Chapter IV: Valse Di Fantastica
"'Tis one thing to be tempted, another thing to fall."
-William Shakespeare.
I remember clearly how I first met Stella Nox Fleuret. I was ten years old and war had fully broken out between Niflheim and Lucis. Tenebrae, which used to be our ally had sided against Lucis in the conflict long beforehand, ending years of peaceful alliance.
I was forbidden from leaving the Citadel for some time, my old man fearing for my safety. Not that I could fault Dad for the concern. It was a temporary caution. He thought Niflheim was responsible for sending the Cie'th after me a couple years earlier.
"They brought in a prisoner from Niflheim today. Decided to bring this one to the Citadel instead." I heard a couple glaives say as they walked past my open bedroom door. They had captured a prisoner and personally brought them to the Citadel? That was strange. I hopped off my bed, curiosity getting to me.
"Where is the prisoner being kept?"
"In the basement dungeon. That place is so old it dates back to the first King of Lucis."
"No kidding?"
The voices grew farther and farther away.
Usually as far as my young mind knew, prisoners of war were kept somewhere else, far far away from the center of Insomnia. It was already dark out so that meant Insomnia was wide awake, except for the Citadel. Most have retired for the evening. Dad was probably doing more king stuff.
Leaving my room, I see no guards around me. The glaives mysteriously missing. Not that I noticed the oddity. To me it was a convenience. No Cor or Drautos looming over my head. I tip-toe down the hallway to the nearest elevator. Quietly going in with a ding, I press the basement button. The red light above the keycard insert lit up. I had finally gotten the hang of summoning objects to and away at that point. It just so happens I snagged a keycard off of Drautos earlier that day. He wouldn't have noticed if the young innocent prince took it for fun. I summon it to me and insert the keycard. The elevator chimed in approval and began its descent.
Level 12...Level 8...Level 1...then I got to the sub-basement levels. Sub-basement level 13 was the deepest it would go. I step out in the first level of the sub-basement and see a sign stating this was the garage level. I go back into the elevator and go to level 5 for fun. I step out and it was vastly different from the rest of the Citadel. It was like an old fashioned dungeon from those rpg games, with torches (though they were electric), chains hanging from the walls and ceilings, and the floor made of glossy bricks.
I wondered who was so dangerous as to be kept down here. My back ached from the reminder of what happened when I was attacked two years previously. Subconsciously I raised my hand to lightly reassure my muscles somehow. Proceeding forward I look around the place with various cells that actually looked rather...painful to be stuck in. Nothing but benches and whatnot. The cells smelled like dead flesh. I come upon a door on my left that had various locks on it, including one that required the keycard I carried with me. I realized I had no other keys on me except for Dad's car keys. Don't ask why I had his car keys.
I reach up and unlock the outside physical locks and open a latch to find a keyhole. I peek into the old keyhole and I see a white room. The bed was soft with pillowy comforters. For a prison this particular room was very nice. I shifted myself to see more and I see a girl around my age sitting on her bed reading. Now, being the dumb and curious kid I was, I had to ask myself why they imprisoned a girl who looked innocent all the way down here. In a very nice room no less.
I chanced it and summoned a hairpin that I made into a lock pick. Dad always tried to prevent me from going into specific rooms but through the power of the internet I discovered how to lock pick. Yes I did a lot of stupid things when I was a kid. It took a lot of practice on my own door but maybe I could manage.
After about ten minutes fiddling with the lock, I inserted the keycard into its appropriate slot and it clicked open for me. I hear a soft gasp as I pulled the door open with much effort.
"Who are you?" the girl asked. Her blonde hair framed her face perfectly, her side bangs nearly in her face. Her dress was pure white as the room she was in.
"Uhh, Prince Noctis."
"Oh. I am Princess Stella. In Tenebrae we address our equals or superiors as Lord or Lady. So greetings, Lord Noctis."
"Tenebrae?" I tilted my head; more curiosity hitting me.
"Yes. I am from Tenebrae. From your black clothes and Prince title, I think you're the Prince of Lucis. We are supposed to be enemies then."
"Enemies? You don't look like my enemy," I said, thinking of the ugly monstrous Cie'th.
"We are enemies not by our own choice. The adults around us decided so." Her eyes moved to my arm. "What is that on your arm, Lord Noctis?"
I looked at my white brand. "A l'Cie brand."
"Oh. We have a fal'Cie in Tenebrae, though I doubt you have been branded by it."
"Please tell me more about Tenebrae."
I awoke on the break of dawn, surprisingly. My body felt ache leftover from yesterday's outing. We signed up on a hunt and spent the whole day trying to find it and eventually killed it after much agony in Duscae. At least this place didn't have me shaking dust out of my clothes every five seconds. Ignis was awake as always but Prompto and Gladio still slept.
"I am surprised to see you wide awake this early Noct," Ignis said as I got up and threw on my jacket and boots.
"Yeah I just…felt like getting up and going for some fresh air," I replied. "I'll be back in half an hour tops."
"Alright. Don't get into trouble. It won't do to have the Prince of Lucis kidnapped or killed while wandering about."
I rolled my eyes. "Thanks for your concern, Specs."
"Anytime."
Leaving the tent, I walk maybe ten feet on the grass before I come face to face with a woman in fine black clothing. The clothing was very old fashioned, from possibly five hundred years ago or more. Her eyes closed, her dark hair framed her face. If I was pale, then she was pure white.
"Uh, hello?" I greeted with a lame wave. She only smiled. Panicked, I tried to think of how she even got there in the first place. Nope, not chancing it. "Ignis, uhhh please come out here!" I called to him in a semi normal tone, louder than usual.
Ignis immediately came out of the tent along with a wide eyed Gladio and a yawning Prompto. "What is it Noct…Oh." Ignis began querying. "Who is this woman?"
The woman in black opened her eyes, keeping a smile on her lips even as she spoke. "I am Gentiana, a personal messenger to Princess Stella Nox Fleuret of Tenebrae."
My jaw clenched. This has to be another trap from the Niffs. "How did you find me?"
"L'Cie are easy to find," she answered. That clearly wasn't unnerving at all. Does my brand come with some sort of tracking device people can just tap into? If it did we all were doomed.
