Chapter 10

'Come on Noct! Up and attem!' Gladio's gruff voice broke through Noctis' deep sleep. Large arms encased the Prince, manoeuvring him upwards. Noctis bit back a cry as pain roared to life in him but a small whimper escaped.

'Hey Kid, I know… I know that it hurts but we gotta get you out this bed Noct - it's been over a week!' Gladios' tone had a soft edge to it that Noctis wasn't used to. The Prince opened his stinging eyes and took a deep breath.

'I know.' Noctis conceded, his voice waivered pathetically causing his cheeks to flush. He could feel his frustration building already. The RV was dim and smelled musty even to Noctis who had been confined there – god knows what it must be like to step into from the fresh air.

Noctis' Shield carried him out of the RV. Noctis was suddenly very aware of his clothes, or lack thereof, he was in sleeping clothes which were soft black knee-length shorts and an old tank top – also black, naturally. Noctis could feel a blush creep into his cheeks and he made to straighten his top.

Gladio chuckled 'don't worry Princess, only hunters come to the outpost and they don't care about your outfit, everyone's just glad that you're awake. We're going a little away from the outpost anyhow, I thought that we can just take it slow today and at least get out outside for a bit, lying in that RV staring at the ceiling can't be good for you.'

Noctis relaxed as they walked around the borders of the outpost and then away out toward one of the quieter surrounding areas.

'Gladiolus!' A sharp voice from behind broke the quiet which had fallen between the two. Noctis heard and felt Gladio sigh. The Shield muttered 'here we go..' under his breath and turned around. A worried Ignis jogged up to them, a deep frown puckering his forehead.

'Were you planning to inform us that you were taking Noctis out?' Ignis asks, his voice is high with worry.

Gladio sighed again. 'He needs to get up and get moving! He's been lying around for days!'

'He died, right in front of us - several times - Gladio!' Ingis' tone was icy. It reminded Noctis of the harsh words from his advisor in the grey beyond. Noctis flinched automatically raising a hand to his head to rub it.

Gladio and Ignis' argument was instantly forgotten as their focus turned to Noctis.

'Noct!'

'Hey, Noctis!'

Noctis was quick to drop his hand and school his features into a neutral expression but he was instantly chided.

'No need for that, what's wrong?' Ignis pried.

Noctis huffed out his nose and opened his mouth to try and explain but Gladio talked right over him.

'Iggy, back off! He's fine and we are going to get some fresh air in his lungs and some sun on his face, I'llbring him back and you know that he's safe with me.'

Gladio shifted Noctis in his arms and turned, walking away from Ignis before the advisor could respond. Noctis could feel the tension rolling off of the broad man. He reached up, fisting a hand in Gladio's top.

'…sorry…'

Gladio looked down at Noctis, the Shield's eyes were boring into Noctis' own.

'You have nothing to be sorry for. Are we clear?'

The words were so strong and clear that Noctis actually felt tears sting at his eyes. He just nodded and they resumed the walk. Neither of them talked again until they reached a small grassy plain, some trees dotted around offering a bit of shelter against the strong sun. They hadn't travelled too far beyond the outpost, Gladio settled Noctis. Propping him up against a tree. Being manoeuvred around was painful and Noctis groaned and gasped, clinging onto Gladio against the sharp aching. Gladio was supportive of it all and they soon had Noctis sat down, The Prince was left gasping for breath and he found himself laughing dryly.

Gladio cocked an eyebrow at Noctis in question and once the Prince had calmed enough to speak he wheezed. 'I didn't do anything…but I'm exhausted.' Gladio chuckled. 'Well, you have always used any excuse to nap kiddo.'

Noctis smiled and the two settled into an easy silence.

Noctis closed his eyes and drew in a deep, steadying breath, he just focused on the breeze, on the rustle of the leaves through the trees the whisper on the wind 'worthless' Noctis gasped and winced against it.

'Whatsup Noct?' Gladio was quick to ask.

