm sorry, it's just the way I learned to be. I...didn't know it bothered you guys."

Seeing her frown made Prompto panic upon thinking he hurt her feelings. "I-I didn't say that! It doesn't bother me!"

"Would you rather I speak like you?" Ryella abruptly asked. The gunman blinked at her, not knowing how to respond. After thinking for a moment, the girl gasped and grinned gleefully. "Oh. Em. Gee. You guys are, like, the best!" Her exaggerated voice confused the blond. Gladio began laughing lightly, realizing that she was joking around. "You know what we should do? Go find the the coolest scenery so I can take pictures! That'd be totally awesome!"

Ryella started laughing alongside the shield. Seeing her laughing, the others then realized that she was kidding around and joined in the laughter. "That was an almost perfect Prompto impersonation," Noctis stated.

Even Prompto himself was cracking up, surprised by her light teasing. "I admit, that was pretty good!"

"Quite the shock to hear you of all people speaking in such a manner," Ignis told her.

"Guess you know how to loosen up after all," Gladio concluded.

Ryella had just shown a much more playful side to her friends. It was rare for her to joke like that, and she only ever did if she was around people that made her very comfortable. The group continued their talks and laughs until they finished eating. That's when the prince's phone rang, interrupting their chat. With a small sigh, Noctis dug his phone out of his pocket and answered it.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Prince Noctis," a familiar, rather annoying voice greeted. "So I've been hearing some interesting news going around. I'd like to confirm whether it's true or not."

Noctis sighed. "What is it, Dino?"

"I've been hearing talk of an alleged Guardian of the Oracle here in Lucis, and that you've been on the road with them."

The prince gasped lightly. "You'd better not be thinking of-"

"Relax, Your Highness," the man interrupted. "I ain't gonna mention you in the papers. Look, all I want is to meet the Guardian for myself, capiche? Another thing, I've got a little job for youse guys too, so come on down to Galdin when you can, and bring your Guardian pal."

With that, he hung up, causing Noctis to click his tongue. "What was that about?" Prompto inquired.

"Dino has a job for us, and apparently, he wants to meet Ryella."

"M-me?" the brunette stuttered out. "B-but I don't know this 'Dino' you speak of."

"He's a reporter, but also a jeweler," the advisor explained to her. "While not exactly a friend, he isn't an enemy either, and he has proven rather beneficial to us before."

"Well we're not busy at the moment," Noctis said. "I guess we'll go. We're not too far from Galdin anyway."

"Alright." Gladio stood from his seat. "Let's pack up and hit the road."

It was a short drive south to Galdin. With the Regalia gliding down the hillside roads, Ryella sat up in her seat, enraptured by the beautiful seaside. The salty sea breeze filled her nose, and her eyes sparkled upon seeing the ocean view. Even once they arrived and parked, Ryella couldn't tear her eyes away from the beach. She wanted so badly to remove her sandals and just run across the shoreline, feeling the sand between her toes and the gentle waves brush past her ankles.

"Looks like someone's eager to go for a swim," Gladio stated, noticing the girl's giddy grin as she stared at the ocean.

Prompto laughed lightly. "Can't blame her! Fun in the sun sounds great to me!"

Noctis shook his head at the two. "Maybe later. We should go ahead and see exactly what Dino wants first."

"Indeed," Ignis agreed.

The group headed for the Mother of Pearl. Ryella couldn't help but gaze over the railing of the boardwalk at the fish swimming around in the water. She quietly followed behind Noctis as they entered the restaurant area. The girl was immediately met with the smell of seafood cooking and the chatter of guests dining. It made her a bit nervous to be in such a crowd of people, so she stuck closely to the prince, not wanting to get separated. Noctis led them through the dining area and down the stairs that led to the dock. There, their focus landed on the lone man seated on a bench.

Dino grinned as the five approached. "Well, if it isn't the prince himself. I didn't expect youse guys to get here so fast."

"We were in the area," Noctis replied nonchalantly.

"So, you bring that supposed Guardian with ya?" The prince looked over his shoulder at Ryella, waving her over. The girl hesitantly stepped forward to stand before the man, but kept close to Noctis. Dino scanned over the girl with his usual flirtatious smile. "Nice to meet ya, doll. The name's Dino."

"R-Ryella," she sheepishly responded.

Dino's grin faded for a moment. "I've heard tales that the Guardians are capable of changing between human and beast... Is it even possible for this little lady to also be a menacing creature?"

