Chapter Text
“So where’s this temple?” Prompto inquired.
The three men had just settled themselves into their seats around the campfire. You made your way towards them wrapping your arms around a large weathered text you had been toting around for some time. The tattered book bounced in your lap as you flopped down into one of the camping chairs. You carefully peeled back one of the several sections of worn pages, bookmarked by a faded chocobo feather. The haunting smell of aged leather and decaying oak fiber filled your nose as you scanned your finger across the delicate print.
“Unfortunately, this book doesn’t exactly read like a field guide,” you replied with an exasperated sigh. “It’s more like an ancient notebook that each summoner keeps passing along with their own little tid-bits of information. I feel like I’m reading one person’s note on top of another, on top of another’s... it’s really frustrating.”
Night had recently fallen and the five of you had decided to take shelter at a nearby haven on the outskirts of Vesperpool; the air was warm and humid with the faint sounds of the local fauna tending to their nightly routine. The clinking of cooking utensils and the smell of searing meat had filled the grounds as Ignis busied himself with dinner.
Gladio leaned forward in his chair, “if every summoner has visited these temples, how come no one thought to draft up a map and mark them?” snickering at the overlooked idea.
“Well… finding a temple is part of the rite of passage for a summoner,” you laid your hand gently on the page’s surface gazing down at it thoughtfully, “your bond with an aeon is stronger if you can hear its calling.”
The three men stared at you from across the campfire, anticipating some profound event to occur. “So…… can you hear anything?” Noct naively asked.
You looked at them squarely, “Uh, No.”
They simultaneously leaned into the backs of their chairs. “Well maybe the aeons need to get with the times and get themselves a cellphone!” Prompto quipped. You couldn’t help but laugh at the blonde’s zany suggestion. Your stomach, however, was twisting at the thought of failure. Am I really ready for this? Maybe King Regis was wrong all this time…
“Just like any art, one’s skill becomes more refined with practice.”
You were snapped out of your dreary daze by a melodic accent. You turned your head to look at Ignis who was presently studying the temperature gauge on the counter as dinner began making its way onto each dish. “It took a considerable amount of years to get Noct to where he is today.” The remark drew both your attentions to the young prince. You both carefully observed him as he harvested the vegetables from his plate, offering their disdainful existence to the insects that scurried about his boots. “I fear it may be a few more decades before his aptitude for taste has reached adulthood.”
Ignis’ deadpan sense of humor was something you never expected to come from the austere advisor, but you were appreciative of the fact that it could materialize from someone like him. “Every craft takes time to perfect,” he glanced at you with an amiable smile.
“Yeah, I’m sure I’ll get it eventually. We all gotta start somewhere… or in my case someHOW,” you chuckled lightly, fighting to keep the veil of your faux assurance from lifting off your face.
“If you do not mind the inquiry, I was curious about several ingredients that you obtained at our last stop. Might I ask what they pertain to?”
“Oh!” You had completely forgotten about the groceries you had snagged at the market from earlier in the day. “Its… well, there was a small bag of powder green tea leaf that I spotted and it instantly reminded me a of a dessert that I loved when I was a kid.”
Ignis crossed his arms and examined you with interest, “I was unaware of your abilities in the culinary field.”
“Oh no, haha! I like to cook but I am definitely no master chef. THAT, you’ll have to speak to my mother. She’s the one that puts all the 5 star restaurants to shame.”
“I am sure her skill is hereditary,” he stated warmly.
“Well, I know some basics but thankfully this recipe doesn’t call for any advanced technique,” you mused. “It reminds me so much of home, I wanted to make it for you all. It’s a fairly simple cake so I apologize in advance if it’s not that great.” A small blush threatened to betray your composed face.
“I look forward to sampling your work.”
Dinner was as always, remarkable. A skill of Ignis’ that you knew everyone valued. The crew had cleaned up their space as Noctis was quick to whip out his phone for another round of King’s Knight. You never had a knack for that game and you did not particularly share the same obsession the boys had in overthrowing one another. Most nights you were content on attempting to cover some ground with the makeshift summoner’s manual. Tonight, however, you were determined to make this dessert.
