Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Regis could feel the freedom.

After everything he, his son, and his ancestors had been through he was finally set free.

He was free from the pain of the power, he was free of having to worry for his son, he was free from the ring of the Lucii. He was free to be reunited with his queen and his family.

He thought of this as the best moment he had ever had, but of course like all of his life every perfect thing is ruined. It was ruined when The Mystic came to him.

"Young King," spoke the Mystic.

Regis had never accepted the reality of being called the young king. Even if it were true, the Mystic and all of his other ancestors were much elder and wiser then him.

They went from his father King Mors to his two thousand years old ancestor who had been known as the Mystic. It never mattered how old he felt he would always be a sapling to the trees next to him. He just could never accept the reality of it, as he was old they called him young.

"Why do you come?" Regis asked.

"I have come to reveal the truth, and to offer," The Mystic sounded almost as if he were confessing something.

"Reveal and offer of what?" Regis grew suspicious of his ancestor.

"The truth of the past and the offer of a future that was taken by my actions," The Mystic seemed grim.

"Why is it that you have come to me?" Regis's patience was growing thin which was something he had very much of as a former king.

"It was my mistakes of the past that has effected, both yours and the Chosen's future. It was my envious rage that had led to my brothers corrupted form, the corrupted form that has cost your son his life." The Mystic was downhearted.

"Your brother? Surely you don't speak of..." Regis couldn't say anything more. The Mystic had ruined the truly peaceful moment, he had just confessed to having had caused the creation of the accursed monster.

The same monster that had hid himself as the chancellor of his former kingdoms enemy. The exact same monster that had caused his very son to have a doomed destiny. Deep within Regis's spirit the anger had begun.

"I know your true feelings young king, I know what you must be thinking of me. I know of what I had done, and I do not ask of you forgiveness only understanding." The Mystic spoke as if expecting what would happen."While I feel great regret of what I had done to my brother, he was too blinded by his ambition to see what he was becoming. He was failing to see the truth of the world, and even if I had acted rashly I just could not allow the world to become as it was, an internal darkness."

Regis didn't say a word, even now in the after life free of the ring and burdens he was speechless.

After a moment he began to realize the truth, "Then the Cosmogony it was nothing more then a lie," Regis said to himself.

"Not all of it, the true story was never told, the rest was the future of the Chosen king, however part of it remains true with the pact of Titan and the storys of the messengers." "Even so, it would still not reverse the consequences of what I had done, but what I offer will." The Mystic said.

"What would ever be enough to undo what has been already done," Regis spoke with disappointment.

Almost everything that was told to generations of both his family and his kingdom had been lies. Everything but the gods and the messengers wasn't true, but that's not what hurt him. What hurt Regis was that his son's and the Oracle's, destiny was written in many books in front him and he didn't know it.

"The offer is one that can only be given to you, the last Lucii. I will use what I can of my power to restore time and order to a time before the destruction. A time when Insomnia stood strong, when the Chosen did not know of his destiny, I would return you to a time when mistakes could be changed. You need nothing but to accept." The Mystics ghostly form began to glow blue. "It's an offer that will come only once, one that can only lead a way to light."

"This is an offer I can not accept, I wish to no longer have to hold the burden of the ring once again. I only wish to be reunited with my family and with the friends that have stood by my side." Regis declined.

"Those burdens will not be yours to carry, they will be mine. It was by my actions that has caused this world to come to darkness, so be it my burdens to carry should you reconsider." The Mystic began to glow then fade repeatedly.

Regis was no longer certain on his answer if he did not accept this he knew he would sooner or later find it hard to rest peacefully wondering what could have been. Then he begins to think of Noctis, his beloved son who never had the experience of marriage or a family. His son who had suffered so much in his life time.

Noctis had grown up with no mother, he had nearly lost his life twice when he was a child. Regis came to accept it was his son who had to carry the weight of saving the entire world. His son had to carry the weight of the world because of something that was not his fault, and through his life Regis had wished to carry that burden in his place. Right here right now he was being offered to do just that, or maybe to at least carry some of it.

"I reconsider, my son has suffered most because of your actions if it is I who has to fix the consequences for a better future for him then so be it. Not even in death there isn't anything I would not do for him." Regis confirmed his answer.

The Mystic was unaffected by the new anger towards him, "Very well, it shall be my power that will be the price of the rings own. It will no longer be you who has to carry the burden of the rings power. Be warned though it shall be only I who will know of this, shall you need guidance or should you need my power in battle you need only but to ask through the ring." and with that the Mystic's form began to glow a bright blue, he continued to shine brighter and brighter until nothing more but only bright white could be seen.

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May 13th M.E. 756 The Peace Offering

"Regis," said a voice as someone nudged him. Regis could only place the voice as Clarus Amicitia his old friend and Shield.

Out of shock Regis gasped, "Regis," The voice said more serious this time almost as if worried.

However Regis ignored the voice, he could only notice that he was in the throne room surrounded by what use to be his council. Feeling his cane Regis stood up and almost hurried himself out of the room allowing himself to go where ever. Of course he could here the familiar sounds of concerned foot steps behind him, but moreover he just continued walking.

"Regis!" Clarus yelled.

Time began to slow, the foot steps behind him were silenced as well as the worrying voice of Clarus.

"Something strange has just happened with your magic young king," says the voice of the Rogue. Regis allows himself to adjust, he had just been dead for over ten years after all.

"Silence!" Boomed the voice of the Mystic. "Young King can you here me?" The Mystic asked.

"I can here you," Regis answered after he took a moment to collect himself.

"Very well, your new duty shall begin but remember young one, it is only I and you that will know of this not even the other Lucii knows of it, shall you need my guidance or my power you need only to ask."

Time returned to normal, and Regis found himself turning around to face Clarus, and two other members of his council. He got dizzy at the memory of seeing Clarus hang from a wall with his own sword in his back.

"Regis, what happened?" Clarus asked concerned.

Regis knew it that Clarus would see to it that Regis himself was fine, Regis knew he considered it to be his life purpose at that. But it didn't matter if Regis was trying to not concern his old friend he couldn't help but be completely honest.

"I'm afraid I'm not feeling well," Regis said. Hearing his own voice he himself could notice that his voice was shaky.

"Dismiss the council I will accompany his majesty," Clarus commanded the other members of the council. He immediately went to Regis's side "I'll have one of the staff escort a doctor here at once, until then I think would be best if you were in your office." Clarus hurriedly went to grab someone from the staff however Regis stopped him.

"That won't be necessary Clarus, I think perhaps I had overwhelmed my self, moreover I must attend somethings in my office I would just find it better not to be stressed," Regis ensured sounding more, what would be normal to Clarus.

Clarus turned to him and nodded seeing as there wasn't anything seriously out of the ordinary, yet. He knew at times Regis would over work him self and had a constant lack of rest do to being very busy. But a sudden pain in his left hand caused Regis to stumble.

"Regis!" Clarus yelled as he caught onto friend's shoulder.

Regis took a moment to recover from the sudden pain, but his hand began to shake. "Clarus escort me to my office, I must speak with the Lucii." Regis said hurriedly.

"No I will escort you to your chambers, I will have a doctor escorted there at once." Clarus didn't let go of Regis's shoulder.

Regis didn't need this, his mind was confused having to be alive and a king again. Not only was he sure he time traveled, but he was fairly certain something was going on with the ring and his power. What he needed was a moment of silence to get his mind together and to figure out what to do.

"No, I believe it is the ring that is causing all of this, I must speak with the Lucii. If there is truly something wrong then I have much doubt a simple doctor could repair ancient magic. " Regis tried to convince Clarus to take him to his office.

Surly if a doctor was called in because of the king himself there would be all sorts of chaos. Then Noctis which ever age he was in this time, would be very concerned. Regis knew he wouldn't be able to handle that much at least not now at this moment.

His mind was organizing a plan much how it was like when he was king the first time. First he just needed a moment of silence where he could fully collect himself. Once he was sure of himself he would speak with the Mystic to figure out what was the source of that pain in his hand. Then perhaps from there he would be able to figure out what to do, figure out what to change.

"Fine, but if something happens I will personally drag you back to your chambers. " Clarus said seriously. Regis remembered that every time something was wrong even if it was nothing more then a simple ache Clarus would try extreme measures.

"Very well then," Regis answered.

It wasn't long before Regis found himself in his office sitting at his desk, he would have been astonished to see everything. But everything seemed as if he were just asked to fix a priceless painting that was ruined, and he felt he was only asked because he knew every detail of it. It felt as if everything were just reused and old, just like him.

"Regis the ring," Clarus motioned to the glowing ring of the Lucii and suddenly everything slowed again.

"What do you hide from us!" Boomed the voice of The Conqueror. More voices boomed around Regis, it gave him a headache. The Mystic remained strangely silent, but the voices of his ancestors were on the brink of driving Regis mad. They were interrogating him and they seemed to be very angry at him.

"Silence!" Regis yelled at them, he felt almost as if he were a child yelling at his elders but yet again he couldn't accept that. He was old not as old as them but he was supposed to be king now, currently, again. If they were to argue among themselves he as king can call order. "Why is it you argue? Why is it that you enrage yourselves that the ring itself is causing me pain?" Regis yelled/asked them.

"You young king and our founder are hiding secrets, secrets that is costing us our power!" The Oracle king yelled outraged.

Thats when Regis thought he figured it out, not only was the Mystic holding up the wall he was allowing the Lucii's power to be absorbed Instead of his life force. If this was the case Regis felt guilt, they were carrying a burden that was not their fault just like Noctis now.

"Where is the Mystic?" there was no answer the Mystic was silent.

"The Mystic has allowed his spirit to take on his physical form, and now we seem to be a source of power." Said The Pious. "He has allowed you to explain the pact between the two of you."

That really angered Regis not only had the Mystic left his family to be in a rage that has caused Regis pain through the ring. He was making Regis tell the tale of his mistakes and the truth of the lies that were told to each of them.

"Then I will, everything that has been told to us from the beginning of our line has been a lie!" Regis shouted at them. He used his own rage against theirs. "The Cosmogony stories were not storys of the founder, they were tales of the messengers and the Astrals it was the Chosens kings destiny written before us the truth has never been told!"

Silence spread amongst the Lucii, there was a very long pause before any of the spirits spoke again. "Then what is the truth?" asked Crepera the Rogue.

Regis sighed in disappointment he hated the fact that he had to be the one to tell this to his entire bloodline. The Mystic had promised him that he would not have to be the one to carry the burdens but as of now Regis was doubting his ancestors word.

"Adagium the monster that was said to have been held in Angelgard is the Mystics elder brother. He only became the monster he is today because of our founders envious rage." Regis explained not happy about it.

Silence past them once again, this time though none said anything. Instead the Mystic returned, "It was my jealousy that had set the prophecy to begin, however the time of the prophecy has already come to pass, with the crystals gift of providence the young king has accepted changing the fate of the chosen." The Mystic finished explaining.

Another awkward moment of silence went past until something unexpected happened, "Then we shall be at your side should you need the power of your family you need only to ask if us." The Oracle king said.

"Shall you need our guidance, we shall be at your side." Said the Rogue. All of the other Lucii began to agree, should Regis need their power he only has to ask. The power of his family would be given to him, he was the last of the Lucii the only one who could change the prophecy.

Time returned to normal, "Yes thats rather odd," Regis simply said as Clarus stared at the ring. While Clarus knew that time would slow down at times when he was speaking with the Lucii, he didn't know when exactly he was speaking with them.

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Hours later Regis found himself in the throne room, of course he was on the throne as he was king. However the throne felt as if it were cursed, Regis could remember watching as his son had been killed on the very thing he sat on. The throne reminded him of the darkest of times the exact night he lost Insomnia, his closest friend and his life.

Clarus had been watching him the whole day, but Regis had done nothing out of the ordinary to cause suspicion. He had done some ordinary work he would have normally tended to, he was surprise to find that he remembered some of the paper work in office.

But something had been bothering him since the moment he had figured it out, it would be the first thing he would do to change the prophecy. The same man who had killed Sylva Via Fleuret, Clarus, his council,and himself would have to be killed.

If Regis were to order an investigation surely that would take longer then he would expect. After all the man had fooled Clarus and even Cor last time. Titus Drautos was a traitor to insomnia, Regis just couldn't find it in his heart to kill him even after Drautos had killed him. But despite that a cold part of Regis just didn't care, and would kill Drautos in a heart beat.

Regis grew cold as Titus arrived, He could feel hatred within himself towards Titus as he gave the 'report of victory' but Regis remained still. He was completely unfazed by Titus's presence, from what it appeared to everyone else. But then the next thing happened perfectly on time, one of the men from reception had barged into the throne room.

"Your Majesty word from the West gate-" The man was cut off.

"A man who claims to be an envoy of the empire yes, send him in immediately, " Regis said the man seemed stunned for a moment but quickly just ran out of the room. He caught Clarus giving him a strange look, but he ignored it for the sake of Insomnia. He was just moments away from making a life changing decision.

Regis was silent as the accursed walked straight towards him, he could feel anger building deep within him. His son had died because of this monsters darkness. But for the sake of his son he held it in, as the man spoke he gave the same chilling feeling as before. But once he mentioned Noctis, Regis wasn't sure what had happened to him. A sudden rage made his body snap it was as if his mind was telling him to take action.

"There is one tiny small detail, it includes your son-" that was when Regis snapped he was now in the middle of the left upper steps that led to the throne. His armigear of spears and blades surrounded the monster before him. The room went completely silent, and the chilling feeling that was there was replaced by anger and hate.

"I am no fool!" Regis yelled in fury he gripped his cane furiously, "After years of war Niflheim has done everything it could in order to win over Lucis! I know this offer of peace is nothing more then a deception! You can tell Iedolas I'm not half as foolish as he thinks I am, you can also tell him I know of his spy!" Regis yelled his voice booming over the throne room.

The entire room was dead silent, and the man standing before Regis seemed to darkly change. The monster before him was becoming angry as well, Regis knew full well that he would be behind Insomnia's fall for revenge on his ancestor. However Regis wasn't going to back down, he wouldn't allow any more darkness to be spread not by the monster in front of him.

"I see," Ardyn said then he began to laugh deliriously, then Regis realizes what he just said. "Then so be it, I shall tell his grace of your decisions." and with that he turned away. But Regis wanted to give him a warning something that would distract him.

"The founder sends his apologies and his regards," that was all Regis said before he turned his back and returned to the throne. Once he was back on the throne he could see the glare and coldness of suspicion in the Accursed eyes. Then that was all before the Accursed took his leave.

Chapter Text

The entire throne room was completely silent as the so called 'chancellor' left.

Regis wasn't sure if it was because of his angry out burst or because of what he had said that had caused the tense silence.

However, he was very certain on what he would have to change next, Titus Drautos the man who had killed him would be exposed.

"Your Majesty," came the voice of Lord Scientia. Regis was silent to his council, they all had their attention to him. "Was it your intention to mention a spy, or do you truly know of..." Ignis's uncle trailed off.

Regis knew they could tell by his expression, he didn't even try to hide the look of hatred and betrayal. After everything he and his son had been through he had finally had enough. One change would come after another. Regis would not allow Insomnia to fall, not again.

"There is indeed a spy among us," Regis's voice was loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. The entire royal council began to argue among themselves, all but Clarus. Clarus as the shield and friend of the king knew full well that there was something strange happening to his old friend. He could see something in the kings eyes that he had only seen a few times before ,Betrayal and Anger.

"Silence!" Regis yelled, "I will have the matter addressed, but as of now we must discuss the empires actions."

After hours the meeting came to an end, with some of the council members disappointed in the kings choice. They had all argued why they should or should not accept Niflheims offer of peace.

Some had agreed with the king while others believed it was a bad decision to decline an offer that would come only once. They all wanted nothing more then to put an end to the war, but none of them knew what the future held for each of them. All except for the king, and The Mystic.

Regis was accompanied by Clarus to his office. As the king he had business and other matters that needed organized, approved, or that just needed some attention. Once they had arrived at the office Regis became cold and serious.

"Clarus, there is a very urgent matter concerning the spy," Regis sat at his desk while Clarus observed him carefully.

"Forgive me for asking Regis, but how have you come to terms that there is a spy amongst us? I as the shield am in charge of all security, if there truly is a spy I would have noticed." Clarus asked.

