Hidden 7 yrs ago 7 yrs ago Post by kiiblade
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kiiblade how sad...

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"Come on, Noct! You promised!"

"I know...but we're low on gas." Noctis looked into the review mirror, suppressing an aggravated groan as Prompto hung onto the headrest of his seat. Once the blond got something into his mind, it wasn't easy to sway him. Especially when it came to Chocobos.

For the past ten minutes, they had been debating back and fourth, attempting to decide whether or not to go to the Chocobo Ranch. In the beginning, idea sounded appealing, but after Ignis pointed out that their fuel was running out, the group started to change their minds about their destination. All aside from Prompto, of course. The youngest of the group had his heart set on seeing the large golden birds, and he wasn't willing to surrender.

"Aw, we can make it!" With a loud, dramatic sigh, Prompto leaned back, adjusting his camera lens for umpteenth time. "I was hoping for a group shot, Noct! Maybe a couple of selfies, too."

The day was still early. All Noctis wanted to do was to catch up on some much needed sleep. After a moment of consideration, he sighed in defeat. He couldn't say no to his best friend.

"Well...I guess if we take the back road, we should be able to make it." The prince glanced to Ignis and Gladiolus with a hint of hesitation; hopefully they would be on board with his decision.

Prompto couldn't keep the grin off of his face. With a small fist pump of success, he set his camera in his lap, ready for shooting. "You won't regret this, Noct!"

* * *

The drive was a long one, even longer than Ignis had anticipated.

"We're not going to make it." Noctis eyed the gauge, his heart sinking. They had five miles left to go, and he didn't fancy the idea of walking there on foot.

"We'll make it!" Prompto started to insist that there was enough fuel, right as the Regalia came to a slow, rolling stop. "...Or not."

Noctis sighed, leaning his head on the steering wheel as Gladiolus cursed their misfortune.
"Looks like we're walking." As much as Noctis wanted to, he couldn't completely blame Prompto. The decision to go hadn't been made by him, though he certainly had pestered them. "Come on."

With varying sighs and grunts of annoyance, all four exited the vehicle. Prompto offered them a light, guilt ridden smile. "At least it's a nice day, right?"

For the most part, the walk there was a quiet one, aside from Gladiolus blaming Prompto.

After what felt a lifetime, Noctis spotted a neon sign. "Looks like we've made it." It was his hope that the owners would have some extra fuel that they might buy off of them. The sun was hot and relentless, they were without shade and clad in black which was an unwelcome combination, given the heat.

Prompto quickened his pace, breathing in the fresh country air. "I can't wait! See any?" They were still on the road, but he could spot some wooden fence posts through some of the trees. "Think they've got any baby Chocobos?"

Noctis shrugged, removing his jacket with a small sigh. "Couldn't say."

The closer they got, the more they could see of the property. Prompto moved ahead of the group, eagerly looking for anyone in charge.
Hidden 7 yrs ago 7 yrs ago Post by EasilyAmused
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Ever have a moment where your life flashed before your eyes? Well a young blonde was going through that moment when she went flying through the air.

The flashbacks reminded her of when times were a bit simpler. When her job revolved around making sure the Chocobos were cleaned, the stalls were freshly taken care of and the patrons were happy with the service. But since Deadeye became a problem, getting the birds out to do… well anything, including for people to ride them off the farm lands was difficult. In response to Deadeye’s consistent presence, the team at the Chocobo ranch caught as many wild Chocobos as they could in order to protect them from getting well… eaten.

Hey Sarah, the owner said seeing the active young blonde spending more and more time with the Chocobos. You wanna learn how to break them? Of course she, being young and a bit foolish, jumped on the opportunity to learn how to do it. That was… until she realized what it entailed and the reason the owner never showed her on a live and untrained Chocobo was because of how difficult it actually was.

She had been working with the same Chocobo for the past two weeks only to find that he decided to continue being aggressive towards her. Today seemed like the worst day of all. Today was a day like any other day until the Chocobo decided he had had enough. Sarah had been working with the Chocobo on the training and breaking it for a while now. Using a lead attached to a pole she was trying to get it to calm down before she climbed on only to have the creature turn to her.

The Chocobo let out a cry before planting its feet and leaning forward, “What, no!” She shouted before the creature leaned towards and grabbed her by the collar of her shirt with its beak. With a jerk of his head, the creature sent the five foot four inch, 120 pound 22 year old flying through the air…

And thus, she had moments of her life flash before her eyes. Her blue eyes closed tightly as she braced herself for impact, knowing full well the closest thing to her location was a large tree and that… that was going to hurt. Her face flinched as she expected the firm impact of a tree trunk but she hit something, softer and the softer thing fell backwards.

Upon her hit her eyes opened and she saw arms flying up beside her. What? Her mind was spinning and soon her world was upside down as she landed on someone who proceeded to fall backwards due to the impact. After taking a moment to catch her breathe she quickly rolled off of the person she hit.

