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[He was just imitating Prompto. And hey, he's still relatively young, he's allowed to emote~

Gladio smiles back and nods- unfortunately Gladio's clothes got completely ruined by toxic fumes when he arrived. He misses his jacket and pants, he won't lie. He chuckles at Cor's comment-]

It has its uses. Good to see you, Marshall.

Likewise. I assume you pulled thru all that shit without too much trouble?

[He's of course referring to those extreme changes during that week, and his face seems a little darker for a moment while mentioning it. He so hates the idea that he himself almost lost control...

But the moment passes, and he slides into a chair at their chosen table and glances over the drink selections.]

So what's good here? Or should I just start asking for the strong stuff?

It could've been worse, yeah. I didn't become feral, like some of them did. I did turn into a male harpy.

[He's had it easy if you ask Gladio. And he's also had very interesting encounters so to say. So he didn't have problems, almost at all.]

Black ale is the best, [he points at one type of beer on the menu] It's what I always order here with barbecue. But I imagine everything's fine.

I was about as lucky...but I ended up as some sphinx thing myself. Had to keep from giving out riddles, or speaking in them.

[Cor makes a face at that memory. He had his fair share of unusual encounters, to put it mildly. But he seems pleased with the beer selection, so he orders that with his dinner.]

So...about that thing you couldn't discuss over the phone...

Iggy would've liked those, [Gladio chuckles. He doubts he'd have a problem answering riddles or solving puzzles. He is the smartest of them, tactician.

After they are done ordering, Gladio's brows furrow when the topic is brought up. He's been stewing on it himself and still didn't manage to process it fully.]

When we were in Altissia, Iggy had... some kind of vision. From the Six, I think. And apparently, it showed the way to cure Eos of the plague and darkness. [There's pregnant silence where Gladio drums his fingers silently on the table with the look that's angry, but not at Cor.]

And the solution is for Noct to sacrifice himself.

He probably would, yes...

[But the humor gives way to serious pondering as Cor listens to Gladio's explanation. He's mildly surprised that Ignis himself received a vision on how to cure the Starscourge. But as soon as he hears that last part?

Cor's face pales in horrified shock at the idea of Noctis dying for the sake of the world.]

...What? Are you telling me that not only is he the Chosen King, but the role actively requires him to kill himself?

[An irritable sigh from Gladio and extremely reluctant nod. He's had his own type of shock at this news with Ignis.]

I wish I can explain it better or give it a reason as to WHY is this a solution but- that's what it is. [He grunts as he leans forward, hands crossed atop of the table.]

Apparently, the title 'Chosen King' is for what he has to do. This- thing. It certainly doesn't happen two years into the night so maybe we still have time to find something. I dunno, some other solution.

We damn well better find a better way for Noctis to purge the Scourge from our star! I didn't help raise him to see him become a lamb of slaughter, even if it would save our home!

[As soon as their drinks arrived, Cor immediately downs half the glass before even touching his food, too angry to even think of grimacing at the stronger-than-normal taste resulting from such a strong gulp from the get-go.]

...it's why Ignis of our time was searching the tombs, wasn't it?

I had the same thought as well.

[Gladio may have not raised him, but he grew up with Noct. He trained him and with him. For him. He's not about to just let his King be killed in front of his eyes without him doing anything about it.

He gives the server a nod of thanks, taking a good gulp of his own drink.]

Yeah, I think so. Back home, he didn't tell me. I chalked it up to him wanting to do things his own way, learning to fight despite his injury. I didn't want to seem pushy.

But now that I know the details, it will be different.

Good...

[Cor nods gruffly, stoic as ever for just a moment.]

It will, now that we know what might be required of our king. We'll find a way to help him fulfill the Prophecy and survive, if we all work together.

[It's a few more moments, however, before the next question comes]

Does anyone else know? Or you suspect might know?

Yeah. He's our King and that's our job, regardless of what some prophecy says. I ain't going to sit and twiddle my thumbs and watch him die.

[When it comes to that, it's supposed to be the other way around. Regardless- he'd rather no one die and they be able to find a solution for this mess.

He shakes his head-]

No. I don't think so. Iggy was really distressed and hesitant to even tell me.

[And if he didn't trust Gladio with it, who was by his side and worked with him on protecting Noct since they were teens, then he doubts Ignis told anyone else.]

Hn! Spoken like a true Shield...

[There's a half-smile of family pride, just for a brief moment, directed towards the younger man. But it fades into a solemn nod at the rest of it.]

I'm not surprised that he's very distressed over such revelations. Maybe we should hold off on telling Noctis and Prompto until we have more information on what's really going on with the Prophecy...

[He takes another sip of his drink.]

...how is Ignis holding up? Are you two rooming together or just dropping by each other often?

[Gladio smiles back and nods- he tries to be of help for others, whenever he can, but he knows what his duty is and regardless of where he is, he's never going to abandon it or forget it.

He sighs-]

I'm just afraid they'll be angry at us for not telling them something so important.