Clearly there was something Regis knew that Clarus didn't, he didn't like that one bit. If Regis himself had to notice the spy and Clarus who had the soul purpose of protecting him didn't have a clue of the matter, there was for sure something missing. But Clarus felt that if it were true he would feel as if he had failed as the kings shield

Regis just observed his shield for moment thinking of what to say, "My reasons are difficult to explain I can only say the Lucii have given me a warning," both a lie and the truth. "That warning has to deal with Titus Drautos as General Glauca and some of the glaives working under him for the empire." Regis couldn't help but say the last part in cold hatred and anger.

"What! I knew Niflheims sudden retreat was strange, but if it truly involves Titus working as Niflheims General and the glaives for that matter not only is the Citadels security breached both yours and the princes safety could be at risk." Clarus suddenly realized one of the reasons why Regis was upset, Noctis Regis's only son could be in danger.

"I want a full investigation into Titus Drautos and the Kingsglaive at once," Regis demanded. Clarus recognised Regis's tone, it was not the tone of a king. It was the tone of a friend asking, almost begging him to do a favor.

"I will see to it at once," Clarus nodded and left the room temporarily, he got his communicator which he used for security measures.

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"Marshal, I need you and crownsguard soldiers at the Kingsglaive Headquarters as soon as possible," Clarus spoke getting into an elevator.

"Whats going on?" Cor asked with a cold suspicion over the Communicator ear piece.

"That would be better said in person the king wants a full investigation theres a high possibility of a spy," Clarus replied back. The silence on the other line was all Clarus needed to know that Cor understood.

As the elevator opened up to the bottom floor, Clarus caught sight of his son Gladiolus and the Prince. He needed to ensure Regis of Noctis's safety, so he approached them. "Gladiolus," that was all he needed to say to catch both the young men's attention.

"Clarus? Where's dad?" Noctis noticed the kings absence next to the shield.

"He's in his office taking care of important matters, but there is something I need to speak of with Gladiolus for a moment." The Prince looked at Gladio as if he had done something wrong.

"Uh, sure," Gladio replied not sure if he was in trouble.

They went off not to far away, into an office room that was completely empty, Noctis remained in the hall. "Dad what's going on?" Gladio asked sensing something wasn't right.

Clarus sighed, things were not looking good today, "There's a possibility of multiple spies among the Kingsglaive," Clarus said. Gladio went completely silent holding his breath for a brief moment. "I need you to keep a close eye on the Prince until this matter is dealt with, the king is concerned about his son's safety."

Gladio was clearly shocked, and there was a hint of serious concern in his eyes, it was a moment or two before he said something, "What should I tell Noctis?" Clarus was extremely unsure for a brief second, clearly Noctis couldn't be told that his father's most trusted soldiers could possibly be traitors.

There was the concern that he could somehow try to interfere and get himself into trouble. Then the other worry was the fact that Regis could be in danger as well, and do to the kings recent behavior the Prince would be very concerned. The Prince was of course the next king, but he was still very young and reckless, he would clearly cause more trouble than good.

"Should the Prince find out about the threat I'm afraid he might put both his and the kings safety more at risk. It would be best if this was silent, just until I'm certain it is a major problem. Should that come to be true I would want to see to it that both the Prince and king are safe." Clarus explained.

Gladio was silent not sure what to say, then a call from Cor was Clarus's signal to hurry, "See to it that the Prince is safe and make sure no one knows of this," Clarus concluded his orders, he hurried past his son and to the Kingsglaive head quarter's.

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Cor was becoming impatient.

All of the glaives were in perfect order like how real soldiers should be, they were in position as soon as Cor walked in with a dozen or so Crownsguard soldiers. They were silent as he paced back and forth waiting for Clarus, so that he could get an explanation on what was going on.

"Marshal," Clarus allowed his presence to be known, Cor could see how the glaives went tense. One caught his eye, one particular Glaive was reacting in a certain way that wasn't like the other glaives. "It would be best to have the situation explained in private," Clarus had his voice low. Cor just nodded and gave the glaives one last glance before heading into one of the office's.

"Well? What's the situation with this potential spy?" Cor asked serious as always.

Clarus sighed, "Regis hasn't been well as of late, the ring had caused him pain one moment and now it's as if he is a different man. He claims to have had a warning from the lucii a warning that states that Titus Drautos is the current general for Niflheim with glaives at his side." Clarus explained what was happening.

"I'm going to assume with Niflheims sudden retreat you believe it," Cor was putting the pieces together. Though he was quite concerned about what Clarus just said about the king.

Clarus noded, "Yes, but earlier this evening an envoy had come from Niflheim claiming they were offering peace. I believe they wouldn't have been so confident if they didn't have someone inside the wall."

Cor knew now, it had all suddenly fit together there was no doubt that there wasn't at least one spy. "Given Drautos position there's reason to see why it is him, but if it's true I'm going to have to look deep into it he would have been blinding even me," Cor admits.

"Thats another thing that concerns me, should he be exposed I believe they have been plotting something major." Clarus looked towards the door where the kingsglaive soldiers were awaiting on the other side. "I should be returning to Regis's side now, should you find anything I want to be notified at once." Clarus spoke with the tone of the shield.

Cor just nodded, both the Shield and the Marshal left the room. Before leaving Clarus took one good look at the glaives almost daring them to do something. Cor however, crossed his arms and watched as the special trained technicians carefully went through every computer and monitor in the building.

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Nyx carefully observed the Marshal and the crownsguard soldiers.

He felt very uneasy as something was clearly wrong, not only had the legendary Immortal come with a small army, the kings Shield had arrived as well. Nyx had watched carefully as the shield glanced at each one of his fellow glaives with a cold glare, then he just left.

The Marshal had decided to personally go through each of the glaives files that was in his commanding officers office. What was very strange to him was the fact that the Marshal was calling in each glaive to speak with them one at a time. The reasoning was do to a 'major security error' as the Marshal had said, but Nyx was smart enough to know it was a lie.

There was something going on that they weren't being told, Nyx knew that much and he had two theories. One it was either very dangerous to say something, or two they were all suspects of something. The second would explain why they were each being interrogated, but the first would explain how serious the crownsguard was being.

Nyx tensed as as his name was called, it wasn't everyday he was being interrogated by the legendary Marshal.

"Nyx Ulric," the Marshal called he held his posture straight as he walked I to the office with the Marshal behind him. Cor took a seat at the desk, in front of him was Nyx's file. Everything that Lucis knew about him including his achievements in battle was laying in a simple file. "Earned your self quite the name among the glaives I've heard you were called hero." Cor some what smirked.

"Yes, sir" Nyx spoke like a soldier he was very familiar with Cor's reputation as being stern and strict.

"Everything seems fine in your file, however just answer this were you trained by Titus Drautos?" Cor asked coldly. Nyx could tell with the Marshals tone he had found something he was looking for that he didn't want to find.

"Yes, sir" Nyx said carefully he was observing the way Cor almost glared at him with suspicion. Theory two was correct, they were being accused of something serious.

"Your excused," Cor simply said. Nyx didn't miss the sigh the Marshal did as he turned to get the next file, it was such of disappointment. Surly he wasn't being accused of something like an assassination, after everything he had done for sure his loyalty was proven to belong to Lucis.

Nyx left the room, he suddenly got a cold chill as if something was very off. But he shook it off and lined up in place, he caught Crowe and Libertus giving him strange looks. They both turned away with a look of sadness and anger. What was going on?

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Gladio kept a close eye on Noctis all day.

The moment his father had told him that the soldiers who were entrusted with the kings magic could've been spys he called Ignis.

"Ignis, we've got a problem," He didn't care hide the serious concern behind his voice.

"What's happened? Has something happened to Noct?" Ignis alarmed voice sounded over the phone.

"No, not yet at least dad and I just talked he wants me to keep a close eye on Noctis there's a possibility of a spy on the kingsglaive." Silence fell on the other end of the line.

"Has it been confirmed?" Ignis asked carefully.

"No, I just found out about it, dad wants to make sure that it stays quiet even told me not tell Noctis," Gladio explained.

"I see," there was a brief pause, "I shall assist you in keeping a close eye on Noctis. If we receive word there is a spy I would think his majesty would have it taken care of but even so do not take your eyes off of Noctis."

"Yeah, let me know if you hear anything," Gladio hung up the phone not wanting to keep Noctis alone for much longer.

"What the he'll was all that about?" Noctis asked as Gladio stepped out of the office.

"Just stuff, and don't think that little conversation got you out of training," Gladio warned the prince. Noctis just rolled his eyes at th reminder it wasn't something he wanted to be reminded of he didn't like training with Gladio or Vegetables.

"Fine," Noctis grumbled. While the Prince was completely clueless about the situation he was not completely oblivious to the change in his magic. One of the reasons why he had bothered to get up early was because of a sudden change of feel in his power. He had figured his dad would known something about it, either that or something was wrong.

It was hours later that Gladio found himself watching as Noct paused to breathe for about the hundredth time. "How many times have I told you to practice," Gladio said frustrated. The Prince was yet again lacking in his training he had clearly been told dozens of times yet he is still wasn't keeping up.

"I have been practicing!" Noctis argued out of breath, Gladio rolled his eyes but didn't take his attention away from the prince. "Something's just off thats all," Noctis said it like it was no big deal he clearly didn't need anyone worried or angry.

"What do you mean by off?" Gladio asked in a warning tone. There was concern for a spy the last thing Gladio would want to do was tell his dad that the Prince wasn't well. That would definitely cause concern, Gladio wouldn't take the matter lightly.

"I don't know I've just been distracted," Noctis lied and shrugged he was still out of breath. He was sure something was wrong with his magic, he shouldn't have been getting tired this fast.

Gladio gave the Prince a warning look, after what his dad had told him Gladio wouldn't take any chances. But he still couldn't let Noctis know about what was going on, not unless it was necessary.

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Regis was in his office most of the day, Clarus of course was by his side.

Regis however having some of his old instincts came back, he could tell when Clarus was worried about him. He was going to attend the matter, but Cor had walked in, not before he gave Regis a strange look that wasn't missed. The Marshal just sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose in anger.

"You were right, your majesty," Regis remained composed his shield though was almost visibly paler.

" How many?" Clarus asked knowing Cor knew what he was asking.

"Five, Titus as Glauca and four of the glaives but it's hard to confirm the fourth." Cor said bitterly, "The offer for peace was hoax, I found their plans they were going to steal the Crystal and destroy the city." There was silence, and after that moment of silence he snapped. He pounded his fists into a nearby table. "Damn it! How could we have been so blind!" he yelled. He wasn't the only one who was angered.

"Even I was blind to their plans Cor, but as it seems the Lucii have been keeping a close eye," another lie but the truth. "But before we begin action I must know who is the fourth traitor?" Regis asked. He had no idea who the true traitors in the glaives were. He could only vouch for Crowe Altius who had been killed before the attack even happened, and Nyx Ulric who was loyal to Lucis till the very end.

Cor took a moment to cool himself down, "Luche Lazarus or Nyx Ulric, their both in charge while the traitor is out. I already have two trusted glaives on Urlic, but I believe it's Luche thats helping Titus first hand. " What Cor said offended Regis, Nyx Ulric was more then loyal to Lucis he had have his life for it.

"I do believe it is Luche that is working under him," Regis confirmed and stood up. "Where is my son, I want him no where near the glaives until this is sorted out. " Regis was ready to finally face his son, his son who would be free of the painful burden of losing his home and his father.

"Don't jump to conclusions Regis, I already spoke with Gladiolus he knows of the situation I had given him specific orders to keep a close eye on the Prince." Clarus ensured the king to put him at ease. "Very well, but I want the crownsguard on high alert as soon as... Wait a moment where is Titus?" There king asked with sudden shock, if Titus were to get his armor it would be difficult to stop him.

"I had ordered him to personally see to it that our envoy was escorted out of the city, and to see to it that there were certain measures were taken care of to ensure he remained busy." Clarus answered, Regis was almost surprised he had truly forgotten how well prepared Clarus was.

"When he returns I want everyone one the spys presented to me I should remove my power from them," Regis instructed Cor. "Clarus, take me to see Noctis I fear something must be discussed between us." Regis knew by now Noctis would start feeling the change in his magic. The Lucii have some how manage to use their power to heal what injury that w as holding him back fro. his full potential.

Regis didn't just want to face his son he needed to face his son, he had have prepared should something fail.

But speaking of his son, Noctis had barged into Regis's office with Gladio hurrying behind him.

Chapter Text

Noctis barged into his fathers office as soon as he heard Cor's out burst.

He knew something was wrong the moment Clarus spoke to Gladio.

"Noctis!" Gladio growled, Noctis knew Gladio was trying and failing to hide something from him. Before his shield could grab him and excuse them for Noctis's sudden intrusion he spoke.

"What the hell is going on?" Noctis didn't hide the anger in his voice, Gladio tried to grab him again but Noctis practically shoved him off. "First Clarus, then my magic, and now I just overheard something about a spy." Noctis listed off the strange things thats been happening. He was going to shout again when he suddenly noticed something about his father.

Noctis froze for a moment getting a better look at his father, mean while Cor hurried behind him and Gladio. Noctis heard the door shut, but he payed it no mind. Noctis was surprised by his fathers appearance, he looked different he still looked as he always did but there was something off.

"Both of you sit down," Cor said coldly. Gladio and Noctis did as they were told, it was never the best idea to disobey the Marshal when he was angry. Clarus pinched the bridge of his nose, of course one way or another the prince would find out something was wrong.

Regis was silent, Noctis observed how he avoided eye contact. "What's going on?" Noctis asked both Clarus and Cor.

"First I want to know how you know and how much you know about the spies," Cor demanded of them. Noctis was shocked for moment, he had overheard two glaives talking about it but he never would have thought it was true.

"Noctis eaves dropped in someone else's business," Gladio glared at Noctis from where he sat. Noctis just couldn't let Gladio do his job it was never that easy.

"I would assume it was the two glaives you had trail Ulric," Clarus said.

Noctis just nodded almost scared of the Immortals rage, even with his father and Clarus present. Cor growled with anger, it was clear enough that if he didn't cool off soon he would snap.

"Clarus see to it that Cor calms himself I would like to speak with Noctis and Gladiolus for a moment." The king said genuine, Clarus gave him a look but Regis just nodded in reassurance.

Both Clarus and Cor stepped out of the room, leaving both the future king and shield alone with the current king. "Before I tell you any more information concerning the Kingsglaive I believe we must have a discussion concerning your magic Noctis."

Noctis could feel himself relax just a little, his father knew something was wrong. At least now he knew it wasn't just his magic specifically that was off. But now there was the new worry, was there something wrong with the Crystal?

"It's nothing to be concerned about, the Lucii have been more active as of late they have told me they would restore your magic to its full potential." Regis gave Noctis a smile. But Noctis just felt himself just grow more concerned, if the Lucii have been more active and if they were trying to restore his magic then something big was going to go down.

"I would ask that you don't worry but I'm afraid I can not," Regis said solemn.

"Then dad and Cor found the spy?" Gladio asked with his arms crossed.

Regis turned cold, there was a brief moment when Noctis noticed a horrible sadness and anger in his fathers eyes. "Titus Drautos is General Glauca," Regis said bitterly as if he would kill. Now Noctis understood his fathers behavior, Titus who was one of the most trusted people in his fathers inner circle was a traitor.

The king continued on, "Cor has also confirmed four kingsglaive at his side, and the reasoning for the Luciis actions is because they have been listening. Their main concern is yours and crystals safety." Regis explained to Noctis.

"Wait dad said there was only one!" Gladio raised his voice at the king and almost immediately regretted it. If he was going to protect Noct against them he clearly needed to know how to maintain his composure.

"I only ask that the both of you and Ignis remain away from the glaives until everything is sorted, and Gladiolus I trust both you and Ignis to keep Noctis out of trouble." Regis said that like how he truly ment it.

Noctis took a moment to process everything, his fathers office became silent. After two minutes had past both Cor and Clarus returned in a hurried panic they were accompanied by bloodied crownsguard.

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"What in the name of the six is going on?" Regis asked as loud noises could be heard from out side his office.

"Drautos knows we were on to him, he's in his armor fighting the mystic," Clarus said out of breath.

"Dad!" Gladio noticed the huge blood stains on his fathers armor and leg. He ran to the current shields side right before he could collapse.

Regis could feel his blood run cold, Drautos had his armor. Sudden memories came back to Regis, he remembered his oldest friend Clarus hanging from a wall with his own sword in his back. He remembered all of his council members being slaughtered. The worst memory was the cold feeling of Drautos sword in his back before death took him.

"Cor, get Noctis to safety," everyone looked at him like he was crazy. Perhaps they were right, Regis could feel anger, betrayal, and vengeance. Things he learned not to feel long ago, way long ago, back when he and his friends had their adventure road trip. Now in this moment he could feel the hatred he truly felt for Titus, the hatred he wouldn't allow himself to feel.

