DESPITE listening to the quiet sounds of his dad sleeping across from him and the darkness of the tent, Noctis couldn't stop his mind from racing enough to let him sleep.  The images of seeing everyone fleeing from the ballroom were still very vivid in his mind.  Then hearing and seeing the looks of anguish in the people as they walked around mindlessly between the tents made his heart ache.  How could this happen, again?

After what seemed like hours, when it was really only about 45 minutes after his dad had fallen asleep, Noctis decided that he needed to look at something other than the bleached white roof of their canvas tent.  So he sat up and swung his feet around to the side of the cot.  He then glanced at his dad who was gently snoring as he faced away from him.  Noctis then silently slipped on his shoes and stood up and pulled on his black suit coat.

He glanced at his dad one last time.  I know that you mean well dad and that you had tried to protect me.  But I can't just forget about what happened tonight.

Noctis then turned and walked over to the tent flaps and proceeded to untie them.  After they were all loose, he moved the flap off to the side and stepped outside.  The two guards that were standing guard right in front of the tent, slightly jumped when they saw he suddenly appear between them.  For a moment they were stunned as Noctis turned back around and closed the flaps back up.

"Your highness, you should be bed."  One of them said who seemed to be the older of the two as he talked in a deep tone.

"So should you."  Noctis replied as he turned back around and started to walk away.

Suddenly he was stopped in his tracks as both guard blocked his path by cross them polearms in front of him.  "We must ask that you return to the tent."

"I'll pass."  Noctis said as he started to place his hand under the polearms so that he could move them out of the way.

"But your highness....?"  The younger one started to plea.

But one cold glance from Noctis told him to stop.  "Move out of my way before I make you move."

The younger guard slightly gasped as he saw purple rings start to show around the edges of the young prince's eyes.  The guard certainly didn't want to argue with him when he had that look in his eyes.  But he was under orders not to let anyone in nor out of the tent without permission.  And he wasn't about to disobey his king, especially after he glanced at his partner as saw that he didn't look like he was going budge.

"And were are you going at this hour?"  The older guard asked in a firm tone.

"I don't think that's any of your business."  Noctis said as he slowly looked at the guard.

"My job, makes it my business, your highness."  The guard continued.

"Then get a different job."  Noctis said as he pushed the polearms up high enough to walk under them.

"But your highness, what if your dad wakes up?"  The younger guard asked in a concerned tone.

"Tell him I went for a walk."  Noctis said as he started to walk away.

"And just where are you walking to?"  The older guard said as both guards started to follow Noctis.

"Well I'm not walking home, if that's what your concerned about."  Noctis said as he stopped and glanced around as if he was trying to find something.  Now which way was it?

"Your not thinking of walking outside are you?"  The younger one asked as Noctis turned down a row of tents and started to walk again.

"So what if I am?"  Noctis asked as he kept scanned the area as he walked past tent after tent.  

"I would strongly suggest that you didn't."  The older one replied as Noctis stopped and glanced around again before he turned down another row of tents.  Or maybe it was this way.

"And why is that?"  He asked impatiently as he kept glancing around as he passed more tents.

"For one it's dark outside."  The younger one said.

"So."  He replied shortly as he glanced down another set of row of tents before he turned yet again.  Can  you shut up so that I can think.

"The monsters around these parts are stronger at night."  The older one replied.

"You don't think that I know that already."  Noctis replied in a ever gaining irritated tone as he kept glancing around.  "And it's not just here that their stronger at night."  To bad there aren't actually any within the city walls.  They would help me shake these two off of me.

"Precisely my point."  The older replied as gave Noctis a curious look as he watched Noctis continuing to search around the tents.

"And they'll be harder to see in the dark."  The young one replied.

"And you don't think that I'm not?   I'm wearing all black."  Noctis irritatedly replied as he pulled one half of his coat open before he dropped it back down before he turned down another row of tents.

