Night and Day
Chapter One
Set a course to Altissia
The throne room of the Crown City was also bathed in the dual colours of light and darkness, the heavenly bathing lights from the stained glass windows beaming down, surrounding the throne of the king in a protective shed of light.
Upon the throne sat king Regis Lucis Caelum, looking towards his two children with the kingly gaze that portrayed the wisdom and age of an old war veteran.
His son prince Noctis stood before his father beside his twin sister Sol, their postures showing their royal education. The prince was at least five foot nine, with unkempt mixed with some spiky hair with strong blue eyes. Wearing a black jacket with skull-motif buttons and sequenced details on pockets. He keeps it unzipped and the tag on the zipper also has a small skull.
Underneath, he wears a steel gray shirt with skull prints, he also wears black cropped trousers and black buckled boots with red soles. He also wears a black motorcycle glovelet on his left hand. His sister wore similar clothing to her brother, a black vest with a silver necklace around her neck bearing the royal crest, a black jacket without sleeves while her hands were safely wrapped in black leather fingerless gloves, a single silver ring around her wedding finger.
A pair of black leather shorts with a pair of grey leggings hiding her flesh, red and black boots. Her hair was black with a bob cut design, bangs hiding her beautiful blue eyes.
'The decreed hour is come', spoke the king, his voice echoing in the throne room. Both siblings stood at full attention, thought Noctis' form was more relaxed than his sister's. 'Set forth with my blessing, Prince Noctis, Princess Sol'. Both of them bowed with respect and courtesy. 'Thank you…your majesty', Noctis spoke, though Sol knew he merely added the "majesty" part out of pure memory. 'Thank you your grace', she said kindly in a much more respectful and more noble tone.
One subtle look to her left she could see the faint markings of a smirk from her brother, no doubt plotting to tease her about her overly mannered response. 'Take your leave, and go in the grace of the gods', Regis said. They stood up properly, before Noctis nodded with a quick "Right" leaving his lips and without another word or even for his sister to respond, he made a swift turn and walked down the steps.
'Your highness', she said to her father with one last bow before following her brother. They passed by their Crownsguard, four each to the two of them.
For her brother's shield and most loyal guardian was Gladiolus Amicitia. Gladiolus is a tall man with a large build. He wears black leather trousers with a small side chain, and an open black shirt with nothing but a pendant underneath. In the "no jacket" version of his outfit, he wears a black tank top with the Crownsguard's insignia in gray.
He has a small arm sleeve over his left wrist, and wears black shoes with red soles. He has amber eyes, a long scar over his left eye. He had several tattoos around his torso and arms, many of them Sol had yet to ask out of pure curiosity.
Next was his advisor, Ignis Scientia.
Ignis wears a purple and black patterned dress shirt with his black suit and black shiny red-soled shoes with sequenced crystals at the tip. He wears shimmery silver driving gloves. He wears glasses and has short, dirty blond hair swept up at the front of his hairline and green eyes. Like all party members, he has some skull-motifs to his outfit, the most prominent being the skull print on the back of his shirt. He also has a skull on his belt buckle and a silver skull pendant.
Then there was his medical doctor and loyal soldier, lady Mederis Corporibus. The woman was Noctis' height wearing a long black jacket with skull motif on her back, a black belt around her neck to hide old scars, long black jeans with a buckle around her waist, strapped to her left shoulder the Lucian flag that reached down to her waist, a tattoo around her left eye that was to Sol's knowledge a mark of a warrior in her squad. Beautiful long white hair that contrast to her gear with brown eyes.
Finally the last of his Crownsguard and possibly one of the most important parts of the structure of the guard, Prompto Argentum. Prompto is a young man of average height and a slender build, whose visage gives off the impression of a youthful punk. He has blue eyes, light freckles and short, unruly blond hair. He wears two bands on his right arm, black gloves, a black shirt with a white pattern, and a sleeveless black vest with a dark red flannel shirt attached underneath. He wears dark pants with a faint leopard print. He wears black boots with red soles that are lined with white fur.
These four were chosen to be his guardians, each more than just hired men and women to protect the future king of the Crown City. Yet the princess was not alone, for she had her own loyal friends and guards.
Standing on the side with the others was the leader of her guardians, Nigrum Fortis Lupus. He is a tall man, just an inch shorter than Gladiolus but the second tallest of the group, wearing a violet and grey shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, showing off his elegant wolf tattoo on the left forearm, a pair of grey green pants with flat blue shoes. His hair was black, long with a tail behind his skull while the remaining free hair fell to the sides of his head, green eyes that held vigilance and duty.
Next to him was her Sword, Audax Brunneis Lupus, Nigrum's younger brother. An inch shorter and two years younger than his brother, Audax wore a mixed set of leather and steel for clothes. His red vest was enclosed within a dark leather trench coat with metal shoulder pads and armoured greaves, a red sash around his waist with armoured pair of pants of grey and black, metal boots. His hair was black and unruly but the fringes were dark blond, a bet he lost a while back she was told, grey blue eyes that were alit with cheer and ease.
