AN: Back guys! I've been too preoccupied with work and Breath of the Wild that I finally updated in April when I was hoping to do so in March. Oh well. Glad to have it out now!

Oh and does anyone know when the kingsglaive was formed? I read it was made 15 years ago, but the strategy guide has a timeline and says it's after they return from Tenebrae. If anyone can let me know that'd be amazing!

Major thanks to my beta LizzieBCT as always.

Final Fantasy does not belong to me. All rights go to Square Enix and Hironobu Sakaguchi. Only this story and any OCs that come along the way are mine.

Cor Leonis stood at the bottom of the steps of the throne, holding a clenched fist over his heart; the custom Lucian bow. The room was barren, not a guard in sight to witness their conversation between himself and the King. Cor was called over by his highness directly and was instructed to come posthaste, something that was not done often. He left from his post for the day as commander of the Crown Guard and went to the king still wearing his customary attire of black slacks, skull patterned shirt with an unbuttoned suit jacket over it, and combat boots; not that it mattered anyways. "You summoned me, your majesty?"

The king nodded at his longtime companion. "Cor," he greeted. "I have a small query of utmost importance for you that cannot wait. Could you make arrangements with Clarus for the Crownsguard to function temporarily without their commander? I am in need of your service during our trip to Tenebrae."

"At your command," he responded swiftly, but he couldn't suppress his disconcerting frown.

"You are wondering on why the sudden change of plans." It wasn't a question.

Cor shook his head. "I have no qualms with your decision," he assured. "Merely a question. Is there a specific reason for my involvement?"

Regis was silent for a moment, the silence seeming to drag out before he spoke again. "It has come to my attention that extra safety measures will settle down any uneasiness in being within close proximity to Niflheim territory; your accompaniment specifically."

"Mine?"

"Indeed. Admittedly, it was not my decision but my son's." At the commander's baffled expression he elaborated. "Noctis is under the impression that it is unwise to head out unprepared. To entertain the idea seems rather rash but being one step ahead has never hurt."

"My attendance then is diplomatic and as reassurance." Cor summarized.

"For the most part."

King Regis rose from his throne. "As unplanned as this is, to have you there will be reassuring; nostalgic even. It has been quite some time since we have been out on an excursion together." He came over and patted Cor on the shoulder."I will speak with Clarus to inform him of the new plans. It was in my intentions to bring him along too, but it is best that he remains in charge during our absence."

"Would you like me to accompany you?"

"If you'd like. Although, I am heading to see my son first."

"I don't mind."

"Very well."

The two left the throne room together and the guards by the door moved to follow but with a wave of the king's hand, they stayed back. The citadel was truly beautiful; the skyscraper of the crown city. It's marbled halls decorated with golden trims glistening in the light and the floors were always freshly waxed. Visiting the citadel was worthwhile in Cor's opinion, a definite area of attracting for tourist to yearn to visit, considering it was also the home to the royals.

Regis pressed the button to the elevator and the doors closed and began moving upwards where the infirmary was a few levels down from them.

"Was your son moved back to his room?" Cor asked, speculating that to be the case.

"He left yesterday. Noct asked to be relocated to his own bed so he could be in more comfortable quarters. Right now he should be packing his things."

Cor lifted a seldom brow. "Alone?"

The king shook his head. "I asked Ignis to help him out."

When they reached their destination the two strode through a labyrinth (an unnecessary design if Cor had any say so) before reaching a large door that led to the living quarters. Guards were stationed by the door and pulled it open when Regis approached them. It was a house within itself, shelved away into the eastern side of the citadel and very few were granted access.

The royal home had a sitting room large enough to accommodate many guests, fine leather couches, a small glass table in the center, and a self-portrait depicting the prince when he was newly born, held by the late queen and the king by her side with his arm draped over shoulders, looking down at his child. The portrait took most of a wall and was placed after the queen had passed as a token of her memory. That is where they found Noctis in his wheelchair, so entranced by it that he paid no heed to their arrival.

Similarly, Regis was just as absorbed in the painting; lost in the memories of his late wife, his shoulders sagging slightly. Cor was unsure on how to act really, he preferred to resolve things through political ethics. He was not really a very "up and personal" kind of person.