“Oh my god.” She said quickly as she looked down at the person she was thrown into. The young man she had hit laid flat on his back. Her small hands gently touched each side of his face on his cheeks. “Hey, Hey! Are you okay? Can you hear me?” Leaning over she stared down at him with concern in her blue eyes. “Come on, open your eyes.”
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by kiiblade
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kiiblade how sad...

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Prompto didn't believe in walking, not when he had something to look forward to. Unable to contain his excitement, he broke into a run, surpassing the others with ease. Grinning cockily, he looked over his shoulder. "See you slowpokes at the ranch!"
Unfortunately, Prompto wasn't paying attention to his surroundings. At all. He'd just started to look forward again when out of nowhere, he crashed heavily into someone. Or someone had crashed into him. Everything had happened so fast that was impossible to tell.
"Oof!"
Hitting the ground with a thud, Prompto managed to thwack his head against the ground. The impact wasn't severe, although it was enough for him to blackout very briefly. As he lay completely motionless, he felt someone touch either side of his face. What was going on? He couldn't tell, and he didn't recognize the voice.
"What...?"
Eyes fluttering open, Prompto came to. Once the world came into focus, he was rather surprised to see a pretty young girl looking down at him. Their eyes locked, and his mind went blank.
For a few seconds, Prompto merely stared at her in shock. He was unable to piece together what had happened, as he hadn't any visual before the collision.
"W-whoa...sorry about that! I wasn't looking," he started to stammer out an apology of sorts, fearing that she'd been hurt.
Using one arm, he propped himself up, his worry evident. "Are you okay?!"
Hidden 7 yrs ago 7 yrs ago Post by EasilyAmused
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His eyes finally flickered open and before she could breathe a sigh of relief she found herself gasping for air. Man he was gorgeous! The world went silent around them for a few second as she sat next to him on her knees cradling his face in her hands. Face flushing instantly red, the sound of the world returned rather quickly when he began to speak.

Letting go of his face and feeling like an idiot, she sat back on her heels to give him some space as he propped himself up. A small laugh left her as her hand ran along her neck. “I’ve been through worse.” She said with a nod. “Are you okay? I am so sorry! I was working with a chocobo when he picked me up and threw me. Had I even caught a glimpse of you before the impact I would have called out to have you move.” Her head rose and fell with a nod as she tucked some blonde hair behind her ears with a polite, grateful grin. “If it wasn’t for you I would have hit a tree.”

Her own worry came across her face. “Are you okay? I came at you pretty hard. I’m really sorry.” A nod rose and fell her head before she pulled herself to her feet and extended a hand to him. “Here let me help you up.”
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by kiiblade
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kiiblade how sad...

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Prompto could scarcely keep his cheeks from reddening in return. He found himself hoping he hadn't made things awkward by staring, but it wasn't every day that a pretty girl dropped in out of nowhere.
"Whoa, seriously? A chocobo did that?" Prompto was so fond of the creatures, he'd forgotten they were capable of more than being cute. When she offered him a grin, he grinned shyly in return. "You don't have to apologize," he insisted quickly. "I'm just glad you're okay."
From his spot on the ground, he glanced towards the tree behind them, thankful that the girl hadn't hit it instead. When she offered him a hand, he accepted and climbed to his feet.
"Thanks," he smiled and brought his hand back, rubbing his arm nervously. He wasn't half as skilled with speaking to people as Gladiolus was, at least not when it came to females. More often than not, he felt rather awkward and self-conscious. After a brief pause, he summoned the courage to speak up again.
"So...I guess you work here, right?" It felt like a silly question, but he was attempting to lead her into a bit of friendly conversation. The girl seemed nice enough, and he wanted to make sure she was unharmed after their collision.
"I'm Prompto," he introduced himself with a smile, holding his hand out to shake. "You're positive that you're okay?"
Hidden 7 yrs ago 7 yrs ago Post by EasilyAmused
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Giving him a pull to his feet, Sarah shot the young man a bright smile. He seemed alright and that’s what was most important. She was going to have to have a word with that Chocobo and his attitude. Especially if it was going to cause people, other people, to get hurt. Then again… he was an animal and couldn’t understand her/probably didn’t care.

“I’m Sarah.” Her blue eyes twinkled in response to his introduction as she took his hand and gave it a firm shake. “And yes I’m fine. I’ve been through worse but I appreciate your honest concern, thank you.” His mention of her working on the farm caused a bright smile to move across her face. “Yes! Yes I am an employee. I’m sorry I probably should have mentioned that sooner or you’d think I was trying to steal one.” A heartfelt laugh left her as she gestured towards the area from where she was thrown. “I’ve been working with a new Chocobo and he didn’t take kindly to me telling him what to do. So he threw me.”