Regis had given everything to Titus when he was orphaned, and he had the nerve to take everything from Regis even his life. Now when his son was present Regis felt something inside of him snap, something that told him 'accept your fate' disappeared. It was replaced by a feeling that was almost whispering to him to do what should have been done long ago.

"Regis don't be-," Cor was cut off by Regis, and he was slightly surprised by the tone of his voice.

"No, Titus is more than capable of killing my entire council combined in that amor you will see to it that my son safe, the Lucii and I will see that the traitor is dealt with." Regis spoke with the voice of king.

"Dad! Don't be stupid!" Noctis shouted at his father while grabbing him, Gladio was taken back by that.

Gladio was at his fathers side holding onto his shoulder as the already sworn shield gasped at every breath. Gladio was the only reason why the shield remained up and conscious.

Regis harshly pulled his arm away he wouldn't even allow Noctis to argue, "No! you may not understand now but perhaps soon, you will leave with Cor, and Clarus." Clarus shot up and almost glared at the king.

"No! I will remain at your side," but the sweat falling from his face told him otherwise.

"You have already faced him and now you can barely remain conscious, I will not allow you to throw your life away even if you are my shield." Regis said that coldly. Then with one final glance at Noctis the king turned and walked outside of the office. "There is an escape room through there," Regis pointed towards the elevators. Almost as if on cue several moving statues were seen approaching from down the hall in which the sound of clashing metal and iron could be heard.

"Regis I can't allow this," Cor said he tried to step to grab the kings arm but the king did what he did before. He summoned a shield that was like a wall of glass it covered the hall from ceiling to floor so no one would pass.

The king took one last look at Cor's angry glare, Clarus's look of disappointment and finally his son who had tears on the brink of falling from his eyes. Regis just looked into his son's eyes and gave him a nod.

Then he turned away following the status of his ancestors.

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Nyx was losing it, not only did his closest friends think he was a spy, they were following him. Surely they were ordered to do as such by Cor, though it bothered him that his loyalty was questioned.

At least it was the two people he could trust the most that was ordered to observe him. He had allowed both Crowe and Libertus to follow him for a bit until it got on his nerves. Now it irritated him more, since he was off duty.

"Would you stop it!" He yelled at his friend's he didn't realize how betrayed he felt. The two who thought they were hidden both came out into his sight and sighed.

"Nyx you know-" Crowe was going to explain herself but she was cut off as the Citadel began to shake.

"What in the six is that?!" Libertus shouted out as what looked like a statue moved from its place.

The statue was headed right towards them, it drew its weapon which was a trident. Instinctively, Libertus and Nyx summoned their weapons Crowe's hand began to glow as flames lit up on her palms.

"Do not fret glaives, many are traitors among you, but we know where your loyalty lays I and the Lucii ask of your help." The Oracle king spoke as if he were living.

More thundering noises could be heard, then the ancient king turned towards the direction where the sound of battle could be heard. "If you should join us then hurry," the statue hurried down the hall of the Citadel and headed towards the throne room. The three glaives looked at each other and gave one another a nod of agreement. They hurried after the statue of the Oracle king.

They followed the ancient spirit to the throne room and once they arrived, they were shocked at the sight before them. The king was bloodied and on his knee, surrounding him were the other statues of the Lucii all with weapons drawn. Looking closer Nyx could notice that the Lucii were in front of the king in a protective stance, but by counting not all of the ancient kings are there.

Away from the king the Lucii looked to be shielding him from two glaives and Nyx recognised the armor, it was General Glauca. Nyx took immediate action, he threw one of his Kukris blades and warped to the injured kings side.

"Your Majesty," Nyx allowed himself to be known, Regis turned to him and have him a look of gratitude.

"It's good to know your still on my side Ulric," the king said. Nyx felt that remark wasn't referring to the fact that he was one of the only glaives still loyal to Lucis. Moreover he just ignored it and focused at the task at hand, Libertus and Crowe made their way to the kings side a moment later.

"Well if it isn't the hero," said the voice of Glauca, Nyx froze at the shocking familiar voice. It must have been obvious because what the king said next just about broke him.

"Don't allow him to get into your head, he's Titus Drautos," The king said with cold venom in his voice. Regis held onto his shoulder, Nyx could see just how much damage he took. Both his head and shoulder that he held bled, and parts of his royal attire was torn.

Nyx was about to ask him if he was alright, but he suddenly found himself being pulled back by Libertus as one of the Lucii statues fell. "Stay focused," Libertus scolded. Nyx snapped back to reality, Glauca had already destroyed two of the statues possessed by the Lucii.

Nyx summoned one of his kukris's and warped just as Glauca swung at his neck. When he appeared he felt something burning in his arm, he looked to see that his sleeve was on fire. In a quick panic he put it out only to be hit from behind by Luche.

"Luche you damn traitor," Nyx growled at his former comrade while holding onto his injured arm.

"Are you surprised?" Luche asked with a smirk, "I can say I am, you and I both know Lucis is on the losing end of this war and yet you still remain loyal." Luche gave Nyx a look he didn't quite understand.

Nyx was back on his feet with one of his Kukris's in his good hand, "Before I stab you in the back just answer this, Why? Why turn your back on Lucis? Why turn your back on your home?" Nyx asked him, he just didn't understand after so many years why did he suddenly just betray Lucis, his home land.

"Why?" Luche began to laugh, "For years we've been working under a coward. Our homelands, this war, and Niflheim we've done nothing except hide behind a wall! You ask why I decided to work under a true ruler? I'd rather join a true nation that can unite the world into one, rather then a mere city with nothing but a coward that just uses his magic to hide!" Luche yelled.

Luches hand lit up with fire before he went on, "The kingsglaive is nothing, an old man's battle fodder sent to die in Insomnia's war while our homes are bound and shackled." When he finished, the flames on his hand suddenly disappeared. "What-" Regis was behind him with a cold look in his eyes, and Luche immediately backed away. Glauca was busy with the other Lucii along side Libertus and Crowe.

"The kingsglaive were the bravest soldiers I could trust to win this war, while Niflheim killed your friends and familys it was I who allowed you to remain in Insomnia. It was I who trusted you and the rest the glaives with both my life and my power, and still after all I had done you join the same nation that destroyed everything you were. So now I will take my power, now that I know where your loyalty truly resides."

Nyx remembered the day Titus had declared him ready for the kingsglaive, he remembered bowing before the king as he took his oath. That same oath that he still remained loyal to, he remembered the promise he had made to himself as he was bestowed the power of the king. He promised in the memory of his home and in the memory of his sister Selena his whole motivation he would see Niflheim fall.

Nyx didn't hesitate, he warped but instead of warping next to Luche, just like he had promised he stabbed him in the back. He never could repay Regis back for saving his life, but something strange in the back of his mind told him that he had done more then just repay the king. Nyx slowly withdrew his blade from Luche's now dead body. He turned to the king who had the look of solemn Nyx could only imagine what was going through the kings mind.

Libertus and Crowe joined their side taking a quick look at the now dead Luche but said nothing about it. "We've got more trouble," Crowe motioned at the sudden soldiers who approached. It was more of the glaives, and some human soldiers who had some how gotten into Insomnia, they stood behind Glauca.

Regis, Nyx, Libertus, and Crowe stood side by side with statues of the Lucii behind them. Nyx readied this weapon, he looked at the three beside him. He would fight his enemy's even if they were once the ones he trusted and risked his life for.

He would not fight just to fight, he would fight along side the friends that stood with him and the man who had saved him. He would fight for all that he was all that he is, no matter what would happen his heart would always remain loyal to those who would fight next to him. No matter what no one said or did nothing would change where his heart layed.

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While the battle raged on in the throne room, Gladio remained with Cor, Noctis, and his father who was using him for support. Gladio was tired he was focussing on his father yet trying to do his duty to protect Noctis. He was also having trouble controlling both his dads and Cor's temper after what happened with the king they were going to blow.

"He's a damn fool," Clarus mumbled under his breath only loud enough that he knew only Gladio heard, Gladio didn't say anything he only glanced at Noctis making sure he didn't hear. Clarus continued to limp carefully using Gladio for support, by holding onto his shoulder.

Then he whispered something to his son that he wanted to make sure would be his top priority. "If something happens you are to protect the prince at all costs not me or Cor, I want your full attention on seeing that his highness gets out of this alive."

Gladio gave his father a quick nod, to show he understood his fathers wishes no matter how much he wanted to disagree. He was an Amicitia after all, while he cared for his father the last thing he would want was to disappoint him and fail his duty.

Almost as if they had been jinxed a sudden explosion sent the few crowns guards soldiers around them flying. Niflheim human soldiers suddenly began to surround them, "How in the hell did they get in here?" Clarus growled as he summoned a force field to block the bullets flying towards them.

Gladio stood by Noctis, "Gladio get Noctis the hell out of here," Cor yelled, Gladio didn't hesitate he basically grabbed Noctis and shoved him in front of him. The citadel was damaged around them, glass was broken here and there and there were small fires set.

"Hurry this w-" Gladio was cut off as he felt something sharp in his neck, he pulled it out to see it was an injection dart. He saw Noctis holding the same thing. "Oh hell no," everything began to go fuzzy, he felt himself grow weak and collapsed to the floor, he could do nothing as Noctis went completely unconscious.

Gladio remained conscious as he heard foot steps, he watched as a man with red hair and an unusual amount of layers of coat approached Noctis. He smiled at the unconscious form of the prince, his smile gave Gladio a shiver down his spine.

"So this is the young prince of Lucis, my what a disappointment." Gladio recognized the man as the chancellor of Niflheim and immediately tried to lift himself up. "And you must be the next brave shield, I must say I'm impressed with you however there are certain circumstances expected of me so this little issue must be fixed." said the Chancellor. Gladio heard foot steps behind him, he felt deep horrible agonizing pain. That was all he felt then he felt nothing, he blacked out.

Before he knew it he was barely aware of things again, he could see the dark sky then the floor seemed to have closed. He knew where he was, he was in a Niflheim air ship beside him Noctis was still unconscious. He could feel pain and blood on the side on his head. That caused him to mess up and groan at the pain, it didn't go unnoticed.

"How irritating," It was the chancellor's creepy voice once agian, then there was a repeat of before. Gladio felt pain in his head again but this time though it was a lot worse, he fell unconscious instantly once again.

Chapter Text

Regis stopped breathing for a split second.

Time was slowing down, everything was silent around him.

He could feel everyone around him stare in shock.

His Armigear was spinning around him, but his main sword the one that had been given to Noctis before now impaled Drautos.

The battle had raged on in the throne room, it wasn't until the rest of the Niflheim guards and Drautos were down when they arrived at the scene. They had all witnessed it the royal council, Nyx, Libertus, Crowe, and Cor had watched as the king stabbed the traitor.

It wasn't something that he was proud of, yet it wasn't something he was disappointed in.

Things had went from bad to worse, first Titus had began his attack in his armor. Then it had gotten worse as human Niflheim soldiers had somehow gotten into the Citadel. Regis knew it had something to do with both the Accursed and Titus teaming up.

"Holy shit," Libertus was the one to break the silence as everyone just stared at the king. All attention went to Libertus for a moment then back to the king.

Regis could suddenly feel his bad leg give out, he would have collapsed but luckily both Crowe and Nyx grabbed onto the kings arms keeping him up. Cor immediately ran to his side noticing the all of the blood on his shoulder and part of his head.

"You damn-" Cor cut himself off before he could say something he would have regretted. Instead he growled and turned away from Regis reminded of the fact that he had been separated from Clarus, Gladio, and Noctis. The Lucii stood forward, and the Mystic began to speak directly to Regis.

"The traitor is dead, but I fear another challenge is yet to rise young king," said the voice of the Mystic. Regis looked at the statue almost with shock or anger and with some gratitude for his help.

The silence once again stood among them as Clarus came into the room out of breath and limping with Ignis at his side. "An enemy ship has just been spotted leaving outside of the city with Gladio and Noctis on board," Ignis said urgently.

That was all that was needed to be said to raise the anger Regis had towards his ancestor. The one reason why he had gone through all of this once again was to make a better future for Noctis, now Noctis was in Niflheim custody. Now Regis truly questioned his ancestor, he had promised and had given his word that Regis would be able to make things better.

While Drautos was dead things had now become worse, Regis knew what Niflheim was capable of. He had watched as his city burned down, and he watched as everyone around him died by Niflheim soldiers. Niflheim was strong they were also merciless, Regis had no doubt something horrible would happen to his son and the young shield.

"I'm truly starting to question your word, my son is in Niflheim custody!" Regis yelled at the statue of the Mystic. Everyone turned to Regis then towards the founders statue. Cor wasn't sure what was going on between Regis and his ancestor but he would not allow them to argue at this time.

"Regis! I don't know what's going on and I don't care anyways, but right now we need to keep our selves focussed on getting back up. Niflheim was able to get into the Citadel even with the damn wall up there's no telling how many soldiers are still here and in the city!" Cor was yelling and warning the king.

A brief moment of silence past, all eyes were on the Marshal as he went on, "If we're going to rescue the prince and Gladio our best shot would be capturing what soldiers we can, and finding out their plans."

Regis sighed, he would be having a serious conversation with the Lucii specifically the Mystic later. Right now his son needed him more then ever, and Regis wouldn't waste time. The longer Gladiolus and Noctis remained in Niflheim custody things would just continue to get even worse for everyone.

---------------------------------

May 14th 756 M.E. 12:40 a.m. After the Attack

Ardyn smirked to himself, plan one hadn't worked in his favor but plan two had.

The first plan had taken several months to prepare for while plan two only took a few hours. Plan one was very complex and had very strict precautions, it was planed so well it was set into many well organized stages.

Stage one was all Niflheim forces would be called back. Stage two was where things messed up, Ardyn wanted to personally see to it that his horrid brothers descendant Regis took the bait. But as things went on the king had proven to be very stubborn.

The moment the king snapped, Ardyn had restrained himself. He knew he was about to react in a very horrifying and violent way. A way that would have been terrifying for the ones around him but very enjoyable for him.

He had gotten a thrill at just imagining himself revealing his true face to the king while his sword, the Rakshasa blade, impaled him. However, despite his urge for revenge Ardyn remained very composed and he knew he would get what he wanted one way or another.

Even though he was being difficult Ardyn took interest in the kings intelligence, Regis wasn't a fool Ardyn would give him that. But he was still oblivious to the truth, in Ardyns eyes he knew the price of the ring. He knew that the king knew he was growing weak because of the rings power.

Yet, Regis had refused to take the offer of peace, he refused to just give in. No matter what Ardyn were to say he was becoming sure he would not able to convince the King to give in to it.

Ardyn was furious at first then enraged, the refusal had angered him. But what Regis had said at the end of their short meeting had Ardyn thinking of something. The very thought of it angered Ardyn, and Six did it make the Scourge within him boil and wanting to destroy.

Regis had said 'the founder' he had not said anything of himself or of his council. No Regis knew something about the founder king, and he had known something of Niflheim and the plans that were set into place.

Ardyn wasn't sure what Regis knew or how he knew it. But he had dark suspicions that made him want to destroy his brother's spirit from within the ring.

Thats how plan two came into existence, they already had soldiers and daemons from before who were fighting the Kingsglaive. They only needed to get them in, the Emperor knew he wouldn't be able to get the Crystal but Ardyn knew he could get the prince.

It had taken a little bit of effort, but as usual the Emperor was convinced of Ardyns plan. While he would not be able to get the Crystal, he would still be able to get the prince who had a direct connection with the Crystal itself. That had made Ardyns plans come together further.

The easy part was getting everything into place, the more complicated and difficult part was getting inside the wall. Ardyn had taken care of that, though the soldiers had all needed to be human in order for the plan to fully succeed.

With his ability to change his appearance and allow others to look different Ardyn had very carefully snuck almost a dozen or so Niflheim soldiers inside of the Crown city. There was also a very special Magitek in order that withheld modified poison that would not allow wounds to heal even with the help of potions and magic.

With Bethesda at Aldercapts side there wouldn't be no problem with experiments or studying taking place. Though Ardyn would have enjoyed this he knew that the Emperor would personally want to see the prince. Aldercapt would also ensure that the Prince would remain alive no matter the costs.

Now Ardyn smirked at the bound young Prince and his Shield, Ardyn had big plans for the prince but it was the future Shield that would allow Ardyn to get into the kings head. He would use the Princes Shield to send a message back to the king just as Regis had given him a message.