“Watcha making?”
You practically leapt out of your skin. You had been staring so intensely at the mixture you had whisked that you had failed to see the chirpy blonde approach from behind.
“Dear gods, Prompto” You clutched your hand at your heart, ready to catch it should it pop out again. “You’re lucky I’m not holding a knife!”
“Whoa now!” holding his hands up mockingly in defense, “just wanted to see what you were up to!”
“Aside from nearly murdering you? …I’m making dessert.”
“Oooooo, and what’s dessert?” he persisted, leaning over your shoulder.
You carefully poured the mixture into the paper cups that lined the small ramekins; Prompto now also focused on your handiwork. “Why is it all green?”
You frowned to yourself, “It’s green because it’s made of cactuar.”
A moment of silence washed over him. “…seriously?”
You lifted the lid off the bowling pan of water and gently lowered the fragile ceramic cups inside, replacing the lid quickly. “Now, you just let them steam and it’s all done,” you proudly stated with your hands on both hips. Grabbing a kitchen towel, you began cleaning up the space while anxiously watching the timer. “Just a couple of minutes and you all get to try it.”
“Yeah I can’t wait! …but seriously, is it really made of cactuar?”
“Just make sure to watch for any spines, I’m pretty bad about plucking all those dang needles out.” You instructed him straightly, trying hard not to give your façade away.
Grimacing, he quickly turned back to the campfire.
Eons ticked by and the first batch was finally done. Gently removing the delicate cakes, you were relieved they had taken on their round and fluffy form. A pang of anxiety struck you as you realized it was time for the boys to savor your work. You decided to pre-emptively taste one before you would face the gang’s onslaught of disappointment from your failed culinary experiment. Much to your surprise, it tasted exactly as you remembered it in your youth. The fragrant heat emanating from the soft cake wrapped you in warm memories of your childhood; the way you gasped in excitement to see how the magic of the vaporized water transformed the pools of viscous batter into pillowy cupcakes when your mom unveiled them beneath the lid. Your small fingers grasping the edge of the counter as you begged your mom to reveal her secrets. Your heart suddenly began to yearn for home…
“Yay! They’re all done?!” Prompto certainly didn’t miss a beat.
“Uh… yeah they’re done.” You popped a few out from the ramekins, instantly regretting everything. You plated the tea infused buns and nervously handed it to Prompto. Oops, I dropped them in the fire, silly me. He eagerly snatched one, passing the plate along to the others.
You sat back down in your chair, jiggling your restless leg so hard you nearly hammered a hole into the ground. You couldn’t help but scan each of their faces trying to note any look of disapproval.
“…these are good,” Noctis was the first to comment. Mmkay.
“Yeah, they’re so fluffy I almost don’t want to eat it,” Gladio added. What’s that supposed to mean?!
“It’s so cute and tasty I can’t even tell it’s cactuar!”
Gladio raised an eyebrow. You shifted your eyes towards the Shield, silently mouthing your words to him, “ ..its NOT cactuar.”
You placed your elbow on your knee and laid your chin in your palm. At least they didn’t spit it out, that has to count for something. You tapped your cheek with your fingers, trying to think of a more alluring dessert to create next time. As the boys lead the debate about the cake’s perplexing ingredients you realized the only one who had not commented was…
“Quite an interesting method for a pastry dish.”
Your digits froze in place. You deliberated in your head whether to face Ignis to receive your D- grade or simply pretend that you didn’t hear him. Unfortunately, you chose the former.
“Yeah! It’s called a steam cake. Instead of baking it, you… steam it.” Mentally punching yourself in the face.
He chuckled, “Indeed, the green tea undoubtedly gives it a refreshing taste. You must certainly share this recipe with me some time.” You perked up at his verdict. Even if he was simply trying to be cordial, the compliment was enough to motivate you further.
“Will do!”