'…nothin...' Noctis mumbled, there was no point getting into it. It would only make the guys feel bad and Noctis didn't want to talk about it, he was fine. It was all fine. Noctis felt his breath hitch and silently swore at himself for getting upset again.

A warm hand encompassed his shoulder. 'You can talk to me.' Gladio said, his voice was unusually soft.

Noctis thought about it. Out of the group, Gladio was the least likely to get emotional. He was the strongest and most stoic. Perhaps out of everyone he was the one that Noctis could talk to.

'You promise you're not going to freak out?' Noctis asked.

Gladio nodded. 'You can tell me anything.'

Noctis believed him.

Noctis took a deep breath and with a long sigh, he began to explain what happened. At first, he was quiet, keeping the details scarce as he explained his journey through his subconscious with Carbuncle but, it didn't take long for Noctis to get fully engrossed in his retelling. He was soon recalling the journey to Gladio in full detail. The Shield was quiet, letting Noctis speak, Gladios expression remained blank the only change was when Noctis stuttered or got a bit upset that Gladio would put a supportive hand on Noctis or urge him on.

By the end, Noctis was openly crying and Gladio had moved to sit next to him. An arm slung around Noctis' shoulders. There was a long silence and Gladio was the first to talk.

'It just in your head Noct.' Gladio affirmed. 'It wasn't real, none of us would say anything like that.'

Noctis sniffled, trying to get himself back together.

'Gladio.' Noctis started, his voice was quiet.

'Yeah?'

'Would you help me up?'

Gladio's head whipped round to look at Noctis.

'Noct, I know that normally I'd be with you on this but you're still really injured…' Gladio started.

'If you won't help me, I'll do it myself…' Noctis stated his tone final.

Noctis bit on the inside of his cheeks and he slowly manoeuvred his legs under himself. He braced himself on the tree behind him and pushed with all of his strength. His legs were wobbly, like cooked noodles, and they felt equally as weak like they would just fold under him at any time.

Noctis could feel sweat pouring from him, his breath coming in heaving gasps as he pushed himself up, biting his inner cheek harder and harder against the pain. His body was screaming at him, Gladio was talking to him but the words were a meaningless noise in the background, Noctis continued to push himself up and up and then his vision went black and he landed on the ground, hard, right on his bad side which had been burnt by the defibrillator.

'Fuck.' Noctis roared, he could taste the coppery tang of blood from his destroyed cheeks but he didn't care. He needed to do this!

Noctis pushed himself up weakly. Crying and groaning from the agony of the movement, his battered body protested against every move. He got his arms under him and pushed, he reached crouching position and made it to a squat and began to push himself up when he blacked out again, strong hands caught him with a curse and lowered him to the ground. Noctis was covered, caked in dust and seasoned with sweat, blood, tears and snot.

He felt disgusting, he felt useless and as much as Gladio has confirmed that he and the others didn't hate Noctis it doesn't mean that Noctis didn't hate himself sometimes… The Prince lay there, curled up in the dirt and he tried to swallow it all down, to push his feelings and pain aside. Then Gladio was there, strong hands on him, lifting Noctis to him murmuring to him in a gentle rumble. Noctis tries to shrug him off but it only causes more pain as he desperately fought against the hands on him.

'Woah, Noct, come on. It's just me, it's okay.'

Noctis couldn't help the whimper that came from his as he flinched again.

'I'm so pathetic!' Noctis bit out and he tried to move again he wanted to stand and walk and to just be back to normal. But his body was weak and broken. Potions helped but not with deeper issues, they were made for minor cuts and scrapes, they healed superficial wounds but they didn't fully heal broken bones and deep cuts. They were basically useless against burns and recovery from dying multiple times was something that no potion could help with.

'Gladio, I hate being like this. I just want to get back to normal.' Noctis admitted, his voice wobbling. Noctis' tears came from frustration and anger more than pain or sadness.