[He picks up the menu to order the food for himself- skewers with spicy meat and vegetables, onion rings, pickled veggies on the side, and freshly baked bread loaves. And hands it over for Cor to order as well-]

Iggy's Iggy. Kicking ass left and right. We were just dropping by these past few weeks, but I've submitted a request for a house [read: mansion] that has a lot of space, up in Solstice District. So we'll be moving there, hopefully soon. I went after that one because it will be able to support us all, with all the space and bedrooms. And Iggy bought additional land next to it so that we can build if we want.

You're welcome to stay whenever you want- whether it is to sleep or more permanently.

They probably will, but hopefully won't kill us before we can explain everything.

[Cor nods in thanks as he receives the menu, and places his own order as well - grilled strips of fish coated in a lemon pepper sauce, vegetables that have been battered and fried to a light crisp, and handcut fries. A small loaf of rough wheat bread was added to his order as well.]

That's very generous of you. But while I would like to visit you boys, I don't wish to impose more than necessary, or take up space that any of you might need...

[Those four have been thru enough since they lost their homes, in his mind. Best to let them have their private times together in their own place...even if a small part of him really would prefer thr guys instead of Ravus for roommates.]

Well, Prompto's sad eyes might be worse than a blade.

[He's seen sad and injured Prompto. And it made Gladio want to make someone else sad and injured, preferably the one who made him sad and injured.]

Cor, there are five bedrooms. And the guys and I have been sharing tents and cramped trailers for months. Years. We know how to share a bed. Besides, this place encourages the -bed sharing-

[Aside from bedrooms there's also a ton of pull-out couches, in the living room and then in the study (Gladio asked for one for Ignis because the guy works extra hours all the time).]

But- it's your choice. I just want you to know that the offer's there. Iggy plans to buy the land next to the house so we might build a little cabin there as well- we'll put up a fence around it and keep chocobos. Prompto's already decided on getting a black one.

Edited 2021-04-02 23:31 (UTC)

Shit...! Those eyes are worse than those puppy eyes Noct used to give me, and I only saw them once.

[Still, Cor seems to mull over that kind of offer. It's tempting, very tempting, especially with the idea of living with all of them like they did at Cape Caem, if not in a more intimate manner. But there's still the hesitation of being close to those who he's literally helped raise, even as some 'cool babysitter' type, small as it is right now.]

I'll keep that in mind, if I'm not able to find a new roommate within the next month. Ravus seems to be getting ready to move out on his own soon...

[There's this strange mix of relief and pensiveness in that statement. On the one hand, Cor would hope that his future roommate will not be as much of a prickly asshole as Ravus seems to have been. But on the other hand...Cor still isn't entirely sure if the Tenebraen royal should be living on his own without needing hired help in this still-strange world...]

I know right...

[The offer is always going to be there, the same way Cor was always there to help them when they needed it. Especially after Insomnia fell. And Gladio has even deeper gratitude for helping him fight the blademaster and just get better at what he does. He'll never ask him to do anything he doesn't want to, that would be rude and insulting.]

I think Ravus actually got manor next to mine. Not sure, I'll have to check in with him.

[The two of them had been on more friendly terms recently. Certainly not on "I kick you into a wall" type of thing. They spar often, and with these manors, they'll have space in the backyard to do so without interruption or fear of breaking city property.]

Whatever you need help for, just ask- I personally owe you a big one.

[Cor wants to be there for the boys for as long as possible. He knows that they're more than capable to handle most things themselves now, but knowing that he could at least offer some advice or the rare helping hand is still comforting, in some small way. He just hopes that he can live long enough to help them bring the Dawn back...]

Hah! Never able to truly get away from us Lucians... Let's hope he doesn't throw you thru any walls very soon.

[Cor chuckles into his drink at the idea of Ravus being stuck with them as his neighbors.]

...I will keep that in mind. I'll try not to abuse that offer.

[Gladio had honestly wanted Cor to come with them when they were traveling around Eos. But he also knew that the guy had his own things to do. He's always been someone they all looked up to, regardless of the situation. Because of this, he knows that the man will try his hardest to help them find a solution for this shitty prophecy.]

If he does, he'll have to pay for it, [Gladio snorts] but also- I won't just let him send me flying. [Not anymore at least.]

Hey, if it's an open offer it's not abuse. If Iggy hears you say that, he'll be angry.

Good, because I'd be very worried if you're not able to kick his ass now.

[Playful tone is playful, because there's fun in ribbing his old roommate.]

He probably would be, wouldn't he...?

[A shake of his head.]

For the moment, though, I will have to take a pass on it. I appreciate the offer, though.

I myself would be worried if I wasn't able to.

[And he returns it as well. He knows to accept the joke.

The waiter brings over their food and it all smells amazing and freshly cooked, the bread is warm still, and then leaves them to their devices.]

That's fine. Do what makes you feel comfortable here. This place is weird to begin with.

IC Inbox - Noctium

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