"If you want proof, fine," the prince told him. "Come with us and she'll show you what she can do." Dino hesitated, but got up to follow the group. They all walked out to the caravan where Noctis handed Ryella an elixir. "Show him."

With a nod, the girl crushed the elixir, filling her with magic energy. She first took a moment to take off her pendant and stuff it in the car trunk, inside the case that held her lyre where she knew it would be safe. She then moved behind the caravan, and after a moment, a bright light erupted from her position. The jeweler stared in awe as wings and a tail began poking out from around the caravan. When the light faded, Ryella emerged as a dragon. Dino gasped, his mouth agape. He remained speechless for several moments, gazing up at the white beast that stood before him.

"Color me impressed," he finally breathed out. "So it's all true. The publishers are gonna eat this up!"

Ryella growled at that, unhappy with the idea of being in the papers. "Don't even think about it," the prince warned.

A sudden shriek interrupted them. They suddenly realized that several people were watching them from the parking lot. It was a woman who had screamed, terrified of the dragon. A few people were even snapping pictures. Ryella ducked down, whimpering at the attention she was receiving and the fear she was unintentionally instilling in others.

"This isn't gonna stay secret for long, Your Highness," Dino pointed out. "Word's already spreading of the white dragon flying around Lucis. With my help, I can educate the masses on what a Guardian is. Don't you think things would be easier if everyone knew the truth? Or would ya rather keep scaring the crap outta everyone?"

Noctis looked to the cowering dragon. "Your call, Ryella."

The beast thought on it briefly before finally nodding. What Dino had said was true---people all over had already seen her and were terrified. If the reporter could quell their fear by simply writing about her in the papers, then she'd accept. Dino was grinning at her answer.

"Alright. Before long, Guardians will be know throughout Lucis as the Oracle's magnificent protectors. You just leave it all to me, doll. Oh, and by the way, I have a job for you fellas while you're here."

"Of course you do," Noctis replied in a sarcastic tone. "Let me guess, more ore?"

Dino chuckled. "You got it. I need you to find me some Heliodor Stones over near the Alstor Slough in Duscae. Shouldn't be too difficult for youse guys to find. Good luck, fellas. Time for this journalist to start spreading the word." He sauntered away toward the parking lot without giving them the chance to object.

"Except that we have to drive all the way there and back," Noctis mumbled.

Ignis sighed. "Would be a tedious trip, not to mention the wasted gil on gas."

"Unless..." Prompto looked up at Ryella. "Ryella could probably fly us there!"

"Good idea," Gladio replied. "Would save time and money."

Ryella whined and frantically shook her head. "Why not?" the blond asked. "What's wrong?"

Ignis hummed in thought, glancing at the people Dino was shooting away. "Could she be hesitant to fly around while people are out and about?"

The dragon shook her head again. While it was true that Ryella disliked the way most Lucians feared her, she wouldn't let that stop her from traversing the continent by air. No, what frightened her was the fact that Nero was out there somewhere. He was spotted in Cleigne, but whose to say he hasn't gone farther east by now? He could very well be in Duscae, or even Leide. There was no telling where he could turn up, especially if she were flying about in plain view. It terrified her, so much so that she didn't even want to fly anywhere.

Prompto placed a hand over her large claws, worry etched on his face as he recalled the conversation they'd had with the hunter at Hammerhead. "Is it because of that other Guardian out there?"

She slowly nodded in response, hanging her head down in shame. "Psh, don't worry about him," Noctis told her. "He's supposed to be way over in Cleigne, right? Like we'd see him out here."

"The chances are very slim," Ignis added.

Gladio crossed his arms. "Besides, I'm sure we could take him on. He's never faced us before."

Prompto grinned happily. "Yeah, everything will be fine. It'll just be a quick flight there and back. So? Will you take us?"

Ryella's emerald eyes looked between each of them. She certainly felt braver with them there, not to mention she had a hard time refusing anything they asked of her. She took a deep breath before finally nodding. She crouched down as they approached her side, allowing them to climb up, one by one. They sat in the same order as the last time they rode on her back with Noctis in front, then Prompto, then Ignis, and lastly Gladio. They gripped onto her thick fur as she stood. She spread her wings and took off. With Ryella as transportation, they'd easily make it to the Slough and back in half the time it would take to drive the whole way. To them, having a Guardian made everything easier.