A/N: WOW SO THIS IS 13,000+ WORDS LONG AND I AM SO SORRY! If you haven't ready the FFXV Prologue: Parting Ways, then this will all be new to you, but for those of you who have, I've taken the dialogue from the prologue and built some more narrative around it. I took only a few liberties to allow for Inertia to fit the story and such, but overall, it's almost exactly the same. There's no Inertia here - merely the boys and others going about their day, the day before they leave. The next chapter will cover where Inertia is and what she's doing on this day. I was going to break it up since it'S FREAKING LONG AS ALL GET OUT but it didn't feel cohesive to do so, so I hope you'll forgive me for the oodles and oodles of text. I love you all, hope to update again soon!

Chapter 22:

His alarm was going off, but he didn't care.

Blearily, Noctis hit the snooze button and rolled over onto his other side, ignoring the light streaming through the window, wrapping the pillow around his head.

Glorious, blissful, delicious sleep.

It was all he ever wanted.

It wasn't until his phone started ringing, as in, someone was calling him, that he remembered it was the day before he and the guys were supposed to head for Altissia.

He didn't even check the screen to see who it was; the light was offensive to his tired eyes. He groaned when he picked it up.

"…Hello?" He managed.

"Good morning," There was Ignis, who sounded like he'd been awake for hours. "Did I wake you?"

"Well, the alarm sure didn't…" Noctis yawned into the phone, a little bitter about having to wake up at all. He was always grumpy when he woke up; it was the nature of his hibernating alter ego.

"Then I was right to call," Ignis said assuredly, not missing a beat. Noctis yawned into the phone again, trying to emphasize how much he didn't want to be talking at this hour.

"But it's so early…" He practically whined. Just a few more minutes of sleep…

"I'm heading over regardless," Ignis assured him. "Make sure you have everything in order before I arrive."

Noctis would've rolled his eyes had they not been closed.

"Right…"

"And you had best be awake when I get there," Ignis chided him.

"I will be," Noctis barked back, finally opening his eyes to the world of the sun that filled his room. It was bright, and it hurt, and his head was pounding, but he was up, and he would be ready when Iggy got there, just to shove it in his face.

"His Majesty should be eagerly anticipating your arrival," Ignis tried to change the subject, though Noctis wasn't sure how perfect of a subject change it was. After the night he and his father had fought over Lady Inertia's Glaive abilities, his father had been distant and always busy with something whenever Noct tried to have his time. He was a little resentful, and a little remorseful that he couldn't have the same dad that told him bedtime stories in Tenebrae, or showed him how to fish. He knew he was busy with peace treaty arrangements, but, not even five minutes could he spare for his only son?

"I know," Was all he said back into the phone. Ignis cleared his throat.

"Good. I'll be there soon," He told him before hanging up.

Noctis smiled in spite of himself.

"Guess I'd better get up."

They were speeding down the highway - faster than Ignis usually drove - headed towards the Citadel in the Star of Lucis; his car, instead of Iggy's. Noctis was tracing the window with his fingers idly, watching the world of Insomnia slip by, while Ignis focused solely on the road, sipping on Ebony occasionally.

"Can't remember the last time I was in this car," He mumbled, trying to make conversation.

"It would have been about a month ago, I think," Ignis answered honestly, taking another sip of Ebony.

"Not much reason to use this one since you're always carting me around in yours," Noctis smirked. Ignis sighed in mock exasperation, but Noct could see the twinkle in his eye.

"Forgive me for working too hard," He scoffed playfully. Noctis laughed a little.

"So why this car today?"

"Captain Drautos mentioned wanting to use it to ferry guests to the signing ceremony," Ignis shrugged. Noctis raised an eyebrow.

"You don't say," He wondered. Seemed a little odd; the captain of the Glaives using the Prince's car?

"After we arrive at the Citadel, I shall entrust it to him," Ignis didn't even notice Noctis's skepticism, prattling on as he always did.

"I see…" Noctis shook the thoughts from his head. "Well, I don't mind if he uses it for a little while. It's still practically brand new." Ignis grinned at him from the corner of his eye.

"You haven't been behind the wheel for some time, have you?" He asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I recall you being rather eager to drive when you got your license."

"Yeah, well…" Noctis fumbled for the words. "There's traffic everywhere and it's not like I can just go wherever I want. Having someone else drive is just easier."

"And it allows you time to sleep," Ignis said knowingly. If he weren't driving, Noctis had a feeling he'd been winking.

"You know me so well," Noctis grinned, folding his arms behind his head and closing his eyes. Ignis chuckled at the display. "Are you gonna let Prompto drive the Regalia?" He opened one eye to ask the question.

"He seemed quite keen to take the wheel," Ignis dodged it quite skillfully. "And what of yourself?"

Noctis smirked, shutting his eyes again.

"Think I'll pass. Probably better if you don't let him drive, either," He grinned.

"There's no guarantee I'll be much better," Ignis sighed, and Noctis could picture the exhausted look on his face. "We're all beginners when it comes to driving outside the capital." He was quiet for a moment, and Noct kept his eyes closed, drifting off to sleep.

"I can't imagine what it'll be like out there," Specs murmured softly, and as the car sped up towards the Citadel, Noctis drifted off to sleep once more.

They didn't get very far after parking the car.

Captain Drautos himself was waiting to meet them.

He was a large man, around Cor's size, and equally intimidating, but not nearly as friendly when you got to know him. He was distinguished and handsome, but Noctis realized that, in all the years in his father's employ, he still didn't really know much about the man. Whereas Cor felt like family at this point.

"We've been waiting for you, Your Highness," He offered him a small bow, and Noctis tried his best to ignore the gesture. He hated all the politicking.

"Haven't seen you in ages, Drautos," He nodded at him in greeting.

"Ignis, where's the car?" Drautos ignored the observation, getting straight to business, as always.

"In the parking lot," Ignis stated matter-of-factly. Noctis knew Iggy was annoyed; obviously they parked the car in the parking lot. Where else were they gonna put it? But he was ever the diplomat, and a master at hiding his annoyances. Only someone who knew him for as long as Noctis had, since they were kids, would have been able to tell.

"I appreciate it," Drautos took Ignis's hand and shook it. "After your business here is finished, will you be returning home, Prince Noctis?" He turned his attention back to Noct, who blinked, suffering minor whiplash at the turn in conversation.

"That's the plan," He managed with a smile. The quicker this conversation was over, the better.