The message though would have to wait, the very sight of the Prince bound and unconscious made Ardyns thirst for revenge grow. He knew he would have to be patient, but he was more then willing to wait as long as he got what he wanted.

"Chancellor Izunia," called out a voice. Ardyn turned around, furious at the moment being ruined. "The Emperor wants a full report from you personally," said the Deputy Commander Ravus Nox Fleuret. Though Ardyn knew he had an effect on people with his anger the Deputy Commander remained expressionless.

"Very well, but do ensure that uttermost precautions are taken to best safeguard the dearest Prince and his Shield. We wouldn't want to disappoint the Emperor by allowing them to escape now would we." Ardyn made sure to use his tone of voice that told the commander should anything happened there would be very severe consequences.

Ardyn walked away not caring that he didn't allow the eldest Fleuret to respond. He made his way past the maze like halls many people giving him looks of fear or uncertainty, but he didn't care he had stopped caring for a lot of things a long time ago.

Once he arrived at the throne room he took note that Verstael was present along side several other high ranking officials.

"I will trust that you have arrived with my prize," Aldercapt said with slight interest and coldness. As normal Ardyn didn't care, he simply gave his smile that he knew made the others uneasy.

"But of course your Radiance, after all I had single handedly and personally formulated the plans," Ardyn kept his smirk as all of the attention was on him.

With that last remark of his he was fairly certain that the other officials who doubted him would now look at him with more respect. He also wanted them to take it as a warning that he is not to be crossed.

"Yes, never failing to exceed my expectations unlike most," Iedolas made sure he spoke loud enough for the entire room to hear.

"Indeed I have exceeded my expectations, I have also acquired the young Shield and with your permission I shall use him for further plans." Ardyn made sure to give a bit of a bow, it always helped to convince or trick the Emperor into giving Ardyn what he wanted.

"Then very well I have no need of him, I have only use for the prince," Aldercapt stated with a tone that said he didn't care.

Ardyn smirked pleased with things going to plan, first Ardyn would use the Shield to send a message back to the king. Then he would have his fun with the dearest little prince.

---------------------------------

Lucis 7:37 a.m.

It was early in the morning when Ignis had woken up.

Things were not right, people were angry, and much work needed to be done.

Ignis had made himself a promise, he would get Noctis and Gladio home no matter the price. He had woken up at the desk in the library he had fallen asleep on, he remembered he had fallen asleep taking notes. The notes were tactics and knowledge of Niflheim.

The previous night while everyone was getting medical attention Cor had decided to have Ignis come along on the mission. He, Cor, Nyx, Crowe, and Libertus would go to Niflheim and save Gladio and Noctis. The king was very clear that he wanted Noctis back as soon as possible along side Gladio as well, in one piece.

Ignis didn't wait, as soon as he had his arm bandaged he decided to start preparing things narrowing down where Gladio and Noctis were. He had come to terms that they were most likely being held at Gralea in Zegnautus keep the heart of Niflheim.

He glanced at the cracked clock that was on the wall he could only assume they would have just arrived there.

As he went to fix the papers that held his notes he winced. He noticed that his arm that had been bandaged the previous night had blood revealing through the bandages. He carefully steadied his arm and relaxed it, he remembered from his past study's to keep his blood pressure under control to prevent blood loss.

"You really should have that looked at," came a voice that slightly startled him. He turned in his chair to see Iris Amicitia Gladios young teenage sister, he could see the worry in her eyes.

Ignis gave a tired sigh, "Indeed, you are correct," Ignis admitted. While he wanted to stay and continue making plans he knew it would all be pointless if he was no use on the mission.

He remembered taking a potion that healed the wound partly so he had bandaged it himself. While potions were helpful there was only so much a simple potion could do, it required proper rest in order for a simple potion to properly work.

He thought it would be wise to allow someone to take a look at the wound. If he had been lanced with a weapon that had some kind of poison not allowing him heal he would want to prevent any serious damage before it was done. He also wanted to be medically clear to be able to go on the rescue mission.

"If you want I can organize those for you," Iris looked towards the small stack of papers laying on the desk in front of Ignis.

Ignis shook his head he was assuring her he would manage, but a small spark of pain suddenly went from his elbow to his fingers. With a wrong move he dropped the notes, Iris gave a slight gasp and hurried to gather the notes.

"Thank you," Ignis said gratefully as she picked up all of the scattered notes.

Iris looked at him with worry, "I'll give these to Cor, you should have someone look at that." Iris held the papers in a nice stack now.

"Yes, and perhaps I should freshen up as well," he agreed with her, he wouldn't dare disagree as the younger already had too much on her mind. She gave him a nod and he exited the library being careful with his injured arm.

He made his way towards the crownsguard training rooms where they had medical teams look over the crownsguard who were partly injured during the previous night. But as he glanced out of the window towards the glaives head quarter's he couldn't help but shiver.

Very surly the body's of the fallen would be carefully inspected. Ignis couldn't help but be internally grateful that his Uncle wasn't one of those among the fallen. He continued walking onward into he reached the training rooms, many paramedics were there along side those who weren't majorly injured.

"Are you alright?" asked the voice of Monica Elshett who acted as both Ignis's and Gladio's Senior. Ignis took notice that his arm was now bleeding through the bandages now.

"Yes, but I had received a wound from last night's conflict and it appears that it has not healed even after I had consumed a potion," Ignis explained the situation. He made sure to keep his arm positioned in a way so that it would prevent the bleeding from getting worse.

"I see, come on then we should have that looked at," Monica turned away. Ignis was very careful with his arm as he followed her to a near by medic. After he was situated Monica excused herself and stepped aside seeing to the other crownsguard members.

As his arm was examined Ignis couldn't help but get lost in his thoughts, he couldn't help but wonder about the king. He had taken notice in both the kings appearance and behavior. Regis looked more healthier, he could easily tell others saw it to when it came to being in his presence. When it came to the kings behavior of Ignis said he was shocked it would be a lie.

For almost all of his life he had seen the king as benevolent, and in rare cases he had seen him become ready for a battle. But the moment he had seen Regis stab Glauca Ignis saw the look on his face, the kings face was full of regret and satisfaction.

It was as if Regis knew that Titus's death had to come, yet he had some regret in having to be the one to kill him. There was also a hint of something personal in the kings eyes, something he only saw in Noctis when he got back at Gladio for something. A sudden dread came over him, the thought of his childhood friends, who were like brothers to him, being imprisoned by Niflheim brought worry.

He took a deep breath, he trusted Gladio to keep Noctis safe. He also trusted Noctis to use his knowledge and skill of his magic along side his training to keep himself safe. Ignis would not loose hope, he would see to it that they returned home safely he would promise himself that.

"Six, you to?" Ignis suddenly heard the medic mumble. "Keep pressure on that and follow me," the medic moved hurriedly.

"Is there something to be concerned about?" Ignis asked her he wasn't quite sure what was with the sudden fuss he wasn't dizzy nor was he in serious pain.

"Your arm was laced with the same poison thats preventing even the kings shield from healing," the medic said. Ignis wasn't too surprised he had theorized that this arm had been poisoned. "It's not something to be too concerned about we have an antidote it should be here shortly. However your arm will continue to bleed out, and that wound is a bit deep for my liking," She explained.

Ignis nodded not wanting to stress himself out, if he didn't get this wound healed Cor would for sure remove him from the rescue mission. He wanted to help get both Noctis and Gladio back. But as of now things were not yet looking in his favor.

Ignis was taken to a room where there were two other medics, there was lot of equipment as well. He also took well notice that the shield Gladio's father was also present in the room. As he took a seat he heard a familiar set of foot steps approaching.

As the foot steps neared Ignis recognized Iris, the notes from earlier were still neatly in her hands. "Dad do you know- oh hey Ignis," Iris turned to look from Ignis then to her father. "Where's Cor?" She asked Clarus.

"He's at Regis's side I'm in no shape to stand as the Shield right now," Clarus said bitterly. Ignis could only imagine the Shields anger, and his mind began to realize why he and the Shield were in the situation that they were in.

He remembered in the previous night he and Clarus had run into each other, after Ignis had heard the news of an enemy ship and after he had seen blood trails. After that moment they both urgently rushed to the throne room only to some how be ambushed one of the emperors Magitek soldiers. It was odd of course seeing as the other soldiers were humans.

Now Ignis realised why there was only that one Magitek soldier, the Magitek would have surly had the poison laced on its weapons and seeing as it was Magitek it must of had specific targets. Looking to his arm he focused on the wound not wanting to stress himself further over Noctis and Glaldios capture, it was stuck on his mind.

Iris glanced at her father and nodded then she just left the room leaving in silence. Ignis also caught the quick look they gave one another they were both worried for Gladio and didn't know to express it. Gladio was indeed the next Shield and Noctis the next king, but even with Gladio at Noctis's side there was always more concern for the prince rather then a capable Shield.

The awkward silence of the room was interrupted as some medics arrived, along side a gentlemen that Ignis would recognize as a Poison and Venom expert.

Ignis got caught up in his thoughts again, but instead of worrying for Gladios' and Noctis's well being his mind was focused on the king. He repeated a memory of Regis speaking with the mystic. Some how what the mystic said almost referred to the young shield and future kings capture.

Ignis couldn't help but think that the king and his ancestor were hiding something.

Chapter Text

Lucis 8:26 a.m.

Regis didn't know what to do.

Niflheim had his son.

One of his deepest fears had come true.

He sat at a table in his chambers, Cor was at his side distracted by calls on his communicator ear piece. Regis just sat deep in thought angry, saddened, and fearful all for his son's sake. He allowed his mind to wonder into a place he had denied access. He was beginning my wonder if it was a mistake, if all of it was a huge mistake.

He was already a walking ghost, a spirit that had seen everything fall. He preferred resting over what he was going through now, he preferred being with his family and his friends without all of the burdens. He knew he was beginning to regret the choice he had made, he was losing the new hope he had, it was all turning into regret.

The ring began to glow a vibrant blue, and before he knew it time slowed again. He wasn't sure what he was expecting when he was fully in his ancestors realm, but he surly wasn't expecting silence. The spirits of his ancestors seemed to glow brighter then normal.

"Why is it that you loose hope Regis?" said a voice.

Regis couldn't tell who had spoken, there was only the regular high Lucii visible to him. But as a new spirit came into view Regis recognized him with a glance it was king Mors his father.

"I am beginning to think my choice was a grave mistake," Regis spoke with tired disappointment.

"I will assume that you have forgotten what I told you once, long before you first claimed the throne." Mors voice was comforting to hear for Regis.

Hearing his father's voice and being before his ancestors he actually began to feel young once again. Even if he couldn't accept that fact as he had grown older it didn't bother him how it did before. He was reminded of his father's time of ruling every time he heard his voice.

He remembered that he was once young and even if he was older physically he was young to them spiritually. Which also concluded the fact that he was already one of them. The burdens of the ring didn't bother him every time he spoke to his ancestors for guidance.

One thing all Lucis Caelums were told before they were given the ring was that while the ring carried heavy burdens it also had its blessings. The ring was not just an artifact that allowed its wielders control of the Crystal, it was a heirloom. Only family was allowed to use it, and only family could enter the Luciis realm for guidance.

"You have told me many wondrous things, many that still continue to give me inspiration and guidance. Yet I do not recall anything you have told me that would calm my fears and regret." As always Regis was reminded he was a lot older physically but he was surrounded by much older and wiser beings.

"Then I shall tell you once more, when a king makes his choices it is always with reason. Be it a choice for a tyrant or a benevolent king a choice is always made with value. Should that king regret his choice it is because that choice has failed him. Until he knows his choice has failed him then he shall not have regret. You Regis among all of us know this more then we ever will." Mors reminded Regis.

Regis felt his regret leaving him, but his disappointment remained. Of all his ancestors it was only his father that could direct proper guidance. Mors knew Regis more then Regis knew himself, that would have explained why the Lucii had Mors speak with him.

He wouldn't argue that it worked his father was right. Regis had made the biggest choices, choices that he didn't want to make. Yet those past choices had to be made in order for the prophecy take place. He was beginning to see why it was him that was given the choice.

"You were not chosen simply because you were the last Lucii. You Regis are the only one amongst us who have faced choices that were most difficult to make with reason. You had made the decision to trust the Empire that choice had failed you. While all kings and queens are permitted to regret failed choices from the past they are not permitted to regret choices that have not yet failed them." Mors spirit was stern.

As he finished speaking Regis knew he was right, he was always right, while things looked out of his favor now it wasn't out of his control. While Noctis had been captured Titus was gone. Niflheim no longer had its general nor could they figure out Lucis's next move.

However he would have to take more precautions against the Accursed. As Niflheims chancellor he would be the main influence to the Emperor being the source of Niflheims plan. Regis knew that he had something to do with the Niflheim soldiers breaching the wall and somehow getting into the Citadel.

Regis gave a tired sigh before he answered his ancestors who were awaiting patiently for his response. "If I am to continue changing the past then I only ask that you keep your word. While you do hold the wall now I only ask that you want me when occurrences like these happen. " Regis spoke directly to the Mystic.

"I apologize to you going king, I have only kept part of my word. While holding the wall is not problem to me there are things that even I don't seek to face even in death." The Mystics voice was solemn towards Regis.

Regis felt as if they had a new understanding, even if the Mystic had only kept part of his word he at least admitted it. It was Regis who was fixing his consequences and while the Mystic took most Regis's burdens there were some personal things he need Regis to carry. Even if Regis was angry towards the founder and even if he didn't want to carry the weight of his answers burden he came to a realization.

While all of this was indeed his choice he wasn't just simply changing the past. He was the one taking the consequences of the Mystics actions, by taking them he would be able to fix Noctis's future. But it wasn't his actions or his consequences, and the founder was beginning to understand that. Now they both understood one another.

Regis would face his ancestors consequences, but in return the Mystic would help him with what he needed. They both needed to work together on it, because even though it took a while to realize Regis wasn't the only Lucii that was sent to the past. In the physical world Regis would handle things but within the ring the Mystic would have to handle bearing the power.

"We should continue this further but this time we would work together to face your repercussions." Regis spoke with new determination, and if he looked at the right angle he would have sworn he had seen his oldest ancestor nod.

With his new understanding with the founder king and new determination Regis found himself back in his chambers with Cor still mumbling orders. He stood up from where he had sat catching Cors attention.

"Where are you going Regis?" The king could sense the exhaustion in the Marshals voice.

"I believe your quite busy, as of now I must speak with the glaives and the others to begin preparation of saving my son." Cor looked as if he was about to argue but Regis just continued on. "I know you are concerned that I need rest you are correct I only wish to speak with the glaives and Ignis then I would return here." Regis have an assured look to his friend.

Cor was too busy and tired to argue, "Fine let's go." Regis gave a small smile seeing as Cor dropped his formalities.

-----------------------------------------

Iris's mind was revolving around worry.

She was worried for her father, for her brother, and Noctis.

Though at times she wasn't sure who to be most worried about.

As she left the room her father and Ignis were in she caught sight of Regis and Cor. "Cor," she called out. He didn't hear her, but she could hear him mumbling orders and demands into an ear piece. Though Cor didn't hear her his Majesty seemed to have heard.

"Iris dear what is it?" Regis asked kindly, Cor paused noticing Regis sidetrack.

"I apologize for bothering you, but Ignis had somethings he wanted Cor to look at concerning the preparations." She didn't normally use formal manners but when she was near Cor and the king it was a habit. Even though she still cared for them like family.

"I'll take those, but before you go have you heard anything concerning the shield?" Cor asked as he took the notes from her hands.

"I just checked in with them, he and Ignis were poisoned but it seems it's nothing to be too worried about." Iris answered the Marshal gave a nod to her, she gave a simple nod in return to both Cor and the king and excused her self.

Worry stirred in her mind again, after she met with her father moments ago he had given her that look. The look that ment they would discuss the situation later. But if she was being honest with her self she wasn't sure who she was more worried for.

Yes Gladio was her older brother and her family, but he was trained and had less value to Niflheim. Noctis on the other hand even if he did have his magic he would almost never have a fighting chance.

She couldn't even imagine the horrors of what Niflheim would do to Noctis. Given his magical ability and his title as the Prince of Lucis, Niflheims number one enemy the things they could do were unimaginable. Those thoughts brought worry about her brother. There was a more then likely chance that Gladio would be part of Niflheims plans.

She took a deep breath, she knew they were both trained and they could handle themselves. There was also the rescue mission to bring them home, she just had to hope. Even if things looked doubtful she would never give up hope on seeing her brother and her crush again.

