Ch.3 Woohooo! Time for some action, suspense, and surprises! I just couldn't hold in my ideas! I just started making notes and the next thing I knew I wrote ch.3 on the day I released Ch. 2! Not a good sign. Yeah so Lightning and Noctis on already on set and ready to do their thing!

Lightning: It's because you locked us in here you little-!

NoctaLightx: (Mutes Lightning) Yeah they weren't happy with the overtime, disclaimers and message on the first chapter. Enjoy!

Lightning woke with instant awareness. Her electric blue eyes scanned the small, comfortable room, ready to strike at a moments notice. her frown deepened, realizing nobody was there. Even with her sixth sense she found no other presence besides herself.

She sighed, Man these dreams are messing me up! I can't go on one day without thinking of him, I-I mean them! Oh no…

She furrowed her eyebrows, trying to think of way to take her mind off of these diversions. She lifted herself off of the bed and looked at herself in the large crystal mirror across the room. She wore nothing but the soft, skin-tight, sleeveless leotard that she usually wore under her armor. She tucked her hair behind one ear, and then slightly shook her head to one side to let her hair fall on her left shoulder. Her usual look. She smiled at herself, not because of her beauty, but because she saw the soldier, the hardened knight of battle in her own image.

Suddenly her image flashed, showing a figure wearing dark garments all over its body behind her, with a menacing grin on it's face. it was at least a head taller than her and loomed over her like some sort of phantom. She blinked hard, and then it was gone.

"Who's there!" she demanded, reading herself in case of an attack. She used her abilities to try and locate it, but she sensed nothing. These dreams are making me go mad! But…. she brought her hand to her chin, I don't remember dreaming about that. I know he wasn't the one. She thought, reminding her of the man in her dreams.

A shiver ran down her spine as she received the unwelcome feeling. Lightning sighed and shook her head, making herself believe it was nothing. She just needed to take her mind off of it. I just need some exercise, some training. A beast or 10 should do a good warm-up.

Lightning strode over to a basic wardrobe and opened it. Inside hung her armor, perfectly set up. There wasn't a single dent or hint of rust on the protective covering. she removed the breast plate from the wardrobe and began to equip herself.

Lightning put on her armor in only a couple of minutes, even with all of the complicated straps and gear. It has been five years after all. She left the room through the opening she used as a doorway and followed the marble corridor to Fang and Vanille's chamber.

When she entered, she greeted them "Morning."

Well look who's up! Fang said, faking astonishment. We thought you… hey what's up?

"Hm?" Lightning looked up.

It looks like you've seen a ghost! And that isn't the pretty pale, that's the bad pale. Vanille said, worried for her condition.

"Don't worry it's nothing," she began to head for another door, "are there any creatures in the courtyard?"

Only about a dozen or so. Fang replied.

"Good enough, I'll be back soon." She stated, not caring what the particular creatures were.

Alright, but you should still be careful. Anything can happen! Vanille called out with her motherly tone.

"Don't worry I will." Lightning said.

Lightning walked briskly out of the chambers and through the hallways, eager for a challenge. she stopped in front of large stone door. when she entered the courtyard, her eager mood turned into a mix of caution, fear, danger, and disgust. What she saw in the courtyard was pure massacre.

What was once a lush and beautiful garden turned into a sickening bloodbath. Blood and gore stained the walls and floor, and the corpses looked like they were obliterated. She couldn't even tell what the animals were anymore, if they were animals at all. The grotesque site and the loathsome smell made Lightning's stomach turn. She had to lean against the stone wall to keep her balance.

"What... could've done this?" she thought out loud trying to keep her stomach down.

She looked up just in time to see a figure running through another doorway.

It's heading toward Fang and Vanille. with adrenaline and fear conquering her nerves Lightning bolted back to the chamber. When she arrived, she was relieved to see the two unharmed.

What happened? Fang asked quickly.

"Something or someone is here, and they're not friendly." Lightning quickly replied as she slammed the doors.

Then Lightning felt it, the surge of power in the room. The fear, the hate, the malice, the pure essence of darkness.

Do you feel that? Vanille asked worriedly.

Yeah, it's here. Fang confirmed.

Lightning knew it. She flexed her arm outward, her new gunblade flashing in the light surrounded by white feathers like that of those on her waist. Thanks to Lightning's adjustments and magic, the blade was reformed. It was white, silver, and black. It had a new arm guard to cover the exposed part of her forearm that her gauntlet did not cover with weaves of gold on it. Its hilt was of the same mechanical design with general improvements such as speed, stability, and balance. The blade was new, however, with it being straight instead of curved and a second blade next to it to be used as a bayonet in gun mode.

"Show yourself! You are stepping onto holy ground. Leave at once or you will pay with your life!" She shouted firmly, then closing her eyes to find her opponent. Where is it?

Lightning behind you! Three o'clock! Lightning rolled away from a slash at her head. Too close.

She then exchanged blows with the intruder, separating with a loud clash. She crouched to cushion her landing and looked up to see the intruder was not a beast, but a man. He was tall and fit and he wore dark clothing with armor and a violet headband. He carried a large sword, about a hand and a half from brief perspective. The blade looked like dark frozen flames, dark energy poured out of the blade itself.