"Understood. Then I'll have someone drop you off," Drautos nodded.

"Thanks," Noctis rubbed the back of his neck, a little uncomfortable, never one for formality.

"Ignis."

"Yes, sir?" Ignis stood at attention, awaiting Drautos's orders.

"Make sure you're available at all times," Drautos warned him. "I can't say for sure when King Regis will be able to see you given his schedule."

Ignis tried to hide it, but Noctis could see the surprise on his face at the sudden change of plans.

"I had no idea," He managed honestly. Noctis rolled his eyes; not at Iggy, but at his father.

"Seriously?" He scoffed. "What happened to meeting us now?"

"His meeting probably dragged on longer than anticipated," Drautos ignored Noct's outburst; everyone knew the Prince could be impertinent, despite his upbringing.

"Ugh…" Noctis threw his hands in the air, exasperated. Typical that his dad would do this to him now. He was a fair, and just, and kind ruler, but he was always so busy being kind to his subjects, he ran out of time to be kind to his son. All Noct wanted was to have a normal life, a normal dad, a normal teenage experience; and he could never have it.

"I hope His Majesty has time to see you before your departure tomorrow," Drautos offered. Noctis wanted to say thank you, wanted to shake Drautos's hand and acknowledge his efforts, but he couldn't turn around and look him in the eye; ashamedly, he was fighting off angry tears.

Ignis broke the silence.

"Captain."

"Yes?" Drautos answered.

"Is the date of the signing still undecided?" He took his chance; as hard as Inertia had worked to get the date set in stone, particularly so that the Prince and the Oracle's wedding would not coincide, last minute hangups were throwing the date of the ceremony into abstraction. But this was typical of big Citadel functions. Noctis was used to it by now.

"Unfortunately, yes," Drautos's voice seemed small as he confessed.

Ignis sighed.

"Unfortunate, indeed," He agreed. He was more troubled than Noctis could understand; why did it bother him so much? Nobody liked that they were making nice with the Empire, but that was nothing new. Inertia had assured him she was doing her best to make sure no ill tidings would proceed in his absence; he had to believe her. Right?

"I understand your anxieties, but King Regis said he'd like to proceed with caution," Drautos explained. Ignis nodded.

"Of course," Ignis agreed.

"I'll let you know as soon as I do," Drautos assured him.

"Much obliged," And with that, Ignis had taken his leave, and Noctis, lost in his own thoughts, quickly followed.

Noctis tried not to cringe when he caught Iris talking to Ignis's uncle Urentus in the lobby of the Citadel. He liked her, he really did, she was sweet and fun to be around, but she was a little bit clingy, and he was too upset about his dad to deal with it today. He got it, of course he did — she was 15, and it was cool, hanging around with the older kids. He'd been like that too, with Ignis and Gladiolus, loathe as he was to admit it. But today really wasn't going his way so far.

"Any chance I could see him?" She asked Ignis's uncle as he and Specs approached. He had hoped Ignis would keep walking — but he knew him well enough to know he wouldn't. And he didn't.

"Not at present…" Urentus adjusted his own spectacles on his nose. "Your father is still in a meeting."

Noct was pretty sure she hadn't heard the second part; she'd seen him, and her face lit up like a Christmas tree.

"Hm? Oh, Noct!" She exclaimed excitedly.

"Hey, Iris," He managed a smile. Even though he felt like crap, he couldn't help but put on a grin when he saw her, if only to put a smile on her own face. She had a smile that lit up a room, she was so innocent and sincere, and he couldn't live with himself if he made her upset. She'd cut her hair short recently, and he thought it'd be weird at first, to see her with a boy's haircut, after all those years she had long brown hair like her big brother, but he rather liked it on her; the pixie thing worked for her. She was in that awkward place, between being a kid and being an adult, but he was glad to see she was handling it with poise.

"Prince Noctis," Urentus bowed slightly. "You look well."

"Hey, Mr. Scientia," Noctis nodded at him. "Is my dad around?" The question was out of his mouth before he could stop himself. He knew the answer before Urentus told it to him.

"Unfortunately, his meeting has yet to adjourn," Urentus frowned. "You have my sincerest apologies, Your Highness." He bowed again, and Noctis wanted to tie a board to the poor man's back; the stooping couldn't be good for his spine.

"No worries," He assured Ignis's uncle, sticking his hands in his pockets, trying not to care that his dad had, yet again, made time for everyone but him.

"I'm sorry for the delay, Ignis," Urentus finally acknowledged his nephew.

"It's not your fault, Uncle," Ignis reassured him, adjusting his glasses.

"Yeah, we've got other things to do anyway," Noctis shrugged. Like he would let the world see he cared.

"Like getting ready for your trip?" Iris asked excitedly. Her eyes were dancing, but there was something sad in them, too. Noctis couldn't place it; it was gone before he could really be sure it was there.

"Yep," He nodded proudly.

"Thought so!" She clapped her hands together, but that sad thing was back again. "Bummer I don't get to go with you and see the wedding…"

"I'm sure you'd just get bored along the way," Noctis tried to reassure her. He hated to see her frown; she had always been the happiest part of the Citadel. He needed her to stay that way, if only for his own sanity. And he wasn't lying; what would a 15-year old girl want to do on a road trip with 4 20-something dudes? She was into makeup and clothes and stuff, now. He was sure she'd be bored in the first 20 minutes.

"Well, do you mind if I tag along just today?" She wondered hopefully.

"Around here?" Noctis inquired.

"No! Back to your place, silly," She giggled to herself.

"Maybe not a good idea…" He faltered for the words. Not only did he not want her to see his apartment - no one should see it - but he had a feeling Gladiolus would kill him if he found her there, instead of doing homework or whatever else it was she should be doing. Though he hated to disappoint her.

"Why not?" She put her hands on her hips, pouting. "It's your last night in town. The four of you are gonna have a party, aren't you?"

Ignis laughed wryly and shook his head before Noctis could even deny the accusation - because that was what it felt like. An accusation. This teenager thought the boys were gonna get together and throw a frat party like all the guys their age did. But that was totally not the case.

"It's a moving-out party," Ignis made air-quotes with his fingers. "Nothing but cleaning."

"Cleaning!?" She looked mortified, surprised by the revelation that when the four of them got together, they weren't just out partying and chasing skirts. Noct didn't blame her for the thought though - most guys their age did do that. But lucky him. He was the Crown Prince of Lucis.

