Chapter 11

Fading

The light in the dungeon was blinding, and as Gladio had suspected it was definitely Noctis's magic. It was flowing from where the tomb was hidden. Managing to find his way through the thick haze he entered the Royal Tomb and found the King himself kneeling next to his grave panting heavily. There was only a holographic cerulean outline of Noctis, but it was clearly him.

"Noctis?" Gladio couldn't hide the surprise in his tone.

Noctis looked around. "Gladio? Are you there?" The blue eyes searched but didn't see him.

Gladio quickly sliced his hand on the blade and Noctis's searching eyes finally landed on his Shield. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing." Gladio crossed his arms. "Is everything alright?"

"Of course. Just taking a little break." Clearly Noctis was going for nonchalant, but the blood dripping down his face, and weary expression said otherwise.

"The dungeons are full of magic. What is going on?"

Before the King could respond he turned his head to Gladio's left and nodded as if someone else was speaking to him, then smirked back at his Shield. "See ya Glads."

"Wait Noct!" Gladio called out but watched as his friend ran out the tomb entrance and vanished from sight. "Dammit… what's going on around here?"

"I can help you Gladiolus." A calm feminine voice spoke.

There was a warm tingling on his arm and he looked down to see that Lunafreya was standing next to him.

"My Lady." Gladio gave an awkward bow without letting her hand fall from his arm. "It is good to see you."

"It is always a pleasure to see you as well Shield. I'm afraid my time here is short, as Noctis will need me soon. Yet, I thought you should know what is going on. I know he will not tell you. He is too stubborn for his own good."

"So that hasn't changed."

"No. Unfortunately not."

"What is happening on your side?"

"It is the daemons-"

"But Noctis died to get rid of them!"

She gave a patient smile, but Gladio saw the look in her eyes that warned him not to interrupt her again. "Yes. Noctis's death on your side allowed the daemons to be vanquished from Eos. However, the consequences of that action meant that he dragged all of the daemons here with him. As the most recent Lucis King to come to this side he is now charged with protecting it. Regis moved on to the Final Rest when Noctis died. Unfortunately that means Noctis alone is fighting the hoards of daemons that Ardyn created throughout Eos."

"The hell…" Gladio clenched his fist. "I should be there…" As his Shield he should be there…

"I agree. Noctis needs you. But like Prompto, it isn't your time just yet."

"Dammit."

Luna smiled warmly at him. "You are so loyal. I know you will help Noctis as soon as you can."

"Is there anything we can do on this side?"

"Don't allow another Ardyn to rise to power."

"Obviously."

Luna sighed. "It is unfortunate, but there really is nothing you can do from your side. I just hope Noctis get this settled soon. He has very little magic here, much less then he did in Eos. And like in Eos, using his magic uses up his life energy."

"But he's already dead!"

Luna raised an eyebrow unimpressed.

"Ahem. My apologies."

"Technically you are correct. But until Noctis moves on to the Final Rest he still can use up all his energy and his soul will just… fade. Till there is nothing left."

"That isn't right! We thought he was already resting!"

"And that is what he wanted you to think. He doesn't want you three to know what is happening because he is afraid what course of action you may take to try and aid him. He doesn't want another Prompto incident…"

Gladio narrowed his eyes. "Then why are you telling me?"

Luna remained expressionless. "I believe that you have earned the right to know what is happening."

"Is that so?"

"Do you believe I would lie to you Gladiolus?"

"No ma'am."

She quickly turned toward the door. "Noctis!" Distractedly she said, "Farewell Shield." Then left the same way her husband did.

"Shit." Gladio mumbled.

It had been three months since Gladio had dealt with the strange magic coming from the dungeons. When Ignis had inquired about the situation the Shield shrugged and said that it was Noctis's way of getting his attention to just say hello. Of course the Advisor wasn't an idiot and knew this was a lie. But he let it go because if Gladio was lying to him of all people then it was something very serious to the larger man.

Ignis wanted to let it go. After all they had been through he wanted to let Gladiolus do as he pleased. When it came to military matters he wanted to allow the Shield to make his own judgments and it had never been in question. Until now. On his desk before him was a recorder with the latest reports on it. With his blindness, Ignis had learned how to read with braille. But when it came to reports his men found it easier to simply record them.

The latest report was from Gladio's chosen Second in command. In this report the man described once again how their General's questionable actions in a recent skirmish with some crazy cult that worshiped Ardyn, nearly killed Gladiolus. This had become a pattern in the last three months. It seemed that no matter the situation, the Shield no longer valued his life enough to take any thoughts to his actions. As much as it pained him to do so Ignis had requested that General Gladiolus Amicitia be brought to his office for questioning.

"Iggy. If you wanted to see me you could have just called." Gladio entered.

"Please have a seat Gladiolus."

He heard the soft land of the leather clad man in the seat.

"I wanted to discuss your recent actions on duty."

"Not you too…" Gladio growled under his breath.