“Are you here to see the chocobos? Unfortunately…” She began with a sad sigh, “The creature called “Deadeye” has been torturing and taking out the poor chocobos of the area so we can’t let any of our birds leave the farm.” Her face scrunched in thought as she looked down at her watch. “Actually…”

As her gaze turned back up to him she noticed three people coming towards them from over his shoulder. “Oh are they with you?” She asked as she pointed passed him to the group coming towards them.

“Greetings.” Ignis said with a nod as they arrived, Gladiolus gave a polite smile while Noctis simply nodded. “I see you have met our companion. Are you an employee?” A nod rose and fell Sarah’s head before Ignis continued, “We are looking to purchase some gas.” His eyes flicked towards Prompto in a displeased fashion.

The blonde’s blue eyes followed Ignis’s quick glance before she looked back at him and nodded. “The farm owner knows more about that then I do, I just know Chocobos.” She said with an innocent shrug before gesturing for them to follow her. “Come on I’ll take you to Wiz.”

As the group began to walk she explained to them a bit about the farm. How far the fields ran, what the track was like and the renting process… however the renting process was cut short when she said “Oh yeah… the birds are not for rent until Deadeye is taken care of but you can feed and pet them. He’s been killing off many of our birds and wild ones. Not to mention any unlucky travelers using our birds and the beast happened to catch the scent of them.” A shiver shook her body as they came to the post where the restaurant and shop was.

Wiz stood at the area of the restaurant as he had just finished serving a few people their food before he looked up and waved to Sarah. “Howdy.” He said with a pleasant smile. “Come to eat? Or maybe feed some chocobos.”

“Feed! Oh no!” Sarah said jumping slightly where she stood. “I need to feed the chicks!” Wiz seemed to laugh at her sudden realization. To that she turned looking at the group of four. “You may not be able to ride the chocobos but would any of you be interested in feeding some of the babies?” That should help make up for the lack of riding right?
Hidden 7 yrs ago 7 yrs ago Post by kiiblade
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kiiblade how sad...

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"Nice to meet you, Sarah." Prompto rubbed the back of his neck, chuckling lightly as she spoke.
"Couldn't really blame you if you were trying to steal one," he joked, glancing towards the chocobo guilty of throwing the blonde. "They're so cute!"

Once Noctis and the others joined them, Prompto confirmed that he was with them. He felt a twinge of guilt as Ignis asked about the fuel needed for their vehicle. Ignis' annoyance was evident, but Prompto couldn't blame him. If the ranch wouldn't be able to help them, they would likely have to get the vehicle towed.

After the introductions were over with, the group of four followed Sarah. Prompto hung onto her every word, fascinated with the chocobos and their environment. The ranch for the golden birds seemed like the perfect haven, at least until Deadeye was mentioned. Even as Sarah explained their plight, Prompto's jaw dropped. Something had to be done.
"That's awful..." The blond eyed Noctis, silently pleading for the prince to offer their services. They could take the beast down, couldn't they? Lives depended upon it!

Before Noctis got a chance to answer, they arrived to the dining area of the ranch. Tables were set up here and there with several visitors eating their freshly cooked meals. The owner greeted them while Ignis took notes of what food was being served.

"Just here to buy some fuel, if you have any." Noctis wasn't oblivious to Prompto's hinting, but he chose not to address the Deadeye issue until their first problem was resolved. "And...to look at the chocobos," he amended, stepping aside so that Prompto might snap a few shots of the ranch itself.

"Fuel? Let me see what I can do." Wiz chuckled to himself when he saw Prompto photographing everything in sight. "If you can manage to get them to sit still, you might be able to snap a few good shots of the chicks. They're fast, though."

Wiz's friendly warning didn't deter Prompto, he was eager to try. "I'll come! If they're fast, I guess I'll just have to be faster." Using his free hand, he checked to make sure he had the correct lens on his camera and fell into step alongside of the girl, keeping a few paces between them. He smiled back to his friends, snapping a picture of them off guard. "You guys coming?"
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by EasilyAmused
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A laugh left Sarah when Wiz mentioned how hard they were to get to stay still. There was no joking about that considering they had to keep the chicks in a large caged off area so they wouldn’t escape. “They are fast indeed.” She nodded in agreement before her attention moved to the camera in Prompto’s hands. Oh he was a photographer. Got it! Cool.

Beaming she lead the way towards the area where they pinned in the chicks only to see that no one was coming with them. Looking over her shoulder it was noticeable that Gladiolus was giving a smile and a wave while Noctis was talking to Wiz and Ignis had begun to look through their sales shop. “Well looks like it’s just you and me.” She said with a charming smile to Prompto as they rounded the main building and went into the back.

