~Zodia's POV~

"It just has to rain," I groan in disbelief as we enter the Myrlwood.

"Wow! This place is a jungle," Prompto comments as we weave through the trees and plants.

"Abundant in not only flora, but fauna as well," Ignis said.

As we entered a small clearing and killed a few Mushussus and Mandrakes, Gladio spoke up. "This is the spot. Time to find that stone Dino asked for."

I stopped in my tracks, confused at hearing the new name. "Who's Dino?" The four men turned to face me. I glanced between all of them before my eyes stopped on Noctis.

"A weird journalist we ran into at Galdin Quay. He also makes jewelry," my brother answers.

"And he kinda threatened Noct into get him a stone," Prompto adds.

My eyes widen at the blonde's words. "Threatened? How?"

"Told us if we didn't get the stone, he'd tell everyone who Noct really was," Gladio states.

I sigh with closed eyes and crossed my arms. "Of course... Anyways, what stone does he want?"

"A ruby one," Ignis replies.

"If I find it first, I get to throw it at his head," I announce. The four laugh at my comment before continuing to search for the stone. Luckily, I was the one to find it. Returning to the others, I hand it over to Noctis. "Looks like I get to throw it at him once we make a small visit to Galdin Quay."

"I kinda wanna see you do it," Noctis snickers.

"I think he deserves it," Prompto joins in.

"That's three vote. Can I get two more?" I grin, looking at Gladio and Ignis.

"Go right ahead," Gladio chuckles. Then, I directed my whole attention to the royal advisor.

He sighs before giving me his answer. "Just do not aim for the eyes."

"Alright! I'll be looking forward to our little visit!" I cheer.

The four smile at me before deciding to head deeper into the Myrlwood. The monsters were no real obstacle as the pathway narrowed. The sound of a waterfall caught my attention and I took off without saying anything.

"Zodia!" I hear Ignis shout before chasing after me.

Just as I thought, a haven was near the small waterfall. The familiar protective runes carved into the stone disc resonated with their normal blue hue. "Good. I did remember where it was." The others finally reached me and were out of breath.

"G-Geez, Zo, when did you get so fast?" Prompto pants.

"Sorry, just remembered the haven was by a waterfall and bolted."

"Fair warning next time, Sis. Never seen Specs run so fast," Noctis manages to say between breaths.

"Will do, brother dearest," I giggle.

Now that we found the haven, we sat up camp before leaving. Ignis had grabbed a few curatives, confusing me a little. He realized I was looking at him and answered the question that was floating through my mind. "A few will suffice. We will be in need of not only your healing spells."

"Ah, so you're bringing a few so I don't have to solely be the healer during the monster that awaits us outside the tomb."

He nods, putting the curatives in his pockets. Leaving the safety of the haven, we fight through another wave of enemies to reach the other branching path. As the enemies vanished and an eerie presence surrounded us, I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand on-end.

"I sense we're not alone..." Ignis' tone was much lower than usual.

"Watch your backs," Gladio warns.

In silence, we continue forward through the muddy foliage. The rain became relentless, not even lighting up as more hours passed by. I was soaked to the bone just as I was when I emerged from the Vesperpool yesterday. Luckily, the rain wasn't freezing like the lake and made the air humid around us.

Noctis suddenly froze when he spotted something. "Found the royal tomb. Now... where's the monster?"

"I feel like you're askin' for a fight," Prompto said.

"Could use the practice," Noctis grins.

Wandering closer to the royal tomb, I heard the sound of branches snapping above us. When the noise got louder and much closer, I narrowed my eyes at the canopy above. Then, a Treant emerges from its hiding spot. Suddenly, I was tackled to the ground and my world was spinning. When my vision went back to normal, I saw the Treant had landed exactly where I was previously standing. The person who had tackled me to safety was Ignis.

As the monster let out a thunderous roar, Ignis quickly got to his feet and helped me. He summoned his daggers the moment I told him I was fine. I stood next to him, staff in hand and already casting a lightning spell.

"Well, I guess you were right, Iggy," Gladio said, attacking the Treant.

Our battle with the monster was difficult. Every time Noctis or Gladio got close, the creature would jump on them. As I healed their injuries, the beast lets out another roar and leaps towards me. I stopped using a healing spell and swiftly changed to a shadow one. Tendrils pierced the Treant's body, making it wail in pain. It was suspended in air, struggling to break free from the tendrils. The others took the chance and attacked with everything they had. The creature was finally slain after a few heavy hits.

"Whew, glad that's over," Noctis sighs, dispelling his javelin.

"Yeah, no kiddin'. We'd still be fighting that thing if Zodia didn't pin it," Prompto said.

"We were doing well until our curatives ran out. That's when I stopped being front line and went to support," I state.

"'Cause someone was being careless." Gladio eyes my brother before crossing his arms.

Noctis makes no smart remark and heads to the royal tomb. I shook my head at his ignorance and search the area around the tomb to find the zodiac ruins. As usual, Ignis and Prompto were helping me search while Gladio watched over Noctis.

The three of us eventually find the hidden door behind a thick layer of moss. I searched for the indentation for my pendant and cleared the spot before taking the trinket from my neck.

