BZZZZZZZZZ

You jumped slightly from the vibration in your pocket from you phone. Then you quickly reached in and pulled it out. You sighed as you looked at the screen and saw that it was a text from Noctis. You lowered the phone a bit as you once again felt your heart drop as you read his text.

I'm sorry. Can we talk?   Shined bright across the screen as you walked through the dark hallways.

"Who's that from?'' Ignis asked as he glanced over at you as the two of you walked back down the stairs.

"Just one spoiled prince." You said in a hurt tone.

Ignis gave you a stunned look. "Noct?"

"The one and only. But he'll have to do better than a text if he wants to apologize to me." You said as you put your phone back in your pocket.

"Your not going to answer him?" Ignis asked as you both stepped back onto the ground floor and started for the entrance.

"Nope." You said in a short tone.

"Not after the way he just shouted at us like that." You replied as you picked up speed as you headed down the hallway that went past the dining room and kitchen.

Ignis dropped his gaze for a moment as he walked beside you. Noctis had been awfully short with both of you. Which is why he understood why you were upset. But Ignis had been on the receiving end before of Noctis' anger and had never not answered him back.

"If he wants to apologize properly." You said as you placed both hands on the double doors that lead out of the living quarters.

"Then he can do it in person." You finished as you shoved open both doors.

Ignis stopped in his tracks just before the doors. He slowly looked back down the hallway as he felt torn between walking away with you or turning back to talk to Noctis. He understood your frustration. But he also knew that Noctis would never act like that unless he had a good reason.

"You can go back if you want." You called back over your shoulder as the doors started to close. "I'll just meet you in Korn's office."

You didn't turned back around as the doors closed shut. Instead you headed towards the elevator. That was when you saw Axis walking through the front door of the citadel. You gave him a curious look as he came in. He was someone you hadn't seen in a long time. At least not since the trip back from the farm house.

"Mr. Axis?" You asked with a smile. "What are you doing here?"

Axis stopped dead in his tracks as he looked up and saw you. He gave you a startled look before he dropped his gaze. Then with his head down he started to head for the elevator.

"I'm on duty this morning and had to stop by for some equipment." He quickly said without meeting your eyes.

"Oh. I thought that everyone was off?" You asked as you turned and followed him to the elevator.

"Not everyone gets to enjoy holiday break you know." He said in a short tone as the two of you came to stop by the elevators. "Some of us still have to work. Otherwise no one can safely enjoy their holiday."

"I suppose so." You said as you dropped your gaze as you waited for the elevator. "I never thought about that. I guess I was just too wrapped up in other things to even consider that."

"And that's the problem with all of you." He said in a short voice as door opened up to the elevator.

"You only think of yourselves" He said in a stern voice as he got onboard.

"But I suppose that's how we survive in this world." He said as he stood by the keypad on the elevator. "If you don't look out for yourself. No one else will."

You dropped your head more as you thought about what he said. There had been many times when you had had to protect yourself from others. Perhaps there was some wisdom behind those words. But what about those around you?

"Are you getting on or what?" You heard him ask as he started to get impatient as he stood there holding the door open.

"Oh. Right." You said as you looked back up quickly before climbing onto the elevator.

"So why are you here?" Axis asked as he watched you carefully.

"I just have to pick up a few things for Korn." You absently replied as you returned your gaze to the floor.

"Really?" He replied as he kept his head down. "Why didn't he come himself then I wonder?"

"We'll, after what happened earlier tonight. He's a bit nervous to leave his house." You replied as you leaned up against the elevator wall.

"What happened at his house?" Axis asked in a flat voice.

"We think someone was trying to kill him tonight." You said as you could once more see Korn and Mary flying backwards into the pool as if in slow motion.

"Did the shooter get him?" Axis asked as one corner of his mouth turned up.

"No. But the bullet did graze Mary." You replied.

Then you stopped for a moment and slowly looked back up at him. "How did you know it was a shooter?"

"Considering where Korn lives. That would be the only way to take him out." Axis answered as if it was common knowledge.

"Oh. Yeah I suppose your right." You said as you dropped your gaze again.