Every day there was something new; that was the one thing you had enjoyed the most about this trip. It was consequently the only thing that kept your mind from drifting to the trials that awaited you as a summoner. You had yet to try your hand at white magic and it only served as a reminder that you needed to progress soon in order to be of usefulness to the prince.
“Is this bounty worth it?” Prompto whined.
“Not unless you want to keep pushing the Regalia around. I think we dropped enough gil on that last repair Cindy had to do,” Gladio replied as he skimmed the markings on the map he held.
Noct was standing atop of a large boulder overlooking the grassy field. “I don’t think its that bad, a rogue Garula shouldn’t be that difficult for you Prompto,” he jested.
Ignis pushed the bridge of his glasses up, “Nor should we leave the few inhabitants in this area with the prospects of a wild stampede.”
You listened intently on their game plan as you scanned the area yourself. The boys had years of intense combat and survival training; you on the other hand were quite the opposite. Fearing for any danger that your life might be placed in mid-battle, Noct had determined that you would best serve as a look-out for the team. The decision did not offend you in any way, quite frankly the idea of being caught underneath a Couerl’s claws or faced with a grizzly Behemoth sent chills down your spine. Gripping your binoculars, you zoomed in on what appeared to be an area of trampled down brush. You surveyed the surroundings and located the massive herd.
“Down there!” You quickly pointed out. “I can even see the uncontrollable one, it’s really stirring up the rest of the herd.”
“Right on.” Gladio smirked, slinging his great sword over his shoulder. “You all coming or what?” as he bounded confidently down the hill. Ignis following suit.
“Stay out of sight okay, we’ll be back in a jiffy!” Prompto exclaimed as he proceeded behind them.
You nodded your head, sighing with worry.
“Keep your eyes peeled for us. If you run into any trouble too, make sure to holler at me.” Noct held out a small 2-way radio.
You took the device from him, gripping it like your only assigned weapon, “I’ll let you know if I see anything… be safe.”
He placed his hand on your shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze before following the rest in their tracks.
You had a difficult time wrapping your mind around the concept of battle; for years you lived comfortably under the protection of the crown city but now you were out in the literal wild. Just need to get the groove of it, that’s all. Besides, its practically hunting is all we’re doing. We’re not fighting soldiers in a war or something… not yet, at least. You were beginning to wonder where you fit on this chess board.
A flash of blue light appeared in your periphery and you immediately saw the boys in action. It was astounding to see them work in tandem. The way they seemed to dance amongst one another like artists in a highly revered ballet; the graceful turns and calculated revotaldes had you entranced in their seamless performance. You could only dream of one day matching their elegance…
A sharp movement in the left field caught your eye. You quickly brought the binoculars up to your eyes to sweep the area. You spotted a small gathering of Saberclaws prowling up to the commotion. You briskly brought the radio to your mouth.
“Uh, GUYS. A pack of saberclaws are coming up on you from the west!”
The radio scratched with Noct’s voice, “How many?”
“Seven, from what I can see. They’re about 30 meters away. Get that Garula and hightail it!”
“Right, thanks!”
Your knuckles began turning white as you gripped the binoculars to the point of implosion. Your eyes continued to dart in between the trampling herd of garula and the impending attack from the saberclaws. You desperately tried to keep up with each of the boy’s whereabouts, but the frenzy of battle had your attention scattered across the expansive grassy plain. Another abrupt movement from the north alerted you to a single saberclaw that had been flanking them all along. You immediately brought the radio back to your face.
“Noct! To the North!”
The radio was silent, it’s staticky song offering no other discernible notes. A cerulean bolt of light could be seen from afar; Noct was preoccupied by the target of their bounty. You scanned the area again for the stray saberclaw but it was nowhere to be found. Oh gods, where is it?!
A distant scream suddenly echoed across the valley as you witnessed Prompto’s frame thrown to ground. His chest hit the dirt violently, knocking the air from his lungs as the lone Saberclaw pinned him down from behind.