"What?" I gaped at her.
She chuckled. "Or am I wrong that you are a l'Cie?"
As if my brand was burning I ripped off my glove to reveal it . It was at stage 3, another arrow added.
"Hmm good. Your trial as a l'Cie has yet to begin though. I'd best advise you be always prepared."
"Huh? What does that mean?" I questioned, puzzled by her words.
"You will know soon enough." She held out a small crystal bottle with a mysterious blue liquid inside. Somehow she was very insistent I take the bottle, even if she were to say nothing. Gentiana carried a very authoritative air about her, her being far more experienced than the four of us combined.
"This is a special potion concocted for you, Lord Noctis. Lady Stella wants you to take it."
I crossed my arms. Yes because I was obviously going to fall for that again. "And if I refuse?"
She closed her eyes. "If you don't take the potion, your friends will be turned into...statues and given to Niflheim." she whispered.
My eyes widened. It was like a kick to the gut. Take the mysterious blue liquid that may be poisonous or let your friends befall a horrible fate. Normally I would treat it as an empty threat but there was something off about Gentiana. She could possibly destroy me, right here right now. I took the bottle into my hand.
"Take it by midnight or you know what will happen."
She was gone immediately. So much for questions.
"Noct?" Ignis walked over. "What is that?" his eyes darted to the bottle in my palm.
"I dunno. A potion of some sort that Princess Stella wants me to take. Or…"
"Or what?"
"Something really bad happens."
"It could be poison."
"Yeah, tell me about it." I looked at the vial. It burned in my hand, or maybe that was just my anger and fear. I was snapped out of my thoughts when my phone vibrated in my pocket. It was Iris Amicitia.
"Hello? I answered.
"Noct! It's so good to hear your voice! Are you okay?" the upbeat voice of Iris queried.
I have improved since two days ago when I had a total meltdown, but Iris didn't need to know that. "Never better, Iris."
"That's great! We made it to Lestallum. Everyone here is okay. You'll meet up with us right?"
"Yeah we will. It'll be nice to see you again."
"Great! Thanks Noct." She hung up.
"Can't even call her own brother," grunted Gladio.
"To be fair no one knows if Noct is alive currently," Ignis pointed out.
Prompto walked over to me, stretching his arms out.
"Ahhh it's a beautiful day today. Hey Noct, can we go see the chocobos? Please?"
"Yeah sure. I know you've been dying to ride a chocobo ever since Ignis mentioned them."
Gladio grabbed my shoulder. "And then we meet up with Iris right?"
"Yes Gladio."
"Woo hoo! Chocobos!" Prompto fist bumped the sky.
"Got chocobos on the mind?"
"I love chocobos! Ya know...in the right way."
"There's no wrong way to love a chocobo." I said grinning.
Piling into the Regalia, I drove to Wiz's Chocobo Post, upon request of Prompto. Gladio wanted to see his sister but one detour was fine. Iris was in fine company of what remained of the worn down Crownsguard.
Prompto wanted to check the weather and turned on the radio. Immediately the news station was broadcasting updates on the Crown City. Prompto reached to change the channel to the local weather one.
"Don't change it. I want to hear," I said, stopping him in his tracks. He sat back, not questioning my command. I realized that I had just treated my best friend as a servant instead of my brother. Regret hit me like the Regalia going 100 miles per hour into a wall.
"The Empire has issued out a statement today concerning the Royal Line of Lucis. In the wake of King Regis' death Prince Noctis has disappeared from the city and the public eye. Emperor Aldercapt wants the lost Prince to be found. If you have any information concerning the Prince of Lucis and his whereabouts to inform Imperial Officials immediately."
"'My condolences to Prince Noctis on his loss. We need his cooperation to make sure that Lucis and Niflheim can work peacefully together in these trying times. Now that the war is over thanks to removal of King Regis from power we can now go forward in bringing peace to the world. His assistance will be most valuable.'"
I recognized the voice of Ravus Nox Fleuret. I did not believe his sentiments for one second.
"The Empire has set up a temporary government in Insomnia, headed by Ravus and Stella Nox Fleuret of Tenebrae."
"'It is my hope that Lucis recovers and gets their beloved Prince back. As they say in Lucis, may Etro guide and watch over you and do not fret over these trying times.'"
That was Stella Nox Fleuret. My grip tightened on the wheel. Why was her soft and gentle voice so angering to me?
"In other news the Empire is still investigating the fort lost in the Leide Providence last week. Commander Loqi was killed in the assault and leads on the assault lead to rebels of the Empire."
His cocky attitude is what killed him, or at least that is what I tried to convince myself.
The broadcast had ended with its useful information. Prompto then changed it to the weather channel.
"It's a beautiful sunny day in the Duscae area today. Tonight is clear as day, perfect to see the Meteorite under the stars. Tomorrow is light showers in the forest area."
I smiled. "Nice. Good weather."
"Perfect for riding chocobos! Woo hoo!" Prompto sang, "I like to ride my chocobo all day~! All day~!"
"Kid's got it bad." Gladio mused in the back. I look in the rearview mirror to see Ignis smiling as he continued reading the herb book.
Entering the forest, Prompto turned to me. "Hey Noct, I've been taking pictures of what catches my eye. Anything you want specifically?"
"Hmmm…" That was tough. I wanted pictures of everyone equally. Perhaps more individual shots were my best bet. "Get some nice shots of Gladio."
"Huh? Why me?" Gladio asked in the back.
"No reason."
"Gotcha! I'll keep that in mind." Prompto pulled out his camera.
We arrived at Wiz's chocobo post. Getting out, I saw no chocobos running around. All of them were inside a post.
"Hmm where are the chocobos?" Prompto asked, dejected.
"Let's ask the proprietor."
Wiz was an older dude tending to a chocobo. He heard us approach. "Oh hello. How are ya'll today?"
"Uh, doing well. We'd like to rent out chocobos." I answered. It was still weird having people ask me constantly about how I was. The big city was definitely different from the countryside.
"Aww, I'm sorry fellas. Deadeye has been stalkin' 'bout these parts lately and feeds on chocobos. Until Deadeye is takin' care of we can't let any chocobos leave for their safety."
Prompto sighed behind me. "Aww…"
"What is this Deadeye?" I asked.
