The house was quiet again as Paul walked around and checked the doors one more time before turning in for the night.  He had already sent you and Tracy upstairs as he walked through the first floor.  Then after check all of the cameras and the sensors to make sure that they were running, he walked to the frig to grab a bottle of water for the night.  He had a feeling that he might need it.  But as he pulled out the bottle he felt something rubbing up against his leg.

Meow! Purrrrr  Purrrr  Paul heard from his leg as he looked down and saw Snowball rubbing up against him affectionately.

Paul smiled down at her as he reached down and scratched her behind the ear.  "You better be good for Tracy while we're gone.  And I'm counting on you to keep her safe as well."

Merrrooow.  Snowball seemed to answer as she sat down by his foot.

"That's my girl."  He said with a smile before he stood back up.  

"Come on.  It's time for bed.  There's a certain lady waiting on me."  He said with a smirk as he headed out of the room.  "So you'll have to stay in (y/n)'s room tonight.  I would hate to kick you again by accident."

Merrooow!  Snowball answered and went racing up the stairs ahead of him.

Paul just smiled at the cat as he headed for your room first.  He was glad that the cat was still as healthy as she was, considering that she was approaching her senior years.  But you couldn't tell by how much she ran around and played.  He just hoped that she would live for quite a few more years before he was going to have to make any hard decisions about her.

He opened up your door, and saw that the light was off already.  He peeked his head in and saw that you were fast asleep.  He slightly smiled as he watched your blanket slowly rise and fall as you slept.  The sight was reassuring for him, since he was glad to see you fast asleep for once.

Then after Snowball jumped up onto your bed and curled up at your feet, he slowly closed the door.  He didn't want anything to wake you up.  Even if that 'thing' was him and Tracy.  He didn't think that you would want to hear them anyway.

After closing your door, he headed to his room.  And while he walked, he undid the buttons on his suit coat and was removing his tie.  By time his hand touched the door nob, he had the tie half way down.  He pushed open the door and was welcomed by the soft light of one bed side lamp.

But as he looked at the bed, he was a bit disappointed.  Since he had hoped that it would have a early present for him, in the form of an anxious Tracy laying there waiting for him.  Instead it was empty and still made.  So with a sigh, he closed the door behind him and continued to remove his tie.

Then he heard something coming from the bathroom.  He slightly smiled as he removed his coat and laid it on the bed.  Then he removed his tie as he glanced over at the door.  He tried to imagine what she would come out wearing.  The images in his head brought a heated smile to his face as he started to remove his shirt.

Then he heard a slight crash coming from the bathroom, like something had fallen on the floor.  He glanced up for a moment to see if he could hear anything else as he removed his shirt.  Then when he heard it again, he slipped out of his shoes and walked over the bathroom door.

 He lightly knocked on the door as he leaned close to the door so that he could hear her.  "Hey hun?  Are you okay in there?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."  She called back.  "It was just my stuff falling down."

"All right."  He called back through the door.  "Just let me know if you need anything."

"I will."  She called back.

Paul then walked back over to the bed as he grabbed the hanger for the suit.  He hung up the jacket on the hanger and toss the shirt in the laundry basket.  Then he pulled open the closet and turned on the light as he walked in to hang up his jacket.  That was when he suddenly stopped as he looked at the empty half of the closet where Lynn's clothes use to hang.

He hadn't been able to put anything on that side of the closet since all of her things had been removed.  In fact he had been trying to avoid even looking at that side. Each time he had been in the closet he had made it a point to keep his back to that side.  Since every time he looked at it, it reminded him again that she was official gone.

"Paul?"  He heard coming from the bedroom.  "Are you still here?"

Paul slightly shook his head as he was jarred out of his thoughts.  "Yeah.  I'm just hanging up my jacket."

Then with one last glance at Lynn's old side, he hung up the hanger and turned off the light as he walked back out.  He had his head down as his heart felt like it was on the verge of breaking again.  Because it hit him like a glass of cold water, that this was be the first holiday back home  without her.  Sure he had Tracy, but it just wasn't the same.  

