"What?!" Angelica exclaimed.

Noctis crossed his arms. "Look, Angel, I know you don't wanna search for the car with us. I get it, it's just not your thing. So, I think it would be best if you went back to Lestallum to give Iris and the others a hand."

Gladio nodded in agreement. "They'll be heading out to Caem soon. I'm sure Iris'll appreciate the help, and your company."

"But what if you run into trouble?" the girl argued. "What if you need my help?"

"I assure you, we can handle ourselves," Ignis replied.

"Besides, we can always just give ya a call if we need anything," Prompto added with a grin.

"Go on now," Noctis ordered. "We'll meet up with you as soon as we find the Regalia."

Angelica sighed, knowing she couldn't disobey the prince. "As you wish, Highness. I'll see you all soon, then."

She climbed onto the back of her rented chocobo and took off. It would take her quite some time to get all the way to Lestallum without a vehicle, maybe even a whole day. But she could always make pit stops at outposts if she needed. Sure enough, she had to stop at a rest area over night, having been riding all day. But the following day, she finally made it to Lestallum.

But she was in for a surprise when she arrived. Magitek engines hovered over the town while imperial troops wandered the streets. The troops appeared to be ransacking the place, as if in search of something. They inspected shops and homes, but didn't seem to harm anyone. Angelica quickly hopped off her chocobo, watching it flee in fear upon seeing soldiers approaching. The troops had set up inspection points at the entrances of the town, making sure no one snuck in or out.

The girl calmly stood before two soldiers who pointed their guns at her, waiting for her to identify herself. She looked between the two, thinking. She could easily take them out if she needed to, but she also needed to find out what was going on, and starting a fight would probably only make things worse. She restrained herself and thought of a cover.

"I'm just... a traveling dancer. Coming to hit up Lestallum."

The soldiers lowered their weapons. "A dancer? Really?" The two troops stepped aside, allowing someone through. The young man had blond hair and was covered in black and gold armor. He gazed at the girl skeptically. "If you're a dancer, then where's your troupe? And your costume?"

She crossed her arms. "I happen to be a solo act. As for my costume, I've actually gotta get a new one."

The man hummed in thought, looking her over. "Very well, you may pass. I hope to see your performance later."

His tone of voice hinted at his distrust. He let her go and the two soldiers returned to their posts. Angelica walked on through, hurrying down the streets toward the hotel. She saw Iris in the lobby, sitting in a seat and staring out a window. She wore a frown as she watched the troopers outside.

"Iris," the redhead quietly called.

The brunette jerked her head up, a smile spreading across her lips. "Angel!" She stood and rushed over, hugging her friend. "I'm so glad to see you!"

Angelica lightly pushed her off. "Iris, what's going on?"

"The empire," she whispered. "They're searching for Noct. I guess word got out that he had been here." She then sighed. "Now they're not letting anyone leave until they're done."

"I noticed. I could take them out, but then they'd probably just bring reinforcements. And there's too many people here that would be put in danger. Guess I shouldn't kill anyone then, huh?"

Iris shook her head. "Definitely not. By the way, Jared and Talcott are in their room, in case you're wondering."

"Good, they should stay there. In fact, you should too. If they find out who any of you are, there's no telling what they might do. I'll look around town and see what I can find out."

"What about you?" Iris argued. "The same goes for you, y'know."

Angelica smiled reassuringly. "I'll be fine. They think I'm a dancer. Besides, I can take care of myself."

Iris gave in and allowed her friend to leave, heading up to her room afterward. Angelica left the hotel and started walking, watching the soldiers she passed by. There were many people in the streets that carried on with their own daily routines, basically pretending the imperials weren't there. Even the market was still bustling like it usually was, just with a few soldiers posted around the area.

Angelica looked around the marketplace, nearly bumping into a familiar blond. "Excuse me," she swiftly said.

The man smirked, recognizing her. "The dancer again. Come to pick out a costume?"

"Yes," she responded. "Are you waiting to see my performance?"

He frowned slightly. "As a matter of fact, I am. I want proof that you are who you say you are."

"You doubt me?" She crossed her arms in offense. "I'll have you know, I happen to be very talented at what I do."

