Chapter 1- A Cold Wake-up!

Noctis Lucis Caelum sat quietly on his throne watching his little girl play with a plush doll, one very similar to the moogle doll that Iris had given him so long ago. To all others who looked upon the royal family, it would seem like Noctis was a content king watching over his daughter, but inside Noctis was having a furious battle with himself. He knew he should happy, and not want for anything, but he just couldn't shake the feeling that something was coming that would turn his world upside down. I mean, I have everything I could ever want; a beautiful kingdom and a wonderful daughter- so there's nothing to worry about, he thought to himself. But the uneasiness persisted. Frustrated, Noctis let out a growl. What the hell! God, I haven't changed at all! What is wrong with me?

A small squeak abruptly brought his attention back to the playful child at his feet. Prima had jumped in fright at Noctis's growl and fallen down a few steps, bumping her head against the railing. Immediately Noctis scooped up her up and held her close to his chest. Tears sprung up in her baby blue eyes and she began to sob into Noctis' shoulder. He knew at that moment, he had to put aside his frustrations and worries for this little girl. She was the future ruler of this kingdom, and soon to be the next oracle if Luna's prophecy held. He couldn't worry about stupid things... such as the hollow pit that now resided in his stomach.

Stroking Prima's back, Noctis whispered "I am so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."

Whimpering Prima answered " It's okay, daddy. My head just hurts!"

"You know what might help? Let's go and get some ice cream. Just the two of us."

"Really? I want to go! I want to go!" Immediately forgetting the bump on her head, Prima began to squirm out of Noctis's hold. Grabbing his hand, Prima began to practically drag Noctis from the throne room.

"Okay, Okay! We're going!" Noctis agreed. He could never really say no to Prima. It seemed no matter what, the mischievous child was going to get her way.

She reminded Noctis so much of Luna that looking at her sometimes made his chest ache, with her golden hair and the light that just seemed to radiate from her. Though no one could deny that she was Noctis's child, for when her hair wasn't brushed, it seemed like it went everywhere. Though she brought an ache to his life, she also provided a certain peace to his world that had been scarce from the loss of the two people he truly loved. He could still remember the day that a certain blondie left his life to let room for the future queen of Lucis.

After that, Noctis and Luna soon married and Noctis ascended to the throne. Finally King Noctis, with the Oracle at his side, rebuilt the world to its former glory. Though as the years passed, it soon became apparent that Luna's Oracle powers seemed to be overwhelming her body. It had been just three years after Ardyn's death when Luna became gravely ill, and eventually passed away in the arms of her king. Her passing haunted Noctis's dreams, making him relive the moment over and over again.

"Daddy! Come on! Let's go!" Prima whined, breaking Noctis out of his thoughts.

He smiled down at her and nodded his head, he could think later. Right now his daughter needed him more and that's what mattered the most.

Suddenly the throne room doors burst open, and his attendant rushed in. The man looked like he had just run a marathon, huffing and puffing, he barely managed to get out the apology for his abruptness. Noctis had never seen his attendant so bent out of shape; whatever he had come to tell better be important, or someone was getting a chewing out.

Finally catching his breath he bowed to his king and gave his report. "Your Majesty, I do apologize again for my interruption, but there is someone here to see you."

Noctis just stared at his attendant, confused and annoyed. This is what he had to tell me? Why is it so important that some random citizen is here to see me unannounced? He thought to himself bitterly.

"Thank you Auxilium, but I am currently attending to more important matters right now. Please tell our guest that I am unable to meet with them." Noctis stated briskly.

"But your Majesty, I really do insist that you…" Auxilium starts, but Noctis just holds up his hand to silence him.

"That will be all."

Looking a little sheepish, Auxilium backed slowly out the way he came. Prima, who had watched from the side door walked over to Noctis. She took his hand once again and tugged.

"Daddy, that wasn't very nice."

A feeling of shame coursed through Noctis. He had only been thinking of spending time with his daughter, but in the end he had just shown her the one thing he feared and hated. That their was a cold darkness in himself that he could never escape from. Not for the first time, he feared that he was spreading it to the only light his world held.

Kneeling down,he took both of her small hands in his. "I know. Promise me if I'm ever mean like that again, [thoughtful pause; then noct lightens mood w/ silliness] you'll give me a time out, okay?"

Her smile was all the answer he needed. He was just about to suggest that they continue to get some ice cream, when a rustling sound caught his attention. Quick as lightning, Noctis scooped up Prima and turned around just as a black form came flying down. A sword, his father's sword, appeared in Noctis' hand and he pointed it at the masked intruder.

The masked man groaned and began to slowly to rise. "Uggh, that really hurt!" He hissed.

Bilwildered, Noctis first instinct was to lunge, but with Prima in his arms, that wasn't an option. He instead proceeded to go to the next course of action. "Who are you? What are you doing here? What do you want? If you don't answer me in the next second, there will be hell to pay!" Noctis threatened.

The masked intruder finally took notice of Noctis standing there with his pointed weapon. He immediately put up his hands, and was just about to say something, when Noctis caught a glance at his eyes. They were a light blue and had a bright look to them that Noctis would know anywhere...

"Prompto?"