"Yep," He assured her. "There'll be bugs everywhere."
He couldn't help but tease her. He knew she hated bugs, just like he did. It was something he did a lot as a kid to mess with her.

"Eww, gross," She whined. He had to resist the urge to tousle her hair like he did when she was little; she was 15 now. He had to remember that.

"So you're probably better off staying away," He winked at her. "What're you doing here anyway?" He was eager to shift the topic of conversation; the more they talked about what they were doing later, the more she'd beg and the more likely he'd be to break down and let her actually come along.

"I brought a change of clothes for my dad," She scratched her head, eyeing a bag that was on the floor in the corner. "He's been so busy lately, he just sleeps at the Citadel!"

"Not even Master Clarus has been spared from the treaty preparations, I see," Ignis noted quietly. Seems like nobody was safe from the preparations; Noctis wondered idly if he'd be able to see Inertia today, too.

"How's my dad doing?" Noctis asked Urentus. As frustrated with him as he was, he was still concerned for his health under all this stress.

"Exhaustion aside, he seems to be doing just fine," Mr. Scientia assured him with a calm smile.

"Can he still walk?" Noct asked hesitantly, a little afraid of the answer.

"But of course," Urentus nodded.

"Great," Noctis let out a sigh of relief.

"Ignis, I will contact you once His Majesty has a moment," Urentus assured his nephew.

"Much appreciated," Ignis put a hand on his uncle's shoulder, a small show of affection. "For now, we'll be on our way to the prince's quarters."

"Noct!"

Noctis and Ignis both turned to see Iris rubbing her hands together, blushing a little.

"Hm?" He asked curiously.

"Congrats on your wedding," She beamed at him, but there was something sad in her eyes again, and the redness in her cheeks looked really lovely on her, actually, and it was weird, to see the little girl he'd grown up with so mature and capable and independent. He couldn't help but wince a little, thinking of Luna, but also thinking back to Iris as a kid. Why did the two ideas seem so opposite one another?

"Little early for that," He teased. "See ya."

But as they were leaving, he watched her smile fall, and her eyes stop sparkling, and he wondered what he'd done to make her look so sad.

They didn't make it to his old room without being stopped, either.

That seemed to be a common theme of today.

"Good morning, Your Highness," The first guard bowed before him.

"Good morning!" The second followed suit.

"Morning," Noctis mumbled, continuing on. He refused to stop, and Ignis kept pace with him, although he stopped to greet the guards a little more respectfully than Noct had.

"I can't stand that," Noct mumbled, lowering his voice.

"Being greeted?" Ignis wondered quietly.

"Not that," Noctis shook his head. "All the formality, bowing their heads all the time…"

They didn't get to finish their conversation as they were interrupted by two soldiers dashing past, heading in the opposite direction, one bumping shoulders with Ignis.

"Pardon me," Ignis cleared his throat.

"You okay?" The one who hadn't run into him asked.

"Sorry 'bout that," The one who ran into him apologized, though everything about the both of them seemed rushed. Noctis wondered what had them so in a frenzy today.

"Eyes forward," The first clapped the other on the back, and they hurried off, a little embarrassed, and Ignis flashed him a wry smile.

"It seems not everyone is capable of a proper greeting," He teased him, and Noctis rolled his eyes a little, but laughed all the same. The moment was short-lived however, when Ignis returned his attention to the retreating figures. "Those are Kingsglaive uniforms…"

"Oh yeah?" Noctis turned to watch their fleeing figures too, intrigued by the ensemble. Whenever they had trained together, everyone had been in regular old workout fatigues; there was no differentiating between Glaive and Crownsguard besides abilities out on the field. Now that he saw their uniforms, he thought they were actually pretty respectable looking.

"They aren't from the Crown city," Ignis noted. "Perhaps they don't know who you are."

"No way they'd see me if they're always hanging around the Citadel," Noctis agreed.

Continuing on their way to Noct's old room, Ignis carried on his speculation.

"I imagine the Empire's terms leave them with mixed feelings," He observed.

"Everything out there'll belong to Niflheim, huh," Noctis sighed. It was a depressing feeling, even if Insomnia would retain its autonomy.

"Precisely," Ignis nodded.

"Well, they live in Insomnia now, right?" Noct wondered.

"Even so, their homes will cease to be a part of Lucis," Ignis continued. "The news must be shocking to say the least."
"Yeah… Good point," Feeling defeated, the two carried on the rest of their walk in thoughtful silence, Noctis already exhausted before the afternoon had arrived.

"Do you still plan on using this room even after you return?"

The question caught him off guard, and he stopped looking through the fridge the moment Ignis asked it. He hadn't been back here in ages; yet there it was, a refrigerator fully stocked, presumably for when he did intend to return to it.

"Hm… Haven't really thought about it," He shrugged, closing the door of the fridge. It was weird, being back here, after having his own place for what felt like forever, though it hadn't really been that long at all. Two years he'd lived on his own; and it had been just enough of a taste for him to want it forever. But with his marriage, he guessed he'd be saying goodbye to that little bit of freedom, too.

"Please be mindful of the fact that you won't be alone when you get back," Ignis smiled knowingly, eyeing the bookcase against the wall. He always had an eye for books and literature; whatever the attendants had left here on his bookcase must have caught his fancy.

"Think Luna will really come to Insomnia?" Noctis asked, and he hoped he didn't give away too much excitement in his voice. While he didn't relish living in the Citadel again, it would be a thousand times more tolerable if it were with Luna.

"The realization has yet to sink in, I see," Ignis chuckled to himself. "Has Umbra paid a visit lately?"

"No, but I just sent the notebook back and Luna's probably busy anyway," Noctis shrugged, trying not care too much. "Hey, Ignis, just pack whatever you think I'll need."

Ignis sighed, audibly tired.

"If you insist," He acquiesced. "But I expect you to sort through it, later."

Sometimes, it felt like Ignis was his dad instead of Regis.

They packed for a few minutes in comfortable silence, not needing to fill the void with empty words. It had always been like this with Iggy, for as long as Noct could remember - he'd been the brother he never had, and he was a little scared, if he was being honest with himself, to have to endeavor into this new world of marriage alone. Everything he'd done, whether it was school or training or diplomacy, Ignis had always been there to guide him, but now, as he was to begin a relationship with Lunafreya, he wouldn't be able to lean on his wise counsel; it was something he'd have to do entirely alone. And he was a little uneasy.

