Lorelai and Iris were currently in the kitchen fixing breakfast. Talcott, Monica, and Dustin sat at the table, letting the two girls work together to create a delicious meal. Ignis soon exited his room and walked down the stairs. He took notice of the smell of food in the air along with the two girls in the kitchen area.

"Well, it seems I won't be doing the cooking this time."

Iris smiled and said, "Lori and I've got this."

"You guys just sit back and enjoy the meal," Lorelai added.

Ignis took a seat and each of the others came down one by one. Noctis was the last, but he still got to his seat in time for breakfast to be served. Everyone dug in, praising the two girls on the delectable meal. Once finished, Lorelai found herself outside sitting with the boys and Purnima. The cool, sea breeze blew past them. They sat in silence for a short time.

"This is a really peaceful place," Lorelai stated, breaking the silence. "I'd love to live somewhere like this. Maybe someday it'll happen."

"Maybe," Noctis responded.

"Have you... ever had a real home here in Lucis?" Prompto asked.

"When I first arrived here, yes. Cor took me to Insomnia with him. That's where he trained me." The black-haired girl smiled at the memory. "Of course, once my training was complete, I decided to see what the rest of Lucis was like. I left the Crown City after two years of learning from Cor."

"Weird," Gladio said, crossing his arms. "Cor is the head of the Crownsguard. How come he never mentioned adopting a young girl?"

"Because I told him not to," Lorelai answered. "I didn't want to be known. Cor knew when he found me that I wasn't from here, but I never told him where. The last thing I wanted was to draw attention to myself. I wanted to be nothing more than an average Lucian." She hung her head down. "My history was to be forgotten in time. Sometimes... I wondered if it would've been better if I'd died with the rest of my people."

"Lora, don't say that," Prompto said. With a look of concern, he scooted closer to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "There would be nothing good about you dying."

"Lorelai," Purnima finally spoke. "Your mother, your advisor, and myself - we risked everything so that you could live. You carry with you Siderum's legacy and the power that comes with its royal bloodline. Even now, your light can bring great comfort to those around you. Ailey wanted you to be happy and use your abilities to help others. And you've made some very good friends who will aid you along your way. Follow your heart, and you will never be lost."

"And despite what you may think, Lora," Noctis said, "we're all happy your alive."

The girl smiled. "Thank you, all of you."

"What a touching moment."

Everyone snapped their heads around upon hearing the sudden voice. A short distance away, right in front of the trees, stood Ardyn. Everyone jumped to their feet, summoning their weapons, except Lorelai, who froze in fear. Purnima snarled and struggled to move.

"Oh, am I not welcome to this little get together?" he questioned.

"Ardyn," the prince growled. "What do you want?"

"I simply wanted to speak with the dear little princess."

"Forget it!" Prompto snapped, stepping in front of Lorelai protectively. "You're not going anywhere near her!"

"You!" the dragon snarled. "The speck who caused the downfall of everything I'd worked to create!"

Ardyn faked his surprise. "Purnima. And here I thought you'd been washed away in the ocean's depths. How nice to see you again."

Before he could take a step, Purnima roared, "Take one step and I will rip you apart! I still have enough energy to take care of a worm like you!"

"Hmm, very well." Ardyn's eyes landed on the girl behind the gunman. "Lora, if I may call you that, I hear you want to grow stronger, learn to wield all that magic of yours."

Lorelai gasped. "H-How'd you... You've been eavesdropping? W-What do you want from me?"

"Oh, I only wish to help you, my dear, just as I wish to help Noct. I have a little tip for you, Lorelai. If I were you, I'd go to the Chocobo Post." He took a sweeping bow. "And with that, I bid you farewell for the time being."

He turned and left, quickly disappearing among the trees and rocks. Purnima growled, her eyes landing on the black-haired girl.

"Lorelai, do not let him intimidate you."

"That's right," Gladio agreed. Everyone's weapons dispersed. "Don't let that bastard get to you."

"But whatever did he mean?" Ignis inquired. "Why would he want Lora to go to the Chocobo Post? Is he setting a trap of sorts?"

"Most likely," Noctis answered.

"Doesn't matter," Prompto added. "We're not going, then."

"But we have to," Lorelai interrupted. "Wiz and the chocobos, they could be in danger. Even if it is a trap, we have to go."

"I'm afraid Lora's right," Ignis said with a sigh. "We don't know whether it's a trap or not, but Wiz could very well need our help."

Prompto gasped. "You're right! We gotta save the chocobos!"

"Looks like we're going after all," Noctis stated. "Let's get our things and head out."

Before they could leave, Purnima's voice stopped them. "Be careful. Watch yourselves out there."

"We will," Lorelai replied. "I'll come back for you. Just wait for me."

The dragon bowed her head. The group went to the house to grab their things and let the others know they were leaving. They decided it would be best to not tell them of Ardyn. Unfortunately, when they mentioned the Post, Iris immediately wanted to go too.

"Talcott and I have been wanting to go there for the annual chocobo races," she happily explained. "I nearly forgot about it with all the stuff going on around here. So? Can we ride with you guys?"

"I-I don't know if you should come," Lorelai warned. "Could be dangerous out there."

The brunette giggled. "Oh yeah, chocobos are quite vicious. C'mon, give us a ride. We'll just give Dustin and Monica a call when we wanna come back."

Lorelai looked to the others for assistance. Noctis sighed in defeat, knowing she wouldn't let it go. "Alright, you can go."

Iris and Talcott both cheered. "But you're to stay at the Post," Gladio instructed. "No venturing beyond its borders."

"Lighten up, Gladdy," his sister teased. "We'll be fine."

"I can't wait to see the chocobos!" Talcott cried with glee.

"Me too!" Prompto agreed.

The group walked out to the Regalia. "Okay, how we doing this?" Noctis questioned.

"Talcott's small, he can sit in my lap," Gladio said.

"I can still fit between you and Noct," Iris told him.

Lorelai placed her hands on her hips. "Alright, who am I sitting with?" she asked, already knowing she'd have to sit on someone's lap.

"Psh, not me," Noctis said. "You can sit with Prompto."

The girl looked to Prompto who caught a glimpse of the prince smirking at him. "S-Sure, that's fine with me."

Everyone piled into the car. Iris was sandwiched between her brother and the prince, Talcott easily sat on Gladio's leg, and Lorelai seated herself on Prompto's lap. The blond's face was burning and he gulped, trying to stay calm.

"Prompto." Lorelai looked back at him. "Just tell me if I'm crushing you or anything."

He swiftly nodded. "W-Will do." His voice came out higher than he'd intended.

Ignis pulled out onto the road. Prompto glanced back at the others, seeing Gladio smirk while Noctis winked. He knew the two had done that on purpose. Gladio was quick to volunteer Talcott to sit with him and Noctis refused the idea entirely. Iris must've been in on it too, she snatched up the only available seat before anyone could say a thing. He cursed and thanked them at the same time.

The blond stared at the girl currently sitting on him. His heart was thumping at the close proximity. He was glad she was turned away from him, unable to see his red face. He felt quite awkward and unsure of where to rest his hands. He wished he could simply wrap them around Lorelai and hold her against him, but he knew he couldn't do that. He had no idea how she would react to that, and feared that she might push him away and see him as some sort of creep.

No, he didn't want to ruin the bond he felt was forming between them. For now, he would keep his hands off her and treat her with the respect she deserved. Lorelai's mind wasn't even close to what Prompto's was thinking of. She was too focused on the danger that could be awaiting them at the Chocobo Post. She feared Iris and Talcott would be caught up in something terrible. And she hoped that Wiz, Eclipse, and all the chocobos were okay.