'I know Noct, we'll get you there.' Gladio said, as he scooped Noctis up and made his way back toward the RV.

When the two arrived back, Ignis was fussing around the caravan. The advisor dropped the plate in his hand with a crash when he spotted Noctis covered in blood and crying in Gladios' arms.

'Noctis what – Gladio? What the happened?' Ignis demanded as he moved forward, Ignis' hands were instantly on Noctis, checking his head for his temperature and ghosting over various spots where Noctis had injuries, testing and assessing.

'Iggy- I'm ok…' Noctis mumbled staring down at his lap. Prompto was hot on Ignis' heels, a small distressed sound escaping the blonde as he took in Noctis.

'C'mon Noct, lets clean you up.' Prompto gently took Noctis from Gladio. Noctis who previously weighed about the same as Prompto was was now light in Prompto's arms. 'Prom, I'm too heavy…' Noctis started but he was cut-off by a soft 'shhh.' Prompto staggered a little when he took Noctis from Gladio and the gunman was wheezing a little by the time he got them both into the bathroom but he got them there.

'Arms up.' The blonde encouraged when he had sat Noctis on the closed-lidded toilet seat.

Noctis complied automatically. 'Do you want to talk about it?' Prompto asked quietly.

Noctis just shook his head with a quiet 'no…it's just me being useless…nothing new…'

Prompto opened his mouth to reply but the words were lost when a loud crash erupted from the main living space of the RV. Noctis flinched at the sound and Prompto jumped.

'I'm so pathetic.' Noctis spat.

Prompto just pet his hair, the blonde knew this side of his best friend better than the other two, it was a side that Prompto had to himself too and he knew that any effort to dissuade Noctis right now would only add fuel to the fire of self-hatred that was burning within the raven-haired man now.

Prompto simply continued to clean Noctis up. It was only when he turned on the shower that Prompto hesitated. 'You can go, I can do this at least.' Noctis says softly. Prompto rolls his eyes and turns away from the shower to face Noctis. 'Dude, that's not it. I just don't want to hurt you. Perhaps we should ask Ig-' Prompto is cut off by the door being wrenched open and a red-faced Ignis is panting in the doorway.

Prompto just laughs, only to have it silenced by an icy gaze from Ignis. 'No Iggy! I'm not laughing at you, I barely started to say your name and you appeared! It's like your mama hen senses were tingling!' Prompto rushes to explain, tripping up over the words a little toward the end. Ingis' gaze softens and he lets out a little snort but then his attention is straight back on Noctis.

The prince is slumped in on himself. Ignis can feel the frustration rolling off him. Ignis looks to Prompto and nods, Prompto actually stands his ground and places a hand on Noctis' shoulder.

'Noct, would you like me or Iggy to help you?'

Ignis opens his mouth, an affronted squawk building in his throat. Of course, Noctis would want Ignis to help, that's his job. Noctis looks up at Ignis, and the advisor sees such open worry in Noctis eyes it makes Ignis step forward to try to help but Noctis just shakes his head.

'Prompto.' Noctis states quietly.

Ignis can't help the rejection he feels but he inclines his head. 'Very well, I'll be outside should you need me… for anything.'

When Ignis leaves Noct lets out a long breath Prompto just pats his head again and they manage to get Noctis washed and changed into fresh clothes. By the time they are done Noctis is panting heavily from the effort and his face is pale.

'I think it's naptime buddy.' Prompto states, his tone is light but a tinge of worry still colours the words. Noctis just shrugs weakly, his shoulders barely move. Prompto makes to lift him again but Noctis shakes his head. Gritting his teeth Noctis manages to heave himself up onto violently shaking legs.

'H-Hey! Noct, you're not fully healed yet!' Prompto exclaims rushing to support Noctis.

'I'm fine.' Noctis forces out between his teeth, his hands are curled into fists and he tries to take a step, just one step… and Noctis immediately crashes to the floor his head banging against the door and causing it to open, sitting ajar.