Then they both fell silent as Noctis stopped in yet another intersection of the tents.  Then they glanced at each other in confusion as Noctis rubbed the back of his head. Fuck these tents! Their all exactly alike!

"Are you looking for something your highness?"  The older one asked as he watched Noctis glanced down each row, but didn't  turn one way or the other.

But Noctis ignored him and started to walk away from them again as he headed down the row again.  Where the hell is her tent?  I know that I saw her walk this when we got here.

"Noctis?"  Came a smooth accented voice from behind them.  "What are you doing out of bed?"

Fuck me.  Noctis thought as he stopped in his tracks and closed his eyes.

Both of the guards quickly turned around and saw a handsome young man in silver-rimmed glasses come walking up to them.  They weren't quite sure where he came from.  But they certainly weren't about to let him get close to Noctis.  So they turned around and blocked his path with their polearms as he tried to make his way of to the young prince.

"I'm sorry but we can't let you get closer sir."  The younger guard quickly said as he felt a bit more confident that he could take out this newcomer a lot easier then he could take on the prince.

"I can and you will."  Ignis said in steady voice as he push his glasses up the bridge of his nose as he kept walking towards them.

But he was stopped in his tracks as the guards quickly turned their polearms towards Ignis.  He glanced down at the weapons pointed right at his chest. Then he slowly looked up at them with a stern look.  Both guards held firm as they carefully watched Ignis.

"I hope that you know what your doing if you truly intend to use those on me."  Ignis said in a firm voice as he slightly narrowed his eyes at them.

"You better lower your weapons if you know what's good for you."  Noctis said in bored tone before he slowly turned around and looked at his retainer.

"And why should we do that?"  The older guard asked in form tone.

"Because Ignis here is very well trained with polearms."  Noctis replied as he crossed his arms and looked at Ignis.

"And he's me retainer."  Noctis continued when neither of them moved.

"Ignis?"  The older one said as he slightly lowered his polearm.  "Your telling me that this is Ignis Scientia?"

"The one and only."  Noctis replied as he shifted all of his weight on one foot.

"I'm sorry, sir.  I didn't recognize you in the dark."  The older guard said as he stood back up and raised his polearm back up and away from.

"That's perfectly fine."  Ignis replied as the younger guard slowly followed suit as Ignis watched both of them stare at him.  "And I thank you for keeping an eye on our young prince."

"Of course."  The older guard replied as he nodded at Ignis.

"Now, if you gentlemen could kindly head back his majesties' tent.  I'll take over from here."  Ignis replied as he turned his attention to Noctis.

"Not so fast."  The younger guard said as he stepped in front of Ignis and stopped him once again.  "What you planning on doing with Prince Noctis?"

"Protect him.  Which is what you should be doing for his majesty right now instead of asking me questions."  Ignis said in firm tone as he narrowed his eyes at the young guard.

"He's right."  The older guard before he tugged the young guard forward as he started to walk back to the royal tent.  "Let's go."

"But...?"  The younger one started to argue as he slightly stumbled  over his own words as they started to walk away together.

"No buts."  The older guard replied as he gave the younger a firmer push to keep the younger one moving.  "We have to get back to his majesty."

"Thanks."  Noctis said to Ignis once the guard were far enough away to not hear him.  "I didn't think those guys were ever going to leave me alone."  

"Certainly."  Ignis said as he walked up to Noctis who turned back around and continued walking through the tents again.  "But you still haven't answered my question."

"What question?"  Noctis said as he kept looking around while keeping his gaze from Ignis.

"What question?  You know what question I'm talking about."  Ignis replied as he watched Noctis searching for something as he walked through the tents.  "Why are you out here wandering around instead of in bed?"

But Noctis remained silent as he turned down the last row of tents.  It's got to be this way.

Ignis sighed and stopped in his tracked as he watched Noctis stop again and stare down the rows of tents at yet another intersection.  It was obvious to him what his young friend was trying to do.  Not that it surprised him in the slightest.