"He's wanted by the Hunters. Here," Wiz handed me the local hunt list. Sure enough Deadeye was on it.
"Hmm, we'll take care of your Deadeye problem."
Wiz's eyes widened. "Well uh, hope ya'll stay safe out there."
Prompto looked at the picture of Deadeye in my hand. "Oh...we have to kill that?"
"Yep."
He sighed, "One day Noct we're gonna get killed because of you."
I gave him a cheeky grin.
Young chubby Prompto walked home, grabbing his daily dinner from a fast food joint on his way. It was always like this. His rather small amount of money could only provide him with so much. He liked walking, not so much running.
But today was different. A man in a black suit was waiting for him at the front door of his house. His eyes widened. He recognized the crest on the man's uniform. The symbol of the Crownsguard.
"Uh, h-hello!" he bowed down in panic, his glasses falling off his face and hitting the concrete.
"Prompto Argentum, yes?"
"Y-Yes sir!"
"Are you a l'Cie?"
"N-no sir!"
"Good. We have important business to speak of."
The man turned and walked into Prompto's house. He stared, lip quivering in fear. How did they even get the keys to his house? He wasn't sure he wanted to know.
Picking up his glasses, he followed after the man into the dining room. Sitting at one end of the table, was King Regis himself, his leg kicked up on his knee.
"Hello Prompto Argentum," Regis greeted with a smile.
Prompto thought he was going to die of a heart attack. Have they come to arrest him or execute him? The Lucian Royal Family was revered but feared. They took care of their people, but in questionable ways.
He bowed again, with glasses in his hand this time. "Y-Your Majesty!"
"Rise."
Prompto stood straight up.
Regis leaned forward and folded his fingers. "I have a proposition for you."
The blonde gulped.
It seemed I whined and groaned enough that Ignis gave into my not-so-subtle demand to stay in a trailer tonight, with a hot shower. My clothes were damp, covered in dirt and smelled like chocobo, smoke, and mud. At least seeing how happy Prompto was being able to see and ride chocobos for the first time was just so...joyful. Like his happiness was infectious. Killing Deadeye for him was worth it.
Cleaning myself up and putting on a fresh set of my clothes, I sat on the roof of the small hobble we were staying at near Wiz's Chocobo ranch. From there I could see the Crystal Meteor, glowing in the night. It looked like the base was on fire, but like a nice radiant fire, not a deadly burst of flame.
Prompto joined me up on the roof as soon his shower was done. For once his chocobo hair was flat for the time being from the water.
"Hey, whatcha doin' Noct?" Prompto sat next to me, towel around his neck.
"Hmm nothin' much. Just...chillin'."
"Hmm cool." He looked in my direction and saw the meteorite in the distance. Pulling out his camera he took a few shots.
"You took some nice shots of Gladio today," I said in encouragement.
"Oh yeah, really?"
"Yep. Tomorrow can you get some of Ignis?"
"Sure can do." He put his camera away.
"This was one busy day, huh?" More like one hell of a week.
"Yeah, but it was fun. It's always good when we're having fun...when we're not getting ourselves killed right?" he elbowed me.
"Admit it, nearly getting smacked by Deadeye was worth being able to pet chocobos."
"Yeah it is totally worth it. I wonder if Cidney likes chocobos."
Ahh yes, Cidney. The totally not-obvious crush. "I bet she does."
"Yeaaaaah, she seems like an animal-lover type girl." He sighed. "To be honest Noct, I never thought I could have been a part of this. Being able to spend time with you even when we're on the run and I am sworn to protect you, is the most I could have ever wanted. Even though home has been lost, I'm glad that we're here, sticking it though. It's...quite an adventure. How long have we been friends? Since beginning of high school right?"
"Yeah but we've known each other long before that. Since elementary school."
He looked surprised at the fact. "Oh, you still remember that?"
"Could hardly forget being gawked at."
"Well, ya know it isn't exactly easy being in the presence of royalty."
"But you know me, I'm not much one for formal titles or addresses or whatever else comes with being royalty. I did remember how...scared the teachers and other kids looked. The Royal family's long reputation didn't exactly escape my notice." I leaned back a little on my hands. "Dad wasn't like that, to me at least."
"I'm...really sorry about what happened to your dad, Noct. King Regis, may Etro guided him beyond." He said sincerely.
"Thanks Prompto."
"No problem buddy. I wish I had known my dad, or have had a relationship with a parent like that. Your old man seemed to be a cool dude."
I closed my eyes and smiled in remembrance of him. "He was." But then I remembered a little important fact. "Wait a minute. When we did meet in high school, you pretended it was the first time."
"Y-Yeah but it was the first time I worked up the nerve to say something."
"You should've said something sooner."
He paused. I struck a nerve there. "Oh Noct. You just wouldn't understand. Back then I was…" Scared? intimidated? I remembered that he was quite chubby as a kid. Now he looks like he works out but has a lot less muscle than me. Was this what this was about? "Actually never mind."
"Hey, you just can't leave it hanging."
"I guess so. I was...quite shy. Never had any friends. To everyone now I come off as a happy-go lucky joker. But on the inside I am just a mess of hang-ups. I'm always feeling inferior to you guys. I'm not royalty, I can't use magic like you do, and I'm not as strong or skilled. I'm nothing really. I'm not like Gladio who can connect with people like a pro. I'm not like Ignis who is really smart and I can't cook a thing to save myself. But when we hang out, it's so much fun I forget about my hang-ups and screw ups. Then I get hit with reality like a cold splash of water and remember I don't really belong. I really want to though. I want to prove I am good enough."
I was taken aback by his sentiments. Is this what Prompto really thinks of me and my station? Or Gladio or Ignis who were both raised in a similar setting as me? I never felt he never belonged within the royal procession. Or at my side as my best friend. Bodyguard job be damned, he is my best friend.
"Think what you want, but I think you're good enough for me," I respond.
He looked me in the eye, shocked by my statement. "So, you think I'm doing okay?"
"Yeah, I do. Anything else?"
"Uh no, nothing at all. Sorry for getting real all of a sudden."
"Nah don't sweat it. Besides, isn't it my job to let you know when you're screwing up?"
"Haha, you're right. I guess."