Prompto tries to fuss over him but Noctis is quick to hold out a hand to stop him.

'No, I…have to try. Please… Prompto…'

Prompto bites his lip and steps back to give Noctis some room.

'Okay, buddy.'

Noctis pushes himself up again, his legs buckle under him almost instantly but Noctis braces himself against the wall, Prompto can see the muscles in his arms flexing from the effort.

The Prince stays there, clinging to the wall, for a moment to regain his breath a little and then he pushes the door to the cubicle, letting it open fully. Ignis turns sharply when he hears the door open and he immediately rushes forward at the sight of Noctis trying walk.

'Noctis! What are you thinking?!' Ignis chides.

'Ignis I tried but-'

'I CAN WALK MY GODDAMN SELF!' Noctis cries. A few moments of intense silence settle between them and Noctis takes a tentative step forward as he still clings desperately to the wall.

Gladio makes his way into the RV, followed closely by Cor.

'Hey guys, The Marshall's stopped by to check up on…' Gladios words trail off and the pair of fighters stop taking in the scene. Gladio inhales sharply and, as if Cor can sense his anger, The Marshall places a hand on Gladio's upper arm and shakes his head.

'Your Highness,' Cor starts 'do you need help?' Cor's tone and expression are completely neutral.

'No.' Noctis states flatly.

'Very well. You heard him, let's get on with our day shall we?' Cor commands. The other three share an incredulous look.

'Do I need to make it an order?' Cor enquires.

Gladio and Ignis busy themselves but both stay in the RV, Prompto just stays where he is behind Noctis, there's no room for him to go anywhere else...

Cor nods and then he pulls out his phone. The Marshall starts flicking through it, no doubt contacting hunters and the like. Noctis quietly looks around. The only person paying him any mind is Prompto hovering behind him.

Noctis takes a steadying breath, his stomach flips a little but he remains mostly steady despite his embarrassingly shaky legs. The Prince shuffles one foot forward, taking the tiniest step. Noctis shifts his weight, testing, his knee instantly buckles and he feels his frustration building. Glancing around again, Noctis notes that everyone is still in the same positions. Noctis tries again and his knee gives out completely, he falls to his hands and knees on the floor. Only one thing for it then. Noctis starts to crawl, agonisingly slow, towards the bed. Prompto started to protest but is quickly silenced with one glance from The Marshall.

Noctis is almost halfway when his shaking arms fold beneath him. Noctis scoffs uttering a string of curses under his breath. He tries to push himself up but his body simply won't obey. Noctis lays on the floor, considering his options. With a long, loud sigh he quietly asks 'Can I please have some help?' Cor is instantly there supporting him, lifting Noctis up and to the bed.

'Thank you.' Noctis mumbles.

'You are very welcome, you need only say the word.' Cor inclines his head and moves back to allow the others to get Noctis settled.

Gladio hangs back arms folded over his broad chest as he watches. Ignis takes the lead and Prompto helps. After a time it is only Ignis and Noctis. The prince takes his advisor's hand for a moment. No words are said but Ignis squeezes his hand once and lets Noctis go.

'Anything.' Ignis states simply, his voice low and gentle.

Nocts' eyes flutter closed. Sleep comes quickly.

'Worthlessssssssssssssssss...' The word devolves into a hiss. Noctis is surrounded. His friends encircle him, more than before. Cor and Luna have joined the group. Spitting and hissing insults at the Prince. They're only words - Noctis tries to convince himself that they don't mean anything.

'That's right! Weak!' Regis jeers at Noctis' discomfort. The Prince flinches away from the harsh tone and he turns but wherever he looks the face of a loved one is warped and jeering. Noctis feels his breathing quicken each inhale shallow and desperate, he is gasping for air.

'This isn't real. I already did this. I got out!'

'Did you? Or was that all just a projection inside the crystal? Perhaps you are being tested still hmm?'