In the ruins rested a yellow orb, which was baffling.
"Air? But why..." Then, I remember reading about how the Myrlwood used to be a flat plain with beautiful flowers and a gentle breeze. The foliage eventually grew out of control and made the Myrlwood into what it is now, covered in flora and fauna. Now, the wind doesn't even blow as strong as it used to.

"The ruins were covered when the plains were replaced with dense woods," I mumble to myself as I entered the main chamber. I place my hand on the orb and a gust of wind fills the room. When the wind calms, twin wolves much larger than me stood in the center of the room.

"Castor and Pollux, the twins that represent Gemini."
••••••••
A/n: Bold and italics- both twins
Bold- Castor
Italics- Pollux
••••••••

The wolves bow, signaling my thinking was correct. The twins ran around me, creating a comforting faint breeze. I close my eyes, letting the wind flow through my hair gently.

"We welcome you, Daughter."

Two voices said in unison. I realized it was Castor's and Pollux's voice. The wolves' mouths didn't even move as they spoke.

"A pleasure to meet the famous twins of Gemini. I never expected you both to be twin wolves."

The two laugh, bowing their heads to my level.

"Do we frighten you?"

I shook my head. "Not at all. The scariest zodiac so far has been Capricorn. He tried to frighten me, but I refused to show it."

"It seems Capricorn hasn't change during our slumber."

Their laughter was cheerful and brought a smile to my face. Castor, the white wolf, drew closer and sniffed my clothes.

"Your recent visit to the Celestial Court still lingers on your being, Daughter."

Then, Pollux came over and sniffed.

"Indeed. How I do miss the beauty of the Celestial Court. Thanks to you, we are able to return home and see the other zodiacs."

"I'm sure they'll be happy to see you both." I smile at the twins. They nod before closing their eyes. On instinct, I laid my hands on their heads. Their fur was soft and silky, making me a little jealous. "Wish I knew how to get my hair like this."

The two laugh before opening their eyes.

"Our powers are yours to command. For now, we shall head to the Celestial Court. Cancer is calling you as we speak. He wishes to have a proper conversation with you."

"Thank you, Castor, Pollux. Your help will be most appreciated."

With a blinding light, the twin wolves vanish and their charm rests in the palm of my hand.

I hook the small object next to the other charms and leave the ruins. The comforting embrace of the ruins was vanquished by the high humidity caused by the rain. My clothes were now back to being soaked and I groaned in annoyance. "Hope Cancer doesn't mind the humidity."

I called upon the fourth zodiac while the others gathered around.

The zodiac appeared before me and grabbed both my hands.

I am glad to see you again, Daughter. This time, we will have a proper chat and you'll be able to ask any questions that are buzzing within your mind.

"Good, because I already have one question. Are you only able to talk telepathically when you are touching the person you wish to speak to?"

Cancer nods, confirming the question that has been ricochetting through my brain since he first spoke.

As he promised, I had all my questions answered and Cancer was more than glad to help. With a smile, the zodiac headed back to the Celestial Court.

"So cool~! Is there a chance I could meet all the zodiacs?" Prompto asked with gleaming eyes.

I laugh at his expression. "I'm sure you can, Prom. Just not right now."

"Ready to head back to camp?" Noctis asked. I nod and we all head back to the haven. It was still raining as Ignis and I made dinner. We did our best to block the food with a small cover and ended up saving our meal from being soaked in the downpour. We ate dinner in the tent and decided to play cards. Noctis, Prompto, and Ignis were out, leaving the final round to me and Gladio.

He wore a grin as he eyed me. "You're goin' down, Princess."

"Mm... you sure about that?" I smirk confidently. He slammed his cards down, showing me all his cards. When I saw he had a full house, I dropped my jaw. "No way..."

"Ha! So, what do I get?" He asked, his grin widening.

"Nothing, because..." I tossed my cards down and began laughing. "I have a royal flush!"

Gladio's grin fell as his jaw dropped to the ground. I stuck my tongue out at him before laughing even harder. The other three couldn't believe that I had won, either. They stared in shock at my cards and didn't say a word.

"Welp, I've beaten the famous Gladio at poker. Should we play another round just in case this one was a fluke?"

"Hell no. I don't wanna get my ass handed to me at cards again," he grumbles.

"Then, what's my reward?" I ask.

"Whatever you want."

"Alright... how about this-once we get to Altissia, all three of you must leave me and Ignis alone. No interruptions, no badgering, no nothing! A day to ourselves without being bothered."

All of them choked on air at my demand. I wait for all of them to calm down before raising an eyebrow at Gladio. "Alright, alright. You've got yourself a deal, Zo. We'll let you and Iggy have your alone time."

"Yay!" I cheer. "I can't wait!"

After my excitement died down, I felt a wave of sleepiness capsize me. We situated ourselves for the night, me being in between Ignis and Prompto. When I felt an elbow hit me in the stomach during the night, I let out a small yelp of pain. A few seconds pass and suddenly, arms wrap around me and roll my body over. Now, I was resting between Ignis and the wall of the tent.

My back was now facing Ignis as he kept his arms around me. Welcoming his warmth, I fell asleep with ease and stayed peaceful the whole night.