~Zodia's POV~

Reaching the outside, I wanted to fall on the ground in relief. I opened my arms to welcome the warmth of the sun and the environment around me that was untainted by creaking machines. I took in a deep breath before letting it spill out in a sigh. "I'm so glad to be out of there."

"Indeed," Ignis agrees.

The trio that was missing from our entourage were waiting at the car. As I came into view, the three eyed me with concern. Confused, I tilted my head to the side. "What's with the worried looks? You didn't trust Iggy to come and help me?"

"Far from it, actually. We were afraid by the time he got to you, they would've already attacked," Noctis said.

"Yeah, and also that strange wave of magic came from your direction. Did you cast a spell while we were gone?" Prompto questioned. I shook my head and tried to think of a reason why they felt the magical pulse and I did not. I fell deep into thought until I was able to think of one explanation. "It's possible my meeting with Taurus caused a strong resonance of magic because he is the first zodiac I was able to call upon. My bond with him may be stronger than with the other zodiacs because of what transpired during the treaty signing."

"And that strong resonance caused the MTs to awaken," Gladio adds. I nod, crossing my arms over my chest.

"But, why were ruined MTs down there?" Prompto asked.

"Who knows what the empire has been doing behind our backs," Noctis said.

"It's highly probable the empire has been using the mines as a discarding site for malfunctioning Magiteks," Ignis states.

I clap my hands together and glance between the four of them. "It's over now. I seriously doubt anyone will be entering anytime soon. Let's find a haven near Costlemark Tower."

"You sure? I thought that spell drained you." Gladio glances at me with concern.

I nod with closed eyes. "I'm fine. Entering the zodiac ruins replenished my whole body."

With all in agreement, we depart from the mines and head back to Hammerhead. Another hour passed before the Regalia was done with repairs and inspection. In that time, we decided to eat before heading out.

Finally arriving at Oathe Haven, Gladio set up the tent while Noctis and Prompto set the chairs around the warm fire. Ignis and I did our routine of setting up the stove and table together for when we would need to cook.

Complete with setting up camp, we sat around the fire together. I fiddled with my fingers, trying to decide when I should tell everyone about Costlemark Tower. Suddenly, a gloved hand was placed over mine, gingerly encasing them in warmth. Slowly, I raise my eyes from the ground to meet emerald irises. "What is causing you to delve into deep thought?"

"I-I... u-um... I should tell you about our next stop," I admit. After my words reached everyone, they gazed directly at me. "The Tower's entrance can only be accessed at night. Also, the reason why we are here and not at a royal tomb is because a horde of daemons took the weapon and now they reside here."

Noctis leaned back in his chair at my explanation. "Better to know now than ending up at a ransacked tomb. This means we have to wait for another eight hours before the entrance opens."

"We should rest. Our previous trip to the mines siphoned a day out of us," Ignis said. No one argues with the advisor as we head to the tent for a few hours of rest. Being the gentleman he is, Ignis placed me on the end instead of between him and Prompto. I had fallen asleep with one of Ignis' arms laid across my hip only a few minutes after finally getting comfortable.

-Five Hours Later-

Waking up with my neck and back popping loudly, I exit the tent. The others were still asleep, so I decided to take up dinner duty for today. The dish I contemplated to make in the end was breaded cutlet with tomato. Setting out five plates, I split the meal evenly and prepared drinks. I made a fresh cup of ebony for Ignis when he would wake up. Waiting, I head to the car and pull out the grimoire.

I was only able to read in peace for about five minutes before everyone else woke up. The smell of the food must've bucked them out of their sleeping states. I smile at them as they gathered around. "Well, at least everyone slept well. Since I was the first to wake, I took the liberty of doing dinner. I also made a cup of ebony for you, Iggy."

He smiled and thanked me as I handed him the warm mug of coffee. Noctis and Prompto took a plate and darted their eyes up to me with a smirk. I was completely baffled at their expressions. "W-what?"

"You made Iggy's favorite~!" Prompto chirps.

"I... did?" My eyes trail over to Ignis, who was taking a sip of his coffee.

"Yeah, you didn't know?" Noctis asked.

I shook my head and messed with a strand of my hair. "N-no, I didn't. The reason I made this dish was because I remember watching Iggy make it in the Citadel's kitchen one night."

"And when, pray tell, was this?" Ignis asked, an amused grin spreading across his face. My cheeks began to redden in embarrassment as I remember spying on him that one night eight years ago. I bunched up the hem of my dress nervously while biting the bottom of my lip before speaking. "I-it was the night before the party at the Citadel. Father excused me for the night and I went searching for you. I found you in the kitchen making the dish and... didn't want to disturb you."

The heat radiating off my cheeks felt like a burning furnace. I couldn't meet his emerald gaze and turned to hide my face. Prompto tried to get a view of my face, but I kept turning away. I covered my face with my hands, feeling as if I wanted to crawl under a rock and hide for the rest of my life.

