Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Brzzzt, brzzzt!

Brzzzt, brzzzt!

Shock gripped Noctis’ body as the vibration of his phone was louder than its chime against his nightstand, waking him suddenly. It buzzed over top of the end table next to his bed for the second time that morning after he already hit ‘snooze’ thirty minutes prior. He furrowed his brow as he reached over and grabbed the phone from its spot, its charger still connected as he fumbled with it.

Of course, with the room still darkened by the blinds and curtains, the phone’s screen light was like a flash bang as soon as it hit his retinas. Groaning and squinting, Noctis answered the call once he registered that his caller ID showed that it was Ignis Scientia — one of his royal retainers and future Hand of the King.

“... Hello?” Noctis’ voice croaked out.

“Good morning. Did I wake you?” Ignis’ voice did not sound the least bit concerned. He spoke with the ‘royal accent’ of Insomnia — a verbal indicator of those that lived the life of nobility. Usually, anyway.

Noctis had long since dropped his.

“Well, the alarm sure didn’t...” Noctis replied, rolling over in his bed to squint at the green numbers that displayed the time on his alarm clock.

It was 6:33 AM.

“Then I was right to call,” Ignis said, ignoring the fact that Noctis yawned right into the receiver and into his ear.

“But it’s so early.” This was a common complaint from Noctis when it pertained to Ignis waking him up in the morning. The royal retainer had grown so accustomed to hearing it that it was now just something to tune out on many occasions of protest.

“I’m heading over regardless. Make sure you have everything in order before I arrive.”

Noctis let out an annoyed sigh. “Right...”

“And you had best be awake when I get there,” Ignis said, his voice stern. “His Majesty should be eagerly anticipating your arrival.”

“I know. I will be — awake, that is…” Noctis replied, shuffling his comforter off of himself with a lack of any real conviction to his actions.

“Good. I’ll be there soon.” With that, Ignis hung up the phone. With a bit of an amused scoff, Noctis smiled wryly to himself and stretched.

“Guess I’d better get up…” Noctis murmured. He slowly slipped out of the warmth of his bed and planted his feet against the wooden floor. There was much to have been done around the apartment, especially given that he was officially moving out soon as well. Scratching at the back of his head and stifling another yawn, the young prince grimaced to himself. There were a number of things that needed to have been done before he was officially moved out.

‘Should have probably taken Ignis’ advice on packing up a couple weeks before leaving for the wedding,’ Noctis thought to himself with a drawn out sigh.

The apartment was a mess. Clothes were strewn about the floor, comics and games were piled on top of one another messily, and he could already hear Ignis’ sigh of disappointment when it came to the couple boxes of takeout that sat on the kitchen counter. Honestly, anything that was even just slightly out of place, and Ignis’ voice would echo in the back of Noctis’ head: 'It would do you well to keep everything organized and picked up. I won't always be around to pick up after you. And neither will Primam.'

"Yeah, yeah… I know…" Noctis huffed to himself.

Turning on the lights and taking up a black garbage bag, Noctis begrudgingly started to pick up obvious bits of trash. He even went a little extra further and tossed some smaller things as well — plastic seals broken off of drinks and things of the like that he would have normally passed over without a second thought. However, the garbage bag was still only partially filled before he put it aside. He was done with cleaning up for now.

Walking back into his bedroom, Noctis sniffed the shirt he was wearing before picking up another one off the floor and giving it a sniff as well. Smelled fine… Shrugging, he swapped shirts and found some black pants to accompany his lazily thrown together wardrobe.

As soon as Noctis got socks on his feet, the door to his apartment opened, and Ignis walked in. His keys jingled together as he walked further into the abode. Noctis had not even heard the fact that Ignis unlocked the door.

“Noct? I thought I told you to make sure everything was in order before I arrived,” Ignis called out. Noctis could only groan in response before he trudged over to his bedroom entrance.

“I cleaned,” Noctis retorted indignantly once Ignis was in his view. "How much did you expect me to do in the fifteen minutes it took you to get here?"

At this, Ignis looked around the apartment. There were still comics scattered on the coffee table between the couch and the television in the living room, dirty dishes were soaking in the sink, and a pile of still unsorted mail sitting on the dining room table. The apartment was very much still in an unkempt state.

As expected, Ignis gave a sigh of disappointment before adjusting his glasses.

“It’s good that we asked Gladio and Prompto to help with cleaning up. Are you sure you didn’t want to also ask the others for aid?” Ignis asked. He took the shoehorn from the shoe rack at the front to remove his loafers before stepping fully into the apartment while getting the slippers at the step fitted onto his feet.

“Nah, too many people if I did that…” Noctis said. “I wouldn't be able to stand Lyra and Vera bickering over the smallest things. Mollie's…well, she's been busy, hasn't she? Prim and Tandem might have been nice. But since they’ve been made part of the Kingsglaive, it’s been hard to get in touch with them. Kinda frustrating.”

Silence lingered in the air for a moment after Noctis made his statement. It seemed that Ignis was thinking how best to word his thoughts. Though normally composed and tactful, there were times where information had to be digested in the stillness of a pause.

“... Primam was quite distraught by the decision, wasn’t she?” Ignis quietly recollected as he walked to the dining room table to sort through the mail. He started to sort through junk mail, bills, and personal letters.

Noctis shrugged at the question, however. A frown creased on his lips before he replied with, “Their parents were adamant about them being in the Glaive. I remember being there with my father when Gratia and Atticus came to us regarding their change in duty. Blindsided everyone that was there that day.”

“They deserve to be part of the Crownsguard along with me and the other nobles. It's what we've all trained for.” The twinge of frustration was evident in Ignis’ voice. “Being part of the Glaive also removed their chances at studying within any of the colleges in the kingdom. I can’t imagine how it damaged both of them in that respect. Both of them had promising courses they wanted to pursue that would have been a boon to your Council.”

“Too late to do anything about it now….” Noctis meandered toward the coffee table and started to straighten out the comics and game cases at the very least. He did not voice it, but Noctis also found himself frustrated. Part of Noctis felt a small wave of guilt that his words made it feel like he was dismissing what happened to them.

“Maybe when Luna and I are back, I’ll make it one of the first things I do — I’ll make Primam and Tandem into Crownsguard. Arms of the King don’t do me any good if they’re treated like basic infantry and defense,” Noctis said in an attempt to push back that guilt. It seemed futile.

“Yes… Well, we'll worry about that when the time comes. In the meantime, we should get out that door to make it back to the Citadel on time,” Ignis said, checking the watch that adorned his wrist. He went back to the door of the apartment and slipped his shoes back on before heading out. Of course, eager to actually see his own father before they all left for the wedding, Noctis was not far behind.

The car ride was one that Noctis found himself mildly curious about. After all, the car that was being used was his own — a car that was called the ‘Star of Lucis.’ It had been specially made for his twentieth birthday nearly a year prior. It was a big celebration, though Noctis was unable to recall much of it, truth be told. He was not much for celebrations — least of all, big ones.

“Can’t remember the last time I was in this car,” Noctis commented a little ways during their time on the road. The interior of the car still smelled new — like it had been chosen off the lot the past week.

“It would have been about a month ago, I think.” Ignis might have given the impression that he was uncertain of the time frame, but his eidetic memory was certain that it was indeed a month ago.

“Not much reason to use this one since you’re always carting me around in yours.” Noctis looked out the window, watching as buildings went past.

“Forgive me for working too hard,” Ignis replied, sighing in mock exasperation.

“So why this car today?” That really was the main question. Noctis assumed that he would have seen the interior of this car the day he was officially slated to get on out of Insomnia. He already knew that he and the others were going to be traveling out in his dad's old car — a vehicle that had been called the Regalia.

“Captain Drautos mentioned wanting to use it to ferry guests for the signing ceremony,” Ignis briefly explained.

“You don’t say…” Noctis leaned against the door of the car, propping his chin in the palm of his hand.

“After we arrive at the Citadel, I shall entrust it to him.”

“I see… Well, I don’t mind if he uses it for a little while. It’s still practically brand new.”

A red light gave Ignis enough time to glance over at Noctis with the hint of a grin forming on his face.

“You haven’t been behind the wheel in some time, have you? I remember you being rather eager to drive when you got your license.” Ignis’ tone masked the teasing well, but after years of being together, Noctis picked up on it decently enough.

“Yeah, well… There’s traffic everywhere, and it’s not like I can go wherever I want. Having someone else drive is just easier.”

“And it allows you time to sleep.” The light turned green after Ignis spoke, and the car lurched forward before picking up speed.

“You know me so well.” Noctis’ response caused Ignis to chuckle. Though, the prince had to push a question that had been on his mind in the time that they had been on the road discussing everything: “Are you gonna let Prompto drive the Regalia?”

“He seemed quite keen to take the wheel. And what of yourself?”

Noctis gave a smirk. “Think I’ll pass. Probably best if you don’t let him drive, either.”

“There’s no guarantee I’ll be much better. We’re all beginners when it comes to driving outside the capital.” Ignis’ brow furrowed as he contemplated just what was beyond the walls of Insomnia — even more so what was on the opposite side of the magical barrier that protected everyone. “I can’t imagine what it’ll be like out there beyond the material I'd been given to study beforehand.”

“You and I both…” Noctis remarked. He refused to think back on the night the marilith attacked him, his mother, and their guards. But of course…the more he tried not thinking about it, the more it plagued his thoughts.

Silence lingered in the car before Ignis looked down at the time displayed on the clock. Frowning to himself, he applied more pressure to the gas and picked up the pace. Neither of the men had anything further to say as the vehicle sped off toward the Citadel.

Chapter Text

It was a matter of minutes before Ignis was parking the car in the underground car lot and both he and Noctis were making their way toward the towering image of the Citadel. It was always such an awe-inspiring visage, especially when gazing toward the top of the building. One could never miss the font of magic that connected to the protective dome that encapsulated Insomnia. It was here where the dome, known as the Wall, was anchored.

Atop the stairs into the Citadel was a rather burly man. At a glance, he could have been mistaken for Cor…which Noctis had been guilty of having done in his youth.

The man was adorned in a coat of black — the revered color of Lucis, and so worn by royalty and those that worked for the royal Crown more times than not. His brow was set in a rather heavily set furrow, a stern frown upon his lips. Yeah, it was easy to have mistaken this man for Cor were it not for how much broader the man's shoulders and chest were these days.

“We’ve been waiting for you, Your Highness,” the man said, offering the bare minimum of a bow to Noctis.

“Haven’t seen you in ages, Drautos,” Noctis said, offering the bare minimum of a wave in turn. He had seen Drautos around, but sometimes even a week could feel like it dragged on for months if Noctis had any pressing matters to take care of. It was rare, but there was quite a bit of paperwork piling up along with actually having a job and doing schoolwork in the past.

Shrugging off Noctis’ flippant greeting, Drautos looked at Ignis with a stiff nod. There was an exchange of keys as Ignis relinquished Noctis' car into Drautos' care. Looking down at the keys momentarily, he then turned his attention to the young Prince. “After your business is finished, will you be returning home, Prince Noctis?”

“That’s the plan,” Noctis replied. He lazily brought his hands over and rested them in his pockets.

“Understood. Then I’ll have someone drop you off.”

“Thanks.” Noctis frowned with thought. Looking back up at Drautos, Noctis asked him: "Hey, while we're here… How are Primam and Tandem?"

The corner of Drautos' mouth twitched as he glanced back down at the keys in his possession. "The…former Arms-in-training are doing well enough. They've adjusted to their new station at the very least."

His words were stiff. The words used were enough to make Noctis bite back a grimace.

"For a mercy, they've been good about following instructions. That's more than I can say for some of the other Glaive I have under my command." Drautos finally pocketed the keys and then shifted his attention over. “Ignis.”

“Yes, sir?” Ignis straightened his posture reflexively.

“Make sure you’re available at all times. I can’t say for sure when King Regis will be able to see you given his schedule having been rearranged.”

Much as Ignis tried to hide it, he could not help but furrow his brow with surprise at the update. It was not often that he was taken unaware — much less left in the dark to changes in plans… Especially ones of this nature. Pursing his lips, he went on to say: “I had no idea.”

“Seriously? Whatever happened to meeting us now?” The impatience made itself more than evident in Noctis’ tone. Drautos, however, elected to ignore it whilst keeping his eyes on Ignis.

“His meeting probably dragged on longer than anticipated.” Drautos informed them. This elicited a somewhat exasperated ‘ugh…’ from Noctis.

“I hope His Majesty is able to see you before your departure tomorrow.” There seemed to have been a finality to the discussion after Drautos spoke and silence lingered between everyone. Of course, this pleased Noctis little as he folded his arms over his chest, kicking at the ground with some agitation.

“Captain.” Ignis broke the silence.

“Yes?”

“Is the date of the signing still undecided?” At Ignis’ question, Drautos seemed to glance uncomfortably between both he and Noctis.

“Unfortunately, yes.”

A troubled sigh escaped Ignis. “Unfortunate, indeed."

“I understand your anxieties — both of you,” Drautos looked at Noctis to acknowledge him as well in that moment. “But Regis has said he’d like to proceed with caution.”

“Of course.” Noctis could tell from Ignis’ expression after he spoke his affirmation that there was more at hand to have been concerned about. However, the Prince kept his mouth shut, electing to shove his hands into his pockets with further annoyance.

“I’ll let you know as soon as I hear anything,” Drautos said, placing his free hand on Ignis’ shoulder briefly and looking him in the eye.

“Much obliged.” Ignis concluded the discussion, pulling away from the Captain and heading into the Citadel with Noctis close behind.

Noctis’ expression only grew sour once they were inside the building. There were a lot of concerns and questions that raced through his mind about everything. More than anything, he was just frustrated that it was his last day in Insomnia before he was to get on the road with three of his trusted allies to make way to Altissia. Annoyance rose thinking that his own father had been trapped in meetings and discussions that prevented the two from having the chance to at least see each other off properly.

Thoughts were about to form out of Noctis’ mouth to word vomit at Ignis until he caught the familiar voice of someone — Iris of House Amicitia.

“Any chance I could see him?” Noctis heard Iris say. She was close, but nowhere to be seen for now.

“Not at present… Your father is still in a meeting.” Another familiar voice.

Turning the corner, Noctis and Ignis were able to see who Iris was conversing with. Silex Scientia — the current head of House Scientia following the unfortunate events that took Ignis’ parents when he was a child. It was always a nagging thought at the far back of Noctis’ mind whenever he saw Silex, the man that acted as not only Ignis’ uncle, but as a father figure since the attack at Cape Caem.

“Prince Noctis. You look well,” Silex said in greeting once he caught sight of both Noctis and Ignis. His words were the cause for Iris to turn on her heel suddenly. A large smile spread across her face as she looked at Noctis.

“Noct!” Iris brought her hands behind her back, lacing her fingers together.

“Hey Iris,” Noctis greeted before looking at Silex. Given what he had overheard from the two, a question bubbled forth: “Mr. Scientia, is my dad around?”

Silex’s chest and shoulders heaved with a silent, weary sigh before he glanced at Iris and then back at the Prince. “As I was just telling Iris, the King and Clarus’ meeting has yet to adjourn. You both have my sincerest apologies.”

“No…No worries…” Noctis said, already beating himself up mentally for failing to hide the disappointment in his voice. Also for allowing that question to slip past his lips when he already knew the answer prior to asking it. Maybe he was hoping for a different answer from a different person.

“I’m…sorry for the delay,” Silex apologized, drawing his hands together.

“It’s not your fault, Uncle,” Ignis said, attempting to assuage any discomfort or feelings of guilt at this time. “I’m sure that whatever is going on right now is far out of anyone’s hands. Unfortunate as it may be.”

“Yeah…” Noctis started, barely adding to what Ignis said. “We’ve got other things to do anyway.”

“Like getting ready for your trip?” Iris inquired, looking up at Noctis as she neared him.

“Yep.”

“Thought so. Bummer I don’t get to go with you and see the wedding...” While Iris’ words betrayed the remorse she attempted to feign, she did let out a sigh with a sense of disappointment that felt unrelated. Noctis opted not to press her on the matter. He figured the two of them were in the same boat: unable to meet with their parents.

Clearing his throat, Noctis shrugged and said, “I’m sure you’d just get bored along the way anyway. From what I've gone over with Dad and Ignis, it's probably gonna take quite some time to get there.”

“Well~” Iris started in a singsong tone. “Do you mind if I tag along with you? Just for today?”

“Around here?” Noctis was genuinely confused this time.

“No! Back to your place, silly!” Iris clarified with a small laugh.

Noctis exchanged looks with Ignis. Ignis seemed to have the expression that told Noctis that he was going to have to deal with answering her on his own. Suppressing his own sigh, the Prince rubbed at the back of his neck before finally saying, “Maybe…not a good idea.”

“What? Why not?” Iris asked. “It’s your last night in town; you're going to have a party, aren’t you?”

“Not…that kind of party…” Noctis said while Ignis shook his head and laughed wryly at the perceived assumption of what was happening later.

“It’s a moving-out party. Nothing but cleaning,” Ignis decided to dehaze Iris’ idea of what was going on later that evening.

“Cleaning!?” Iris asked, her voice rising a lot higher than she originally anticipated as evidenced by the fact that she brought her hands up to cover her mouth after her outburst.

“Yep. There’ll be bugs everywhere.” Noctis was honestly not sure whether or not he was lying in full. There probably were a few roaches hiding out at his apartment. Whether or not there were, however, there were definitely a couple gnats that had made themselves comfortable around the sink. Nothing extreme, thankfully, but nothing to really dismiss, either.

Iris, upon hearing some elaboration on that, scrunched up her face in a mix of disgust and disappointment to the news.

“So you’re probably better off staying away,” Noctis concluded of that aspect of their discussion before moving on. “What’re you doing here anyway?”

Iris’ expression softened before she pointed to a neat black paper bag leaning against a wall. “I brought a change of clothes for my dad. He’s been so busy lately; he just sleeps at the Citadel!”

“Not even Master Clarus has been spared from the treaty preparations, I see,” Ignis commented, adjusting his glasses. His amusement disappeared now that the topic shifted. Noctis glanced at the floor, his mouth forming into a thin line as he remembered all the pressure father must have been enduring at this time.

It certainly could not have been easy.

Turning back to Silex with this new consideration, Noctis asked in a concerned tone, “How’s my dad doing?”

“Exhaustion aside, he seems to be doing just fine,” Silex reassured Noctis.

“Can he still walk?”

“But of course.” Silex’s brow raised as he answered. He seemed surprised that Noctis would have thought otherwise of Regis. However, the relief in Noctis was palpable by all that were there as he let out a sigh he had no idea he was even holding.

“Great. I’m glad to hear it,” Noctis said.

Giving Noctis a nod to acknowledge his words, Silex moved on and looked at his nephew. “Ignis, I will contact you once His Majesty has a moment.”

An indignant scowl befell Noctis’ face, though he stayed silent. It was not as if he always checked his phone, much less answered it. Sometimes he just slept through it ringing or notifying him of anything. Still, it stung a little knowing that even he, Regis’ own son, would be less of a consideration versus the future Hand of the King. Even if he hated admitting it was for the best to himself.

“Much appreciated. For now, we’ll be on our way to the Prince’s quarters.” Ignis offered a courteous bow to his uncle before he and Noctis turned to start walking toward aforementioned quarters.

"Noct…" Iris spoke up before the two of them got too far, making both of them look at her inquisitively.

"Congratulations on your wedding," Iris said with a smile on her face that failed to reach her eyes. A twinge of sadness had been evident in her tone.

There was a moment's silence that lingered between Noctis and Iris before the Prince gave a somewhat shy smile. Turning his head away, he replied: "It's a little early for that. But… Thanks, Iris. I’ll see you later.”

Iris watched as the two turned to continue on their way. Soon, her expression fell, and matched that twinge of sadness that was heard in her tone. Not that Noctis nor Ignis witnessed it for themselves as they strode down the halls, passing window after window, and door after door.

Chapter Text

Wiping the sweat from her brow, Primam had been taken away to the medical and triage center of the Glaive HQ. She had no say in the matter when Mollis came to retrieve her. After the attack at the Wall just a few nights ago, there were a number of Glaive that had come back, beaten and battered. Ever since being stripped of title alongside her twin brother, this was the new, glamorous life she had to grow accustomed to over the last half year.

"How are we feeling?" Primam asked, her hand outstretched over one Glaive's injury. She was taking care of a deep cut that ran nearly the whole length of the arm of the person she was tending to. Their stitches had already come loose — no doubt a result of pushing themselves after receiving them.

With her grasp of White magic, Primam's Cura spell worked to mend the wound together, leaving behind a smaller scar than if it had healed naturally on its own.

The Glaive moved their arm around and then flexed their fingers before a scoff of disbelief fell from their lips. "I can hardly tell I was hurt to begin with! Thanks!"

"That's good to hear…" Primam said with a small smile before she stood back up on her feet. "Still, treat it as if you still have that injury. I know I have no real jurisdiction to tell you what to do, though I do recommend setting aside some time for rest. You will feel extremely tired within the next half hour due to the magic's speeding up your body's healing process — you'll feel like you've ran a marathon once it catches up with you."

"I'll keep that in mind."

Primam watched as the Glaive hopped off the cot and threw their jacket back on. With a sigh, she could also feel her own body wanting so desperately for rest. There was only so much that she, the other medical-based Glaive, and even those under the employ of House Viridis could do to allay the injuries the surviving Glaive sustained from the attack.

All of it was so worrying. It was not as if Niflheim making advances on the territories of Lucis was anything new… But to have come and try to breach the Wall?

Primam's face scrunched slightly.

The very fact that Emperor Iedolas Aldercapt now wanted to sign a treaty for peace after pressing such a display of force… It beggared belief.

"Prim." A familiar voice made Primam snap her attention over. She saw her twin brother walking in through the doorway, a furrow in his brow as he neared.

"Tandem?" Primam was surprised to see him at all. He was not as magically gifted as she was, so there was barely a reason for him to have been there under normal circumstances. She turned to face him more fully. "What is it?"

"Ater is summoning us…" Tandem kept his words brief and to the point. His expression already spoke volumes as to his discomfort for the situation at hand. "I know you're busy down here, but Mollis made it sound pretty urgent."

"I'll assume Captain Drautos is aware…" Primam replied.

"Who cares if he is?" Tandem asked with a shrug, his question rhetorical. "Either way, Ater's word take precedence over Drautos' any way you slice it."

While that statement was true, Primam could not help the frown that tugged at her lips. It was clear that Captain Drautos had been taken unaware by their placement in the Glaive when they were presented before him. It seemed their mother, Gratia, had not taken the time to inform Drautos of such matters.

As such, it made Primam wary of doing much within the Glaive without 'proper' permission. After all, with the way Drautos often addressed them so curtly since their recruitment… It was completely different than when they had seen Drautos otherwise back when they were made to be at Noctis' side.

"Lead the way…" Primam motioned forward briefly. Once Tandem turned and started walking on his way, Primam fell into step behind him.

Walking the halls of the Glaive HQ always felt like a pale imitation of walking the halls of the Citadel. Sure, the architecture could have been called similar…all just a construct of Insomnia with the telltale Insomnian design. But no matter how long it had been since the twins had been stationed within the Glaive, the sand and ivory tones of the Glaive HQ versus the obsidian and warm tones of the Citadel really just cemented the fact that they walked within the shade of what 'home' was to them. Even the silence that lingered between them as they walked was something so foreign. Especially as it stayed settled between them all the way til they reached the door to Ater's office.

Tandem rapped his knuckles against the door. When a voice from beyond invited them to enter, the twins filed in and stood before the desk where Ater was seated.

"Glad you two could make it," Ater greeted with a smile on his face. He then gestured toward the leather seats, inviting both Primam and Tandem to sit.

Both continued to stand.

"Master Ater…" Primam began. Her brow was set in a somewhat worried furrow. With so many Glaive that needed aid, she did feel torn between standing there and needing to go back to help those within her same station. "Apologies…it's just…there aren't enough medical staff to care for the Glaive. I apologize if I seem in a rush to inquire as to why Tandem and I have been called here by you."

Normally, Primam would have never considered speaking up before those ranked higher than her had a chance to speak their part. These were, however, quite interesting times that they were all living in right now. And these interesting times seemed to make it so that this weight of time needed to be managed properly with each ticking second.

"Ah…yes. The medical situation is quite dire — more given that Arbor is unable to tend to anything since many of us have been required to double our efforts in our stations since the announcement of the peace treaty…" Ater laced his fingers together and then rested them over his mouth, a contemplative expression befalling his face. "I will tend to what I can in your absence should you both be amenable to what I'd like to offer you."

"Which is?" Tandem pressed, his arms coming up to fold over his chest.

"Prince Noctis is due to leave tomorrow," Ater replied simply.

"… 'Tomorrow'?" Primam repeated, her face twisting into confusion. "But…he's due to wed the Lady Oracle here in the city in the next—"

"Is what we want Niflheim to believe is the plan…" Ater interjected. He stood from his desk and walked around it. "Noctis and his selected retinue will be leaving the city to depart for Altissia where he and Lady Lunafreya will be wed instead."

"Why weren't we told?" Tandem's brow tightly knitted together with annoyance.

"Because as Arms of the King, you would have no doubt found a way to go with him, and we need you here." Ater frowned with this statement. "Just as we need Mollie and those of the Voxes here. With the peace treaty signing happening soon, it is now I must tell you to be prepared for anything. As such, I must also ask you to act as Arms of the People until such a time you can reclaim your mantles of Arm of the King."

"Isn't the date still undecided? What the hell does that mean?" Tandem hissed, his fingers digging into his arm.

Ater pursed his lips. "I'm afraid I can't say more than that. All you need to know is that you will know when the time comes."

Both Tandem and Primam fell into silence, mulling over what Ater revealed to them.

"… So what exactly are you offering us?" Tandem finally asked.

"Reprieve from the Glaive HQ and duties thereof for the day," Ater replied. "You can use this time to see Noctis and wish him well. It's the least I can do for the two of you. I know your mother won't."

Primam's lips parted, surprise on her face as she looked up at Ater. "Th…Thank you, Master Ater."

Ater's expression softened. "It's the least I could do… Now go on. The two of you are wasting valuable daytime."

"What if our mother catches wind?" Tandem asked, skeptical for the situation at large compared to Primam. "Don't get me wrong, Ater, I just want to know that Gratia doesn't hear back about this. Or if she does, then it'd be good to know that she can at least shove it up her—"

Ater held up a hand to silence Tandem. "Gratia will not hear word of this. As it so happens, she is currently out all day attending a meeting with the King and the rest of the royal council. Sans myself, of course."

"And why aren't you present?" Tandem's eyes narrowed.

"Someone needs to oversee the Glaive, and given the attack on the Wall last night, we cannot entrust this fully to either Cor nor Captain Drautos. Besides…" Ater sighed, his expression changing slightly to concern. "Cor has already been stationed at the city outskirts per the King's order. He's already taken his own selection of Crownsguard with him."

Pursing her lips, Primam mulled over everything told to both she and Tandem in that time. The more she thought about it, the more her brow creased with consideration. She was about to open her mouth to ask a question before Tandem beat her to it.

"So Cor's not at the stuffy meetings, either? Since when did the Noble Houses go out past the Wall for duty? Surely the Guard and the Glaive are more than enough to take care of the Wall. Hell…you have Prim and I to take care of things as part of the Glaive now — not that anyone has bothered to send us out there." Tandem's voice carried an uneasy edge to it, as if trying to make sense of the situation overall while also justifying his stance.

"We can't send 'new recruits' out to defend the Wall. That's what you are… In a sense." Ater rolled his hand. "Look. Stop asking questions. I told you what I can. Know that there's a reason for everything. Now get on out of here and meet with the Prince."

Tandem's step forward to keep pressing was Primam's cue to grab her brother by the arm and tug him toward the door. She kept her attention on Ater, a tired though grateful smile on her face. "Thank you, Master Ater, for this opportunity. I hope that we can go ahead and repay it at some point."

Primam turned her attention toward Tandem.

"We should get showered and dressed to meet with Noctis."

It took a couple seconds, but Tandem eventually relented and relaxed, turning toward the door himself. "Yeah, let's get going. Thanks, Ater."

The briefing room was empty, which Libertus seemed to enjoy, surprisingly. Of course, with his left leg bound in a cast up to the middle of his shin, Libertus was off duty for quite some time as he had to abide by any physical therapy that he was assigned. Most of what his duties included were running any errands he was capable of…which was not exactly much.

Libertus sat up straight in the chair he was in when he heard the creaking of the door opening. Looking at the entryway, he noted a tall man in a captain’s uniform. The man within that uniform was Captain Titus Drautos — the one Kingsglaive answered to if Clarus Amicitia, Gratia Chorus, Cor Leonis, nor Ater Somnium were there to keep watch over every little thing.

“Thank you for coming, Libertus,” Titus said before pausing and scanning the room. His gaze fell back upon Libertus with the barest hint of bemusement before he asked, "Where’s Nyx?"

“On his way. What’s up?” Libertus asked, reaching for his crutches and standing to his feet. It was more out of respect than anything.

“I wanted one of you to see the Prince back to his place in the city,” Titus briefly explained, a frown settling on his lips. Libertus could only imagine that the stern expression was because Nyx was late. If anything, Libertus was hoping Nyx had a good excuse.

“Seriously? Dropping off the Prince?” Libertus sighed, failing at masking the annoyance in his tone as he leaned on the support of one of his crutches. He was hoping for a more meaningful errand than being a chauffeur. “Are we babysitters now?”

“It’s the price to pay for using his car,” Titus replied nonchalantly as he made his way toward one of the Lucian maps.

“To do what, exactly?” Libertus asked, unsure if he would actually receive an answer.

“To safeguard our esteemed guests,” Titus said as if it were obvious. “It’s the only one worthy of the task.”

Irritation and annoyance on Libertus’ face gave way to gloom and worry after Captain Drautos spoke. He pursed his lips a couple times, struggling to find the right words before finally asking: “It’ll be a peaceful exchange, won’t it? Any car should do….”

A twinge of annoyance came back when Libertus heard Titus quietly laugh to himself.

“I take it you’re not a fan of the ceasefire, huh?” Captain Drautos asked, meandering toward one of the great arched windows and staring out at the Glaive training yard. Libertus noticed some Glaives out there practicing how to warp.

“I dunno…” Libertus finally managed to say after pushing away his annoyance to the best of his ability and reaffirming his attention onto Captain Drautos. “I want peace like anyone else. I should be happy if no one else has to get hurt like this.”

“But you can’t be happy,” Titus said, adopting a more steeled tone. “Not with these terms.”

If Libertus could shift anymore of his weight onto his crutches without falling, he probably would have in that moment. Everything about the ceasefire’s terms was disappointing. It was not as if Galahd was going to be rebuilt by Niflheim — the land itself was going to be absorbed into it instead. The prospect was not at all something that Libertus wanted. It was not what most of his Galahd friends and comrades in arms wanted. They were fighting for Insomnia in hopes that they could eventually reclaim their lands — their homes — after all.

“‘Course not…” Libertus spoke, his voice quiet. “You know we’re all thinking the same thing…”

Titus fell quiet, his eyes scanning the training grounds before they went up and glanced around the opposing buildings. His chest heaved with a silent sigh before he glanced at Libertus and then his leg.

“How is it?” Titus asked, changing the subject. “Your leg, that is.”

“Still need these crutches to get around,” Libertus replied, his voice still carrying that dejected tone. A soldier that could not fight was useless for the most part. That was how Libertus felt for the time being.