"You should know better by now. You think I just make time for just any loser?"
"Huh? Why, you mad bro?" I shook my head. "But seriously, thank you for making time for this loser. Feels good to get this off my chest.
"Happy to hear." I got up to jump down to the ground, but I heard Prompto speak.
"Hey Noct…"
"Yeah?"
He paused then spoke again. "Never mind. I forgot what I was gonna say. Anyways I'll just keep on keepin' on, the only way I know how to."
"Yeah, you do that." I leapt down in front of the area. If I were to die tonight from this horrible poison that Stella is forcing me to take, at least it was a great last day. "See ya...later." I said to Prompto. He tilted his head, sensing my hesitation. I smiled too widely and went into the trailer.
My blood began racing as I pulled out the vial. My face felt cold, my fingers quivering slightly as I opened the bottle. I looked at my phone clock. 11:55 pm. Laying down in bed, I looked at Ignis and Gladio, sitting outside and chatting. This was for them, to protect them. I down the entire bottle in one go. Instantaneously I became drowsy and passed out hard.
I found myself standing in the Citadel, the place I called home. Single clicking of heels on the gloss floor approached down the hall. Upon closer inspection I recognize the blonde locks of Stella Nox Fleuret.
"Lord Noctis you arrived," she greeted.
"Princess Stella," I greet, in an obvious contempt tone.
She stopped in front of me, realization evident on her face. "Oh."
"Care to explain what and why have you brought me here?" I demanded. "While threatening to harm my friends?"
"I know I lured you into a trap," she began but I cut her off.
"Yes and it took me away from my father. I could have saved him if I had only stayed!" I shouted. She winced. The hurt expression in her eyes brought me back to reality. I looked away. "I could have saved him...I could have stopped the Empire." I blink back the tears. I failed to mention that Dad wanted me out of the Citadel in the first place. "Somehow my gut told me that wasn't a trap. I was wrong."
"I am sorry for that, Noctis. But think of it, you might have died alongside him," she spoke after a few moments. Silence remained once more till she spoke again. "And I apologize for threatening you into taking that potion; I had to get you to drink it."
"You must think of me as a fool or an idiot. If this was just for you to give an empty apology then this was nothing but a mistake," I turned to leave but Stella grabbed my arm.
"Please Lord Noctis! It was partially to apologize for tricking you like that, but I wanted to talk."
Frozen on the spot by her pleas, I relent. "Alright, but you must answer why you tricked me and threatened me, who ordered you to lure me out of the Citadel so the Empire can kill me separately from my dad?"
"Chancellor Ardyn Izunia. It was his plan. They chose me as the bait," she answered without hesitation. "Niflheim wants you dead, there's nothing I can do about that."
"Why are we here? Where are we?" I disregard her statement. It was a warning. She was probably ordered to kill me.
"The potion you took is a sleeping draught. It usually makes you fall into a deep sleep that is more restful. But I added my own residual magic in, allowing myself to talk to you while we both sleep." She began wandering around the hallway . "It only works once. Once we wake up if we wish to speak again we would have to take the potion again at a similar time. You may think how could I have power still after Tenebrae lost their Crystal, but some of its magic remained, but in small amounts. I fear I only have enough to concoct these potions and nothing more."
"Okay…" This was very weird. I didn't know I was dreaming due to this entire conversation being so vivid. For a second when I arrived I thought I was in the afterlife. "Who is Gentiana?"
"She's my messenger. She usually goes back and forth between Tenebrae and Niflheim."
"She travels so far to deliver messages?"
A smile grew on Stella's soft lips. "She is really good with travel."
She wasn't telling me the truth. "I have a feeling you're holding back the truth from me."
"An ambassador doth not reveal her secrets."
"Neither does a Princess."
"Or a King."
"I…" she was right, not like I was going to admit all my of secrets or feelings to her. Like that time I snuck out of the Citadel for a midnight release of the prequel-sequel-interquel to a game. Or when I misplaced Prompto's 18th birthday gift by summoning it away and it ended up in his room anyways. Or more importantly, how I had a brand from an unknown fal'Cie that was ticking down as we spoke. "Touché." I looked around the black hall. "Why is our shared dream in the Citadel anyways?"
"Because I have been staying there for the time being. And it is a familiar place to you, is it not?"
I admit being back in my home was a little bit of comfort from being on the road so much in a small amount of time. For the past week it has been nothing but driving around in the Regalia, Prompto asking for various photo ops, Ignis not so subtly hinting at me not getting up in the morning, and Gladio making me train at the break of dawn just so Ignis will get off my back.
"It is home, or it used to be," I said in response. The familiar smell of the fresh polish and leather flowed to my nose. It truly felt like home.
"You are the King of Lucis yes? The Empire doesn't recognize you as King of Lucis, no matter what propaganda they put out." Why was I not surprised after what they did to Dad? Oh right. She continued. "My brother Ravus is more than likely to be called King instead by the Empire. King of both Tenebrae and Lucis."
"Too bad he will have to deal with me. The Crown…" I hesitated. I wasn't sure if I was able to vie for the throne. Not yet anyway . Then I remembered who I was talking to. "Gentiana mentioned a test. What is it?"
"In times of great distress and questionable faith, you may be tested by your brand." Her eyes darted to my arm, currently covering my brand with a glove. "Hmm our time grows short Lord Noctis."
"What?" I blinked and then I woke up, very well rested for once. My heart pounded in my chest. From shock? From something else? I didn't know.
Riding in the Regalia towards Lestallum I couldn't stop thinking about what had occurred last night. Stella sent me a potion that would allow me to speak with her. But why? Why did she want to talk to me? I didn't understand. Nothing about her made sense. Who is Princess Stella Nox Fleuret?
And the talk with her wasn't...bad at all. I felt like she just wanted to talk like we weren't enemies. But there had to be alternative motive. She was a part of the Empire. If she ever wanted to talk to me again, she will not worm anything out of me.
"And here we are." Ignis said as we arrived into the city of Lestallum.
"It's pretty nice to be back in a city after being out in the countryside," said Gladio.
"They even have a cable car!"
"I wonder where it goes."
Parking in the sunshine, I shrug off my jacket. "Man it's hot." I complained.