-----------------------------------

Niflheim 1:29 a.m.

The world spun around Noctis.

Nothing felt right.

Something was missing.

He couldn't remember what happened to him, he just wanted to sleep. But to his surprise he found that he couldn't sleep, something was just so very wrong. Then it all slowly came back to him as the world became brighter and stilled.

"So you've awaken," said a voice that made Noctis's blood run cold. It was a voice he memorized to hate and avoid. He knew who that voice belonged to and instantly he shot wide awake. Before him stood Iedolas Aldercapt and behind him stood numerous guards and nobles.

"No, I'm still having the nightmare when I have to tolerate your face," Noctis made a sarcastic rude remark. Even if he was still out of his mind and his voice was raspy he still subconsciously enjoyed saying it. But the faces before him clearly didn't, and to his horror Noctis felt pain go through him.

The world began spinning again, six that had hurt him. He could recognize the source of the pain he had been electrocuted. "Remarks like those will sequence to pessimistic castigation," Aldercapt explained. Nice winced at the pain but didn't show any sign of weakness. Nope, he would never give Iedolas the satisfaction.

Gladio had also taught him somethings, one of those things was never to show weakness. Noctis had seen many movies when things like these happened, one rule never show weakness or your captors would think your easy to break, then they kill you.

It was a simple strategy to stay alive, if you didn't give them any information they would need you alive to get it. But if you gave them what they wanted your captors would have no use of you, and then you would be dead.

Noctis found the idea of staying alive great, and with his head spinning he had hope that he wouldn't have to be conscious and see Iedolas stupid face. He knew his dad and Clarus would have been worried sick about he and Gladio. The thought nearly made Noctis's heart stop, he urgently looked around seeing no one.

He was completely trapped and bound in front of Iedolas Aldercapt and his court with out his shield. He was beginning to worry, where in the world was Gladio? Aldercapt seemed to have read his thoughts because he gave Noctis a scheming smirk.

"No need to fret your shield is merely having his treatment beforehand, you'll gets yours once we're done with him," the Emperor gave the hint his expression amused and heartless. It made Noctis sick, Aldercapt had just admitted to doing things, that Noctis could only imagine, to his shield and friend.

He snarled at the old horrid face he hated, Noctis will never hesitate to show his disgust and hatred for the monster before him. If it weren't for him being bound he would have already stuck a blade through the butt faces heart. No matter how angry he got at Aldercapt he still had worry for Gladio, if they were separated it would make it harder for the both of them to escape.

He had also promised himself a long time ago no one close to him would die for his sake. He already had so much to worry for he would never be able to manage the guilt of someone dying for him. Sadness also crept at the back of his mind, he didn't know what had happened to the others or his father.

He remembered the cold look his father had given him when he tried to stop him from facing Glauca. Something wasn't right with his father, though Noctis wasn't sure if it was because of something good or something very bad that had changed his father.

"Why so silent child? Surely your not afraid," the remark didn't come from Iedolas instead it came from another old man. Noctis couldn't help but be reminded of his best friend Prompto something about how the guy looked reminded him of his once high school classmate.

"Of course not, I just don't talk to fossils," another wave of electricity hit him more powerful time. The pain was enough to make Noctis grind his teeth and breathe more heavily.

"Once again remarks like those will lead to castigation, I would suggest you remain silent, however I enjoy seeing pain cross your expression." The Emperor gave another scheming smirk with more darkness behind it.

Noctis just growled at him, he hated the being before him with all of his heart. Without hesitation Noctis tried to summon his engine blade only to find that he couldn't. This time he let his panic show, never had his magic been blocked off from him. Iedolas gave a cold hearted laugh, this was all just amusement to him.

"Perhaps you should known our technology is more then cable then blockading your magic. How naive of you to think it would be that easy." Aldercapt have a disgusted look, before he gave a satisfied sigh, "Today has truly been a magnificent day indeed, but I do have an Empire that awaits me. Fleeret see to it that every corner of this unit is covered."

Noctis looked to who Aldercapt was addressing and shock over took him, Ravus Nox Fleuret now stood as the general of the Empire. With everything he had been through guilt overtook Noctis. He had never known what fate had awaited Lunas older brother.

The man glared at Noctis, "Yes sir," he responded to the Emperor with a proud tone to his voice. Things were not looking good for he and Gladio.

--------------------------------------

Ardyn looked at his work with a satisfied smile.

A powerful and rare poison that was carefully placed in a container was held in his left hand.

In his right hand he held a bloody dagger.

He stared at the young shields bleeding back as the symbol he had carved began to glow. It had taken him over an hour just to get the ancient magic to work. Though he would have enjoyed his screaming the young shield had to remain unconscious in order for him to work.

After he had made the Emperor give him all power over the now imprisoned shield he had began to work. His plan to send a message back to Regis required magic much older then him. It was dark magic that Gilgamesh had used to remain alive, and as Gilgamesh was the shield once before the magic would work just fine on the young shield before him.

The symbol that was carved into the chosens kings shield was an old one, it was a mark that had been used back in Solheim. All traitors to Solheims ruler before the astral war had the symbol engraved on them exactly how Ardyn did it. The symbol would be made a wound and would be laced with the poison of an ancient beast that befriended the best of shields.

The symbol held a purpose for a curse that harmed traitors who neared any who bared the crystals magic. What would make the message clear to Regis was that only the crystals magic would allow the curse to take action. It would glow and burn when the shield neared him or the Prince. Ardyn doubted that Regis would recognize the symbol or know of the curse for that matter.

Ardyn though had full confidence that once the curse started to take action Regis would have no choice but to find out its origins. Then soon Ardyn would know if the current ruler of Lucis knew the truth behind it all. Ardyn would find out how he knew and what he knew.

Ardyn stared as blood dripped down the shields back, the honorable tattoo that all shields got was ruined. While it remained exactly how it was the glowing wound would no doubt leave a scar. That were to say if Regis could remove the curse without it driving the young shield mad from pain.

He left the room, leaving the bound young shield bloodied and shirtless. Ardyn was extremely careful not to touch the poison, it wasn't that it would harm him, it was just that the poison and Starscourge was very painful together. He could feel as the scourge rushed away from his hand that held the poison leaving him numb.

He had taken notice of that multiple times, ever since the day he had spoken with Regis the scourge had behaved strangely. He would go as far to put it as if it were panicking and trying o hide within him and get away. Though it was acting strange it wasn't as uncomfortable or painful as before.

"Are you done with that?" Verstael asked from behind him. Ardyn stopped in his tracks and smirked.

"Indeed I am," As daring and careless as he was he tossed the sealed can of poison to the man.

Verstael was almost in a panic and caught the can with a clumsy grip, "Be careful! Not only is this rare it is also incredibly dangerous!" Verstael yelled Ardyn just smirked and turned away. Everything was going according to plan, he could now care less if the young shield escaped. After hours of hard work he now headed towards to where the prince was being held.

It was a truly magnificent day indeed.

Chapter Text

M.E. 756 May 14 6:56 p.m.

Prompto was completely confused.

He was also very worried for his best friend.

It was mid-day when he heard the news.

A text was sent to him, it was a message addressed to all crownsguard trainees.

>>> Do to present events, all Crownsguard training drills and assessments have been cancelled until further notice. All Crownsguard Personnel available off duty or are able to work in line are instructed to report to the Citadel at once.

The text had been a clear sign that something was wrong, he hadn't heard anything from Noct or the guys since before the message. What ever it was that had happened Prompto had a bad feeling about it. So he had tried to call Ignis who had his number just in case there was any situation or emergency while he was with Noctis.

When he tried to call Ignis he didn't answer, so anxiety began to build its way up. But he wouldn't allow himself to get worked up, he remained calm trying to convince himself that some busy event was going on and Ignis was busy. It would explain why his final assessments were cancelled, but no matter the reasons worry continued to shake Prompto.

He knew Noct, if there was some sort of fancy or major event going on he would've told Prompto about it already. Noctis would have complained about the vegetables he would have been forced to eat or he would have just recommended skipping and playing videogames.

But the thing was Noctis hadn't done anything of the sort, and the worrying fact was that he hadn't heard from his royal friend at all from the previous night. Though it wasn't all the time, knowing Noctis had a habit to sleep all the time, Noctis would have texted Prompto at least something.

Bad scenarios started to rise in his head, and he couldn't help but think that he would be the blame if something happened to Noctis. He shook his head at that thought, he had been friends with Noctis for years.

Surly the king himself would have trusted him. Even if he was just Noctis's old classmate, or just some nobody that was best friends with the future king. He felt sad towards the thought, did the king even trust him around Noct?

Hesitantly he tried to call Noctis, "Come on," Prompto mumbled to himself. His heart nearly skipped a beat when there was no answer, he looked at his phone something was really wrong. He looked at the phone for a moment until he realised he was trembling, a sudden knock made him yelp and jump in fright.

He instantly put the phone down and slowly breathed, calmly he made his way to the door and when he opened it his heart stopped. Standing on the other side of the door was none other than Cor Leonis the legendary Immortal. Prompto didn't say anything he was completely in shock, the Mharshal gave him a look.

"Prompto Argentum?" The Marshal asked him, he was in no doubt looking for him. Prompto's heart beat sped up, as the Marshal walked inside the house Prompto had grown up in he looked around.

"Uh Y-Yes sir," Prompto mentally scolded himself for stuttering in front of the Marshal.

"Your friends with the prince correct?" The Marshal raised an eyebrow at Prompto eyeing the bracelet on his wrist. Prompto noticed Cors' staring and instantly moved his wrist out of sight.

"Uh, yeah," Prompto was slightly hesitant to answer Cor. Dozens of questions were running in his mind at once, but he kept everyone of them to himself.

There was a silent pause and Prompto shifted slightly feeling out of place in his own home. "That's good to know," The Marshal nodded still looking around the room.

A small amount of confidence built its way up. "Is- why are you uh..." Prompto trailed off unsure how to ask the the immortal why he was there.

"I'm here on orders I'm afraid you going to have to come with me." Cor said Prompto visibly stepped back confused and afraid. But Cor just sighed, anybody would tense up at that line, but it was protocol and Cor was in a hurry. "Ralax kid your not in any trouble there's an important mission and that bar code tattoo on your wrist plays a major part," Cor said.

Prompto completely froze, "How do-" Prompto didn't finish his sentence knowing how stupid it would sound. Cor was the marshal and Lucis's best warrior he could figure out anything he wanted.

But then yet again even Prompto himself didn't know what the tattoo meant and some how the Marshal just mysteriously knew about it. A dark moment of silence past, Prompto knew there would be no hiding it. For the first time in years he took off his bracelet to reavel a barcode tattoo with letters and numbers.

"What are those numbers?" Cor mumbled to himself. Another moment of silence past by and Cor finally snapped out of his thoughts. "More will be explained once we're at the Citadel, but right now I don't have any more time to waste."

Cor walked back over to the door, but he stopped and gave Prompto a look. Prompto instantly understood, as he covered his tattoo with his bracelet once again he hurried out of the house. Cor was behind him, but Prompto wasn't going to run that was for sure. The immortal also knew that so in a way he was just escorting Prompto.

But as soon as Prompto saw the black vehicle his anxiety went straight up. This probably wasn't going to be good for him.

-------------------------------------------

Tenebrae 2:56p.m.

Lunafreya sat elegantly on the edge of her nicely made bed.

She was deep in her thoughts thinking about the situation at hand. She had received news almost an hour ago from Gentiana that Noctis had been captured by Niflheim. But good news remained as Insomnia still stood strong and the wall around it was still in place which also ment the king lived.

The young Oracle's worry began when the book that she and Noctis used to communicate together was returned to her empty. The worn book laid on her lap and she just simply stared at it allowing one or two tears to fall on to its cover.

"The Oracle sheds tears for the chosen kings fate, she also worries for the stars fate." Gentiana had her eyes closed as she spoke with a whisper that was filled with both anger and despair. Lunafreya also felt how chilling the air was despite the warmth of spring.

"I-I'm fearful of what may come, the prophecy has changed and Eos itself has now shifted I can feel its light calling me." Lunafreya gripped the book she had stared at. "The fate of the star is now unknown to me and I fear with Noctis now being held by Niflheim Eos is ment to fall to darkness." Lunafreya told her fears to Gentiana and her two dogs who were messengers sent by the six eons ago to assist her bloodline.

"The fate of the star remains unknown to all but the King and the Kings of Yore." Gentiana gently opened her eyes and the cold that had surround Lunafreya now became a gentle chill in the air. "The Oracle and the Chosen king must meet with the king and the kings of Yore in order to truly decide the stars fate."

Lunafreya looked to the messenger who was both wise and kind to her, the former princess understood and knew what needed to be done. "Am-am I to leave Tenebrae?" she asked yet she knew the answer, Gentiana gently nodded.

"The Oracle must unite with the chosen king and his allies and return to the kings of Yore." The messenger smiled and slowly approached Lunafreya, she gently laid her hand on the young woman's cheek much how a mother would comfort a daughter.

"If I'm to help save Noctis I will need my trident in order to access my full potential." Lunafreya reminded, Gentianas hand was cold to the touch and slowly it became colder and colder.

Lunafreya closed her eyes and slightly flinched back from the sudden cold contact. A moment past and slowly she opened her eyes to see Gentiana was no longer before her, before her now stood the Glacian Shiva.

"Fear not young oracle I will watch over you until the end," Shiva spoke in the language of the Gods and even though Lunafreya didn't have her trident she could still understand the ice goddess. "Eos fate lies with those who are able to persuade its heart." with those final words the goddess disappeared leaving chilling air and snowflakes in her place.

A moment of pure silence passed, and once she collected her bearings Lunafreya stood up and looked to her loyal companions.

"Come we must prepare to leave for Niflheim," Lunafreya then noticed the beautiful trident of her bloodline lying gently at her feet. She picked it up and observed every last detail of it.

The trident was her mother's and belonged to many of her ancestors before her. It was Bahamuts the supreme of the Gods and the source of its light was the magic of the stars that blessed it.

The first Oracle that she had studied hadn't known of the ability to cure others of the scourge but through out time the power grew over the time of her legacy.

But within her Lunafreya knew she was the legacy, the living memory, she was the one ment to hold the power of light to fight off the darkness. Something had finally changed in her mind that made her understand her position in different way.

The Oracles purpose was to help fight the darkness not just to hold it back. Lunafreya knew she wasn't just ment to be a healer she was ment to be a fighter.

As she came to her terms in her mind she felt a power flow through her from the trident. She came to suddenly realize that the trident was a weapon not just some Ritual tool. A lady of grace was what the Oracle had always been, but in order to truly cleanse Eos of darkness Lunafreya would have use her magic to fight.

As she thought of this she thought about Ravus her older brother, within all of this since she was a child she could never leave him behind. She wouldn't do it then and she wouldn't do it now even if it ment her own safety. She wouldn't leave him behind.

"I must save Noctis, but I can not leave Ravus behind," he said to her dogs. Before she knew it she was approached by Pryna who stared directly into her eyes. The white canines eyes began to glow like fire, and suddenly Lunafreya was no longer seeing those eyes.

A vision overtook her and she was no longer in he bedroom, instead she was inside of what looked to be the Citadel. More specifically she was in a room where the walls were decorated and engraved with pictures connected with the prophecy.

She gasped suddenly in the middle of the room she saw herself and some others standing behind Regis. While just a few feet from them Ravus her older brother had the tip of his sword inches from an unconscious and wounded Noctis's throat. She herself looked like she was in tears while the others had weapons drawn and pointed at Ravus.

But Regis only looked at Ravus with great sympathy, there was no worry in his expression. It appeared almost as if he knew Ravus wouldn't do such a thing. Then just as quickly as it had appeared the vision faded and she was back in her own room just staring at Pryna. Lunafreya couldn't help but just burst into tears.

Both of her Canines comforted her, she didn't know what she had just seen, and it left one question in her head.

Would she be able to save the people who mattered to her most?

---------------------------------------

Niflheim 12:53p.m.

Gladio groaned in pain, his head hurt from the inside out. His memory was off as well, but he didn't remember passing out. However he did remember his dad telling him about a possible spy. Everything after that was a hard blur that hurt his head every time he tried to put it into focus.

His vision was off as well, and instinctively his mind went to feel his surroundings starting with the ground. Beneath him he could feel a cold metal like floor, so he knew he wasn't outside. Worry made its way through his mind, he wasn't suppose to be here. It ment that he was injured, and Noctis was left unprotected.