The king subconsciously ruffled his son's hair and Noctis's flinched. Quickly realizing that it was only his father, he blinked, and moved his eyes away from the framed portrait. His father was still staring at the portrait, lost in past memories.

Cor coughed lightly and Regis turned to his companion. "Ah, my apologies." The commander simply nodded, but he looked down when he felt the prince's eyes on him. Noctis was all wide-eyed, staring at him as if he might very well disappear if he blinked. It was rather...unsettling to be gawked at but Cor maintained his composure and simply bowed to his young prince. "Good evening, prince Noctis."

"He-hy marshal," Noctis awkwardly greeted. His cheeks were burning from embarrassment at his behavior but turned a deeper shade of red when he heard his father chuckling.

Regis laid a tender hand on Noctis shoulder. "Cor has agreed on accompanying us," he informed.

"That's great! I mean...the more the merrier!" Noctis scratched the back of his head nervously. Cor found the behavior unusual but when he glanced to the king he was given a look, one that read 'I'll tell you later.'

"I came to see if you are all packed." Regis said, to spare his son from anymore embarrassment. Noctis focused back on his father and scrambled up a response. "Y-yeah." He cleared his throat and continued. "Yeah, everything's set on my side."

"Then we're set." Regis looked around the room. "Is Ignis still here?"

"He's in my room."

The king raised an inquisitive brow. "Why aren't you with him? Wouldn't you want to choose what to take yourself?"

Noctis awkwardly shrugged. "I already chose what I deemed important so I left to take a bit of a break." His fingers brushed across an open book on his lap which Cor recognized as the notable Cosmogony book.

"Nice read?" He asked genuinely. Cor had touched on it once, read it to the end, and never went back to touch on it again. He had already taken enough out of it, but Noctis seemed more invested. There were highlighted sentences on the pages he had laid out, notes littered on the bottom, and sticky notes bookmarking pages.

Noctis stiffly nodded, rewarding him with a crooked smile. "I learn something new everyday."

"Why are you writing in the book, son? Wouldn't you prefer a notebook?" Regis asked. Noctis looked down at all his writing before shrugging his shoulders dismissively.

"Too late now." Cor snorted, a tad amused in watching them. What a relief to see the prince in full form, out of bed and mobile (handicapped but Noctis didn't seem to mind).

Down the hall a door swung open and a boy of about eleven came into the living room. He had a long white-sleeved dress shirt with a black vest over it and a purple tie tucked in it. The front tuft of his hair was swept up and the rest of it slicked back so not one strand of hair can obscure his green eyes or glasses. Upon seeing the king the boy quickly bowed in a practiced motion, his fist held firmly over his heart and back straight. "Your majesty."

"Ignis, thank you for helping my son with his packing.

"The pleasure is all mine, your grace," Ignis politely bowed to Cor. "Evening Marshal."

"Likewise."

Regis put his hand on Noct's shoulder. "I had come to check up on you but I must head out now for another errand I must complete."

"Ok."

And with that Cor followed his king back outside as the young prince and his appointed advisor bid them farewell. Although in Cor's opinion a little too mystified.

OoOoOoO

A teacup was set down on the table with a click. "I shall see to everything during your absence, your majesty," Their host assured, a twinkle in his cerulean eyes.

Regis smiled in gratitude at the middle-aged man he called his close friend . "A service I am very grateful for. Thank you Clarus."

Clarus Amicitia smiled and waved offhandedly. "No need my friend. I will see to the council and everything else and…...be wise to avoid overworking?"

Cor snorted and folded his arms. "Sounds ethical. Too many jobs will leave you too occupied Clarus and find you sleeping in your office again."

"Nonsense! I can handle myself effectively to avoid such issues."

The discussion was meant to be serious you wouldn't put it past them to start jesting in enclosed quarters between three close companions. Regis and Cor decided to meet with Clarus at his home and at their arrival, the three sought out privacy with tea set before them.

"How is your family Clarus?" Regis asked. "I hear your daughter is quite the little troublemaker."

Clarus exhaustedly rubbed at his freshly shaved head. "Iris gets into everything these days; drawers, filers, cabinets you name it. My wife gets flustered having to chase after the little rugrat."

"And your son?"

"Ha, rambunctious as always. Recently though he has been taking his predestined to heart, training everyday in the training rooms at the Citadel."

"I'm sure Gladiolus will be a fine king's shield for my son."