Her best friend and only common born member of her guard, Unius Spei Stella. Unlike the other guards, she wore a sleeveless tank top with red lines that stretched from the collar of her top to her back, forming a reddish looking "Bomb" on her back, a mini skirt that reached just above her knees with long black boots. On her right hand was a single red glove that covered her forearm to her elbow, her hair was long brown that reached below her shoulders with soft green eyes. A trademark look she always carried was a pair of large red head phones on her neck.
Finally was her own advisor and shield, Eques A Iustitia. A fair beautiful woman with ruby long hair with violet coloured eyes, a single scar across her right eye from her training while wearing a proper "Dragoon" set of armour. Steel and metal around her shoulders, arms and legs in pieces protecting the vital bones and muscle while beneath the steel were violet clothing for comfort. However her entire right arm was covered with metal due to her old battle wound along with her left leg armoured completely.
With a curt nod to them, she followed Noctis. Behind her she could hear them shuffle and quickly bow to their king and wordlessly followed suit of their charges.
'Well, royalty will be royalty', chirped Prompto as they all exited the castle and walked down the stairs. 'So much for "royal protocol"', spoke Ignis with a mixture of relief and disappointment. 'Personally I think that went a lot smoother than I hoped', Audax added his own thoughts.
'Not like Noct had to deliver a formal address', Gladiolus said. 'Gods be praised', Eques said with a breath of relief. Noctis looked to the dragoon who merely shrugged in response to his accusing gaze, all the while Sol held back her giggle. Her brother would be submitted to further torture from his friends, why poke the bear?
'Your highness!'.
They all turned to see Drautos standing by the doors but their gaze fell to the slowly approaching king, cane and all. 'What now?', Noctis said impatiently. A quick swat to his stomach, courtesy of his sister, silenced further impatience. 'Brother please', she said insistently. Noctis' looks softened a bit, his sister's worried eyes mirrored his own fear for his father's condition. They both approached the old king while their guardians waited for them, tongues held and eyes steeled.
'I fear I have left too much unsaid', he spoke, hand raised to stop them from helping him. Out of pride or appearance neither would know but neither would speak out. He turned to the eight guardians. 'You place a great burden on those who would bear with you', he said, gesturing them all. If it anyone else Sol knew for a fact either Gladiolus or Audax would make a snarky comment about them, but it warmed her heart dearly to see them maintain that level of respect and courtesy for her father.
'You're one to talk', scoffed Noctis. She only wished her brother would share their senses. 'No more worse than you yourself brother', she teased lightly. She was rewarded with subtle smirks from the majority of the gang. Regis didn't see this, instead he looked them all. 'I ask that you not guide my wayward children', he said. 'Merely, that you would remain at their side'.
'Indeed, your grace', spoke Ignis first, bowing in response. 'We'll see the prince and princess to Altissia if it's the last thing we see', promised Gladiolus, following Ignis' example. 'On our honour and lives, we swear it, your grace', Nigrum spoke with the utmost confidence. 'Yeah, what they said', mumbled Prompto.
'Hate to break this up, but Cor's got the motor running', Noctis said. Sol looked to see the Immortal warrior exit their father's car as Mederis' own car was drove up behind it while Audax's bike was parked near it. 'And another thing', Regis spoke, this time looking at both his children. 'Do mind your manners around your charming bride-to-be', he said. Noctis merely sauntered back to him that casualness that only he would dare display to a man of royalty.
'Your majesty as well', he replied with a bow that Sol couldn't tell whether to be annoyed or impressed he'd do such "royal" courtesy, since knowing her brother it was pure sarcasm. 'Try to mind around our esteemed guests from Nilfheim'. It took a great deal of personal restraint to hold back her apprehension showing on her features at the mention of the word, running down the path to the reason why her brother would speak of their enemies. 'You have no cause for concern', Regis assured. 'Nor do you', Noctis responded.
'Take heed, once you set forth, you cannot turn back', Regis said. Noctis placed both his hands on his sides with a bemused look on his princely features. 'You'd think I would?', he asked. Sol rolled her eyes, the boy was lucky Ignis and Mederis was around if his apartment was any indication on his potential condition. Regis turned to his daughter, who gave him a kind smile. 'And you dear? Are you ready to leave home with your brother?', he asked.
It took all her education to remind her that protocol comes first in these types of talks, otherwise she'd run and hug her dear father full of assurance. 'I've been prepared father, it will be hard but I'm ready as Noctis', she promised. 'As ready as well ever be', Noctis agreed, turning to go with her.
'Take care on the long road', Regis said.
They both stopped for a moment, steps growing heavy as they both took heed of the words their father had spoken before they turned to look at him. He placed a hand on each of their shoulders, looking at them both warmly. 'Wheresoever you should go, the line of Lucius goes with you both', he said.
'Walk tall, my children'.