Groaning he attempted to stand, only to collapse back on to the floor. He also took note that his hands were restrained by something like chains. Something really wasn't right, his breathing became rapid and experimentally he moved his wrist to find he was indeed chained. His heart dropped, his fears were true.

A million questions went through his mind, but one remained above all. Where was Noctis?

"In trouble," a ghostly voice said in his head. Through his unclear vision he could see someone appear out of thin air next to him. Even though he couldn't see right Gladio noticed how the being appeared to have armour on.

"Wh-Who the hell are you?" Gladio asked out raged. His voice didn't sound as aggressive as he wanted it to because of how hoarse and dry his throat was.

"You will find out soon enough," this time the voice came from the being in front of him. "Incompetent is what you are," the being said as he broke what ever restraints that was bounding him. Though the bitterness and disappointment in his tone didn't go unnoticed.

Gladio basically collapsed to floor once the restraints were removed, but he pulled him self to his feet. His concern for Noctis was above his own well being. Then for some reason Gladios rude savior seemed to have showed concern for him.

"Of course he would use the Phoenix curse," the being growled silently to himself.

Gladios vision finally cleared up enough for him to see the being clearly now, and the first thing he noticed was the missing arm. With the creepy mask to add, Gladio had heard too many of both his dad's and Cor's storys to know instantly who was in front of him.

"Your Gilgamesh," Gladio said. The ghostly figure stared at him with cold glowing eyes, and before he could reply his form flickered.

"I don't have much time, I must return to the tempering grounds soon. Take this shield its blessing will by you time." Gilgamesh summoned an actual shield and held it out to Gladio who hesitantly took it.

"What exactly do I need more time for?" Gladio basically demanded. However Gilgamesh didn't answer his form began to flicker more and more.

"There is no time, you must save the prince." There was a brief pause. "Return to Lucis, and when the time is right you will face me and prove your self." With those final words Gilgamesh vanished, and Gladio was left alone by himself with the shield still in his hands.

"What the hell just happened?" He asked himself dumb struck. He remained like that for a few more minutes until he remembered that Gilgamesh had said Noctis was still in trouble.

He noticed his open black shirt laying on the floor and put it on not even acknowledging anything else. His top priority was to find and save Noctis and figure out where in the hell they were. His memory was so out of place he didn't even know where to even begin.

Out of place or not Noctis needed him and he wasn't going to fail his friend and future king.

----------------------------------------

Lucis 7:00 p.m.

Libertus wasn't sure what was going on.

He had barely slept the night before.

He couldn't say that what had happened the previous night was when things started going down hill. Things had started going weird the moment Nyx had saved him from the ruble that had crushed his leg. The medics had taken him away and brought him to a hospital in Lucis only to tell him he was fine.

Crowe was surprised as well to see him unharmed, Nyx though had given him an off look. He knew his leg had basically been crushed yet there he was perfectly fine. Then a day later when Luche told them that the king was offered peace. Then later both he and Crowe were told by the Marshal that Nyx could have been a spy.

The thought of Nyx even being called a traitor angered him and made him want to just about strangle who ever came up with the idea. After what Nyx and everyone else had been through and everything they had done for Lucis Libertus just didn't know how they could even do such a thing.

Then for most of the day he and Crowe had spied on and watched Nyx like a hawk on orders by the Marshal. He wasn't exactly sure why the immortal was dealing with the Kingsglaive instead of Titus but he had a suspicion that it was because of the captain. That would have had been the only explanation at the time.

Then everything that had happened the previous night had topped it all off, his captain was a traitorous spy. The king could fight with possessed statues, and Niflheim had some how gotten their soldiers into the Citadel. The final, and worst thing, was that the prince and his shield were now prisoners of the Empire.

That summed up pretty much all of the weirdness, but what was happening now added to it all. Nyx was training to let out his frustration as he normal did, but instead of warping he had turned the whole kingsglaive training grounds into an ice rink.

"What the hell!" Crowe shouted. Nyx was sent nearly flying into a wall because of the sudden force. The other glaives who were being watched by heavily armed soldiers from the crownsguard looked with shocked eyes.

The entire area was in a state of an awkward silence until Ignis Scientia, who had entered unnoticed, disrupted it by simply clearing his throat.

"The king wishes to speak with Crowe, Libertus, and Nyx." That was all he needed to say. Instantly the three were were awkwardly standing and heading out the door, with all eyes cautiously on them.

"How did you do that? That looked colder then how Shivas corpse was described." Libertus remarked to his best friend. Nyx gave him an odd look before he gave an answer.

"Ever since last night my magic has been...off," Nyx was careful to describe his magic without getting unwanted attention.

"So then it is true that you have been having issues with your magic. If I may ask, have your abilities seem enhanced or stronger as of late?" Ignis asked giving them a suspicious eye.

"That's what it looked like to me, did you see the ice rink he made from the training course?" Crowe gave Nyx a suspicious eye as well, though she was much more intimidating then Ignis was.

"How in the six did you know that?" Nyx began to glare at Ignis unsure what to think of the situation.

"It was actually his majesty that knew the fact, I was just simply curious," Ignis politely responded.

Unknown to the three Ignis was beginning to theorize that the king had some way of knowing things before they even occurred. It had happened way too many times to go unnoticed, at least unnoticed by him no one else seemed to catch on.

"The king huh? Good, then that means he knows what's going on, and hopefully he can fix me." Nyx visibly walked faster ahead of them, while the others remained at their normal pace deep in their thoughts.

Ignis as he walked beside the three glaives couldn't help but shake the feeling, that something much bigger then he thought possible was going to take place. He also couldn't rid his mind of the thought that the king knew something about it.

Chapter Text

Lucis 7:05 p.m.

Things were a little awkward.

A nervous Prompto sat across from Regis.

Nyx, Ignis, Crowe, Libertus, Cor, and Clarus all stood around the kings office.

It was finally time to discuss how to get both Noctis and Gladiolus back. But, the thing was, there were certain situations going on at the exact same time. Nyx's power was off, Ignis was uneasy, Cor was still busy with his communicator, and Clarus still wasn't completely healed from his injuries.

Regis cleared his mind, things weren't looking the best, and he knew it would still take them more time to prepare. But the father in him who had persuaded him to make the decision to time travel wanted his son back safe. He wanted to know Noctis was safe and he wanted Noctis to know that he himself was safe.

"Regis are you sure of this?" Clarus asked from beside him. Regis was about to answer him, but Cor jumped in.

"Yes, he is." Clarus turned to his other old friend. "Turns out you were right, the kids tattoo resembles the bar codes imprinted on the Magitek troopers." Cor said it as a fact and there was a slight bitterness to his tone.

After Cor said this Regis noticed how it seemed to make Ignis shift, he also didn't miss the discreet suspicious look he gave. This made the king uneasy, he knew Ignis was smart. However, sometimes Ignis proved to be too smart when it came to specific things.

Prompto, on the other hand seemed to have visibly paled, Regis just sighed and gave his son's best friend a soft look. He wanted Prompto to be at ease in his presence, unknown to him, Regis would be forever grateful to the young man.

"That's good, as of now it's origins or how it came to be is unimportant, but what is important, is we can now get into Zegnautus keep far more easily." Regis gave a small smile, he didn't know what was going through Promptos mind. He could only hope it eased his worries, and assume he was confused.

"Cool! Do I get to go on a spy mission or something?" Prompto suddenly smiled hiding the previous nervousness from seconds before.

Regis sighed, he wasn't quite sure how to easily explain the situation. It was complicated enough for even him. Composing himself he immediately turned his expression serious.

"Something of the sort yes," Regis paused. He turned to Cor who gave a silent nod. "Niflheim has Noctis and Gladiolus," Prompto completely froze and the pale color came back to him, if Regis looked close enough he could see Prompto tremble a little.

"Wh-H-How?" Prompto seemed as if he was at a loss for words, he could barely get the words out of his mouth. A tense silence past, no one knew the reaction they were about to get.

Being reminded that this was not the Prompto who had faced daemons for a decade, Regis felt a slight moment of fear. He had forgotten about many things, and he may have pushed too early.

For a split moment, Regis had a doubt in his heart, that Prompto wouldn't want to willingly help.

But after a few moments of processing this Regis saw a determined look in his eyes, "What can I do?" Prompto asked eagerly.

That lifted Regis's spirit, he honestly had his doubts that younger Prompto would want to go on such a dangerous mission. But seeing the spark of determination in Prompto, Regis saw for the first time why Noctis was such close friends with him.

Regis could see something in his eyes that he used to see in Noctis. Loneliness. Regis could only imagine how much he understood Noctis, it was something he could almost envy about the young man. Prompto understood Noctis in a way that not even he, Ignis, nor Gladiolus could.

There was also something in Prompto's spirit that changed the emotions of others. Though, clearly having been through some kind of internal conflict with himself, Prompto hid his emotions under a smile and a positive attitude. Something Regis had only seen a few times in both his previous and second lives.

But, Regis had seen it enough to know that the positive attitude was used to push down the hurt and the negativity. Those who did that, did it for themselves and others. Regis could only guess that it was out of fear for what the dark feelings and negativity could bring.

"The tattoo on your wrist is a cryptograph able to grant us easy access to Zegnautus keep. Seeing the circumstances, Clarus has also informed me of your Crownsguard training. I can only ask for your help to join the rescue mission." Regis explained.

"What! Of course!" Prompto stood up from his seat eager. Another moment of silence past by them before Cor spoke up.

"Good, then follow me," Cor walked to the door. But before anything, Prompto looked hesitant and turned to Regis.

He couldn't see the fear nor the unsure emotions in Promptos expression, but he knew it was there. Regis knew anyone being escorted by Cor would be a nervous wreck, so he just gave a reassured nod. Prompto returned it as a sort of sign of understanding, he silently and hesitantly followed Cor.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, Regis noticed the smaller version of his oldest ancestors statue had moved. The mystic must have needed something important if he was willing to take on a physical form. That's when he heard a voice coming from his Shields communicator.

"What? Alright fine," the shield sighed. Clarus stood, "As much as I wish to stay it seems I have no other choice." Clarus rubbed his eyes out of being tired. "However, it seems I don't need to worry." With that remark, everyone turned their attention to where Clarus had turned.

Standing taller than the rest of them, the statue of the Mystic held glowing blue eyes, staring directly at their small group. Having being noticed, the founders statue moved from its place to the center of the room.

"An observing shield is both wise and fair, and is smart and skilled in battle. I expected no less from you Clarus." The mystic spoke with a mix of pride and sincerity.

Clarus smirked at the compliments of the Mystic, not that he needed them. It was just good to know that the Lucis Caelum line understood and recognized the greatness of the line of shields. Clarus also took it as a sign of trust in his son to protect the prince and have them both returned safely.

With that, Clarus walked confidently past the statue and left to deal with what ever important issue he had. While the shield left, everyone looked silently tense at the statue, and took an unnoticed step closer to the king.

"None of you have anything to fear, this is simply my ancestor and the founder king. As shocking as it may be, the crystals magic allows him to take physical form in the statues that are bound to his spirit." Regis explained to the confused Ignis and Glaives.

"I see, that explains quite a lot," Ignis said adjusting his glasses and looked towards the Mystic. Regis didn't know if he liked how much observing Ignis seemed to be doing.

The Mystic suddenly took a step closer, and Nyx suddenly found himself feeling more power. He instinctively grabbed his arm, as a faint burning like feeling built up. Crowe narrowed her eyes at him, and glared at the statue as it came slightly closer.

"Its just as I thought," the Mystic spoke his voice almost ghostly. "With our pact undone your are bound to our magic directly."

"The hell..." Nyx removed his hand from his shoulder as the pain vanished. He looked at the statue confused, he didn't know what was going on, but he was sure that the founder was behind the magic mess up.

"What the hell did you do to him," Crowe demanded. It was clear she was fighting to keep her self calm.

The head of the statue simply turned its attention to the king, ignoring the disrespect it had received. Flames suddenly began to danced across Crowes' palm, no body got away with hurting those who were close to her. Especially not after what had happened to her parents and homeland.

"Altius," Regis warned her. Crowe immediately cast away the flames that had grown from her palm. But she kept the death glare directed at the statue, and it was clear she wasn't going to ease up. "Libertus accompany your associate out side until she calms herself."

Libertus instead of hesitating or agreeing with Crowe, he did as he was told and instantly grabbed Crowe and dragged her out of the office. Libertus cared for Crowe like a sister and he knew what she was like when she was pissed off. Nyx took a step away from the statue, he had a big suspense.

"I'm going to guess your the one screwing with my magic," Nyx spoke directly to the statue.

"Correction, I am the one granting you my magic," this statement confused even Regis, until it suddenly hit him.

He himself had vouched for Nyx, after his death he remember his soul being absorbed into the void that held his ancestors. He knew Nyx was granted the power of the ring, which he had paid for with his own life. But the one in charge of granting that power was the Mystic himself.

The Mystic, as strict as he was, never let anyone use the ring without a price. Unless of course you carried the blood of the Lucis Caelum line, which granted you full access by birth right but even then it cost energy.

But those who are seen unworthy would instantly be turned to ash by the Lucii who grants the power. More specifically if the Mystic out right hated you, you'd be ash the moment the ring touched your finger. If your just unworthy of its power you may loose a physical part of yourself.

Not even the purest of pure can get away with so much as wearing the ring. Nyx had to pay with his life for the full power, Ravus had to pay with the loss of his arm for just wearing the ring, and Ignis paid with his vision for borrowing the power.

All of these were the result of the 'contracts' as every Lucis Caelum was told. A loss of yourself for power, but should that deal ever be undone well that was never heard of.

But Regis knew this might be Nyx's situation. With his life back he doesn't need to pay the price for the power as he already paid. The giver of the power the Mystic had reversed time, making it his own fault why he may be linked to Nyx.

"That would make sense actually," Regis spoke to the Mystic directly.

However this left Nyx confused, and Ignis there was just something off about him today. Regis just couldn't shake the feeling he knew something he wasn't supposed to know. Whatever it was Regis knew he would find out soon enough.

"Not to be disrespectful, but do you think you could explain the situation?" Ignis asked politely to the statue.

The Mystic wasn't in the mood, "No, it's far too complicated for anyone who doesn't hold the connection to the main source of the magic itself." The Statue turned his attention back to a confused Nyx. "The problem has been fixed, however I should suggest you don't exceed your body's limitations."

With that the statue left and returned back to its place, even returning back to its original pose, then the blue eyes slowly faded. The Mystic had left his physical form and now resided back in the ring with the other Lucii.

"If that's all I-I'm just going to excuse my self." Nyx left slightly shocked and confused by the entire ordeal.

That left only the king and Ignis, but despite how easily content the others seemed to have felt Ignis seemed more tense by the second. There was definitely something bothering the young man, but Regis wasn't going to push it after what had happened.

"Your majesty, would it be alright if we spoke for moment?," Just as Regis expected Ignis went for it the moment they were alone.

"Of course, I've noticed you've been off lately is something bothering you?" Regis asked.

Regis knew it would have been inappropriate to ask that considering recent events. But there was far more to it then that, Regis could see it. Basically anyone who knew Ignis personally they would be able to see it.

Ignis cleared his throat before speaking, "I'm not quite sure if the others have noticed it, but as of recently you've been quite accurate in predicting incoming events." As Ignis finished Regis could feel his own heart speed up, Ignis had been observing him.

"Perhaps, I have been more on my guard as of late seeing how things currently are." The truth told to cover another truth, but Regis knew Ignis wasn't satisfied with it. He wasn't going to let it go until he got information that satisfied him.

A moment of silence went by, Ignis seemed to be in deep thought. "If that were true then how is it you knew Tidus was General Glauca, and how could you possibly have known about Promptos tattoo?"

Regis sighed, he could just keep lying and say he heard it from the Lucii who had been listening. But he just couldn't, after all Ignis had done for Noctis he just couldn't lie to him.

He also just found it too tiring, he had enough on his mind with the situation and his kingly duties. It would just add to the stress and he doubted he could catch himself if he had made a mistake. He did the one thing he didn't want to do, he gave in.

"Ignis, as intelligent as you are, you just may be too smart for your own good." This caught Ignis's attention, Regis knew he wasn't expecting that kind of response.

"Is there something wrong your majesty?" Clearly there was something wrong, his son had been captured by his enemies. But Ignis knew better he could see something else was nagging at the king.

Regis gave another tired sigh, "The reason behind all of this is simple, I traveled through time," Ignis froze completely shocked by the unexpected answer. He was about to say something but Regis stopped him.

"I do not expect you to believe me, but know this, the magic of the crystal is even beyond my understanding. There are things that I have seen, that neither you nor anyone else is prepared for." Regis explained it calmly.