“I see…” Titus gave another silent sigh. "Sorry for calling you out here, then. Assignments have been updated, so have a look. After that, go home and rest that leg."

Libertus cocked his head to the side somewhat, confused. “What about the Prince?”

“Nyx’ll handle it.”

“... ‘Preciate it.” Libertus straightened himself out and adjusted his crutches at either side of him. “Guess I’ll head home, then.”

“Take care, Libertus,” Titus said, watching as Libertus hobbled out of the briefing room.

Libertus paused only briefly to give a halfhearted wave to his Captain before limping down the hallway.

Chapter Text

Noctis and Ignis approached a hall whose entryway was flanked by two guards. Upon seeing Prince Noctis, the guards' stances became straightened, and they bowed formally to him. In unison they spoke: “Good morning, Your Highness.”

“Morning,” Noctis greeted in turn before lowering his voice to Ignis once they were past them. “I can’t stand that.”

“Being greeted?” Ignis asked.

“Not that,” Noctis replied, his advisor’s subtle sarcasm having gone unnoticed. “All the formality; bowing their heads all the time…”

Then, as if willed by the Astrals themselves to showcase irony in action, a pair of individuals dressed in black military jackets and overall garb decorated with the insignia of Bahamut rushed past. One of their shoulders bumped into Noctis, and he turned to hurriedly utter a quick sorry to the Prince before turning back around to follow after their companion.

All that Noctis could do was stare after them, a mere moment of stupor befalling him for how perfect the timing was on that interruption.

Another wry smile of the day graced Ignis’ lips as he took his glasses from his face and a microfiber cloth from his breast pocket. Cleaning his glasses, the small bit of amusement that he gained from that interaction was evident: “It seems not everyone is capable of a proper greeting.”

Settling his glasses back upon his face, Ignis looked down the hall as he put away the cloth.

“Those were Kingsglaive uniforms,” Ignis noted.

“So that’s what they got Prim and Tandem dressed up in?” Noctis frowned, a small pout forming on his face. “Never really seen the Glaive around, though.”

“Most — if not all — of them aren’t from the Crown City. Refugees who traded their lives in the name of some measure of safety and security. It’s likely that they don’t know who you are — that is to say, they’re not sure what you look like,” Ignis mused. His brow then creased. “Truly an odd choice for the twins to have been forced into. Not to mention that, more or less, their lives are now considered disposable by their own parents’ demands. Much as I abhor the thought.”

That latter comment alone caused Noctis’ face to twist in mild disgust.

“Hopefully the treaty will see an end to that. I don’t want to be King of lands drenched in the blood of its people,” Noctis said. Of course, part of him knew that wars had been fought many times, and it was something he and the other noble houses had to prepare for in any context. All noble families had their specialties, and all nobles were trained to protect the Crown at all costs.

No land upon the star of Eos these days saw itself free of the blood of the fallen, in other words.

“I imagine the Empire’s terms leave them with mixed feelings,” Ignis said, a thoughtful expression crossing his face as he and Noctis resumed walking toward the Prince’s chambers.

“Everything out there will belong to Niflheim, huh…”

“Precisely.”

“Well…they live in Insomnia now, right?” Noctis was attempting to look at the bright side of things. Insomnia offered them sanctuary at the very least. Safety from the dangers that the Niflheim empire had dared ferry over on their airships in order to lay siege to the lands and pummel both King Regis’ and his Crownsguards’ morale.

“Even so, the homes that many of them hope to return to eventually will no longer be a part of Lucis. The realization must be shocking to say the least,” Ignis reasoned.

“Yeah, that’s a good point. I hadn’t even really considered that…” Noctis admitted, his frown still firmly rested upon his lips. These were all things he had to take the time to consider when he took his father’s mantle of King of Insomnia — and even more so, the King of Lucis.

Conversation slowed to a crawl till it was nothing more than Noctis and Ignis entering into Noctis' old private chambers — soon to potentially be retired. It was the way he remembered leaving it: clean. It was a far cry from how his apartment typically looked.

Noctis was honestly not sure what was going to become of his old room, and even voiced as such when the question had been brought up by Ignis. Of course, leave it to Ignis to have taken the time to tell the future King to have been mindful upon his return. After all, he was to return with the new Queen of Lucis: Lady Lunafreya.

“Think Luna will really come to Insomnia?” Noctis asked, thinking about the fact that she had been a prisoner in her own home for over a decade at this point. The only access she had to the outside world was through Umbra and Pryna — Messengers that came to wherever Noctis was in order to deliver to him a cherished red, leather bound notebook with the gilded image of a dove and flower upon it.

“I see the realization has yet to sink in,” Ignis replied. Noctis kept to himself that, in this case, he felt Ignis had been far from the truth. However, Noctis had little time to retort as Ignis continued: “Has Umbra paid a visit lately?”

“No…” Noctis started, recounting his last encounter with the black and white pup. “I actually sent the notebook back not that long ago. All things considered, Luna’s probably as busy as I am, getting ready for the wedding in Altissia.”

Though part of his stomach was knotted with butterflies and nervous energy, another part of Noctis roiled with a sense of anger that he and Luna were being forced into this marriage by way of agreement from both Niflheim and Insomnia. He would have preferred it if it could have happened in its own time.

… It was senseless throwing a fit about it now. Especially when the treaty should benefit the lands and people with the promise of peace.

In some respect, Noctis just felt like it was too early to get married. There was still a lot that he felt like he should have seen to in order to prepare for his role as King.

College was on that list — he had a couple years under his belt, but he would have preferred getting his four years in. Not to mention that he and Luna were basically only pen pals after a certain period.

Noctis cared for and loved Luna in his own way…but something needed to have been done when they saw each other again after so long, too. A reintroduction of sorts. Sending photos, letters, and even little trinkets when permitted were one thing…

Seeing each other in person again?

The thought sent a renewed shiver of anxious energy down Noctis' spine.

Tearing his mind from such thoughts, Noctis looked at Ignis and gave a shrug of his shoulders before saying, “Hey Ignis, just pack what you think I’ll need.”

A weary sigh was exhaled from Ignis' mouth.

“If you insist. I expect you to sort through it later,” Ignis stated before the two set to work on getting the room picked up, sorted, and packed for what the future could only be assumed to hold.

Rustling and the sounds of moving around items filled the air every now and then as both Noctis and Ignis moved stuff around. That was until Noctis took a pause in his handiwork and took the time to gaze around the room. He really took it in for the first time in a long time. The corners of his lips turned up only slightly in a halfhearted smile.

“Y’know… I think I spent more time sneaking out of this room than I actually spent in it,” Noctis commented, a soft chuckle being exhaled from him.

The bag that Ignis had been packing was bulging by now, though he looked up from it and its contents to cast a momentary glance in Noctis' direction. Adjusting his glasses, he also looked around the room before responding with: “Indeed. And it wasn't uncommon for myself nor the twins to go with you. Every excursion was more nerve-wracking than the last.”

Noctis let out a soft ‘heh’ before looking at Ignis and catching him shuddering more to himself.

“Yeah, actually…” Noctis started, bringing his hand to his chin as his expression grew mischievous. He decided to poke fun at Ignis. “I remember someone there, but he was always in a bad mood. Oh, and don’t get me started on how he was always trying to get me to read.”

“I was young,” Ignis replied, his voice almost sounding defensive before he cleared his throat and composed himself better. “And despite the reading material I prepared, the most the Prince ever showed interest in were…picture books, I believe.”

“Oh yeah?” Noctis reached over to pick up one of the stray music albums that had been removed from its shelf for some time. He wiped his hand over the front of it, removing a thin layer of dust.

“I believe his loathing for all other literature was at fault for his absence here,” Ignis concluded.

Noctis’ playful expression faded as he chewed his bottom lip for a moment. He put the CD into a box before meandering to the shelf it belonged to and starting to idly remove the rest of the albums that were there.

“Right…I hated being stuck in here…” Noctis replied, his voice a little quieter than before. “I couldn’t get a moment alone. Whether it was my family with House Viridis coming in to make sure I was getting proper care, my dad just checking up on me…"

A wry laugh left Noctis' lips, and his hands stilled on edge of the box. "Can't even forget about the twins and how they always tagged along whenever they could. Hell, Gladio usually gave me the worst time if it meant I wasn’t up for training on some days.”

“He might not always show it, though I believe he wanted you to not have to rely solely on him should anything happen to him,” Ignis said. He frowned at the bag before him before reorganizing some of the items and even pulling some of the items out in order to refold, or cast them aside entirely. “Not that he would ever admit to it, mind…”

“Yeah…” Noctis idly replied in agreement, thinking about it. It seemed foolish to believe that his Shield could consistently be his Shield at all times, after all. The more he thought about that, the more he thought about Primam and Tandem being forced into their current position and not able to act as Arms of the King. At least not in a convenient or reliable manner.

“Before you sustained that injury, you were a much livelier child,” Ignis continued.

“I didn’t really talk much after it happened, huh…” Noctis recalled, having cleaned out one of the shelves of his music albums and put them into a box.

“Even I was perplexed by your radical change.” Ignis zipped up the bag, satisfied with its contents before setting it aside for their trip to Altissia. Of course, the response made Noctis quirk a brow to it.

“Really?” The surprise in Noctis’ voice was subtle, but there.

“Indeed. Which is why I had no choice but to accompany you whenever you left this room whenever the twins were unable to act as Arms-in-training,” Ignis went on to explain his past behavior.

Noctis’ response, however, was to give a bashful chuckle. He was not exactly sure how to respond to that in its entirety. It was the first he was hearing of it, after all. Not to mention that it was touching in a way. To know that he had his royal retainers from the other noble Houses that supported him — especially Ignis, Primam, and Tandem over many of the others.

“I always hoped these spontaneous ‘excursions’ would one day come to a peaceful end, yet my hopes were dashed.” Ignis moved on to getting some papers organized that had gone abandoned since Noctis started life in his apartment during his high school years.

“I remember. You took the fall for everything.” Noctis took this time to sit on the edge of his old bed.

“I was reprimanded for ‘absconding’ with you and the twins away from the Citadel,” Ignis recounted. His voice levels were calm; he seemed to be reciting a story where the emotional burden of it had long dissipated.

“My bad. You were doing us a favor and got blamed for it anyway…” Noctis genuinely sounded apologetic for the occurrence. When he was younger, he of course thought little of the consequences his actions would have had on the others around him. After all, he got away free of most punishments.

But…then there were the other—

“Of course, it did few favors when some of these ‘excursions’ included the other noble house children. The Vox siblings seemed to have been some of the worst offenders, even without your help,” Ignis went on to say, shaking his head. 

There it was. It was difficult for Noctis to think about the past and how some of the other noble kids got into trouble after he was caught outside of the Citadel.

“Regardless, I was simply doing my job. I have no regrets on the matter — not even now.” Ignis picked up the stack of papers and shuffled them together in a more organized stack, turning them vertically to the surface they were on to get them neatly layered upon one another.

Once done, he caught a glimpse of something that glinted once it was dislodged from its position and reached for it. A soft ‘hm?’ came from Ignis’ closed lips as he lifted the cyan Carbuncle figurine to get a better view of it. It was cool to the touch, and its surface seemed as smooth as ever. Nary a chip nor scratch on it for how old he presumed it was. By all accounts, it was impressive when Ignis considered who the current owner was.

“I haven’t seen this figurine in ages…” Ignis said, his voice relatively quiet.

Noctis' head swiveled over, canting over to get a better look at the figure.

“Let’s take it with us,” Noctis suggested after he saw it fully.

“It’s an important keepsake, isn’t it?” Ignis asked, still holding the figurine in hand. "From your mother, wasn't it?"

“Yeah." Noctis' gaze grew somewhat distant at the mention of her. He then shrugged and elaborated a bit in his usual semi-flippant manner: "I figure it’ll at least keep us safe on the road.”

“I wouldn’t take this little lucky charm so lightly. It brought you back from the brink of death, did it not?”

Noctis took a moment to consider this. The memories of the dreams he experienced traveling alongside and after the Carbuncle flooded his memories. He had come to name the creature ‘Sano’ for the hope and later reality of being healed over time to where he could walk around again. Though…many of those moments were only in his dreams that he could remember…

“Maybe in my dreams, at least…” Noctis finally replied after consideration with a slight shrug to accompany his words. Part of him did not wish to sound so flippant about it, though it was hard to adjust his tone at times when he had grown so used to speaking in a particular fashion.

Pushing himself up from his bed, Noctis’ thoughts went back to packing for the trip. Muttering to himself, he asked, “Now what else do I need…?”

“A sword?” Ignis asked in turn, going back to his own business of sorting through items and getting things packed. He had tucked the Carbuncle figurine safely into his own breast pocket for now.

“Good call,” Noctis replied, having almost forgotten the fact that it probably would have been good to have in order to defend himself on the road should anything happen. Even if the city was protected, the roads outside of Insomnia’s walls were, at times, volatile. Or so he had heard before from his father and others that had ventured past the Crown city’s walls.

Walking to his closet, Noctis opened it and shuffled around some of his clothes and other belongings before pulling out a sheathed blade. The grip and guard of it were particular in that they seemed to resemble what could have been a small engine with a motorcycle handle tying it together aesthetically.

“I remember training with this,” Noctis recollected, unsheathing the sword.

“There was hardly a moment of peace around here after you received it,” Ignis piped. His response elicited a laugh from Noctis.

“No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t get the blade-warp down.”

“If you hadn’t sustained that injury, I imagine it might’ve been much easier for you,” Ignis idly commented without thinking. A rare slip of the tongue. Clearing his throat, he continued: “You did quite well for yourself regardless. Certainly gave the other nobles a run for their money in a lot of instances during training. Myself included.”

“I didn’t really have much of a choice — what with Gladio and Tandem always wanting to be at the top of their game with silly competitions. They got me into it a lot of the time,” Noctis said, his blade shimmering with a blue-white light and fragmenting into crystals before disappearing from view.

Ignis opened his mouth to make a response, but his cellphone rang, cutting his thought short. Answering it with a bit of an apologetic expression given in Noctis’ direction, Ignis redirected his words toward the person on the other end: “Hello? This is Ignis.”

A momentary pause made Noctis shift his focus from packing to listening to the one side of the conversation he was present for.

“I see… Understood. I’ll be right there,” Ignis said, hanging up his phone shortly after. The expression on Ignis’ face told Noctis that there was some unfortunate news to have been had.

“I’ve just been informed that His Majesty is too busy to meet with us today,” Ignis informed Noctis.

“Huh…” Noctis' gaze fell to the floor.

With all the news and even Iris’ inability to see her own father, Noctis had come to expect it. He would have been lying if he said he was not disappointed by the fact, but there was no amount of complaining nor reasoning that would have meant him seeing his father today from the sounds of it. The peace between Niflheim and Lucis was paramount to the nations at hand.

“I’m going to check on the baggage for the ceremony,” Ignis further informed Noctis, pocketing his phone. Heading for the door, he stopped and looked over his shoulder. “Please sort through your belongings in the meantime, Noct. We’re on a schedule that we should do our best not to delay on.”

“Got it,” Noctis replied with a sigh. Before Ignis opened the door fully, Noctis then asked, "H-Hey, wait. You think you can call Mollie or Vera? There's…still just so much."

Ignis paused.

"Mollis should be with her father, readying Prompto for his Crownsgaurd attire…" Ignis mentioned, humming in thought. "And Vera most likely is handling things with the 113th as Head of House Vox."

"… Right." Noctis shook his head, biting back a sigh. "I'll do what I can."

Noctis watched Ignis depart before he turned on his heel and did as told in silence. Much as Noctis hated admitting it to himself and others when it came to punctuality, Ignis was right about one thing. Any further delays would have meant missing getting to Altissia on time. It would have also meant delaying his reunion with Lunafreya.

“Luna…” Noctis said her name in a small whisper to himself as soon as the thought of her came to him. Though the marriage was both an exciting and scary prospect for him, the reunion with Lunafreya after twelve long years was a strong driving force that allowed him to pick himself up and carry on.

Chapter Text

“So even Cor’s on external patrol that day?” Gladiolus asked, his mouth firmly set as a frown and his brow knit together with both concern and slight agitation.

Sounds of wooden weapons clashing against one another as well as the grunting and falling of Kingsglaive echoed in the room adjacent to the office that Gladiolus and another man were standing in. The black nameplate on the oak desk read in silver lettering: ‘Clarus Amicitia.’ Gladiolus and Clarus had been discussing what was to happen during the peace treaty signing after the Prince and his retinue left the city.

“Yes,” Clarus started in response, closing one of the files on his desk and setting it off to the side. He also wore a look of concern on his face. “He should be on his way to his new outpost as we speak. The Crownsguard will operate as usual. Only the bare minimum will be on duty.”

“So we leave the Citadel to the Kingsglaive, huh?” Gladio asked, folding his arms over his chest. A smirk ghosted across his lips. “Guess they don’t know what you’re capable of.”

Clarus laughed quietly, the corners of his eyes wrinkling with his amusement. He shook his head before saying, “Gladiolus, the Kingsglaive have seen more than their fair share of battles. They’re more than capable.”

Even if Clarus was vouching for them, Gladiolus felt unconvinced as his smirk slowly faded. Gladiolus then smiled sympathetically with a slight shrug to his shoulders. The Kingsglaive had only been around for fifteen years, whereas the Crownsguard had been around for longer than a century at this point. Even if history was not his preferred subject, Gladiolus recalled — with clarity — the lessons he had been taught about the Crownsguard and how they were created as a countermeasure to threats against the Crown in M.E. 606.

It was a history lesson drilled into the heads of all the noble families sworn to protect the Crown.

“No place for a Shield, huh…” Gladiolus finally said.

“The peace brought along many changes, including the role of Crownsguard. Our place is with the people now.” Clarus’ eyes traveled to the framed photo on his desk where the image of both Gladiolus and his sister, Iris, were beaming toward the camera. They were both dressed in casual clothing, having a good time. Gladiolus could not help but to look at it as well.

“So you’re less of a ‘King’s Shield’ and more of a ‘People’s Shield’...” Gladiolus idly commented.

“Precisely,” Clarus tore his gaze from the famed photo and looked back to his son. “Protecting the populace ensures their support for His Majesty.”

The frown that had been on Gladiolus' face before returned. He was unsatisfied with the explanation. However, he recognized that his father — and many of the others that were under Regis’ employ — had little choice in their change of duties and obligations.

A noncommittal grunt sounded from Gladiolus’ throat after the thoughts ran their course through his head.

“Whether one is a Shield or a Glaive matters not. The Amicitia family has but one duty: to safeguard and support the King,” Clarus said, his words filled with a little more conviction than they had been prior.

“Like I could forget,” Gladiolus replied. Of course, he had been told that growing up. He was sure that all the noble houses had been given their own spiel about how their duties were to the Kings. He thought about the Arms, the Hearts, Ears, Eyes, and Hands of the Kings as generations upon generations came and gone.

They all had a role to play so long as it tied in with safeguarding and supporting the King.

However, as Gladiolus lost himself in thought, he was brought back as soon as he noticed his father staring him squarely in the eye. Standing more at attention, Gladiolus felt just a little foolish having let his mind wander in that moment.

“The ceasefire will bring about many changes in Lucis,” Clarus said, his tone having adopted a more formal tone. It was evident to Gladiolus that his father was not speaking to him purely as a parent this time around. Instead, Clarus was speaking to him as the Shield of the King before him: “No matter what happens, Gladiolus, you must keep Prince Noctis safe.”

“Of course,” Gladiolus said, his frown on his face retaining its position.

A sense of bemusement befell him. Gladiolus was not entirely sure why his father felt the need to reiterate this sentiment. It was, after all, what he was taught growing up. Him and Iris both. Not that Iris got the chance to fulfill her role as any type of Shield.

“Protect him not as the next King, but as a comrade and a true friend. I will do the same within the Wall. I entrust the matters on the outside to you.”

Standing ever at attention at the finality of Clarus’ words, Gladiolus only answered with solid affirmation: “Yes, sir!”

A knock at the door caused both Amicitias’ attention to go toward it. After a brief moment, Clarus cleared his throat to give permission to enter. Once permission was been granted, the door opened to reveal three figures: a man who had an aura of authority that surrounded him, then a younger man with a rather bright — if a little bit of a curious — expression upon his lightly freckled face. The third person was a mousy looking female with her rust-red hair tied in low, loosely braided twin tails behind her, and a smile on her face.

“Pardon the intrusion,” the older man said, adjusting his black Crownsguard coat.

“And pardon me — wait! Gladio!?” the younger man said, his jaw dropping to leave his mouth agape in surprise.

“What’re you doing here, Prompto?” Gladiolus asked, seemingly just as surprised as Prompto. Even if he hid it better.

“He’s here for his Crownsguard uniform. My daughter and I thought it best he met the captain himself,” the man with Prompto explained.

“Makes sense,” Gladio murmured, more to himself than anyone else. He eyed the man — Ater Somnium, the current head of House Somnium. The younger woman with him was Mollis — his daughter, and a formidable peer when it came to training for firearms and general ranged combat.

Gladio had a high respect for both of them.

“Ater, Mollis, it’s good to see you. And…Prompto Argentum, I take it?” Clarus greeted the group, eyeing Ater, Mollis, and then finally Prompto. He held his hand out in a polite manner, to which Gladio watched as Prompto seemed to nervously hold his own hand out to accept the handshake greeting.

“Y-Yes, sir!” Prompto’s nervous energy was palpable to Gladio. He almost felt as if he should have left the room in order to recompose himself. Seeing Prompto so nervous was amusing to have said the least of the interaction playing out before him.

“A pleasure to finally meet you,” Clarus continued, ending his firm handshake with Prompto. “No injuries from training, I presume? Mollis and Ater took care of everything appropriately for your marksmanship training?”

At that, Clarus’ attention went over to the woman standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Ater briefly.

“No, sir!” Prompto quickly said in regards to injuries. “It went just fine, I think. Probably. M-Mollis taught me really well, actually. She’s very creative, and she really put a lot of things into perspective where learning was pretty easy! A-And I promise to protect Noct if something happens!”

Mollis grinned a bit more as she listened to Prompto’s praise, rocking back and forth on her feet momentarily. It was a thing that Gladiolus took note of whenever he trained with her on occasion. She had always been happy and a bit of an overachiever on most days during their training.

“Very noble of you,” Clarus said, musing to himself momentarily. “However, you must first learn how to protect yourself first and foremost on this journey — hence your self-defense training.”

“R-Right…” Prompto said, glancing at Gladio for a moment. He seemed unsure whether or not he should have offered any affirmation to that statement.

“I understand you have decided to undertake this journey as his friend. Take pride in your position at his side.” Clarus seemed to speak with familiarity to the situation at hand. Even if the Amicitia family had been Shields of the King for many generations at this point, Shields always did best when they had formed an unshakable bond with their Kings. Yet another thing that Gladio and his sister had been taught growing up — even if Gladiolus had been extremely resistant to it at first.

“Right!” Prompto’s voice pulled Gladio out of his thoughts. “And, uh, thank you!”

“I appreciate your time today. I assume you have some preparations to take care of, so you may be on your way,” Clarus concluded.

“Yes, sir!” If Prompto could stand any more at attention, his head would have been at a point to have touched the ceiling with how much he would have stretched.

The thought brought a momentary smirk upon Gladio’s lips.

“I better get ready, too,” Gladio piped up once he shook his head of the minor distraction.

“Understood. I’ll see you soon,” Clarus replied. Gladio watched as his father redirected his attention toward both Mollis and Ater; "We have plenty to discuss ourselves before we are to head back to the Citadel."

Both Prompto and Gladiolus left the room — whatever Ater, Mollis, and Clarus had to discuss, it was probably best without either of them there. At least, that was how Gladiolus rationalized it in his head as he walked alongside Prompto on the Citadel’s grounds.

“You gonna wait for Noct here?” Gladio asked Prompto once they were a sufficient enough distance away from both the training hall and his father’s office.

“Nah, think I’ll head home for a bit,” Prompto replied.

“Why? Forget something?” Gladio paused, causing Prompto to stop and turn to face him with a shrug.

“No, nothin’ like that,” Prompto began. A small smile made its way onto his face. He then brought his hands to show off his new clothing, momentarily popping the flaps of his vest out to emphasize them. “I just thought I’d show my parents my new duds, that’s all. It’s kinda proof that I’m worthy to go on this trip, y’know? Just hope they’re home.”

“Not much you can do if they aren’t, huh?” Gladio mused.

“Nah. We don’t see each other much, but it’s been that way since I was a kid. We always make some time to video call, though. Such is the life of two women that are fashion icons of Lucis and the Silver Lining clothing line,” Prompto wistfully sighed with a shrug. “Anyway, if Nite and Dulce aren’t in, and if they don’t answer my video call request, I’ll come right back! I love my moms, but…you know how it is sometimes.”

“Right…” Gladiolus started in response. He actually had no idea what it was like for Prompto in particular.

Even if Prompto was not a noble child at birth, it seemed his adoptive parents were their own kind of royalty when it concerned the general populace and their fascination with fashion. Considering his words, Gladio continued with: “Well, I might be a little late to tonight's plans anyway. Got something already planned…"

“Do tell~” Prompto happily pried, lighthearted in his tone.

“My family and I are going out to eat,” Gladio replied with a shrug. “Hardly ever happens, so I figured I might as well go along.”

“Nice! Take your time, and send Iris my regards!” Prompto cheerfully chirped.

“Oh yeah,” Gladio started, suddenly reminded now that Prompto brought up his sister. “Iris mentioned she saw you the other day.”

“Huh?” Prompto stared at Gladiolus with a sense of surprise. “Where at?”

“In the park, taking pictures,” Gladio said with a small shrug of his shoulders.

“Sounds…like me…” Prompto slowly said, frowning in thought. “Why didn’t she come over and say ‘hi’ if she saw me?”

“She didn’t want to interrupt. She said you were also with Prim at the time, and that you two seemed to have been having a good time together. She figured you two were on a date or something,” Gladio explained, adopting an earnest expression to hide his amusement.

The assumption seemed to make Prompto babble and trip over his words as his face and ears grew a shade of pink. Clearing his throat and turning away from Gladio, Prompto finally managed to get out: “P-Prim and I were classmates and are still friends. That’s it! Nothing more! B-Besides! She said she had just gotten off work when we ran into one another!”

“Uh huh…” Gladio replied with a small chuckle. “Anyway…I’ll see you back at Noctis’ apartment before the night’s over. Next time you see Prim, you ask her how the Kingsglaive is treating her and her brother, yeah? We hardly get to see her and Tandem since they’ve been inducted into the Glaive. My dad doesn’t tell us anything about their situation, but maybe if you see them at all, you can at least let them know we’re…well, we’re sympathetic toward their new station.”

“O-Oh…um…” Prompto turned to face Gladio. His face was still red. “Yeah…sure. Is that what she’s doing now? She hardly talks about anything going on with her lately.”

“Yeah, unfortunately,” Gladio gave another shrug, not really sure how to elaborate on the Chorus' situation without speaking out of turn.

Clearing his throat, Gladio changed the subject before they stalled any further.

“Anyway, I’ll meet you back at Noctis’ apartment, then?” Gladio asked Prompto. The redness in the blond’s face had slowly started to fade away as he regained composure.

“Yeah, sounds like a plan,” Prompto replied, turning toward the doors of the Citadel and walking. Both he and Gladio kept pace with one another for a short bit till they reached the outside world. It was only then that the two said their farewells to one another for the time being and started for their respective directions.

The conversation that Gladiolus had with his father still weighed heavily on his mind as he walked from the Citadel down the familiar roads toward the Somnus District. A concentrated knit to his brow appeared as he stopped at the crosswalk with others, waiting for the green cactuar to light up. Even so, however, the fact that many of the Crownsguard were not going to be on duty, leaving work to the Glaives, worried Gladio. Not that he could speak any further on it with anyone.

However, the more that Gladio thought about how unprotected it felt like the Kingdom was going to be, the more his teeth pressed together in his mouth as he clenched his jaw. It was only when he noticed people edging away from him that Gladio realized that his face stung a bit with how scrunched up it was becoming.

Shaking his head, he took a breath and slowly exhaled, trying to calm his thoughts. He reminded himself that it was not just the Kingsglaive that were going to be in the Crown city. Gladio remembered that both Ater and Mollis were going to remain in the city. Plus, Primam and Tandem being part of the Glaive — which was not ideal to any of the noble Houses — meant that there were very capable casters and fighters among their ranks.

Maybe the kingdom was in safer hands than Gladio assumed overall. It was hard to think of there being any positive aspect to that, though. Especially with how Niflheim was coming to Insomnia, and Regis was openly letting them.

An agitated sigh fell from Gladiolus’ nose right as the green cactuar lit up, and the rhythmic beeping for blind or distracted pedestrians signaled the okay to walk forward.

“Gladdy!”

The voice that called out to him was one that could typically pull him from any state of focus or agitation that he was in. Turning, Gladiolus caught sight of the familiar image of his younger sister, Iris, hurrying down along the sidewalk. A small smile formed on his lips as he raised a hand in greeting her.

“Hey Iris,” Gladio spoke before realizing where the two of them seemed to have come from. “What are you doing around here?”

“Oh…I was here to drop off some extra clothes for Dad,” Iris briefly explained. “You should know, he’s been working really hard these last few days. Hasn’t even been back home to get a proper night’s rest!”

Iris was right about that, unfortunately. It was another reason that Gladiolus had been worried about the state of Insomnia’s security. Even if Clarus had been a formidable Shield to the King, Gladio knew that proper rest and getting actual sleep was tantamount to being able to focus and perform as best one could manage.

“Oops…” Iris sighed, pulling Gladiolus from his thoughts once more. He looked at her and noticed she was looking past him. The crowd of people that had been there had crossed the street. Now the cactuar was flashing before the red pedestrian sign lit up indicating it was no longer okay to walk.

“Sorry, Gladdy. We missed the window,” Iris said apologetically.

“Eh…it’s fine,” Gladio replied with a small shrug of his shoulders. “Besides, I’d hate to have been on the opposite side while you were still over here anyway. Guessing you’re going back home, too? To get ready for tonight?”

“Yeah…” Iris said in a somewhat defeated tone before perking back up. “Oh, I also saw Noctis and Ignis while I was dropping off Dad’s stuff. Are you guys really just having a moving-out party that’s just…cleaning?”

“What, try to invite yourself along?” Gladiolus asked with a small smirk forming on his lips. The puffed out cheeks response that Iris gave her older brother told him all he needed to know, and an amused chuckle escaped him. “Yeah, that’s the idea. Noct saves a lot till the last minute. He’s gonna need all the help he can get so his apartment is cleared out before the end of tonight.”

Chapter Text

"Did you speak with Drautos?" Clarus asked Ater once the door had closed to his office. He slowly made his way back to his desk, sitting down within his chair. Both Ater and Mollis moved to where Gladiolus had been standing previously, and remained standing before him.

"We haven't had the chance to do so just yet, no," Ater replied, brow furrowing slightly. "Last I'd been made aware, he had gone away to meet with a Glaive he had recently reprimanded and assigned grunt work to."

"He hasn't looked well lately." A sigh left Clarus' nostrils as he turned to gaze out the window.

"Niflheim let loose that daemon to attack our Wall, and it took many of our own with its attacks…" Ater said, his own sigh escaping him — his was of palpable frustration. "That, coupled with the fact that this proposed alliance isn't making the Glaive happy can't be easy, either. Less so given the fact that Captain Drautos isn't of Insomnia himself — he joined the ranks of the Glaive same as any other refugee."