You hadn't really thought about that before. There wasn't anyway other way to get to him at his home. And you figured that, based on the way that Axis was acting, that it was common knowledge that all of the glaives knew where Korn lived. He was the head of the Intelligence Department after all.

DING!

"Well here's your stop." Axis said as he held the door open for you.

"Didn't you need to go to the training floor for your equipment?" You asked as you gave him a curious look.

"I'm going there next. I just wanted to drop you off first." He said with a smirk. "We can't have you walking around by yourself now can we? Besides, what kind of gentleman would I be if I left you on the elevator by yourself."

"Well thank you." You said as you gave him a quick glance as you got off of the elevator. "I'll see you around."

"Likewise." He said as he hit the elevator door button to close the door again.

You gave him a slight smile as you nodded at him as the door closed. He gave you a hard look back as he returned with a slow nod. Then he was out of sight as the elevator door closed and started to head back down again. You slightly smiled as you turned towards Korn's office. Perhaps Axis wasn't as bad as you thought he was when you first meet him.

"Did you find her?" Came a deep throated voice over the phone.

"I did. I just dropped her off on the 15th floor. She was apparently sent by Korn to gather up a few things. Looks like he's going to take to hiding out there for a while." Axis said into the phone as the elevator glided down.

"That might actually work out in our favor." Replied the deep voice. "With him away from the citadel, we can better plan our attack. Inform the others that its a go for phase one."

"With pleasure sir." Axis replied with a sinister undertone before he hung up the phone.

After packing up Sara's laptop in its case, you zipped it closed and placed it by the front door in one of the chairs. Then you walked over and entered Korn's office to grab his. Korn's office felt overpowering as you entered. You could almost feel the weight of his position just from the look of his heavy wooden the desk with the two large black leather chairs in front of it. You walked around behind his desk and slowly moved his chair out so that you could get to his laptop. The soft leather chair smoothly slid out from under the desk and off to the side.

You slightly smiled. Your dad's office chair was only half as nice as this one. No wonder why he had been hinting that he wanted a new desk chair for his holiday gift. It was a good thing that Sara had heard him talk about it and had told you that she would surprise him with one this year. There was no way you could have been able to get him one of these. They were simply too expensive and you had no way of getting it the house without help.

It was bad enough that you hadn't had a chance to get a real job so that you don't have to rely on him giving you an allowance, which really didn't exist. Of course you did still have some of the money that your god mother had given you. Plus she had sent you a nice amount for yourself for the holiday. Of course, now you knew why your parents were able to give you and your brother a good holiday.

Turns out that your god mother had been sending your mother money for years now for her to use to get you and your family what they wanted each year. This year would be different though. For this year you were to see her on your way through to Tenebrae. And this time you had something for her in return.

As you disconnected the laptop and proceeded to pack in up in its case, you started to think about the trip. You couldn't help but smile as you started to get excited. You hadn't been to Altissia in a awhile to see her. And you couldn't help but wonder if the ice had started to form on the buildings yet as it always did in the winter months. The cold temperatures always gave the city the appearance of an crystal paradise. It was always truly beautiful to you.

"(Y/n)?" You heard Ignis voice call from the main office area.

"I'm finishing up with Korn's computer." You called back.

"Very well." You heard his replied.

After putting in the power cords and mouse, you zipped up the case and pulled on the shoulder strap so that you could carry it out. Finally you grabbed the notepads and papers that he had requested and pushed his chair back in. After ensuring that everything was back in place, you headed out to the main part of the office. As you came out you saw Ignis packing up the requests folders in one of the file boxes that was sitting behind Sara's desk. You walked over and put Korn's laptop with Sara's then you went over and helped Ignis gather up the last few folders. After the last folder was put into the box, Ignis put the lid on it then secured it in the locking rolling case that was right beside the boxes.

"Alright. I think we have everything." Ignis said as he flipped the last lock on the case. "Let's head back down to the garage."

"Are we going to try and sneak your car out?" You asked as you picked up Sara's laptop case and put it over your shoulder.

"No. I still think that it's best to leave it here for tonight." Ignis said as he picked up Korn's laptop case and pull it over his shoulder.

"Then how are we getting back?" You asked as you watched him extend up the handle for the locking case.

