Okay, so I've decided to give this story a few more chapters. The next 2 chapters are not in chronological order as they are the events before Noctis' and Stella's battle.

Il Cammino per i Cieli

The Way to the Skies

He used to come here a lot.

Back when he was little, "The Small Prince" as his father would often joke, would ride through the streets of his kingdom, his curious eyes dancing across the various buildings and pedestrians.

Now, it was nothing more than a ghetto.

"Why are you looking so glum, Noct?" Prompto wrapped his arm around his friend's neck, weighing him down a little.

Then came the massive arm of Gladiolus around Prompto, snatching him away from Noctis. "What are ya talkin' about? Noctis is not, in the least bit a silent, gloomy little boy." The scarred man insisted.

Noctis allowed a smile to creep unto his lips as he watched his friends argue over his personality.

"See? He's smiling…" Gladiolus said as Ingis walked over to the group.

The tall, elegant man, adjusted his glasses as he looked over towards the east, at the sky.

"Smoke."

The quartet made their way to the car, driving up an old parking deck which was not in word-safe.

They reached the roof, exiting the car, looking towards the source of the smoke.

Once they found it, Noctis made his back to the car.

The three friends look at each other as Noctis left the group, each with a look of worry in their eyes.

They left the ghetto, making their way back into the Kingdom as the sun set.

"It's Tenebrae, isn't it?" Prompto asked Ignis, who was driving.

"More than likely…only the King didn't see this coming…" Ignis said as he looked through his rear view at Noctis.

" Stella's probably already at the Castle." He told him.

Noctis' fist clenched but he shook his head. "No…not her…someone else…and I think I know who.." he said.

They entered the Kingdom as they parked in front of the Castle. Noctis exited the vehicle.

"Give me…some time." He told his friends before they drove off.

As Noctis ascended the steps, he remembered his conversation with Ignis.

Noctis left the throne as he stood up, walking towards Ignis.

They're coming for the crystal…

I know.

Do you have a plan? Something 10 times worse than their own?

…..I'm going to think a way to return it hundredfold.

"Well, well, well…if it isn't Noctis Lucis Caelum, or should I say Prince Noctis as Stella so fondly calls you…" said a white-robed man as he turned to Noctis, removing his hood.

Noctis smirked, but it didn't last long. "Couldn't keep away, huh?"

"I had to try." The white-robed man responded before casting a spell, aimed at Noctis.

Noctis retaliated, using his 'power' to summon elven weapons around the man as four magical signs surrounded Noctis.

"There must be a name for this…" Noctis said.

"A standstill?" the white-robed man proposed. "You know, I didn't think you'd show up in time…given the fact that your precious Stella is almost ready…"

"Where is she?" Noctis asked.

The White-Robed man smirked as Noctis turned, hearing the sound of tanks and soldier's feet came from outside.

When he turned back around, the man was gone. Noctis sighed as he dismissed his swords.

?: You're worth too much…

Noctis scoffed, "Funny…" he said as he looked up at the crystal. "I was going to say the exact same thing to you…"