With final nods, each wishing they could desperately hug their father before their journey would take them far from home the twins joined their companions in their vehicles and sped off out of the Crown City.
Never knowing that this was their father's final goodbye…
*On the road*
Their first disaster had struck them hard…
With what Sol guessed was the fourth car to speed past them, not even sparing a glance at the poor souls who stood or sat beside the unfortunately broken down regalia, Gladiolus playing the hitchhiker occasionally gesturing with his thumb, only to be ignored by every car that past them by.
'I think the kindness of strangers has run dry in these parts', Audax said with a heavy sigh, slumping his shoulders in defeat. The guard stood up from his failed attempts to revive his own bike with what tools he managed to pack away only to stare at the broken down transporter. 'No kidding', Noctis groaned, slumped against the car tiredly. Sol herself was deflated by the turn of events as she looked from Audax's broken down bike, to the Regalia and even Mederis' own car had broken down.
It was triple slap to the face of bad luck.
'You can only rely so much on the kindness of strangers', sighed Ignis, sitting in the Regalia. Unius let out a heavy groan as she laid on the seats of the Regalia in the back. 'We're only like six hours in this road trip, and we've broke at least three vehicles', she whined. Sol patted her feet in response to her groan, no doubt the reason nobody told her to cease her whining was likely because she was merely voicing their minds, or really because none had enough energy to tell her to stop.
Prompto laying on his back on the road being a clear sign.
'We cannot remain here all day, we'll just have to push them there', Eques spoke. 'Not like we got any other option', Audax said. 'Other than waiting around for a ride or until we burn to death'. He was rewarded with a quick swat to his head from Nigrum. 'That's an ultimatum, and one I'd rather avoid', he replied. Audax held his hands up in defeat as he allowed Mederis to push his bike in exchange for him and Nigrum pushing her car.
'I've already pushed myself…to the brink of death', said Prompto, tiredly. He got no sympathy from Gladio though, he merely kicked his boot to stir him. 'Come on, car's not gonna move itself', he said. With a groan, Prompto pulled himself up and onto his feet, heading to the right side of the car and pushed it while Noctis worked on the left and Gladio pushed in the back. Ignis' merely steered the car, his only contribution. 'I thought the car was supposed to move us', Prompto groaned.
'Wouldn't that be nice?', Noctis said with grunt.
Mederis pushed the bike on the side of the road while the brothers worked on her car, both grunting with effort as Eques pushed the back of it. Unius joined her in the back while Sol steered the car. 'Why didn't you get a lighter car?', Unius asked with a whine, her face red with effort. 'Such as?', the doctor asked incredulously. 'Just be grateful it's not a frigging six seater or a damn van…', Audax spat. 'Complain later, just focus on pushing this heap of junk', Nigrum growled.
'Un…freaking…believable', Noctis grunted. 'Not exactly the fairy tale beginning huh, Prince Noctis', teased Gladio. 'This is what happens when we get carried away', Ignis said. 'I wish this thing would carry us away!'. 'Look, these things happen', Prompto said with a sheepishly grin. 'If this is the end result of these things happen I'd suggest we avoid taking them in the future!', Nigrum said.
'It would save us money too', Sol added, turning to keep the car on the road. 'Sol, swap with me!', Unius whined. 'Nope~ You're doing a good job', she teased. 'You bully! Swap with me and stop this abuse of power!'. Sol smirked at her whining and kept her eyes fixed on the road, her best friend's whine music to her ears.
'Audax, can't you and Nigrum push yourselves?', she asked. 'Do not even consider it', Nigrum warned darkly. 'You don't see Gladio pushing the Regalia on his own do you?', Eques spoke, 'Stop your whining and keep pushing'. 'Hey there's an idea', Noctis said. 'Yeah I'm with ya on this buddy', Prompto said with full agreement in his tone.
'You want me to push this on my own!?', Gladio said with frustration. 'You won't even notice if we let go', said the blond gun man, who was slowly lifting his fingers off the side of the car. 'Prompto don't even think about!'. 'Save your breath for pushing', Ignis said. 'Ignis, switch with me!', Noctis said. 'No! We just switched back there!', Gladio stated.
'Besides, it's my turn Noct', said Prompto gleefully. '"His turn"', Ignis affirmed. 'So how come they have a switch time and we don't!?', Unius asked, pouting at her princess. 'Technically it was Ignis' call, Noct would NEVER suggest such ludicrous ideas', Sol teased. 'She's not wrong', Noctis chuckled. 'Our future rulers are gonna by tyrants folks, this is a sign of bad things to come', Audax proclaimed.
'It is a sad time for Eos and the Crown City', Mederis lamented.
Indeed there will be a mourning time for Insomnia, but none by like the world has ever seen…
A/N: So a new story, possibly?
I'll do my best to work with this one and because I love this game, its gonna be focused on! So thank you for reading, leave your thoughts on the content and where I can improve on, and as always, stay awesome but most importantly, stay safe!