After a small walk they came to a large pin and inside circled about 9 baby chocobos. The fluffy little foot tall versions of their parents bounced around and flapped their wings playing with one another. “These are the baby chocobos. They are around about 1 to 2 years old and are just starting to mature before they grow into adulthood. On days when we feel they are safe they roam the farm and tend to venture no further than the course but with Deadeye climbing onto the course from time to time it’s just safer to keep them pinned. But we’ve made climbing areas and things like that for them to play on.” She said pointing towards the 3 level of hay off to a side along with a large tube for the creatures to crawl through. And something that looked like a slide off the end of the highest bale of hay. One chocobo was sliding down the ‘slide’ tweeting happily as it did so.

Picking up a bucket from the side of the pin, she left Prompto to his photos for a moment before returning with a bucket full. “Now the trick is to get inside and not let them out. The feed stall is over there. Don’t be surprised if they make laps around you and… if they peak you I’m not liable for it, but I will wrap any cuts because… well they’re rough when they get excited.” Reaching up she unlashed the side, a notation that stopped the baby chocobos almost instantly. “Plus they don’t see new people often so they’re bound to get excited.”

As soon as they entered and got the gate shut the chocobos began doing laps around their feet twitting and jump while flapping their little wings. “Oh!” Sarah said quickly. “I have an idea.”

After dumping the amount of feed she was supposed to into the bin. She set the bucket up high and scooped out some into her hand. “Here. Hold this in one hand and your camera in the other, that way you can get a good close up shot.” She gentle put the seed in his hand crotched down with him being careful not to move with her hand cupping a small amount too, keeping their hands close together in hopes to encourage more of the tiny creatures to come forward. “Despite the fact that I went flying through the air, they are rather nice creatures just… nervous and skittish because of the situation with Deadeye. Luckily these little ones aren’t affected by it because they haven’t had to encounter him some… aren’t so lucky.” A small sad sigh left her as she thought too much about the situation.

However her blue eyes perked up as she saw one of the chocobos cautiously coming towards Prompto’s hand.
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by kiiblade
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kiiblade how sad...

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Prompto expected the others to accompany them, or at least he believed Noctis would. Shockingly, his friends turned down the invite. That left only him, and Sarah. The girl was sweet and friendly, but that was the problem. What if he said something stupid?
Prompto glanced to her and managed a tense smile in return for her charming one. "Oh...yeah! Looks like it," he laughed nervously, gripping his camera a little tighter as they made their way towards the back. When the others were around, he felt a little less self-conscious.

The further they walked, the more Prompto calmed down. The ranch was the perfect distraction. For anyone even remotely fond of chocobos, this was heaven.
"This is great!" Prompto looked on in awe, admiring everything the ranch had to offer. The chocobos couldn't have asked for a nicer place to live. Here, they could he happy, content, safe...
Not quite. Prompto lowered his camera, remembering what was said about the monster called Deadeye. As long as that beast lived, lives were at risk.

When they reached the pen, Prompto melted at the sight. There were baby chocobos everywhere he looked, each one as adorable as the next. He laughed as one of the small creatures slid down the slide, flapping its little golden wings. "They're so cute!" He couldn't help but gush over them and snap a few shots while Sarah left to retrieve the feed.

"Heh, no problem. I'll take the risk." Being new to chocobo chicks, Prompto didn't think they could do much damage. How could they? Their little beaks were so tiny! A peck or two couldn't hurt...could it? Even if it did, it was worth the pain. Prompto followed Sarah inside, taking care not to let any of them escape. The chocobo chicks were happy and excitable, which only made them even more adorable.

Prompto snapped a few photos. Most of his pictures were angled from above since he didn't want to scare the creatures by being level with them. The chocobos weren't used to him, plus his camera may have frightened them.
"Wow, thanks! A-are you sure?" He looked to Sarah's hand, gratefully accepting the feed.

"Yeah..." When Deadeye was mentioned, Prompto fell solemn. He knelt down beside her, keeping his camera balanced on one knee. "I've been meaning to talk to you about that..." he stopped mid-sentence. One of the fluffiest, roundest little chocobo chicks started to move forward. The chick ventured toward them tentatively, eyeing the newcomer curiously.

Prompto barely breathed, he didn't dare scare the chick. Just a little closer...
Tempted by the sight of food, the chick continued toward them. Prompto snapped a picture, confident that it was his best photo of the day. To his delight, the baby chocobo got over its fear and started to eat.