"If you're trying to find (Y/N)'s tent, your looking in the wrong direction."  Ignis replied which stopped Noctis in his track as he was about to start heading down another row of tents.

Ignis could see that Noctis was nervous as he stood perfectly still.  He had known him long enough to know exactly what he was up.  And pretty much what he was thinking.  There wasn't much of anything that Noctis could hide from him at that point.

"But I wouldn't stop by and see her at this hour."  Ignis continued as he watched Noctis carefully.  "Unless of course wanted to answer to her dad for waking them up in the middle of the night."

Noctis drop his head as he realized that Ignis was right.  Even though he just wanted to see you and apologize for before.  It still wasn't worth the potential hostile situation that he had already started with your dad earlier.

"Might I suggest heading up to the roof instead."  Ignis said as he could see that he had been right and Noctis had clearly stopped his search.  "The cool night air might do us both some good."

"Alright."  Noctis replied before he turned and started to follow him.

~~~~~~~~~~0~~~~~~~~~~

Paul wasn't sure how long that he had been laying wide awake in the cot next to Tracy. All he did know was that he couldn't sleep. Not with his team still out there somewhere. But who could blame him after what had happened during the wedding reception. And not hearing from them certainly wasn't helping his anxiety.

I can't stand this. I should be with them right now. He thought as he rolled on his back and stared at the plain white top of the canvas tent.

I know that I should glad that I'm with my family. But still...... Paul thought as he closed his eyes by putting his arm over his eyes.

That was when he heard you shuffling around in your cot.  Which told him that you weren't really sleeping so well either.  But he didn't say anything.  Nor did he move as you got up and left the tent.

You stepped outside the tent and into the semi-dark open room that was filled with the same white tent that you had been in.  Most of the lights were out and all you heard was the silent noises of gentle snoring and the occasional sniffle or baby cry in the back ground.  Which made you certainly glad that it wasn't your brother.  Who was sleeping soundly in a barrowed pack-in-play at the foot of your dad's cot.

But you weren't really thinking about your family.  Well you were, but not as much as you were about a certain dark haired prince with piercing blue eyes.  Who you hadn't seen since he walked away with his dad following close behind him.  And he had honestly scared you with how upset that he had been as he left the room.

I  just hope that he's not thinking about doing something crazy.  You thought as you made your way over towards his tent as you clutched hand to your chest.

But as you approached his tent, you noticed something odd.  The front flaps to the tent weren't tied up and both of the guards weren't around.  You glanced around and didn't see anyone around, so you crept up to the tent and peered through the flaps.  You could see two cots, just like in your tent.  But one of them was empty. 

You slowly stood back up and let the flap fall back over the opening.  That was when you heard the tall tell sign of his majesties snoring.  Which was all you needed to hear to know that Noctis was the one out of the tent.  But as you turned to walk away, you noticed some movement out of the corner of your eyes as someone approached the tent from the side.

You quickly ducked between two other tents right as two people walked back to the front of the tent.  You then slowly peered around the corner of the tent to get a glimpse of who was near the tent.  But then you immediately started to relax when you saw that they were both wearing the signature glaive leather coats, pants and boots.  And as they took their posts in front of the tent, you turned to take your leave.

But then you stopped dead in your tracks as you heard them talking.

"I still don't like the idea of letting him wonder around on his own."  One of them said.  "What if something happens to him?"

"Nothing here is going to hurt him.  Not with this many personal bodyguards in one location."  The other responded.  "Besides, where is he going to go?  We're stuck on this hill top until we get the all clear from the citadel team.  And the only thing that I've seen around here are trees."

"I know but still.  He was already acting like a ticking time bomb earlier.  What if he goes off on someone again?"

The other guy sighed.  "Did he really look like he was going to?"

"No."  The first guy answered in lower tone.  "He looked more like he was searching for something then anything."