Silence settled in the air between the three.

Clarus then reached forward on his desk to take up the framed photo of Gladiolus and Iris, looking over it before placing it back down neatly where it had been. His attention shifted to Mollis who had been standing next to her father with a bit of a rigid posture. Her eyes had been drinking in the office details, Clarus noticed. Unsurprising, given that she had not often been asked to come here.

"What do you make of everything, Mollis?" Clarus asked, causing Mollis to look at him with a somewhat surprised look on her face. Ater's own attention drifted toward her, a certain kind of expectation in his gaze.

"Sir?" Mollis began. She pursed her lips for a moment, eyes flicking to the side as she thought over Clarus' inquiry. Taking in a breath, Mollis gave her earnest answer while lifting her attention to meet with Clarus' once more: "This proposal for peace feels insulting. Like Niflheim knows they have us backed into a corner after the losses we've suffered after this most recent attack. Refusing this so-called 'offer of peace' is condemning Insomnia to being attacked."

"Indeed…" Clarus laced his fingers together, resting his arms on his desk. He then looked at Ater. "I trust you've spoken with Mollis about her role in all of this?"

"Briefly… I thought it best that she come with me to hear the rest of it from you." There was this uncomfortable look on Ater's face as he made his response.

Mollis' brow quirked with mild confusion. She looked between her father and Clarus both.

"As you are perhaps aware: all plans have already received His Majesty's approval…" Clarus began, opening a drawer and pulling a couple of manila envelopes. "With the signing ceremony soon, we're entrusting you to House Vox, Mollis. With them, you will be required to memorize the lay of the city — in this, I trust your father's already covered the groundwork in that regard."

"Yes," Mollis confirmed. Her brow furrowed slightly. "The city's layout has always been a topic of study every month with whatever construction alters it."

"Very good. Then the next thing—" Clarus slid the folders forward, indicating Mollis take them, "—these are entrusted into your care until such a time you can pass them off. You're not to look at them. With them, you'll also be receiving supplies that are also to be handed off once the opportunity presents itself."

Taking up the envelopes, Mollis looked at the names printed on them, soon raising both to look between them. The front of each envelope bore the crest of House Chorus. On one, the initials 'P.C.', and on the other 'T.C.'. Layering them back together, Mollis held them to her chest with one hand. "It'll be done."

Again, Mollis furrowed her brow in thought, her eyes becoming downcast. The corner of her lips twitched as if she wanted to speak more on the matter.

"Does something trouble you?" Mollis' shift in demeanor had been picked up on by Clarus.

"I just don't understand why the king isn't keeping the Crownsguard at his side… It's effectively only the Glaive, Royal Guard, and the 113th…" Mollis quietly said, having hesitating only briefly. "If anything happens, our more elite—"

"Cor had the same concerns," Clarus interrupted, his voice holding a firmness to it. Mollis met his gaze, her eyes searching his expression.

Tilting her head ever so slightly, Mollis narrowed her eyes, realization dawning on her face. Her lips parted as she searched for the words. Eventually, she finally replied with, "King Regis is expecting something to happen…"

"His Majesty realized long ago that the options available to Lucis are few." Clarus' expression retained this careful, practiced neutrality.

Shaking her head while attempting to push away the dread that crawled up through her bowels, Mollis quickly looked between her father and Clarus once more, her twin braids swaying noticeably with each shake. Her expression turned to mild worry before she finally turned toward her dad. His expression was unreadable to her, and he reached out before a forced smile spread over his lips. He clasped his hand against Mollis' shoulder before pulling her into a hug.

Clarus remained silent, his attention briefly going back toward the picture of his own children on his desk.

"It is imperative, Mollie, that you do not speak of this matter to the others…" Ater murmured as he kept Mollis in a long hug.

"But Mom—" Mollis began in protest.

"Will be safe. She's already been made aware… She should be out of the city before nightfall with your grandparents and her retainers."

Clarus let out a low sigh. He was reluctant to break up the scene before him, though he finally spoke: "While with the members of House Vox, keep in mind that your priority — should anything happen — is to evacuate the people, Mollis. King Regis wanted only the most capable to see to this task. When such a time an all-clear can be determined, you will need to meet with Cor. Once with him, await further instruction."

Ater gave Mollis an affectionate squeeze before he finally let her go so that she could face Clarus. Though her eyes watered with the revelation set before her, her expression steeled. Mollis looked at her dad once more, then gave Clarus a curt nod, understanding the mission set in front of her.

"Absolutely not!" Rosea was saying as she got the Clack, gray parrot, moved from the bird cage into his carrier.

"I have to, Mom," Mollis replied, sitting on the couch as she watched her mother. At Mollis' feet was a black dufflebag. She had pulled her sniper rifle from its original case and got it secured within, padded with some extra clothes and rations to fluff the bag up and keep its shape from revealing what was within.

Rosea sighed as she got Clack secured. She straightened her posture, her back turned toward Mollis for the time being. Her hands were settled upon her hips, and she looked up at the ceiling. A few seconds passed before Rosea finally turned toward Mollis and sat down with her on the couch. Reaching for Mollis' hands, Rosea held them firmly within her grasp, looking her daughter in the eyes.

"You don't have to. Leave the city tonight with us, Mollie. Whatever happens out there, it'll be far better than what is sure to happen within the city…" Rosea pleaded. "Just…pack your essentials, some change of clothes… You're too young for this."

Mollis' lips thinned, and she feebly gripped her mother's hands in turn. With great hesitance, she shallowly shook her head. Quietly, she replied, "You knew this would have been required of me one day. You couldn't have married Dad without knowing…"

"I thought we would continue living without worrying about Niflheim at Insomnia's doorstep!"

"Mom…" Mollis held her tongue. She wanted to speak out on how that was naive at best — intentionally obtuse at worst. Instead, she let out a strained sigh. "The 114th are the future of Insomnia, Mom… Whatever that future ends up looking like. It's not like I'll be alone. I'll...I'll have Vera, Lyra, Prim, and Tandem…"

A thread of doubt lingered in Mollis' voice as she spoke, though she reaffirmed herself; "What we're preparing to do is for the best of the people. Please believe that."

"Best for the people, or best for the king?" Rosea pressed, her grasp on Mollis' hands tightening as she shook them lightly.

"I can't imagine that they're that much different at this point…" Mollis muttered, attempting to keep the sass and tone of sarcasm at a minimum. She then looked down at her mother's hands, her brow knitting together as she finally squeezed them back. "The signing ceremony is going to bring about chaos. That's why you, grandma, and grandpa are leaving. That's why Lenis is going with you."

Closing her eyes, Mollis shook her head and then said, "But this is best for the people. It's why the Guard have been spread out across the city. That…That includes me, too. We can't trust Niflheim…"

"Then let the other Crownsguard handle all of that. There are plenty of them!"

"Mom…" The sigh that Mollis had been holding in finally left her. "I can't do that. Walking away from all of it would make me no better than Niflheim. I'm going to be there for the people if things go wrong."

Mollis then steeled her expression, determination in her stare. "You're the one who told me that had your life been any different, I'd be a commoner just like you were before you met Dad. So I'm not turning my back on the people — on what we could've been."

Rosea's eyes searched Mollis'. A frown settled on her lips and she brought one of her hands up to dab at the corner of her eye to wipe away any tears that had formed. She pat the back of Mollis' hand and looked toward the the front door of the Somnium manor. Silence lingered between the two of them, only the occasional whistle and learned words Clack had coming from his carrier as he crawled on the front bars of it.

"… There's no changing your mind nor stopping you, is there?" Rosea finally asked.

"I'm sorry…" was Mollis' quiet response.

Rosea pulled Mollis into a tight hug. Mollis could hear how her mother's breath shuddered, shoulders trembling as Rosea began to sob silently. It was like this for a while — a long while. Mollis could only hug her mother back, trying not to cry herself. Keeping her gaze fixed on the pendulum clock that hung on the wall, Mollis blinked back the watering in her eyes.

"… I'm proud of you, Mollie… I want you to know that," Rosea softly said, her voice warbling as she rubbed her hand on Mollis' back.

Mollis tightened her embrace on her mother before finally easing back and looking at her. Rosea's cheeks had been stained with tears, and while it made Mollis' heart ache to see for herself, she sniffled slightly before lifting her hand and dabbing at her eyes with the heel of it. She cleared her throat before managing a smile, saying, "… Let's get the rest of your stuff packed and loaded into the car. Can't have you all running late on my account."

Chapter Text

Night settled down upon the city by the time that Ignis arrived at the Jewel of Lucis apartments to head toward Noctis’ dwelling. Ignis had been informed prior that the prince had received a ride back thanks to one member of the Kingsglaive that had been assigned to the duty. A fortuitous event given that Ignis had been tied up in other matters before now.

“Good evening,” Ignis greeted the guard standing duty. The guard offered a greeting in kind. Just as Ignis was about to approach the doors to enter into the lobby, he paused as a familiar voice called out to him.

“Hey, Ignis!”

The voice belonged to Prompto. Turning to face him, Ignis offered a slight nod of both acknowledgment and greeting; “Prompto.”

A grin spread across Prompto's face before he hurried over.

“Did you just get here?” Prompto asked, he gave his own small nod in greeting to the guard before giving his full attention to Ignis.

“Indeed,” Ignis affirmed.

With Prompto now accompanying him, both men entered into the apartment lobby. The interior was opulent; the black marble tile flooring was clean and polished enough to eat off of, and the walls were lined with modern brick tiling accented with some brushed-brass supports. This was all lit with warm lighting emitting from the modern lamps adorning the pillars clung against the walls. Passing through, the two of them reached the elevators to head on up — it was a sight all too familiar to the both of them at this point.

“Were you able to see your parents?” Ignis asked as they waited.

“Physically? Nah, they weren’t home,” Prompto replied in a nonchalant fashion.

“That’s unfortunate.”

“No biggie. I’m used to it.” Prompto shrugged and then offered a bit of a reassuring smile in Ignis’ direction. “I went ahead and just video called my moms instead. They really liked the Crownsguard fit! I’d say that’s pretty high praise coming from them.”

“Indeed…” Ignis pushed up his glasses.

Silence lingered for a moment before Prompto then said, “By the way, Gladio packed a ton of stuff for the road.”

Ignis kept his attention forward. “The camping equipment?”

“Well, he had a bunch of stuff out, and when I asked what he needed it for, he said ‘cooking’.”

A low, drawn out sigh escaped Ignis at the mention of that. “I suppose he intends for me to use them.”

Just before Prompto could properly give a response, the bell dinged, and the elevator doors slid open. The car was empty, and the two men boarded it swiftly. Prompto reached over and hit the button for Noctis’ floor, though Ignis noticed how he hesitated.

“Something wrong?” Ignis asked. The doors slid closed, and the elevator lurched into its ascent.

Prompto shook his head and then gave a slight shrug. “Well, I was just thinking…don’t Prim and Tandem live here, too?”

Ding.

“Ah…” Ignis’ brow furrowed slightly. “Not any longer, I’m afraid. Haven't for a while, if memory serves. Not since their reassignment of duties, as you are more than well enough aware of."

"Right…" Prompto blew out a sigh, his breath disturbing a lock of flaxen hair close to his lips. His cheerful expression faltered somewhat as he gave consideration to that fact. "I guess…we won't be seeing them before we leave, huh…?"

"… I'm afraid that will likely be the case."

Ding.

"I know Mollie's said they're doing well, but… It just feels weird that we're going to Altissia without them," Prompto remarked.

"It's been nearly five years, hasn't it?" Ignis spared a glance in Prompto's direction. "Since you began spending time with His Highness and the twins?"

Ding.

"Ten. At least…in terms of Prim..." Prompto replied, his look of disappointment lingering. "I guess it makes sense it feels like less time since we met in primary school. I wasn't really friends with Noct at the time."

"Ah…" Ignis looked downward momentarily. "I suppose their lack of presence is felt more keenly then…"

"Something like that. I always just assumed they were a non-negotiable package deal when it came to where Noct goes."

Ding.

"It wasn't a well-received decision…"

"Yeah, I remember texting Prim about it. Then after that, she just got less talkative. It was Tandem that told me how much she was hoping to get into UIC," Prompto said after a moment, a slight shrug to his shoulders. Though he tried to play it off, the fact that it bugged him was evident in his expression. "… Guess it can't be helped, huh?"

Ding.

Prompto then looked back toward Ignis. "Anyway — speaking of a non-negotiable package deal — what's up with you? I figured you'd already have been with Noct — keeping him on track and all. Pretty important to keep him moving before the big day. Something come up?"

"Last minute preparations my uncle wanted me to bear in mind and keep close." Ignis kept his gaze forward, staring at his blurry reflection in the brush-finished steel doors of the car. "Nothing that necessitates too deep a discussion."

"Huh… Alrighty." Prompto decided it best not to press any further.

Ding…

… The elevator slowed to a stop and the doors slid open again. Prompto and Ignis were swift in departing, exiting out into the carpeted and quiet hallway. Their footsteps were muffled against the floor as they walked.

“You shouldn’t worry too much about the Chorus twins. They can handle their own. Always have,” Ignis said as they walked. He then switched topics, going back to what they had been talking about prior. “With the trip ahead of us, and the revelation of Gladio’s intent with his supplies, I should ask you what your food preferences are.”

Prompto breathed a silent sigh before he forced himself to perk up. “Well, I like sweets, but real food’s good, too. Spicy food and…well, I’ll eat anything, really. Even weird stuff.”

“Understood. I was hoping to experiment with local ingredients, so I’m glad you can keep an open mind.” A slight smile appeared on Ignis’ face at the prospect of being able to cook more than just what their dear prince could stomach on a good day.

“Yeah, of course! I’ve always been pretty excited to try new things,” Prompto said. His own grin became a bit more genuine.

The pair finally arrived at Noctis’ door. Reaching out, Prompto pushed the button on the intercom next to the door. He only spoke once the other side had been answered; "Heeeey, buddy! You're not sleepin', are ya?"

“I wouldn't hear the end of it if I was. Be right there,” Noctis’ voice answered from the other end. The door lock clicked, and Ignis wasted no time in opening it to allow Prompto inside. Following along after, the pair removed their shoes before stepping into the apartment proper.

"Prompto! Iggy!" came a voice that made Prompto's attention perk up and his mouth fall open somewhat.

Already within the apartment along with Noctis were Primam and Tandem. As both Ignis and Prompto walked further into the apartment, Primam hurried over to greet them both. First, she hugged Ignis, and then she came over to hug Prompto in greeting. Unlike her brief greeting hug with Ignis, squeezed Prompto tight with a big smile on her face.

"It's so good to see you all again!" Primam chirped.

"Hey! Yeah! You, too!" Prompto replied. He hugged Primam in turn and squeezed her affectionately before they finally let go of one another.

Better at masking his surprise, Ignis adjusted his glasses and looked from Primam to her brother, Tandem. "I assume Drautos allowed you both some time off to come here tonight?"

"Ater, actually," Tandem replied, folding his arms over his chest. Lingering annoyance was evident in the way his expression was set in a mildly steeled fashion.

"I see. I had only been aware that he, like Clarus, was busy at the Glaive HQ. But then again, I suppose that makes perfect sense as to why you're both here. Ater's ever been the one to take the fall for allowing us some freedoms we otherwise wouldn't see." Ignis drew a hand to his chin as he contemplated something else. The barest hint of a smile graced his lips. "I suppose it was fortunate I saw your mother when I was called away earlier this day."

Tandem waved a hand dismissively. "The only thing I'd want to hear about Gratia right now is if she tripped and fell, or something to that effect."

"Seriously, it feels like I'm the one being kept in the dark about a lot of the other things going on today. What's up with that?" Noctis asked with an agitated edge to his tone as he walked back into the living room area, one of his hands being used to rub the back of his neck.

"Just trying to keep you stress free before your big day," Ignis replied. "Surely you don't want to have many more tasks and obligations to worry about before being wed to your dear Lady Lunafreya?"

"Right…" Noctis flopped down on the couch with a sigh. Then, leaning his head on the back of the couch to look back at both Ignis and Prompto as they got further into his apartment, he asked, "Any news on Gladio? Thought he was supposed to be here, too."

"Out at a family dinner! Said as much when I ran into him at the Glaive HQ," Prompto revealed. "He said he'd be late."

"Makes sense. It is the last night we'll be in the city for a while." Noctis heaved with a sigh and stretched his arms over his head. He smirked playfully to himself. "Guess we'll just have to have as much fun as we can without him, huh?"

Actual cleaning of the apartment started much later than anticipated. Gladiolus ended up arriving roughly an hour after Prompto and Ignis — before he had arrived, a lot of the time spent was just those there catching up and talking about the trip out to Altissia ahead of them.

Now, the apartment was fairly well packed. Only Noctis' remaining possessions were those left in the kitchen and living room, much of the smaller items having been strewn about and placed into haphazard piles to sort through later. The place looked almost messier than ever.

"Whoa!" Prompto exclaimed from where he was wiping dust off of one of the bookshelves. He dropped the rag he had been holding and knelt down next to one of the open boxes. Reaching in, he pulled a comic from the stack within and holds it: a Lightning Coeurl comic. "Never thought I'd see this again."

"What?" Noctis asked, glancing over at Prompto while he bundled up the controllers to his gaming console.

"This!" Prompto held up the comic for Noctis to see momentarily, a grin on his face. "I never noticed, but you've got a ton of comics!"

"Didn't you two usually go browsing them together? How'd you never notice?" Primam asked, taking some latex gloves off now that she had the last of the trash from the kitchen she was aware of shoved into a trash bag.

Noctis looked back at Primam with an amused scoff, "Some of the comics I have in those stacks are his, too, y'know…"

Prompto's mouth fell open as he looked at Noctis in disbelief; "Seriously?"

"Not my fault you left them here…" Noctis replied, standing from his spot and then wandering over to where Prompto was. He then knelt by the box Prompto was at, and reached in to pull another comic out; this time, it was of Guardian Force: SeeD. "Hey, look at this."

Of course, Prompto had been watching Noctis the entire time. When the comic was brought into view, Prompto gave his minor lamentations: "Aw man, I wanted to read that one…"

"Why don't you?"

Reaching over as a mischievous grin spread over his lips, Prompto plucked the comic from Noctis' grasp. Looking it over with a bit of a triumphant look on his face, Prompto cheerfully replied, "Well…if you insist~"

"Hold it. You don't mean now, do you?" Gladiolus looked up, a stern expression on his face. He got one of the boxes he was handling taped up and set aside. "It's damn near midnight, and there's still another hour or two of work ahead of us. We still gotta be up early to make it outta here on time."

"Not to mention neither of you has made any progress in cleaning. I understand you'd like to reminisce, but now isn't the time." Ignis said with an exasperated sigh. He then looked over toward Primam still getting some remains of the kitchen taken care of, and then Tandem, who had been taking care to tape up some of the heavier boxes. A look of consideration was clear upon Ignis' face.

"How are the two of you faring?" Ignis asked the twins. "I imagine the two of you have to be back at the barracks before it grows too much later."

A scoff left Tandem. "Yeah, well… With all of the excitement at the Citadel and Glaive HQ, it'll be surprising if Drautos even remembers we're supposed to be in attendance for training tomorrow. Especially since he's been a bit more high strung since the signing ceremony announcement."

"Best not to push your luck. Just cos Drautos has his hands full doesn't mean my dad or Ater are gonna let you two off the hook that easily," Gladiolus chuckled.

"More easily than Gratia…" Primam replied with a restrained sigh. She shook her head and moved some cans into a box that Ignis indicated to her prior. "But let's not dwell on that, shall we? We're in our final stretch here! Just a little more, and everything will be ready for the movers in the morning."

"… All this is gonna get taken back to the Citadel?" Prompto asked, still holding onto the comic as he scanned the apartment. He took in the sight of the stacked boxes and other remaining, unpacked items littered about.

"Yeah," Gladiolus confirmed, now sorting through some other books within Noctis' collection to get them put away into another box.

"Man, once that happens, I'll never be able to see this again!" Prompto groaned. He was practically clutching the comic close to himself at this point.

Keeping his attention on the task he had at hand, Gladiolus asked with a mild huff of annoyance, "Can't you just take what you want?"

A hopeful look fell over Prompto's features as he looked in Noctis' direction. Taking in a breath, Prompto was about to ask, but Noctis was swift to interject with a quick, "No."

"I didn't even ask yet!" Prompto exclaimed, gawping in response to how quickly he had been shut down.

"It's all going in a box you won't open again anyway." Gladiolus looked up from what he was doing to make his remark toward Noctis. The prince — as ever — remained rather unmoved by the comment.

"Didn't you also say that some of those comics were Prompto’s, too? I think it fair he abscond with some of your comics in turn," Primam said, leaning on the kitchen bar and smirking in Noctis' direction. Her response earned her a brightened expression from Prompto.

Motioning toward Primam, Prompto returned his attention toward Noctis, "See! Prim's on my side on this one, too!"

"As if. You left them here. Not my fault you forgot about them," Noctis replied with a shrug, shaking his head as he did so.

Rolling her eyes in response to how stubborn Noctis was being, Primam finally removed herself from the kitchen and into the living room to help out with the last of the mess. She reached out to take the comic from Prompto's hands for a moment, getting a good look at the cover. "Well, not that I think you'd miss it even if it was borrowed, but at least I think I have a good idea what to get Prompto for his birthday this year."

Prompto's eyes seemed to sparkle with excitement as he looked at Primam; "You mean it, Prim?" He happily took the comic back from her when she handed it to him.

"When does she not?" Tandem asked, scoffing slightly with some amusement.

"It was just a thought born of consideration…" Primam said with a sigh, a slight pout having formed on her lips. "Of course, it would perhaps help if Noctis and Prompto sorted through their comics more thoroughly and separate what belongs to who and go from there."

"There it is…" Noctis commented, a slight chuckle leaving him.

"She is correct… The two of you have lost stuff among each other's belongings many times, and then get somewhat indignant about it when you do discover long lost items of yours," Ignis said, lending credence to Primam's minor grievances.

"Oh, c'mon… I don't need the 'mother treatment' from the both of you." Noctis rubbed the back of his neck, groaning slightly with some annoyance. Sifting through the rest of his comics, he mumbled under his breath, "The one time the two of you seem to actually agree with one another on anything…"

Tick. Tick. Tick.

Ignis checked the watch around his wrist. 2:21 AM.

Both Primam and Tandem had since left as soon as 1 AM had hit. The two of them had been in agreement that waking up late to their obligations in the morning would have left no one happy were any hiccups that could have been avoid have taken place.

"Looks like we got it all squared away," Gladiolus said as he looked around the apartment, placing a final box on a pile by the door. The place was barely recognizable at this point, now that it was cleaned up and only adorned with boxes and larger pieces of furniture ready to be shipped out to the Citadel come proper morning. Placing his hands on his hips, Gladiolus admired their handiwork in getting it all situated.

"Finally!" Prompto sighed, flopping down on the floor with a look of relief. He then looked up and around before pushing himself back up into a seated position. "Y'know, I never realized how big this place is."

"And this is the last you'll see of it. When we return, Noct will begin his new life back within the Citadel," Ignis replied, having a seat on the couch that remained, adjusting his glasses with a soft exhale.

"Hard to imagine," Prompto remarked, humming in thought as he closed his eyes and leaned back on his elbows.

"It hasn't hit me at all..." Noctis admitted, placing his hands on his hips as he gave the apartment one last look over. His gaze grew distant, as if considering something. "I'm sure it'll all work out, though."

Prompto's mouth fell open in mild disbelief at Noctis' rather nonchalant disposition. "You mean you aren't nervous?"

Turning to face Prompto, Noctis then brought a hand to his chin, expression falling to contemplation as he thought further about it. His features betrayed no hint of concern. With a hum to his thoughts, he then said, "I guess…the only thing I'm most nervous about is waking up on time?"

A scoff of amusement left Gladiolus as he shook his head, whereas Ignis simply smirked. Taking the time to also have a seat upon the couch, Gladiolus pointed his attention toward Noctis, soon shooting him the question: "You haven't thought about it, have you?"

"Give me a little more credit than that…" Noctis huffed, frowning slightly. He looked away, his gaze going down to a small scuff on the hardwood flooring. Exuding a silent sigh, he went on to say, "Still, thinking about it isn't gonna change much, is it?"

Gladiolus gave a sympathetic nod, conceding to Noctis' point; "I get ya."

"Not easy being the prince, huh?" Prompto said with an air of wonder to his melancholic question.

Sensing a shift in the overall mood now that everything was seemingly starting to sink in for everyone, Ignis cleared his throat. He managed a smile in his attempt to lighten the mood, soon saying, "First things first: completing our journey."

"Right." Noctis went onto the couch himself and slumped into the empty space between both Ignis and Gladiolus. He situated himself rather comfortably, lifting his feet to rest on the surface of the now barren coffee table for what may as well have been the last time in this apartment.

"I can't believe it's tomorrow already. I'm so excited! Did you study up 'bout the outside?" Prompto turned a hopeful look up toward the three on the couch. His attention drifted more toward Ignis, expecting him to have more information under his belt that he could impart.

"Briefly. I hadn't time to dedicate myself thoroughly to the task," Ignis revealed, a frown settling upon his lips.

"Too busy with your own preparations, huh?" Gladiolus asked more rhetorically than anything. He folded his arms over his chest, his brow furrowing together as he recalled some of his old camping trips and training with his family. "I can't really speak too much to the towns and settlements outside the Wall, but there's definitely a number of creatures out there even in just Cavaugh that we'll have to look out for and be careful around."

"With all kinds of wild animals on the outside, think they'll just walk on up to us?" Prompto asked, turning his attention more toward Gladiolus. His expression of hopefulness remained present on his face, though he was met with a glance bearing slight incredulity.

"It's a whole new world out there, huh…" Noctis spoke up before Gladiolus could respond properly to Prompto’s inquiry.

"I had a look at some maps. But even when you ask around, nobody really knows anything." Prompto said, looking up in thought once more as Noctis' statement distracted him from his original question.

"I suppose that would be the Wall's influence at work. Not many people are keen to go beyond it if it means leaving the safety of Insomnia," Ignis informed Prompto. A distant look formed upon Ignis' face as he thought about what things he had learned about everything regarding Lucis' growth and stagnation both. "From what I've heard, the surrounding towns haven't had much luck in catching up to Insomnia's advancements since the shrinking of the Wall in the late King Mors' time. Supposedly, the culture of the towns and cities beyond the Wall are akin to Insomnia's some thirty years ago. Like a sprawling landscape from an old photograph."

"I'm so psyched, but so nervous! Don't know if I can sleep like this." Prompto exclaimed, perking up and grinning widely as he drew his legs in to sit cross-legged on the floor now. It seemed that Ignis' reference to photography captured his attention.

"Well, if you can't sleep…" Noctis pulled out his phone, getting it turned on before tapping an app on the screen. The title screen to the mobile game all four of them had been playing with one another along with a loading bar was present: King's Knight. "We should get some progress made, don't you think?"

"Great idea!" Prompto quickly followed suit, leaning over to dig into his pocket and whip out his own phone eagerly.

With a quirk of his brow, Ignis watched both Prompto and Noctis before Gladiolus' own movements caught the corner of his eye. When he looked, he saw that Gladiolus pulled his own phone out from his pocket with a grin. With the time being what it was, Ignis sighed, a restrained scolding tone to his voice, "You can't be serious. At a time like this?"

"Well, why not? We gotta be there for His Highness, don't we?" Gladiolus replied, already getting King's Knight booted up to join in with the other two.

"Besides, this is the last time we can do this here," Noctis reasoned.

With a resigned and rather theatrical sigh, Ignis shook his head and took out his own phone. It seemed there was little choice when everyone else was already getting started at it. Besides…they were all still so very awake, as it were.

Chapter Text

Birds chirping indicated morning having taken hold of the city of Insomnia, the beginning rays of sunlight being the next thing as they filtered in through the windows. The sound of Noctis' alarm — a feature that had been set by Ignis — cut through the muffled birdsong. It was the permission granted to Ignis — who had been awake for a while — as he strode over to where Noctis was sprawled out on the couch in order to rouse him from his slumber.

All the while, both Gladiolus and Prompto slowly rose from their spots, greeting the day bleary-eyed. Prompto sat up, stretching his arms above his head with a groan before yawning widely and noisily.

"Morning already?" Prompto asked, the gravel of sleep tinging his voice.

"Indeed." An impatient sigh left Ignis as he continued to get Noctis up, refusing to turn off the prince's alarm — that was Noctis' responsibility to take care of. Ignis' brow knit together as he then sternly said, "Wake up, Noct."

An incoherent grunt fell from Noctis as he continued to lay completely still on the couch. A couple more moments passed before he finally heaved himself up into a sitting position. He looked over at Ignis, squinting as he then lifted a hand to block out the sunlight from hitting his eyes.

"Everyone, please get ready," Ignis requested (if it could actually even be considered that). He reached for his jacket draped over the back of the couch and threw it on. "We have to head to the Citadel right away."

"… Got it." Leaning over, Noctis picked his phone up from the coffee table and shut his alarm off.

"The prince is leaving today," Lyra idly commented at the dining room table as she, Vera, and Nebula sat around it. The table had been so boringly quiet that morning after Vera got breakfast prepared for them. Their parents were already at the Citadel, tending to King Regis' needs and preparations.

Vera's eyes were fixed on the poached eggs on her plate. She had hardly eaten compared to her sisters.

"… Do you think Aestus will be here with everyone?" Nebula asked, cutting into and taking a bite of her omelet.

"Even if he is, we can't risk seeing him and giving him away," Vera replied, her brow furrowing ever so slightly. "If we see him, remember that he is not our brother. Not at this time."

Again, the dining hall fell into silence, the only sound being that of eating utensils being used to cut or stab into food as they ate. Vera attempted to eat her poached eggs, though her stomach was knotting together with discomfort and unease. There were certainly things that had to be taken into consideration, and with some of the knowledge and intel she had received beforehand, she was not feeling too keen on her duties that were spread out.

Bringing her napkin up to wipe her mouth, Vera stared ahead out one of the windows of the room. Finally, she said, "… I need the two of you to prepare things today."

"Oh, joy. Finally, we're being given work," Lyra remarked flippantly, using her fork to push the remaining uneaten eggs on her plate.

"This isn't a request to abide by the duties of House Vox. I need you both to pack things that you can't live without. Extra clothes. Money. Rations. Toiletries if you must…" Vera continued, her expression steeling. She slowly set down the napkin and looked at both of her sisters. "I need you to pack these things, and I need you both to be prepared to use the underground tunnels out of the city."

It was then that Lyra's expression changed. What was normally a look of disinterest turned into a look of concern.

"Vera, what are you implying?"

"I'm implying that there's a reason the wedding is taking place in Altissia instead of here in Insomnia. I will not have either of you remain here before the signing ceremony begins." Vera looked up, her serious expression remaining ever present. "And should Aestus be here at all within Niflheim's ranks, you are not to contact him in any way, shape, or form."

Water lapped at the platform where Maagho was located, the clink of silverware and murmur from patrons filling the air along with the salty breeze. It was early morning in Altissia, and Ros had been invited there for breakfast — a treat from the First Secretary to keep in good graces with her first esteemed guest from Lucis. However, he had already caught on to the fact that he was there to meet with someone. It seemed like a poorly kept secret — especially considering his time spent around Lyra and some of her mannerisms of that of House Vox.