A group of chicks watched a few paces behind. Once they saw that their friend was getting his fill of feed, they became braver and surrounded both Sarah and Prompto to get their share.
All was right in the world, until two of them started to fight over who got more.
"Whoa, wait! There's enough for both of you," Prompto tilted his hand to show them. The baby chocobos stared at his hand, then to each other. After a brief pause, they continued with their argument.
While that went on, a chocobo pecked at a button on Prompto's vest. One of the largest chicks attempted to block the others from getting the feed in Sarah's hand, and the ones not hungry started to peck at both Prompto and Sarah's arms.
Most of the time, chocobos were wonderful creatures, but they weren't immune to being troublemakers.
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by EasilyAmused
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Their waiting paid off as the chicks soon too interest in the two of them and approached them with eager pitter patters of their feet after the brave first chick approached. After a few moments of silence, Sarah spoke, sharing some new information with him. “Chocobos are like humans in the sense that they have their own personalities. They start driving from the time they were chicks and well into adulthood.” With a movement of her head, she gestured towards the chicks fighting. “They’re brother and sister so, of course they fight.” Then she transferred the food in her hand and pushed the bigger chick away who squawked at her disapprovingly. “She has an eating problem and is a bit of an attention seeker compared to the rest. My hope is that she’ll become a racing Chocobo with her love of attention.”

It wasn’t long before the peaking started to push through her jeans and to her skin before she tossed the feed to the side and stood up. Sadly though it didn’t stop the chicks from finding even more of a desire to peak at her leg; “Hey guys seriously, blue jeans do not taste as good as feed.” She said with a laugh giving them a push with her foot to get them away from her. The creatures squawked at her in response before they approached her once again. “Nope.” Again they got another pushed with her foot before she reached behind them and unlashed the gate. “Come on Prompto, we don’t want to keep your friends waiting and you’re going to lose a button if we stay here much longer.”

A laugh left her as she pulled open the door and the two slid out ensuring that none of the pesky chicks escaped the cage. After latching the cage, she led the way to the group.

“You said something about needing to talk to me about something?” She brought up the topic that he was about to address before the chick started to approach them.
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by kiiblade
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"Whoa, hey! Eat the feed, not us." Prompto laughed good naturedly and rose, smiling down to the group of squabbling chocobos. "See you guys later! No more fighting, okay?" After he managed to escape the pen without a chocobo chick jailbreak, he walked alongside of Sarah.
While they walked, Prompto looked to his camera. He'd gotten plenty of good photos, all except for one. He wished that he could take a photo with Sarah. For memories sake. Photographs were important to him -- this was a day he wished to remember, and Sarah was someone he didn't want to forget.

I could ask... Prompto bit his bottom lip, shaking his head as if to rid himself of the thought. No! That'd be weird. We just met! While he inwardly argued with himself, he glanced up, surprised by the question.
"Oh -- right! About that..." Prompto slowed to allow them some time to speak before they regrouped with the others. "I'd like to...I mean, we...I didn't exactly ask yet," he stammered out the beginnings of his proposal to hunt the creature down, only he wasn't sure if his friends would be on board with the idea. They hadn't enough information on the beast.

Still. He wanted to help, and he wanted to impress her, if at all possible. Even though Prompto knew he should have asked the others, the words left his mouth before he could think to stop himself: "We're going to take down Deadeye for you."
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He seemed to stutter over his words and the blonde tucked her arms behind her back and leaned over, wanting to look at his facial expressions while giving him a kind smile. Sarah had always been a social person, sometimes to the point of being ‘annoying’ because she wouldn’t leave people alone until they talked to her. That is probably how she got lucky enough to live at the farm instead of the tent she had been previously residing in.

She kept in step with him and tilted her head slightly with a beaming smile even as they slowed down. He was very handsome and there was no doubting that. And he had an adorable shyness to him that caused her blue eyes to twinkle. Something about him being shy was very cute; she found herself wanting to talk to him more and help shake off his shyness towards her.

His statement caused her smile to drop into one of shock as her blue eyes expanded in surprise. “But that’s… that’s…” Dangerous! Crazy! A Death Wish! Her gaze dropped to the ground as she watched their feet walk towards where the rest were. Her brow scrunched together in thought before she stopped walking. Her gaze moving back over her shoulder to look at the chicks they had left in the cage. They, as if missing the people had come for a visit, were lined up against the cage squawking at them to return.

As if that fixed her resolve she nodded and returned her gaze to him. “Alright, let me get you the information I have on Deadeye. There is something things that are useful in the information the other hunters have gathered.” After a small nod she started turned and started towards the main building to grab the information packet. Before she got too far she stopped, her attention moved over her shoulder to look at back him, her eyes twinkled with a sense of worried. “Prompto just… just be careful okay?” She said softly, her voice filled with a small amount of worry. “I’d like to take you to play with the chicks again but I can’t do that if you don’t come back.” With that she entered the building.

After gathering the information the post had, she hurried back out to everyone, upon her return she heard the statement of ‘We don’t even know where the thing is’, and that’s when she spoke up. “I do.” Bringing the attention of the men to her she approached, a thick file in her hand. “I tracked it before and I know where its den is. I can take you there. I’m… not much of a fighter, but I can get you there.” With that she placed the file down and opened it as she turned it to them, giving them information gathered by other hunters.
Hidden 7 yrs ago 7 yrs ago Post by kiiblade
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The tables had turned. This time, Sarah was the one unable to find the right words.
"It's nothing." Prompto attempted to play it off as if going after a murderous monster wasn't a big deal. The words left his mouth without him realizing it. It wasn't that he had an ego -- it was just the opposite. His offer didn't come from vanity, he wanted to help, and hoped to impress her in the process.