Searching?  For what?  Was he trying to find the house staff like I had been earlier?  You thought to yourself as you felt your heart sink.  And who I still haven't seen any of.

"And that's why we're letting him be for now.  He obviously needs to sort something out himself."

"Yeah.  I suppose your right."

"And his retainer is with him.  He won't get far even if he does try to leave."

"That's true.  The guy knows him better than anyone else here."

Good. At least Ignis is with him.  You thought as you closed your eyes as you tried to relax.

"Except perhaps that girl that he's always around.  And he seems to really like her the way he's always trying to protect her."

"Well they have been through a lot together.  I'm sure that you heard about the bus incident."

"Who hasn't?  We were cleaning up from that for months with the other parents.  Then the thing that had gone up against her dad.  I didn't think anything could take that man down like that."

"I know what you mean.  But I don't think anyone really stood a chance against that monster."

"Yeah  It's a good thing that King Regis was there.  If it hadn't been for him I don't know what would have happened to the country.  But even now, I still get chills thinking about how Ifrit and that monster took out the towers like they did."

"You and me both."

The images from each incident were still very vivid in your mind as each flashed before you.  And each time, Noctis had been there as well as Ignis.  You slightly opened your eyes as you recalled each time that Ignis had stepped in  to save you.  From almost falling out of the bus, to refusing to let you race out of the citadel to your dad after he had been thrown through that store front window.

But then you slightly smiled as you remembered that Noctis had also been there to save you as well.  He had been the one who had grabbed you when you were falling off the top of the building while setting up for the celebration.  And then when he had transferred the crystal's power to you that night at the cottage.  You wouldn't have learned anything that you had if it wasn't for that night.

You then turned down towards the far end of the tents and started to make your way away from them.  Hearing them talking like that certainly wasn't helping out your nervousness.  Especially since you could still see your dad flying through the store front window after getting hit by that deamon on a man. It was an image that you desperately wished to never see again.

As you walked around the tents, you scanned the area to see if you could spot your two friends.  But after walking past row after row you didn't spot either of them.  You sighed as your shoulders dropped.  Not seeing them made your heart ache with worry about them.

Maybe some fresh air would do me some good.  You thought as you glanced around one more time as you tried to decide on whether to go outside or up to the roof.

In the end you decided that the roof would be the best option.  Less people, less lights,  less noise and a chance to see the night sky to help you clear your head.  So you turned and headed for the stairs.  And right as the door closed behind you, the sound caught the attention of your dad as he had left the tent to see where you had gone.

The door to the roof creaked as you pushed it open it up.  Which made you nervous that someone might have heard it.  But you couldn't make out anything since it was pitch black outside.  Nor did you hear anything except your own breathing as you took a couple steps forward.

Then you looked up at the night sky.  Your breathe caught with the beautiful night sky that seemed to sparkle brightly above.  It's enchanted grace almost seemed out of place after everything that had happened that night.  But it was a welcomed distraction at that moment.

Noctis and Ignis watched silently as you gazed up that sky in wonder.  They had been talking before they heard the door open.  But then they fell silent as they watched you walk out the door.  And neither of them could take their eyes off of you as the the sky casted a delicate light over you that outlined your face and hair as you stood still.

Noctis was at a loss for words as he stared at you.  He had never seen you look more beautiful in his life.  And at the moment he couldn't take his eyes away from you as he felt his heart start to pound.  For he was afraid that the moment would be gone at any moment and he wanted to remember how beautiful you looked forever.

Ignis was feeling that same way as he stared at your delicate features that were perfectly accent in the stars light.  He could practically feel how soft your skin felt as the light seemed to gently kiss your cheek.  And he had to slightly clasp his hands as he wished to run his fingers through your hair as it blew gently in the breeze.  And he slightly ran his teeth over his lips as he pictured them pressed against yours.