Every holiday in that house had included her.  Which was like magic to him each time.  For that was the one night when they would forget all of the bullshit that was going on outside their bedroom.  And would just enjoy each other.  Whether it was a sensual massage, which would usually lead to a long night of passionate sex.  Or simply just holding each other as they enjoyed the peace and quiet for once.  But no matter what they did,  to him it was the one time when he had her all to himself.  And he cherished every second of those nights.

Without looking up, he walked back over to the bed and grabbed his shoes from the side of the bed and walked them back over to the closet.  He stepped inside again.  But this time he kept his back to her side once again.  He didn't want that reminder again tonight. One glance was enough for one evening.

He walked back out and absently took off his white under shirt as he made his way back over to the bed.  Tracy watched him as she laid on the bed waiting for him to look at her.  But instead he just took off his shirt and tossed it into the the laundry basket.  She started to feel a bit embarrassed now as he started to remove his belt as if she wasn't even in the room.

"Are you okay?  Is everything alright?"  She asked as he put his belt on the dresser and proceeded to remove his pants without looking at her.  

Paul paused for a moment as he unzipped his pants as he glanced over his shoulder at her.  He had been thinking earlier that this would be night of romance for the two of them.  And he could tell that she had been thinking the same thing as she laid on his bed in a skimpy red teddie. But now as he took off his pants as he looked at her, he didn't see Tracy.  Instead he saw Lynn looking back at him again.

He quickly looked away as he made it seem like he was trying to get his legs out of his pants.  When he was actually trying to hide the emotions on his face as he could feel the tears starting again as his heart started to race.  He closed his eyes and silently screamed at himself that he should be over this by now.  And why now, of all times, was this happening?  Why when he already had someone else there who he could love instead.

He looked back up as he was facing away from the bed as he tossed his pants and socks into the laundry basket.  But he couldn't bring himself to look at the bed.  He knew that if he did, he would see Lynn instead of Tracy.  Even though he didn't want to.  But he already knew that the minute he looked at her face, he would see Lynn's seductive face once again.

He dropped his gaze back down again as he placed his hand on the dresser as he tried to get a hold of himself again.  But it seemed to only be a thin edge that he was clinging onto, compared to the pain that was grabbing at him again.  Then he slightly jumped as he felt a tender kiss on his back.  He closed his eyes tighter this time as he clenched his hands into tight fists as he fought to control his emotions as a single tear rolled down his cheek.

Then he felt her hands wrap around his chest as she pulled him into a hug from behind.  The sensation was both comforting and heartbreaking.  He knew it was Tracy, but in his mind's eye, it was Lynn.  He clenched his jaw as a few more stray tears rolled down his cheek.

"It's okay to not forget.  She was your whole world after all.  And there isn't anyone who can truly replace her."  Tracy said in a soothing voice as she laid her head against his back.

She could tell that he had been struggling with his emotions as he walked out of the closet.  But she had no idea how much, until he didn't even respond to her.  Her heart ached for him as she saw him fighting to stay strong.  But she knew that there was only one way for him to handle this, and it was for her to take on the Lynn roll in a sense.  Perhaps it would help him out.   At least in the loving companion way.

She held him for a few moments in silence.  Neither of them spoke or even moved. They simply stood there and held each other in the stillness of the room.  Then slowly Paul started to stir again as he reached up and firmly grabbed one of her hands and brought it to his lips and gave it a gentle kiss. 

"If it's alright with you," he began in a husky voice "I would like to wait on my holiday surprise.  I'm just really not in the mood at the moment."

"That's fine."  Tracy slightly whispered as she responded.

Then she gave him another gentle kiss on the back.  "It can wait until your ready."

He then gave her another kiss on her hand.  "Thank you."