"Then take your shirt off," advised Gladio.
"Like you? Pass."
"Afraid of showing your scrawny body?"
"Hey, I got muscle. You just can't see it."
"Uh huh." Gladio was not convinced. "Iris is in the Leville."
"Let's go."
The four of us took in the city. Ahhh people. The smell of industrial machinery almost reminded me of home. Almost.
"Whoa the meteorite really is on fire!" one passerby exclaimed.
"It's burning up in here."
I walked closer to the viewpoint of the meteorite. It looked like a giant crystal of a humanoid person. "Whoa is that...a l'Cie in the meteorite?" I gaped at the marvel. I didn't notice this last night at the angle I was sitting while looking. But now I could definitely see the body of a woman.
"Yes, indeed." A very familiar, punchable voice spoke behind me. My eye twitched. Chancellor Ardyn Izunia.
I whipped around, in a defensive stance. "Why are you here?"
He shrugged. "Admiring the view of the Meteorite. The poor l'Cie trapped in the crystal though. Such a shame."
"If you're here to take me into custody then you're setting yourself up for disappointment."
"Oh no Your Highness. Simply I am giving you my condolences. The great King Regis' passing has truly hit all of Lucis hard. I have no reason to have you taken into the Empire. I'll let the military commanders find you first." He looked at the crystal. "The heat from the meteorite is slowly melting the crystal holding it into place. The poor soul trapped within was a l'Cie who was charged with protecting this area and the fal'Cie from the devastation that was to be the meteor. She used her powers along her Eidolon, the Archaean, to halt the descent. Now she is nothing more than a crystal pillar that sleeps alongside the dormant fal'Cie." And then he just walked away.
Once he was out of earshot, I finally spoke up. "I want nothing more than to punch that guy in the face."
"He gives me the creeps," shuddered Prompto.
"He is very shady," Gladio pointed out.
"I wonder why he is here, besides to possibly antagonize us," Ignis thought out loud.
I leaned against the wall. "I just don't like him at all. Let's just go to the Leville."
Prompto pulled out his camera. "One second Noct I want a picture of the Meteorite. I need a good view."
I wandered closer down to the vantage point, walking past a guy with long hair pulled back and a white t-shirt with a camera.
"Hey fellas! I see that camera you got there," the guy called to us. Prompto got his shot and the two of us walked up to him .
"Yeah, what about our camera?" I asked.
"We see I have a job that if you're interested, requires taking some shots. I pay well."
We needed money anyways. "Uh sure. Yeah. You up to it Prompto?"
"Oh yeah! So what shots do ya need?"
"Just some shots of the Crystal Meteorite, a few from the south and a few from the north."
"Got it," I agreed.
"Stay cool in this heat ya hear?" he took out a hand fan to cool himself. Fans in Insomnia were only used as ceremonial decoration, and were either black or white. The fan this photo guy was holding was beige. The more you know.
Upon arriving into the lobby of the Leville, I stopped cold as I saw sitting in a chair, Clarus Amicitia. He looked up at me, or at least I thought he was looking at me. Blood dripped from his chest.
"Noct?" Ignis asked me.
I blinked and Clarus was gone. "Yeah?"
"Is there something wrong?"
"Nah, nothing."
I look to the stairs and Iris was at the top. "Gladdy!" she exclaimed, quickly rushing down the stairs to hug her brother. "I'm so glad you're okay!"
Gladio hugged her back. "Same here Iris."
Iris released him and turned to Ignis, Prompto, and I. "Hey Noct, Prompto, Iggy."
"Hey Iris," I waved.
"Sup Iris!"
"Greetings Iris. How are you?"
"Doing great! We have so much to catch up on," she responded.
A dirty haired boy no older than ten came running into the lobby, stopping in front of me. "Hello Prince Noctis! Remember me, Talcott?"
An older man, who I recognized as Talcott's grandfather Jared, followed in after his grandson. "Talcott mind yourself. Forgive me Your Majesty."
There was that address again. I wasn't ready to be used to it. I didn't want to be used it. I wanted to go back to being Your Highness.
"It's alright. Talcott here has been doing a good job right?" I asked.
"Yep! I will try my best to protect Lady Iris, Prince Noctis." Talcott hopped on his feet eagerly. "Oh yeah we learned something from the people here. There's a legend about a sword that is hidden behind a waterfall."
"That must be one of the Royal Tombs," noted Ignis.
"Let's go find it then," I declared.
"What about…" Gladio nodded to Iris.
She waved at us. "We can catch up when you get back. Go. Be careful of Cie'th. If things get rough, use Gladdy as a meat shield."
"Thanks Iris," Gladio rolled his eyes at his sister.
The four of us nodded at her, then to Jared and Talcott who bowed to us as we left.
We drove all the way across the province to the side of a small mountain range. I took in the beautiful sight of the land before me. Pine trees lined the forests in the distance, Prompto asks us to pull over to catch a pic of the north side of the meteorite. The crystal statue of the woman who sacrificed herself to protect the world from the disastrous meteorite was only halfway visible.
This was Eos, this was Lucis. This was my kingdom. And if I had to rule, I was proud to rule to protect this beauty.
After sliding all over the place and fighting many Cie'th in the icy grotto behind the waterfall, we reached the Royal Tomb. I reached out, less nervous this time, and absorb the dual Swords of the Wanderer. The magic of the weapons reacted to my blood once again, and I felt even stronger.
"Three down, more to go," I said. So many of these damn things to get. So many Cie'th.
"Does this mean we can go back outside?" Prompto shivered.
"Run around a little and you'll warm up," advised Gladio.
Turning around to exit the tomb, I see behind my friends a lady in a blue robe. She stared at me briefly and then walked away towards the exit of the grotto. Telling them I was ready to go, I followed after the lady. Perhaps this was just another trick of the light like with seeing Clarus. Once we reached the entrance, the lady was gone. The sky was dark and clear, the stars shining down upon us.
"Guess we're camping for the night," Ignis said.
"Another night under the stars," I said, looking at where the lady in blue could have been. She was nowhere to be seen. Strange. Very strange.
Setting up the tent, Ignis set to cook, Prompto sat down with his phone to play King's Knight, and Gladio went to get firewood. I entered the tent, and found another vial of blue liquid on my sleeping bag. Gentiana must've placed it there.