But before either of them could move, the door behind you opened up and casted you in the faint glow of the inside door.  They watched you turn around and stare at the person as they walked outside.  Both of the tensed up as the figure stopped right before her and started to speak to you.  They couldn't hear the conversation.  But since you only slightly dropped your heard as you talked they slowly started to relax.

"Why did you leave the tent?  You made me worry about you."  Your dad said as the door closed behind him.

"I know."  You replied as you slight dropped your head.  "And I'm sorry.  I just couldn't help but to worry about Noctis."

"And did you find him?"  Your dad asked as he tried to focus on your voice as his vision slowly adjusted to the darkness.

"No."  You quietly replied as you shook your head.

"Well, I'm sure that he's okay.  He just needed some time."  He said as you reached up and ran his hand over your head.  "The best thing that we can do for him is give him some space."

"I guess."  You said as your shoulders slumped.

"Now come on. We should be getting some sleep.  We'll be quite busy tomorrow with trying to keep everyone calm as we wait for word from the citadel team."  He said as he placed his other hand on your arm.

"Yeah.  Okay."  You quietly replied before you allowed your dad to slowly lead you back inside.

Neither Noctis nor Ignis moved as they watched the two of you walk back inside.  And wasn't until the doors closed did they dear to even breath.  Which they both exhaled before they looked down themselves.  They weren't sure what had happened, but it didn't look like you were in any type trouble, nor did they want to interrupt unless they had to.

"Perhaps we should head back in ourselves."  Ignis said in a low tone as tried to make light of the intense encounter that they had just seen.  "I sure that his majesty wouldn't want you up too late."

"Yeah.  Sure."  Noctis replied in a low tone before he turned and started to head back inside.

As you and your dad exited the stair well you heard a slight commotion coming from the entryway.  You both looked at each other before you both quickly made your way there.  As soon as you arrived you were stunned with what you saw.  The front doors was propped wide open and parked right in front of it was one of the troop transport trucks that looked exactly like the ones that you had followed behind as you had escaped the citadel.  And parked in front of it was Korns' car.

"Let's get some help with getting them out."  You heard a very familiar voice say as you watched a very familiar figure walk towards the back of the truck.

"Nyx!"  You loudly said before you ran over to him.  "You made it."

Nyx gave you a slight smile as you fell in step with him as he came around to the back of the truck.  "Hey kid."

"Hey!  I'm more then just kid you know."  You slightly protested as he started to open up the back of the truck.

"Well then show by helping me getting everyone inside."  He said with a slight smirk as he dropped down the tailgate.

"(Y/N)?  Is that you?"  You heard a very eager accented voice say from inside the truck.

Your heart leaped as you immediately recognized that voice. "Ms. Marge?!"

Then you felt a wave of relief wash over you recognized the people from the living quarters of the citadel come to the edge of the truck so that they could get out.  You greeted each of them as you helped them climb down from the truck.  They all seem nervous at first, but then they were relieved when they saw you.  And after you helped them all down, you quickly climbed into the back of the truck.  

It was dark into the back of the truck.  But as Nyx's light shined into the truck after he climbed up after you,  you could see a stretcher in the middle of the floor.  Then was when you saw Ms. Marge strapped to the board with her left arm and leg all bandaged up.  Immediately you fell to your knees beside her.

"My gods what happened to you?"  You asked as you quickly looked over the bandages.

"Those bastards broke into the kitchen as we were starting to clean up from the dinner."  She explained as she tried to move, but then she minced with pain as she tried to move her arm.

"Hey, don't move."  You quickly said as you gently paced your hands on her.  "You'll only hurt yourself more."

She groaned as she settled back down.  You then quickly started to undo the straps holding her down.  

But Nyx grabbed your hands as he tried to stop you.  "What are you doing?  We can't get her off the truck unless she's tied down."

You gave him a stern look.  "Let go of me Nyx."

"It's alright Nyx.  She knows what she's doing."  You heard your dad say as he came over and knelt down on the other side of Marge.