"I think I spent more time sneaking out of this room than I actually spent in it," He spoke up, eyeing the old place as he reminisced. Ignis chuckled, looking up from the bag he'd been packing; it was already fit to burst.

"Indeed," Ignis readjusted his glasses. "And it wasn't uncommon for me to go with you." He smiled, him, Mr. Ignis-I-do-everything-by-the-book-Scientia, smiled at the memory of breaking the rules. "Every excursion was more nerve-wracking than the last."

"Y'know, I remember someone there, but he was always in a bad mood, trying to get me to read," Noctis teased him.

"I was young," Ignis shook his head, exasperated. "And despite the different types of reading material I prepared, the most the prince ever showed interest in were…picture books, I believe." He grinned.

"Oh, yeah?" Noct encouraged him. He knew he meant comic books; he always referred to them as picture books, if only to taunt him and Prompto.

"I believe this loathing of all other literature was at fault for his absence here," Ignis nodded to himself. Noctis was laughing, but the laughter began to fade as his memories resurfaced all at once.

"Oh, yeah…" He trailed off. "I hated being stuck in here," He mumbled, mostly to himself. "I couldn't get a moment alone."

"Everyone was worried about you," Ignis reassured him, though he understood Noctis's feelings of imprisonment just as well as he understood the intentions of all others in the Citadel.

"Yeah, I know," Noctis sighed, feeling guilty, nostalgic, trapped, and depressed all at once. It was amazing, how many feelings he could muster up when he let his guard down.

"Before you sustained that injury, you were a much livelier child," Ignis mused, hand on his chin.

"I didn't really talk much after it happened, huh?" Noctis hadn't considered it before. He hadn't really thought about how different he'd become since that fateful night — it was so long ago, but also, so fresh in his memory.

"Even I was perplexed at your radical change," Ignis admitted cautiously.

"Really?" Ignis had never told him that. Noctis wondered just how many people had been horribly worried for his condition.

"Indeed," Ignis continued packing the bag he had in front of him, but his voice was gentle. "Which is why I had no choice but to accompany you whenever you left this room."

Noctis laughed, a little bashful.

"I always hoped these spontaneous "excursions" would one day come to a peaceful end… yet my hopes were dashed," Ignis was laughing lightly himself.

"I remember," Noctis admitted, packing his own bag. "You took the fall for everything."

"I was reprimanded for "absconding" with you away from the Citadel," Ignis scoffed, as though the idea were preposterous. Considering it had always been Noct's idea and never his, the idea WAS preposterous.

"My bad," Noctis apologized sheepishly. "You were doing me a favor and got blamed for it anyway."

"I was simply doing my job," Ignis stated matter-of-factly. "I have no regrets on the matte — not even now." Before Noctis could reply, he was distracted by the Carbuncle figurine on Noct's nightstand. Noctis blinked; he didn't realize he'd never even taken it with him to his apartment. Maybe it was because the intermittent visits from the curious little creature himself - his own Messenger - made him forget he also possessed a lucky charm in his likeness.

"Hm?" Ignis took the figure in his hand. "I haven't seen this figurine in ages."

"Let's take it with us," Noctis didn't hesitate. He stepped forward to examine the little thing in his own hands. It had been awhile since he'd been visited by his Messenger - maybe if he took this little guy for good luck, the real one would oversee their journey favored fortune.

"It's an important keepsake, isn't it?" Ignis wondered. None of his friends knew the little Fennec fox with the bright red horn was more than just a symbol; he was real. He hadn't divulged it to anyone but Lunafreya in their book. He wasn't sure why he felt the need to keep it a secret.

"Yeah," He nodded, running his fingers over the figurine. "I figure it'll at least keep us safe on the road." It wasn't a lie; it just wasn't the whole truth.

"I wouldn't take this little lucky charm so lightly," Ignis chided him (although, little did Ignis know, Noctis only took the figure lightly because he valued the real figure it was based on). "It brought you back from the brink of death, didn't it?" He was referring to his time in Tenebrae, after he was attacked by the Marilith. It was when his father had given him the figurine; and also the time he'd met the real creature. He had a feeling Luna had something to do with his receiving a Messenger, but he'd never confronted her about it. He'd never felt the need.

"Maybe in my dreams, at least," Noctis shrugged, feigning ignorance. It felt like a secret between him and Luna; maybe that was why he protected it so. Because it was something small they shared together, just them. Maybe this marriage thing wouldn't be so hard, after all. He retreated away from Ignis, combing through his old room some more.

"What else do I need…" He wondered, tapping his chin.

"A sword?" Ignis's voice interrupted his thoughts, and he nodded.

"Good call," Noctis agreed, heading for his closet and taking out his old Engine Blade. "I remember training with this," He recalled fondly, running his fingers over the hilt.

"There was hardly a moment of peace around here after you received it," Ignis chuckled.

"Yeah," Noctis laughed lightly, slicing it through the air a few times. It felt good to have it in his hand again; it fit just right. "But no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't get the blade-warp down."

"If you hadn't sustained that injury, I imagine it might've been much easier for you," Ignis speculated, removing his glasses from his nose and polishing them with the small rag he kept in his pocket. "You did quite well for yourself regardless."

"I didn't really have much of a choice," Noctis admittedly, voice low. It wasn't as though the Crown Prince of Lucis, son of King Regis, couldn't live up to his father's legend, lest he live in his shadow forever. Plus, Cor was a hardass.

"Certainly," Ignis agreed, though he was interrupted by his phone ringing. Gesturing apologetically, he answered it swiftly.

"Hello?" His voice was as calm as ever; as diplomatic as they came. "This is Ignis. I see… Understood. I'll be right there."

He hung up, and Noctis looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to explain.

"I've just been informed that His Majesty is too busy to meet with us today," Ignis's shoulders fell a little; even his perfect posture couldn't sustain itself under the weight of their burden in the name of Insomnia.

Noctis averted his gaze from Ignis; he could feel the angry tears welling up inside him again.

"Huh." Was all he managed, tapping his blade against the floor, studying the wood like he'd never seen it before. Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry…

"I'm going to check on the baggage for the ceremony," Ignis put his phone in his pocket, readjusting himself. "Please sort through your belongings in the meantime."

"Got it," Noctis muttered, still avoiding his gaze. He refused to show he cared about something so mundane as daddy dearest not making time for him. Ignis saw himself out without a word, leaving Noct alone in the middle of his room. The Carbuncle figurine sat atop the bag Ignis had been packing, and remembering the day his father gave it to him, as he lay bedridden, injured, in Tenebrae, he let a few silent tears fall before returning to his packing duties.