I sigh and roll my eyes. What did Stella want now? Better to take it than have another threat against my friends.
I was back in the Citadel again. I walked forward down the same hallway, my combat boots thudding on the floor. Eventually Stella came into view.
"Hello, Lord Noctis."
"Princess Stella."
I saw her eyes dart to my brand then back to me. "I suppose you are wondering why I wished to speak with you again?"
"Yeah. I would like to know."
"It's about Niflheim."
"Not this again." I was tired of the Empire. I didn't care about those jackasses.
"I...I should probably tell you what happened when Niflheim came."
"I'm listening."
She took a deep breath and began. "My mother agreed before I was born to throw her weight behind the Empire. King Regis took this as a treasonous act and declared Tenebrae an enemy. Things got complicated when I was born. In some ways I believe Lord Ravus blames me for our mother dying."
That must hurt. To be blamed for your parent's death. In some ways I could be responsible for Dad's death. But I know the Niffs killed him. Whoever General Glauca is, I will find him and deliver justice towards him.
Stella continued, "When I was a young child before I meet you, Niflheim came to collect. They wanted me dead. Easier to deal with one leader than one with a spare. When General Glauca went to murder me, I fled, trying to get away. I was trapped in the corner, nowhere left to run. For a second I saw…" She paused. "Etro. I thought I saw Etro. But I didn't die. My mother jumped in front of the General." Stella turned away. I could hear her voice crack.
She was just a victim of Niflheim. How much more would they take from the world? Dad, Stella's mother, Gladio and Iris' father.
"My people," she hiccupped. "Think of Etro as the weak goddess since she was created with no powers and cast off by her creator. She killed herself as a result. But I knew from that day, that I saw Etro. She truly is the Goddess of Death. Someone prophesied that Etro sleeps and will awaken to bring due mercy upon those who suffer. I just...found myself no longer able to worship Lindzei. I tried running away to Lucis because you worship Etro and I wanted some answers...That's how I got captured by the Kingsglaive."
I lightly put my hand on her shoulder. She twisted around to face me, keeping her face down. Tears fell from her eyes and to the floor. I wanted nothing more to console her in the moment. Another victim of the Empire. I pulled her in close, hugging her, unsure of what else to do. She froze up. I was just as feeling weird about it. Her trying to tell me a rather gruesome part of her past was hard to look at. My enemy who manipulated me and tricked me is still human. I can forgive her for the moment.
She pushed herself away and wiped her eyes. "I apologize for my weakness, Lord Noctis."
I held up a hand to stop her. "Don't apologize. I know...now how it feels." Love is never a weakness. If it was Dad wouldn't have been so angry to kill the Cie'th that attacked me.
She nodded. "So Lord Noctis, I wish for you to tell me more of your culture. Lucis worships Etro. I want to know more."
There was little harm in telling her about that. If she is the temporary government of Lucis then she must know something about it.
"Um well we wear black most often in Lucis, in good will for the Goddess and our thriving of the nighttime. We sleep in late morning and party at night. Night to us symbolizes the end, just like death."
The two of us sat down in the hallway. Stella fired question after question about Lucis and I answered as best as I could.
"Is there something about the Royal Family that people always kept in mind in Lucis?"
"We were revered but feared. Messing with the royal family was a death sentence. Even as a child, I knew I was looked upon with fear as if I could do something to them if they so much crossed my path. The Kings and Queens of Lucis were fair to the kingdom, thanks to the fal'Cie keeping them in check, but I wouldn't have been surprised if they did shady things to forward the best interests of the kingdom."
"How do you feel about that? Do you think it is right?"
I thought about it. It wasn't right in my eyes. "No. We should avoid necessary evils if we can help it. Bad stuff will always happen and we might be forced to choose to do a bad thing but we shouldn't be unable to pick a different option."
"Is that part of your plan when you ascend and take your place as King?"
"Tch. Since when did this become about what I will do when I accept my title?" I smile at her, teasing.
She giggled. Her melodious laugh made my cheeks feel hot. "Oh I forgot. You are still Your Highness, not Majesty. My mistake."
"Right. Hey wait, doesn't Ravus technically become King of Tenebrae?"
Her lips fell into a solemn frown. "The Empire will not recognize the monarchy of Tenebrae. Technically Emperor Aldercapt is King, because he has slain the Queen and destroyed our Crystal."
"Why does he want to destroy the Crystals anyways? Aren't they supposed to be our gift of magic from the gods?"
"Back when Niflheim had a Crystal, it was destroyed by someone. Niflheim waged war after that. If they can't have the Crystal then no one else should."
"And what do you think about that?"
She bit her lip. "To be honest, I think it's just a matter of wounded pride. Your Crystal is gone. You've already proven you have advanced beyond that loss. I do not understand why they chose to cause war. What do they hope to gain?"
"Then why do you work for them if you're against their ideologies?"
"Our time grows short. I will see you later, Lord Noctis."
"Wha...Princess Stella?"
I awoke, feeling refreshed. I felt...somehow ashamed that I enjoyed our conversation. But why won't she tell me why she is working for Niflheim? If she doesn't like it why won't she leave? And when she spoke of her near death experience, the guilt she must've had, and the worthlessness she feels has to be horrible. For once in my life I see Stella as someone who is alone and part of a system that has forced her to do things she doesn't agree with. I wasn't exactly over her manipulation though.
On our way to Lestallum we had various detours; one where Prompto wanted a group picture of the Meteorite, one where we stopped to investigate another Royal Tomb in a nearby forest and found the Shield of the Just in plain sight. That was easy.
Setting up camp the night after we got the Royal tomb, Ignis approached me.
"Noct, may I inquire your time?"
"Yeah Specs, lay it on me."
"I was hoping you could help me in the morning with making breakfast."
Oh no. That meant waking up on the break of dawn, which means less sleep. "It is the most important meal of the day."
"Good. I will see you in the morning."
The sun was setting. I sighed. I had to go bed or else I won't get up in the morning. What I wouldn't give to have that potion right now.
I find something underneath my pillow as soon as I laid down. Another vial.
"You look grumpy, Lord Noctis," Stella teased.
