The song I used for this chapter is from a rhythm game I play and is called "Keep You Safe". I'll probably be using it for future chapters as well.

Lorelai hurried away from Hammerhead, briskly walking into the open desert. The sun steadily sank beyond the horizon, casting an orange glow across the sky. Her legs carried her a short distance from the outpost and to a small hill. She finally stopped, panting lightly from how quickly she had walked. She looked around with a scowl.

"Ardyn!" she called. "I know you're out there! Show yourself!" There was no response, not even a sound. Lorelai clutched her head and squeezed her eyes shut. She was beginning to think her own eyes couldn't be trusted. "Am I... going crazy?"

When she opened her eyes, her green orbs were fixed on the locket hanging around her neck. She took hold of it and opened it, gazing at the image of her mother inside. Seeing the woman's smiling face eased her nerves. Lorelai sighed and took a seat on a large, flat rock. A light breeze blew her hair and she clutched the locket while staring out at the sunset. A soft lullaby played through her head. It was one her mother would sing to her when she was scared. She smiled to herself and began to repeat the words in a soft song.

"Come take my hand, let me hold you near
This is not the end, there's still tomorrow here
If you lose your fight, don't you be afraid
Reach for the light, it will keep you safe"

Just as it had done when she was a child, her mother's lullaby calmed her. She repeated the song again, slightly louder this time. What she didn't know was that Prompto wasn't far behind her. He had gone after her and was now following the sound of her voice. He paused when he caught sight of her, listening to her sweet song. He was surprised to hear that she had a lovely singing voice. He smiled and stayed where he was, not wanting to interrupt her. But once she was finished, he clapped his hands.

Lorelai jumped in surprise and turned her head to see her friend. "P-Prompto... How long were you standing there?"

The blond approached her and took a seat at her side. "Long enough to listen to you. I never took you as the singer type. You have a pretty voice."

Lorelai blushed in embarrassment and turned her face away. "Thank you," she mumbled. "I don't sing all that often. That was just a lullaby my mother used to sing to me whenever I was afraid."

"Why are you afraid?" he asked, his tone and expression turning serious.

Lorelai sighed, knowing she couldn't lie her way out of it again. "I saw Ardyn. He's keeping an eye on me and I think he has been for a while."

Prompto frowned. "Oh, that bastard again. Well you don't need to worry, none of us are gonna let him hurt you."

"I know. But he's the one obstacle I can't get past." The girl covered her face with her hands. "Every time I see him, no matter how hard I try not to, I freeze with fear. I can't stand to see him. Every time I do, I'm reminded of everything he took from me."

"Well, there's also your nyctophobia to think about," Prompto stated in a joking manner. "I'd say that's another obstacle." Lorelai only grumbled in response. The blond lightly patted her shoulder. "Seriously though, you can't let him get to you. If you're miserable thinking about it constantly, then you're letting him win."

Lorelai took a deep breath and smiled. "I guess you're right, I'll try my best to change that. I do feel a lot safer when I'm with you guys."

Prompto suddenly remembered his gift. "Oh, by the way, I have something for you."

"What? You got me something?" Lorelai was shocked. "You didn't have to."

The gunman grinned. "I know, but I wanted to. Now close your eyes, and no peeking." Lorelai smiled and complied. "It's nothing special," he further explained, fishing the item out of his pocket. "Just a little something that reminded me of you." He carefully took her arm, watching to make sure she didn't peek. He slowly fastened the bracelet around her wrist and said, "Okay, you can look now."

Lorelai's eyes opened and darted down to the jewelry around her wrist. She gasped. "Prompto..."

The blond nervously rubbed the back of his neck. "It probably doesn't even compare to the things you used to wear back in your kingdom."

The girl swiftly shook her head. "Prompto, not everything has to be fit for a princess. I really like it and I appreciate the thought you put into this. Thank you."

She pulled him into a quick hug that made his face heat up. "You're w-welcome." After she pulled away, he stood up, clearing his throat. "C'mon, we should get back. Unless you wanna watch the sun completely disappear."

Lorelai hopped out of her seat, still smiling brightly. "No thank you."

She knew Prompto was only joking, but agreed to going back to Hammerhead. They found the others at the caravan waiting for them. The three sat around the table, playing King's Knight on their phones. They looked up at the two.

"About time you guys got back," Noctis complained. "Cindy came by just a few minutes ago. The Regalia's ready to hit the road again."

"So, I guess that means we'll be heading out in the morning, then," Lorelai said. She stretched her arms, pretending to be tired. "I'm going straight to bed. Night."

Lorelai honestly just wanted to avoid questions from the others. She knew Prompto would most likely fill them in anyway. She took a quick bath and went straight to bed, just as she said she would. Back outside, Prompto took a seat with his friends, joining them in the game.

"So?" Gladio suddenly asked. "What happened?"

Prompto frowned. "She said she saw Ardyn again. That's what had her all shaken up."

"Seems he's keen on keeping an eye on both her and Noct," Ignis pointed out.

Prompto nodded. "Doesn't help that Lora's terrified of him."

After a long pause, Noctis asked, "So, did you ever give her a gift like you wanted to?"

Prompto's face flushed. "Y-Yeah," he stuttered out. "I gave her a bracelet."

"How adorable," Gladio teased with a smirk.

"S-Shut up," Prompto muttered in embarrassment.

"And for once, I haven't seen you gawk at Cindy at all," Noctis stated.

"What can I say, I've got a new Goddess to adore," he answered.

After playing a bit of King's Knight, the four men went inside. They made sure to be quiet so they wouldn't wake the girl curled up in her bed. Prompto stared at her briefly with a smile. Soon enough, everyone was fast asleep. The following morning after breakfast, Noctis got a phone call. He saw who it was and answered it.

"Hey, Iris," he greeted.

"Noct..." Her voice trailed off.

"Iris, what's wrong?"

"Well, I decided to join Talcott at Caem. Weird thing is, the cape is experiencing tremors."

"What?" The prince was stunned.

"No one seems to know what's going on, but maybe you guys could figure it out. Do you think you're up for it?"

"Yeah, we'll head down there." He hung up.

"Why can't she ever call her own brother?" Gladio murmured. "What did she say?"

"She joined Talcott at Cape Caem," Noctis explained. "They're having a lot of tremors there though."

Ignis hummed in thought. "Quakes in Caem? I've never heard of a thing like that ever occurring."

"We should meet them there and investigate," Lorelai suggested. "No telling what could be going on."

"We'll be like detectives!" Prompto cried. "We'll look for clues and solve an epic mystery! It'll be awesome!"

Lorelai laughed at him while Gladio rolled his eyes. The group said bye to Cindy and headed out. Prompto was the only one who was excited about the news. Noctis crossed his arms, watching Prompto grin like an idiot.

"I don't know why you're all excited, it could be a monster for all we know," he told the blond.

Prompto's eager attitude quickly faded away upon hearing that. "I never thought of that."

"Hopefully it's nothing that poses a real threat," Ignis stated. "We can't afford to put Iris, Talcott, or any other people in danger."

Lorelai leaned her head back against the seat. "Guess we'll just have to wait and see."