Then he slowly turned around and looked at her.  And for a split second he saw Lynn once again.  But after he blinked, her face was replaced with Tracy's again.  He then slightly twitched the corners on his mouth as he tried to smile.  Then he pulled her into a full embrace as he looked back up again as the tears started to roll down his cheeks again.

"If you like, we can just cuddle in bed tonight until you fall asleep."  Tracy said as she gently rubbed his back.

"I would like that a lot."  He quietly said as he loosen up his grip on her.

She then smiled back at him as she released all of him, but his hand.  Then she led him over to the bed.  He then absently climbed in as he watched her get in herself.  Then he moved himself closer to her as she reached over and turned out the light.

Then after ensuring that they were both covered up.  He wrapped his arms around her from behind and pulled her up to his chest as they both laid on their side.  She smiled as he pulled her close and gave her a gentle kiss on her shoulder before he completely settled down.  But she didn't smile for herself, as much as she smiled for him.  For he was slowly starting to accept the fact that he still had someone to care for.  Because even though Lynn wasn't there, there were still two other people who cared about him a lot and would do anything for him.

You were sitting in the back seat of your dad's car as you watched the scenery go by.  You couldn't help but think about the night before and how everything had turned out.  Because after you and Ignis shared the good news with the adults about the decision, you and Ignis joined them on the dance floor as everyone celebrated.  But you couldn't help but watch Noctis as he kept looking over at you and Ignis as you danced.

He looked like he was in between being happy for the two of you.  And torn to shreds because it wasn't with him that you had made that promise to.  But as the night went on, he seemed to warm up to the idea.  He had even shared a dance with you to which you both made your own promise.

"So you promised him that you would wait for him?"  He had asked as the two of you slowly danced across the floor.

"I did.  And I'm glad that I did."  Your said as you watched him carefully.

"Are you sure that is what you really want?"  Noctis had asked as he searched your eyes.

"I love you Noctis and you know that."  You had said as he kept looking at you.  "But we both know that this could never be.  And besides, Ignis and I love each other.   Can't you be happy for us?"

Noctis had then dropped his head.  "Don't get me wrong.  I want nothing but the best for both of you."  

"It's just....."  He said as he tightened up his grip on you.

"You said it yourself that you wanted me by your side.  Right?"  You asked as you placed your hand on his cheek as you slowly made him look at you.  "This just makes it the best of both worlds.  If I'm engaged to him, then I can't go anywhere without you."

"I know.  I just wish..."  He had started to say as he looked away.

"Perhaps I can still make a promise to you."  You said as you tried to get his attention back on you.

"And what could you possible promise me?"  He asked as he finally met your eyes as he tried to figure out where you were going with this.

"I promise that I will always be by you and will protect you and those that you love for the rest of my life."  You had said in a hopefully voice.

"But you can't make that promise."  He said as he slightly shook his head.  "Not with you heading somewhere else for college.  It simply would be impossible."

"Okay then."  You said as you gave him a serious look.  "How about, I promise to protect you and all of those that you care about to the best of my ability, whether anyone is near me or not."

"Ahhh...."  He started to say as he looked at you.

"Okay, I'll make it more general then."  You said as you saw the exasperation on his face.  "I promise to do everything within my ability, to always protect you and all of those that you care about."

"Your not going to let this go are you?"  He asked with a slight smile.

"No, I'm not."  You had said with a very determined face as you looked at him.  "I don't want to see anyone hurt.  And especially you.  Your the main reason that I'm even doing this training.  If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be who I am today."

Noctis had a slightly hurt look on his face as he reached his hand up and placed it on your face.  "But it is also because of me that you have been through so much."

"To which I wouldn't want it any other way."  You said with a smile.

"But your mom...?"  He started to say as he searched your face.

"Was anyone's fault but that asshole general's.  Which if my dad doesn't kill him, I will.  For taking her from us like that."  You said in a stern tone.

