Bella wakes up in bed, groaning with the excitement of how soft it was. Kirara was against her head like she normally was. Bella sits up looking around and doesn't see Iris there, tilting her head she looks at the clock seeing it was around eight in the morning. Blinking a bit, she gets out of bed and brushes her hair quickly with Iris' brush.

Miraculously finding a hair-tye, she starts braiding her hair with some difficulty and when she finishes, she sets the hair-tye quickly rushing out with Kirara in tow. Going out to the lobby seeing no one around, she smiles a bit feeling the sun beating down on them, taking a deep breath, Bella begins her own little tour.

Kirara sitting on Bella's shoulder as they walk through the Main Thoroughfare once more, seeing how busy it was. People were buying stuff, vegetables, fruits, grains, potions, etc. It was amazing; back in Midgar, you didn't see much of this stuff. After the Meteor, it changed. Now, they moved to a place called Edge and it was just as busy as this place, but - not without it's... problems.

It's changed since then, for sure. But how much did it change now?

Letting out a huge sigh of annoyance, Bella walks to the Lookout over-looking the sights of Duscae, when she found the edge of it, she leaned against it. 

"What's on your mind, Bell?" questions the nekomata, looking at her best friend as she jumps down and sits on the ledge herself. "You seem distraught,"

"That's because I am," Bella tells her in a hushed voice keeping her eyes locked in the distance, seeing the clouds roll by. "I'm wondering how everyone is doing at home, I keep complaining I miss it but I can't help it - it's frustrating me not seeing Cloud-Cloud's face all the time."

"It's understandable that you miss them, but it also feels like you're not looking for a way home," Kirara tells her flicking her tail. 

"Where would I begin, Kirara?" asks Bella running a hand through her bangs gently. "I don't even know if there is a library to check out," 

"You never know until you try," Kirara states standing up leaning against her front paws to stretch out. "I believe there's a way, but you also don't wanna leave this place. Is it because of a certain prince?"

Bella tensed up and looks down at the ground, ignoring the red that was building on her face. "It's... It's not like that..."

"You sure?" asks Kirara sitting back down looking at her best friend. "'Cause I saw what happened at the river when you almost kissed him."

Bella's face exploded into a deep red making her cover it. "I regret ever doing that, Kirara... I already told you about how I feel about that," Bella sighs heavily, stomach churning with butterflies as she said this. "As strange as it sounds, when I laid my eyes on him, I found a place for my heart, my heart races every time he touches me, my stomach turns and I start to get sweaty..." Bella turns and sits against the wall while Kirara jumps down and sits next to Bella's side leaning against it. "I'm so afraid to fall for him because he's getting married, he probably loves the woman he's supposed to marry..."

"And you know this, how?"

"From what Gladiolus, Prompto, and Ignis all have been talking about her, she sounds lovely and right for Noctis..." Bella leans her head down against her knees. "I'm nothing but a broken person who will probably never find the right one, doomed to be alone for the rest of my life."

Kirara sighs jumping on her shoulder nuzzling against her cheek gently, making Bella look at her. "Now Isabella, you're a wonderful human being who was raised to have morals and raised to have manners and everything wasn't handed to you as Noctis has had," Kirara explains to her. "But seeing him look at you, it's a different story, I can see the infatuation with you, the longing to be with you but he knows it's wrong. And quite honestly, you look at him the same way, I can see it. The others may not notice it, but if he chooses to be with you, they can't stop him. They can try but they honestly won't succeed,"

Bella smiles her way and looks up seeing Iris and Noctis walking and talking. Bella gasps and looks around seeing no one around and back at them, seeing that they didn't notice her. Bella jumps up and jumps over the ledge with Kirara in tow catching Bella and flies around to get high enough to not be noticed.

~

It was hours before Bella returned to the Leville, she was walking towards there with Kirara on her shoulder. It was around the late afternoon, the sun still shining brightly in the sky as Bella's stomach growled a bit.

"Oh Bella, there you are!" calls Iris seeing her.

"Hey!" Bella waves back and sighs, happy she didn't notice what happened earlier. "Where are the guys?"

"They went to find the Tomb that was nearby," Talcott responds before Iris can. "I was helpful on the King's journey!"

Bella smiles leaning down towards him petting his head. "And I'm absolutely sure he was super grateful for the help!" Bella tells him standing up. "Mind if we get something to eat? I'm actually quite famished,"

Iris smiles and nods. "I know of a place who serves the best stuff, you wanna come Talcott?" asks the young female as the little boy nods. "Jared?"

"I'll stay here in case the King arrives," Jared told them. "You three have fun,"

~

After eating, Iris and Bella were laughing about the stories both of them were telling. Talcott was joining every now and then and they all laughed. Looking up, they see the group talking to Jared about their trip.