Noctis shakes his head again.

I'm dreaming, Carbuncle's not here, if this was real he would be here too.

Noctis jumps as the bodies press in around him, angry, cold faces fill his vision, his ears are filled with insults and truths which hit home in a brutal way. The warp again, transforming, melding together and into the form of a giant snake with a woman's body on top, she leers over him, six long arms wielding swords which are swinging at him.

'No, please stop.' Noctis begs, unable to take any more.

Noctis screams against the assault. He curls in on himself, bracing for the pain of the knives cutting him open, covering his ears and closing his eyes tight he lurches up -and falls out of bed.

Noctis startles awake halfway through the fall and the impact jolts his already damaged body.

'Fuck.' He swears at the impact, and he steadies himself looking around and trying to ground himself in his surroundings. The same RV. Again. He sighs but is secretly happy to see the musty camper van.

A tuft of golden hair peeks over the edge of the bed soon followed by inquisitive violet-blue eyes. 'You ok Buddy?' Prompto checks.

'Just peachy.' Noctis replies. 'You know how much I love lying on the floor…' Noctis continues causing Prompto to giggle.

'Well, since you're having so much fun down there I assume you won't want to move back up into bed?' Before Noctis could answer Prompto disappeared and Noctis hears a thump accompanied by: 'Aaah! Big bed to myself! Mmmh!' Prompto declares loudly. It was Noctis' turn to laugh.

Prompto appears abruptly over the edge of the bed – his full face this time – a broad grin lighting his features. 'Dude! You're laughing! I thought we were going to be stuck with 'The Miserable Prince' forever!' Noctis laughs again. Only Prompto ever talks with him so openly.

'Sorry.' Noctis mumbles as his laughter trails off. 'I didn't realise how miserable I've been…'

Prompto's expression dropped a little but there was a renewed light in his eyes which Noctis hadn't noticed was missing until it rekindled.

'It's okay Noct, you went through some heavy stuff. I just wish there was more than I could do to help.'

Noctis opens his mouth but before he can speak the door swings open and Ignis steps in. Only to stop and survey the two youngest of their group casually talking while The King of Lucis lies on the floor.

'Do I want to know?' Ignis enquired keeping his tone light.

'Iggy!' Prompto greeted like everything was normal. 'Noct thinks the floor is comfortable, so I didn't want to deprive him.' Prompto made a show of stretching across the bed again, starfishing out to take up as much space as possible.

Ignis rolled his eyes and opened his mouth to chastise them but he's halted by Noctis' laughter ringing out into the space. Prompto quipped an eyebrow and moved to hang over the bed to face Noctis and he waggled his eyebrows expressively at their raven-haired companion on the floor. Noctis snorted again at the gunman's exaggerated expressions. Prompto chuckled too 'What's got you down bro?'

Noctis laughed again. ' That was a terrible. Awful joke.' The prince managed between laughs.

'Certainly seems to have you floored though.' Prompto continued and Noctis' laughter grew louder.

'I charge you with treason against the crown!' Noctis manages to state through his fit of laughter.

Ignis finds himself chuckling, partly because of the contagious laughter and partly due to his relief at seeing Nocts somewhat back to normal.

Prompto and Noctis continue to laugh too and soon the three of them were caught up in a fully fledged laughing fit. Gladio comes into the RV not much later to find them still laughing. Ignis was more reserved but Noctis was cry-laughing along with Prompto who was still bent-double over the edge of the bed seemingly unable to support himself.

'What's up with you all?' Gladio asked with a smirk.

The only response the shield got was a renewed burst of laughter. Gladio and Ignis shared a relieved glance at the tears of laughter streaming down their charge's face. It was good to her their prince laugh again.

Unfortunately, the laughter didn't last too long, it had lightened the mood between the four friends considerably but later that afternoon Noctis was sweating and in pain, going through drills and strengthening exercises with Gladio.