"And what exactly are you going to do?"  Nyx asked as he slowly released your hands.

"I'm going to heal her."  You said as you looked back down at Marge and finished untying the straps.

Then you placed one hand on Marge's arm and the other on her leg as you gave her a gentle smile.  "Can you relax for me?"

Marge reach out with her good hand and placed it on your cheek.  "You don't have to treat me dear.  I'm sure that you have more important things to worry about then treating an old woman like me."

"Right now you are the most important person."  You replied with a smile as a single tear ran your cheek as you tried to keep from tearing up at seeing her in such a stake.

She then gave you a gentle smile as she slowly dropped her hand.  "Okay dear."

"Now just relax, okay?"  You said as you placed your hand on her arm again.

"Don't worry.  She'll fix you right up."  Your dad said as he cupped the side of her face.

Marge simply hummed and fell perfectly still as she closed her eyes.  You then concentrated all of your energy and focus it into your hands.  Then pushed it through your fingers and into her.  As her arm and leg started to glow, you could feel that your power had grown.  For within a few moments her arm and leg were completely healed.  Yet you didn't feel as tired as you had when you had healed your dad the last time.

Once you were done, you sat back and looked her over one more time.  "How do you feel?"

Marge slowly lifted her now healed arm and looked at in awe.  "Amazing.  It doesn't hurt at all anymore."

You gave her a relieved smile.  "I'm glad to hear it."

"Here, let me help you sit up."  Your dad said as he reached down and gently pulled Marge up to a sitting position.

"Wow.  I didn't know that you could do that."  Nyx said in a stunned tone as he watched Marge sit up again.

 "I didn't either until a short time go."  You said as you sat back on your heels. 

"Well I for one am very grateful that you can."  Marge said with a huge.  "Now can someone help me up so that we can get inside.  It's a bit chilly tonight."

"Certainly."  Your dad replied as he reach behind her with on arm and grabbed her hand with the other.

"Here, let me help too."  Nyx said quickly as he did the same.

Then once she was standing, the three of you helped her to climb out of the truck to awaiting small crowd of house staff as they waited anxiously for her.  They were all amazing that she was fully healed and moving just fine again.  Then as they looked back at you as you stood at the end of the truck they all gave you their thanks.  Which you smiled broadly at them as you were just happy that they were safe again.

"Our boss certainly has an amazing kid."  Anthony said as he stood with the rest of the team as they watched the whole thing.  

"I can see why he's so protective of her now."  Steven said as they watched the crowd start to head inside the building.

"Hey!"  They all quickly jumped when they heard Paul's voice.

Then they turned to him as saw him watching them.  They weren't quite sure to make of him at that point.  He didn't seem to be upset with them.  But it was hard to tell with him sometimes.

"Great job with getting them here."  Paul said to them with a slight smile.

"Thanks boss."  Anthony replied with a smile.

"Now go park and get your asses inside."  He said with a slight nod of his towards the side of the building.

"Yes boss."  Anthony replied with smile  before turning to Steven.  "You can drive the truck and I'll take the car."

"And what about us?"  Alyse asked as she gave him a confused look.

"You heard the boss.  Get your asses inside."  He replied with a smile.  "We'll be there in a moment."

"Okay."  Alyse said as she gave him a gentle smile.

"Come on.  Let's go."  Erica replied as she grabbed her arm and smiled back at Anthony.  "We'll see you in a bit."

"Right."  Anthony replied as he watched they walk away.

Then Anthony and Steven returned to the vehicles and moved them around back.  After they parked them with the others, they themselves entered the building for the night.

**********Authors Note**********

So now that everyone is back together, it's finally time for everyone to regroup and figure out the next steps.  Which you can only hope will include returning to the citadel and ultimately home.  But as everyone talks it out, it occurs to you that there is still something a miss about the whole thing.  And you can't help but to wonder if all of this had something to do with the recent kidnapping or was it instead a plot to try and dethrone King Regis.  We shall have to wait and see.  

So please keep an eye out for the next chapter as the mystery unravels.

Thanks for reading.  :)

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