"Noctis!" calls Iris waving to him. "Gladdy!"

All the boys look over, smiling when they see Talcott, Bella, and Iris walking towards them. Noctis glances at Bella seeing her with a smile on her face. Kirara jumps down and runs to the men jumping on their shoulders rubbing their cheeks with her head, letting out excited 'mew's' making Bella chuckle at the affection.

"I take it, it went very well," Bella looks at everyone as they nod while Kirara jumps into Prompto's arms; "Good! I'm happy you got another one,"

"Me too, anything to get ready," Noctis tells her. "Did you have fun today, Bells?"

Bella nods rubbing the back of her neck. "Yeah, I did actually,"

Then, Noctis groans in pain but much worse than before. Bella frowns ready to help him but Iris beat her to it.

"Noctis!" Iris worriedly states looking at him. "Are you alright?"

Gladio touches Noctis shoulder and looks at his sister. "He'll be fine. Don't worry," Iris nods still worried over Noctis. Gladio looks at everyone and addresses to them. "We oughta take a closer look at this so-called "Disc.","

"Then, look no further than the outlook. We can use the viewer things!" Prompto grins had suggested

Bella sighs as Ignis speaks; "No substitute for being on site, but it would be a start. Let's see what we can glean of Noct's condition."

"I don't like the sound of it," Bella whispers following them to the Outlook. "Something doesn't seem right, but I'll keep my guard up."

Walking down the steps, Kirara looks up seeing someone standing there looking through the telescope. Kirara hisses quietly, jumping from Prompto's arms and rushes to Bella's making her gasp when Kirara jumps on her shoulder, eyes slit and tensed up.

"What's gotten her so worked up?" asks Gladio looking at the tense Kirara who was glaring at the man.

"What a coincidence," says the man looking at them. Noctis stands in front of Bella, making sure he didn't see her yet.

Gladio pinches his lips and looks at the man. "I'm not so sure it is,"

"Aren't nursery rhymes curious things?" The man asks them looking at everyone, eyes catching Bella's making her tense up and get close to Noctis. Her heart was racing but not in a good way her stomach tensing like she was in pain. "Like this one: "From the deep, the Archaean calls..." "... Yet on deaf ears, the gods' tongue falls, The King made to kneel, in pain, he crawls.","

"So, how do we keep him on his feet?" asks the sharpshooter raising a brow.

"You need only heed the call," the stranger answers him, looking at Noctis. "Visit the Archaean and hear his plea. I can take you."

Bella froze in her thoughts, trying to think of why this man scared her so bad. He was no Genesis or Sephiroth. No... He was much worse.

"Bella," Noctis gently calls out looking at her. Snapping her out of her thoughts, she looks at him wondering what he was going to say. "You gonna be okay?"

"Yes," Bella simply answers. "Whatever you decide, Noct, I'll help you."

The man smiles at everyone and they all begin walking towards the Regalia. "I'm not one for ceremony, but such an occasion calls for an introduction." The man spoke, Kirara mew's dangerously low making Bella jump and look at her, but Kirara kept her eyes on the man guiding them to the vehicles. "Please call me 'Ardyn'." They all follow Arydn to his car. "My car pales next to your Regalia, but she's never let me down."

Bella stayed quiet while listening to him, Kirara's eyes were still in slits and she was still tense. Her tails going to town behind her, ears bent back. Bella knew better than to try and calm her down as she would when she's ready.

"We take two vehicles- a convoy of sorts, shall we?" Ardyn continues as they all stop near the cars. "Allow me the honor of assigning your driver..." He looks straight at Noctis when he says this. "I choose you."

Noctis nods. "Fine by me,"

Ardyn continues his smile. "You drive your car, and I'll drive mine." Ardyn explains to him. "With that decided, let's head off."

They headed to the car and one by one, they were piling in. Ardyn saw this and frowns opening his door.

"Do you want one person to sit in my car with me?" questioned Ardyn glancing at Bella while he said that.

Bella tenses up, slowly turning a glance to Noctis, hoping he'll deny the offer. "No, we'll be fine. Thank you though." Noctis answered him letting out a deep breath.

Ardyn frowns, "if you're sure. Let's be off then."

~

Bella sat in the middle of the Regalia, Noctis sitting in the driver seat, following Ardyn, Prompto in his usual spot, the same with Gladio. Ignis took the spot on the left of Bella, Bella felt nervous being around Ardyn and she knew that Kirara didn't trust the man at all. It concerned Bella with how she was acting.

"First Galdin, and then Lestallum..." Prompto begins and looks at everyone, "What a coincidence, huh?"

Gladio shakes his head a bit, "Way too convenient to be a coincidence. I reckon he's following us around."

"But to what end? That question bothers me deeply, as does his origin." Ignis began putting a finger to his chin, wondering Ardyn's motive.