Noctis then slightly nodded and pulled you in for a tight embrace as he continued to dance with you.  "Very well then.  I'll accept that promise."

"So how long have you known Noctis?"  You heard Luna asked from the front seat.

You quickly looked up at her and smiled as she jarred you out of your thoughts.  "Quite a while.  But not quite as long as you have."

She slightly smiled back as she glanced down.  "That may be true.  But you seemed to know him better than I do."

"Only in some areas."  You said with a smile.  "But that is because I have spent a lot of time with him."

"Very true."  She shyly said as she looked down.  "Perhaps you could share with me some of your experiences that you have had with him."

You slightly looked down as you thought about all of the time and events that you had spent with him.  Each event brought a smile to your face.  From the good times of playing at the park, to swimming on the swim team with him.  Then there was the strenuous training sessions at the citadel.

"We have had a lot of experiences together."  You said as you looked down.  "Some good, and some not so good."

You then dropped your head again as you couldn't seem to hide your frown.  You started remembering the pain of not being able to talk to him in elementary school, to almost drowning as you tried to defend him.  Then the training.         at the farm house that seemed to stop your whole world.  Only to have that followed up with several attempts to capture you.  To which they were successful on their last attempt.

"I'm sure that the two of you will have plenty to talk about when it comes to Noctis."  Your dad said as he tried to snap you out of your trance as you stared at the floorboards of the car.  "And we will have plenty of time, once we are done visiting the hospital."

"Yes of course."  Luna said with a slight smile.  "And thank you again for your understanding.  I would simply feel horrible if I didn't try one last time with her."

"Think nothing of it princess."  Your dad responded as he pulled into the hospital parking lot.  "But again, I ask that you don't push yourself too far.  Helping her to the point that you are hurting yourself is not the best approach that you can take on these matters.  Just do what you can and pray that the gods will help out with the rest."

"Yes," she started as she looked down again, "I suppose that is the best approach in this case."

After parking the car in front of the hospital, the three of you walked into the main entrance.  You were a bit surprised to see that the place had slightly transformed.  As it now had a bit of holiday cheer to it as the whole room was covered in lights and decorations and there was a wishing tree in the corner and the room By the main windows.  Even thought the sight was bright with the lights and colors.  The sight of it almost made you cry as you thought about how anyone who was staying there, wasn't able to spend it with their family at home like everyone else. 

Even you and your dad had had a chance to do your holiday gift exchange with Tracy before you had left the house that morning.  Tracy had stayed over, and true to her word, she gotten him a new chair for his office. Plus a few other things that he had asked for.  She had even helped you out with picking him up a few new shirts and ties for work.  

But you think that he liked the new swim trunks for the hot tub more than anything.  He hadn't had a chance to use it yet since he still hadn't gotten himself a new pair in a few years.  And he was afraid to put on the old ones.  He said something about having added a few pounds since then.  But you weren't sure where the heck was getting that from since you had both been on nothing but a fish diet for the last three years.

You glanced around the waiting area as the three of you stood by the front desk as Luna checked to make sure that the girl was still there.  You couldn't help but notice the sad and tired faces of the people waiting in the lobby.  Your heart went out to them as they sat there waiting to hear word about their loved ones.  Then you happen to notice a tall, young, short-blonde teenager standing by the window as he looked outside.

You watched him as he glanced around the room.  Then he turned around and started to make his way over to one of the chairs.  You froze for a moment as you recognized that gate of his from somewhere.  But you couldn't seem to place it.  Then he happen to look up and stare right back at you.

Your heart stopped for a moment as you stared at his cold steely blue eyes as he practically glared at you.  They seemed to drive ice spears right into you as you stared at him.  You tried to look away.  But you found that you couldn't seem to break your gaze.  Not since you felt that you recognized those eyes.  But how?  He narrowed his eyes at you as he gave you a snarl before he turned and sat down on the closest chair.

"Alright, let's head up."  You heard your dad say from beside you.  