'Come on Noct! You can do this!' Gladio coaxed slapping his thighs beckoning Noctis forward as the Prince staggered forward on unsteady legs.

Gladio is crouched, facing Noctis, his stance is open, arms outstretched, ready to catch Noctis should he fall.

'I'm trying.' Noctis managed to gasp through gritted teeth.

'I know you are champ - keep pushing!' Gladio was trying to motivate and encourage Noctis without pissing him off too much they both knew anger worked as a good motivator sometimes, especially for their brooding prince.

Gladio was aware that they were close to achieving a full lap of the dusty compound only with short rests and Noctis had stayed on his feet, unsupported, the whole time. Pride was bubbling up Gladiolus at the progress Noctis was making. This was the second time that The Prince had to re-learn to walk in his young life.

Noctis stumbled forward, his bad knee folding under him but Gladio swooped forward and braced Noctis' fall, keeping him up. 'You're doing great Noct! Not too much further now and we'll call it a day!.'

Gladio had expected Noctis to push against the idea, to call him stupid or to start swearing but the Prince simply regained his balance and nodded at Gladio. Fierce determination gleaming in his blue eyes.

The spark of pride ran through Gladio again at the motion and he backed up a bit to give Noctis room to walk. Noctis bit down on his lip against the pain from his knee and injuries. It was nothing compared to what he had experienced over the last few weeks but it was enough to make moving difficult.

He could do this! Noctis was determined. He would not hold the others back, he would not a burden on them, not if he could help it. Noctis barely noticed when he walked right into Gladio which signalled the end of their path but he shook his head and simply said. 'Again.'

Gladio studied Noctis for a moment, taking in his sweat-soaked clothed, deep panting breaths and the dullness creeping into his eyes from exhaustion. Gladiolus sighed. 'I'll make you a deal.' Noctis met Gladio's gaze wearily. 'Why don't you get yourself back to the RV, get yourself a shower and get dressed then we can see how you're feeling?' Noctis held the shield's gaze. 'I think we both need a break and some food.' Gladio urged gently, trying not to push too hard. Noctis nodded and Gladio let loose a breath.

Noctis turned and made his way to the RV. Gladio shadowing him but still leaving some space between them. They were fine until they got to the steps where Noctis hesitated. Gladio noticed and went up first and then offered a hand to Noctis who's cheeks started to colour.

'Allow me. Highness.' Gladio used the formality as a buffer.

It worked, Noctis straightened and clasped Gladio's hand, slowly ascending up the wobbling metal steps. They soon had the Prince inside and Noctis made his way to the tiny bathroom. Gladio sat on the edge of the bed and summoned his eagle shield. He went to work polishing it while Noctis gathered up his things to shower with.

Noctis paused at the door to the bathroom, trying to sneak a sideways glance at the older, larger man but Gladio clocked it immediately. 'Out with it.' Gladio prompted.

'Thank you.' Noctis said.

Gladio smiled. ' Anytime Princess.'

Noctis let out a huff that would have been a laugh if he had more energy and made his way to the bathroom.

'You have to eat!' Ignis pushes, his tone instant.

'I'm not hungry if anything I just feel sick!' Noctis replied.

Ignis sighed. 'I understand but you still need to try.' Ignis pressed.

'I AM TRYING.' Noctis erupted suddenly. Prompto and Gladios attention snaps to them from outside of the RV. Gladio stands and Prompto is halfway in the door when Ignis gives in.

'I know you are.' Ignis' tone takes on a gentler note.

Noctis' breathing is heavy. Trying to reign in his temper.

'…sorry Iggy...' Noctis mumbles after a moment.

The other three look at him with varying degrees of shock written across their faces.

'What?' Noctis asked, a bite making its way back into his voice.

'It's just…' Prompto trailed off looking at the others for help.

'You don't usually apologise.' Gladio states his tone flat.

Noctis considers it for a moment. It was true, he's usually too much of a brat to admit being in the wrong.