Assassin? Warlord? Wait, this feeling… a l'Cie! But it can't be! her mind rushed and was in shock of how this man was a l'Cie.

Lightning, be careful! This guy's strong and is sending a very creepy vibe out around him. Fang warned nervously.

Lightning instantly lost sight of him for a second.

"So this is the great Guardian of Etro's Legacy? Ha! Pitiful, you can't even keep up with me! Your friends have misplaced their faith." His voice was smooth but threatening. He was right behind her, back-to-back. He must've jumped over her when she was focused on Fang and Vanille. "You are nothing compared to what I can do. It's no wonder you couldn't even protect your sister when she was taken from you." Each word was like a venomous bite to her heart. "Even now your friends' sacrifice will become meaningless when my master takes control.

Lightning's face-hardened at the man's words. How could he insult them like this after all of they did for Cocoon and Pulse, after all they sacrificed? She turned into the battle ready soldier, rising with the man at the same time. Her blood ran cold and her words became knives that slipped from her tongue.

"Take. That. Back." She said with a steeled tone.

"Make me."

They flexed their wrists, readying their blades before they turned and clashed again, the battle echoing through the hallways of the temple.

Noctis awoke to the sound of gunfire in the dead of night. Another dream? Was it a dream? He heard more gunfire; I don't have time for this.

He took his head off of his fist and uncrossed his legs. Rising from his throne, he walked through the dark hallways and prepared for the battle to come.

Noctis changed from his formal wear to a slim black coat with short sleeves, black gloves, black baggy pants and black combat boots. On his left hip were a couple of pouches for various items such as his cell phone. It rang in his pocket.

Prompto.

He flipped it open, "What's happening?"

"Unknown forces attacking from all sides. The north took most of the impact while the south is taking major damage." Blasts and gunfire fill the background.

"East and west are taking on minor forces. But with them occupied our guards are split up. I'm helping out where I can on the roof, Gladiolus and Ignis are guarding the south, and they'll make quick work unless reinforcements come in." A helicopter was heard in the background now.

"Damn! Noct! You have to help out on the front! It's your time to shine buddy!"

*click *

Damn it, he thought, why tonight, why did it have to be a night where my powers are unsound? He grabbed his heart, remembering the shocking heat and pain. I'll be a sitting duck if it happens again.

As he stepped outside he slowed from a stride to a slow walk. He saw his guard's bodies and blood strewn across the courtyard. Instantly his anger burned inside them when he saw who was responsible, a small army of knights with assault rifles at the bottom of the steps to the entrance.

I'm too late, he thought.

When the knight's turned to see their new visitor, they instantly recognized him as the prince. Who wouldn't? Noctis was on the edge now barely holding on to his blood lust.

Damn why won't they just retreat? Why won't they leave us alone? No… Noctis slowly walked down the steps of the entrance. One step at a time, he loosened his grip on his anger, letting it grow.

The soldiers aimed their weapons at Noctis and opened fire. He didn't even flinch when the bullets came near him. The outline of a sword appeared before Noctis, along with other weapons like spears and lances of all kinds, protecting him from their bullets. The weapons twirl around him as he raises his right hand to grasp his favorite weapon, a falchion with a mechanized handle.

His eyes glow bright crimson as he finished, No… I'm going to make you pay by letting you drown in your own blood!

Noctis charged into the mob of shocked soldiers. He used his telekinetic arsenal against the gunfire as he literally pulled weapons out of thin air. He sliced, dodged and performed maneuvers in the air impossible for the average human. Using one of the soldiers as a step, he jumped. Summoning a spear and automatic rifle, Noctis stabbed another soldier into the ground while using the momentum to swing and fire at the infantry surrounding him. He landed onto the nearest soldier, swinging around and breaking his neck with his legs.

Noctis turned to another battalion. They raised their rifles only to be thwarted by a large barrier of weapons to reflect their own bullets back at them.

Fools.

Noctis used the opportunity to summon a large double bladed sword with a circular hilt, stabbing it though the gap between the nearest soldier's arm and side. Forcing the sword to position vertically, he caused the arm to break and snap backwards with the man flailing in pain. The soldier was still holding the trigger making him fire on his own men as Noctis rotated him like a turret.

Noctis cut down the soldier. He dismissed his weapon as he turned back towards the remaining knights. He notices other enemies rappelling down the walls of the mansion, trying to surprise him.

Are they after me and not the crystal? His hair turned white as he suddenly teleported to the top of the steps. The soldiers at the bottom charged up at him, only to be cut down by his armaments.

He teleported again this time above the rappelling soldiers, slicing the ropes and the soldiers using them. He threw a sword to the other side, piercing the wall. He teleported to the weapon, swinging on it's hilt to dive down and kill two more rappelling soldiers, and finally impaling one at the bottom, landing on the steps.

He turned to see RPGs and a handful of men come at him for a last attempt for his life. The smoke from the explosions covered the remaining soldiers. When it cleared only Noctis was standing. All of his enemies were defeated. His weapons swirled around him, only to disappear as he walked back into the mansion.