Ignis remained silent, there was nothing to say. He wasn't quite sure what to think. The king held more magic then anybody else, even Noctis who is still very much in his youth could not top the kings magic. But to believe things such as time travel? It was a bit too much for him.

Many questions were racing through his mind. Why had this not been done before? Was it a kind of secret? How was it even done? Ignis decided to focus on the last question.

Clearly only the king could have done it considering he held the ring. But then again there was the fact that the Mystic also knew about the future as well. He could only hypothesize that the king and the Lucii were both effected because of their magic link.

Just before he could say a word Regis suddenly grabbed onto his hand in pain. The ring glowed brightly, and seemed to be getting brighter. Regis could only notice that the brighter the ring glowed the more pain that came. He could barely hear Ignis who had rushed to his side of the desk and was yelling.

Regis didn't know what happened next, he only found himself in his Lucii form. He was drifting silently through an empty space, the only thing he could see was the mystic not far from him. That was until he heard a deep loud voice speak in a language he couldn't understand.

It didn't take long until he saw who the voice belonged to, before him stood a humanoid figure bigger than a mountain. Swords made up the beings wings, his armour nearly gold.

Regis had seen too many symbols as this being, it was the very same one for the kings glaive.

It was the God of war Bahamut, and he was beyond outraged.

-----------------------------------------

Niflheim 1:26 p.m.

Noctis landed on something hard.

He wasn't exactly sure what had happened.

All he knew was that he had landed on something hard, and Six it had hurt him.

Reality was nothing to him, he had blacked out for a few minutes or maybe a few seconds he wasn't sure. Before he knew it his mind had become aware again, and the blank feeling disappeared.

His ears rang as he slowly opened his eyes, the world was blurry. His whole body felt drained and weak, he couldn't get up. He had felt weak and drained before, it was when he was eight years old after the attack. But this whatever was happening to him now was different.

He gathered his strength and forced himself to his feet, and before him he saw Gladio leaning heavily on a wall. On the ground by Gladios feet was a shining silver shield. As everything cleared Noctis noticed the shield had an eagle engraved on it.

That's when it all came back, he had been strapped onto an iron table surrounded by Magitek troopers. Until Gentiana saved him, unsure what she did he remembered her saying something about a guide to lead a way out. Then being a dumb as he was he ran randomly and with his luck he ran into Ravus.

Then one moment he was about to be struck by Ravus's sword. But thankfully Gladio had rushed in at the right moment, he had used a shield to block the impact. Noctis could only remember being sent flying backwards and a loud roar following that.

Being reminded about the previous assault Noctis turned to see Ravus slowly getting to his feet.

"Six Damn you!" Ravus shouted as he pulled his hand away from the side of his bleeding head.

"Noct run!" This time it was Gladio who shouted. Noctis turned his attention away from Ravus to see MT after MT flood into the room.

Just as they were being surrounded Gladio picked up his shield and banged it as hard as he could against the wall. Instead of the sound of metal against steel what followed was a sound that resembled a screeching roar.

The MT's began to go crazy, some began to shoot, others moved weird, the closure ones fell to the ground. Whatever happened next Noctis didn't know because he did what Gentiana told him to do find a way out of there. He heard heavy footsteps behind him, he knew the sound well enough to k ow it was Gladio behind him.

Before he knew it they were running down a hallway it twisted and it turned. But in their panicked state they both ran not caring where they were going, just as long as they were together or would be easier. They suddenly came to stop the hallway split into five sections.

"Shit," Gladio mumbled. They didn't know which way to go, one wrong direction could lead them directly towards the Emperor himself. They stood frozen in place not knowing which way to go, until Noctis saw him.

At first he thought he was dreaming, because before him in the third hall was Carbuncle. A small almost white-blueish creature that protected him in all of his nightmares. But for some reason he knew he wasn't dreaming, even then he didn't care. He would follow Carbuncle to the end of the world.

"This way," he took off running after Carbuncle. Gladio who was behind him hurried to catch up.

"Where the hell are you going?" Gladio asked urgently. He had to protect Noct and get them out of there, that couldn't happen if the Prince just decided to run off.

Noctis slowed downed and looked his shield straight in the eyes, "Trust me." With that he began to run faster with Gladio right behind him.

For once in his life Gladio let Noctis lead them to safety even though it was supposed to be his job. But he knew Noctis and the look he had just given him told him clear as day Noctis wasn't more sure of anything in his life. So without hesitation he continued to run behind him.

Carbuncle lead them to a huge platform outside, around them were guns and some forgotten swords along with a huge drop ship. Without a word the boys grabbed weapons, and Noctis turned back to Carbuncle who was standing right next the ship.

"Come on," Gladio walked past him and towards the ship.

"Do you even know how to drive this thing?" Noctis asked as he climbed on board.

"Nope, you have a better idea?" Gladio looked at him, Noctis just remained silent.

They had to leave Gralea as soon as possible.

Chapter Text

Lucis 7:12 p.m. (Inside the Crystal)

Bahamut's voice boomed.

The God was beyond Furious.

But as he shouted, even as his voice was the only thing heard, Regis just couldn't understand it.

The Mystic on the other hand actually shouted back in the strange language. But it was as clear as day that the two were arguing, both angry because of something. Regis knew what it was, deep within his soul he knew it had to deal with the Prophecy.

Bahamut suddenly turned to him, but Regis couldn't read any emotions. The God of War was well known in the living and the dead to where armor that covered his appearance. Which made Regis suddenly think, did the God even care about what was going to happen?

Bahamuts voice was loud and angry, but once again he couldn't understand the language of the Gods.

"He asks why would you commit crimes against Destiny," The Mystic said in quite an annoyed tone.

The Mystic spoke again to Bahamut, whatever he was saying this time had him gesturing at Regis. Bahamut turned back to him and made a sound similar to a sigh. With a wave of his hand Regis could suddenly feel energy mixing into his soul. He could feel his magic and whatever power given to him mix into one.

"The kismet of Eos was written for a purpose. As the Crystals Guardian you made choices that have made contraventions to your duty!"

Taking a moment to the sudden change, Regis noticed just how angry Bahamut was. He could feel a sudden rage, Bahamut had just accused him of commuting crimes against his duty as the crystals guardian.

That was all he needed to snap back at the God, "Do not tell me about Contravention! The choices I have made have fit well into the laws of my duty!" Regis shouted.

He wasn't going to be told stopping the Crystal from being stolen wasn't his duty. He had also done much more then simply protect the Crystal, he had protected the city in which it was placed for safe guarding.

He had also stopped the death of many including his own. Even if saving himself seemed a bit selfish, it wasn't in his situation. He would do whatever it took to change things for the better. He did whatever was better for his son, his kingdom, and the Crystal.

"You have shifted the course of Eos it's self, now the world shall crumble to darkness for your crimes against the Prophecy. With out the motivation for the sacrificial-"

"You knew of it!" The Mystic interrupted.

The three fell silent and Regis looked at his ancestors spirit. What he had just said explained it all. Bahamut had given his own trident to the Oracle. He had known about the scourge, while with time humans had forgotten of it. He had guided and had chosen warriors to fight it in his name, yet he never showed any support.

Regis realised he was right, the God didn't care, he was emotionless. Everything the God had done was just to rid the world of the Scourge, he never once did anything for the better of humanity. It all suddenly connected into place for both the Mystic and Regis.

"You are the cause of my brothers suffering!" The Mystic shouted and with rage he summoned his weapon. "You cursed him with that horrid power! It was you who stole and imprisoned his soul! It was even you who had written this prophecy!"

The Mystic suddenly began to glow a bright blue, to say he weaved would underestimate it. Regis knew about everything his ancestor was talking about, he had seen and felt it. During the time of darkness the Lucii including him at the time were able to somehow see the world through there spiritual form.

Bahamut had somehow made the glaives immortal, when they would fall they would just wake up as if nothing had happened. It was the same thing that to have happened to the Accursed. Seeing as Bahamut was the supreme God and everything that has happened it would only make sense that he was the one behind the Prophecy.

All went silent, Regis didn't know what to say or do. The God of war himself was the one behind his son's suffering. Regis just knew that he didn't have the power to stop him. But his ancestor seemed to not back down, weather because he was angered or he was truly powerful Regis didn't know.

"Indeed, but all was necessary sacrifice for the sake of the planet, you mortals are like nothing more then flowers. Each human is different, bound to fate for a unique purpose. But with one there comes disease, and with one disease comes complete contamination."

"Is that how you see it? To me it looks as if you using humans to your own advantage. Using us all to over come a plaque that you can't rid the planet of. We're nothing more than an object you can rid the world of with out a care." The Mystic told his view point, but to his surprise the God simply looked at him.

"You may see it as a crime but you Somnus have no where to talk. There lies no cure, and with nothing to rid the disease your unable to save the diseased. You are left with nothing but to simple rid the world of it." The God spoke as if smug.

The Mystic suddenly stopped glowing, and looked as though he had come to a realization. Regis didn't know what it was, he didn't know what he could say. He felt as if he was in an ancient feud, and he just really didn't want to be a part of it.

"Perhaps, in the past there was nothing that could be done. But in the future we know there is always another way, we need only to find it." Regis told his ancestor, then he turned to Bahamut. "If we decided to sympathize with one another perhaps then we will be able to find a better way." Regis turned to Bahamut.

A sudden power could be felt throughout the Crystal, the atmosphere around them seemed to have changed. Regis didn't know if the other two could sense it.

The Mystic suddenly turned to Regis, with his ghostly appearance he seemed to be observing something. Whatever it was Regis didn't have a clue, as for Bahamut he simply looked at him the same way. He too seemed to be observing, almost surprised at something, Regis didn't know what he just did. But whatever it was he hoped it wouldn't hurt him later.

He could feel himself suddenly fade, the floating sensation suddenly disappeared.

Before he knew it he woke up gasping for air, he was back in his chambers surrounded.

-----------------------------------------

Outside of the Crystal while Regis was speaking with Bahamut

Cor was busy.

Not just as busy as he was more busy then usual.

There was his normal duties as the Marshal, then the matter that the Kingsglaive was in need of new leadership, he also had to help out Clarus as he was still injured. Now he was tasked with making sure Noctis's friend Prompto was battle ready for the mission.

It wasn't that he was forced to do it, he had just been the best of them to do it. That and in a way he was the only one available at the moment. Regis was the king he was way busier than Cor, that and he had been acting weird for days.

Clarus was getting treatment for the Niflheim made posion, alongside Ignis. Monica and Dustin was seeing to the repairs and the wounded, they were also dealing with the escape enemy soldiers. Nyx, Libertus, and Crowe all were ordered to maintain order among the Glaives.

So it was brought in to him to do it, he could only make time to after the meeting discussing the rescue. On normal matters Cor would have outright denied the kid, and wouldn't allow him to go on such an important rescue. But seeing as what Regis had told about the tattoo checked out, the kid was possibly the most important person to bring.

As for his concern for discipline, all of it was cast away as he led the young man down to the training hall. He was silent, and clearly trying to hide that he was nervous. Cor wouldn't blame him, he knew just following the so called immortal would make someone nervous. But the kid had also been escorted out of the random to help rescue his best friend.

Cor was almost surprised at the eagerness the kid had shown when he accepted to help. Cor would have compared it to himself, if Regis or either Clarus was captured, (Gods forbid) he would make it his top priority to reduce them. Both Regis and Clarus were like brothers to him, he would even say Cid was like that still.

It was probably because of the fact that the kid reminded him of His Did that he had allowed the Prince to hang out with him. That and he understood how Noctis felt to finally make a friend who wasn't caught up in his life as a prince. It did the Prince good, and it made Regis happy to see Noctis living more normally.

So now her he was, in a training range reserved for Crownsguard training. Numerous weapons were displayed, mainly friend guard stuck with guns and machinery along with other hand held weapons such as electronic sticks that the Crystal guards used.

"According to your training files your trained Gunman, correct?" Cor turned to Prompto who was looking around the room.

Prompto seemed to be in thought and snapped out of thoughts in a hurry, "Oh Uh-Yes Sir," Prompto confirmed.

"Said in your files you had a good eye, practically nailed every test. Had you ever had any experience before hand?" Cor asked raising an eyebrow, it was quite odd that a random citizen kid had a better shot then some of the oldest Crownsguard seniors.

"Uh-I-um used to play this uh game at an arcade when I was in school, so I kinda trained with that, once I was in training some Veterans helped me out a lot." Prompto explained.

"I see," Cor nodded his head, basically the kid had just stuck with a weapon he had an idea of how to use.

He basically practiced with some of the old Crownsguard veterans that had patrolled the old wall. But Cor was smart to know that not just anyone could be called that great at something so young unless it was a born talent. He knew that better than anyone else, when he was young he didn't just practice constantly it came to him naturally.

"Before we start I want evaluate what you can do, go ahead and grab your weapon of choice." Cor crossed his arms and walked over to where the targets were.

Around the targets there was material made out of a special medal that was taken from the shell of the Adamantoise creature. So there was no worry about bullets going through walls while practice was inside. As he looked back at Prompto he saw how he seemed taken back by the basic comand.

"Wait you want me to-" Prompto stutter, but Cor calmly interrupted him.

"I'm just going to train you to be battle ready if your going on this mission." Cor simply explained to him.

Prompto looked a bit shocked, and like he wanted to ask questions. But he simply remained silent and nodded his head. He proceeded to follow orders and walked over to the weapon display. He went to the table with firearms varying from handguns to shotguns. But for his choice of weapon he chose a pistol and rubber bullets.

Prompto silently proceeded to one of the ranges and grabbed the special equipment for protection. Covering this eyes and his headphones to block sound and for clear vision. He skillfully loaded the gun with the appropriate amount of bullets and locked them into place. He steadied his shoulders, took the proper stance, and held the gun in the proper way.

Cor was careful to observe him, to point out any mistakes. He already saw somethings that could be improved, but he said nothing as he wanted to see what the kid knew, and how he did it his way. He heard Prompto take a quick breathe before he fired the first shot. Seconds later the second and third followed.

Prompto carefully unloaded the weapons and placed the weapon down. Then he turned his attention back to Cor, and stood waiting for his next orders. Cor was quite curious to see how he did, and as he approached the Range he saw that the Bullets had struck at perfect target areas.

One bullet had struck perfectly in the middle of where the brain would have been. The second exactly and perfectly on the heart, the final was below the heart where the liver was located. Cor had to say he was impressed with Prompto, he was naturally talented with firearms.

"Not bad, a lot better then what I was expecting. But I did see some areas where we can Impro-" Cor was interrupted as a hairless man wherein a suit came running in panicked.

"Marshal the Shield said it was important, he asked for you personally to meet him in the kings chambers immediately." The man said urgently and out of breathe like he had ran.

"Escort him to one of the waiting rooms, make sure he doesn't leave." Cor ordered as he hurried off. Whatever what was happening, Cor knew there was something wrong with the king.

In the rare moment he felt that feeling he hated most. Fear.

-------------------------------------------

Niflheim 1:33 p.m.

Aranea was pissed.

She was beyond that at this point.

Right now she, Biggs Callux, and Wedge Kincaid were in the middle of the air fighting the Prince and his shield to be for her airship.

It was what happened days before this, that had set her anger on a high level. She was doing orders and resided in Lucis ready to take on the enemy. However fate would have it that Chancellor Izunia just had to use her military unit for the planned attack.

As things were going to plan, Izunia had arrived at the base in which she, Biggs, Wedge, and her unit were staying. But he had claimed to be on direct orders from the Emperor himself and had practically stolen control. Supposedly he needed human troops for the attack. Seeing as she was the only unit with all humans her unit was taken.

So she did as told and have the chancellor command and returned to base, and waited until after the attack. Now she was currently left with less than half of her unit and equipment. The rest were scattered and captured in Insomnia by the so called enemy.

While her crew returned for some rest she and her subordinates were finishing paperwork and other matters in her airship. Then all of a sudden she felt the ship take off out of control. She's came to the Cockpit to find the Prince of Lucis and another buffer guy.

Things got heated, words were said and now here they were fighting in her ship which was out of control on a day when she wasn't in a good mood. To say things were going to help for her was an understatement, everything was falling apart. The last thing she wanted was to loose her ship and die it's crashing explosion as the enemy Prince hijacked it.

"You've got less than a minute to move otherwise all of us are dead!" She warned them as she pointed her weapon.

The boys didn't have to move out of the way, because the entire ship turned sideways. Everyone and everything was forced to one side of the ship, but thankfully Biggs had held on to a safety railing. He managed to grab the controls and regain control of the ship. The ship was restored to its proper stance, Aranea was able to regain her footing.