Besides…it was no secret that a Lucian ally, Weskham Armaugh, was the proprietor of the establishment and had been for some time.

"Ros?" a deep voice called out, and it made Ros look up to see who it was. There was a man, his salt and pepper hair in long dreads and pulled back into a ponytail. The response made the man smile with what seemed like familiarity as he made his way over to the lone table by the waterside. "Thought that may have been you."

"Weskham, I assume?" Ros asked.

"The one and only," Weskham chuckled, eyes crinkling at the corners. He got a better look at Ros. "Yeah…hard to mistake you for anyone else now that I can see you more clearly. Definitely take after your mother."

Ros remained silent at the comparison, slowly turning his gaze away and back down to his lunch set out in front of him.

Weskham's expression softened and fell before he took a seat across from Ros. He exhaled a silent sigh and said, loud enough for the young man in front of him to hear: "For what it's worth, I'm sorry about your mother. Belated as it may be. House Viridis always did right by me — hell, damn near everyone they cared for. So I'm glad you're here safely."

Nodding in acknowledgment, Ros looked up to give Weskham his attention once more. His lips thinned in thought, and he then repeated, "… 'Safely'…"

"Are you going to refute it?"

"No." Ros lifted his fork to cut into the fish on his plate to take a bite before it lost all its heat. After chewing, he flicked his attention back at Weskham. "But I also don't imagine you're here just to say 'hello' and make idle conversation."

"… Indeed," Weskham replied, drawing his hands over his side of the table and lacing his fingers together while Ros continued to eat. "I did want to inform you that we have news from Silex. Your cousin is due to get out of Insomnia here shortly today. Which means you'll be meeting with everyone in the coming week or so."

"Great." Ros' expression did not seem to speak to any enthusiasm, but he did become more attentive. "And the Lady Oracle?"

"Also due to be here soon should things go smoothly. Aestus already sent word that she should be well on her way."

Early…far too early…

Tandem and Primam were called into Clarus Amicitia's office, and even though the sun was shining bright, the fact that both of them had been out late helping Noctis pack was evident. Primam seemed much better about masking how tired she was versus Tandem's pointed stare at Clarus as they stood in his office. He even stifled a yawn, making it seem like a deep sigh instead.

"I heard from Ater you two were let out to meet with the prince yesterday," Clarus mentioned finally.

"Yes. We helped to get his apartment situated before, well, he leaves today," Primam responded with a reined in shrug. She kept her hands firmly behind her back, her gaze set upon Clarus. However, she cast a momentary glance in Tandem’s direction, noting how he remained relatively silent.

Early morning training in the hall not far from Clarus' office could be heard through the walls — muffled but present. The sound that resonated made Tandem purse his lips before he finally asked, "What's the deal with pulling us out of training this morning?"

Clarus allowed the question to linger as he sat back in his chair. His expression was contemplative as he steepled his fingers together. The lack of immediate response seemed to make Tandem bristle a bit, though he dared not to pursue pushing for answers…yet.

"… I have an assignment for you two," Clarus said after a while. "Something more befitting to that of the Arms of the King."

Both Primam and Tandem reaffirmed their attention upon Clarus with renewed interest.

"I've given Drautos the heads up, but the two of you are going to be stationed at opposite ends of the city following the Lucian metro rail line until further notice. If he asks you to do anything, do remind him that your orders come from me directly to be where you are."

"That doesn't sound 'befitting of the Arms'," Tandem said, a hardened edge to his voice.

"At the moment, no," Clarus agreed. He furrowed his brow after a moment, amber eyes staring sharply into both Primam and Tandem both. "Mollis has further details and will contact you when the time comes. When she does, you will defer to her command until told otherwise. Is this clear?"

"Mollie? Reall—"

"Is. This. Clear?" Clarus' stern tone cut Tandem off in the middle of what seemed to have been a protest.

"… Crystal, Sir…" came Primam's quieted voice. However, Clarus' attention remained on Tandem — the more volatile of the two.

"Tandem?" Clarus looked at him with hardened expectation. After several moments, Tandem finally seemed to relax back into place, his expression still steeled.

"… Yeah, I got it. Sir…" Tandem said in response.

Lacing up her boots, Mollis sat in the foyer of the Somnium manor, the house eerily quiet. She could never remember the house ever being this quiet. Not even when she sneaked about the house in her youth to avoid alerting her parents and groundskeeper. Clack usually saw to that. Without his murmurings and mimicked greetings, the house felt…hollow. Even with all the familiar pictures and adornments upon the shelves and walls.

Not even Mollis' father was home. No, he had woken up early to tend to matters at the Glaive HQ. Another factor that made the manor all the more foreign to her. It hardly felt like 'home' when none of the people that made it that way were present.

Then there was the tension. It was thanks to the signing ceremony and the expectation now of something that had yet to come. Truthfully, that was the worst of it. The unknown factor. Things could have gone well…though things could have gone wrong. So very…very wrong.

Standing from the bench in the foyer, Mollis looked within the dark and empty manor, only light from the windows illuminating the familiar features. With a sigh, she leaned down and gathered the dufflebag at her feet, hoisting it up and slipping the handles so that it was resting on her shoulder. Exiting the manor and locking it, she soon made her way to her car.

It was going to be a full day…

In the throne room, King Regis Lucis Caelum waited. He had Silex inform Ignis that he would be seeing Noctis that morning before everyone needed to tend to their myriad tasks. Most of all, before Noctis was to leave and set out on his way toward Altissia in order to see to his wedding with the Princess Lunafreya of Tenebrae.

As per the agreement with Niflheim…

It, thankfully, had not been long after arriving to the vast throne room that Regis was given the news that Ignis chauffeured the others to the entrance of the Citadel safely. Ascending the two landings until he was at his throne, he slowly took his seat, a soft groan falling from his lips as he did. The strain within his leg had not become easier in time…

The doors to the room opened with a rather audible ka-chunk and creak before Silex was seen leading the other four men within. They were made to enter into vast structure, having been requested into the throne room to stand before the King of Lucis within the dark, ebony halls.

Regis, having settled atop the throne, looked at Noctis warmly before his expression changed to match his station. Once it seemed all four men had assembled themselves on the landing below him, Regis looked over each of them momentarily.

Noctis, his son, standing there with a sense of conviction in his gaze, even if his posture indicated otherwise.

Ignis, his son's right hand — brother in all but name. Regis noted how he stood with an attentive stance, gaze never wavering.

Gladiolus, his son's Shield and general combat mentor both. Though more relaxed than Ignis, it was clear that Gladiolus still clung to his duty as fervently as ever.

Then finally, Prompto, his son's best friend. A young man of common birth, so Regis had been told…and one who seemed the most like he was mirroring the others in order to 'fit in' among them before the throne.

"The decreed hour is come," Regis began, keeping his expression as placid as he could. Thankfully, this was a well-practiced feat. "Set forth with my blessing, Prince Noctis."

Noctis bowed forward, eyes closed. "Thank you…" he looked up at Regis before he added somewhat hastily, "Your Majesty."

"Take your leave, and go in the grace of the gods." There was more that Regis could have stood to say. After all, he caught wind of the different moments the day prior Noctis asked for him… He wished he could have seen him at any time before now.

Straightening his stance, Noctis nodded, a soft "Right…" falling from his lips.

Without hesitation, Noctis turned and walked, brushing past Gladiolus who seemed surprised by the abrupt departure as he had to sidestep to make way for him. Even both Prompto and Ignis looked after him with mild bemusement to the brief audience that was not lost to Regis. With Noctis already on his way back out, the three made hasty bows of respect to King Regis before following suit after the prince.

A mix of hurt, disappointment, and resolve warred on Regis' face as he watched after the four. Especially as Noctis was briskly making his way back to the doors, continuing to outpace the others as if in a hurry to get out of the Citadel by what seemed like any means necessary.

"So much for royal protocol…" Ignis remarked, looking on after Noctis with a slight furrow to his brow as the four of them made their way back out into the outside. There was more that Ignis wished to have remarked on, though he bit his tongue for the time being. They were making their way down the stairs of the entrance to the grand building.

"Well, princes will be princes," Prompto commented with a sigh.

The ribbing was meant to be lighthearted, though Noctis remained silent as it seemed those with him were keen on giving their thoughts on how he left things. He could understand Ignis and Gladiolus, or any of the other of the 114th had they been there…but it was not as if Prompto had often been present at the Citadel when it came to things like…that.

"Honestly… Not like you had to deliver a formal address," Gladiolus said, stretching and rolling his shoulder as they descended another flight of stairs.

Noctis was about to quip back something in response before a familiar voice called out: "Your Highness!"

Stopping on the steps, all four turned to look back and up to see Regis slowly making his way down with the assistance of his cane, Drautos — the source of the voice — following along after him closely.

Annoyance turned to surprise, and then back to mild annoyance once more. Noctis sighed, muttering lowly to himself, "What now?"

Deciding not to offer too much in the way of push back, Noctis walked back up the stairs to meet his dad halfway. It was the least he could do — especially knowing how much of a pain it must have been to walk around with the lingering injury sustained and only getting worse with every passing day.

"I fear I have left too much unsaid…" Regis stated, holding up a hand to halt Noctis — preemptively refusing any help that would have been offered. He then leaned on his cane, frowning slightly. "You place a great burden on those who would bear with you."

Noctis scoffed, shrugging with mild exasperation at the statement aimed at him. Casting his father a mildly accusatory look, he said, "You're one to talk."

Regis Walked forward a little further. He then turned his attention toward the three that were to accompany Noctis and addressed them; "I ask not that you guide my wayward son, merely that you remain at his side."

Ignis was the first to bow in response, soon replying with, "Indeed, Your Grace."

Prompto watched on, his brow knitting together with some measure of focus as he observed Ignis.

"We'll see the prince to Altissia if it's the last thing we see," Gladiolus said, reinforcing Ignis' own affirmation as he bowed as well.

Again, Prompto watched on, mouth falling slightly agape. He then bowed quickly, mirroring the others in response to King Regis, meekly adding on, "Yeah, what he said."

An annoyed sigh left Noctis as he turned to face and address everyone behind him, "Hate to break this up, but Silex's got the motor running." He then turned fully to start descending the stairs once more, waving a hand while calling out, "Drautos! He's in your hands."

"And another thing—" Regis stepped forward, pausing once Noctis stopped and looked back. Regis offered a good-natured smile. He adopted a more affectionate tone, offering what was both a tease and a genuine request: "Do mind your manners around your charming bride-to-be."

Stepping back up to be level with Regis, Noctis offered an exaggerated bow toward him in response. With a smirk, Noctis replied with a measure of sass coloring his tone, "Your Majesty, as well. Try to mind yours around our esteemed guests from Niflheim."

"You have no cause for concern."

"Nor do you."

"Take heed," Regis' tone remained stern — not stern as a king, but as a father. "Once you set forth, you cannot turn back."

Another scoff left Noctis as he rolled his eyes and placed his hands on his hips. He looked at his father with a great sense of incredulity, a wry smile on his lips. "You think I would?"

Regis took in a breath and shifted his stance, leaning on his cane and facing Noctis fully. They shared in searching each other's expressions. With clarity, Regis said to Noctis, "I need only know that you are ready to leave home behind."

"I don't know about you, but I'm ready as I'll ever be." Noctis turned to try and make his way down the stairs again.

Regis stepped forward again. "Take care on the long road."

Noctis paused and Regis limped toward him. It was almost like his father was trying to keep him there.

"Wheresoever you should go—" Regis continued once Noctis looked at him again, "—the line of Lucis goes with you."

Reaching out, Regis placed a fatherly hand on Noctis' shoulder and looked into his eyes with sincerity. Squeezing Noctis' shoulder, Regis then said with a sense of finality to their interaction: "Walk tall, my son."

Chapter Text

Fair skies, open road… Yeah, this day would have been a good day any other time. Right now, though? Well, the Regalia was stopped in the middle of the road, the engine having failed halfway out of Cavaugh and into Leide since having departed the Crown City. There was nothing but desert for miles around with some shrub…and the sparse billboard that had not been updated for what seemed like decades — the only update being the rust that had been corroding its metal sheeting.

The group had been pushing the Regalia for a while — this was just another stop on the way to Hammerhead. They had been made aware that it was the nearest gas station and garage for miles around.

If only it were closer…

A car drove by, though it seemed the driver was content ignoring Gladiolus as he stood and waved for any kind of assistance that could have been granted. He gave a frustrated sigh when the car made no effort to anything more than just swerve around them and continue on its way. Behind him, Ignis was sitting in the driver's seat of the Regalia, having hoped to get the car back up and running by twisting the key in the ignition and praying the engine would start.

Meanwhile, Noctis was sitting on the road, back leaned against the bumper and head resting on the knuckles of his propped up hand. Prompto had taken an…interesting approach to his dismay. On the opposite side of the back of the car, Prompto was sprawled out on the hot road — as if the heat barely even registered to him and what exposed parts of his skin were making contact with the blacktop. All of them had sweat stains soaking through their garments, a sheen on their flushed skin.

"I think we can forget about hitching our way there…" Gladiolus said in resignation as he walked toward the driver's side of the Regalia. Noctis behind him had groaned, yawning soon after. Propping his hand against the top of the door, Gladiolus rested his other hand upon his hip as he pointed an annoyed expression out toward the sprawling desert landscape. "Thought people were friendly outside the city."

"You can only go so far on the kindness of strangers," Ignis replied, having resigned himself. Instead of focusing on getting the car started, he was now leaning forward on the steering wheel, arms crossed over top, and his forehead resting against them.

Dropping his head, Gladiolus sighed and then pushed himself from the car, stretching his arms. He walked back toward the rear of the car, stating, "Just gonna have to push her all the way."

"I've already pushed myself…" Prompto dramatically started, continuing to lay on the asphalt. "…To the brink of death."

"Oh, get up," Gladiolus replied, slapping a hand against Noctis' back as he then walked toward Prompto, who was content to keep laying there despite how the road must have been baking him. Kicking his boot against the underside of Prompto's foot, Gladiolus then said with a twinge of annoyance — and over Prompto's protests — "C'mon, car isn't gonna move itself. We got a lot of ground to cover before the daemons get comfy with showing themselves. Don't forget that we don't have the Wall's protection anymore."

"Sheesh…" Prompto sighed, both he and Noctis getting back up onto their feet. Rubbing the back of his head, Prompto then grumbled as both he and Noctis walked forward to either side of the Regalia's front doors; "Gah…I thought the car was supposed to move us."

Noctis trailed his hand along the edge of the car where the windows were rolled down. Tiredly, he stated, "Wouldn't that be nice—"

"Can it," Gladiolus cut in, pressing his hands against the Regalia's trunk. Bracing himself, he called out to the others in order to get them all on the same page: "Ready… Steady…"

Noctis and Prompto braced their hands and arms against the car as Ignis threw the Regalia into neutral drive.

"Push!" Gladiolus instructed, putting his weight into getting the Regalia going. With grunts and groans of effort, their concerted pushing began to actually take form as the Regalia lurched forward. It was slow, but at least the car was actually covering distance once more — and hopefully could see their destination before the sun dipped down below the horizon.

"Un. Believable," Noctis grumbled between steps, voice strained.

"Not exactly a fairy tale beginning, huh, Prince Noctis?" Gladiolus teased, his voice also strained. The corner of his lips cocked upward in the form of a smirk.

"We let ourselves get carried away," Ignis scolded, keeping the Regalia straight on the road while the others pushed. It would have turned into too much of a hassle if the others managed to push it off the road and into the dusty, sandy terrain. More if it delayed them any further into seeing dusk before they even got to their destination.

"Look! These things happen!" Prompto said, attempting to chirp out a response and keep an optimistic tone and air about himself.

"Let's just hope this isn't some omen…" Gladiolus sighed.

"Gladio, do me a favor," Noctis piped up.

"What?"

"Push this thing by yourself."

"All by myself?" Gladiolus growled, casting a glance in Noctis' direction.

"You won't even notice if we just let go…" Prompto said with a teasing lilt to his tone, leaning into Noctis' suggestion.

"Prompto, don't even think about it!" Gladiolus snapped, his head instantly looking in Prompto's direction.

"Save some breath for pushing…" Ignis sighed, resisting the urge to shake his head as he kept his gaze pointed forward on the road. He only cast a momentary glance in the rear view mirror to make sure no one was behind them. With one hand remaining on the steering wheel, he reached over for his cell phone sitting in the cup holder.

There were no new calls that Ignis could see, though he quickly swiped in his unlock code and went to make a call — a courtesy to those at the Citadel that the prince had been seen safely outside the Wall so far. And to confirm they were indeed well out of the city.

A busy signal greeted his ear.

"Ignis, c'mon — time to switch!" Noctis said, looking over at him with a furrowed brow.

"Nuh-uh! We just switched back there!" Gladiolus snapped.

"And it's my turn, Noct," Prompto reminded them in a matter-of-fact tone.

"His 'turn'…" Ignis ruefully remarked, bringing his phone to his ear once he chose his uncle's name from his contacts.

A busy signal again…

Ever so slowly, the Regalia continued to roll forward. It was just too bad that there was no reprieve from the baking sun — not unless they were to hurry on and get the car all the way to Hammerhead. But…it seemed that there were still complaints to have been had on the journey.

Prompto groaned the longer they kept at it; "Ugh, my hands are killing me…"

"You rather I kill you with mine?" Gladiolus quipped back.

"Easy there, tough guy!" Prompto replied.

While Gladiolus and Prompto shared in some banter, Noctis' attention shifted back over to Ignis. He had taken note of how many times Ignis had scrolled through his contacts at the Citadel and attempted to make calls. It must have been six or seven times now.

"Any luck?" Noctis asked.

"Only a busy signal," Ignis replied, a look of concern on his face.

"Hold the phone—" Prompto started, his attention going toward Ignis as well. He thought about the distance they were supposed to travel in order to get to Hammerhead. "Is it just me, or was it supposed to be way closer?"

"I assure you the map is correct," Ignis sighed, finally putting his phone to sleep and setting it back into the cup holder. He tried not to worry about it, and instead refocused his attention upon everything else around him. The map in question was folded neatly in the passenger's side seat, the destination marked to in blue ink.

"The map said Hammerhead was right there," Noctis replied.

"Literally next door!" Prompto recalled having looked at the map, though it seemed both he and Noctis had misjudged the total distance that still needed to be traveled in order to get from the exit of Insomnia all the way out to Hammerhead in Leide.

"Looks that way on a map of the world," Gladiolus said, exasperation coloring his tone.

Noctis sighed. "The world's a big old place…"

Daylight still shined, thankfully enough, by the time the boys arrived at Hammerhead. The tall white sign with red lettering along with the visage of a hammerhead shark was like a beacon of hope when the group finally caught sight of it. It made pushing the car feel less like a burden as they got it maneuvered into the lot. Only once it was off the road did any of them finally collapse from exhaustion.

The area at large was really its own little haven out in the middle of nowhere. Gas pumps, a garage, and a diner called 'Takka's Pit Stop' for anyone that needed a bite to eat while their vehicles were getting repaired.

Respite was afforded to the men for only so long before a peppy young woman walked out, a Leiden-belle accent coloring her voice as she said, "Hey there! Y'all kept a girl waitin'!"

She had her blonde hair cut short and kept tame by the trucker cap upon her head. Her skin was tanned from many days out in the sun, no doubt. Black grease stained her loose-fit tank top that had been tied at the bottom to keep it a little more snug against her person. A yellow and red work coverall was on her, half off and tied around her waist with the sleeves to keep it from falling — an uncomfortable looking garment given the heat of the land.

The woman paused, leaning from side to side as she took in the appearance of the Regalia for one, and assessed the men that came with it second. She counted three, and as she did her headcount, she asked, "Now, which one's the prince?"

Noctis pushed himself up and popped up from the other side of the Regalia, soon turning to face their presumed mechanic.

"Aha!" the woman started, walking around the Regalia while greeting him with a saccharine smile. "Hello, Your Highness. Congrats on your wedding!"

"Not…hitched just yet…" Noctis tiredly replied, his response causing the mechanic to pause her her step. She placed her hands on the back of her hips, looking down in thought.

"Lady Lunafreya's groom-to-be…here in Hammerhead…" she mused to herself as if she had not paid any mind to what Noctis just said. She then leaned down somewhat and started walking around the Regalia again, looking it over to assess any damage that may have been there.

"Apologies for taking so long," Ignis said, hip resting against the hood of the car and his head turned to address the mechanic in some way.

"You'd best save your apologies for Paw-paw," the mechanic laughed, pausing as she scrutinized the windshield. She lifted a finger, trailing it over some small smudge and then flicking it off to the side once she was done.

"Then that makes you…?" Gladiolus asked, allowing his question to linger so that the mechanic could answer it for herself.

Standing up straight, the mechanic looked back at Gladiolus, her sweet smile returning as she introduced herself proper: "Cindy! Cid's grease-monkey granddaughter."

"Yeah, and y'all better roll 'er in while I'm still young!" came and elderly man's voice — Cid. He caught the attention of everyone there, and they could see a smaller man sporting the same kind of cap Cindy was wearing waving them down while using his other hand to tuck a dirtied rag into the back pocket of his jeans. There was this look of annoyance on his face — of course, he could have just been squinting from the harsh sunlight.

Cid strode over, pulling his gloves off and tucking them into his pocket as well. He spared only a momentary glance at the Regalia before he turned his attention toward Noctis; "Didn't yer daddy tell ya?" He knocked his knuckles lightly against the trunk as he rounded the vehicle. "She's a custom classic — not some beat up ol' clunker."

Once done having a look at the Regalia with some measure of familiarity, Cid turned his attention toward—"Prince Noctis…"

"Uh…yeah," Noctis affirmed with a slight nod.

Cid looked Noctis up and down momentarily and then scoffed, walking toward him. It was clear that he was not at all impressed. Cid's next words only cemented that fact: "'Prince.' Like they took your old man and kicked the dignity out of him."

Noctis' mouth fell open, words caught in his throat as he struggled to make any response. Getting flack from anyone outside his royal retainers or friends had not been expected. Especially not so bluntly.

"You got a long way to go, son," Cid said, walking along the Regalia and assessing it much like Cindy before him did. Pausing, Cid ran his hand along the hood of the car. "That slack jaw's gettin' you nowhere fast."

Shaking his head, Cid adjusted his hat and started back for the garage not too far away. "She's gonna take a while. Y'all get 'er in and run along."

Cindy watched after her grandfather, a frown settling on her lips for the impression he must have made. She sighed, her shoulders falling before she turned toward the boys. She efforted a smile before waving the boys forward and then jerking her thumb back toward the garage. "Y'all heard 'im! Let's get movin'! Right this way."

A collective groan fell from both Noctis and Prompto as Ignis reclaimed his spot in the driver's seat to throw the Regalia into neutral. Gladiolus himself was already walking toward the back of the car, and one final time, they worked together to get the car pushed into the Hammerhead garage.

"And now we play the waiting game…" Ignis sighed as he walked to meet up with the others. He had handled the business side of things: getting Cid and Cindy paid for their efforts.

"Never liked that game," Prompto idly commented as he walked past and toward the convenience shop that owned the gas pumps.

"Never any good at it, either," Noctis quipped as he watched Prompto. He watched Ignis soon start to trail after Prompto, and he sighed before relaxing his posture and walking to follow suit. His efforts, however, were halted just as quickly as they manifested.

"Hey there! Prince!"

Cindy was jogging out of the side entrance to the garage, waving Noctis down once he turned to look at her. In her other hand, she held what looked to have been a pamphlet or brochure. Whatever it was, it was folded neatly in her care.

"Y'all ain't never been out this way before, have ya?" Cindy asked, handing offering the folded parchment to Noctis — it was a map. "Go on, have a look around! This'll make sure y'all don't get lost."

Noctis looked up at the Hammerhead sign and then gave a dry laugh while vaguely gesturing toward it. "Thanks. I don't think we'll get too terribly lost on foot. Got a pretty good marker right there." He tapped the new map against his hand before holding it up. "But thanks."

As Noctis took his leave, Cindy gave a two fingered salute in farewell before she headed on back to the garage to take care of the Regalia. That left Noctis to catch up with the others that made their way into the Hammerhead convenience shop. Almost immediately, Prompto came over with a grin on his face, eagerly patting Noctis on his shoulder.

"They got Ebony out here! Ignis is gonna flip!" Prompto excitedly pointed out. He went to pluck one of the cans from the display before his eyes fell on the price tag. His expression fell before his brow furrowed in contemplation. "Wait… Uh, what's…a 'gil'?"

Prompto bit back a groan before he placed the can back on the shelf. "I got a feeling our money's no good here."

"Betcha Ignis came prepared, though. Let's ask him," Noctis replied.

"We have enough for room and board," Ignis replied from his location of checking the shelves that had curatives and other first aid materials; he had overheard the two for quite some time now. He adjusted his glasses before making his way toward both Noctis and Prompto. "What we have are some funds for other necessities as well. But as it stands, we won't fare well on our own reserves of gil."

"You have some?" Prompto seemed taken aback by the revelation.

"It would have been remiss of the king to have sent us beyond Insomnia's Wall with no means to manage ourselves," Ignis said. "That said, it would behoove us to look into any job postings by the Meldacio Hunter HQ."

"What's that?" Prompto asked.

"Old organization, aren't they?" Noctis piped up, folding his arms over his chest. He then looked over toward Prompto. "I kinda remember being told about them in some royal history lessons. They don't have the blessing of the Crystal, but…if I recall correctly, they were formed to help quell the daemon threat for the towns outside of Insomnia. At least…that's what they were a century ago, or something…"

With an approving nod, Ignis confirmed this; "Indeed. Since then, many of their members roam Lucis to defend towns and people from not just daemons, but wild beasts that roam too close for comfort. As I've heard it, they've also conducted expedition efforts in collaboration with our very own historians into the Solheim ruins that can be found across the land."

Prompto frowned in thought, grimacing soon afterward. "Hey, wait… Shouldn't we, y'know, avoid getting into fights and scraps on the road to Altissia? What if Noct shows up to his wedding looking like he got out of a throw down?"

"There are worse ways to show up," Gladiolus responded as he walked in through the entrance. He weaved past Noctis and Prompto, purposefully nudging Noctis out of the way. Noctis met Gladiolus' playful gesture with a scoff before throwing a dismissive hand at him and waving him off.

"In any case…" Ignis spoke, heading to the check out counter in order to get the restoratives he picked out, bought. "Most diners should have job listings and bounties from the Hunter HQ — it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility that the diner here has something for us to put time into while Cid and Cindy take care of the Regalia. As it stands, this unforeseen hiccup has already very well put a dent into the intended funds we have available."

"Broken down and flat broke…" Prompto sighed, his shoulders falling into a slouch as he slumped with disappointment.

"Really decided to bleed us pretty dry not even one full step out of the city…" Gladiolus remarked, glancing back only briefly in everyone's direction before returning to peruse the shelf he was at for some minor survival equipment for camping.

"So we take some small bounties that won't leave Prompto shaking in his boots, no biggie." A shrug accompanied Noctis' words while a smirk grew upon his lips. Prompto gawped in response, a disbelieving scoff of feigned hurt escaping him.

Accepting the bagged goods with a small word of thanks from the cashier, Ignis turned back toward the others. "Then it's decided. Let us inquire about the jobs available at the diner. Given there even are jobs available…"

"Fingers crossed, then, huh?" Prompto chirped, starting with a small skip out of the convenience shop. He then shot Noctis an accusatory look. "And I won't be 'quaking in my boots', thank you very much! I don't think much could scare me after what Cor and Mollie's put me through."

"We'll see…" Noctis said with a scoff of amusement, turning to leave the shop as well.

Chapter Text

"The envoy from Niflheim awaits without, Your Majesty."

Regis brought his hand to the side, his expression turning serious as he motioned for the guards to open the doors and allow in their unexpected — and quite frankly, uninvited — guest. When the doors opened with a wooden clatter, a man donned in strikingly flamboyant clothes despite the drab gray they were walked in under the escort of two armed guards. Most of what Regis could tell from the man as being 'defining' was the blood-colored hair that spilled out from under the man's hat.

Regis knew this man. Not personally, but he was aware of the man that walked into the throne room.

"Why hello, everyone!" the man cheerfully greeted, lifting a hand as he looked around briefly. He then regarded Regis directly, his words turning into a drawl: "Hello! Good day to you…"

The man nodded toward the other members of the Royal Council who sat within their seats upon the raised platforms that flanked the path to the throne. His smile remained ever saccharine as he regarded them whilst throwing his arms out to his sides; "…and you. Well met, my dear Lucians."

"Has Niflheim grown so bold…" Regis began, watching the man as he neared; "…that they send the chancellor himself as envoy? And under no guard, at that?"

"It is an honor to be recognized by the great King Regis." The man's gait slowed, and he moved a hand to regard Regis further. "Yet permit me to stand on ceremony and introduce myself nonetheless."

Looking around at the rest of the Royal Council, the man's lips tugged back into this self-assured smirk.

"Ardyn Izunia, Chancellor of Niflheim," he announced. Taking his hat from his head, Ardyn bowed with a flourish. "At your humble service."

Raising, Ardyn placed his hat back on his head. "And I come to you on this…most auspicious of days to offer terms of peace."

"Peace?" Regis incredulously asked. He did well to mask the disbelief he felt bubble within from showing upon his features.

"As you no doubt surmised," Ardyn started, pacing forward a few more steps. He motioned with his hand, "… That recent maneuver of ours was no strategic retreat."

He placed a foot on the first ebony step that led directly to the throne. "Call it…" He paused, pursing his lips in thought while casting his gaze to the side. Then, with a small click of his tongue, he returned his attention upon Regis. "Call it a gesture of imperial goodwill."

Ardyn made a slow ascent of the stairs before pausing again. "Like you, we wish nothing more than to bring a swift end to this senseless war."

"Is that so?" Regis asked. The fact that some of his Royal Council exchanged glances at Arydn's claim had not been lost on him.

"It is, indeed." Ardyn slowly walked again up the stairs, lifting a finger. "And we require but a singular compliance. Save your grand Insomnia here." He made his way onto the first landing before Regis. "Lucis must forfeit all territories to Niflheim rule."

Several of the members of the Royal Council stirred — some even appearing as if they were about to rise and protest. However, Regis brought a hand up, halting any notion of doing or saying anything. All the while, he kept his eyes locked upon Ardyn.

Ardyn sighed dreamily and turned with his arms out. "Insomnia! The jewel in the crown of the Lucian kingdom." Turning back toward Regis, Ardyn looked as if he just remembered something then. "How foolish of me to forget. There is just one more trivial thing… It concerns your son."

Regis felt himself wanting to gird up — his hands tensed on the armrests to the throne, and he forced himself to settle back into his seat. A silent sigh left him, his expression remaining as placid as possible. Simply, he waited for Ardyn to continue; perhaps whatever he had to say was not as bad as Regis was expecting.

"The fetching Prince Noctis of Lucis," Ardyn continued with a small roll of his hand, "and the fair Princess of Lunafreya of Tenebrae…" Ardyn brought his index fingers together in unison. "They are to be wed."

Regis leaned forward at this proposal. Part of him was not sure he even heard Ardyn correctly.

"You seem vexed, Your Highness." Ardyn watched Regis, his golden eyes fixed intently upon the king. "I assure you, the princess still holds you in the highest regard as she has done all these twelve long years."