"You'll see when we get to the garage." Ignis said as he grabbed the handle.

"What did you do?" You asked as you searched his face with a slight smile.

"Let's just say that I had to call in a favor to the king." He said with a smile before turned and walking to the door.

You stood there stunned for a moment. Then a smile cracked across your face as you jogged over to him as he exited the office.

"What did you have to do to that required his permission?" You asked as you turned off the lights as you both left the room.

"Now that my dear, is for me to know. And for you to find out." He said with a smile as he locked the door up tight. "Now come on.  It's getting late."

"Okay." You said with a smile.

Then the two of you turned and headed back to the elevators. As you rode it down you finally started to relax as you tried to get him to tell you what was waiting in the garage for you both when you arrived. But despite everything you tried, he just won't talk. He just smiled at you as you asked what seemed like a million questions as you tried to get him to say what it was.

DING!

"Your not even going to give me hint." You asked as you both stepped off of the elevator and into the parking garage.

"Why? When you can see for yourself." He said as he gestured in front of you.

You turned your head and was at a loss for words as you watched a gorgeous black car with silver trim come into view. The engine seemed to purr as it came to a smooth stop just in front of you and the royal cars that you were use to traveling in.  As you stared at the car, the driver's door opened up. Your heart almost seemed to stop as Noctis climbed out from behind the wheel and stood beside his car as it continued to run.

"I believe someone needed a ride home?"  Noctis asked as he looked at you with a smile.

You looked at Noctis with your mouth a gap. You had heard about this car from your dad during one of the lessons in the garage. Apparently there weren't that many of these made since they were considered one of the most expensive sports cars within Insomnia.  It was only beating by the Regalia itself.

Which, now that you thought about it, made sense as to why Noctis would have one of these. He was the Prince after all, so money wasn't an issue. Let alone it was one of the sexiest cars that you had ever seen up close like this. But sexy or not. It didn't fix the fact that he had yelled at you and Ignis like that.

Noctis stood there smiling back at you as he enjoyed your shocked expression as you stared at his car. But then his smile faded as you dropped your gaze as you turned to face Ignis.

"So which of the royal cars are we taking?" You asked Ignis.

"What do you mean?" Ignis asked as he gave you a very confused look. "Our ride is right in front of us."

"Oh." You replied and started walking towards the other cars.

"Stop playing." Noctis said as he watched you walk past his car. "You know which car."

"I'm sorry, did you say something?" You asked Ignis as you ignored Noctis.

"Damn it (y/n). Stop ignoring me and look at me."  Noctis said as he started walking up to you.

"Huh?" You asked Ignis again as you turned away from Noctis.

Now Noctis was getting pissed as he walked over and grabbed your arm and forcibly turned you around to face him. He gave you a very stern look as he grabbed your chin and made you look at him. You gave him a very stern look back.

"Why won't you look at me?" He said in a strained tone.

"Why do you care?" You said as you gave him a hurt look back as you smacked his hand away and stepped back from him. "Why all of a sudden do you care? Or did you just want to yell at us again for no apparent reason? Do you get some cheap thrill out of it since your a prince?"

"What the hell is that suppose to mean?" He asked back as his temper was starting to rise again.

"Or perhaps it's beneath you to apologize for flipping out on your friends." You almost yelled back as tears started to form in your eyes.

"I've never done anything wrong to you to deserve that and you know it." You said as your throat was starting to close up.

"You know what." You said as you stepped away from both of them.

"I'll just walk." You said and turned on your heel and started walking towards the parking garage exit. "I wouldn't want to get your precious car dirty."

As you walked away you heard footsteps come running up to you then stop as you felt a hand grab your arm.

"Will you stop already?" You heard Noctis say as you kept your face away from him. "I didn't mean to lash out at you like that. Alright?  I'm sorry.  I was just frustrated from something else. I never should have taken it out on you."

"What in the world would make you so frustrated that you would lash out at your friends?" You quietly asked as you heard another set of footsteps.

"Let it go (y/n)." Ignis said from beside Noctis. "Not everything has to be explained."

"Your defending him?" You ask Ignis.

"Always." Ignis said without hesitation. "He is my future king and I promised him that I would always defend him. Same as you. Or have you forgotten why you have been training?"