The indoor training hall was a lot less open than the outdoor training grounds in the middle of the Citadel's floor plan. It was stuffy and hot and cramped, which was why it was reserved for the Crownsguard instead of the Glaives - the Glaives, with all their warping and magic use, needed a much more open place to train than a simple hall such as this. The men were grunting and swords were clashing and bodies were sweaty, but Gladiolus wasn't training today. He was talking to his father, the Shield of the King himself, in his office beside the hall, and he didn't like what he was hearing.

"So even Cor's on external patrol that day?" He demanded, a little more gruffly than he had intended. It wasn't as if it were his father's fault for the security measures that would be in place during the signing ceremony. Not his fault alone, anyway.

"Yes, and the Crownsguard will operate as usual," Clarus assured his son. "Only the bare minimum will be on duty." Gladiolus looked into his father's eyes - they were at even height now that he was 23, all 6'5 of him had finally caught up to his gigantic father - but his eyes had always remained gentle. Gentle, and honest, blue and sincere. He always wondered how his father, with his blue eyes and fair hair, had given life to him and Iris, with their brown locks and amber eyes. But their mother had died when Gladio was still young - in childbirth with Iris, actually - and he could remember her long brown hair that he would twine around little fingers as a baby. Although he was seven when she died, he couldn't remember her face. Let alone her eyes. And it had always bothered him.

"So we leave the Citadel to the Kingsglaive, huh?" Gladio scoffed. He had never liked the Glaives; they were cocky, and rash, and thought they were special because they could use the King's magic. It made them reckless, and he didn't trust reckless soldiers. Especially not after what had happened with Barrick. "Guess they don't know what you're capable of." He shrugged his shoulders, and it made Clarus laugh quietly. He put a hand on his son's shoulder.

"Gladiolus, the Kingsglaive has seen more than their fair share of battles. They're more than capable," He assured him.

Gladio wasn't convinced, but he offered his dad a smile anyway.

"No place for a Shield, huh," He raised a brow at his old man, who grinned right back.

"The peace brought along many changes, including the role of the Crownsguard," Clarus withdrew his hand, rubbing his chin. "Our place is with the people now."

"So you're less of a "King's Shield," and more of a 'People's Shield,'" Gladio asked skeptically. Clarus wasn't phased by his son's uncertainty.

"Precisely," He nodded. His eyes looked tired; Gladio could finally see the wrinkles catch up to the corners of them. "Protecting the populace ensures their support for His Majesty."

Gladio frowned.

"Huh."

He wasn't convinced, though he knew his father had little choice in the matter. If this was the will of King Regis, his father had little choice but to obey, no matter how much he may personally object. It was humbling, and something he would have to accept in his own role as Noctis's Shield. Noctis's word was final, even if he was wrong.

"Whether one is a Shield or a Glaive matters not," Clarus crossed his arms, and Gladio tried not to groan. It was always the position he assumed when he was giving a lecture. "No matter what happens, Gladiolus, you must keep Prince Noctis safe."

Gladio's brow furrowed, his frown deepening. His father had only told him this a thousand times - why did he feel the need to say it again?

"Of course," He agreed. He knew better than to argue with his old man. And it had been his duty his entire life; why should he abandon it now?

"Protect him not just as the next king," Clarus continued, "but as a comrade and a true friend. I will do the same within the Wall. I entrust matters on the outside to you."

"Yes, sir!" Gladio straightened his back, only now noticing he was, in fact, a little bit taller than Clarus Amicitia now. In stature, sure, but maybe not presence yet; his dad was a legend.

They were interrupted by a knock at the door, turning both their heads to the sound.

"Come in," Clarus called out. Gladio blinked a little in confusion when he saw Cor enter, leaving the door open behind him.

"Pardon the intrusion," Cor offered them both a small bow.

"Cor?" Clarus asked inquisitively, a little confused by his presence. Gladio assumed this must not have been the plan for today, but before he could speak up, Prompto followed in behind, which almost made Gladio chuff with a laugh.

"And pardon me - wait, Gladio!?" Prompto's mouth fell open. Gladio laughed.

"What're you doin' here, Prompto?" He clapped him on the shoulder. He hadn't liked Prompto when he first met him - he found him annoying and loud and way too chipper all the time. And kind of oblivious and naive. But the more he hung out with Noct's best friend, the more he liked the kid, and the more he felt like he needed to take him under his wing, just as he'd done all those years ago with Noct. Now, he came to like the hyper blonde; he even respected him, after his dedication during training. He considered him to be one of the family he, Ignis, and Noctis comprised. It was funny how everyone he considered his closest friends he hadn't liked when he first met them.

"He's here for his Crownsguard uniform - the last one didn't fit quite right. Had the tailor work on it last night. I thought it best he met the captain himself," Cor explained.

"Makes sense," Gladio nodded. "What, string bean, the other one too big for your scrawny little frame?" He wrapped an arm around Prompto's neck and tousled his hair, to which the blonde protested.

"Actually, big guy," Prompto struggled to push him off. "It was too small; I've gained muscle since my fitting," He stuck out a tongue, and Gladio laughed. He knew the kid had gotten bigger and stronger since training with Cor; he just had to give him a hard time. That was his role in their group of friends — he was the big brother.

"Prompto Argentum, am I right?" Clarus stepped forward, offering him a hand.

"Y-yes, sir!" Prompto shook his hand eagerly, straightening himself up. He'd never met Gladio's dad before; and everyone knew who the Shield of the King was, in legend, anyway. He could see the way his jaw hung slack, and his eyes shone with admiration, and he tried not to laugh at this reaction to his old man. He knew what his dad was capable of on the battle field, how he was a strong and able fighter, one of the best, but at the end of the day, he was still just "dad" to him.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Clarus offered him a smile. "No injuries from training, I presume?"

"No, sir!" Prompto assured him. "It went just fine, I think. Probably. A-and I promise to protect Noct if something happens!"

Typical Prompto. Full of verbal-diarrhea when he was nervous.

"Very noble of you," Clarus nodded to him, but looked to Gladio when he spoke next. "However, you must first and foremost protect yourself on this journey - hence your self-defense training."

Prompto was flabbergasted.

"R-right," Was all he could manage. Gladio held in his chuckle.

"I understand you decided to undertake this journey as his friend," Clarus continued, clapping Prompto on the shoulder. "Take pride in your position at his side."