She didn't seem convinced. With a nervous laugh, Prompto gave her a thumbs up. "No, really! We do stuff like this all the time!" Well, this was partially true. Up until now, they'd taken on smaller foes. Judging by his name alone, Deadeye was a force to be reckoned with.

Upon seeing the two, Noctis stepped away from the chocobo he'd been petting. Ignis pocketed his notebook, nodding in acknowledgement. "All set?"

Gladiolus observed them, his burly arms folded across his chest. "There you two are. Thought you'd gotten lost," he joked, then raised an eyebrow as Sarah expressed her concerns towards the youngest member of their group.

"Y-yeah! I'll be careful!" Prompto could hardly believe it. Was she actually concerned about him? The realization left him in a daze. He wasn't worthy! He held his camera a little closer to his heart, unable to take his eyes away from the building she'd vanished to.

"What was that all about?" Noctis had an inkling he knew, but he wanted Prompto to explain. Ignis adjusted his glasses, equally as suspicious. "Prompto?"

Uh oh. Explanation time.
Slowly, Prompto turned to face his friends. "Um...well, I kinda offered to help," he rubbed the back of his head with a nervous chuckle, hopeful that they would be on board. "Y'know, with the Deadeye problem."

Gladiolus leaned against one of the fence posts. "And by 'I', you mean we," he corrected, arms still folded.

"Well...yeah." Prompto remained hopeful. "But it's for a good cause! Think of the chocobos!"

Noctis smirked. Deadeye would prove an interesting challenge, plus they'd be able to help the ranch and everyone on it. "Well, I'm game."

Ignis was a little more levelheaded. "We don't even know where this...thing is," he reminded the group as the door opened. All four looked towards Sarah, sharing a look of surprise when she offered to take them there in person.

"You're certain about this? It could -- and will undoubtedly be -- dangerous." Ignis looked to the others for their input. If they agreed to go, so would he, but he didn't want Sarah to agree without reminding her of the dangers involved.

Prompto didn't know how to feel. On one hand, he would get to be with Sarah a little while longer before they departed. On the other, he didn't want to put her at risk. Sure, they worked marvelously as a team, but traveling to Deadeye's location sounded daunting. Enemies lurked around every corner.
"Sarah, are you sure? Ignis is right...it'll be dangerous." Ironically enough, now Prompto was the one expressing his concern for her.

Gladiolus shrugged with one shoulder. "We'll keep her safe," he was less concerned with the idea and more laid back than the others were. It wasn't as if they'd bring her anywhere near Deadeye, and the chances of finding the monster's location before nightfall were slim if they didn't have a guide.

"Just in case, though...it'd probably be best if you had a weapon." Noctis told the girl, half-wondering if she would have access to one. "Er...you do have one, right?"
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by EasilyAmused
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EasilyAmused Senior Role Player / Always Hunting

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The group turned to look at her in surprise that she would say such a thing and she gulped hard. She wasn’t used to having instant attention like this and the four of them were rather intimidating in their own rights. Especially considering they seem to know a lot more about fighting than she did. However she did manage to make it to and from the creatures den without getting harmed.

“I’ve made the trip before and just avoided confrontations… Okay I ran - - a lot. But things lost interest pretty fast when they realized I wasn’t sticking around to become a snack.” Her blue gaze moved to Gladiolus who said they would keep her safe and she grinned in response. “I promise to stay out of the way until the coast is clear.”

However… before she could carry on with her discussion, the black haired young man asked if she had a weapon and her face turned red. “Uh… well…” A small hand rubbed against the back of her neck turning her gaze to the ground. Oh this was embarrassing, now she would have to admit that she followed the giant beast to its den without any means of protecting herself. “No… not, not really… I mean, I can run and hide…” Her eyebrows knitted together in thought. “Actually… hold on.” With that she hurried back inside the office.

This time when she came out, in her hands was a military grade sniper rifle with a scope on it. “I was given this with ammunition to protect the farm because Wiz thinks I would be the better shot. But I’ve never had an opportunity to practice because the sound scares the Chocobos. Wiz did help me correct the sight so it’s designed for me. He said “Just point and shoot”, so I guess an argument could be made that I do have a weapon I just haven’t used it.” She said with a nod as she slung the gun over her shoulder and tightened the shoulder strap to hold it in place.

“If you want to accomplish this before the night is out we have to leave shortly.” She said with a nod. “There’s also a camper for rent, Wiz can help you with that, and we could go first thing in the morning.”
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by kiiblade
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kiiblade how sad...