“PROM!” you instinctively shouted from atop the slope. A grave mistake.
Two saberclaws turned their attention to the noise, taking mere seconds to narrow down your location. You quickly cupped your mouth with your hand realizing your error. Your eyes widened with terror as the two predators began bounding swiftly up the hill. You turned to sprint up the hillside, tripping carelessly to the ground and frantically urging your legs to work. The snarling sound from their breaths became louder as they closed in on you.
You managed to get a few meters away when a blinding burst of light caused you to stumble to the ground once more. You rolled over onto your back prepared to meet the glistening teeth of a saberclaw but you were instead greeted with a familiar sight.
Noct had his sword buried deep into the back of one of the imposing saberclaws. It released an agonizing howl, attempting to whip Noct from its backside. The other jerked its head to face him, equally startled at the young prince’s sudden assault. The saberclaw beneath Noct had fallen limp to the ground. He quickly withdrew his sword from its flesh, preparing to fight its pack mate. It roared with a vengeful rage and reared its hind legs in preparation for attack. But a sharp yelp escaped its throat when a silver dagger soared through the air striking the deranged hound in the neck. The saberclaw stumbled for several seconds before letting out a gurgled cry. Its eyes rolled back into its head as it finally fell to the ground. You laid there in shock trying to grasp the reality of the situation.
“[Y/N] are you okay?!” Noct exclaimed, pulling himself up with the hilt of his sword.
For a moment you struggled to muster up any form of communication. Lifting yourself up on your elbows, you finally inhaled a deep breath since losing all lung function five minutes ago.
“Y-yeah. Yeah, I’m fine.”
“Noct! [Y/N]!” the owner of the blade appeared. Ignis jogged up the hill panting lightly upon arrival. “Are you both alright?”
“Yeah we’re good here,” the raven-haired prince replied. He reached for your hand to pull you up. Still trembling from the fray, you grabbed his hand as he hoisted you up on your feet.
”I’m.. I’m so sorry! I shouldn’t have yelled. I wasn’t thinking. I just saw Prom get attacked and I just-“ the muddied apology spilled from your mouth. “I should’ve kept quiet and out of sight. Now you and Iggy had to come save me and.. and..”
Noctis couldn’t help but laugh aloud. Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes, “..wh-what’s so funny?”
“It was a mistake, you’re not the first to make one,” still trying to regain some of his own breath from the scuffle. “All that matters is that everyone’s alright.”
“I know but-“ you perceived that any remorse at this point seemed unconvincing to them, “-I could’ve really put us all in danger.”
“Well, you should’ve seen me when I first learned to cast spells,” Noct replied.
“Noct still insists to this day that his ‘Friendly Fire’ spell was intentional and necessary,” Ignis added, folding his arms.
You made a feeble attempt to laugh. Spellcasting was a subject you had yet to touch up on since becoming a Summoner in training; skillset number three in the never-ending list of challenges.
“None the less, it was a miscalculation. Perhaps we should work on your protective enchantments sooner than later?” Ignis suggested. I must really be a burden at this point if I can’t even protect myself or them for that matter… Your stomach sank at the thought.
Gladio and Prompto had finally made it up the hillside. Prompto hobbled slightly on one foot as he fished a potion from his pocket, cracking it in front of him.
“Prom, “ you shakily cried out, running up to the young gunman. “Are you okay? I saw that Saberclaw attack you… I’m so sorry I couldn’t alert you faster,” you stated pathetically.
“Heh I’m alright. See? Potions are quite handy for these things,” he replied reassuringly. “I didn’t know you liked to be the bait as well as a look out! Haha!” He nudged you with his elbow, attempting to cheer you up after the ordeal.
I really have to get it together. I know they’re just letting everything slide because I’m still new to this all. They should’nt have to cover me for my mistakes. I’ll make it up to them, somehow. You were determined to bounce back from this. “Yeah, right! A scrawny little thing like me is an easy meal for these daemons and beasts. Put me on a lure and throw me out!” The amusing imagery evoked a laugh amongst the boys. “Well, at least that’s over finally. I’ll help you guys gather everything up.”
