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The four boys stumbled back to the ranch that evening with singed clothing and jubilant smiles on their faces as they handed in their proof of their successful hunt. Wiz breathed out a sigh of relief at the news that Deadeye wouldn’t be a problem anymore and happily handed over the bounty reward. Then watched in astonishment as they instantly proceeded to hand a large chunk of it back by placing a large food order, renting the campervan for the night, leasing four chocobos for the full seven-day rental period, and buying a ton of greens for their birds.
“Are ya sure, ya want to spend that much of your earnings?” Wiz asked the leader of the group in astonishment.
“Yeah, I’m sure,” the dark haired boy replied firmly as he watched his excited blond friend coo over his borrowed bird. “My brothers have gone through a lot for me. Least I can do is give them a meal, and a warm bed for the night. And if a chocobo ride will make them happy, I’m going to give that to them too.”
“You’re a good, lad…” Wiz trailed off not having caught the young man’s name.
“Noctis.”
Wiz barely managed to keep his surprise from showing. Noctis as in Prince Noctis? If that truly was the case, then these boys had gone through one hell of a time. With the fall of Insomnia they’d have lost a home, a kingdom, and a fiancé if the radio reports were to be believed… But then again, those same reports had also claimed Prince Noctis had died too, so maybe there was a lot more to the story.
“You’re a good lad, Noctis,” Wiz repeated sincerely. “Please enjoy the ranch while I get your order in.”
“Thanks,” Noctis said as he walked over to where his companions were feeding the birds.
Wiz headed to the kitchen to fix up their Chocobo Club Sandwiches and smiled as he glanced out the window and saw Noctis jump backwards to avoid a snap as he fed one of their feistier birds. Whether or not that boy was the prince, he had a good heart. And if Wiz added a few extra slices of ham to each sandwich than he usually would, well… no one would ever be the wiser.