The ship was close to the ground, Biggs had managed to save them at the right time. There ship was still however hovering over the ground, it was high enough that even a human could jump down unarmed.

"Damn it," Gladio cursed holding the Shield Gilgamesh had given him.

"Yes!" Noctis suddenly summoned his Engine blade, something his had bad given him for his sixteenth birthday.

"Listen hear you princy little ass, I suggest you and muscles get the hell off my ship before I decide to take my rage out on you." She threatened them pointing towards the door.

Both Noctis and Gladio seemed surprised, they had just just been captured by Niflheim. They had just snuck on some commanders ship, they were both sure they were wanted fugitives of Niflheim. So to say that they were surprised was an understatement.

"Wait, you know who we are? Aren't you supposed to arrest us or something?" Gladio have Aranea a look. He of course thought it was trick, but then again they were in the air and they were out numbered two to three.

Aranea just started laughing, "You really think I care? Niflheim just crossed the finale line for me, besides I'm not getting payed. So get your asses off my ship before I push you off." She demanded.

"Uh, okay?" Noctis replied awkwardly.

"You really think we're going to believe a Nif commander bitch?" Gladio replied to her with a tone of anger.

Aranea 's expression changed, her expression of careless humor was washed away. It was replaced by a look of rage and hatred, but the hatred wasn't completely towards them. Both the boys could read that she was angry at someone, and maybe slightly betrayed.

"Listen here you two little asses, the only reason I worked as a commodore was to get paid and protect the citizen's. Now the so called Emperor allowed that creep of a chancellor to take my men to get both your asses here. I don't want to see either of your faces, so get your ass off my ship before I kick you out!" She allowed her anger to show.

Noctis looked to Gladio, he got a nod in response. At the same time they headed for the exit. They were careful to avoid the raging woman, they would take this chance to escape while they could. They both prepared as the bottom of the floor opened up revealing the ground below.

They both turned back and took one last glance at her, she simply gave them a glare. That was how their first encounter went, it was short but none of them would forget it. Noctis grabbed into Gladio's arm forcefully, and warped to the ground below.

Chapter Text

Lucis 12:12 p.m.

Regis awoke with a gasp.

The sudden feeling was familiar.

It was exactly how he felt when he was sent back in time.

There was frantic voices and shouts around him, yet Regis bared them no mind. There was a loud ringing in his ears, and also an odd change in his magic that caught his attention. After a moment he realized where he was, he was back in his chambers with both a frantic Clarus and Cor. Beside them he assumed was a few doctors.

"Regis!" Clarus asked alarmed.

Regis went to sit up, but as he did he noticed a horrible pain in his hand. Looking at it he saw the deep markings the ring had caused to spread along his finger and hand.

"By the divine," that was all Regis could say as he observed the markings.

He knew Noctis had received markings as he used the ring, being as young as he was when he wore it gave him more power. With more power came more energy and burden on the physical body.

The moment he flinched in pain, immediately a doctor went to observe the markings.

"Are you in any severe pain your majesty?" The doctor asked she was a woman who was perhaps in her thirties.

As Regis sat up carefully he tried to carefully move his hand with the ring. His hand trembled and he did in fact feel pain as he moved his hand, he nodded as he clenched his teeth. At his age it would have hurt under normal circumstances, seeing as how long he had to hold up the wall the pain was much worse.

Cor pinched the bridge of his nose in either frustration or as a way to express how anxious he was. Clarus simply observed the markings going from his ring all the way to his forearm.

"Observing the markings I'm going to assume they're burns made from magic," she looked to him for confirmation and he nodded.

"What happened?!" Clarus practically demanded.

As the pain in his hand slowly subsided Regis allowed his mind to recall what had happened. As he remembered it everyone who was informed about the mission had gathered in his office to over see the discussion with Prompto. They had also need to debrief on current events as well.

Then he suddenly remembered.

He knew.

Ignis knew.

As wise as he was beyond his years, Regis wasn't quite sure what to think of Ignis's suspicions. There would be many questions and with his recent conversation with Bahamut and his ancestor more questions seemed to appear.

But the pain and the exhaustion he was currently feeling made him want to wait. That burden would have to be at the top of his list when he was capable. As of now the pain in his hand, the fear of his friends, and his missing son, sent his mind just wanting to panic.

"Bahamut," Regis allowed the name to be heard.

Regis saw Clarus and Cor share a concerned look.

"The Astral?" Cor asked for confirmation.

Regis could only nod, whatever happened in the Crystal it seemed to confuse both his ancestor and Bahamut the supreme of the gods.

"I'm going to apply some ointment to the burns, it's best for your majesty to remain still." The doctor explained.

Regis just nodded seeing as his hand trembled he found it almost impossible to hold his hand still. The power the ring was using from him didn't help.

As the doctor went to apply the medicine to the burns she suddenly made the mistake of touching Regis's hand to help hold it still. The ring suddenly glowed and in a burst of energy, the doctor, Clarus, and Cor was sent back.

After a moment the pain in Regis's hand numbed, though he suddenly felt drained as well.

"What the hell?" Cor groaned as he stood up from where he was.

Regis instantly sat up.

"Are you alright?" Regis asked concerned.

He observed his ring, though it wasn't bright it still glowed. He could feel a strange power come from it. Though what was it? Why had it unleaded such uncontrollable energy?

"I'm alright though a little shaken," replied the doctor. Her hand going to her head.

"I've faced worst," Clarus stood fixing his armor.

"But what the hell was that?," Cor asked again sending a concerned look at Regis.

"I don't know," Regis answered looking at his ring. "Though, whatever it was it wasn't the ring. Something has bonded with our magic." Regis tried to explain.

"Our?" Clarus asked eyes narrowed.

"The Lucii," Regis explained.

Whatever was linking with his magic he felt it suddenly calm. Reflecting what he was feeling the ring stopped glowing as well. The power was still there, bright and strong, but calmer. He could control it.

"Whatever it is you may eventually have no choice but to remove the ring," the doctor stood back up and observed Regis's arm again.

The shock of that statement brought back reminders of the situation Regis found himself in. Noctis and Gladiolus were still missing, Ignis now knew his secret, and he was currently having odd happenings with his magic.

"Remove the ring?" Clarus gave a look back at Cor.

Clearly they weren't appeased by the idea at all.

An quite frankly neither was he.

"I'm afraid that isn't a choice in this situation," Regis carefully explained.

The doctor only nodded in understanding knowing the truth of the matter.

"I thought that was the case, such as it is. I can only prescribe medication to perhaps help the pain and injuries. As I've explained I'm no expert in magic, and medicine can only do so much." The doctor explained.

"I understand," Regis replied slightly disappointed in this matter.

"Though I have taken notice that your Majesty is a lot better. Though it's no secret the magic has taken a huge toll on your body, you have shown signs of being much better then before." th doctor pulled out some notes from her bag she had on the table.

"Truly? Well that is excellent to hear." Regis was surprised.

Since his coming to the past he never noticed how much better he actually felt then what he remembered. Hadn't the founder said he would have used his own magic?

"You seem surprised," Cor observed.

"Surprised yes, but that does not mean I'm not pleased to hear the news." Regis gave Cor a look.

The younger warrior just kept on observing him.

"I shall sent you your prescriptions your majesty, should anything else come up please do not hesitate to give me a call." With that The doctor grabbed her bag bowed and then left the room.

With all that done Regis moved to get up and stand only to feel his bad leg decided to give out. Luckily his trusted friends were at his side before he could fall.

"By the six Regis are you mad!" Clarus yelled at him.

"Don't even think about trying to leave this room you dumbass." Cor didn't even hesitate to speak to him like that. Which was a normal thing since Regis knew him as a kid.

"Niflheim has my son, you're as well Clarus. While I trust Gladiolus there is no telling what will happen." Regis tried to reason.

He was better then he was before, he had agreed to having time itself reversed to give his son a second chance. Not to only be captured by the sick people of Niflhiem. He suddenly felt sick at the thought.

"Regis! I understand that just as much as you do but if anything happens to you then we shall all be doomed." Clarus wasn't hearing it.

Despite his anger and his fears knew he was right.

But still, he knew it was his fault. He was the one who changed things. He was the one who failed to take the proper precautions. It was his own fault for letting it all happen. He could be resting, they both could have been. Free of burden and free of the pain.

But he had done it.

All for his son.

----------------------------------------------------

Ignis was pacing.

Thought after thought ran through his head.

Suddenly everything made sense, all of it.

It explained how the king knew how Titus was a traitor. How he knew they wouldn't stand a chance against Glauca. Whatever happened the king always seemed to have known. It also explained the kings off behavior.

As he anxiously paced lost in thought he didn't here the footsteps behind him. So the hand that he felt on his shoulder startled him greatly.

He gasped turning behind him, only calming seeing as it was his uncle.

"Uncle, I do apologize I didn't hear you." Ignis composed himself.

His uncle however, didn't look convinced.

"Ignis I understand you are currently under quite the amount of pressure. But I have taken notice to just how much you have been currently doing. I was also concerned when I had heard from Ms. Elshett that you were poisoned after the attack." His Uncle looked worried.

By the six, he had forgotten. After the capture of Noctis Ignis had become very agitated and began working too hard. While yes he had managed to achieve much, he had also failed to eat properly as well. He had also forgotten to tell his Uncle that he was alright.

Ignis just sighed, this wasn't the first time this had happened.

"You are correct I'm afraid, I suppose my fears had gotten the better of me. But with the current situation surely you must understand why." Ignis admitted.

Instead of looking at him in frustration or disappointment there was only concern. Ignis couldn't help but wonder if it was his current appearance causing his Uncle to look at him in such a way.

"I also heard that you were speaking with the king when he collapsed. I had to admit I was very concerned as well, especially when I heard you left in a panic." His Uncle reveled.

Oh, that also explained a lot, of course his uncle would assume that. While yes the king's collapse startled him. It was what the king had told him that had him anxious.

How many times had he let Noctis get captured? Was this the second time? Did the king know any of this would happen?

Question after question ran through his head, each of them threatening to send him spiraling again. Luckily he managed to maintain his composer, it was easier when he was with his uncle.

"Yes, it was quite an eventful moment. It was concerning to a severe degree. However, it was our discussion that sent me into greater distress." Ignis explained.

"I see," his Uncle nodded in understanding. "I assume it had something relating to the current situation?" He asked carefully.

Ignis shook his head, he needed this burden gone. But he knew very well he shouldn't repeat what the king had told him. That also led to the question, How much power did the king hold?

"No, but in a way I suppose it is linked, though I'm not permitted to say." Ignis explained.

He felt a bit better being able to voice his worries. Even if he couldn't say exactly what they were. When the king had told him the truth he had looked as if he had been forced to reveal the truth.

That led to another question.

Was he the only one to know?

Surely the king who had known Cor and Clarus both for years would tell them first. Surely he hadn't just been too observant and suddenly pushed the king into outing himself right? Even if he had done that, perhaps it was for the best? After all seeing as what happened to Noctis and Gladio he would think the king would appreciate some help.

The part of it that truly worried him about the kings collapse was that it had happened after Regis had told him. Which led Ignis to hypothesis that the king had kept the secret for a reason. The king had said he was too smart for his own good. Normally that meant nothing good, and indeed it wasn't.

"Alright then, so talking about it is out of the question. Perhaps why it worries you can be discussed?" His Uncle tried trying his hardest not to pry.

Ignis sighed.

"Something happened, and it seems the king knows about it. However, it was I who questioned it first. Now, I'm worried about many things, and it seems more questions are appearing then answers." Ignis only have part of it.

His Uncle only smirked at him, what was amusing about any of this?

"You always do tend to pace when your lost in thought, I remember you doing it after every important rest when you were younger. Always stressed when you can't find the answers. Do you remember what I told you that one time?" His Uncle ask.

Indeed he did remember, it was after his finals. He was a mess during those tests, having to take car of Noctis added to the stress. His Uncle had always observed him closely during those times. As Ignis had bad habits of failing to care for himself.

"Not all answers are ment to be known, should we look for them in the right places they will come." Ignis quoted.

"It seems to me, that the king collapsed before you could get any answers about this classified topic." His Uncle pointed out.

Ignis found that his Uncle was correct, even though that wasn't his main concern at the moment it still helped. Even if slightly, it definitely helped him to calm himself.

"Indeed, you are correct. Thank you Uncle." Ignis gave a smile.

Though it wasn't as genuine as it should have been, it was at least a smile.

---------------------------------------------------------

Niflhiem

Gladio woke up in agony.

It was dull when he went to bed, now it was worse.

So much worse.

"What's wrong?" Noctis panicked.

"My back," Gladio growled out as he removed his jacket.

Noctis immediately went behind him to see what was wrong, and instantly he stepped back shocked.

"What the hell! What the he'll did they do to you?!" Noctis jumped back.

Gladio just grit his teeth through the pain, Noctis yelling at him was not helping him.

"What!" Gladio yelled out.

It wasn't as if he could turn around and see it!

"There's dry blood, and a.....glowing symbol?" Noctis carefully observed.

Gladio was confused at frist, then he remembered what Gilgamesh told him. The pain he felt when he woke up in Niflhiem, something about a curse?

"What the he'll does it look like?" Gladio had never heard of anything like this before.

With his mind going back to Gilgamesh, he remembered Gilgamesh saying something about a 'he' as if the old Shield had known who had done it. Then he remembered the shield he had given him, urgently looking around he spotted the shield.

"It looks like, I don't know! A circle! There's blood everywhere, like they carved it in or something." Noctis tried to explain.

Gladio reached for the shield on the ground, and instantly the pain went away. Not complete though, it felt like a small burn on his back. Definitely still there and hurting, but much better. He took a look at the shield, it wasn't doing anything special it was just shiny.

"What the hell?" Gladio mumbled more or less to himself.

Noctis eyes didn't leave his back, if anything he seemed more intrigued.

"What?" Gladio looked at him.

Noctis looked hesitant.

"The symbol whatever it is stopped glowing, but...your tattoo is ruined." Noctis didn't give any details on the matter.

"Of course it is, Niflhiem and thei-" he cut off.

He listened carefully.

"What?" Noctis whispered suddenly turning around.

They had managed to escape the capital of Niflhiem, now all that lied around them was dead woods. Obviously there was Havens around the area, though they were more ruined and much older then the ones in Lucis. They had managed to stop by one just as night fell.

Now in the barely lit sky, they could see and here smithing nearby.

Gladio shushed Noctis, carefully listening and getting closer to the sound.

As the sound got closer, they could both hear more then one thing at the same time. Noctis summoned his weapon as the sounds for closer, just as he was about to wrap strike the origin of the sounds became known.

"A dog?" Gladio asked.

Just then the two other sounds for closure and tripping over the flora came a woman with blond hair.

"Luna!" Noctis called to her.

He didn't hesitate, he went to her and helped her up. Much to her own surprise.

"Noctis!" Luna smiled and returned a hug to him.

It was like that for a moment, a moment they unknowingly never got to have. After years of separation with only a magic dog and a book to talk through they finally got to embrace each other. Finally hug after the he'll they had both been through.

"Hy-Vee what are-How!?" Noctis was at a loss for words.

He had seen her on the news, heard her talk on the radio. Giving speeches and helping others. Yet, as she grew up Noctis never once saw her in person. But he knew what she looked like by heart.

"Our destiny has changed, I had feared for the worst. But as I have found you now, I can finally hope." she smiled with tears in her eyes.

She was suddenly so relieved to see him, after following both Umbra and Pryna she had unexpectedly found him. Now she could breathe, now that she knew he lived. Because all of their fates revolved around Noctis living. Though now she sniffed even that as the course of Destiny had changed.

"Your highness," Gladio spoke kindly to her. "As much as I appreciate seeing you, you both might want to break up the love fest." Gladio explained as the creatures that she had thought were behind her caught up with them.

"On it," Noctis instantly warped striked.

Gladio though slightly confused by the sudden reunion he felt off, as if something was behind him. He looked to find nothing, yet as he turned around to see what was going on he noticed that both Noctis and Lunafreya had taken care of the creatures.

He was left speechless, he just stood there staring at them.

"Is something the matter?" Lunafreya asked.

Gladio shook his head, something was definitely off. Pain suddenly flared through his back again, this time though instead of just feeling pain something else happened. Gladio felt as if his life force was being sucked away from him, it hurt and he could feel it happening.

His head spun, he had forgotten about his concussion.

He collapsed as both the Oracle and Prince yelled his name.