"Your man delivered this to me himself instead of one of his many underlings expressing his concern in your behavior. I must admit that I am also questioning your decisions and was hoping you could shed some light on it for me."

"I was just a little sloppy. Its not a big deal."

Ignis knew that the Gladio had his arms crossed over his massive chest and was shrugging the whole thing off. A habit that Noctis had picked up from his Shield and neither would admit to having.

"A little sloppy is acceptable on occasion. Tiredness is forgivable when you work the hours I know you do. Reckless brute force has often been your style. But suicidal is unacceptable. I want an explanation Gladiolus. This isn't you."

There was a long moment of silence.

Ignis took off the shades he often wore to protect his injured eyes, and rubbed the bridge of his nose where they sat. "Fine. We are off record. It is just you and I. What the hell is this Gladio?"

"Specks its nothing…"

"That is utter rubbish and you know it."

More silence.

"What happened in the dungeons with Noctis?"

"I told you…"

"You told me a lie. I let it go because it didn't seem relevant and you don't lie to me unless there is a valid reason. What is the reason?"

"Ignis… I spoke to Noctis…. And he really did have nothing to say."

"However…" He pressed.

"I also spoke with Lunafreya."

Now Ignis looked surprised. "You spoke with Lady Lunafreya? How is she?"

He heard the material shift as Gladio shrugged. "I would say she looked even better than she did when she was with us. More… shine or something. I don't know."

"And what did she have to say?"

Gladio filled him in on everything the blonde woman had told him.

Ignis frowned. "That is troubling… and explains your current actions. I am disappointed in you Gladiolus. I understand. But I am disappointed. After Prompto-"

"I'm not killing myself!" The Shield growled. "I am doing my job!"

The Advisor remained silent.

Gladio sighed. "I will admit… I didn't see the harm in a casualty in the field."

"Which is incredibly irresponsible of you."

"I know that!"

"We all miss Noctis…"

Gladio slammed a hand on the desk causing Ignis to jump ever so slightly. "Shut the hell up. You weren't his Shield! You didn't fail at your one mission."

Ignis raised an eyebrow. "My assignment was to watch over the Prince's health."

Gladiolus knew Ignis was trying to relate, be a friend, and be the responsible leader of Insomnia all at once. And it was pissing him off. He knew that Ignis was doing the right thing. As the General he should be a shining example to his men. He should be living to take care and watch over their home. Not recklessly throwing himself at everything in hopes that he would get the chance to refill his old position as Noctis's Shield. He needed to accept his new lot in life and take on his new job with as much attention as he had as a King's Shield. It was his duty. An Amicitia always did their duty to their kingdom first and foremost over personal desires.

But Noctis needed him. This wasn't just a selfish wish to see his best friend again. He was needed. Noctis, his King, was in danger of fading away to nothingness. As a Shield it was his responsibility to protect his King. No matter what. No matter where. This was his sworn duty from since he was old enough to hold a blade. It was the Amicitia way. Who was he to break family tradition? But he was also a loyal friend. Not only to Noctis, but Ignis and Prompto as well. They needed him too didn't they? Or did they just need a sufficient General for their army?

"Give me time to train my Second. He would make a great General. Then-"

"Then what?" Ignis snapped. "Then I can let you end your life? No. I won't accept it Gladio. What would your father say about this?" It seemed an odd thing to say to a grown man, but Gladio had great respect for his father and had always tried to follow in his footsteps.

"He would say that a Shield protects its King."

"Noctis is dead!" Ignis stood up. "He is gone! You need to help those who are still living! You are a strong man Gladiolus. And people here need you before you go running off somewhere that no one can follow you, chasing someone that only you can see!" With that Ignis left.

Gladio watched the Advisor go in shock. He had never see Ignis lose his temper like that. Not with him at least. He knew he was asking a lot... but didn't they all swear to do anything for Noctis if it was within their capabilities?

Ignis slowed his jog to a brisk stroll and wiped the sweat from his brow. Running on the treadmill in the gym had become his preferred way of exercise. He was less likely to run into something this way. And it gave him a chance to just think. Like about his current predicament with Gladio.

What was this? First Prompto, and now Gladio. Why would they throw away their lives so easily? Didn't they realize that Noctis died so that they all could live? It would be like spitting on his tomb for them to throw away the precious gift that their King had given them. Light and life. He understood missing Noctis. He really did. Noctis was the biggest part of his life. His entire schedule every single day of his life had revolved around what Noctis was doing. He missed Noctis more than he missed his sight. Losing his eyesight had been a huge blow. But it seemed miniscule considering what Noctis had given by choice.

Now that Noct was gone… didn't Prompto and Gladio understand all they had left was each other and the future? Didn't they understand that the best way to honor Noctis was to forge a future worth the blood that was shed? Were they destined to each feel the remorse of being the survivors? He had read that when a comrade died in battle others sometimes developed what was known as survivor's syndrome. Is that was this was? Is that all they had to look forward to in their new lives? Guilt? And the wish to die?

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