"It's hard for me to picture that guy in the empire." Prompto sighs, tilting his head to the side.

"But it's even harder to imagine him as a Lucian."

"I'd sooner not rely on him." Ignis answers to Gladio looking at him.

"But he may be our only way into the Disc of Cauthess... whatever that is," Bella looks at everyone.

Gladio looks at everyone once more. "What's His Highness's opinion of this "Ardyn"?"

"Don't really have one—he's nothing more than a creepy old dude to me." Noctis shrugs not looking at anyone but Ardyn who was driving in front of them.

"You hit the nail on the head right there." Prompto agrees, nodding his head looking at Ardyn's car.

"Well, that's why we came up with a plan," Gladio tells everyone as everyone nods their head in agreement.

"Gotta "watch our backs" the whole way." Noctis summarizes. The car got quiet once more and Kirara was flicking her tail hard against Bella's leg.

Gladio looks at her and then back at Bella. "Again, what's got her so worked up?"

"I think it's because of Ardyn," Bella explains looking at her, petting her fur trying to calm her down. "She doesn't trust him, at all and I trust her instincts completely..."

"As well, Bella, as do we all," Ignis says touching Kirara's head gently.

After a while, it was silent in Bella's mind as the men talk about Noctis and his headaches, Bella began to think about everything. What this journey could bring them... Bring her. It worried her, but it also thrilled her. Maybe a journey is what she was waiting for.

It was silent the rest of the way, Bella looked up at the sky watching the clouds go by. She could feel the cool breeze against her face- it was absolutely relaxing. When she felt the car slow down, she looks down seeing Ardyn pulling into the nearest gas station with a camper there. Bella and Kirara both look at one another confused, then Bella looks up with a raised brow.

"What's say we stop here for the night."

Gladio was annoyed as everyone got out of the car. "What's say we keep going to Cauthess," He told the driver in front of them.

Arydn looks at them. "The Archaean isn't going anywhere," He responds.

"Neither are we under your stewardship." Ignis hisses as they all gathered around.

"So we're camping. With Ardyn." Prompto hints to everyone, raising a brow.

Kirara growls at the thought while Bella was trying not to throw up at the idea. "I'll pitch up the tent."

"Oh no, I'm not one for the outdoors," explains Ardyn making Bella sigh quietly in relief she didn't have to share a tent. "I'll split the bill, let's stay at the caravan over yonder."

Bella's eyes widen and looked at everyone, they seemed against the idea but - it was more or less up to Noctis. "Alright," Noctis shrugs as they walk towards the caravan. 

The young woman stayed in one spot, not moving as everyone walked towards the Caravan. Noctis noticed she wasn't moving, Noctis stops and begins walking her way, when he got next to her, he touched her shoulder making her jump.

"Bells, are you alright?"

"I'm gonna be completely honest with you, Noct..." Bella whispers, looking him in his handsome blue eyes. "No, I'm not alright, I'm scared. Something about that man terrifies me." Bella hugs herself close. "I thought Sephiroth was scary, but this man takes the cake."

"Don't worry, Bells," assures Noctis taking both of her shoulders and grips them gently. "I promise you he won't hurt you." Noctis looks into her beautiful sky-blue orbs. "Gladio, Prompto, and Ignis won't let it happen either, we'll protect you."

"I'm not worried about me," Bella trembled a bit. "I'm more worried for all of your safety. I more or less can..."

"Bella," Noctis stops her, putting his ungloved hand on her cheek making her look at him, he could see the fear in her eyes. "We can take care of ourselves, we'll be okay."

Bella shakes a bit, nodding as he releases her shoulder and cheek and they both walk towards the Caravan.

"Is everything alright?" inquired the older red-haired gentleman looking at Bella and Noctis as they walk up.

Noctis nods; "Yeah, we're fine." The prince answers walking towards his friends with Bella and Kirara in tow. "She just had a question about my weapons and what they do,"

Ardyn smiles and nods watching them.

~

That night, Ardyn was telling a story but Bella didn't really care much for what it was. Ignis had cooked food for everyone and they all finished. Well - not really Kirara. She kept her eye on the man telling the story, tensing up when Ardyn got close to Bella.

"Well, I believe it's time for bed," advised the tactician standing up looking at everyone. Gladio stands up and nods in agreement.

Everyone began piling in and Ardyn stops looking back. "It looks like there are only four beds and a big bed, oh dear this simply won't do," Ardyn looks at Bella who was behind Prompto and she looks at him. "Would you like the big bed, young lady?"

"Um..." Bella began looking around biting her lip. "I think I'll be okay, I can sleep on the couch, I find it more comfortable than a bed." Bella lied through her teeth. "You can take the bed, considering you're taking us Cauthess, it's the least I can offer,"

Ardyn smiles bowing her way. "You're too kind, I never did get your name young lady, if I may ask, what is it?"

