A Man Of No Consequence (Ardyn x Reader)

Callings

Finding the clean clothes you're after, you hastily pull them on backwards as your heart rate increases. I have to be there. Pulling your boot on with one hand and trying to adjust your clothes with the other, you fall back on the bed as you try to listen to what the Oracle is saying.

"...the shadows shall loom ever longer, until all succumbs to the darkness."

You look around for your other boot, cursing the large room and your own messiness as you run around aimlessly.

"The ashes of Lucis... a dream of peace twisted into a nightmare of death and destruction..."

You shove your foot into the other boot, grabbing your camera from the top of the table and hurrying to the door.

"...by the stars that light the heavens above, our world will be delivered from the perils of the dark..."

You pause, your hand on the doorknob. Her words weigh heavy on your heart. Suddenly everything Ardyn has told you doesn't seem so unbelievable. Darkness... destruction... You've been pushing it aside, not sure if he's been honest or playing with you, wilfully ignorant in your infatuation with him.

Looking down at your hands, as if trying to see if they're tainted, your heart starts to race. He said I need to be purged.

"What am I still doing here?!" you cry out loud, running out the door and down the corridor as fast as you can.

-

The gondola takes it's sweet time riding down the narrow waterway, and you jump out as soon as it's a remotely safe distance from the pier. Running down the steps towards the square, you see people dispersing in every direction in a hurry. Looking up at the podium in the distance, you see the Oracle has already left.

"Hey lady, you better make it somewhere safe!" a passing man with a little girl on his arm calls at you, seeing you walk in the opposite direction of the crowd. You stop to look around. At the end of the square, past the large pier, you see a ledge leading to the sea, with a large circular arch surrounding it. A figure in white approaches the ledge with slow, steady steps.

"The Oracle is going to address the Hydraean!" the passing people hasten their pace, trying to get as far as possible, as fast as possible.

The Oracle. You can't help but stare at Lady Lunafreya, striking down her spear, spreading her arms at the ocean. All this time Ardyn has been calling you by that title, yet you know nothing of what being an Oracle means. To commune with the Gods, to inspire the King, you remember. How? He has thrown a new destiny upon you, without giving any instructions. So far your only job has been to stay by his side, but out of his way.

Hearing someone call your name, you look around and see a familiar face approach you, away from the escaping crowd.

"Hurry!" he calls.

"Ignis, I'm so glad to see you!" you respond, running to him, at the same time realizing the full extent of your distress.

"Are you alright? You look upset," he puts his hand on your shoulder.

"I don't know..." you respond turning to look at Lady Lunafreya.

"You must get away from here, it's not safe," he ushers, gently tugging you by the arm, "Come with me!"

"No..."

He seems utterly perplexed, pushing up his glasses and crossing his arms.

"Please," he continues, "It's for your own good. I'm not asking you, I'm telling you. It's my responsibility to clear the area."