I groaned, "I just don't like getting up at the break of dawn. I prefer my sleep."
"Oh the great King of Lucis likes his sleep?"
"I wouldn't exactly say 'great' yet…" At that moment I noticed that Stella was no longer wearing her white dress. She was wearing black, a tank top with a short ruffled skirt and black knee high combat boots. The only semblance of her previous white attire was a white shoulder covering.
"You're wearing black?" I asked.
"Yes. In honor of Etro and Insomnia, right?"
"Yeah…" I have to admit, I was rather flattered she changed her attire like that.
"Do I...look okay?"
I think I was staring for a while because I nearly missed her question. "Uhh yeah. Yeah you look really good." Really good? The way she was wearing that outfit made her look downright sexy.
What the hell was I thinking?
I disregard my thoughts of her attire completely. "Um so, why are we here tonight?"
She shrugged. "Maybe because I want to talk to you. You should know of the rankings of Niflheim."
"The Emperor, then the Chancellor," my blood boiled at the mention of those two, especially Ardyn's punchable face. Whereas Stella takes no pleasure in doing things for the Empire, I can tell Ardyn enjoyed every moment of being an ass.
"Ravus is now Supreme High Commander," Stella informed me. "Then below him is Commodore Highwind. Below her is the Commanders such as Loqi. You killed him so they're finding a replacement."
"He got himself killed," I said as a matter of fact. The way Stella looked at me told me she wasn't convinced.
"Are you sure about that Lord Noctis?"
"Yep. Absolutely," I crossed my arms and looked away.
"The reports say otherwise. The cutting of the gas tank was not Loqi's doing, unless he got outside the armor and took a sword to the tank himself."
Ugh. Why must she have reasoning and evidence on her side? "Alright, I killed him. I didn't mean to. If I can, I would rather not kill anyone ever."
"Not even for nightmarish power?"
"Not even." Why would I kill for power is beyond me.
"Right. Of course. Why would I expect something horrible from the beloved Prince of Lucis?"
A thought struck me. "Do you...leave the Citadel and talk to anyone ever?"
She laughed. "Yes I do. I speak with the citizens of Insomnia. They seem to hold the belief that their Prince will return and take his place at the throne. They are fond of you, Lord Noctis." She turned away and began to walk. I walked with her, the sounds of our footsteps echoing and keeping the silence less awkward. "I talked with a shop owner. He said he would give you a free soda on your way to school if you passed your test. Then he laughed and mentioned how about ten minutes after you passed by his shop he would be interrogated by the glaive assigned to watch you."
I knew my old man would never leave things to chance. "Did I ever tell you," I began, wanting to make her laugh again for some reason. "The time I was kidnapped supposedly?"
She raised an eyebrow at that. "What? How? Lord Noctis kidnapped? How absurd."
"I wandered off when I was 4. A man dressed as a glaive approached me and said I was to be taken back to my father. I didn't know any better and I went into his car. I sat in there, and I was completely bored, so I asked to go the arcade. When the man said no, I kept asking, because no one said no to my demands up front except Dad. I knew then that this was not a glaive. So I asked and asked and asked. It drove him nuts to the point where he parked the car on the side of the road and ditched."
Stella started laughing, trying to cover her mouth with her hand. "And then?"
"Cor the Immortal found me using a pin on my shirt which was a tracking device. My dad was in a huge panic. I didn't know exactly at the time. He said 'Noct, whatever can I do to earn your forgiveness?'"
"What was your response?"
"'Get me a milkshake and I will forgive you.'"
Stella laughed uncontrollably, tears forming in her eyes. "Lord Noctis...you had...strange priorities as a child...oh Etro…" It took her some time to regain her composure. Once she did she asked me, "Lord Noctis, would you want have children of your own one day?"
My face felt hot. It never occurred to me even the thought of finding the right woman and marrying her, much less having children. "I guess so, it is my requirement to have children after all."
Once Niflheim is brought to heel and I reclaim my throne, then maybe, I could consider having children more. Nothing wrong with children at all. I still felt like a child myself at the age of 20. Wait, how was I going to reclaim my throne in the first place?
"Princess Stella?"
"Hmm?"
"Once I am strong enough...tell the citizens of Insomnia I am coming back."
She nodded. "Consider it done."
A little hope thrown their way would be enough, or at least I hoped.
Waking up at the brink of dawn, I felt refreshed. It felt like talking to Stella was becoming a regular therapy session and I felt better physically and mentally. I remembered Ignis' request and drag myself out of bed. Exiting the tent I see Ignis already setting out the vegetables to be chopped. Bleh.
"Good morning Noct," he waved to me.
I faked a yawn to prevent him from being suspicious of my lack of tiredness. "Good morning Specs. What's cooking?"
"Omelets. Mind dicing the tomatoes?"
"Not at all." I walked over to the cutting board and saw the offending fruit sitting there to be cut up. "How do you dice exactly?" I asked, a complete newbie at cooking. I can heat up water for Cup of Noodles and I know how to cut things, but beyond that my cooking ability was zero.
"You slice them then slice them again into chunks," Ignis informed me.
I began doing as he said. Huh. This wasn't as hard as I thought.
"Did you sleep well?" Ignis asked as we both did our tasks.
"Yep. As well as it can get when you are up at dawn."
He chuckled. "The fresh morning air does you some good. Plus the sunrise is always a pleasant sight."
I paused briefly to look up to see the sunrise before me. It was pretty, but always fleeting.
"You're doing good dicing, Noct."
"Learned from the best."
I see Ignis out of the corner of my eye smile. I couldn't help but smile as well. It felt good helping my friends.
"Yesterday while we were getting gas I asked the locals if there were any ruins around the area. One man said yes, but it was heavily guarded by Cie'th. It's called Malmalam Thicket You up to finding another Royal Tomb today?"
Ugh a thicket. Means bugs and more bugs. "Anything to improve my own arsenal." And deal with those Niflheim bastards.
"Hey what's cooking?" Gladio asked, stretching his sides out from his morning jog.
"Omelets. Noct here is learning a thing or two about preparing food beyond Cup-O-Noodles," jested Ignis.
"Hey, I know how to make other dishes like...fish and soup."
"Anyone can make soup Noct," Gladio laughed.