'Well, I think it's time I started – don't you?' Noctis replied, his tone sure.

'Indeed Highness.' Ignis affirmed.

They settled into a companionable silence as they settled down to their meal.

'Thank you for all of your help guys.' Noctis said, picking at the food on his plate.

'Wow! An apology and a thank you!' Gladio said his tone light. 'I guess we can kiss Prince Charmless goodbye.'

Prompto sniggered and added 'Just wait until he gets tired.' The comment made Gladio choke on his drink, Prompto thumped the older man's back viciously and the gunman and shield were soon engaged in a light play-fight.

Ignis simply continued to observe Noctis. Pride in his eyes.

'Tell me why we're doing this again?' Gladio asked as he observed Noctis and Prompto walking towards the beach from their campsite.

Before Ignis could answer a loud, genuine laugh echoed over to them.

'That's why.' Ignis answered pointing toward the two younger men.

Gladio didn't answer audibly simply with a 'hurumm'. The Sheild continued to observe the two. Noctis still limped heavily, Prompto was quick to support him and to catch him if Noctis tripped but Gladio could see the tole it was taking on Noctis.

'I still worry about him, Iggy.' Gladio admitted.

Ignis sighed and sat next to Gladiolus. 'This trip has turned into more than any of us could have ever prepared for.'

'That's the understatement of the century.' Gladio huffed.

'I don't remember the last time I saw Noctis happy, carefree, unburdened by his title or his father's title or duty or…' Ignis couldn't finish.

Gladio nodded in understanding. A shriek broke the silence and they both jumped, standing to make their way to Noctis but they saw him being launched into the sea by Prompto. The two shared an incredulous look before laughing themselves.

'That's why we're doing this today.' Ignis confirmed and went back to the barbeque he was preparing.

'Only one thing for it then.' Gladio said as he stood. The Sheild stretched and reached into the armiger for a pair of shorts. 'I'm so glad this thing is working again. We should move some of the supplies out of it.' Gladio said.

'I already have a duffle bag in the trunk of the regalia.' Ignis admitted which caused Gladio to laugh. 'Of course, you have!'

Gladiolus was quick to change and sprint forward to join the other two in their venture into the sea. Gladio grabbed Prompto from behind and launched him into the icy water behind Noctis. Prompto's scream was shriller than Noctis' and Ignis allowed himself to genuinely laugh.

'Can we just stay here forever?' Noctis begged as he flopped into one of the folding chairs around the fire.

'Sure!' Prompto agreed just as Gladio and Ignis replied 'No'.

The group laughed at that and then settled into a comfortable silence, they all tucked into their meal – Battered Barramundi – a recent discovery of Ignis, fish courtesy of their resident fishing enthusiast.

They soon finished and all settled to enjoy coffee together around the fire.

Noctis was feeling more content than he had for a long time as he let the warmth from the fire set in his bones. He closed his eyes and just let the calm wash over him, he focused on that feeling and on exuding that.

'Umm – Noct…' Prompto's voice broke through his reverie.

Noctis opened his eyes and looked to his Friends. 'I'm not sure what you're doing buddy but cut it out.' Noctis pulled back the feeling and he could see the others visibly un-relax. 'Whoops! Sorry!'

'What was that?' Gladio asked.

'I was just focusing on how calm and happy I feel, I guess I somehow spread it out?'

'Hmm, interesting.' Ignis closed his eyes. 'My connection and power feel the same.

Gladio and Prompto followed suit and both nodded.

'Yeah, me too.' Prompto confirmed.

'Same.' Gladio added.

'I guess that's one more thing I need to figure out.' Noctis sighed, ' the crystal has decided to give me a few extra gifts this time...'

'It's something we can work out together.' Ignis immediately followed up. Gladio and Prompto were quick to confirm too.

