Hello everyone. This is my first attempt at a Final Fantasy fic. I usually write other stuff on other forums so please be gentle. I don't have a beta right now so please please pardon the mistakes. After watching all the trailers and reading as much as I could about this game I decided to write a story of how I think the story line of the game will play out. I will most likely be way off base but since it will be awhile till it comes out this will have to do for now. I don't own any of the characters they are all Square Enix's creations...I am only borrowing them.

I hope you like it

CHAPTER ONE

"The King was dead!" was all that could be heard from the radio. On every station it was the same thing.
"King Vincent had died in his sleep of an unknown cause." Noctis cringed with every word uttered by the newsman. The pain was still too near, burning him from the inside out.

The young man sat close to the door, his head resting on his hard fist. He saw none of the world which flashed by him in the late night sky as his entourage of cars raced along the deserted streets of his Kingdom. Well not really "his" Kingdom yet. Yes he was the prince and his father was King but until he was of age to take his rightful place his uncle, Armand would be the interim "Steward". In six months he would be eighteen and he would be the rightful ruler…just six more months.

His mother had called him shortly before midnight telling him the news of his father. She told him that it was sudden. That it happened so fast…one minute he was fine and the next he was gone. Noctis for some unknown reason had the strangest feeling in his gut that this was not a natural death. It just didn't make sense. His father was a healthy man. Sure there were threats on his life all the time but the crystal was there and protected him. But until his father came to him to tell him what had happened Notcis just had to believe what his mother told him.

The young Prince sighed and looked out the window. He could see the palace to his right. He was home but now his home was incomplete with the loss of his father.

"Noct," his drive and friend Alex spoke bringing the Prince out of his trance. The young man looked up to his friend. "It might be wise for you to postpone the meeting with Tenebrae. I mean since it is only five days away."

"Hmm maybe…." Noct replied, "But I don't think my father would have wanted that. This proposed treaty was a big deal for him and he would not want it stopped or delayed for anything." Tenebrae was an Outside World Kingdom that constantly was in war with his own Kingdom over the last Crystal that was safely hidden in his realm. Where it would stay for eternity and he would guard with his life.

The driver shrugged his shoulders in defeat. "Just a suggestion bro."

The young smiled before returning his attention his painful thoughts. Even though he was a highly trained warrior no training or conditioning could stop the pain he was feeling at that moment. He wished the light would bring him solace but at the moment none came.

The car pulled up in front of the palace and the door was opened for the Prince. As the young man exited the car he could see his two other friends getting out of the car that had followed him. Sykes was a friend from his childhood and practically grew up with him and Alex. His blonde hair whipped around his face as he slung his sawed off gun over his shoulder. Over the years the gun had become an extension to his arm and he was rarely seen without it. The taller man Antony was hired by his father years ago as a bodyguard for the young Prince and had become a great addition to the threesome. Even though Antony didn't grow up with the others his presence was always welcome.

His three companions fell in behind him and he walked to the steps in front of him. His eyes lifted to the top to see his mother waiting there for him. Wearily he climbed the towering structure to his mothers waiting arms.

There were no words passed between the mother and son, but the comfort flowed freely between them as they leaned into each other in a tight embrace.

"Did he come to you?" his mother asked after they finally parted.

Noctis shook his head his black hair falling over his eyes. "No not yet. But I suspect he will soon."

From a very young age Noctis had the ability to see the Light. When this happened he would receive a gift from the dead. Sometime it came in the form of some kind of power and other times it was wisdom or insight and enlightenment. He had hoped that his father would show him what had really happened to him.

A smile of warmth spread across his mothers face. "I'm sure he will connect to you soon Noct. Your father loved you more than anything and I know he will do anything to make sure he comes to you."

Her words were reassuring which made him feel so much more at ease.

Together he and his mother walked into the palace where they were greeted by his uncle. His father's brother bowed deeply as the two neared him. "Lord Noctis, what a tragedy that your trip was cut short by such horrific events," he reflected to the Prince. "This is a hard and terrifying time, I am glad of your speedy return"

The Prince glared at his uncle. He had never trusted him and now the distrust was even greater. "Has my father's body been taken for an autopsy yet?" was Noct's cold reply.

"Yes my Lord, we expect the first finding within the hour. I will report to you as soon as we hear something."

"Thank you Uncle." Noctis bowed to him before he turned to his mother. "I think I shall rest until we hear something. If you need me you know where you can find me."

His mother kissed his cheek before he and his friends headed for his chamber.

"Okay Noctis….spill it," Sykes said when they were safe inside the Prince's quarters.

Noctis looked at his friends with a puzzled look as usually trying to throw them off his back. But they knew better. They had been with him for so long now they practically knew each other's thoughts.

"Yeah come on Noct…we know things about your father's death aren't sitting too well for you. What do you know that you aren't telling us?" Alex then added pushing his glassed back up his nose.

The dark hair man sighed and shook his head. "Honestly I don't KNOW anything…it's just a feeling. That's all."

"What kind of feeling?" Antony called out as he walked over the check the windows to make sure they were secure.

Noctis walked over to his bed and threw himself down. He stared up at the ceiling as if he was looking for some kind of answer. "I don't think my father died of natural causes. I think there was more too it. But until we get the autopsy report or I see his light I can't be sure of anything."

"You think Armand had something to do with it." It wasn't a question that came from Alex but a statement.

Noct could only slightly nod to his friend.

The three men that were standing in the room looked at each other. They knew that Noct's feelings were to be taken into consideration.

"If he did kill your father do you think it is possible that he will come after you next?" asked Sykes.

Noctis sat up and glanced at his friends. "Everything is possible." He then whispered.

"Then we'll be ready for him" Antony said banging his fist into his palm. "Just let that scum bag try to come after you. He will surely meet his end" he hissed.

Noct put his hands up in protest. "Let's just wait and see what my father tells me."

"That is a good idea. But in the meantime I think we can do a little snooping around to see if we can find out anything on our own," Alex added. "But don't you worry about it; we will handle that part of if you just take care of your mother and the Kingdom."

Noctis was relieved that he had such good friends. He knew he could trust them with his life. Then is friends left him alone in his room. It had been a long day and he needed rest and maybe just maybe his father's light would be there to greet him in slumber.

Armand sat at the head of the long table. Both sides filled with members of the council. The new Steward smiled as he looked down at the men.

"Friends!" his voice called out as his fist hammered the hard surface of the table, bringing a silence to the once loud room.

For a moment all was quiet as all eyes were now on Armand "The Kingdom is now MINE!" he spat. "And if you are not with me you are against me. So at this moment I am giving you a chance to leave or stay. If you stay I know that you are my loyal servants, but if you leave you might as well leave the Kingdom because you will be a wanted man!" his voice boomed and echoed in the large hall surrounding them.

The men looked at each other, some confident and proud while other showed fear, but none chose to stand and leave. They all stayed and at that moment they all sold their souls to the evil man sitting before them.

It pleased Armand that no one left. "Very well gentlemen. Now let's get down to business…how do we sabotage this ridiculous treaty with Tenebrae? And how do we get rid of Prince Noctis?"