"And catching the fish is a lot different from giving it the proper flavor and texture," Ignis cracked eggs into a bowl.
"Highness is probably going to be getting up at dawn every day for a month to learn how not to starve immediately in the event you're not around Iggy."
My face felt hot as Ignis laughed. "Indeed."
Prompto exited the tent a short while later, yawning as Ignis finished up the past omelet over the fire. "I smell good food. Ooo omelets!" he took the plate carefully from Ignis' hand and sat down in a foldable chair next to me by the fire pit to chow down.
"So what's the plan for today?" Gladio asked, taking down the tent.
"We head to Malmalam Thicket and pay a visit to one of my ancestors," I said with another fake yawn. "Then Lestallum."
"You mean…" Prompto's eyes went wide, "Bugs?"
"Yep, lots of bugs," I sighed, taking another bite of my omelet.
I emerged from the swampy thicket, Scepter of the Pious in my arsenal. All of us smelled of mud and giant insect corpses. Before me at the long winded road down to the Regalia was the Blue Lady. She waved and walked down the path, fading away with each step.
I blinked. Why was I seeing her so often above all other hallucinations? For that matter why the hell was I seeing them in the first place? I thought I was going crazy.
"Noct you alright buddy?" Prompto shook my shoulder.
"Yeah, I'm just doing fine," I said half-heartedly, the Blue Lady's presence still on my mind.
"Getting dark out," pointed out Gladio. "Better make tracks and settle down for the night."
"Where does his Highness wish to sleep tonight?" Ignis asked me.
"The river, so I can fish," I answered.
"As expected," Ignis laughed.
We set up camp at dusk at the nearest river. I sat down on a smooth stone by the water to try to wipe the muck off my coat and boots. Yuck. Dead flies were in the mud. I looked up to see the dusky sky painted pink and purple. It usually was beautiful, but something about this falling daylight was unnerving to say the least.
"Noct, we have something to inform you of." Ignis said to me. I could sense the hesitation as I stood up to face him.
"Lay it on me, Specs."
He gestured to Prompto. "Show him."
Prompto frowned at me, as if he was betraying me. He twisted his head to reveal more of his neck. Pushing aside his high collared jacket and his hair, a black skull was visible on his skin. The symbol of Lucis. The very same brand that Dad had. Except while Dad's brand was white, Prompto's was black and from what I could tell at stage 3, only the front of the skull and some decor was there.
"What?" I gasped.
Gladio lifted up his jacket, his brand on the side of his hip, partially covered by his leather pants. Ignis took off his right glove and revealed his brand on the back of his hand. All three of them were l'Cie, branded by the Lucian fal'Cie.
"Why…"
"Let me explain."
"Damn better."
Ignis sighed, "Your father ordered this the second Chancellor Izunia came to offer a peace treaty. They induct people into the King's inner circle by bringing them to the fal'Cie to brand them."
They could have left. They were only loyal and staying with me because of my father's orders. That brand was ensuring their loyalty.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked in a low voice. "Why didn't any of you tell me?!"
Prompto looked ashamed. Gladio was unreadable. Ignis only looked at me with a serious expression. "Noct…"
"Don't 'Noct' me. Are all of you just with me because if you don't you will be damned to suffer for an eternity?"
A shock from my brand sent me to my knees. My vision felt blurry as multiple images of my stage 4 brand hovered over my glove. Four arrows were on my forearm, like a clock.
"Noct!" all three of them shouted.
I look up as my pain faded to Prompto pointing to the sky. I followed his finger to see dark clouds swirling around. Out a glimpse of sunlight a humongous dark blue figure with giant swords posing as its wings flew out of the clouds, instantly dispersing them.
It was heading straight towards me. Somehow I was propelled to stand up properly.
"What... what is that?!" Prompto exclaimed.
"It's an Eidolon." Ignis shouted over the wind.
"A what?!"
"A creature of legend. It challenges l'Cie."
"And right now it is challenging Noct," Gladio said. "Do as we swore to protect the King!"
The giant being, now more close up, landed in front of me. His armor was azure, the helm draconic. The wing blades circulated behind him.
"I am Bahamut the Draconian. Show me your worth l'Cie."
Summoning the Sword of the Wise to my hand, I show I am ready. Bahamut bowed to me, and I bowed back.
His first strike was a sweep of his main hand blade. I magically dodge his massive sword.
"Noct!" all three of my friends shouted.
"I got this," I stated with a firm voice. The three of them stood back. Their weapons were ready in case I was to be harmed.
Bahamut swept the ground again, only this time it was at my eye level. He raised his sword high and quickly slammed it down, aiming for me. I hold my Royal Arm up in front of me and blocked his massive sword with much concentration and sheer force of magic. I parry it away and mustered up my magic to use my Armiger for the first time. Six weapons circled around me and I gained the upper hand; flying up in the air. Blade after blade from Bahamut's back flew at me. I blocked it with ease with my Armiger. But I had limits. My Armiger ended quickly and I landed on the ground, summoning the Shield of the Just to block more swipes of his blade. Clash, clang. Metal hit metal at a constant rate. Each strike forcing me back little but little. I pushed back.
Eventually I withstood his attacks enough that he stopped. I put down my weapon cautiously. He bowed to me, pointed to my brand and it glowed blue. Bahamut absorbed himself into my brand.
"Go young King. The world needs you. I offer you my services in return."
This was the test Gentiana and Stella mentioned.
"Noct you okay?" Prompto worried.
"Yeah, I am okay...for the moment."
"Noct is worthy of an Eidolon…" Gladio said, some disbelief in his voice.
"Yes, and he did it on his own," Ignis said.
I was haunted by the implications that their brands carried, as well as mine. I had no clue what my focus was. Theirs was loud and clear: protect the King. Serve the King. The King is above all. Serve the King so he may serve all. The world is watching as I stumble to accept a role that from the moment I was born, I was raised to fulfill. The second I lost my father I gained the title of King.
But I had not earned it.
So I got busy with finals so this is a very late and behind update. I plan to update again on the first of July to get back on track. I would like to thank my beta xPiki for helping me improve this chapter and all previous chapters!
I apologize if I am skipping dungeons because let's be honest, you all have experienced those in the game already.