You dropped your head. You knew that you he was right. But you couldn't get past him jerking away like that and yelling at you. How were you suppose to take that when it hurt so much?

"I'm sorry if upset you. I never should have taken out my personal issues on you like that." Noctis said as he slid his hand down and interlaced his fingers with yours.

You dropped your head more as you kept your face from him.  "I thought that we shared everything?"

"We can't share everything."  He said as he slowly pulled you to him.  "There will always be a few things that neither of us will want to share.  Not with anyone.  And for me this is one of those things.  Alright?"

You looked back at him and could see concern in his face as he searched your face.  You dropped your gaze again as you released his hand and wrapped your arms around him. He sighed as he pulled you into his embrace. You rested your head against his chest and closed your eyes.

"I don't like it when we fight."  You quietly said against his chest.

"Neither do I."  He said as he pulled you closer.  "And I would rather not make a habit of it."

"No.  I don't think I could stand it."  You said as you slightly squeezed him.

"Nor could I."  He said then he gave you a gentle kiss on your temple.

You smiled as you squeezed back harder.  That had been the apology that you had been looking for from the beginning.  Not some random text.  You wanted to hear him and understand where he was coming from.

"Sooo," he began as he slowly released you.  "When did you want to take your driving test?"

You leaned back and gave him a questioning look.  "Why do you ask?"

"Well," he began as he shifted his feet a bit.  "I was wanting to take my test at the same time you took yours.  But now that I've driven my car, I really want to take it out of the parking garage now.  But I can't do that until I get my license."

"So you want to know if I'm ready to take my test, so that you can test with me?   This way you can get your license and drive your car?"  You asked as you gave him a slight smile.

"Well, yeah."  He quietly admitted with a smile. "Why wouldn't I want to drive my car?  You did just see it right?  You weren't just fucking with me?"

"Yes I saw it."  You said with a smile before you dropped your gaze as you smiled as you started to get nervous.  "But I......"

"Ah come on.  I'm really tired of driving the other cars around the parking garage."  He almost pleaded with you.

You shifted nervously on your feet.  You were a bit anxious about the test.  Sure you had driven more than enough to get all of the hours done.  But you kept hearing that the driving test was tough because of the guy giving the test.  Apparently he was some grumpy mechanic guy who was very hard on young teenager drivers.  No matter who they were.  Gwen had told you that she had to do it twice since he failed her the first time.

"I don't know.  I heard he's really tough."  You nervously replied as you looked down.

"And your not?"  Noctis asked as he put his hand on your chin.  "The girl I know doesn't step back from a challenge."

Noctis then lifted up your chin and smiled at you.  You slightly smiled back as you meet his eyes. You couldn't help but to be engulfed in his deep sapphire eyes as they seemed to twinkle at you.

"I'll take you out for ice cream when I get to take it out for the first time."  He said in a voice that was as cool as the ice cream he was speaking of.

You slightly laughed back at him. You knew that he wasn't going to let up until you said yes. He always seemed to get his way with you and Ignis both. One look from those beautiful blue eyes of his and you melted. Ignis, you figured just had a huge soft spot for him. They had been with each other for a long time after all.

You sighed before looking back up at him. "Fine.  I'll talk to my dad about it.  Okay?"

"YES."  He said as he gripped you tightly.

Then he gave you a hard kiss on your cheek as he dipped you really low off to the side.  You gave a quick scream from the motion as you grabbed his arm before it turned into a giggle as he stood you back up as he pulled away.  He laughed back at you as he released you once  you were back upright.  You couldn't help but smile at him as he released you completely.

"Now that that is settled."  Ignis said as he straightened his glasses.

"Shall we head out?"  You heard Ignis say as he turned around and headed back to the car.

"Are you sure you don't mind us taking it out?"  You asked Noctis as you both walked over to the car.

"If it was anyone, other than Ignis driving, I might be nervous."  Noctis said with a smile.  

Then he turned and nodded at Ignis. "But I trust Ignis with it without question."

"And I appreciate you trusting me with it."  Ignis returned as he put the computers and storage case in the trunk. "And rest assured, it will be back tomorrow without a scratch."