Bella swallows thickly taking a deep breath. "Bella," simply answers the young woman as Ardyn stands up and puts his hand out.

"A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Bella," Ardyn smiles her way. Bella gently takes his hand immediately regretting it; as shivers heavily went up and down her spine. When they released their hands, Ardyn keeps his smile. "I bid you all a good morrow," Ardyn walks to the big bed and the boys look at Bella.

"Bells..." Prompto looks at her, seeing how pale her face was eyes dilated in fear. "Bella," Prompto touches her shoulders gently.

"Are you alright, Bella?" wondered Ignis looking at her. 

"Short stuff?" Gladio touches her shoulder with Prompto but still - she didn't move. Kirara looked at her and touches Bella's cheek with her own head, purring. "Did she die?"

"I - I'm fine," Bella mutters out shakily. "That man..." The men could see her visibly shaking. "I... I don't know if I can do this..."

"Yes you can, Bells," Prompto looks in her eyes. "You know why? You're Isabella Fair, you're strong and you've been through worse, this should be easy for you."

Hearing that, Bella snaps out of it, color returning to her face, eyes holding a bit more confidence but still had a little fear. A smile forming on her lips.

"Prom, you're the best," She says as they all released her shoulders whilst chuckling. "I don't know what came over me, last time this happened, I was facing against Genesis..."

"You don't need to explain it," Noctis told her touching her shoulders, she immediately relaxed with his touch. "You got this," 

Bella smiles as the four head to the bunks, Bella looks at the couch and sits on it bouncing a bit Kirara jumps on it and then lays down falling asleep instantly making Bella chuckle lightly, Bella lays down next to Kirara's stomach and closes her eyes falling asleep instantly herself.

~

Bella walked around Gongaga, her sable and silver locks evident around her left shoulder in a loose braid. Her bright eyes looked around the strange town.

"Kirara?" questions the young woman looking around. "Are you there, Kirara?"

"Not even gonna ask about me, I see where I stand, Chibi," spoke a familiar voice behind her. Bella froze in her spot as she felt the familiar eyes on her back. "You gonna turn around?"

"Big... brother?" Bella whispers turning around seeing him standing there, wearing his First Class uniform, hair slicked back into spikes and his bright eyes looking into her own. "Are you... real?"

Zack looks at her blinking a few times, looking down at himself and then pinches himself wincing in pain. "You know, as far as I know, I am," Zack answers her question as he was suddenly tackled down by his baby sister. Zack lands on his butt while he hugs her back. "Chibi... You missed me that much."

"Yes, I miss you... so, so much." 

Zack chuckles a bit pushing her off of him and looks into her bright eyes. "So, tell me Chibi, what's been going on lately with you."

"I..." Bella began and sighs. "I'm in a different world," she looks at him as he raises a brow as she frowns his way, disappointed he doesn't believe her. "You don't believe me..."

"I find it hard to believe, yes," 

"Big brother..."

Zack chuckles grabbing her arms and looks at her. "I'm not discounting the possibility of it, Chibi, it just seems strange," Zack lifts her head up. "Don't be upset Chibi, I hate seeing you upset..."

Bella sniffs and wipes her face gently. "I'm not lying about it,"

"And I'm not saying you are," Zack told her touching her chin. "Where's Cloud? Or Kirara?"

"Cloud is probably in Edge still," answers Bella sighing sadly. "Kirara is with me,"

Zack smiles and stands up, doing his usual squats making Bella chuckle. "So, tell me what else is going on. Did you find someone?"

The young woman blushes a bit, looking away. "I... I did,"

"Then what's wrong?" asks Zack, stopping his squats and sits next to her looking at the sky. "Don't tell me he's swinging for another team."

"No!" Bella quickly shouts shaking her hands. "No, no. He doesn't swing that way," Bella sighs a bit and puts her hands down in defeat. "It's much worse, he's getting married."

Zack looks at her like she grew two heads. "What?"

She sighs again. "He's getting married, but - he's been..."

"Flirting? Taking an interest in you? Ect..."

She nods slowly. "All the above, Kirara even sees it."

"You both got it hard for each other, but know it's wrong on both ends. That's rough," Zack states hugging her close. "I'm sorry, Chibi,"

Bella leans against him closing her eyes. "I miss you,"

Zack smiles kissing her head and leans against it, staying silent. She knew he did too. He was never afraid to show those kinds of feelings. She believes this is where she got it from. It was just her and him against the world. Quite literally, after SHINRA killed him, then it was her. But - she somehow did it, she knew he would always be with her.

And that's what mattered.

~

A/N: Another chapter, next chapter will have LOTS more feels. More NoctisxBella! YAY!