"The Amicitia family never disappoints your grace."

"I don't doubt that for a second."

There was a knock at the door. "Come in," Clarus instructed. The door creaked open and a tuft of brown spiky hair poked out until the young boy peered into the room. He took a sharp intake of breath realizing he intruded on something important with the king and quickly bowed just as he was taught, but tumbled a bit in his scrambling. "Your majesty." Gladio then bowed to Cor. "Marshal."

Claus rose from his seat and crouched at where his son was by the door. "What is it son?"

Gladiolus recovered quickly and explained why he was here. "It's Iris, she doesn't want to head to bed unless you tell her goodnight."

"I see, that is a problem." Clarus patted his son on the shoulder. "Tell your sister then that I'll be there soon." Gladio nodded and paid his respects to his king before leaving the room.

Regis rose from his seat and Cor following suit. "I do believe that's our queue to leave. I leave everything in your hands Clarus."

Cor shook Clarus's hand. "Take care. I'll see you in a few weeks time."

The ruling council member held a fist over his heart. "Safe travels to both of you."

OoOoOoO

Noctis rubbed his sweaty palms on his pants, heart thumping rapidly as he was carted down the boat ramp and onto Tenebrae soil. It was a nerve wracking trip; he thought he was ready, had it all under control but when he was on the boat and watched as Lucis disappeared in the distance and Tenebrae drew closer, his inflated confidence went out the window. How on Eos will he convince everyone of the invasion? Noctis groaned. "Ugh...Didn't think this one through."

"Is everything alright, young prince?" Althea peered over her head and slowed her pushing of the wheelchair, eyes scanning him for any sign of discomfort.

He shook his head. "I'm fine, it was just a thought that's all."

"Very well. Let me know if you feel ill in anyway."

"Ok."

Althea bowed and resumed wheeling him in ship was docked right on the Tenebrae's coast where it was then handed to the officers for safekeeping. His father boarded off first with Cor as his bodyguard, then Noctis followed behind...well more like carted by his appointed doctor. The royals were greeted by an envoy sent by Queen Sylva to welcome them. Understandably it was only him, a decision agreed upon by the Fleuret and Lucis heads that this visit to be kept secret. It wouldn't last because word will spread throughout the castle and soon enough out into the country but it was reassuring to sail and not get blasted in the water. "Welcome King Regis and Prince Noctis! Your visit will be a most prosperous one at the home of the Oracle!"

"Thank you. You will be guiding us to the castle I presume?"

"Yes, your grace. We have cars ready to take you all."

"Wonderful." Regis nodded, quite satisfied.

Noctis found himself sandwiched in the car with his father and Cor where they embarked on a smooth ride to the castle but he wanted to look out the window and take in the captivating scenery of the mountainous area coated in greens. Things he came to miss later on in life. Buildings structured in the same way as the Fenestala Manor, the name to where the Fleurets live, and waterfalls that run so far down that he loses sight of it. He tried to lean closer to the window but he felt his back give out on him, forcing him to sit straight again.

"Noct…Do not overexert yourself." Regis warned his son but he wasn't paying attention.

"Right. Gotcha." The king rolled his eyes at the amused glint in Cor's eyes. At least someone found this amusing…

Noctis stared at the looming castle and pictured Luna looking out the window like she always does. He leaned over Cor to be closer to the window, harboring a foolish idea that they would see each other from such a distance. It didn't matter though cause he was here now. 'I'm here Luna.'

OoOoOoO

A young girl plucked a blue flower out of the vase and twirled it around in her fingers. She sniffed it and sighed pleasantly at how much she adored these flowers. Sylleblossoms they were called, native to her kingdom and used to weave the royal family's crowns.

"The prince is arriving."

The girl turned to the black long haired woman behind her who stood at attention with her eyes closed. She wore a black and gold dress with a white shawl over her shoulders and silver high heels. She smiled at the young girl. "Are you ready?"

The girl bobbed her head and brushed through her blond hair again with her hands and walked over to a mirror. She smoothed out her white dress before looking back at the woman. "I will head down shortly. Thank you Gentiana."

Gentiana nodded and in a blink disappeared.

The girl turned back to the mirror, her blue eyes dazzling in the reflection. "Off we go, Luna," she whispered to herself and walked out of her room to join her mother and brother.

To be continued~