"Are you ready?"  He asked you as he placed a hand on you shoulder.

"Yeah."  You quietly said as you never took your eyes off the blonde.

"What's wrong?"  He asked when he say how you were staring.

Then he followed your gaze.  Then after seeing the blonde, he gave you a curious look.

"Do you know him?"  He asked nodded towards him.

"I'm not sure."  You said in a unsure voice.

"Perhaps you meet him in school or at a swim meet?"  Your dad asked as he waited for the visitor badges so that you could head up to the burn patient wing.

"Perhaps."  You quietly said as you let your dad start to turn you towards the hallway.

"Well either way, we need to be heading up."  He said as he started to guide you and Luna towards the elevators that would take you upstairs.  "Perhaps you'll remember later.  But right now, I need your head in the game since we are on protection detail right now."

You then quickly broke your stare from him and looked back at your dad.  "Your right.  I'm sorry."

"It's alright."  He said as he placed his hand on your shoulder as you both turned away from the lobby and headed for the elevators as you followed Luna very closely.

The burn unit floor was very quiet as you watched Luna talking with the staff at the nurses' desk before you headed into the room.  The only noise that could be heard was the sounds from the various machines as they were running as they monitored the patients within each room.  You could feel the sad, quiet tension as you stood by the desk.  Everyone spoke in hushed voices so that the patients could sleep.  

Which you found to be strange since it was almost lunch time now.  But then you heard what the nurse was saying to Luna.  You quickly turned and looked at the nurse as she stood there holding a chart in her hands.  The very words themselves stopped your heart as they came out of her mouth.

"I'm sorry.  But we had to put her in an induced coma early this morning."  The nurse said as she gave Luna a concerned look.  "We couldn't seem to get her to calm down enough for us to change her bandages.  You are free to still see her.  But she won't be able to respond to you."

"I understand."  Luna said in quiet voice as she nodded at the nurse.  "I would still like to see her.  Perhaps I might be able to help her this time."

"We can all hope."  The nurse said back with a sad smile.  

"She's right this way."  The nurse said as she lead the group down the a hallway and into the last room on the left.

"I'll stand guard just outside the room."  Your dad said to you as you walked down the hallway.  

Then he looked at you with a stern look.  "I want you to be in the room with her and make sure that she doesn't over do it.  We can't have her draining herself for this child.  Do you understand?"

You gave him a slight nod as you realized what he meant.  There was even a limit to her power.  If she uses too much of her power, she could perish herself.  Your breath caught as you thought about that.  You had never thought that could be a limit to magic.  But then again, the only experience you had had with it, was during your escape from the Niflheim Headquarters.

"I understand."  You said in a quiet voice as you reached the door.

"Good."  Your dad said as he gave you a single nod before he put on his serious look as he started to scan the area as he now stood outside the room.

You then walked into the room and followed Luna over to the bed.  The room was very much like the one that Ignis had been in during his short stay. There was only one bed on the left along with a table and two chairs on the right.  The room was quiet as you walked in.  

As you looked around, you saw the girl's parents off to the side. They looked tired and broken as they looked at their daughter as she laid in the bed.  Your breath caught as you looked at them.  You couldn't help but to put your parents in their place as they had once themselves looked at you as you were laid up in bed.  

Of course you were nowhere near as bad as the girl was who laying in the bed in front of you.  And you hadn't realized how different it really was until you got closer and saw the girl. Because when you looked at her, that was when you noticed that based on her size, she looked to be a lot younger then you had been.  In fact she didn't look to be any older then 5. Since her small body seemed to be swallowed up by the bed around her.  

You tried to see her face as you felt your heart start to shatter as you looked at her.  But you couldn't make out her face as it was covered up with the oxygen mask so that they could regulate her breathing and unconscious.  Apparently the mixture of gases that she was breathing in was helping to keep her under and out of pain.   None of the other pain medications seemed to be helping her out, hence they had to induce the coma.