"Right!" Prompto's face lit up at Clarus's praise. "And, uh, thank you!"

"I appreciate your time today," Clarus looked to Cor knowingly. "I assume you have some preparations to take care of, so you may be on your way."

"Yes, sir!" Prompto bowed, an awkward thing, and Gladio tried not to roll his eyes. The kid was gifted with a gun, but still couldn't figure out how to bow properly.

"I better get ready, too," Gladio admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Understood," Clarus offered his son one last squeeze of the shoulder. "I'll see you soon."

He nodded at Cor before leaving, Prompto right on his heels.

"Mind if I come with?" Prompto asked.

"Nah, come on, birdbrain," Gladio laughed, pushing the blonde forward, following him down the hall. He wondered why Cor had stayed behind - he hoped all was well, or if his concerns about the security measures the day of the signing weren't only his own.

Clarus watched them go, his eyes sad when the door closed behind them. The atmosphere in the room changed entirely; all was solemn now.

"Did you speak with Drautos?" He asked his friend, a little impatiently.

"I haven't had a chance just yet," Cor admitted, taking a seat in front of Clarus's desk. Clarus sighed, following suit.

"He hasn't looked well lately," He surmised, rubbing his eyes. He refused to let his son see his exhaustion, but he and Cor had been friends for how many years now? He needn't feign imperviousness with him.

"Indeed," Cor agreed, crossing a leg.

"I suppose the alliance is to blame," Clarus wondered quietly, more to himself than to Cor.

"Well, I doubt the Kingsglaive are happy about the territory terms," Cor shrugged. He was right, of course - most of the Glaives weren't from Insomnia. And were now losing their homes to Niflheim's agenda. Cor was lucky to work on security for the Citadel, both with the Guard and Glaives - Clarus himself was in charge of the Crownsguard. But poor Drautos was in charge of the Glaives, a talented, rash bunch who were now no doubt on edge about the peace treaty. It would be a lot for anyone to take. Clarus only sighed, world-weary, at what had become of Insomnia's place in the world.

"Can nothing be done about my post tomorrow?" Cor wondered aloud then. Clarus raised an eyebrow at him. Of course Cor the Immortal wouldn't be happy with his post - he had served at Regis's side just as much as Clarus had. He was something of a Shield himself; and Shields weren't happy when they were away from the ones they'd sworn to protect.

"It is as I said," He rubbed his temples. "All of the plans have already received His Majesty's approval."

"Doesn't he think it suspicious?" Cor looked exasperated. "This is equivalent to excluding the Crownsguard entirely."

"He knows," Clarus assured him sternly.

"There isn't much time until the signing ceremony, Clarus," Cor warned his friend worriedly. "If anything should happen, we should be in the Citadel-"

"Calm down, Cor," Clarus interrupted him, quiet, but firm. Cor shut his mouth immediately. He was ten years younger than Clarus; and all these years later, it was the same. Clarus served as his mentor; almost as an elder brother. "If anything should happen, the citizens must be your priority. Your position was ordained by the King."

Cor didn't speak for a moment, searching Clarus's face for he knew not what. Clarus tried not to give anything away; it was better this way, the fewer knowing, the better.

"Is he expecting something to happen?" Cor inquired.

Clarus kept his expression neutral. This was the way Regis wanted it; while he trusted Cor with his life, he needed him at his best for the sake of their citizens. No one was better than Cor; if anyone could protect them, it was him.

"His Majesty realized long ago that the options available to Lucis are few."

"You don't mean…?" Cor blinked, trying not to show his shock. He'd known it all along; but he hadn't confirmed it to be true.

"He had his reservations about the Kingsglaive's position, but they're the only ones who can fight against the empire," Clarus explained slowly.

"All the more reason for me to be there," Cor kept his voice calm, and even, as he usually did, but Clarus knew he was enraged inside. "If experience is what you need, then put me at the King's side-"

"Don't forget, Cor," Clarus interrupted him again. "The citizens must be your priority should anything happen. King Regis wanted only the most capable to evacuate the people. I know you won't let him down."

Cor was quiet, and thoughtful, and didn't offer any attitude or response after Clarus had made Regis's position clear.

So Clarus had told Cor, without really telling Cor.

But they both knew the end of Insomnia was near.

"You gonna wait for Noct here?" Gladio wondered aloud as he and Prompto strolled through the Citadel. Prompto shook his head.

"Nah, think I'll head home for a bit," He admitted, staring down at his box of Crownsguard fatigues like a doting mother.

"Why? Forget something?" Gladio pushed. Prompto shook his head again.

"No, nothin' like that!" He looked up at his friend with a brilliant smile. "Just thought I'd show my parents my new digs."

"Heh, sounds good," Gladio grinned back, but it was sad; he knew the relationship Prompto had with his parents. And, if it were him, he'd say to hell with them and never give them the time of day. He was lucky, that as busy as his dad was, he was still a good father. He couldn't imagine having two pieces of shit for his parents, let alone one.

"It's kinda proof that I'm worthy to go on this trip, y'know?" Prompto went on excitedly. "Just hope they're home," His smile fell, his eyes growing a little sad. Gladio didn't know how to cheer him up.

"Not much you can if they aren't, huh," He wondered, hands in his pockets.

"Nah," Prompto agreed. He had that faraway look again, and it was uncomfortable for Gladio to see. He wasn't used to seeing Prompto anything but happy-go-lucky. "We don't see each other much, but it's been that way since I was a kid. Anyway, if they're not in, I'll come right on back!"

Yeah, and when they were home, they beat the poor kid.

"Right," Gladio wouldn't say that out loud. He wouldn't disrespect the kid like that. "Well, I might be a little late. Got dinner plans."

"Do tell," Prompto's face lit up again at the prospect of Gladio having some hot girl to go see at dinner. But it was nothing like that; it was family stuff.

"My family and I are going out to eat," He scratched the back of his head. "Hardly ever happens, so I figured I might as well go along."

"Nice!" Prompto grinned - genuinely happy for Gladio to see his family, even when his own sucked. The kid was nice like that. "Take your time, and send Iris my regards."

"Oh, yeah. She mentioned she saw you the other day," Gladio recalled. Prompto blinked at him, confused.

"Huh? Where?" He asked.

"In the park, taking pictures," Gladio tried not to smirk - the kid was obsessed with his camera. But it had saved their asses before, so he couldn't knock his hobby. And he was pretty good with the thing.

