The Prophesied Hour

Based on the end of Chapter 13 of FFXV.

Tumblr Prompt Request: I love you, please don't go.

"Claire."

"Noctis."

True names were spoken. For a moment, they set duty aside. For the first time, in a long time, they were just Noctis and Claire. Not King and Glaive. Unburdened by their given roles in this world. To let fate's wheel turn a few more cycles before the prophesied time is to come. The world waited for ten years, it can wait for a few more minutes.

They stood in front of the throne room. Literally standing upon death's door. They remembered the day it all started, clear as if it were yesterday. Summoned by King Regis to escort the Prince to Altissia. It was supposed to be a simple task. In Lightning's book, it was to be an uncomplicated escort mission, while in Noctis', a road trip with friends.

If they only knew back then.

He sighed, weary and tired, like he wants to go to sleep. Though they both knew, it would be an eternal slumber. "I need you to leave." Blood will be spilled tonight. The Draconian had showed him. "I don't want you to witness this."

She let out a breath. It was difficult. Through the years, she was always by his side. To let him go now, alone, hurt more than any wound she has ever received. She had protected him for all his life. But even if she had all the power in the world, she cannot protect him from this.

He senses her protest. "You know I have to do this." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "I must."

She looked at him, pale blue eyes to his darker ones. She knew. Eos, she knew this must be done. His eyes looked spent, however they showed his desire to finish this once and for all. With those determined eyes, she knew he was slipping through her fingers.

He slipped away once, she refused to let him slip again.

In this moment, Lightning chose to be selfish. For once in her life, she stopped the gears of logic and reason turning in her head. She let herself be irrational and shameless. The complete opposite of who she was as a person. She felt naked and vulnerable as she laid her soul bare.

"I love you." She let out, breathless, tender,and breaking. Fisting his wrist near her shoulder, her entire body shook as if the Glacian herself stood beside her. "Please don't go." She pleaded, her voice and eyes flowing with more emotions Noctis had seen from her than in his entire life. She clutched his other hand desperately. He felt his heart break from every word she said. "I can't lose you again. I just got you back."

She had loved and lost, over and over again. One more, she shuddered at the thought, one more and she swears she would be thrown into the void. The world had not seen the dawn for ten years. In her eyes, dawn or no dawn, it would make no difference even if Noctis has passed.

His hand gripped her jaw, his fingers curled into her hair and he gave her their first and final kiss. There was no softness, no warmth, and no joy. There were tastes of despair, sadness, and longing. But, never regret.

"You're a cruel man." She sighed over his lips, breathing in the same air as he did.

"I know." He offered a silent apology, pressing their foreheads together. This woman before him, he never deserved her. What she deserved was a future, a bright and normal one, unclouded by war and violence. Perhaps, even one with love, even if it weren't with him. "I wish things were different, Claire." He struggled to maintain self-control. If he claimed her lips one more time, he would never walk away.

She knew the time drew near, so her mind went into overdrive, trying to memorize his face. "We'll see each other again, Noctis. I'll make sure of it." Impossible promises, but they have always defied the impossible.

He chuckled, forcing down a sob as his chest began to tighten. "I love you." He choked out, staring into her one last time. He needed to walk away, right now. It was for the best.

So he turned around, breaking their embrace and never looking back. His footsteps echoed as he walked into the throne room. With shaky hands, Lightning clutched the door handles of the chamber and pulled them to a close.

As if all the strength were sapped from her bones, her whole body leaned towards the door, forehead flat against the cold marble and she allowed herself to shed tears for the first time in ten years.

AN: Title inspired by Bahamut's speech. His monologue was so good!