Sitting at the head of the table in the conference room, Regis looked at the people gathered there. A severe expression had been set upon his face — more so since meeting with Ardyn still felt so fresh and vivid in his mind. It played over and over again in his mind… It was, after all, the reason why Noctis was no longer within the Crown City. A successful plan executed in order to see his son away from all of this nonsense.

"We are losing this war, Your Majesty." Silex had pointed a severe look in Regis' direction, a finger solidly against the surface of the conference table. "Lucis cannot rely on the Kingsglaive alone. Accepting the truce may be our best course of action."

"You speak of matters beyond the New Wall," another noble replied, a deep frown on his lips. His name was Vere, and it was no secret he was one of the more traditionalist members on the Council. "We have no need of a truce here, so long as it stands. If our position worsens, we still have the Old Wall."

"Yes, but this truce will end the fighting altogether," Gratia said. There was a deep furrow to her brow before she glanced over at Clarus, and then to Ater. Taking in a breath, she looked back toward Vere. "You have not seen the numbers we have suffered with the Glaive and even some of the Crownsguard who are willing to give their lives on the front lines. Should this end needless bloodshed with Niflheim once and for all, perhaps we can finally move on with our lives."

Drawing her hands together, Gratia looked at Regis who sat to her left. "If only we could compromise…"

"Compromise is unwise, you know this just as well as I," Clarus said, his words cutting in sternly. "We know nothing of Niflheim's true intentions." He then cast his gaze toward Vere and the others, a steeled expression on his face. "Everyone would do best not to fool themselves here; the Walls are far from impenetrable."

"The paths left to us are few," Regis started, leaning forward in his seat. "The New Wall draws its power from the throne. I am able to sustain it for some years yet, if the kingdom requires it. But the chancellor spoke one truth, if only one…"

Regis cast his gaze to the side. He was reluctant to admit it as his lips pulled back into a grimace. "We are old, and the Old Wall…" He looked down to the ring that encircled his finger, soon clenching his hand into a fist. "I cannot command the Old Wall with a weakened hand…nor do I have the strength to muster an offensive to turn the tide on this war."

"Then let the choice be made, Your Majesty." Clarus turned his attention fully onto Regis. The words of a Shield left him: "What are we to protect?"

The conference eventually came to a close, and Regis was left in his chair, a weary sigh leaving his lips. Clarus had been the only one who did not get up to take leave of the conference room, instead choosing to continue to sit next to Regis as the room emptied. Both of them looked as if they bore the weight of the world upon their shoulders.

"I had no idea meetings could be so taxing," Clarus began in light jest. "My back aches."

A short laugh left Regis, and it was then followed by a long sigh. There was still much and more that made his mind and body feel heavy.

"How are you feeling?" Clarus asked, his lighthearted expression falling into something more genuine. "I imagine you must be exhausted."

"Indeed," Regis said, a rueful laugh falling from his lips.

"What of Noctis?"

Regis shook his head. "Still blissfully unaware." His expression fell after a while. "Still, I wish I could have told him more. Wish I could have just said or done more. But…"

"… I understand. I had trouble not expressing myself to both Gladio and Iris before he left. At least Iris will be in Dustin and Monica's care when the time comes…" Clarus replied, leaning back in his chair and staring forward idly. He then looked back at Regis. "You should rest a little. Let me handle the more trivial matters."

"I can't have that," Regis replied, shaking his head with a lighthearted smile on his lips. "If I leave the kingdom in your hands even for a day, I won't have a place to return to."

Clarus' laugh echoed through the conference hall. "You make it sound like a bad thing."

Both fell into laughter — a moment that brought Regis back to when he was a teenager. Perhaps Clarus felt the same. It was a needed moment given the gravity of everything that awaited them the moment they were to leave the hall in order to return to reality.

"You needn't worry about me. I'm doing just fine," Regis said after a moment once their laughter subsided.

Clarus gave a nod, choosing not to pursue the topic further. Instead, he pivoted; "Have you had time to contact Cid? If not, I'd be happy to drop him a line."

"That won't be necessary. I managed to call him today."

"How was he?"

"Fine…but he demanded a personal visit in exchange for looking after our sons," Regis replied, laughing softly. "It sounded like the four of them ended up getting to Hammerhead safely at least."

"At least…" Clarus hummed in thought. "Still…not the attitude one would normally take toward a king."

"There must be something on his mind for him to be so insistent," Regis mused.

"What did you end up telling him?"

"That I couldn't see him."

"An honest king…"

A scowl formed over Regis' face. His lips pursed before he finally said, "'Honest'? Even when I couldn't tell him anything?" His gaze dropped back to the ring around his finger. "I couldn't even be honest with my own son…"

A pained expression crossed Clarus' face, and he sighed before quietly, and earnestly replying: "It's not something that be simply said. When the time came, I couldn't do it either. Much as I wanted to… But there are no right words for such a circumstance — to send them on their way, that is."

Clarus lifted his gaze to meet back with Regis'. "You've done more than enough, my friend. They're no longer children. Someday, they will understand."

A heartfelt smile grew on Regis' lips. "Thank you."

With a sigh, Regis' expression faded, and his tone became grave as he stared out over the vacant table. "Many sacrifices must be made for the future… Perhaps it is too much to hope for the understanding of my people, but my will is to protect those of the present. This path I have chosen…" Regis shook his head, closing his eyes. "The options before me are few. I have thrown away my pride. Perhaps I'll even be ridiculed as a fool."

Pausing, Regis slowly looked over toward Clarus. "The name of Amicitia — along with all the others in the service of Caelum — will be sullied. For that, I must beg your forgiveness, Clarus."

Shaking his head, Clarus took a moment before he replied: "You needn't apologize to me. To me, you are more than a king: you are a true friend. A brother in all but name."

Clarus then looked Regis fully. "No matter what happens, that will never change."

Chapter Text

"Sometimes I wonder if we'll ever sit inside that beautiful car again…" Prompto wistfully sighed as he rested his arms over the back of the dining booth. He stared longingly outside the window toward the garage — an exaggerated vie for humor…perhaps for himself.

As it stood, though, the group had to stay overnight at the Hammerhead pit stop as the Regalia was taken care of. Yet another wrench thrown into their plans of being punctual in arriving at Galdin Quay. At least they had taken care of the reapertail menace that the people of Hammerhead had wanted quelled for a while.

Still…they did have a schedule to abide by.

"Sitting most of the day was pretty nice," Gladiolus agreed, looking over the booth's back toward the garage as well. His arm was resting across the back, a small sheen of sweat on his skin from a morning jog around the area before it got too hot out.

"Napping was even better," Noctis chimed in, elbow propped upon the table as his other finger idly traced circles on the menu he had.

"Are you all quite done?" Ignis asked, his brow locked in a slight furrow as he listened to the lamentations of the others — exaggerated or no. He had been busy counting up the gil they earned from showing off the reapertail barbs as proof to claim their bounty from the Hunter representative. It was not a lot, but it was still better than nothing.

The reapertail barbs had been…accepted, yes, but they were also cumbersome items that made their way into the inventory of the party. Materials to have been used for elemancy as they had no use otherwise…

As Ignis set aside small stacks of gil to calculate how they were to budget moving forward, he sighed and leaned back in the booth. He then looked toward everyone else who looked none the worse for wear after their exploits.

"We'll have to take more jobs as we come across them, I'm afraid… If we want to ensure a comfortable journey that is…" Ignis informed the everyone before he finally started taking the bits of payment and placing them into a coin purse.

Prompto slid into a slouch in his seat, canting his head back against it with a grimace that accompanied his groan of impatience. "Man, and I was really looking forward to meeting Lunafreya before the wedding was supposed to happen. How can I be Noct's best man and not even know the lady he's marrying!?"

Prompto's question was left hanging, and when he looked up to see why it seemed everyone was paying him no mind, he saw that everyone had their attention toward the window. Turning his attention as well, Prompto caught sight of Cindy walking toward the diner with purpose to her steps and a furrow to her brow. A far cry from the chipper woman they met the day prior.

"… What's eating her, I wonder…" Prompto muttered.

The bell to the diner rang as Cindy made her way in. She spared no time finding where the boys were and walked over immediately.

"Something didn't happen to the Regalia, did it?" Noctis asked once Cindy came to a halt at their table.

"Thankfully, no," Cindy began. Her shoulders heaved with a sigh, her lips pursing with concern. "I actually got a hunt for y'all since ya seem done with the varmints that've been causin' some right chaos 'round here."

Prompto leaned forward — as did Gladiolus and Noctis. Ignis was the only one that seemed to keep an air of calm about his person.

"Something else has been stirring up trouble?" Gladiolus pressed, moving his arms so that they were folded over his chest.

Shaking her head, Cindy went on to explain: "This hunt's actually for a person — fella named Dave went off a while back, and we ain't heard a word of anythin' from 'im since. If ya still got that map I gave you, Highness, I can mark where he said he'd be goin' off to."

"Yeah, right." Noctis reached back into one of his pockets and the produced the folded map for Cindy to take.

"Some bachelor party this is turning out to be, huh, Noct?" Prompto said with a bit of a laugh while Cindy circled a part of the map some ways outside of Hammerhead's borders.

"Don't even joke," Noctis groaned.

The lands of Tenebrae grew smaller and smaller as Lunafreya stared out the window of the airship. Ravus hovered close, though kept a stiff upper lip as he stood at the helm. There had been nothing Lunafreya could have said or done to change this outcome — not when she had been surrounded by magitek infantry at the time and the only patrol she had that was of any comfort was summoned away before she could make what was supposed to be a discreet escape from Fenestala Manor so that she could take a boat to cross the waters to Accordo.

So now Lunafreya stood there in the airship, her eyes pointed out the nearest window. The irony of still being caged while flying… It made her lips twitch back bitterly.

"You're not still moping, are you?" Ravus asked, glancing over in Lunafreya's direction. "I can't imagine you would try to escape the wedding. Is it not what you wanted?"

Lunafreya's jaw clenched momentarily. Slowly looking back over her shoulder at Ravus, Lunafreya kept a placid expression. The same expression she forced herself to carry in the presence of those who have clipped her wings — Ravus included.

"… Another thing that the Niflheim Empire has bade me go through with," Lunafreya started in response, voice unwavering. Her brow furrowed slightly as she turned her attention back to the shrinking visage of Tenebrae.

One last look…

"Niflheim speaks of wanting peace, and yet they freely offer me as the Oracle of Tenebrae to wed with the Prince of Lucis?" Lunafreya continued. "Does it not strike you as strange? Why not offer a lady of Niflheim if they mean to build a lasting foundation of peace?"

Lunafreya had been suspicious ever since Ravus approached her and broke news of Emperor Aldercapt's plans for her. To say her heart leapt at the news would have been an understatement — marrying one's childhood friend was a mercy seldom afforded to those within hers and Noctis' positions. Though, to maintain an act of ignorance or confusion, Lunafreya could let no one know she had been communicating with Noctis for years now with the aid of Umbra and Pryna.

"Solara is far too you—"

"I am clearly not speaking about a child, which you clearly think I still am." Lunafreya's words bit at Ravus, intentionally so. "There are other eligible women of Niflheim within positions that could build a better trust between the two nations, yet they choose Tenebrae knowing the Oracles and Royals of Lucis have been allies since times of old."

She knew the general rotation — the political motions of trading princes and princesses in arranged marriages between nations. Get them wed, get them to bed one another, and then produce an heir. What Lunafreya failed to see was how Tenebrae and Lucis having a more solid link to one another benefited Niflheim when they already had Lucis backed into a corner.

Even if the marriage was a claimed 'olive branch' to the treaty negotiations, the arrangement reeked. It also spoke to how much of a fool the Emperor must have thought Lunafreya was — how much of a fool anyone was for buying into such a ploy. Perhaps her brother was a bigger fool than she gave him credit for.

"… It is not your place to question the reasoning behind the emperor's decisions," Ravus said after a moment, sighing with a hint of annoyance soon afterward.

"Perhaps, then, you should ask more questions for yourself," Lunafreya retorted, keeping her back pointed toward her brother. She caught the sound of Ravus issuing a scoff, further proving his annoyance for the discussion at hand. He was the one who initiated, however, so Lunafreya felt little for his discomfort or upset due to the direction their chat took.

"We arrive within Insomnia in the next twelve hours. I suggest you make yourself comfortable," Ravus said, returning his attention toward the console in front of him.

"Luche," Drautos called out as he walked down the hall of Glaive HQ. There was a severe expression on his face.

"Sir." Luche straightened his stance, standing at attention as Drautos neared.

"My office. Now." Drautos made no effort to slow down, passing Luche as he continued down on his way. Luche was heard falling into step behind Drautos, and their trek remained silent. As they reached the office door and Luche was gestured inside, Drautos went to take a seat at his desk after closing the door behind them. Again, silence remained an ever present companion to them, Drautos' chair creaking the only thing breaking the silence as he leaned back.

Then, Drautos finally dug into the inner pocket of his coat and produced a folded slip of paper. He tossed it onto the desk, watching as Luche stared down at it. Bringing his elbows to sit upon the armrests of his chair, Drautos looked up at Luche. His severe expression remained.

"… I'm giving you the opportunity to explain yourself," Drautos said.

"Sir…?" Luche remained stock still before the wooden desk, his eyes flicking up to meet with Drautos. Tentatively, he reached out, and Drautos could see how Luche's fingers trembled. When he unfolded the paper, the change in expression was visible — how Luche's clinging to this stoic sense of self gave way to this grimace of dread as his eyes briefly skimmed the contents of the slip.

Drautos gave Luche a look of expectation, brow raising now that the slip and its contents had been seen.

"It's…" Luche began, his fingers then gripping the paper tightly to make it crumple while his expression twisted into anger. He then spat, his voice an irritated hiss, "You can't tell me that you want to keep fighting this pointless war the king sends us out to with little regard if we come back alive or dead."

Luche crumpled the paper further and then threw it down onto the floor before looking back at Drautos as his emotions continued to bubble forth. "All the king cares about is this last bastion of safety for the people who came before those who were so unfortunate to lose their homes to Niflheim! He turns his back upon the people of Lucis for this city!"

Drautos lifted a hand to cease Luche from continuing.

"I should assign you new duties with someone to watch over you," Drautos said, a steeled edge to his tone.

For a moment, Luche's brow twitched as he regarded Drautos with some confusion. Though his stance remained rigid, he kept his attention steady. There was a question that danced behind his lips — that much seemed obvious to Drautos as he read Luche's expression.

"I have a job for you instead — someone of your caliber should see to it," Drautos went on.

"… If this is a means to have me under your thumb, I'd rather take the punishment," Luche tersely said.

"On the contrary…" Drautos rose from his seat and walked to the front of his desk, leaning down to pick up the discarded scrap of paper. He then tucked it away into his jacket once more. It would have to be burned later. "I'm sending you outside the Wall to take care of…an inconvenience to your plans. Rest assured that this mission I want to send you on won't reach the eyes nor ears of any of the military nobles that command the Guard and the Glaive. This matter is between us only."

Luche's eyes narrowed, his lips pursed as he attempted to hide his disbelief. After a moment of consideration, he finally asked, "And what is it you'd have me do, Sir?"

"A drop point interception. I suggest you take any of your trusted allies with you — once you have them collected, contact me." Saying this, Drautos pat the location on his jacket where the crumpled paper was. "And once you're out at the location, you can use any force necessary… In fact, I encourage it. For hearth and home."

Blood coated Aestus' hands and fingers. He pulled a handkerchief from his coat pocket, wiping them down as he walked along the now empty halls of the Fenestala Manor. Once they were mostly cleaned up, he dug into his pocket to pull out his identification cards; they were branded with Gralea and Niflheim's crests and coat of arms.

Rubeus Cinis was the name printed across the identification card. That along with whatever vitals that needed to he included. Height. Weight. Eye color. Hair color… All alongside the standard brands and numbers that were assigned to citizens of the nation.

Aestus tossed them carelessly over his shoulder, the plastic cards clattering against the marble floor. No longer were they useful to him. Not with Niflheim already having made its way into Lucian territory — not with Lunafreya already on her way over.

A different pocket buzzed, and Aestus paused, fishing the phone from his breast pocket out and answering it.

"This is Cinis," Aestus answered, idly walking toward one of the stained glass windows and peering beyond it to the best of his ability. The magitek that patrolled the grounds had since been called away.

"Rubeus!" The voice on the other end sounded relieved. "Are you en route to arriving in Insomnia?"

A small huff of air left Aestus' nostrils. Composing himself, he kept his voice low: "I ran into…complications on that front. But there's a second wave heading out. I'll be meeting with Brigadier General Tummelt and departing with his fleet into Lucis."

"Understood. We look forward to receiving you." The line clicked and went dead. Aestus looked down at his phone briefly before he tucked back away into his coat.

"I'm sure you are…" Aestus quietly commented to himself. Looking forward, he continued down the opulent hall, a stoic expression upon his face. With the Fenestala Manor more or less to himself, there were some things that Aestus wanted to see to before he made a call for transportation back to Niflheim. So he traversed the familiar route that led to Stella's old room.

Glancing about, Aestus made sure he truly was alone before he silently opened the door and slipped inside. Stella's room is how he remembered it being: dark and untouched since her death.

Disappearance…

Lunafreya's voice nagged in way of correction at the back of Aestus' mind. Even if he did not believe that Stella was around any longer, Lunafreya's insistence that Stella was still somewhere out there clawed its way through his memories. Perhaps it was better to hold onto that hope…he had come to that conclusion after all. Aestus was certain Lunafreya only said as such to have some glimmer of hope in this 'gilded cage' — as she so called it. Not that she was wrong, of course…

Aestus walked through the room, his light footsteps further muffled by the blue and white floral rug that spanned a large portion of the room. He refused to draw the drapes from over the stained glass windows to let in more light, instead pulling his phone out again to use the torch it provided. With the beam of light guiding his way, Aestus walked over to the desk that sat all by itself a couple paces away from the bed. Reaching under the hollow that allowed for someone to sit at it, his fingers trailed over the wood until he felt a latch.

Pressing it firmly, something soon popped open, its sound dull within the desk. Once Aestus heard it, he knelt down to look under the hollow to find the newly opened compartment. There were envelopes and pictures nestled within — items ferried to him thanks to the aid of Lunafreya and her divine messengers. Tucking some of the smaller items away, it was only when Aestus got to an unmarked envelope that he opted to ignore after receiving it earlier that week.

He tore it open and pulled out the paper within.

Spade,

The sky will shatter above all, though you probably knew this. The deer will need to flee…but none of them are ready to become the wolf. They are but fawns; if only they could keep their camouflage.

The sun's light will dim soon. With it, the world. It falls to a select few to continue to light the way. The wolf included.

A wolf must not snap its jaws at the bird that is to come.

A hastily written message, Aestus realized. His brow furrowed before he sighed irritably and crumpled both message and envelope in his hand. After a moment, flames licked at his palm, eating the paper within till it became nothing but ash. Letting it fall to the ground, Aestus lightly clapped his hands together to rid himself of the residue before taking his leave of the room and turning off his phone's torch.

It was time to call for transportation and prepare for the return to Lucis…

Babysitting was not what Libertus liked doing. On one hand, the passenger he was chauffeuring was quiet. On the other hand, the passenger he was chauffeuring was quiet.

Libertus glanced up into the rear view mirror, looking at the woman who sat in the back of the car — Primam Chorus, her name was. He knew the Chorus twins — knew that they were nobles that were made to serve in the Glaive at any rate. He was as confused as any of those that were in his station. Hell, he bet even Drautos was confused about why her and her noble twin brother were serving alongside outsiders to Insomnia.

He could ask, he supposed.

"So, uh…" Libertus started. "Why's it you and your brother were put into the Glaive?"

"Huh?" Primam looked up from leaning against the window and staring idly out. She shook her head, and her voice soon came out, hesitant in nature: "Oh…it's… Our mother, she…"

Libertus restrained his sigh of impatience as silence filled the air between them.

"… Sorry, it's…" Primam continued. "It's a little bit of a touchy subject, but I guess…it's… I guess it's not as touchy as anything you've been through beyond the Wall."

"We ain't playin' any tragic backstory competition."

Primam managed a small scoff of amusement. That was a kind of victory on Libertus' behalf — he would take that much.

"My mother thought it best that my brother and I serve as Glaive because… Well, because of our ancestry. House Chorus saw ennoblement through a Galahdian trader who was skilled in combat and gave his loyalty to the king at the time," Primam briefly explained. "So…our mother said we should…serve alongside those who we should see as our kin."

"Huh…" Libertus' brow furrowed slightly. He glanced up at the rear view mirror again. "Sounds pretty harsh as far as nobility is concerned. Ain't you the ones who usually end up servin' the king?"

A wry laugh left Primam's lips. "I suppose my mother doesn't make a habit of visiting the Glaive… Nothing seems to be 'too harsh' for her." She shook her head. "But yes… Many of us do usually end up becoming Crownsguard. My brother and I had sent in our applications after our schooling had concluded. Though I… I had put in a request to…also pursue college courses at UIC."

That must have been part of the 'touchy subject' with how Primam's tone shifted.

"University of Insomnia City, huh?" Libertus kept his eyes on the road, fingers flexing around the steering wheel. He felt a pang of familiarity for the situation. "Shouldn't be surprised you had somethin' nice goin' for ya. Sorry it didn't end up workin' out."

"Thanks…" Primam replied, looking back out the window.

Chapter Text

"—nd the bouquets must be ready before then, are we clea—"

Click.

"—eaned up dress shirts and vestments, all ready before the signing ceremo—"

Click.

"—lutely no one else knows about this. Drautos has asked us to intercept a drop several miles outside the border."

Lyra sat up in her bed, a hand going up to the ear piece she wore. A lot of the 'news' and 'chatter' she was listening to had a lot to do with simply being prepared for the signing ceremony that was happening in the next few days. Or…whenever it was actually supposed to happen. As far as Lyra was aware, the esteemed guest of honor was making his rounds in touring the city of Insomnia before the big day was set to happen.

This was far more interesting. And Drautos? Lyra knew that name.

"Do you even know what this 'drop' is meant to be?" came a different voice over the ear piece. So that was two people thus far that Lyra was eavesdropping on.

"Drautos said a 'hindrance to our plans'…" the first voice replied.

"Then Drautos is aware that we no longer wish to operate under the king's command?"

"It would seem that way."

Lyra brushed her hair out of her face and then rolled off her bed in a hurry. She kept the ear piece pressed within her canal, and she went to snatch her phone from its charger. She and Nebula were supposed to be traveling outside the city after the party at the Caelum Via. But this seemed like it necessitated attention, and fast.

"What are we looking for?" A third voice?

"We're following after a Speedy Chocobo Cleaning Services vehicle. Drautos is sending it out with Crowe." The owner of the first voice explained.

"So we're killing her?" the second voice asked.

"It may be a necessary sacrifice. We know her group — especially with the hero being at the forefront of their little trio. As long as Nyx is loyal to the king, so will they be," the first voice said in response. Lyra could hear the sneer in his tone — especially when it came to this so-called 'hero'. "And just think… If Crowe is gone, Libertus is already injured. Nyx can't defend the Crown all by himself. There'll be no one left to stand in the way of this damned war being put to an end."

Goddammit.

Scrolling through her contacts, Lyra quickly got Vera's name selected and dialed her number. It rang twice before being ignored, sending Lyra straight to voice mail. Lyra cursed, attempting to call Vera again. Again, the call was dumped straight into voice mail before the line could even ring more than once.

"Dammit, Vera!" Lyra hissed between clenched teeth. She scrolled through her contacts again. Who could she have possibly called? The twins were probably already out doing some Kingsglaive stuff since the Crownsguard had already been sent out of the city. Ros was just…missing as far as Lyra knew — something about being sent to Altissia ahead of Noctis. Gladio and Ignis were clearly already gone.

That left…

Lyra scrolled through her phone fast until she reached Mollis' name. Dialing her, Lyra brought a thumb to her teeth, clenching her nail between them.

"Hi? Lyra, you never call—" Mollis began on the other end.

She picked up, and that was all Lyra needed to hurry and interject.

"Yeah, I know. But this is urgent. Like, actually urgent, and not me trying to take the piss out of the call," Lyra said, her brow furrowing tighter. The conversation between the other three had died down into things that were not as interesting nor pressing. Just chatter about getting their own vehicles ready.

"Does it necessitate me being in the Crown City? Because I might not be able to fulfill anything that needs doing there," Mollis replied.

"Wait, you're outside the Wall?" Lyra's expression changed to surprise, and she hurried over to her window, throwing the curtains aside and raising the blinds. She could see part of the stone wall from her bedroom — it stood far off in the distance, but it was visible.

"Yeah. Most of the Crownsguard are near or beyond it," Mollis said in response. "I thought you would have known already."

"I didn't think you would have been out there, too…" Lyra's hand clenched around the draw string for her blinds before she let go of them and the blinds fell back down with a metallic clatter. She scoffed with irritation and then pursed her lips. "Whatever…what matters now is that something is happening. I just got word of some of Drautos' people running an interception outside the Wall."

Lyra explained what she heard to Mollis.

"Do you have a location?" Mollis' voice became serious.

"No, just the vehicle they're following out of the city. The person in the Speedy Chocobo Cleaner Services is innocent — and you should probably inform Cor about this, too."

"Already on it. I was already supposed to help with evacuation, but I ha—"

"'Evacuation'? Dammit…Vera said she wanted Nebula and I out of the city… Something's really about to happen, isn't it?" Lyra's tone was still laden with anger and frustration, but she could not help the worry that seeped into it.

"I'm surprised it seems to have escaped your ears… But yes. King Regis expects Niflheim to attack. You'd do best to heed your sister's urging. I'll take the information you've relayed to me and do what I can to find out more. Thanks for the heads up."

The third day finally came, and the Regalia was finally ready to get back onto the road. The boys had already been thanked for their efforts in finding Dave and making sure that he was safe.

"She's back!" Prompto exclaimed as soon as the Regalia was eased out of the garage for them all to see. From the look of things, the Regalia had undergone much more than just getting the engine or anything else that needed fixing patched up. She had a shiny new coat — she looked as if Cid and Cindy took time to wash and wax her up!

Prompto's camera shimmered into existence between his hands — one of several things he opted to use his personal armiger space for. A wide grin grew on his face, and he waved everyone around the front of the Regalia. "We should all get a picture with her!"

Turning toward Cindy, Prompto handed her his camera. "W-Would you mind?"

"Not at all, darlin'," Cindy replied, a silent laugh falling from her lips as she got the camera situated in her hands. Prompto took a moment to show her how to take the photo, making sure she got it while the others crowded around the Regalia. Once Prompto joined them, Cindy raised the camera and snapped a shot of them all.

The photo resulted in Prompto gesturing toward the car with a giant grin on his face; Noctis who was content to sit on the other side, relaxed with a hint of a smile upon his lips; Gladiolus, hip cocked and hands at rest — one upon the hood of the Regalia, the other upon his hip; and Ignis who seemed reluctant to look at the camera, arms folded over his chest, and a tight-lipped, stiff, smile on his face.

Cindy looked down at the captured image on the display and smiled a bit. She handed it back off to Prompto when he came to collect it. Looking over at Noctis, Cindy then said, "All the more reason to ride with care." She then perked up, holding up a finger. "And before I forget… Y'all wouldn't mind makin' a little delivery for me, would ya?"

"No, not at all," Noctis said in response as he got himself stood back up. "I guess it's the least we could do since you and your grandpa got the Regalia back up and running."

"Perfect!" Cindy chirped, smiling gleefully. "I thought y'all'd say 'yes', so it's already in the trunk. There should be a motel on your way to Galdin. If y'all wouldn't mind givin' that to the owner, that'd be swell."

Cindy then looked at the Regalia and walked toward it, handing the keys off to Noctis. She ran her hand along the hood, this longing gaze in her eyes. "Of course…I could always give y'all some other jobs if you're up for it — give me more time with this gal. Bet she'd look real purdy with a new coat of paint. Maybe some different decals if you'd let me!"

"It's alright. Really…" Noctis said in response to Cindy, gently tossing the keys in his hands a couple times. "Besides, it wouldn't be the Regalia if it didn't have its coat of black paint. She's a proud Insomnian car, after all."

"Aw, well alright. If y'all ever change yer minds about 'er, let me know. In the meantime, take care out there, Prince Noctis. Y'all as well — Gladio, Ignis, Prompto," Cindy said in response, regarding each of the four men before she turned back around and headed for the garage.

"So…" Prompto started, staring after Cindy before his camera shimmered out of existence. He snapped his fingers and then clapped his hands together before jerking his thumbs out to the highway. "Time to hit that dusty trail?"

"Not quite…" Noctis replied. He looked over his shoulder at the Regalia before walking over to the back of it. He tossed the keys over to Ignis as he walked — they were caught with nary a glance. "I remembered that Dad said he left something in the trunk for me. Also gives us an opportunity to see what Cindy wants us to deliver."

"While you're doing that, who's up next behind the wheel?" Gladiolus asked as Noctis got the trunk unlocked and lifted. He had since removed himself from leaning against the car and was slowly trailing after the prince to have a peek at what was occupying the trunk space himself.

"Seeing as she's all polished up and ready for the road, we could let Noct take her for a little test drive," Ignis offered, glancing over his shoulder briefly.

"Ignis, you should take the wheel and never let go," Prompto chimed in.

Gladiolus chuckled. "It helps that he can keep four eyes on the dash."

"Hah! I couldn't even keep one…" Prompto opened the passenger side door and slumped into the seat.

"We could tell," Noctis quipped, rummaging through the contents of the trunk. There were your typical jumper cables, a jack, spare tire… He glanced back at everyone, realizing he let his words hang for a bit. "But it's not like I'd do much better."

"Put me in the driver's seat, then," Ignis said, self-assured in his response.

"Works for me. I like having the legroom in the back." Gladiolus stretched his arms up over his head and then relaxed.

Then, finally, Noctis pushed himself further into the back of the trunk and grabbed a tackle box. There was this grin on his face as he beheld it. "Looks like dear ol' Dad left me some fishing supplies. Guess he wanted me to go ahead and enjoy that boat ride from Galdin to Altissia."

"As long as it's on the boat and not on the way from here to the Quay," Gladiolus replied, shaking his head. "Don't need you gettin' distracted and making us later than we probably already are for shipping on out."

Noctis scoffed with mock offense. "Don't need to worry about that. But don't yell at me for fishing off the docks if we have the time for it."

Mollis was not one to let the Ears of the King's words fall on…well, deaf ears. When there was information relayed to anyone from the Ears — donning the mantle or no — it was foolish not to take what they had to say into account.

Having already informed Cor about what she heard from Lyra, Mollis already made her way toward where she parked her car. There was no telling just where exactly this drop point was going to end up. Honestly, Mollis was hoping that there would have been another call or even text from Lyra that provided more details.

But…there were really only two ways in or out of the city, and Cor already made calls to the Guard that were stationed at the north point of the Wall to keep them abreast of the situation.

Mentally, Mollis made sure she had everything. Her rifle was already in her armiger space. Bullets were stored in one of her hip pouches… Of course, she also had two spare handguns, a couple daggers, and a sword in her armiger space — just in case anything was to catch her up close. There were also the elemancy flasks for emergencies.

And then there were the spare blanks she always had on her…

"Mollis," Cor called out before she opened the door to her car.

Pausing, Mollis looked over at him curiously. Cor had this stern expression on his face as he walked toward her.