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"Looks like we'll have two marksmen on our group." Noctis looked the weapon over with approval. "Or...markswoman," he amended before nodding towards Prompto. The blond appeared awestruck by the sight of Sarah with the the rifle, much to Noctis' amusement. "If you need any pointers, ask Prompto. I'm sure he'd be happy to help...when it comes to guns, he's our expert."

Prompto's eyes widened when he realized what his friend just said. He could hardly believe it. Being paid a compliment, and in front of a pretty girl, no less, was more than he could ask for. Once again, he felt unworthy of the praise and could scarcely speak.

"I believe it would be wise for us to leave in the morning." Ignis polished the lens of his glasses off on the hem of his shirt. "We have been traveling for most of the day and would benefit from rest beforehand." After offering his input, he looked towards Noctis.

"Can't argue with that." Noctis locked his fingers behind his head, stretching a little. "Tomorrow, then." He looked to Sarah, overhearing the sigh of relief from Ignis. "Er...in the morning, there's no rush to leave right away. It tends to take us a while to get ready."

Prompto chuckled lightly, finding himself able to speak again. "Y'mean it takes you forever to get up."

Noctis shrugged, dropping his hands to his sides. "That too."

Gladiolus gave a nod of approval. After the day they'd had, they would benefit from sleep. "Sounds good. I'll talk to Wiz," he offered, spotting the man near the chocobo corral. Noctis decided to go along with him, and that left Prompto, Ignis, and Sarah.

Finally, a sensible plan. Ignis was indeed thankful that Noctis agreed to spending the night before setting out after Deadeye. "If you'll excuse me...I would like to see the camper for rent," he explained, as he was mostly curious whether or not a kitchenette was included inside.

That left the two of them.
Prompto rubbed at his arm. Somehow, it was easier to interact while the others were still around. They carried the conversation when he could not, and he felt less self-conscious when Noctis was there.
"Well...I guess you're all set, huh?" He managed a smile, nodding towards the rifle Sarah carried. "...You're really sure you don't mind coming?"
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by EasilyAmused
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Her blue eyes shot in the direction of Prompto as Noctis made it a point to tell her that he was their marksman. Who would have thought they would share the same idea for a weapon. Upon the conversation between the men she nodded along making sure to listen as she placed her small hands on her hips. Boy… she was very out of her league listening to them but maybe… just maybe they could help rid the post of their biggest problem.

Prompto poking fun at Noctis for him being the honest problem of why they wouldn’t be able to get up early made her laugh softy at the man’s expense. They seemed like a great group of friends despite what they were going to deal with in the morning. Even then she couldn’t have been more grateful for their agreement to take care of the problem. Well, if anything it was Prompto’s idea and she should probably thank him properly for it

As the rest of the group dismissed themselves, she pulled the rifle over her head and rested it softly in her hands. She never thought there would be time when she would have to use it, but now might just be the time. Her gaze moved from the gun up to him as he asked if she was sure she didn’t mind coming.

A small embarrassed laugh left her. “Well… the last time I went I just ran form things so I’m not sure what help I’d be with all of you considering you’re fighters and I’m a runner. I could end up getting in your way more than helping…” A small pause between them caused her face to crunch together. Thoughts moving a million miles an hour before her expression turned to one of determination.

“Prompto.” She stated turning her blue gaze from the gun up to him. “Will you please teach me how to shoot this? I don’t want to be useless or in the way. I… I won’t take up much of your time, I promise and we can go far enough away to not scare the Chocobos. I can get some cans from the kitchen.” She probably sounded rather desperate but the last thing she wanted to do was be a burden, “I know it can be as simple as point and click but…” Her small hands gripped the rifle and her gaze shifted away from him, a tint of pink forming over her cheeks as she blushed. “I’m nervous…”
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by kiiblade
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kiiblade how sad...

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"You wouldn't be in the way. Running's just as important as fighting...kind of wish Noct would remember that sometimes." Prompto joked, glancing towards where his friends had left. When Sarah made the request, he looked back to her, heart skipping a beat. Did she just ask for help? She did.

"You...you want me to teach you?" Prompto couldn't believe his ears. He'd pestered Noctis and the others plenty of times to practice shooting together, but it usually only happened if he agreed to swords practice with Noctis, cooking with Ignis, or combat training with Gladiolus. Needless to say, he seldom asked Gladiolus anymore.

"Don't worry, there's nothing to be nervous about." Recovering from his shock, Prompto was quick to reassure the girl that practicing wasn't something to fear. The fact that she was nervous about using the weapon shouldn't have surprised him, but it did. Something about using a gun had always come naturally to him, so he forgot it could be a daunting task for a newbie.

"There's more than enough daylight left, and I've got all the time in the world. Prompto smiled kindly, wishing to reassure her that it was no inconvenience. This was the first time he'd been asked to help teach, being asked flattered him to no end.