"Sounds like me," Prompto agreed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Why didn't she come over and say "hi" if she saw me?"

"Said she did," Gladio shrugged. When he was absorbed by anything - a comic book, taking pictures, shooting his gun - there was little getting his attention.

"H-hold up. Seriously?" Prompto looked mortified. "Oh man, I can't believe I didn't notice."

Gladio tried to look serious, and not give away his bemusement.

"She was really worried about you," He crooned a little too dramatically.

"You should've told her not to worry!" Prompto punched him in the arm, and he finally laughed, letting on that he was just pulling his leg. They laughed like that together in the Citadel, for once, free of care and concern. Gladio wished they could stay like that forever, instead of assuming responsibility once more, and carrying the burden of an entire kingdom on their backs.

"Thank you for coming, Libertus," Drautos acknowledged the Glaive as he entered the briefing room. "Where's Nyx?"

"On his way," Libertus leaned back in his chair, a little skeptical. "What's up?"

"I wanted one of you to see the Prince back to his place in the city," He informed him matter-of-factly. Libertus blinked up at his superior, a little dumbfounded.

"Seriously?" Libertus scoffed. "Dropping off the Prince? Are we babysitters now?"

"It's the price to pay for using his car," Drautos shrugged, sitting across from him.

"To do what?" Libertus chewed on a nail, still pissed off they were being given glorified babysitting duty.

"To safeguard our esteemed guests," Drautos rubbed his eyes, visibly tired. "It's the only one worthy of the task."

Suddenly, Libertus went from being irritated to gloomy.

"It'll be a peaceful exchange, won't it?" He chanced. "Any car should do."

Drautos laughed, and it unsettled Libertus a little. Why laugh at a time like this?

"I take it you're not a fan of the ceasefire, huh?" Drautos surmised.

"I dunno…" Libertus trailed off, crossing his arms, deep in thought. "I want peace just like anyone else. I should be happy if no one else has to get hurt like this."

"But you can't be happy," Drautos finished for him. "Not with these terms."

"'Course not," Libertus looked to the floor, disheartened. "You know we're all thinking the same thing."

They were both quiet for a minute, the silence filled with dread. Drautos changed the subject.

"How's your leg?" He asked. Libertus looked down at his leg, still in its cast, his crutches beside him against the table. He shrugged.

"Still need a crutch to get around."

"I see," Drautos rubbed his chin. "Sorry for calling you out here, then. Assignments have been updated, so have a look. After that, go home and rest that leg."

"What about the Prince?" Libertus risked bringing it back up, even if he despised the subject.

"Nyx'll handle it," Drautos said with a nod of his head.

"'Preciate it," He thanked him, rising to his feet. "Guess I'll head home then."

"Take care, Libertus," Drautos said with a wave. Libertus grabbed his crutches, and hobbled out of the briefing room, unsure why the hair on the back of his neck stood on end to have Drautos at his back.

Noctis was staring out the window, lost in thought about Luna, marriage, the journey to Altissia with his friends, Carbuncle, Inertia, his father, and everything else that had been bothering him lately. He could see his own reflection in the glass; he looked bored, as always. But he was interrupted when his phone rang.

"Hello?" He sighed into the phone.

"Just me," Ignis's voice responded. "Have you finished packing?"

"Yep," He watched himself in the window as he traced the edge of his bed with a lazy finger.

"Then please be on your way home," Ignis instructed calmly. "I'm running a little late."

"No problem," Noctis scratched his head. "Did something happen?"

"Nothing serious," Ignis's voice was as calm as ever. "There's simply more to do than I anticipated. It's just a matter of time until I can wrap things up here."

"All right," Noctis sat up, lifting himself off the bed. He eyed the two bags on the floor, wondering where he'd carry them to — his car was with Drautos. How was he getting home?

"Captain Drautos said there should be a car waiting for you outside," Ignis answered as though reading Noct's mind. Honestly, he probably was at this point.

"Got it," Noctis replied.

"Gladio will be late as well," Ignis informed him from the other line. "It might be a good idea to start cleaning before we arrive."

"Right…" Noct's voice trailed off. Cleaning. He dreaded it more than was probably normal. He hung up without any further reply, shouldering his bags and heading out the door without looking back. This wasn't a place he really wanted to remember anymore.

Libertus wasn't expecting to talk to anyone on his way out of the Citadel, but he managed to misstep and drop his crutches and crumple to the floor in the middle of the opening hall.

"Damn…" He cursed to himself, his leg throbbing.

"Are you all right?" He heard a sweet voice from above him and chanced a look up. He saw a young, short-haired girl holding his crutches out towards him. "Here." She offered them to him, and he grinned up at her in appreciation.

"Thanks," He nodded at her. "Just can't seem to get the hang of these things."

"Guess it happened recently, huh," She mused while he managed to get himself standing again. She was tall for her age, since she wasn't that much shorter than him once he got himself back on his feet. But she was definitely a teenager - fourteen, fifteen, maybe.

"Yeah, on the job," He nodded at her. She put a finger to her chin in thought.

"So… are you one of the Kingsglaive?" She pondered.

"Yeah, that's me," He beamed, a little wryly. She cocked her head in confusion.

"Are you Nyx?" She inquired. He tried his best not to look disappointed. Sigh. Again, he fell in Nyx's shadow…

"Nah, name's Libertus," He corrected her. His voice came out a little more strained than he meant it to. She frowned.

"Oh… my mistake," She apologized.

"You got business with Nyx?" He inquired curiously.

"Well, no," She admitted shyly, looking at her feet. "I just heard he'd be with the Prince, so…"

Ah. So she was looking for Prince Noctis.

"And who're you?" He asked, a little more interested now that he knew this young girl was looking for the Crown Prince.

"Iris Amicitia," She said plainly. Why did that name sound familiar?

"Amicitia?" He wondered aloud. Shit. Like the Shield of the King? "You mean—?"

"Yes, my father and brother are in the Crownsguard," She nodded eagerly. "Noct and I are friends."

"Huh," He could see the likeness to Gladiolus, the huge kid in the Crownsguard. "So you have business with the Prince? And you're waiting here for him?"

"Yep!" She grinned up at him, and he couldn't help but admit her smile lit up the room. She was definitely the opposite of her brother, a big, hulking, brooding looking kinda guy. Instead she was bubbly and kind. "I heard someone's coming to pick him up."

"Sorry to say," Libertus rubbed the back of his neck. "But I think you missed him."