"Whatever is going on, it's not going to be anything like the training you had within the Wall. Probably not like anything you've had outside the Wall, either," Cor said. He folded his arms over his chest. "No matter what happens, keep your dad's training in mind — especially as the Eyes. Do not hesitate to take the shot if the situation calls for it."

Mollis nodded once in acknowledgment, but it was hard to deny the conflict that welled within her at Cor's words. She lingered, her fingers having slipped around the handle to her car. Opening her mouth, she took a moment before she finally asked him, "… Have you had to take a life before, Cor? One that wasn't from hunting for sustenance or supply…?"

"… Yes," came Cor's response. "And no, it doesn't get easier."

Nodding again, Mollis finally opened the door to her car and placed a foot inside. "… I see."

"Mollis."

She made no further movement.

Cor slowly walked over. "Don't let anything blind you."

Mollis smiled wryly.

"… You know…that's one thing coming from Dad," Mollis replied, a small scoff of amusement falling from her lips. She looked at Cor again — properly. "But…I'll do my best."

Getting into her car and closing the door, Mollis got the engine started before she pulled out from under the flimsy sheet metal covered canopy and got onto the road.

The trip had not necessarily been a long one to get to Longwythe. It was here that Ignis had parked the Regalia in front of the run down looking motel so that they could honor Cindy's request to get the package she left them delivered. It was also here that Ignis went and spoke with the reception stationed there to inform them about everything. When it was revealed that one of the motel staff would go and take the goods from the trunk of the Regalia, the four were left to wait for a bit.

"Hammerhead had a pretty great garage service. Nothin' like I've seen back in the Crown City," Prompto commented as he idled. "I mean, y'know…time spent there waiting on the Regalia to get fixed up notwithstanding."

"One would expect no less of purveyors to the crown…" Ignis responded. He got himself leaned against the hood of the car.

"For real! They seemed like they really knew their stuff!" Prompto chirped. He sighed dreamily as he turned his gaze upward to the sky. "Man, what I wouldn't give to actually start working with bigger things like cars, trucks, and motorcycles…"

"All of those are pretty different from the electronics you tinker with," Noctis commented.

"Hey! Once I score my own wheels once we're back home, I'll need to know how to take care of it!" Prompto replied just as cheerily as ever. Something caught his eye shortly after his response, and he leaned over to look past Noctis, expression faltering all the while.

Trotting toward the group of men was an all-too-familiar black dog carrying a red notebook between his teeth. Jabbing his finger at the dog, Prompto exclaimed as the others looked toward where he was pointing: "Look! It's Umbra!" He then cooed, praising Umbra as he would any other dog; "Bringin' us stuff, atta boy!"

"That dog can really track a scent," Gladiolus commented as Noctis knelt down and scrubbed Umbra's head and ears.

"Certainly 'nose' how to find us…" Ignis quipped, his tone not really changing as he made his pun.

Placing his hands on his hips, Prompto leaned forward; "How do you always know, boy?"

Noctis had retrieved the notebook from Umbra and was already flipping through it. He became too preoccupied with looking through the pages, looking for anything new from Lunafreya. Eventually, he turned the page to one where an ink and watercolor painting had been made. Underneath was the handwritten message: "It's come time for me to leave Tenebrae."

"Iggy…" Noctis called out, looking over his shoulder. "You got a pen?"

Without a word, Ignis produced a pen from his inner-pocket and handed it off to Noctis. With it, Noctis uncapped it with his teeth and scrawled on the opposite page whilst leaning away from the others to hide what he was scribbling down: "Just left the Crown CIty a couple days ago. Finally going to see you after all these years… It feels surreal when I think about it."

As Noctis busied himself, the motel staff that came out almost went missed, though Ignis was quick to show them to the trunk of the Regalia. The package at least found its way to their proper hands without too much fuss and trouble. A blessing given they were already running later than expected to arrive at Galdin Quay.

Closing the notebook and capping the pen, Noctis tucked it away safely in the pouch that Umbra had around him. With a warm smile, Noctis scrubbed Umbra's head and said, "All set. Take care out there."

Prompto watched with his arms over his chest. It was known that he always had this burning curiosity about the notebook. Especially when he voiced it; "I know… You're not gonna tell me…"

"Then don't ask," Noctis responded as he stood back up, not even sparing Prompto a look as he watched Umbra trot off. He had always been cagey about his exchanges with Luna… To Noctis, those little correspondences were for the two of them, and the two of them only.

"C'mon! What was that about?"

Noctis sighed. He was not going to repeat himself after having briefly explained it a number of times in their past.

"Ya don't say…" Prompto said with a hint of resignation to his tone.

"Regardless, our work is done," Ignis cut in, having locked the trunk of the Regalia and walking toward the driver's side. He got himself seated behind the wheel. Casting a look in Noctis and Prompto's direction, he continued, "Let's see ourselves to Galdin while we still have daylight."

Chapter Text

"Libertus! Nyx" A familiar woman's voice called out to the two who had been observing the Glaive that were in-training. Her hurried footsteps only served to make both men turn to see their friend and fellow member of the Kingsglaive, Crowe Altius. She wore this grave expression on her face as she beckoned to them. "Come here, guys. You gotta see this."

There were little words spared between the three as Crowe turned back to lead them toward one of the recreational areas where they often found themselves able to take a break and kick up their feet. Up in the center of the brick and mortar room hung a steel-reinforced support that held up four television screens. Each one was was tuned into the LN24 News station, a news anchor already in the middle of a report.

The headline under the news anchor's mug was a good indicator as to what they could expect: 'BREAKING: GOV'T DECLARES CEASEFIRE'

"—ital today as the Lucian government announced full acceptance of what some are criticizing as the unilateral peace terms proposed by Chancellor Izunia of Niflheim. The signing of the trust will see power over all Lucian territories transferred to the empire, with the sole exception of Insomnia.

"In return, Niflheim guarantees the safety of Insomnia and its citizenry, as well as a cessation to all hostilities, bringing a decisive end to this long and bitter war."

There was not a single positive expression on any of the other Glaives that were standing around, eyes pointed toward the screens. Most just looked disappointed, if not, then angry. When Nyx glanced in and saw Luche, he noticed that he was the only one that looked mildly pensive about the announcement running on the television.

Nyx could only turn away, a welling of grief settling in his chest and stomach at the news. He could hardly blame Libertus for how his face contorted into a grimace of anger. And then there was Crowe and how she continued to stare up at the screen with this look of cold incredulousness in her gaze.

"All that fighting we did," Crowe began, her voice laced with indignation. "All for nothing."

Libertus looked as if he were holding everything back from giving a violent outburst as he bounced on his good leg. His face was still scrunched with anger. Before he could decide on actually aerating his grievances and frustrations, a voice cut through the hall.

"Glaives."

Captain Drautos had appeared — from where from was anyone's guess. What Nyx knew what that the Captain had not been there prior when he and the others had walked in. All Drautos had was a rather curt command for them all: "Assemble in the briefing room. Now."

Every current recognized Glaive of the West Division was present in the briefing room — all of them with arms behind their backs (save for Libertus for obvious reasons), stood at attention. Since the last attack on the Wall, their numbers were paltry — though they were probably faring no worse than the other divisions that made up the whole of the Kingsglaive. Yet, still they appeared for what Captain Drautos had to say to them.

Nyx watched as Drautos slowly got himself settled front and center before everyone.

"The king has spoken, and you have heard," Drautos started, eyeing the room critically. "All lands beyond the Wall are to be relinquished to the empire."

"Will no regions be spared?" Luche asked. The intonation of his question made Nyx's skin crawl… It was almost robotic in inflection.

"None." It was a simple and to the point response from Drautos.

"But your home's out there, too!" Libertus spoke, the growl of lingering anger evident in his tone.

"It is." Yet another simple response from the Glaive Captain as he looked in Libertus' direction.

Nyx could practically see Libertus shaking with anger. Could he blame him? The king's decision — this 'peace treaty' was like a slap in the face for all the efforts they had given the Crown as Kingsglaive. What was the point of fighting for the Crown when their homes were to be given to their enemies — the people who razed their homes in the first place — so easily?

"Why would the king do this?" Libertus asked. That was surely a question on many of the other Glaives' minds. Why would the king do this?

"Because it'll end this damn war," Drautos said, his steely gaze meeting Libertus'. His expression had not changed since he came before all of the other soldiers within the hall.

When no further response came, Drautos turned and walked ahead toward the other end of the room. All the while, he called out one name: "Crowe."

"Sir!" Crowe straightened her posture and kept her eyes forward. Nyx kept his eyes down, cast in her direction. He could also take note of how Luche and Pelna were watching her, hanging onto whatever she may say or do next… After all, she had made it apparent that she was also not happy with the king's decision.

"Prepare to deploy." Drautos paused and looked over his shoulder over at Crowe. "You're being sent to infiltrate Tenebrae."

A flicker of confusion crossed Crowe's face. "Tenebrae, sir?"

"Mission details are classified," Drautos replied, glancing around again at everyone else who was not meant to be privy to such details. "Report to my office for briefing in thirty minutes."

Nyx could feel the want to disregard Drautos' gaze when it fell upon him, though he held firm.

"And, Nyx…"

There it was.

Nyx stood at attention.

"You're off the West Gate. You've been reassigned to castle guard." Casting another brief and cursory look around the briefing room, Drautos then declared: "That is all."

He took his leave, though no one dared to break formation until the doors closed behind Captain Drautos. Libertus was the first to hobble forward, his gaze filled with disdain pointed toward the exit of the room. His lip curled, and he addressed Luche without looking at him; "So this is what you were talking about, Luche?"

"You heard the captain…" Luche replied, a halfhearted shrug accompanying his words. He then canted his head in Libertus' direction, stating the truth — or perhaps his truth — of the matter with them merely being Kingsglaive: "This wasn't our decision to make."

"Not ours to make?" Libertus growled, his grimace becoming more intense. He pointed his attention in Luche's direction, his expression a disgruntled sneer. Hobbling forward, Libertus brought himself closer to where Luche was standing, anger continuing to color his tone; "Those are our homes out there! Our people! You're just gonna go along and abandon them?"

Before Libertus could get too close, Crowe thrust her hand out, grabbing his arm. Pelna himself had stepped forward, his fingers pressed against Libertus' chest. Meanwhile, Luche had edged back, keeping his distance.

Convinced that Libertus would not — could not — go past his friends, Luche replied with a grim expression: "If we don't go along with them, the empire will unleash all hell on Insomnia."

Libertus bulldogged forward. "We'll unleash it right back at them!"

"Easy, easy!" Pelna became more proactive in stepping in to hold Libertus back. Even Nyx stepped forward to make sure Libertus did not make it past to do anything rash to Luche.

It was Nyx who made Libertus look at him, though.

"He's not the enemy…" Nyx said once he and Libertus locked eyes with one another.

Libertus shrugged Nyx's hand off with with a low growl of annoyance, turning away from him and the others.

It, however, had not taken long for someone else to step forward and stir the pot, as it were. Another Glaive with rather fiery auburn hair held his hands out. Everyone in the West Division knew him as Tredd Furia; the only thing more notable than his hair was the scar that ran down along his face. Of course, there was also the combative nature he had, proven by the words that spilled from his mouth made Nyx believe that he was posturing — piggybacking off of Luche's words: "Don't you get it?"

Tredd dropped his arms to his sides, shaking his head as he paced slowly before the windows of the briefing room.

"We're nothing to them…" Tredd continued. It was at this point that Libertus looked back, watching Tredd, catching him as he lifted his brow while his tone became laced with singsong aggrievement: "Rats, snuck in from beyond the Wall." Tredd jerked his thumb behind him toward one of the maps of Galahd that hung on the wall.

"Sure, they had a use for us…" Tredd went on, lowering his hand to rest at his side. An incredulous scoff left him. "Those damned royals and nobles realized that we could work their magic."

Walking forward, Tredd motioned with his hands as if plucking things from thin air. "So they handpicked us from all the other rats out there—" one of his hands came up, his fingers and thumb opening and closing against one another, "—and just let us nibble away at his royal majesty's precious power. But as soon as this war's all over?"

Another scoff left him, and he pointed both his fingers at himself before gesturing to everyone else left standing around; "It'll be back to the sewers for all of us."

Nyx had been content to keep himself at Libertus' side, ignoring the posturing that Tredd had been doing. He did not want to let the other Glaives who were — rightfully — upset to get under his skin. But it seemed that in the midst of all of this, Tredd wanted to single Nyx out specifically. Because Tredd approached Nyx, pointing at him with a cocked smirk.

"That means you, too, hero."

Nyx finally deigned to look at Tredd, his expression showing nothing.

Tredd's attention went to Libertus next. "You missing home so much, Libertus, why don't you and Nyx head on back?" Again, Tredd opened his arms — this time to emphasize what he had to say: "I'm sure Niflheim will welcome you with open arms."

That was what finally managed to sink and crawl its way under Nyx's skin as he rushed Tredd, grabbing the collar of his uniform and bracing the length of his arm against his clavicle. He pushed Tredd back, angrily snarling out at him, "You've got a home out there, too!"

Suddenly, Tredd's taunting expression changed to one of scorn. He pushed Nyx's arm away from him and started walking away.

So much for all that posturing, Nyx figured.

"Or was that something you forgot?" Libertus asked before Tredd got too far, adding onto Nyx's outburst.

Tredd looked at them, walking backwards with a sneer. He dismissed them with a wave of his hand accompanied by an equally dismissive grunt. Then he spit at their feet before turning back around and continuing on his way. Nyx watched after him, one of his hands slowly curling into a fist.

"Damn it!" Angrily, Libertus thrust one of his crutches with a bellow. It clattered against the floor, and Libertus was left to support himself with the one he had left. "I'm not going to let it end like this."

Crowe stood behind a yellow van, its decals showing off the mobile ad for the Speedy Chocobo Cleaning Services. She was dressed out of her Kingsglaive uniform and more in casual travel clothing. Before her was a steel box that she sat on the bed of the back of the van, opened up to reveal a rather expensive looking hair comb. She needed it open to have a look at it, and as she did, she fiddled with a new watch that adorned her wrist. At least, that was what it looked like to Nyx and Libertus as they stood not that far behind her.

Collecting the box, Crowe brought it over as she prepared to bid both Nyx and Libertus farewell.

"A hairpin?" Nyx chuckled, having glimpsed the object. His smirk remained as he teased Crowe further, "I didn't think you were into that kind of thing."

Libertus chortled as well, and Crowe met them both with a subdued look of annoyance before she closed the case and tucked it away into the pouch that hung at her thigh. "It's not for me. It's gift for the princess."

She then sighed, lowering her voice. "But…keep that quiet. Nobody's supposed to know."

The amused expressions on both Nyx and Libertus' faces fell, and the horn to the van honked twice. It seemed Crowe's chaperone for the mission was signaling her to get herself loaded into the back. The engine started, as if emphasizing this fact.

Crowe looked back at the two and sighed. "Well, that's me."

"Watch your back out there," Nyx said, his tone having sobered.

Libertus hobbled forward. "I know you're sick of hearing it, but you're like a little—"

"—little sister to you," Crowe interjected, finishing his sentence. She gave him this mildly annoyed look. "Yeah, I am sick of hearing it."

Turning, Crowe stepped into the back of the van, being mindful of the motorcycle and other equipment that had been loaded within. As she reached out to pull the doors closed, Libertus called out to her: "Just make sure you come back in one piece, all right?"

Crowe paused for a moment, letting out a brief scoff of amusement. She reaffirmed her grip on the doors, leaning forward. She regarded Libertus with a jest: "Says the guy in two pieces."

Once the doors were closed, the driver wasted no time in getting the van started. It was quick enough that it jostled Crowe in the back to have to brace her hand against the wall as she took a knee to the bed. She glanced behind her at the grated vent that offered a peek into the front of the van and then shook her head. With everything going on, she did suppose that this was a time-sensitive operation.

At least the trip out of the city should have been good to give Crowe time to familiarize herself with a map of Gralea. Pulling out the folded up map that had been provided to her from Drautos, Crowe spread it across the floor and used her flashlight to have a look at it. There were already markings on it to where she was being dropped off so she could meet with their contacts to get her across the sea…

A low hum of consideration left Crowe. Gralea was uncharted territory for her… Hell, she had never been anywhere that was not in Galahd, Insomnia, or even what little bit she had seen of Cavaugh as a whole. Traveling all the way to the western reaches of Lucis and sailing the sea? It would have been exciting if the situation that was bringing her there were not so important. Certainly too important to treat it like a vacation in any respect.

Crowe let out a low sigh, inhaling soon after. She muttered to herself, her voice contained to her ears only: "Get to the manor. Find the princess. Extract the princess. Take her to Altissia…"

Simple.

On paper.

Returning her attention to the map, Crowe focused on remembering names and routes beyond the Wall.

Sitting back and resting against some of the boxes in the back, Crowe then dug back into her inner jacket pocket and pulled out some other items she had been given: photographs. She had really only seen snippets of the princess of Tenebrae in newspapers or reports…and for good reason. In her briefing, Crowe had been told that Princess Lunafreya was a prisoner in her own home due to Niflheim's iron rule in having annexed the nation.

Poor thing…

Crowe took in Princess Lunafreya's appearance, noting how her head was crowned with flaxen hair, the curve of her jaw, the slope of her nose, and the tilt of her eyes… There was no mistaking that the imprisoned princess was lovely. It would have been difficult to mistake her for anyone else, that was for sure. At least, that was what Crowe reassured herself with as she placed the photo down on the map close to where the Gralean territories were.

Next, Crowe looked at the photos she had been provided of what she was told was the Fenestala Manor — a grand and opulent structure that looked like something out of a fairy tale versus the largely brick and mortar structure of Insomnia. It was certainly a structure that would have been interesting to infiltrate… The comforting thing that Crowe at least had were the floor plans that had been saved to her burner phone as well.

A sigh left Crowe. She spent the better part of the trip like this. The driver seemed to have been in no mood to talk, not that she necessarily wanted to talk through the grate herself. Honestly, she lost track of the time — the trip felt long and like it took no time at all. By the time it felt like she was aware of most of the map route that seemed most optimal, the van had lurched to a stop outside the Walls, new and old, and past the grand bridge that connected Cavaugh with the rest of the continent of Lucis. She had since gotten her map and photos tucked back away into her inner jacket pockets.

Standing up, Crowe groaned as her muscles ached and screamed at her for sitting in one position for so long in the back of the van. There was no need for her to pop the back doors open — the driver had taken care of that themselves, only offering her a nod and watching as she got the motorcycle eased out the back. Once it was out, Crowe offered a two-fingered farewell before hitching her leg over and getting the key turned in the ignition.

"Careful out there, Glaive," the driver said, voice low and carrying perhaps a touch of concern.

"I will be," Crowe assured them, soon kicking a foot up and getting the bike going onto the road with a cloud of dust forming under the wheel.

It was time to start her mission in earnest.

The last thing Crowe expected was having any obstacles on her path. During her meeting with Drautos, she had been told that she should have had a straight shot through Leide as the roads were not as busy as she should have later expected getting closer to Lestallum in Cleigne.

Now though?

There was no explanation for the gray van that started following her, speeding up to even keep pace with her. Trying to discern who the driver was proved fruitless with the black-tinted windows.

With her attention so caught between trying to outpace the car and even going off road, Crowe grit her teeth. There was too much risk in casting a spell to make the van back off. No, she needed to outmaneuver whoever was behind the wheel of it. Astrals, was she attempting to put everything she had learned in her two-wheeled vehicle training into whatever was going on now.

There were too many glances toward her pursuer, though, and without proper eye wear shielding her, Crowe was buffeted by a gust that blew in. Sand got into her eyes, and as she was trying to use one hand to protect her face and blink back the discomfort, she found herself tumbling through the air after losing control of the handle. The next thing she knew, she was flying over dirt and brush before being sent rolling across the dirt and dried out scrub.

While Crowe was pushing herself back up, and staggering to her feet, she heard the car skid to a halt before the doors opened. A noise she recognized reverberated before she was kicked back down to the ground, the wind knocked back out of her recovering lungs. Squinting up, Crowe soon found herself staring down the barrel of a gun, the person holding it a blurry silhouette as she continued to try and blink back sand and tears.

"You know…you were one of the only ones I liked out of your group…" a familiar voice spoke. It definitely belonged to a man Crowe knew.

The trigger was pulled before Crowe could connect the dots forming in her head, and a searing pain tore through her arm as a scream fell from her throat. Her opposite hand instantly came up to grasp at the newly formed wound. She could feel the blood as it flowed freely, staining her fingers and clothing. What felt worse was how she heard the chortling from someone else that had been with her assailant.

They were reveling in this.

"What was it that Libertus always said about you?" the voice spoke again. "That you're…'like a little sister to him'?"

A stone formed in the pit of Crowe's stomach. When she raised her glaring gaze up at the man, that was when she got a better look at him. She got a good look at how a smirk was split across his face. She got a good look at how he knelt down to be more eye-level with her.

"… Luche…" Crowe growled. For the barest of moments, her eyes flicked past him to the other two that were with him. She recognized them as well… The largely bald one with a pattern shaved into his head she remembered was called 'Sonitus'. And then there was Tredd, that look of amusement on his face striking a burning rage into Crowe as she felt mana starting to well within her arms…

"Surely you can choose better last words than that…" Luche replied. He looked down, gently shaking his hand with the gun.

"Why are you doing this?" Crowe managed between grit teeth when she returned her gaze to Luche.

"Why?" Luche scoffed, looked back at the other two, and then back at Crowe. His next words were spoken in a condescending manner, treating Crowe as if she were not capable of understanding: "Were you not there for our dear captain's briefing?"

Luche's expression steeled fell after a moment. "What you're doing is going to keep this war going. We don't want that. So…unfortunately, since you'll only get in our way, you have to die."

Just as Crowe thrust her uninjured arm out, Tredd summoned and threw his kukri before warping out in front of her and kicking her back swiftly, making her roll back against the dirt. She cried out and groaned as her newly made injury throbbed and ached with each external push into it.

"… Do you know what a hollow point does to a person's insides?" Luche rhetorically asked, standing back up and releasing the magazine of his pistol. He pocketed the magazine and took out a different one, sliding it into place and stepping slowly towards Crowe as she struggled to push herself back up.

Of course Crowe knew what hollow points did — what they would do to a human body at the point of impact. What it meant in this context was likely that Luche wanted to make sure the job he was about to perform was done with no mistakes.

"If you don't, I guess it'll be the last thing you learn." Luche stopped just before Crowe and pressed the nozzle of the gun against the top of her head.

The sensation made Crowe freeze.

This…was really the end for her…

Crowe's lips pulled back into a grimace as her eyes welled with tears. Were they born of fear? Anger? Grief? All of it?

… And she failed to even express her care and love for both Libertus and Nyx before she left.

Gods damn it all… Her only family, and this was how it was to end?

…

Another reverberation sounded, and Crowe felt a hand hook under her good arm and pull her up. Though she wanted to look at whoever had brought her to her feet, Crowe could only look at the scene in front of her. Luche, Tredd, and Sonitus were all…frozen in place? They were so statuesque, that it was…jarring. It was as if all time had stopped.

"Get your legs moving. My spell won't last for long…" a woman's voice said.

Finally, Crowe looked over at the woman that was hurrying along, guiding her briskly to a point to hide.

"Wha—who?" Crowe managed.

"Don't worry about that for now. I'll explain things later." The woman kept her voice terse. Once they were hidden behind one of the nearby boulders. What Crowe noticed when she got a good look, however, was that the woman kept her eyes pointed at the three men behind them, her steeled gaze never breaking.

Once Crowe was situated and could hide easily, her unknown savior hurried back over toward the three, her hand flying to a pouch on her person. Crowe only watched, vested in seeing what exactly this woman was doing. It seemed the woman wrenched the gun from Luche's hand and swapped out the magazine in the gun before returning it to him and putting herself into the position Crowe had been in prior. Then, not long after — and in a move that left Crowe baffled — the woman's form shifted…into Crowe…

The air rippled, and Crowe ducked back against the rock. She was deathly curious… This was, after all, magic she was not privy to in what had been granted to her from the king when she was made into a Glaive.

Just who was this woman?

As if no time had passed at all, Luche and the others started moving again, and the trigger was pulled on the gun not long after. The noise cracked through the air, sending this intense shiver of dread down Crowe's spine. She could only quickly press her back against her hiding spot as she kept herself out of view, eyes wide as she tried to process what exactly prompted this absolutely ludicrous stint.

Did that woman literally just…take a bullet for her?

Crowe waited, not even noticing how she shook against the rock face. Beyond her hiding spot, she could hear the three talking, but their words did not register. It was not until she heard the doors to the vehicle they had used opened and closed that Crowe dared to peek out once more. She watched as the vehicle sprung to life and was quick about being driven back toward Insomnia. Once it was out of view, Crowe tentatively stood up, uninjured arm coming up to press her hand back against her wound. She walked over toward the crumpled body on the ground.

… It was just so uncanny. Like looking at a vision of herself — what she would have been… The injury. The blood. The gaping wound.

The lifeless body.

It was hard to look at, and Crowe turned away from it.

"… They're gone then?" The woman's voice gave Crowe a start, causing her to stagger back in surprise and look back at the reflection of herself on the ground. Everything that she had seen prior had vanished, replaced by the woman pushing herself back up to her feet who had been largely unharmed. It was a sight that gave her pause as she realized what had happened.

"You…used illusion spells?" Crowe asked.

"Yes. A couple forms of Green and Black Magic. Stopga, Disguise, Protect, and, well, Illusion," the woman clarified, leaning down and dusting herself off. She then tilted her head and gave a half smile, sheepish in nature. "It…also helps that I replaced that guy's bullets with blanks. Still hurt a little bit. Definitely less fatal than an actual bullet."

It was here that Crowe really drank in the appearance of the woman after what sounded like a rather impressive repertoire of spells. Her hair was this kind of rusty red and braided back into neat, low hanging twin tails behind her. She was short — shorter than Crowe, at any rate. The woman's eyes, though…they seemed the most striking to Crowe; they were this deep green that she had never seen anyone else with before. No one but Commander Ater Somnium.

It seemed, however, that the use of magical spells took its toll on the woman. Crowe noticed how blood started to drip down from her nostrils. The woman took out a napkin from her back pocket — as if this was a normal occurrence for her — and used it to wipe her nose.

"… Who…" Crowe sharply took in a breath, her wound smarting again to remind her she had it. Stifling any sounds of pain, she continued: "Who are you?"

The woman approached Crowe, reaching back into the pouch slung across her hip and pulling out a familiar vial filled full with green liquid within — a potion. A smile, more genuine than the ones Crowe had been seeing on Luche and the others that had been with him, appeared on the woman's face. She held out the potion, soon clicking the stainless steel button on it and releasing the healing green substance within. Crowe breathed deep of the healing mist, still awaiting an answer.

The woman also breathed in the mist before finally introducing herself: "My name is Mollis."

Chapter Text

Regis had been on his way from the meeting room with the matriarchs and patriarchs of each noble house following along after him. Save for Cor, that was.

"It is said sentiment amongst the people is favorable, Your Majesty," Silex was informing Regis as they walked. "Most all will welcome this peace."

"If you yourself have not heard their voices…" Regis started, casting only a momentary glance in Silex's direction; "…how can you claim to know their hearts?"

Shortly after, Vere spoke up, edging his way forward as Silex settled back. It was clear there was concern for the nation and the already tenuous relations that were being tested; "What of the mission to Tenebrae, Your Majesty? Is such clandestine action wise? If discovered, it will only serve to provoke the empire."

"The empire remains our enemy until the treaty is signed," Clarus replied. "So long as we are at war, His Majesty intends to remain one step ahead of them."

"Indeed…" Ater weighed in, a grim expression on his face. "As you have said yourself, Vere… Niflheim has remained rather staunch in their quest for conquering the lands of Eos. They control Gralea as a whole. The Republic of Accordo. Even some of our own western reaches of Lucis… Their recent attack on the Wall was not won by us — even we could see that without Chancellor Izunia waving that information in our face. There's no reason to trust them at their word."

"… Of course…" Vere conceded, a frown upon his lips.

"I'm still not sure why it had to be a Glaive…" Gratia griped, her expression hardened. "We have Aestus already over in Tenebrae — he could have easily slipped out with the princess when contacted."

"And risk the safety of both my son and the princess?" Pax snorted, casting Gratia a disapproving glance. "If he were to act, there's no telling what would happen to both him and Princess Lunafreya. Especially given his role as one that Niflheim thinks is their own."

"Enough!" Regis commanded. He slowed to a stop before the grand hall where they were set to have an audience with their visitors from Niflheim. Turning, he looked at the 113th who flanked and followed him, frowning ever so slightly.

"What matters is that the princess will be safely escorted to Altissia in the coming days, and will be at long last free of Niflheim's command." Regis adjusted his posture, leaning on his cane for support momentarily. "I have trust in Aestus, but he cannot be relied upon alone with how vital his role has been over the last several years until now."

Regis pursed his lips for but a moment. "Captain Drautos of the West Division volunteered his Glaive for the mission. Insisted upon it, and without many of the Guard left in the city, I accepted his proposal. I'd have had Cor go, but his efforts are here with the city's people."

Turning back toward the doors, Regis threw them open before walking forward. It was not only the people that Regis entrusted Cor with…but his son as well.

"You could have killed them," Crowe mentioned after Mollis had taken the bullet from her shoulder and helped to patch her up. Crowe had introduced herself in the process of getting bandaged.

"I...could have, yes…" Mollis replied, having seated herself on a rock. Crowe had needed some time to take a breather and just…absorb everything that transpired not that long ago.

"Why didn't you?"

Mollis pursed her lips and then opened her mouth to respond. No words left her, however, and she closed her mouth again, looking down at the ground. She shook her head. "I was using too many spells already. Stopga's already a pretty powerful one…and the only one I could use to stop all three of those guys from doing anything to you before I warped in to get you to safety."

It was not terribly false. Mollis just wanted to keep the fact that she hesitated on taking anyone's life to herself. For now. She had lined up the shot, she did! But…in the end, casting a Stopga spell and warping in had been the easier alternative for her. Which meant things needed to be reported to Cor so that they really could prepare to evacuate the city. Likewise, she was going to have to check in with Lyra.

Crowe stood up and turned from Mollis, heading back to the discarded motorcycle that laid on its side since being ambushed. There was conviction to her steps, and purpose to her movements as she grabbed the handle and seat of the bike to get it stood back up proper. Hiking a leg over, Crowe started to turn the ignition, the engine stuttering and struggling to get started since the tumble.

"Where are you going?" Mollis asked, noticing how Crowe had angled the bike back toward the Crown City. She also moved to stand.

"Someone has to tell the others about the mutiny," Crowe replied, turning the ignition again, cursing quietly when it still refused to start.

Mollis took a step toward her. "L-Let that someone be me! You said you had a mission. If you have a mission in the midst of everything going on right now with the peace treaty on the horizon, it has to be important and must take priority."

Crowe sighed, throwing her head back with some annoyance — more at the fact that the bike just was not cooperating with her than with Mollis offering an alternative to her abandoning her mission. She chewed on the inside of her mouth, leaning on the handlebars of the bike and sighing and contemplating the offer. On one hand, Mollis was right in that the mission probably should have taken priority… On the other…

"Those guys…" Crowe started, staring off at the ground and not meeting Mollis' gaze. She shook her head, this rueful, disbelieving scoff falling from her lips. "They're from my division — we're all part of the West Division under Drautos. I…I need to let Libertus and Nyx know. If they came after me? Damn it… What's stopping them from being next?"

