AN: I didn't really want to do an author's note simply because I think it takes away from the feeling of this one - but I'm merely here to say that I don't own FFXV or the song that is used [Goodbye to a World by Porter Robinson]. Enjoy.

"Thank you.

I'll say goodbye soon.

Though it's the end of the world -

Don't blame yourselves."

I sit on the throne, gripping the seat so hard my knuckles are white. I know. I know this is it for me. The end. The spirits are in front of me staring me down, readying their weapons. And I can see him next to me, back to me. Like it always had been. But I know that's not true. He entrusted me with this world, and it is my duty to save it.

They come. It hurts. I can't hold back my cries of pain. God it hurts. Still I clutch my sword.

If I can do one thing right in the presence of my father - it is this.

I force my eyes open and stare them down as they charge, one by one.

My gaze darkens; the pain is too great. I close my eyes and try not to scream. It worsens as the last few of my kin run me through. It occurs to me that this is it. This is it. I won't ever see them again. Not Gladio, not Ignis, not Promto, hell not even Iris. They're all counting on me. They all believe in me - even knowing that I will not return from this. In the words of my best friends, there's no turning back now.

The final blade stands before me - and I can tell the spirit of my father is hesitant.

This will be the second time he dooms his son - the first having born me at all.

I grit my teeth and raise my sword, "Dad...trust in me."

There is a pause, the anticipation of the pain making me close my eyes.

Then - he strikes.

A scream rips itself from my throat. My father's blade protrudes from my chest. I can feel my consciousness beginning to slip away.

Light shines from the ring on my finger - and my vision tunnels.

This is it - the end of the road.

Even as the blood drips down my lips, I find myself smiling. I did it. I won.

I close my eyes one final time, only to find that to my surprise I am now in a world of swirling colors. Ardyn stands before me, an arm outstretched. I can feel the power of the kings radiating behind me. I raise my hand. They charge.

An image of Luna appears, grasping Adryn's arm and my heart aches.

Then - like a glass frame shattering - they are both gone in a burst of light.

I am alone - floating in the empty space, body slowly disintegrating.

But still - I smile, whispering to the open air,

"It's finally over."

"I will surround you. And give life to a world - that's our own."

FIN