-***- DISCLAIMER -***-
This story is my own retelling of the Final Fantasy XV plot. Considering the fact that many fans (including myself) have felt displeased/dissatisfied with the level of detail that was offered within the game itself, I decided to reshape it as I feel like it could be told. Hence, I have/will include major plotpoints from the game that have a significant implication on the story. However, less significant elements, such as non-vital fights have been left out, and thus some parts may be subject to minor changes.
In itself, I own none of the characters or places, these belong 100% to Square Enix. The only thing I can put ownership to, is the way the story is told, some of the character development which is based in how I wanted them to grow, and some of the relationships which have been left quite unclear during the game and other Final Fantasy XV content. With that I mean, that some parts included may be fan theories that others have come up with, and in such case the source will be credited. Otherwise, most information is acquired from Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV, Brotherhood: Final Fantasy XV, The game itself, the trailers/video clips from Final Fantasy Versus XIII which are available on YouTube and the DLC content (Episodes Gladiolus, Prompto and Ignis).
For example, the relationship I wish to portray between Noctis and King Regis is directed by two short clips from Versus XIII, and how I choose to believe that the two interacted with each other before/after Tenebrae. In similar ways, I have decided to shape the interactions and decisions between the other characters, so that there is more depth to the story, besides that of the "Chocobros".
THIS STORY is how I believe it to be intended to have been told, and with the release of future content/DLC, the story may become invalid/subject to change. Hence, some parts of the story may only be true to the time of writing, but I will, as far as I can, edit the story as more details come forward with future content.
I hope you will enjoy this story however, and feel free to leave a review or otherwise contact me if there are parts you agree/disagree on! :)
-***- END OF DISCLAIMER -***-
Light shone from the tall windows behind the throne, lighting up the vast room. Despite the incredible amounts of light, the room nevertheless maintained a sombre and noble hue. The impressive golden woodwork done on the decorations of the Throne shone brightly in the light. Along the sides of the room were the seats of the Royal advisors, currently empty for the occasion. The railing separating their seats from the rest of the room was of dark metal, with golden seals placed about half a metre apart along it. Above the throne, a chandelier was suspended. It was made of gold, decorated with beautiful white gemstones, which shimmered and cast a scattered light across the walls. Rarely had he ever been in this room, but his father, the King, had requested Noctis' presence.
King Regis stood tall wearing his usual kingly raiment, his dark hair combed back and his beard emphasising his facial features. His eyes framed by dark circles, and cheekbones even more accentuated than they previously had been. It was the sight of a King who was hard-working, worrying. His voice deep voice was echoing in the vast hall as he spoke.
His words however, were not solely aimed towards Noctis, and curious, Noctis tried to look past his father to see who else he was speaking to. However, this proved a difficult task, considering his father doing an excellent job at blocking his view.
" Listen well: A King cannot lead by standing still. A King pushes onward always, accepting the consequences and never looking back. That said, a King can accept nothing without first accepting himself," Shifting, and pushing Noctis forward, his father spoke, and for the first time, Noctis could properly see who else his father was speaking to. It was a boy. Seemingly around Noctis' age, although a bit older. Wearing a nice shirt and tie, and his back straightened, the boy looked a lot more composed than Noctis himself, who wore a sweatshirt. The boy's eyes, green, behind by a pair of glasses, he looked back at Noctis with a hint of equal shyness. King Regis continued:
"Should he stand still, I ask you stand by him and lend him a hand – as his friend, and as his brother."
His father pushed Noctis even further towards the boy with a firm but loving hand. Noctis was taken by slight surprise, and he somewhat lost his balance, making his approach towards the boy slightly more unstable. Noctis, grabbing his own left arm, looked the strange boy in the eyes, and noticed a sense of warmth and friendliness, which made Noctis feel safe. Being used to surrounding himself with people who treated him like royalty, this boy looked at Noctis in a unique way, which woke a sense of curiosity in Noctis.
"Please, take care of my son," King Regis spoke, as the boy extended a hand towards Noctis in formal greeting. Noctis looked at it for a moment before taking it in both hands. The boy's hand was warm, the grip was welcoming and firm, bringing a smile to Noctis' face. The boy smiled back to Noctis in a friendly manner, yet still more composed than Noctis had expected. Letting go of his hands, Noctis' father continued:
"This, Noctis, is Ignis Scientia. He will act as your friend and advisor. He will stand by you in dire times, lending you a hand should you need it,"
Ignis nodded, seemingly still too nervous to say much himself, something which Noctis' father seemed to have noticed. Attempting to ease them up, Regis continued:
"I trust that the two of you will make good friends. While you both have each your own responsibilities to take care of, I have faith that you will spend much time together," Ignis shuffled his feet and with a deep breath he said, with a level of maturity that did not quite fit his age:
"It is my pleasure to meet you, Prince Noctis."