Mollis placed a tentative hand upon Crowe's shoulder.

"Truthfully, nothing. But…the problem then becomes that anyone involved in this ambush thinks you're dead now… If you go back, that's going to alert anyone who wanted this to happen. You could be placing the people you care about in danger — more danger — if you go back," Mollis gently reminded Crowe. She pursed her lips, rubbing Crowe's shoulder for a moment. "Look…I… I'm out here on the outskirts with the other Crownsguard. Cor is part of that."

"Marshal Leonis?" Crowe looked back at Mollis, confusion writ upon her face. She looked back out, her eyes flicking around in thought.

"I get it's a difficult decision to grapple with… I…I had to make a similar one not long before I came out here, too…" Mollis spoke, rubbing her thumb lightly on Crowe's jacket. "But…I… I wouldn't be able to call myself Eyes of the King if I backed down from this. Just like…I'd wouldn't be here were it not for one of House Vox informing me of this situation."

Honestly, Mollis was just glad… Glad that she actually managed to do what she was sent out there to do: save people. Even if it was just one person, and it was not for the reason she had actually been assigned out there…even just one life was a weight off her shoulders.

Mollis' hand slipped from Crowe, and she sighed, placing her hands on her hips as she scanned the land around them.

"I know we just met…" Mollis began. She looked down and scuffed her boot against the dirt. "It's a big ask, asking you to trust me."

"You saved my life," Crowe said in response, canting her head to look at Mollis. "There was no reason for you to."

Crowe then had a look of consideration on her face before sitting back up on the seat of the bike. "You also said you're the Eyes of the King. You're Ater's kid. Or…Commander Somnium's. I think I don't have a reason to distrust you. Not at the moment."

"Y-Yeah! That's right!" Mollis replied, perking up only slightly. "He…should be back in the Citadel with King Regis and the others — preparing for the signing ceremony."

At the mention of the signing ceremony, Crowe's expression hardened. If only slightly.

"… Can I ask you what you think? About the ceremony?" Crowe probed, her voice having changed to something more sombre. "You have to know that it's not fair to us. That we've given our lives to the Crown only to have them sign away our homes to those who destroyed them in the end."

Crowe raised her gaze to meet Mollis', brown eyes boring into hers.

Mollis paused for a moment. There was a want to spill out many of her thoughts. Many of the thoughts of Clarus and her own father's. Honestly, she felt as if she were back in Clarus' office again, speaking with him about the nature of her assignment and the nature of the signing ceremony itself.

Eventually, Mollis shook her head. Not to dismiss Crowe's question, but to show her apprehension.

"I…" Mollis began, taking in a breath and sighing as she reorganized her thoughts. She deliberated on what to reveal to Crowe. "I don't believe in it. Not for the same reason as you, perhaps… Niflheim has pursued breaking down our Walls and our forces for years that we had to rely on forces outside of the Crown City — like you. Which is why the king has sent us out to prepare to evacuate the city."

At this revelation, Crowe's mouth fell open.

"So…even the Crown expects Niflheim to go back on their word…" Crowe quietly said, putting the dots together. A rueful sigh left her, and she turned the key in the ignition once more. This time, the motorcycle's engine rumbled to life. With a look in Mollis' direction, she gave a curt nod. "Then I guess I shouldn't keep the princess waiting."

"'Princess'?" Mollis parroted, brow lifting with surprise. "You…You're going to…Altissia?"

"Once I have her," Crowe confirmed, turning the bike so that it pointed back down the route she was to take. She cast Mollis another glance, a serious look in her eyes. "Promise me you'll get word out about the mutiny that's taking place. And if you ever come across Libertus and Nyx…tell them I love 'em."

Mollis absorbed Crowe's words. A smile appeared on her lips as she gave a singular nod of acknowledgement. "You have my word. Promise."

"Then I'll hold you to it," Crowe replied, revving the engine driving off, leaving Mollis standing there a while longer.

With a silent sigh, Mollis' crossbow shimmered into her hands. She pointed it the direction she came after readying the bolt. Once she loosed it, she was well on her way back to her car as she vanished in a flash of bluish-white light.

Lyra knew what Vera said, she knew what she said! However, Lyra found herself at the Citadel, walking down the familiar halls and striding purposefully toward the Vox Intelligence Bureau. She ignored some of the concerned stares of the staff that caught sight of her — it was not like Lyra to be present at the Citadel…not unless she was specifically called by her father or by Vera.

Screw that…!

Lyra reached the double doors leading to the wing that her family had operated for generations. Throwing them wide, Lyra marched past the front desk and the person that had been assigned there. Instead, she continued on into the back halls until she finally reached the door that was her goal: the one labeled with her elder sister's name on the frosted glass window.

Grabbing the handle, Lyra opened it sharply, turning her head to look at a mildly astonished Vera.

"Lyra? You're not supposed to be here. You and Nebula should be alre—"

"You weren't going to tell us that the king wants us to evacuate the city?" Lyra interrupted with a hiss, the door closing with an audible clunk behind her.

"Lyra, there is no time to discuss that," Vera replied, her expression hardening. "I told you that you and Nebula had to leave the city. The Crownsguard and Mollis have everything under control on the borders. I specifically want you and Nebula to be safe from anything we expect is to happen here in the city."

"And what are you expecting?" Lyra asked, teeth bared in an angry grimace.

Vera's eyes flicked toward the door of her office before they went back to Lyra. She sighed, irritable though it may have been, she did her best to keep herself level. Raising her hand, she removed the glasses that adorned her face and then rose from her desk. With a snap of her fingers, the air around she and Lyra shifted — silence had become a rather notable feeling than just a state of the room.

Lyra noted it when she could start to hear her own heartbeat in her ears.

"You're not going to leave here until you're satiated," Vera commented, folding her arms over her chest and leaning her hip against the edge of her desk.

Taking in a breath, Vera explained in brief terms to Lyra about…the things she knew. How that many of those within the 113th were aware that Insomnia was not going to be left standing. That the king and everyone within the upper echelon of the royal council were ready for Emperor Aldercapt to take Insomnia by force after having infiltrated the Wall.

The more that Lyra heard, the more that she grit her teeth. Soon, she clenched a hand in her agitation.

"… Why don't you trust me to help with anything? I could…I could do what Mollie's doing…!" Lyra spat, her lips twisted into a frown.

"This isn't about whether or not I trust you, Lyra…" Vera replied, an edge to her tone, but at least bereft of malice or scorn. A sympathetic look befell her face, and she walked forward, placing a hand on Lyra's shoulder. "I just want you and Nebula to be safe… You both mean so much to me, and I wouldn't be able to stand it or live with myself if something happened to either of you. So…can you please just listen to me and take our youngest sister to safety? Out of the city?"

There was little that Lyra felt like she could say, and she bounced one of her legs with the rising agitation. She was trained! She knew how to wield her lance and utilize Green Magic just as well as her siblings! She did… She wanted to help…

A sharp scoff hissed through Lyra's mouth, and she reached up, taking her earpiece and holding it out for Vera to take.

"What's this?" Vera asked, looking down at it.

"… It's…how I know things I shouldn't…" Lyra slowly replied, continuing to hold it out. "It's…not going to serve me outside of the city, so… Maybe it can be useful to you here."

Vera tilted her head slightly, but she pushed herself from her desk and took up the proffered earpiece. It was nothing special — just a standard phone accessory one could have picked up from some Libra storefront. Definitely nothing that was on par with what the Vox family typically had that were more secretive and capable of being hidden.

Once Vera had it for certain, Lyra folded her arms over her chest again. "It's…connected to a number of bugs I've placed around the Citadel…and even Guard and Glaive HQ."

"You what?" Vera gawped, staring at Lyra with sheer disbelief skewing her features.

"Oh, don't get pissed with me now of all times. That thing might save your life like it hopefully helped Mollie save someone else's," Lyra snapped, her frown deepening. She raised an arm, tapping a finger to her ear. "You can swap the channels by clicking the button. There's ten different bugs at the moment that are still live."

Vera sighed, curling her fingers around the earpiece. "I'll bear that in mind."

For a moment, silence choked at the room, returning that grating feeling and sensation of hearing one's heartbeat thrumming through their ears. It lasted until Vera finally pocketed the earpiece and then walk over to place both her hands on Lyra's shoulders. Her eyes met Lyra's, and she spoke after a time, "I know it's…always been frustrating for you. Ace left, and…you and Nebula were stuck with me. I know I'm not Aestus. I'm sorry I couldn't help you like he helped you… But…"

Vera paused, shaking her head. She drew Lyra into a hug.

"Trust me when I say you'll have your time to shine…" Vera quietly said. Soothingly, she rubbed Lyra's back — whether it was for Lyra or herself, neither of them could have really said. When Vera pulled back, she attempted a smile. "Noctis will need you more than me outside that Wall."

Lyra's expression changed to mild surprise as her brow quirked and her mouth parted. She was not quite sure what Vera meant by that, and it seemed that she was not going to find out as Vera urged her to turn and leave the office. Lyra protested a little bit by digging in her heels, but Vera proved rather strong.

"Wait, what do you mea—"

"I will not explain further, Lyra. You need to leave. Take Nebula and go past the Wall. Make sure she stays safe," Vera said, getting Lyra out of her office and locking the door soon afterward.

"Chorus."

"Sir!" Tandem stood at attention when he heard his name being called and saw who was the one calling it. Though he was not necessarily familiar with the person addressing him, he recognized the Crownsguard uniform. For all intents and purposes, the person who was approaching him outranked him — more so with the officer insignia upon their lapel.

"I have orders for you," the Crownsguard said, reaching into her uniform and pulling out an unmarked envelope for Tandem to take.

Tandem looked down at the envelope curiously, his gaze soon going to the woman carrying it. Slowly, he relaxed and reached out for the envelope. He was confused. As far as he was concerned, he was there to simply guard and watch over the incoming and outgoing people until further notice.

"Who do these orders come from?" Tandem asked, tucking the envelope away for now. He would have a look at them when he was more or less alone.

"The Shield of the King himself," the woman replied.

For a moment, Tandem's head tilted with the information. He scrutinized the woman before him, but there was nothing about her that seemed to hint she was joking or lying about what she just revealed. Drawing his hands back behind him to return to standing at his post, Tandem then asked, "What about my sister? is she getting some special missive to go over?"

The Crownsguard nodded.

"Primam will be — if she has not already been — approached by one of the remaining Guard in the city that is closer to the area," the Guard replied. "I cannot reveal any further details that that. What has been delivered to both you and your sister are for your eyes only."

Tandem pursed his lips momentarily, flicking his eyes to the side to watch a family coming into the station. He nodded at them briefly when he saw them glance his way. Then, he looked back to the Crownsguard. "I don't understand, though. Clarus told Prim and I that we would be getting contacted by Mollis."

"He told us that you and Primam may point this fact out," the Crownsguard said with a nod. "These are in case you don't hear from her in the coming days during your station. In the meantime, watch over everyone that comes through here. The people will have to count on you soon."

"Does he expect Mollis not being able to contact us?"

"It's a precaution." The Crownsguard looked back toward the train station entry and then looked back at Tandem. "All you need to concern yourself with is keeping the people safe."

Tandem's brow twitched, though he nodded stiffly. "Understood."

The Crownsguard nodded as well and took her leave of him. Tandem watched after her until she disappeared around a corner from his view. He mulled over what she meant — everything felt so cryptic when it came to what was going on. It was possible that it had to do with the signing ceremony. Everything felt off in one way or another. Regardless, Tandem could still feel the outline of the envelope in his coat.

Of course he wanted to tear it open now and read the contents. Though he supposed he would have to wait until he had time for himself.

Verus stood with his younger sister, Vis, at the meeting point of the Insomnia aircraft landing station, a small array of five Crownsguard standing behind them. Normally, the site was reserved for helicopters that were used for news coverage or emergency service air crafts that needed maintenance. With the arrival of Niflheim's emperor, however, Verus had taken it upon himself to be present in order to act as he normally did: a royal representative of His Majesty King Regis Lucis Caelum.

"Is it really imperative I be here, Verus?" Vis asked, a neutral look on her face as she stood next to her brother, hands behind her back.

"It is," Verus said simply. He had a smile on a his face as he stood at the landing. He was not sure when to expect the Niflheim aircraft, but was assured it would be here within the afternoon.

Still, he glanced over at Vis and lifted a hand to put on her shoulder. He gave her a meaningful look, his smile fading slightly. "You are aware that you are to leave with the Crownsguard once I have Emperor Aldercapt and Chancellor Izunia in my care, yes?"

Vis turned her attention from the empty landing up toward Verus before nodding silently. She chewed on her inner lip and bounced on her feet a couple of times. "I am aware. Father said I have an important meeting to go to being held in Galdin Quay."

She then sighed.

"I don't understand, though…" Vis went on. "If I'm having such a meeting in Galdin Quay and am going to make use of the Mother of Pearl's facilities for it, why could I have not gone with Prince Noctis and everyone else?"

Verus laughed, his hand soon slipping from Vis' shoulder as he brought it back behind himself. "There's simply too little room for them to accommodate you. Plus…" Verus shrugged, nodding his head from side-to-side before meeting Vis with a teasing grin. "Honestly, you'd probably distract them too much on their way to take the boat for Altissia."

Vis scoffed, rolling her eyes. Her tone became somewhat disdainful: "As if that green commoner boy wouldn't? I've seen him training with Mollie. I'm surprised either of them actually covered any ground together to allow him to accompany the prince as a recognized Crownsguard."

"Now, now…" Verus began, a gentle scold to his tone. "That 'commoner boy' is a dear friend to our prince and his Arms. He's done plenty to prove himself, and while he may still be wet behind the ears, he has at least met Cor, Clarus, and Ater's approval to be recognized as Crownsguard."

"Three of four isn't terrible, I suppose…" Vis conceded. "Gratia's always been the harder one to win the approval of."

"Mm… Well, doesn't help that she doesn't approve of Prompto serving as a distraction for her children — so she says…" Verus replied. His attention then went up as he saw the arrival of one of the Niflheim ships in the distance past the shimmer of the magical Wall that kept Insomnia isolated from the world beyond. He straightened his stance, as did Vis next to him. Returning a smile to his face, he said, "It seems our visitors have finally arrived."

It took a moment before the Niflheim aircraft touched down, and when it did, the hold opened. Revealed were Emperor Iedolas Aldercapt, Chancellor Ardyn Izunia, two other decorated soldiers — a captain and a commander, perhaps — and then an array of infantry behind them. Both the emperor and chancellor made their way down, and once they had, Verus walked forward whilst throwing his arms out in a welcoming gesture.

"Emperor Aldercapt and Chancellor Izunia of Niflheim," Verus greeted with a respectful bow. "It is my pleasure and honor to welcome you both to our fair city of Insomnia — the Crown City of Lucis. I trust your flight here went well?"

"Indeed it did," Iedolas replied, a stiff smile gracing his lips.

"Certainly no complaints from me. It is an honor to walk Insomnia as an esteemed guest," Ardyn replied with a cat-like smile. He tipped his hat in greeting, though did no more to really speak or converse. Instead, his attention was drawn to the buildings and features he could see past the landing.

"Excellent! We are happy to hear that," Verus said, drawing himself back to full height. He motioned for both men to follow him. "Come, come… I can't keep you both on your feet all day, now can I? By courtesy of King Regis Lucis Caelum himself, I am to escort you to our finest penthouse suites of the Caelum Via — Insomnia's premier luxury hotel backed by the Crown. Truly, there is no finer place to stay when you're here."

"For our next story: Lady Lunafreya of Tenebrae has issued an official statement regarding the forthcoming treaty."

"Hey, turn up the radio—" Noctis said, leaning forward in his seat. Hearing Lunafreya's name made him pay close attention and hang onto every word that was now coming out of the speakers. With a hand braced against the back of the driver's seat, he watched as Prompto reached over and raised the volume.

Lunafreya's voice was heard.

"Words cannot express the joy in my heart on receiving word of this coming peace. Nor the pride I take in my betrothal playing a part in this historic moment.

"On this joyous occasion, some have voiced cause for concern: the fear I will be unable to fulfill my duties as Oracle. Please rest assured, my marriage will not stand in the way of my calling. You will find me in your towns and villages, as you always have, and I shall continue to bless you all."

"It's…in the treaty?" Prompto asked with a slight grimace at the thought, lacing his fingers behind his head as he looked up at the cloudless sky above.

"Of course. Simple formality," Ignis replied.

"One of those 'symbol of the peace' deals…" Gladiolus supplied from the back, adjusting in his seat.

"Shh—" Noctis shushed, still listening to the radio.

The male newscaster from before was speaking: "Lady Lunafreya will set forth from Tenebrae for her wedding ceremony in the coming days. Please be advised that, during this time alone, her duties as Oracle will be suspended."

An uneasy sigh left Prompto once it seemed like the broadcast was finished, and the station returned to playing music instead. Again, he reached over and turned the volume down this time. Bringing his arm to rest on the door, Prompto tapped a finger against the surface. He voiced the next question that danced behind his lips: "So it's more like a…marriage of convenience?"

The thought made Prompto's face scrunch only slightly.

"Her Ladyship seems nevertheless amenable to the prospect," Ignis said in response.

Gladiolus playfully nudged his elbow into Noctis, who seemed to have been mulling over the report; "And Noct here likes the idea."

Noctis took in a sharp, brief breath, waving Gladiolus off. He had been thinking more about how jilted and forced Lunafreya's words sounded. It was nothing like the newscasts where she was actually speaking for herself. Her words here almost sounded like they were read off of a paper — forced from her lips.

"What's that? 'I do'?" Prompto teased, looking over the passenger side seat with a grin.

"Buzz off…" Noctis replied, attempting to simply act annoyed with being at the butt of the joke for the time being.

Noctis lost himself in his thoughts, settling back into his own seat and bringing a hand to his chin. He closed his eyes. It was better for him to pretend to be in the midst of beginning to take a nap than have to deal with the others. Honestly, he just…could not shake the fact that Lunafreya sounded different. From their notebooks, they already knew what was happening, and both of them were aware that this was part of their role — their duty. Still…Noctis cared about Luna. He cared about her more than he ever said aloud.

… How could he not?

Any time Noctis thought about Lunafreya normally, the first things he could recall was a bright, smiling girl who came to visit him when he was recovering. She was happy to. She was happy talking to him and reading books with him. She was happy to tell him about sylleblossoms, and teach him about Tenebrae. She was the one who gave him that delicious tart — snuck him one not long after the dinner he remembered having, too.

"Hey! I see the sea!" Prompto's excited voice pulled Noctis from his 'slumber', and he looked up.

A small smile managed to find its way onto Noctis' lips. "I 'sea' it, too."

Their gaze went out toward a coastline, palm trees lining the landscape in addition to the bright, sandy beaches. There was a resort built out past the waters, a long deck connecting it to land. Past that far into the distance was what looked like an interesting set of mountains. Like a stone structure of curled wings.

"That's our destination: Galdin Quay," Ignis announced.

Chapter Text

"Kinda wanna go for a dip…" Gladiolus commented, looking out at the stretch of land and sea once Ignis had gotten the Regalia parked. They were — officially — at the resort. "All that water's just beggin' to be swam in. Bet we have at least a little time before we gotta shove off."

Noctis' gaze went toward the wing-like visage in the back all by itself in the ocean beyond. "That a big mountain behind the resort?"

"No, it's an island," Ignis corrected. He had not even bothered to look up from grabbing his extra can of Ebony from the cup holder.

Prompto, meanwhile, summoned his camera into his hands. A wide grin was plastered upon his face as he settled the strap around his neck and started lining up some shots. He offered his little chirrups of commentary as he snapped a photo of the coastline: "Nobody goes to Galdin for an island, though. They go to kick back and get massages!"

"And savor the seafood. It's famously delicious," Ignis added.

Noctis waved a hand with a teasing smile, turning his attention toward Prompto. "Ignis I can understand knowing a thing or two… But you, Prompto? You been learning about stuff outside the Wall?"

"We—ll…" Prompto lowered his camera, a sheepish expression on his face. His camera dematerialized back into his personal armiger space. "Mama Dee has a lot of travel magazines around the house growing up. Said she always wanted to take a visit here when she and Ma Nite had the time and funds to. Family vacation was what they said."

Prompto deflated somewhat. "But…I don't think it's happening with them. We were supposed to go when I was younger, y'know?"

He then perked back up. "Just means I gotta take as many photos as I can here to show 'em both when we come back home!"

"Huh…" Noctis managed, only mildly surprised to hear this.

"Regardless, we have time before we are to depart," Ignis spoke, locking the Regalia and pressing a button to command the hood to come up and cover the seating. "Plenty of daylight as well. While I arrange our stay here at the Quay, I suppose you three can go ahead and familiarize yourself with the area."

Noctis held out his hand, a smile tugging at his lips. In a flash, his fishing rod crystallized within his hand, and he rested it against his shoulder. "Then I guess I'll go ahead and find a pier to get some fishing in."

"Like a kid in a toy shop," Gladio remarked with a shake of his head. He watched Noctis make for one of the visible piers that overlooked the sea waters before he went off to get a lay of the surrounding area. Already, there was a notable slab of gray stone in the distance; its surface pulsed with a gentle blue glow that belonged to the runic etchings upon it. A chuckle rumbled in Gladiolus' chest as he pointed it out, "Hey, Iggy. If the resort's too pricey, there's a haven over there."

"Duly noted," Ignis replied, briefly glancing in the direction Gladio himself had been looking. "It certainly leaves our options open."

Meanwhile, Prompto eagerly hurried along after Noctis, his camera shimmering back into his hands. There was a sense of wonder to his tone as he asked, "Wonder what you can catch out here…"

"Only one way to find out," Noctis replied.

"I don't think we'll be going just yet," Emperor Aldercapt calmly said, his stiff smile remaining on his face as he regarded Verus. His words halted the welcoming committee that were ready to escort them all to their accommodations.

"… Apologies?" Verus piped up with a mildly surprised look on his face. His fingers twitched slightly, and he curled his hand into a loose fist, his knuckles pressed against his chin in mock thought. He continued to do his best to remain cordial, however, an uncertain smile on his face as he glanced between both the emperor and the chancellor.

A hum filled the air, and Iedolas' smile broadened as he turned to face the noise. "Ah…here we are."

Glancing back at Verus, Iedolas rolled a hand, "You see, we were not all yet…present. Now that the second ship has arrived, I do hope that this doesn't make you think poorly of us from Niflheim. I don't know how much you Lucians value punctuality…"

"I was simply not aware we would be receiving more guests at this juncture…" Verus replied, his eyes flicking toward the Niflheim ship on the landing strip.

As the drone of the newly arriving ship grew louder, Verus adjusted his attention upon it. It grew larger and larger as it approached. It had certainly been sizable — but not larger than the vessel that carried the emperor and chancellor before it.

Verus turned to glance over his shoulder at Vis, who appeared just as surprised as he did. Her own nervousness seemed to coalesce into her tightly holding her hands together at rest before her, her lips pursed into a taut smile.

Turning the other direction, Verus looked over at the other Crownsguard that accompanied them. A couple of them were steeled, then there were the others that seemed to be proceeding as normal — like this was nothing out of the ordinary. A facade to hopefully keep the delegates of Niflheim from thinking they had pulled a fast one.

Bringing his hands behind his back, Verus assumed a position at ease. While Vis did not follow his example, she did at least keep her eyes on the other ship.

When the ship finally landed and the hatch opened to reveal the members inside, Verus had to reign in his heightened surprise. Not to mention the creeping dread that had crawled through his spine.

The sight that greeted him needed to be reported to King Regis immediately.

Verus bowed deeply.

"Truly it is an honor it is that we received such esteemed guests from the fair continent of Gralea."

Ever since returning to his studio apartment, Nyx had gotten himself comfortable — gotten himself seated in the reclining chair of his abode. One palm out, he allowed for flames to lick at his hand, playing with the magic he had been granted along with the other plethora of Kingsglaive in service to the Crown. His other hand groped for the television remote…once he had it, he began channel surfing in earnest, only pausing momentarily on a Li'l Malbuddy cartoon.

Looking down at the remote, he punched in channel numbers manually. There were just some things weighing too heavily on his mind.

The impending peace treaty was at the top of that list…

Swapping to the Lucian Network 24 News channel, it seemed appropriate that he was greeted by the cameras honing in on a grand Niflheim airship. It was certainly far more regal than the airships they sent into combat from the look of things.

'3 DAYS UNTIL TREATY SIGNING' read the top label of the bordering headline. Underneath: 'CROWN CITY WELCOMES IMPERIAL ENVOY'

"—ubilation has swept the city in anticipation of the coming armistice. With only three days remaining until the peace is officially signed into effect, throngs of citizens have taken to the streets to show the…"

As Nyx stared silently at the television, he set the remote down and rested his head against his freed hand. His attention then wandered as it all just became…noise… Noise in the background drowned out as he looked toward the corkboard on his desk. It had news article clippings and photos adorning it.

Most news clippings were about the attack Niflheim staged against Galahd… Reminders of what he had been fighting for. Reminders of why he took up the mantle of 'Kingsglaive' in the first place.

It was not just to get back at Niflheim… It was so no one had to suffer the same loss he did. That was why he trained, and trained, and trained… That was why he was determined to harness the magic as much as he possibly could. Sure, there was no candle he could hold to Crowe when it came to the offensive might of the power that they were granted. But goddammit if he did not give everything he had just to keep his fellow Glaives and those within the land safe where possible.

Nyx's attention was refocused onto Emperor Aldercapt as he walked by on screen, and he then closed his fist tightly, extinguishing the flame of magic he held. His head swam with things he had heard before — things people had told him or the Glaive specifically.

Lucis needs your strength, young warriors.

See, we don't need any of you…immigrants…

Whatever strength you have is on loan from the king.

You are nothing without him.

Nyx, help mother!

Nyx closed his eyes, his brow furrowing with the memories. Memories of why he chose to take on the mantle of Kingsglaive. They burned just as bright in his mind as when Niflheim attacked all those years ago. The panicked screams, people running through the streets.

Selena…

Selena, get down!

Nyx shook his head violently, as if that would be enough to tear his mind from reliving those moments. As if it would erase the sight of seeing her — his sister — buried underneath a cascade of rubble as a result from another shell that had been shot from a Niflheim ship.

… They were innocent. Everyone in Galahd in those days were just innocent people!

"—he waves of Imperial diplomats entering the city."

Nyx forced his eyes back to the television. For a moment, his brow furrowed with confusion.

He recognized the woman shown walking behind Emperor Aldercapt — Lunafreya Nox Fleuret.

Nyx got up and threw a shirt on, grabbing his Kingsglaive coat as he did so. A thoughtful frown formed upon his lips, and he slipped his boots back upon his feet before lacing them up.

… If the princess of Tenebrae were here…what was Crowe going out to do?

"The princess?" Regis leaned forward on the throne, his face set with a measure of concern — as much concern as could be afforded to keep an air of stoicism about himself. "Are you certain?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Verus was knelt before Regis, regarding him respectfully. Princess Lunafreya Nox Fleuret's arrival had taken many of them by surprise. "She was amongst the last of the imperial contingent to enter the city."

Verus hesitated.

"She arrived alongside High Commander Ravus Nox Fleuret," Verus revealed, bowing his head lower.

"It seems the emperor was a step ahead," Pax spoke, a frown set upon his lips. Regis looked over — he recognized that look on Pax's face. Though Pax seemed steeled, Regis knew that visage belied uncertainty.

"If I may, Your Majesty?" Verus began, looking up at Regis.

"Proceed."

Verus nodded and looked over at Pax Vox. "I caught no sight of Captain Cinis in those that arrived. It is like that he is still in Niflheim. Or…even waiting for his chance to show himself at a later time."

Pax's mouth thinned, though he nodded curtly. "It is of no consequence at this time."

It was reflex for Verus to meet this with a bow instead of a simple nod of the head. Respect for the elders and those who wore their mantles of seniority… It was also simply kind regards to one of the parents of his closest friends when it came to the nobles of the 114th. The lack of seeing Rubeus — rather, Aestus — was an alarming detail.

"If that is all, you are dismissed," Regis said, lifting a single hand to signal Verus' leave. "Thank you, Verus."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Verus replied, offering yet another bow. Turning on his heel, Verus made for the doors to the throne room to see himself out. Though he hid it well, worry latched onto him like a bloodthirsty leech.

Cleigne was just as empty and desolate as Mollis remembered it being when she finally returned to where she had been stationed. She had this frown settled upon her lips. Parking her car back where it had been, she was soon met by Cor who had seen her driving in. He waved her down the moment she stepped foot outside the vehicle.

"Good to see you back in one piece," Cor said, regarding Mollis with relief mixed with concern. He then nodded to the red welt upon Mollis' head that shone through this newly made burn spot near the back of her center part. "What's that about?"

Mollis hesitated. She had hoped the spot would have healed up before she got back. So much for that potion… At least it seemed like her scalp had healed enough that it looked less concerning than it would have otherwise.

Still…

Mollis explained the situation to Cor and what she had dealt with. The more news that Mollis shared, the more Cor's expression seemed to harden.

Cor's lips pulled back in a mild grimace, and his hand clenched tightly at his side. His expression had grown grave at the news as a whole. All the while, Mollis chewed on the inside of her mouth while he processed the information. It was likely that he was trying to think of everything that could have been done. Or at least everything he could do from their position.

"I'm going to call my sister," Cor finally said after a moment. "I knew things were going to get concerning, but I wasn't anticipating that from the Glaive. I had no forewarning or update from any of the three that oversees that."

Cor looked back at Mollis, taking her measure in that moment. She knew that look in his eye — the one that scrutinized and wanted to say something. She had seen it before when Cor had been outspoken to her father. To Clarus. To Gratia. Hell, even King Regis. There was something that he kept contained behind his lips…or something that was in the process of forming on the tip of his tongue.

"… She had already been made aware prior, I trust?" Mollis asked. She knew the answer.

"Aura's already been escorted out of the city," was Cor's answer. It dodged the initial question, but it was sufficient enough, Mollis supposed. It certainly gave Mollis all she needed to know in that moment.

She was not going to press further.

"… My mother and grandparents, too…" Mollis said, attempting to at least fill the silence. There was much she confided into Cor — as much as he permitted being one of her trainers and teachers. He was a trusted friend, at any rate, to her father. "They're supposed to be on their way toward Old Lestallum."

"Mm…" It was a noise made in acknowledgment to Mollis' words. A contemplative expression made itself at home on Cor's face as he dug his phone from his pocket.

Mollis watched him while he scrolled through his contacts, and then she looked away. There was no need to have been nosy… Besides, it was probably better to get a lay of the land instead of eavesdrop upon a call.

"Crownsguard communications line initiated. To all Crownsguard still within the Crown City: we have new orders direct from the seat of Grand Marshal and Shield of the King, Clarus Amicitia. You are to start a gradual evacuation process of the city. Do not alarm the citizens. By order of King Regis Lucis Caelum CXIII, all businesses, schools, and venues must be asked to start shutting down. Any citizens that are traveling by railway will be taken to Hiems Station — the southwestern exit of the city."

Primam's brow furrowed with this information. If this message was being broadcast to all of the current Crownsguard, then why was she hearing it? Was Tandem aware of such orders? There was no way that she had been given anything that would have allowed her to be privy to such orders. Not when hers and Tandem's titles had been stripped of them…

So why…?