"I know." Noctis said as he opened the front door for you. "Just be careful. If you were followed they will be watching this place like a hawk."

"Indeed." Ignis said as he so closed up the trunk and walked up to the driver's side. "Is the side exit connected to this car yet?"

"It is."  Noctis said as he walked up to the driver's side as Ignis was getting ready to climbed in.  "If not, your card should work on it now.  Your uncle had set that up as soon as the car was delivered here.  Just in case."

Ignis simply nodded at Noctis.  Then he dropped his head as he smiled.  

"That sounds like something that he would do.  Always two steps ahead of everything."  Ignis quietly replied.

"Just like you."  Noctis said as he placed his had on Ignis' arm.  "Text me when you get back.  And I'll let you know if I hear anything here."

"Will do."  Ignis said then he climbed into the car.  "Be sure to say hi to Lady Lunafreya when you see her tomorrow."

"Will do."  Noctis smiled back as he closed the driver's door.  "Be safe."

"And you as well."  Ignis returned before putting the car in gear.

Then with a final nod Ignis stepped on the accelerator and pulled away from Noctis as he headed for the hidden side entrance.  You turned in your seat and waved at Noctis as the car pulled away.  Noctis held one hand up as he waved back at you.  Then once he was out of sight you turned around in your seat and smiled to yourself.

Well at least I'll have company while I take my test. You thought as you watched outside the car for anything out of the ordinary.

Meanwhile.............

After putting in her overnight bag in the truck of Paul's car,  she smiled to herself as she climbed into the drivers seat.  She was a little surprised  that Paul had let her use his car to go grab a few things from the house. He hadn't even taken you out to learn how to drive it.  Yet, here he was letting her drive it. He truly did trust her.

Paul would have come with her considering they didn't want anyone traveling by themselves. But everyone knew that she was never really alone. Not with her handlers so close at hand as they watched from the shadows. And for once, she was very grateful for them being there.

After putting her purse on the passenger seat beside her. She locked the doors and started to put on her seatbelt. She knew that she needed to get back. She had grabbed everything that her and Paul, and even you, needed from her place and his, so now it was time to head back. 

But right as the seatbelt clipped she looked in her rear view mirror and felt her heart stop as she saw someone shift in the back seat.  She went to quick remove the belt.   But she wasn't quick enough as the person quickly moved up and grabbed her neck and pulled her head back against the head rest.  She went to move when she suddenly realized that while one hand held her neck.  The other held something else against her neck.  She slowly continued to reach down for the seatbelt clamp.

"I wouldn't do that if I was you."  She heard a very familiar voice say.  "Not unless you want to slice that pretty little neck of yours wide open."

Her breath caught as he pressed the blade hard against her neck.  Her hand froze as she felt every muscle tense up.  She could feel her heart beating out of her chest.   She couldn't help from briefly closed her eyes as she was once again being captured with fear. 

They had found her.  But how?  And where were the guys watching her?  What happened to them?  She wondered.

"I wouldn't recommend moving or trying to scream either." The voice continued as he moved closer to her neck.  "Not unless you want to join your bodyguards that is."

Her eyes quickly started scanning the cars on the street outside of Paul's house as she tried to find their car.  That was when she looked in her side mirror and noticed something large laying on the street beside one of the cars that was about two houses down.  Her heart stopped completely as she looked at them laying there on the ground.  She knew that he was telling her the truth.  She was all to familiar with what a body looked like as was laid out on the ground.

"That's right."  He said right in her ear.  "They won't be helping out this time."

She felt a chill run through her, as she felt his warm breath on her neck.  "It reminds me of when you made your escape from us."

"Only this time I have you all to myself."  He said as he ran his lips across her neck.  "Perhaps we might have a bit of fun before we head back."

Her breath caught again as she tried to move away from him.  But this only made him tighten up his grip on her neck as he pulled her harder into the head rest.  She cringed as she felt his fingers tighten up under her chin as he tilted her head straight up.  Then she gasped as she felt the blade dig into her neck and give her a slight cut.

"Now see what you did?"  He said as he slightly lowered his blade.  "You made me cut that pretty little neck of yours."