'Thanks, guys.' Noctis said sincerely, 'I honestly don't know what I would have done without you these past few weeks. Everything is just so fucked and I don't really know what I'm doing… you all just wanted to come with me to my bachelor party and to see me to Altissa but now…' Noctis' breath hitched '…now you're all I have left and I know it's selfish because so many people have died, families are torn apart, our home destroyed but I'm just so grateful that you were with me and not back in the city! I am so thankful that you are all alive and that we can try to figure this out together!'

Noctis' words were rushed, barely a breath between them, and his voice was so earnest. His tone was growing more unsteady as the continued. Ignis found tears pricking at his own eyes, Gladio was suspiciously quiet and Prompto threw himself at Noctis.

'I know what you mean.' Prompto stated quietly to Noctis, the other two only just made out the soft words. The two younger boys embraced, it was a fierce and desperate action.

'I know that we've not really talked about it all. We might never talk about it all but right now, I just need you to know how grateful I am to you for standing by me.' Noctis continued, his voice muffled by Prompto's shoulder.

Ignis rose from his seat and moved to squeeze Noctis' shoulder. It's our pleasure and our honour your majesty.' The Advisor stated.

Gladio stayed seated but added 'We will ensure that you carry out your duty. We will see you to Altissia and to the end of this road…wherever it may lead, we're with you Noctis.'

After a few days of relaxing by the beach and with Gladio making good use of the water for some resistance training for Noctis' renewed muscles they decided it was time to move on.

Noctis called Cor to get the location of the next known royal weapon. They were headed for Keycatrich Trench they went back to the outpost but they camped nearby rather than stay in the RV. Noctis advised them that it might be a while before they'd be staying in one of the campervans again to Gladio's joy and Prompto's horror.

It was a beautiful, clear morning when they set off. Cor accompanied them to the entrance of the tomb as had been his intention all along. He said it would allow him to asses their strength and fighting abilities to ensure that the three Crownsguard who were charged with protecting the Prince on their onward journey.

They parted ways at the entrance, Cor pulling Noctis into a rough embrace which caught everyone off-guard. Noctis just scoffed, laughed and pushed Cor off him with a thankful glance.

They made their way to the tomb without much fuss, Noctis held up well. Only starting to limp close to the end. They got to the tomb and Noctis stood in front of his ancestor and, hesitated.

'Together.' Gladio prompted, placing a large hand on Noctis' shoulder.

Noctis nodded, tears dripping down his face.

'It's over now Noct.' Ignis reassured.

'What if it all happens again?' Noctis whispered.

'We'll deal with it.' Prompto reassured.

'What if this has all just been a dream…what if I'm still there?'

'We will find you.' Ignis stated surely.

'What if I can't do it! What if I fail! What if I'm not strong enough?'

'Then we will be your strength.' Gladio added.

Noctis still hesitated, staring at the stone casket before him with poorly concealed dread.

'It will be okay Noctis.' Ignis reassured again.

'If it's not okay, then we will deal with it.' Prompto Added.

'Together.' Gladio finished.

'Together.' Noctis repeated, swiping at his eyes and holding out his arm to summon the blade to his arsenal.

The End

A/N: Well…what can I say? You guys…are the best…

Thank you so much for reading my story! I hope that you have enjoyed it.

I am sorry for the HUGE delay in my final chapter. I had some real life stuff to deal with (urgh!) but I'm back, I'm writing and I hope you have enjoyed it! I wrote and rewrote so many different endings and extra chapters and snippets which haven't made the final cut here as I think it's long enough as it is but I may write a separate fic with them if that's something people would be interested in?

This was not beta read, I write on my own and I edit alone at the moment so I am sorry for any mistakes. I am aware that there may be a few.

This has honestly been such a wonderfully, fulfilling experience for me. My thirst for writing is renewed and I have started working on my own work again which is what this exercise was all about!

I will definitely be back with more stories soon, I love this fandom too much and I do have some other ideas so if you've enjoyed this then please keep an eye out.

Thank you – wonderful readers – for all of your support, favourites and comments. They truly mean the world to me! xx