… Maybe hers and Tandem's stations at the opposite sides of the city rail were deliberate decisions…?

But then again, there was the unopened missive that sat snugly in the inner pocket of Primam's uniform. It had been delivered by hand from a Crownsguard. One who reassured her that Tandem had received one of his own. The back of the envelope bore Master Clarus' seal in the same crimson color flecked with a golden sheen he normally used when stamping the Amicitia coat of arms upon any official documents. There was little doubt in Primam's mind that it was indeed from him.

She just…needed time to actually look at what the contents read for herself.

"Ma'am?"

Primam looked up, her posture straightening reflexively as a woman and her son approached her.

"What can I help you with?" Primam asked, donning a close-lipped smile upon her face as she regarded the woman.

"Has the rail left for Occidens Station yet?" the mother asked.

Primam's eyes flicked from the mother to her son. He must have been no older than five or six. The longer that Primam remained silent, the more he seemed to regard her reproachfully, his hand tightening in his mother's hold.

"Ma'am?" the mother furrowed her brow slightly.

"Um…" Primam shook her head. Casting her gaze upward, Primam saw the marquee to get the time. Slowly, her attention returned to the mother. "Sorry. The rail for Occidens Station is soon to run…"

"Great! Thanks." The mother gently jostled her son's hand with a smile and they started for the entrance to the station.

Primam stood there, feeling as anxiety beat like a drum in her chest. For a moment, she turned her head to watch after the mother and her son. Then her feet moved on her own before she reached out and tapped the mother on her shoulder.

She froze the moment the mother looked at her.

"… Is…something wrong?"

"It's…" Primam began. Her mouth felt dry. How was she supposed to say something that did not incite fear or panic? Slowly, her hand fell back at her side. "Um… Th-There've been strange reports reaching our ears. I just…want to tell you to…please be safe. R-Ride safely, that is. And…please adhere to anything the Royal Guard or subway conductors may inform you of…"

The lady's expression flickered into uncertainty for a moment before a mildly incredulous laugh left her lips. "I'll…bear that in mind. Thank you."

With a stiff nod, Primam smiled back in response. Again, she watched after them as they walked toward the double glass doors leading into the station. Once they were in, Primam let out a shaky sigh before returning to her post.

A feeling of dread laid claim to the shiver in Primam's spine. Was there really such need for these measures when peace was supposed to be on the horizon?

… Was peace truly what would come out of the meeting with Niflheim?

"Aw, man… Not a ship in sight. What gives?" Prompto grumbled as the group got out onto the pier past the resort dubbed the 'Mother of Pearl'. They had opted to scope the ferries out after Noctis had caught his haul and even got a feast organized for a new feline friend they found sprawled out on the walkway leading to the resort.

"'Fraid you're outta luck if you're lookin' for a ferry," came a voice behind them. When everyone's heads turned to the source of the voice, they saw a young man sitting underneath the shade hanging over one of the benches nearby for would-be passengers looking to cross the ocean. His dirty blond hair was coiffed, his appearance sharp and tidy, and he had one leg hitched over the other — comfortable. "According to my sources, the empire's given strict orders not to let any vessels leave the docks of Altissia."

"That right…?" Noctis folded his arms over his chest, his brow furrowing as he neared the unknown man. His look was met by a knowing smirk.

"Real shame if you were late to your own wedding — right, Prince Noctis?"

That comment made Noctis narrow his eyes.

"Name's Dino, by the way. Pleasure." He spared no effort to try and greet anyone properly as he remained sitting on the bench comfortably. When Dino glanced around at everyone else slowly crowding around him, his eyes flicked over each member of Noctis' retinue, taking in their appearances. It was when he got to Prompto that Dino's attention stilled for a moment before returning to Noctis.

"It seems there's no need for introductions, then," Ignis commented.

"The crown prince of Lucis, bounty hunting in his fancy car…? Surely you lot didn't think it'd go unnoticed—least of all by this reporter?" Dino leaned forward, his face and shoulders getting their introduction to sunlight. "Lucky for you, this reporter has integrity. If you wanna remain incognito, I'll respect your wish…in exchange for a favor."

"I don't owe you anything—" Noctis began, his tone indignant.

"Wait." Ignis cut in, stepping next to Noctis. "We mustn't rub him the wrong way. Especially with as seemingly well informed as this Dino appears to be."

Ignis' hand came up to adjust his glasses, and he turned his attention toward Dino once Noctis fell into silence. "What exactly is this 'favor' you're asking of us, if I may be so bold?"

A smile spread over Dino's lips as he reaffirmed attention onto Ignis. "You fellas have a map? I'll mark a location on it that I've been made aware of. All you gotta do is find me some rough gemstones when you get there—like these ones." Digging into his pocket, Dino pulled out a clear bag that had little, uncut gemstones within — some still embedded into stone.

Ignis reached into his back pocket, withdrawing the folded map and handing it over to Dino. As Dino took it and pocketed his gemstones, he then took a pen from his jacket; "Do this, and your ship'll come in. Don't, and the papers'll run you outta town. Capisce?"

There was this grin that appeared on Dino's face. It was smug in a way — like he had managed to win big since it seemed the group was willing to (or perhaps felt like they had to) go out and do this favor for him. The sight made Noctis purse his lips, though he kept to himself before scoffing and starting to walk off back toward the entrance of the resort.

Once they were out of earshot, Prompto let out an audible sigh before saying, "He's really got your number, Noct."

"Not like we made much effort to keep it secret…" Gladiolus replied, a slight shrug to his shoulders as he kept pace behind Noctis. There was this hardened look to his brow, however — it was clear he was not happy as Shield to see a rather blatant threat made against them and their journey at large.

"Even if we had, the press always finds a way…" Ignis informed them. His lips were set in a thinned frown. "We know this well enough having lived in the Crown City and seeing plenty of headlines and tabloids about ourselves… Still, we needn't befriend him, but we'd best not make him our enemy."

Chapter Text

Nyx found himself walking down the busy streets of downtown Insomnia, taking the time to throw his Kingsglaive coat over himself when the sound of a car's horn caught his attention. Well, him and several others who turned to look at the black car slowly to a halt next to the curb. Nyx recognized the car, at least — the Star of Lucis; recalled escorting the prince back to his apartment in that car. The black tinted windows made it hard to see who was inside, but once the passenger side window rolled down, Nyx saw Titus seated within.

"Get in," was all Titus said once he had Nyx's attention.

A furrow creased between Nyx's brow as he approached the car and leaned his arm against the door frame. He nodded his head in the direction he had been walking; "I'm reporting to my post now, though, Sir…"

"New orders," Titus simply replied, leaning back into his seat properly and reaffirming his hands upon the wheel. His tone hardened with a sense of urgency to it; "Come on. We got a princess to pick up."

It was then that Nyx's lips thinned as he pulled the car door open and got in. Titus was quick about getting them back on the road — he was certainly a lot faster than most people that drove in downtown Insomnia. It was uneasy to have said the least as Nyx went and got himself buckled in.

"So… I guess we're gonna show up and give the princess hope she'll be meeting with her prince charming?" Nyx asked, his words stiff as they managed to finally spill out with the awkward tension since getting in. It was at least an attempt at small talk to diffuse that tension as he continued to ride passenger. Being a smart ass, on one hand, though, just seemed to come as second nature to him.

"Eh, the plan was always to use it to go and ferry our esteemed guests from Niflheim…" Titus replied dismissively, pointedly ignoring Nyx's sarcasm. "Turns out that with the change of plans that we've been given, the princess of Tenebrae just so happens to be one of those guests."

A low grunt of annoyance left Titus as he tightened his hold upon the wheel momentarily. "She was supposed to be taken far from Tenebrae — she and Prince Noctis are to be far from Insomnia before the signing of the peace treaty."

"What's she doing here, then, Sir?" Nyx asked.

"Cut the 'Sir' crap," Titus sneered, briefly glancing in Nyx's direction. Reasserting his eyes on the road, he breathed a heavy sigh and continued with a tone of exasperation; "As for what the princess is doing here, she's complicating things. We initially sent Crowe to find the princess — escort her out of Tenebrae."

Nyx turned his attention back upon Titus, brow knitted back together as his lips pulled into a frown.

"Mm… Still trying to figure out what went wrong…" Titus commented further.

"If Crowe's not needed out there, why not call her back? Order a retreat?" Nyx asked. He still had many concerns after that news report just prior to initially heading out to his post.

"Communications to outside the city are dead. I sent a couple Glaive out to retrieve her instead, but they came back with nothing," Titus explained. He slowed down to avoid hitting any of the people that had come out into parts of the city to protest the signing of the peace treaty. Many of said people were quick to shout, motion, or shake their signs at the car for both to see.

Tapping a finger against his thigh, Nyx let out his own silent sigh.

"… After the peace treaty's signed, we'll all go back to what we were doing, won't we?" Nyx asked — the gears were already starting to work themselves in his head. "Reassigned and all? I just wanna request that if that's the case, I be assigned to retrieve Crowe and bring her back here myself."

"I know how important she is to you and Libertus, Nyx… But all that work for one Glaive?" Titus questioned, quirking an incredulous brow toward him. "Once communications are back, we'll order for her retreat — don't you worry."

"Not asking for any extra backup. It'll just be me," Nyx elaborated. "No extra resources. Just…I'll take her route — the one you assigned her — and get her back once my post is done."

"I'll consider it," Titus replied.

The car fell into silence for a time. At least until Titus finally got past the rioters that made him posit the question: "So… I know what you think of this war, but…what do you think about this peace? You happy giving up your home?"

Nyx leaned his arm against the door frame sill and watched as buildings passed. It had not taken long for him to give his response: "It's the king's decision. I owe him for taking me in."

Still, he kept his gaze pointed away from Titus, now watching as they entered into a lit up tunnel. "I was lucky. There are people in Galahd who weren't—" Nyx threw a hand up before it came down upon his knee with a muffled slap "—and they need me."

"So you're going back?" Titus sounded surprised. "What good'll you be without the king's magic?"

Turning his head away, Nyx rolled his eyes before fixing them back to the surrounding tunnel beyond his window. Of course this would have been the response. They had all grown reliant on the king's magic in their years having been bestowed the privilege of it.

Still…there was no denying that it was not a boon to those who wanted to really protect others and make a difference… Nyx had always considered that.

"Yeah… Always wanting to save somebody…" Titus sighed after the silence had dragged on long enough for him. "I get it — believe me — but it doesn't win wars."

"It's not just 'wanting'," Nyx replied, a slight edge to his voice. His tone then softened a mote as he allowed a sigh to fall from his nose; "… It's not just me."

Again, silence settled between the two of them. Nyx mulled over a number of things in his head. There was plenty to worry about when it came to the Kingsglaive and what they did. Plenty to worry about when it came to those who were upset enough to take matters into their own hands.

… Nyx knew that latter part well enough. He felt it. Hell, he even acted out on it in some cases. Just not the same way others had…much to the dismay of those around him a lot of the time.

"… Libertus is the one you need to worry about," Nyx finally continued as his eyes remained glued to the passing walls of the tunnel. Honestly, he just wanted the attention off of him in such a confined space that left little in the way of wiggle room. "He'll go back if things get worse."

Only the roar of the car filled the air for a time.

"The worst is yet to come…" Titus spoke.

Nyx paused, his brow furrowing slightly as he glanced in Titus' direction. For once, he kept to himself and pointed his attention back out the window.

"Maybe Cid was right about your lack of dignity…" Gladio quipped in a deadpan fashion toward Noctis as Ignis drove back the way they came in order to get on that trail meant to retrieve Dino's coveted, uncut gemstones.

"You're one step above delivery boy," Prompto weighed in, glancing over the passenger side seat with a rueful, teasing smirk.

"Royal rank carries little weight outside the Crown City," Ignis informed them, his attention pointed ever forward. There was the briefest of moments where he glanced up into the rear view mirror in order to gauge Noctis' general reaction.

"Glad it's not weighing me down," Noctis said in response, his words bearing this sardonic exhaustion with them. Squinting as soon as the road curved to where the sun was catching in his eyes, Noctis lifted his hand to block it out with this disgruntled grimace on his face. "You sure we're heading to the right place, Iggy?"

Reaching for the map, Gladio unfolded it a couple times to where Dino had marked it. Pointing it out toward Noctis while trailing his finger along it, Gladio shrugged; "According to the map, we're headed the right direction. So…just a little further, and we'll be able to scope it out for ourselves."

Noctis dropped his hand back into his lap with a barely contained sigh. Yet another thing that arose that threw a wrench right into all these plans. At least the boat to Altissia was delayed itself, so…no rush, right?

'Of course there's a rush… The wedding isn't gonna be pushed back just cos things are running late…' Noctis mentally scolded himself with a small click of the tongue. Propping his elbow up onto the car door, Noctis looked on at the world rushing past. 'Still gonna be a little weird after all this time. From sending letters, pictures, stamps, and stickers to one another to just…finally tying the knot. Too bad the only knot that feels like it's being tied is the one in my stomach…'

"'Saulhend Pass'… Hey, we're close, aren't we?" Prompto's inquiry brought Noctis out of his thoughts, and he looked up just in time to see the sign whizz past.

"Indeed we are," Ignis confirmed. The Regalia was slowed to a halt just a little ways past the sign and parked on the shoulder of the road.

All four boys were quick to depart from the car, and Gladiolus carried the map still, taking a quick peek at it before squinting up toward the rocky trail. With a small slap of his knuckles against the map, Gladio pointed up toward the natural arch that crossed over the road shortly after. Trailing his arm outward, he looked toward Noctis; "Looks straightforward enough. We'll cross to the other side, and those gemstones are as good as ours once we find that deposit."

A low, silent sigh left Noctis as he followed the trail with his eyes.

"… Might as well get goin'…" he said, no amount of enthusiasm coloring his tone as he started walking on ahead.

Parched grass and relatively dry ground with nothing but sand that held it all together, that was what seemed to be at Galdin Quay and the surrounding area. Hopefully the sun would not have sapped them of all their strength — rather, Noctis of all his… Everyone else always seemed to have so much more energy a lot of the time.

It was a largely silent trek, save for Prompto humming to himself. Always willing to find something to focus on in order to keep himself upbeat — Noctis had become pretty familiar with it. Was grateful for it, even, in a lot of cases. That was, at least, until they passed through a small tunnel and were met with a sight that made all of them freeze. Noctis could feel that sinking feeling from his throat to his gut at the rather sudden reveal.

"… Oh em gee…" Prompto uttered.

Oh em gee indeed. There was a mass of black feathers practically the size of a small mountain roosting in front of all of them on the other side of the tunnel.

"We're…supposed to get near that thing?" Prompto asked, his voice having grown small into a whisper, a waver at the tail end of his question.

"This wasn't mentioned at all by Dino…" Noctis said with a frown. "This why he sent us to go get it…?"

"Pipe down before you wake it up," Gladio whispered lowly to them, holding his arm out to keep them all shielded in the tunnel behind him. Motioning briefly to keep them all put, Gladio looked at the three, pressed a finger to his lips to silently tell them to be quiet, and proceeded to tell them in a hushed tone: "I'll scout around past it. Ain't likely it'll wanna just up and leave. You three stay here; I'll handle things if it starts getting exciting."

Reaching up, Noctis pat Gladio's shoulder a couple times. "You got it, big guy. Just don't do anything reckless."

"What…like I'm you?" Gladiolus quipped back with a shake of his head before starting off. He tread slowly, his eyes never leaving the giant avian monster just snoozing away.

Noctis kept his own eyes trained upon the creature after Gladio seemed fine enough rounding it. Even when Gladiolus disappeared from view, the creature continued to snooze. The only thing that Noctis could really wonder was just what the hell was it? A creature that size never dared to fly over Insomnia that he could remember. The damn thing would have been poorly contained in a zoo.

Noctis shuddered and grimaced momentarily thinking about the city-wide casualties and fatalities that would have been a sure result of even trying… That surely would have been a mess his father would have likely had to clean up if it happened.

"Hey, Ig…" Noctis quietly piped up, looking over at Ignis. "Y'think they got the peace treaty signed by now? Done deal and all that?"

"If they had, I assume we would have heard about it on the news stations, or seen it in the papers by now," Ignis replied in equal tone, his own attention locked on the monster beyond them. "If I recall correctly, there should still be roughly three days until the signing."

Drawing in a breath and letting out a quiet sigh, Ignis adjusted his posture. "Like as not, pleasantries and other preparations are still being seen to. We've only been out of the Crown City for a handful of days since everything has been set into motion. I'm sure our esteemed guests from Niflheim are being allowed to take in the city and are at least getting formalities out of the way before the main event."

… Damn, it was still hard to get a read on Ignis sometimes. Noctis could hardly tell if there was something — anything — he was keeping to himself.

Still…

"Well, you'd know better than any of us, I guess. If it's not the usual suspects takin' care of things, then it's usually yo—" Noctis' words were cut off when he and the others caught sight of movement from the gigantic avian monster. It now had been previously snoozing, and was in the process of stretching its wings. The rustling of its feathers sounded like whipping winds through a grass field.

And then it threw its head back to let out a ground shaking roar. Noctis could feel it as it shook him to his core. Prompto had already been well on his way to scrambling behind both Noctis and Ignis both, a fearful whimper of surprise leaving him as he did.

"Shit—!" Noctis hissed. What the hell did Gladio do!?

Ignis and Prompto (despite his attempts at keeping himself distanced) already had their weapons summoned into their hands, that ring of crystalline energy manifesting for them. Holding his hand out to his side, Noctis also summoned his sword. If a fight was about to be had, well…

Noctis' grip tightened upon the hilt of his engine blade. This was a dumb idea. Rolling up dead to a wedding was certainly one way to ensure it never happened. Surely that would have had no consequences in the results of the peace treaty if one of the agreements was the wedding in the first place.

… But then the creature leaned forward, its massive wings beating with enough wind force to make Noctis and the others stagger back slightly. Yeah, fighting that thing seemed out of the question if they could just be buffeted by its wings. Noctis brought his free arm up to shield his face from the dust and grass that got kicked up. Through squinted eyes, Noctis watched the avian beast take off into the sky, its massive form flying away somewhere past the opposite cliff face and disappearing from view.

"And off it goes…" Ignis said, his stance relaxing as the twin daggers in his hands disappeared into crystalline light. Prompto's own gun disappeared in the same fashion, this relieved look on his face.

"At least it didn't seem to notice us," Noctis said with his own relieved sigh. He felt his heart pounding in his chest.

"I seriously thought we were at journey's end!" Prompto groaned. Jabbing his arm out, he quickly pointed in the direction the bird left in. "That thing could have swallowed us all up in one massive peck if it wanted!"

"Wouldn't we just be pecked to death if it did that?" Noctis asked, quirking a brow as his sword finally disappeared from his grip.

"And then swallowed whole!" Prompto stressed.

"The hell are you all bitching about?" Gladio's voice rang out. He was on his way back with a couple chunks of stone in either hand. Some glints of the sun bounced off of them, but there were definitely some raw gemstones there. He motioned with both chunks of rock. "Got what we need here. Guess the sound of me breaking off the pieces from the deposit I found disturbed the thing."

"Great. Let's take it back to Dino and see if he upholds his end of the bargain then," Noctis replied.

There were so many different preparations to have taken care of that the enormity of it all was weighing heavier and heavier upon Vera's shoulders as she sat at her desk. Meetings with the different Niflheim delegates and getting several of the official missives proof read from the Logos' Woven Words division were seen to — combed over to make sure that the wording was concise and had a Vox's eyes on it to approve it. Part of the inner machinations of the Citadel that necessitated the roles of the Noble Houses to work together like a well-oiled machine should their duties align well enough.

It was all still such grueling work, though. Enough to have made Vera go cross-eyed at this point with just how many hours she had spent sequestered away in her office. Just about every time lately that she got up to have a well-earned break, someone else would hand her another file, or a message would make her phone buzz in her pocket that made her sit back down and get back to work.

Then there was the earpiece that Lyra left for Vera. She had taken the time to sterilize it, but she debated whether or not to really fit it into her own ear just yet.

A rapping at her door made Vera suppress a groan. Taking in a breath, she calmed herself and reached for the earpiece — she could pretend it was just a phone accessory. Finally, she placed it upon herself.

Everyone was just…doing their jobs. Everyone was on the same page of making sure everything was looking fine before the peace treaty was signed. That was it. That was it. Everyone was frazzled and probably running on fumes.

"… Yes, enter," Vera finally managed, her eyes not leaving the documents she was going over. Once the door clicked open, she pulled a discarded folder over them to keep their details from prying eyes and turned to her computer to at least log an affirmative in her spreadsheet.

With a tired sigh and her attention remaining set upon her monitor, Vera began with, "Please don't let this be another set of confidentiality agreements that need to be approved. Because if it is, I'll run Verus into the dirt myself."

"And here I was thinking you'd be happier to see me."

The familiar voice made Vera freeze momentarily before she finally looked up from her screen. Her brow rose as she slowly stood from her desk. Standing there before her was her brother Aestus, donned in what could only be described best as casual wear — something that was not the Niflheim uniform she had been prepared to see him in. Even then, he still looked put together and sharp. His hair was a little differently styled than she was used to, and there was a five o' clock growing in, but that was still him.

"Aestus…you…" Vera started. Honestly, she was a little offended no one saw it fit to inform her that Aestus was on Citadel grounds. Surely someone must have caught him…right? Though, "Verus reported that he hadn't seen you enter the city with the rest of the contingent. I thought you said before that if you were to arrive, you'd have done so as part of the Niflheim envoy."

"Plans have changed, as you are no doubt aware," Aestus replied, his expression turning grave.

"… Because of the Oracle…" Vera nodded. She was made aware as soon as her father had been made aware — a perk of being the Ears of the King. If one wished to call it that. Maybe this was the reason no one saw Aestus — perhaps he thought it best to make a stealthy return?

So…

"… If you're here, then you have something for me to do, right?" Vera asked, finally stepping around her desk and standing before her brother. "I doubt that this is just a cordial family reunion. Especially since it seems you took great pains to arrive undetected."

"You and Lyra," Aestus revealed.

Vera's brow furrowed. She shook her head.

"No," Vera asserted herself. "No, Lyra and Nebula are to leave the city as soon as they can. Whatever needs to be done, I'll handle it."

"I need you both. The task I have needs you both."

"You know that her being here only places her in further danger."

"… An unfortunate circumstance, I agree…" Aestus cast his eyes downward, this contemplative furrow appearing on his brow as his lips thinned into a concerned line. "I need her to keep tabs on the Princess Oracle. You cannot do that with your position so close to the Royal Council of the 113th."

Vera threw a hand up, a look of disbelief on her face. She could barely contain the offense she felt from bleeding into her tone: "Once I'm done with the work I have here, I'll be able to attend to that myself! Placing Lyra in harm's way just diminishes the role she has at Noctis' side if things come to pass as Regis believes they will. Don't do that to her, Aestus. We both know she resents us for having our parts to play — doing this to her will not only insult her, it will cripple her further should she manage to come out of it."

Aestus' shoulders heaved with a heavy sigh. He was getting annoyed, Vera could see it in the way his lips twitched with something caged behind that he so desperately wanted to say. It was familiar — something she had seen many times before when he hated holding his tongue.

"… I told them not to talk to you if you came back and they happened to see you," Vera quietly told him before he could open his mouth, her brow still set. "At first, for your safety, but now for Lyra's own."

Vera let out her own sigh, folding her arms over her chest. This seemed…odd for him to be so stubborn about Lyra doing whatever he had in mind. And…it was not as if she had a lack of trust for Aestus. She trusted him well enough, but…

"Look, I know you mean well for the Crown and…whatever the hell is going on… But you haven't been here for the past eight years, Aestus… You don't just get to come back and put our little sister in harm's way because you think she's fit for it," Vera slowly said, doing everything in her power to keep her voice level. "So either you get me to do this, or you phone up one of the trusted Umbrae to fulfill the role, because you are not getting Lyra to do it."

Aestus parted his lips before closing his mouth.

"… Very well… I'll fill you in on the details I have in mind…" Aestus conceded. He looked toward one of the seats close to Vera's desk and slowly had a seat. He then motioned for Vera to take her place back behind her desk…if she so chose. Vera did not budge. She continued to stand there, arms folding back over her chest as she leaned her hip against the edge of her desk.

When Vera made no further acknowledgement other than just giving Aestus her full attention, he took in a breath to begin: "We're tight on time, so I'll make it quick."

Riding in a car that had no tinted windows to hide who she was, was…well, new. Many car rides Lunafreya had been on where she was ferried from one place to the next often meant blacked out windows to avoid people seeing into the vehicles as she was made to play her part as Oracle for the people of Tenebrae and surrounding territories. But now, said car was stopped just before reaching the Citadel proper right there in Insomnia, and there were certainly a fair few people that ogled at her.

"Do you have any idea who you're stopping?" Her chaperone's voice was shrill enough to still be heard from inside the car. He had stepped out to berate and attempt lording some form of authority over the Royal Guard that stopped them. "Open this gate now, and maybe you'll have a job tomorrow!"

The guard was nonplussed as he reaffirmed his stance and simply stood there, a gruff "King's orders" being all that left his lips. That one was a little harder to hear.

"Are you sure you want to risk a diplomatic issue now of all times?" And her chaperone was still going on…

Lunafreya had to wonder where Niflheim managed to scrape this man from that he decided to tread Lucian ground — Insomnian ground — as a guest and still try to appear threatening. If anything, the thought of her chaperone as a shivering chihuahua barking up at a large retriever made the faintest smile grow upon her lips. Anything to find some semblance of joy in this unfortunate situation.

"I am the personal escort of Lady Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, Princess of the former Tenebrae, and of the former—"

"The kingdom's beloved bride-to-be!" That was a new voice that made Lunafreya look back up and out the window of the car. She saw two men adorned in black making their way toward the vehicle. One man had more of a red vest on underneath his black half cape, whereas the other seemed to have been more in a traditional looking uniform of all black.

The source of the voice — a rather large man with rugged features — spoke again, addressing Lunafreya's chaperone: "Welcome to sovereign jurisdiction. We'll take care of things from here."

"Forgive me, Captain Drautos…! I had no idea that—"

Lunafreya's brow furrowed slightly at her chaperone's blubbered apologies. Belly up — like a dog in surrender. Though that was hardly what Lunafreya was truly focused on.

"See Her Highness to the castle," the larger man said to the one wearing his uniform. He was clearly ignoring the chaperone.

The door to the driver's side of the car was opened with a soft "Excuse me…" from the man donned in all black. The driver of the vehicle stepped out and was then replaced with the uniformed man. He regarded Lunafreya politely before buckling himself in and closing the door. With him now in the driver's seat and that whole…snafu having been taken care of, Lunafreya was driven the rest of the way to the Citadel without the cloying, oppressive air of being under Niflheim's watchful eye.

Hopefully.

Still, the car ride was as it usually was — what Lunafreya had often grown accustomed to: quiet. For the best, perhaps. Honestly, the last thing Lunafreya wanted to entertain were questions. At least for the time being. Even with as practiced as she was at tending to questions and feigning contentedness, keeping it up was an exhausting experience at the end of the day.

Watching the buildings go past as she was ferried at least was different. The architecture of Insomnia differed greatly from that of Tenebrae. Most strikingly, Lunafreya was surprised by the lack of magical structures outside the Wall that shimmered overhead. While aware and educated about the differing nations and their geography, seeing it in person was still a bit of a shock. Even if she hid it well.

It was just…well, she assumed that the Crystal being there would have made some notable features.

All of it must have been diverted to the Wall and the Line of Lucis, Lunafreya figured. Still, it was an interesting thing of note to her when she compared it to the floating landmasses and flora of her home.

And just like that, Lunafreya was at the foot of the entrance to the Citadel as she let her mind wander — the castle of Insomnia. The man who had no name to her yet led her as far as the entrance before they were met by a pair of Royal Guard stationed there.

"You her escort?" one of the Royal Guards asked.

The nameless man gave a shallow, curt nod in response. It seemed he was to continue staying at her side till otherwise dismissed by a higher authority. No matter…it was still better than any of the official Niflheim babysitters she was often assigned that had not been a particular commander stationed at the Fenestala Manor — and that was a blessing she could not overlook.

Taken through the grand hallways of ebony and ivory till at last she was standing before massive, decorative mahogany doors, Lunafreya waited for the doors to have been opened. One of the guards walked forward, pushing through and announcing her arrival: "Her Royal Highness: Princess Lunafreya of Tenebrae!"

Lunafreya caught sight of King Regis — only recognizable from the regal garb he adorned. Since the last time she had seen him as a girl of only twelve, he had aged rather rapidly — the wrinkles on his face and the gray in his hair could attest. The exchange the Crystal took from him and the line of Lucis, as she was well aware… Had her mother still been alive, she would have suffered the same with her role as Oracle.

Stepping forward, Lunafreya approached, and King Regis' expression warmed as he turned to face her fully.

"… It has been a long time, Your Majesty," Lunafreya spoke. She donned a smile, practiced at first, but it soon reached her eyes — it mildly surprised her when she realized it.

"Yes," Regis concurred. "Far too long…"

As Regis moved to have a seat, easing himself down with the aid of his cane, Lunafreya walked forward and ascended the stairs to stand just below the throne. She looked around, looking for a face that was wholly absent.

"… Prince Noctis isn't here, is he?" Lunafreya asked. She knew that they were to meet somewhere else outside the city — outside Lucis. That was the plan.

There was hope in her heart, though, that she would finally see the young man he had grown up to be outside the photos and letters they still wrote to one another.

"No, my dear… He is not," Regis confirmed. This made Lunafreya close her eyes and take a breath to recompose herself before settling her gaze back upon the king. He was leaning forward only slightly, and he spoke once more: "I am too old to fight this war. I have no choice but to receive the Empire and accept their treaty."

A long way to further tell Lunafreya that Noctis had already been sent away for his own safety.

"Even so…" Regis continued, this weariness in the words he spoke as he pointed a distant expression to his side. "I had hoped to hold a wedding elsewhere. Somewhere safe. I sent one of my Glaive to see you there, but—"

Regis cut himself off, allowing his words to hang for a moment before he sighed seeing Lunafreya's crestfallen look.

"It is not too late. I can ready an escort," Regis went on. He pleaded with her: "Please… Go to my son."

This was a heavy ask…and there would be consequences if Lunafreya dared to do as Regis asked. Was that fair? Niflheim had already laid claim to many different parts of Lucian territory — even if Lucis itself did not recognize this entirely. Lunafreya remembered a lot of the chortling and the chattering of Niflheim ranking members talking about already erecting military bases on the continent to further bolster their power.

… Accepting Regis' offer to flee the city would have meant danger for the people of Insomnia, she was sure of that. Not to mention…

"No…" Lunafreya finally said, opening her eyes and holding her ground. "Wherever I go, the Empire will follow. It would only place the prince in greater danger. It is my duty to protect the prince and see his destiny fulfilled. These twelve years have not changed that."

It was her calling as the Oracle to the One True King.

"And what of your destiny?" Regis asked, holding his attention upon her.

"My duty is my destiny, Your Majesty," Lunafreya affirmed, her expression failing to betray her determination. This was something she truly believed with her whole heart. Ever since Stella disappeared, Lunafreya was determined to fulfill the role that was left to her. If this was how fate would spin it, then she was not to spurn it. That was her calling as the Oracle.

She continued to stand tall, her eyes locked upon Regis' own; "I am prepared to accept whatever may come to pass."