"Just lead the way." Prompto slipped the camera strap off his neck and set the device atop a few empty crates. Aside from them, no one was around, so he figured it would be more than safe there. "Cans will work, as long as they're empty," he laughed, nodding back towards Ignis. "I made the mistake of using his ingredients for practice once...should probably avoid that."
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by EasilyAmused
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This was… embarrassing, asking someone to help her with something she… well she should know. Let’s face it, the gun is in her possession and meant to be something she was going to use and yet… here she was; she didn’t have any experience with it. With red cheeks of embarrassment, she was having trouble looking up the blonde young man as he seemed to stumble over his words… possibly stumbling over the idea.

That was until he said that there was nothing to be nervous about and her gaze quickly moved back to him with a look of surprise across her face. He was… agreeing to teach her? Really!? Her blue eyes expanded in surprise and a bright smile moved across her lips flashing her bright white smile. “Really?!” She nearly shrieked with excitement before she corrected herself. “Sorry. I’m just really excited. I want to be useful and help.” A nod rose and fell quickly before she listened to his story about using empty cans.

To this she laughed. “Don’t worry I’ll make sure their empty. Plus, something about shooting a can of beans and having them splatter everywhere. Yuck!” Her body shook with the thought of ending up covering herself in beans. “Alright, I’ll be right back.” With that she set the rifle down and dashed back inside the building. Climbing upstairs to her loft and grabbed a few empty cans and came back to him. Five in her arms.

Within a few minutes the two had set up their makeshift firing range. “Okay.” She said as they lined up back where Prompto had indicated she stood. “So you hold it like this. Right?” With that she held up the gun in a very wrong fashion and tried to make it look right… boy… she really needed lessons.
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by kiiblade
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kiiblade how sad...

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Prompto stood by, giving Sarah time to hold the gun as she thought was correct. She was rather off, however, and he secretly thanked Ignis for suggesting they didn't set out right away. If they had, Prompto wouldn't have known just how much help Sarah needed.

"Well...not quite." Prompto admitted with a chuckle. "You'll want to hold the handgrip with your trigger hand," he showed her where to place her palm, careful to move slowly so she'd have a chance to practice herself.
"For this type of rifle, keep the end of it balanced in the pocket of your shoulder, and you'll want to rest your cheek rest against here," he helped her guide the weapon to a firing position. "There! It's kind of complicated and might feel awkward the first few tries, but after a bit of practice, you'll be a pro in no time."

After double checking that all was in order, Prompto stepped away to give her some space.
"Oh, and one more thing...remember to breathe," he added, sensing that Sarah may have been a little nervous still. "If you hold your breath, you'll get tense. Trust me, it makes aiming a lot more difficult." This was said from experience.

"When you feel ready, you can take aim...try for the middle can there." Prompto nodded to the largest of the cans. It stood a little taller than the rest, and he figured it would be best to start off easy. "Don't worry, you'll do great!"
Hidden 7 yrs ago 7 yrs ago Post by EasilyAmused
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The chuckle caused her to blush and it told her that she had failed the set up but he seemed to find it assuming. The nervousness and embarrassment built up inside of her as he guided her to her proper holding positions, all the while speaking positively and encouragingly to her. The more he stood close to her to help her line up her gun, the more mix of nervousness and at ease she felt. Ease came from having his help but nervousness that she had from holding the gun turned into the nervousness for him being so close to her.

Did she smell like the barn? Did she smell like the chocobos? Did she have something in her teeth? Was she holding the gun wrong? What if she farted? All the panics blazed through her mind as he finally stepped back and stated the final note for her. Remember to breathe. A small nod rose and fell her head as she followed his instructions and took aim at the large can.

She focused on the can and fired only to find out that she missed. Instead of looking disappointed, she cocked back the rifle and took aim again. This time she closed a single eye to focus and her shoulders dropped as she released and breathe. TING the can flew off the stump and the blonde’s eyes expanded in surprise. “I did it?” She questioned quietly as she lowered the gun from her view and looked at where the can had stood. “I did it! I did it!” She said excitedly as she beamed at Prompto.

“Did you see that?! I did it and it’s all thanks to you?” Without warning she put the gun down on the nearby stump and jumped at him wrapping her arms around his neck in a joy-filled hug. “Thank you thank you thank you!” She repeated over and over again before she finally let him go and jumped back to the gun.

She was so enthralled with what she was doing she didn’t even process what she had done to him. Taking up the gun she positioned it as she was taught and took in a couple of breathes. The nervousness was gone and all she could feel was herself focusing on the things Prompto had taught her. Soon she picked off the cans one by one. Sometimes missing a few by a hair but regaining for the following shot. Soon all were done and she lowered the rifle from her sight and grinned. “I can’t believe I did it. Thank you so much!” She said excitedly turning her gaze to him. “If it wasn’t for you, god knows who I would have hurt. Thank you Prompto, I owe you.”
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