Noctis stared at the old Lucis throne.
His father's throne.
His throne.
He scrunched his face up in pain, turning his gaze from the dusted up wood. His father had been a loving man. Respectable. Regis Lucis Caelum had done everything for him and shaped him, alone, into the man he was today. The one who stood, now ready, to take his kingdom back. To restore light to a once booming land, that was shrouded in the darkest abyss he had only seen in his deepest nightmares.
Taking the breath of courage he needed, he squeezed his hands into fists and took the steps across the hidden marbled floors. Memories flashed before his eyes with every movement, with every inch put behind him as he neared the throne; he remembered everything.
The belly laughs from his elder when he slipped across the foyer of the castle, when he tried showing off. His fathers continual interest for the stories Noctis shared, no matter what they were about or when he shared them. The wrinkles that formed upon his forehead, creases around his eyes, and the proud smile that took over his every feature any time his son was in his presence.
Noctis stopped moving, draping his head as he fought back tears while clenching his teeth. He knew it would be difficult to return here. Where it all happened. His birth, his journey into life, and his fathers untimely death; but he wasn't prepared for just how difficult this would be.
The ring pulsated upon his finger, as if to urge him on. Reminding him of what must be done. He opened his eyes to look down at the metallic piece around his finger.
Noctis smiled lightly at it, knowing the last wielder of its power had been his father.
'Father' Noctis thought fondly.
"I hope I'm making you proud, father. I miss you" Noctis spoke aloud, hoping Regis was with him.
The air in the castle felt still, as if time stood still around him.
'This must be done' Noctis thought before urging himself on, climbing up over the debris that had once been where he sat while his superior would give orders and deal with the people of his land.
Noctis stared down at the old beast. Still standing. Unharmed.
He reached out his hand to graze his fingers along the details of the right arm; leaving trails in the dust.
'It is time'
Noctis took a deep breath before sliding back into his rightful place, slowly exhaling as a light shone before him.
The light form of a previous King stood before him, hands clasped on the butt of his sword. He nodded at the young King, approving of what he had chosen. He picked up his sword and charged, disappearing as it pierced through Noctis. He flinced ever-so slightly as a small sting of the full power was absorbed. Moments later a second appeared, sword in hand as the King held it out at his side; he too pierced Noctis in order to deliver his power. The process repeated with each King before him until...
Noctis stared forward, face twisting in sorrow. He was leaning back in the seat, one arm draped across the armrest as the other rested his chin on his knuckles.
"Noctis"
He could hear faintly, as a sound filled the air.
"I'm so proud of you, my boy" Regis smiled in his ghostly form, behind the helmet he wore.
Noctis smiled through the tears, letting them fall as Regis charged. Noctis inhaled sharply, crying out as his body slumped around his father's sword.
The world around him spun in an array of colors as it lifted him up and engulfed him.
Visions appeared before him within the whirling lights, as he floated in the space. A woman of immeasurable beauty slowly appeared, next to her Luna came into view, then Ravus in all his glorified power to stand beside his sister, before Jared showed as well. Noctis' eyes watered at all he familiar faces, his shoulders slumping slightly.
Strong arms slipped around him suddenly and held him tightly, he didn't think for a moment before throwing his own around the man and embraced the elder gentleman tightly. It felt real.
"Father"