Peeking through my fingers, I see Gladio grab the blonde and pull him away from me. Noctis was grinning while he ate his dinner in his seat. Ignis, who I had lost sight of for a second, appeared behind me as I place my hands over my racing heart. Turning to face him, I pondered about what to say. "I know I should've said something, but... I could tell you were really concentrating. And... and I didn't want to-" I silence myself because now all I was doing was slurring gibberish.

Ignis bends down to my height and leans his forehead against mine. "You are benevolent as always, my dear."

I felt as if I would explode from all the heat bubbling within my veins from his harmonious words. I placed my hands on his chest, trying to catch my breath and calm my heart before it erupted from my chest. "I-Iggy, I love you, but... but I-I need to calm down before my heart bursts from my chest. You are not making it easy here."

Ignis chuckles deeply and threads a hand through my hair. "Apologies, Zodia." I push him away from me to signal him to eat. He did as I wished and sat next to Noctis. While the four chatted and ate, I turned my back to them and slumped against the table. After a few minutes, my heart had finally become tranquil. I grabbed my plate and just as I walked by Ignis, I sent him a playful glare. "You're gonna be the death of me."All he did was grin and went back to eating. I claimed my seat next to him and munched down on my portion.

With dinner in our stomachs and the moon vanquishing the sun for another night, we head to Costlemark Tower. The darkness of the old structure created shadows more eerily than the wandering daemons of the night. Entering the dark and cold tower made all of us stand on-edge and stick close together. Our first batch of daemons consisted of Gelatins and Ereshkigals. Not too many, but they were much more powerful than I thought. With a combined attack from Noctis and Prompto, the last daemon was slain.

(A/n: It's been awhile and I don't remember exactly how the Costlemark Tower map went. I'm sorry this'll be inaccurate.)

The old ruins of the tower and the faint light from our flashlights created a horrific feeling inside me. It was almost like the Balouve Mines, but much more intense. Whatever was down here with us is much stronger than the Aramusha from the mines.

Weaving through countless of hallways and stone doors, the number of daemons increased. Now, our opponent was a horde of Bussemands, Flans, and Thunder Bombs. During the midst of battle, Prompto had been singled out by a Bussemand. The daemon punches the defenseless boy in the gut, sending him flying back and landing on the cold stone floor. Not having time to cast a spell, I ran over to him and swung my staff at the creature. It grunted in pain at my strike and focused its attacks to me. Luckily, I was able to dodge most of its punches until it backed me into a corner.

With my staff being the only barrier between my body and the Bussemand's fist, I gritted my teeth and tried to think of a small but quick spell I could cast. Thinking fast, I cast a weak fire spell to push the daemon back. Ignis then appeared behind it and brought his daggers down on the monster. It lets out a small groan before vanishing into nothingness.

I sigh in relief, dispelling my staff. "Thank you for the assist, Iggy."

He smiles in response before ridding himself of his own two blades. Prompto ran over and gave me a small, friendly hug for protecting him against the Bussemand. He still seemed to be shaken up from being hit so hard by the daemon because he fidgeted a little while hugging me. I accidentally ran a hand over where he was punched, resulting in him groaning in pain and taking a step away from me.

"Prom, show me," I demand.

"S-show you what?" He shrugs his shoulders, trying to back away from my reach.

I glare at him and grab his wrist. "Lift up your shirt, now."

He blushed at my words but did as I commanded. Examining the injury, I observed the huge bruise that was forming on his abdomen. "A small healing spell will get rid of the bruise. We'll need you in tip-top shape for what hell lies deeper." Prompto nods, allowing me to heal the colorful bruise.

I face the other three and watch as Gladio almost used a potion. I ran over and latched onto his arm before he could shatter the vial. "Don't start using potions and elixirs just yet. I'll do the healing."

"Won't that wear you out?" Noctis asked worriedly.

"No, healing spells don't require as much energy as elemental ones. And truly, the only spell that wears me out quickly is the Serpent one."

"Healing will be a high necessity. The daemons are far more vigorous here than in the mines," Ignis adds, agreeing to my idea.

"That way, we won't lose curatives! Does this mean Zodia's support and frontline?" Prompto asked.

I nod with crossed arms. "I'll stay in the back with Prom, providing aide and elemental damage."

Gladio suddenly let out a bellowing chuckle. The rest of us gape at the brute in bewilderment. The shield then pointed to Ignis and myself through his laughter. "This is why you both were made for each other."

Ignis and I exchanged glances before redirecting our attention back to Gladio. He clears his throat from laughing too hard before speaking again. "You both always are thinking the same thing and agree on everything. Not even the Astrals could point out a better pairing."

"They haven't even fought once," Noctis states.

"Wait, really?" Prompto asked in astonishment.

"Not. A. Single. One."

I walk over and pinch my brother, who groans in pain from the action. "We've got a royal arm to find and zodiac ruins. No more discussing of our relationship."

Noctis, Prompto, and Gladio saluted me playfully and said in unison, "Yes, Ma'am."