Noctis sighed as he walked away; thinking about the guard's families. What will happen to them when they find out it was his entire fault for being late? His phone rang again.

Flipping it open he asked, "What's our status?" in a serious tone.

"Gladiolus and Ignis are still fighting in the southern courtyard and can't even budge. We're just cleaning up stragglers, how are things on your side Noct?"

"…"

"Noct?"

"They're all dead, no survivors. Including our own."

"Oh, Noct. I'm sorry man-"

"NOCTIS! PROMPTO!", Noctis froze, "There's an intruder in the crystal chamber! Get over there now-GAH Damn it!" Static

"That was Ignis! And he didn't sound like a happy camper, I'll meet you there as soon as I can!"

"NO!" Noctis shouted, "You need to give him support! I'm not losing anyone else in this fight, take a few guards and give them covering fire. I'll go alone."

"But-"

"That's an order Prompto." Noctis hung up as he walked briskly towards the crystal chamber. I can't waste my energy teleporting, if this guy can slip past us, let alone me, he must be some kind of monster…like me.

"Damn it Noct! you can't do this alone!" No response. "I hate it when you do that." Prompto pushed a button on his phone, "You'd think a two week trip can change a guy at least a little, but nope! He's still mister high and mighty!" he put the phone to his ear and waited for the other end.

He heard gunfire and metal against metal for the first few seconds until, "What the hell Prompto! Can't you see we're a little busy here?" He heard a man scream in the background. "Yeah sounds like you've got everything under control Ignis, but… I'm goin to crash the party."

Ignis sighed, "Nocty went on his own huh?"

"Bingo, so I'm comin to crash the party." he repeated, making his point clear.

"Ugh, fine, but your cleanin up the mess." Ignis groaned.

Prompto flinched, "We'll discuss that later. *click* Alright boys, time to showoff!"

Noctis slowly entered the dim room with the large, cylindrical crystal in the center. He only walked in, wary of traps. he walked slowly into the moon light. Then he stopped at the beginning of a narrow pathway that led him across a a trench filled with water.

Three magic circles appeared around the crystal, lighting up the entire room. It was a very large circular chamber with the Caelum family crest placed repeatedly around the room.

Noctis glared at the white robed intruder that stood before the crystal. The man turned, pulling back his hood to reveal a gentleman around Noctis's age with long blonde hair. the rest of his features he could not tell because of the light the magic circles were emitting.

The man raised his hand towards Noctis; a magic circle materialized in it. Noctis, sensing the danger, summoned his falchion and pointed it at the robed man. As Magic circles surrounded Noctis, he countered by having his entire arsenal surround the intruder.

A stalemate. So it was either the worst or the perfect opportunity to get some answers.

"Who are you and what do you want with the crystal?" Noctis demanded, eyeing the magic circles glowing on the nation's last hope.

The man chuckled at the question, and replied, "Ah, you naïve prince. That's for me to know and for you to never find out." He smirked as Noctis's eyes widened slightly.

He's planning on taking me out? Well then bring it on!

Noctis tensed as the circles on the precious stone began to merge, making a larger one in the center. He's going to try and obliterate the crystal in one blow, doesn't he want to steal it?

"Are you insane!" Noctis recklessly shouted, "If you destroy the crystal the whole mansion, no, the whole city will go up with it! It's pure suicide!" Noctis stated with panic in his voice. He needs to find an opening and fast.

The man laughed, "Whoever said I would destroy the crystal? Although if you make any sudden moves the idea might cross my mind."

He's bluffing, Noctis knew that much. He seemed to be the kind of guy who would sacrifice his whole country for his own life.

The man turned to the crystal, "Noctis, the Caelum dynasty shall end today! I will obtain the key to Etro's Legacy and I will unite the world, leading it into a new era!" He raised his hands and the magic circle on the crystal lit up the room even more. It started to spin counterclockwise. "Behold your destruction!"

The magician's overconfidence gave Noctis his chance as one or two of the circles dissipated.

Noctis teleported out of an opening, unleashing his array of weaponry at the intruder who in turn teleported away. Noctis looked up to the circle, the intruder the least of his worries.

The circle spun faster and faster until it turned completely black like a bottomless pit of dark energy. Noctis could feel the malice feeding off of the crystal's power to create this anomaly. It sent shivers down his spine and fear into his heart.

He needed to stop the circle, disrupt it , there's was only one way Noctis knew how to do that.

Well it's all or nothing. He thought, cursing himself.

He charged at the circle throwing all of his telekinectic wall of weapons around him to protect him from the energy this void was emitting. He let out a battle cry as he prepared to cut straight through the circle. Something flew at him, and then all went black.

And that is Ch.3, Ch.4 will most likely come out tomorrow. After that there is going to be a waiting period for me to develop the story. Say about a week? So plz review POLITELY and have a nice day, night, whatever it looks like outside your window.

(Muffled shouts and curses)

And No! You can't come out yet! We have one more chapter and then you can do whatever the hell it is you do!