Then she gasped again as she felt him place his lips on the cut and slightly suck on her as he kissed off the blood that ran from the cut.  She closed her eyes as she was torn between the sensation of his lips and the pain of the cut.  Her whole body started to tremble as she felt helpless to do anything as he started to devour her neck as he kissed and sucked on the slice in her neck.  She felt a few tears start to stream down her face as she fought off the fear that was trying to take over.  She had to get him off of her and back to Paul.

"Hhhhhoooww?"  She stammered as she fought to control her nerves.

"How what?"  He said as he slightly backed up as he removed his mouth from her neck.

She closed her eyes again as she was relieved that he stopped.  She fought to try and keep from shaking as she tried to concentrate enough to come up with something to keep him talking so that she could figure out a way to get away from him.

"Hhhoooww did you get in?"  She asked as he kept his hands on her neck.

"What?  How do you think he got this car in his garage?  Someone had to drive it."  Her eyes shot open as she realized who it was now that was holding her.  "All it took was a quick stop by the dealership to pick up a spare key from one of my associates.  Quite simple if you ask me."

"Why?"  He asked as he moved closer again.  "Are you afraid that now I might come join you the next time you decide to sleep over at his house?"

Her heart raced again and she couldn't seem to catch her breath at his statement.

"Not to worry."  He said as he brushed his lips against her neck again.  "I don't share my toys with other men."

She took in a raspy breath as she slightly sighed and slightly cried at the same time. She was relieved and scared all at the time.  For that led her to believe that he could get in anytime he wanted to.  The thought alone was enough to scare her to the core.

"Now if you don't mind.  I want you to drive to the end of the street while I tell you what your going to do."  He breathed in her ear. 

"Unless," he started to say as he reached one hand down and grab the groan area on her pants that seemed to be paper thin as he touched her pearl.  "you would rather I take these sensual lips of yours and open you up to meet these luscious lips."   He continued as he dragged his fingers straight up her to mouth and slipped his nasty finger into her mouth.

Her whole body trembled as his hand slid across her.  She closed her eyes as she fought the scream that was trying to get out.  She had to get away.  She wasn't going to be taken by him.  Not if she could help it.  So she slowly reached over and put the car in gear.

"Good girl.  Now drive to the end of the street."  He said as he released he enough for her to see where she was going.

"What do you want me to do?"  Tracy asked half out of curiosity and half out of fear.

"It's quite simple my dear."  He said in her ear as she drove.  "You will give me whatever information that I request.  No questions asked."

She started thinking as she realized that he was black mailing her to be like his internal spy.  But why?

"Don't you get all of the information yourself already?"  She asked as she tried to figure out what part he was missing.

"Don't get smart with me lass."  He said as he tightened up the blade and his fingers again.  "You will do as I say. Or else you'll have bigger problems then just a small slice on your neck."

Her breath caught again as she sat up straighter as she could feel the blade start to cut into her skin again.  "I didn't mean to be. I was just wondering how what little information that I could provide would be useful."

"Don't cut yourself short lass." He said into her ear as she neared the end of the street.  "You know more than you think.  And you have other ways of finding out things that no one else can.  You are to keep that in mind."

Her eyes flew wide open.  Holy shit!  Is he insinuated that I seduce Paul into talking?

"Stop here."  He said as he slowly started to loosen up his grip.

She stopped that car by the stop sign and two other cars.

"Oh and I think that it goes without saying.  That if you say anything about this to anyone."  He whispered as he gripped her hard again.  "I will sneak into your bed and will fuck the hell out of you before I slice your throat."

She gasped as she closed her eyes again as fear took over and caused her to freeze up completely.  Right as she did, he quickly opened up the back door and slipped out.  After a moment she opened back up her eyes and she realized what had happened. He was gone. 

She quickly looked around in pure fear.  Then she dropped her face in her hands as she sobbed loudly from fear.  She was once again at their mercy.  Even after everything.  They had still found her.  And now they were going to use her to get to those she worked for and loved.

******Author Note******

So did you figure out who it was?  If not don't worry. You'll find out later.  It just may be a few chapters from now.  ;)

But be sure to come back and see how our heroes will tackle this new threat.

Thanks for reading.  :)
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