And as you looked at her closer, you could see that most of her body seemed to be covered in loose bandages so that her tender skin wouldn't be exposed to germs.  You took a step back so that you could still see her, but you weren't close enough to get her sick by any means.  You figured that she was having enough issues.  You looked at Luna as she gave the girl as sad smile before turning to her parents.

"She certain looks comfortable at the moment."  She said with a slight smile.

"But if it's alright with you, I would like to try and heal her one more time."  She said as she gave them an almost pleading look.

"We're willing to accept any help at this point."  The girl's dad said as he had his hands on his wife's shoulder's as she sadly nodded as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Thank you both."  Luna said as she nodded to both of them.

You then stood off to the side so that you could see what she was doing.  And also so that you could watch her and make sure that she wasn't pushing herself too far.  Which, lucky for you, you had a slight hint what that might look like from watching Noctis.  But you knew not to let her get as far as he did.  But then again he was younger then and had transferred power from a crystal to three other people.  Anyone would be worn out after that.

You watched as Luna slowly grabbed both to the young girls hands as she closed her eyes and leaned over the girl.   She slowly brought her hands to her head.  Then your breath caught as a white light came off of her as she as said a quiet prayer.  You were transfixed as you watched the white light start to show across the girl's body as Luna prayer.

"Blessed gods, please help me heal her wounds.  Use me as your channel so we can help her to no longer suffer in pain."   Luna said in a soft smooth voice.

Then she gently kissed the girl's hands before she placed them carefully back on the bed.  The girl's hands now seemed to radiate from the glow as Luna leaned forward and gently placed her forehead against the girl's.  Your heart stopped as the girl's whole body seemed to glow as all of her wounds were now covered in a soft white light.  The sight was angelic as you watched.  Then your heart leaped as you watched the wounds start to heal before your very eyes.

It's working.  Holy shit, it's working. You thought as you watched in awe.

Then you noticed a change in Luna's posture.  You glanced at her face and saw her face start to strain from the power being drained out of her.  At first it seemed like a minor strain like when you're doing a workout. But then as you watched, you saw her clench her jaw and stiffen up in her stance.

"Luna?"  You quietly said as you tried to get her attention.

But she didn't respond as she kept going.  But as you watched you could see that she was starting to struggle more.  You stepped forward with your hand out in front of you.

"Luna, I think you should stop now." You said.

Again she didn't respond.  But this time you saw her clearly grit her teeth. You were starting to panic as you saw she pushing herself to far.

"Luna!"  You almost shouted as you touched her shoulder as you tried to get her to stop.

But the minute your hand touched her, your whole body went ridged. Then suddenly all of the past visions went flying across your face again as if someone was fast forwarding everything that you had seen over the years.  You lost all concept of time as you could once again see all of the different deities.  But this time you only saw Luna standing in front of all of them.

You tried to release her but you couldn't seem to move as your whole body was ridged and your breath was short.  You could feel all of your energy being drained out of you as if you were running a full marathon while carrying a 50lb backpack.  Then suddenly your heart stopped as you saw a new image.  One that caused your knees to start to give out. 

You saw her holding Noctis as he was collapse in her lap.  She seemed to be facing something large as her eyes were turned up.  But then there was a sudden wave that came washing over them and taking them from your view.  And as the wave disappeared so did everything else as you suddenly felt your body give out as you collapsed to the floor.

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

Okay.  So this one had a HUGE hint to a major spoiler.  I'm trying to keep that spoiler to a minimum though so that those of you who have not played it yet can still enjoy the game and not have everything ruined for you.  ;) 

But be sure to keep an eye out for the next chapter to see what happened.

And last but not least. THANK YOU!!! I have hit 15k Reads for this book and I couldn't be happier.  You truly are amazing and I can't thank you enough for sticking it out with through out the last year and into the new.  I am beyond humbled.  For it is YOU that has made this as much fun as it has been.

Thanks for reading.  :)

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