He chuckled. "I guess we'll see soon enough, won't we? By the way, I never caught your name."

"Angel." She scanned over his appearance. "And judging by your apparel, I'd say you were... a general, maybe?"

"You are correct. Loqi Tummelt, Brigadier General of the Niflheim army. Perhaps you've heard of me?"

"Nope. Can't say that I have." He scoffed. "But listen, I've gotta get my costume. If you'd like to see me perform, then do me a favor and make sure there are musicians still outside of the hotel."

She quickly walked past him before he could reply. She smirked to herself, noticing that Loqi character's interest in her. He seems to love running his mouth. Perhaps I can coax some useful information out of him. I'm sure Noct will be pleased with what I find out. She was already formulating a plan in her head. Angelica looked at the fabrics and things in the market. She bought the clothing items and fabrics she needed. She then quickly took them back to the hotel where she made adjustments and stitched a few things. She put them on, tied her hair up into a high ponytail, applied light makeup, and looked over herself in a mirror.

(This is her outfit, plus she has a thin veil over her nose and mouth)

She smiled with satisfaction and left her room. Outside of the hotel, Angelica caught sight of a small crowd of people around a few musicians. She spotted Loqi among them. Glancing down at herself, she was so thankful that she wasn't shy or self-conscious or else she wouldn't be doing that. She boldly strolled over, pushing through the crowd to stand among the men playing the instruments. They looked at her with confusion until she smiled back at them through the see-through red veil across her mouth and nose.

"Play me something a bit... exotic."

They did as she commanded and began to play a steady rhythm. After listening to the tune, Angelica began to dance. Another thing she was thankful for - her natural talent for dancing. She swayed her hips to the beat and slowly moved her arms fluidly like ocean waves. She noticed the evident surprise on Loqi's face, causing her to inwardly smirk. Guess he expected me to be terrible. Fortunately, I have many skills. She continued to dance for a few minutes before pausing and looking back at the musicians.

"Pick up the beat, would ya? I'm falling asleep here."

They complied, their music becoming faster paced and more lively. Angelica hopped up onto the rim of the large fountain, doing a backflip that earned lots of 'oohs' and 'ahhs'. She then danced some more, moving her hips to the rhythm while her arms swayed on their own. She took careful steps along the ledge around the fountain, her excellent balance aiding her immensely. She did a final pose when the music ended. Bending backwards and balancing on one foot, she winked at the general who was watching her every move.

Everyone applauded as she straightened up and waved. Money was tossed into the bucket that sat by the foot of the guitar player. Angelica stepped down from the ledge and looked at the gil now filling the small bucket. The musicians glanced between her and the money in awe.

"Half of that gil's mine," she said, making sure they didn't get any big ideas.

"No problem," one of them said. "We'd be happy to play for you again, miss."

Angelica took her share of the money earned. The crowd slowly dispersed since the performance was over. And as soon as the area cleared, Loqi came forward. "Well, looks like your story checks out."

"Told ya."

"Guess I'd better get back to work before Caligo catches me."

He turned to leave, but Angelica was quick to snatch his armor-clad arm. "Wait." He looked back at her, tempted to shove her off. But she batted her eyelashes and smiled. "Must you go already? I kinda like the company of a big strong general."

It made her sick to act so flirtatious with an imperial rat, but she knew he was bound to have many secrets and knowledge on Niflheim, and she was determined to get at least something out of him. She knew just the thing to get him into a chatty mood, she only needed him to fall into her trap. Loqi lightly shook his arm free and turned to face her.

"Look here, little girl, I have important work to do."

Angelica wanted to slap him so badly. Little girl? You look around my age, you ego maniac. She put on a gentle smile to mask how much she wanted to kill that guy. "But surely even a general needs a break once in a while." She leaned up to him and whispered in his ear, "I guarantee I can get you totally relaxed."

Loqi's eyes widened slightly. "Uh... I suppose I could have the troops cover for me."

The girl giggled. "Of course, what are subordinates for? Now come with me."

She took his metal hand in hers and began tugging him along behind her. She smirked to herself. I've got you now.

Sorry if Loqi is a bit out of character for this. This is just really how I wanted things to go and I wanted to experiment with his character a bit.