A faint buzz was heard from Noct’s pocket. He pulled out his cell phone, the face of the Amicitia sibling glowed on the screen.
“Hello? Iris?” Noct held the phone to his ear. Iris is Gladio’s younger sister, I wonder if she’s doing okay… The group patiently waited for Noct’s conversation to finish. “Yeah, will do.” He hung up the phone and placed it back in his pocket.
Gladio intruded, “Was that Iris? Can’t even call her own brother.”
“In all fairness, yours was not the obituary broad cast all over Lucis,” Ignis countered.
“What about me? She say anything about me?” Prompto pleaded.
“Looks like we’re headed to Lestallum,” Noct instructed to the group, “Iris wants to meet up.”
You had never been to the bustling industrial town but you were excited to finally see it first-hand. You had heard so much about the place growing up in Insomnia but your parents were the only ones who had ventured outside the crown city to visit it. You could hardly wait to check out Lestallum’s market, but most importantly, snuggle into a puddle of blankets in an actual warm bed.
“Let’s not waste any time then, night will be upon us shortly, “ Ignis gestured towards the Regalia.
The crew began heading across the field and you found yourself walking alongside Ignis. “I’ve never been to Lestallum. I’m kinda hoping it turns out exactly as I imagined,” you said.
“It is home to the Exineris power plant so naturally many of its inhabitants are employees of the industry. It has an intriguing night market,” he responded. “If you so desire, you can join me in gathering supplies. I’m quite interested to see what other rare findings you come across,” he warmly offered.
A faint rose color painted across your cheeks, you were glad you were not facing him the entirety of the exchange. “Yeah, that would be really fun actually. I want to see how you go about picking out the best ingredients,” you accepted a bit more enthusiastically than you should have.
He laughed quietly with a gentle smile adorned upon his face, “I believe you and I have a lot to offer one another.”
Matcha Mushipan (Green Tea Steamed Cake)
*Yield about 12 cakes
**Best when served fresh, can store in refrigerator and microwave for 5 to 10 seconds
Ingredients
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup plain yogurt
4.5 tablespoons granulated sugar
180 grams (1.5 cups + 3 tablespoons) cake flour (or all-purpose flour)
3 teaspoons baking powder
3 teaspoons green tea powder (or cocoa powder for chocolate mushipan)
Kitchen Tools
Dry and liquid measuring tools
1 medium bowl
Whisk
Sifter or sieve
1 large pot with lid or steamer with lid
1 kitchen towel and rubberband
Glass or ceramic ramekins
Cupcake liners
- If using a steamer:
- Fill bottom pan with water and bring to a boil
- Place one steaming tray on top
- If using a pot:
- Place ramekins in pot, fill pot with water until water level is about halfway up the side of the ramekins
- Remove ramekins and bring water to a boil
- Wrap the lid with the kitchen towel, bring the four corners together at the center handle and tie together with rubber band (this prevents condensation during steaming so that the water does not drip onto your cakes, don’t let any edges of the towel hang down otherwise it’ll catch fire if it touches the flame!)
- In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and vegetable oil together
- Add honey and yogurt and whisk well
- Add sugar and whisk well
- Sift cake flour and baking powder together, then add to egg mixture
- Sift matcha powder into mixture, then fold until well incorporated
- Place 1 cupcake liner into each ramekin
- Fill each liner until about ½ or ¾ full
- When the water is boiling, carefully place ramekins inside pot (or place in steaming tray) use tongs if needed. (make sure its not a strong rolling boil otherwise water will splash into the batter)
- Cover the pot with wrapped lid (ensure that no significant amount of steam is leaking out), and steam over medium-low heat for 12-14 minutes (do NOT over cook, it will harden the cake)
- Test for readiness by inserting a bamboo stick or barbeque stick into center and make sure it comes out clean
- Remove the ramekins from pot and carefully remove cakes to cool on a baking rack