"What?" Her face fell, and he felt almost bad for telling her the truth.

"He should probably be home by now…" He trailed off, hesitant to even tell her at this point as her face grew more disappointed with each passing moment.

"Y-you don't say…" She bit her lip, eyes glazing over. "Thanks for letting me know."

"Was it important?" He went on, trying to rectify the situation. "I'll call the driver and see where they are now."

"What?" Her eyes lit with hope, but she seemed hesitant. "No, you don't—"

He was already dialing Nyx's number before she could protest. No way was he gonna upset the daughter of Clarus Amicitia.

He heard him pick up the line after only two rings.

"What's up, man?"

"Hey. Where are you now?" He was straight to the point; Nyx didn't like mind games, and neither did he.

"Halfway back to the Citadel…somewhere between Yargon and Littleton," Nyx sounded confused.

"And the Prince?" Libertus probed.

"Back at his apartment, like Drautos asked..." Nyx trailed off.

"'Course he is," Libertus sighed.

"What's the matter? Something wrong?" Nyx sounded worried, now.

"Nah, it's nothin'," Libertus shrugged. "Later."

He hung up. He could explain to Nyx later why he even called in the first place.

"Seems His Highness is back home already," Libertus couldn't look Iris in the eye. "Sorry."

"Thank you for checking anyway," She smiled up at him, eyes sad but thankful.

"Well, if he's your friend, why don't you just meet up with him tomorrow?" He offered gently.

That wasn't the right thing to say at all.

Tears welled up in her eyes, and she choked when she tried to speak.

"I guess…" She whispered.

"Or…maybe not," He backtracked, trying not to panic. What did you go with a crying teenage girl!?

"It's just…" She bit her lip, rubbing her arms. "Today is a special day."

Special? As in… special special?

Considering he was a twenty-something year old while Iris was just a teenager, and he was betrothed to the Oracle, he guessed maybe it wasn't quite like Iris had it in her head — but that didn't mean her feelings weren't genuine.

"Ohhh, I see," He put his hand to his chin. "Didn't know the Prince was that kinda guy."

"I guess he is…" She forced a smile through her tears, a little bashful about the subject.

"Well, it might be hard to get a hold of the Prince," He thought aloud, "but I'm sure he'd take a call from a friend."

"Huh?" She sniffled.

"If it's urgent, why not?" He offered her a smile, and she followed suit, even as her eyes were glassy with unshed tears.

"Well, I've never called him before…" She admitted sheepishly.

"But you have his number, don't you?" He probed. She nodded.

"Yeah, but…"

"Then what're you waitin' for?" He beamed at her, encouraging her to call up her crush — not that she had said it in so many words, but he'd been a teenager once before too. In Galahd. It felt like centuries ago, now. Everything was different here in Insomnia. And now the Empire was encroaching on them, even here.

"My brother'll get mad at me if I do…" She worried.

"Then you leave him to me!" He enthused - not that the idea of fighting with the giant that was her brother was a totally appealing idea. "If today's really so special, you better call him before it's too late."

She said nothing, hesitating with her phone in her hand, looking to him the way only a child can look at an adult when they're scared.

"You'll regret it if you don't," He told her seriously. She paused only a second more before dialing his number.

"Hello?" He could hear the Prince's lazy voice through the phone, and tried to step away a little to give Iris some privacy. But that was the thing about being a Glaive — enhanced hearing ability.

"Hello, Noct?" She sounded scared, even now.

"iris?" He wondered, a little more agency in his voice. "What's up? Something wrong?"

"No…" She hesitated. "I just wanted to tell you… be careful out there." She paused, choking something back. "And I…wish you all the best."

Libertus studied a painting on the wall of the hall, pretending not to listen. Because Insomnian art was something he really cared about - yeah, right.

"Oh…" Noctis's voice trailed off. "That it?"

"Yeah!" She laughed awkwardly. "That's it."

"I appreciate it," He told her. He sounded sincere, at least to Libertus, he did. "Anyway, I'm gonna go." Wow. The Prince was kind of a brash person, wasn't he?

"Okay, bye," He turned just in time to see the light in her eyes as she hung up the phone. It was a brief conversation - hardly noteworthy - but it seemed to make her day.

"Did you get it all out?" He asked her gently. She sniffled, gulping back the tears from earlier, smiling at him earnestly.

"Yeah," She nodded.

"Good to hear," He smiled at her, hoping this would ease her troubled mind.

"I'm sorry for all the trouble," She apologized sheepishly, wiping her eyes.

"Nah, I'm the one who butted in to begin with," He tapped a finger on her chin, lifting her puffy eyes up from the floor. "I have something of a little sister myself, so I couldn't help it."

Iris laughed, cheering up considerably.

"No kidding!" She beamed.

"Anyway," He managed awkwardly as the moment passed. "I hope you're feeling better now."

"I am," She assured him.

"See ya," He said with a wave, continuing on his way out the Citadel, and eventually towards home.

"Thank you, Libertus!" She called after him. "Please take care of that leg."

He hesitated at the entrance to the palace, smiling genuinely. "Will do!" And with that he hobbled off into the night, hoping the youngest Amicitia felt better than when he found her.

Night had already fallen by the time Ignis arrived back at Noct's apartment building.

"Good evening," He greeted the guard at the desk, signing in on the list present on the counter.

"Good evening," The guard nodded at him - it wasn't like he hadn't seen him here a thousand times before. They all knew who he was now - particularly because they knew who the Prince was.

"Hey, Ignis!"

He turned to see none other than Prompto heading his way with a bright smile and a hearty wave.

"Prompto," He nodded in acknowledgement when he saw him, allowing him to close the distance between them.

"Did you just get here?" He asked eagerly.

"Indeed," Ignis acknowledged as Prompto signed himself in.

"Evening, sir!" He greeted the guard warmly, who nodded back at him.

"Good evening," He returned the greeting. The two of them proceeded towards the elevator after having signed in, quiet at first.

"Were you able to see your parents?" Ignis inquired. He didn't wish to bring up any painful subjects, but sometimes, pretending as though there were no issue was easier on Prompto's feelings than the alternative.

"Nah, they weren't home," Prompto shook his head, disappointed.

"That's… unfortunate," Ignis lamented, a little thankful they hadn't been. He never did grow comfortable seeing him with new bruises.

"No biggie," Prompto shrugged. "I'm used to it."

He called the elevator, shifting from foot to foot uneasily, a little uncomfortable himself. Clearly, the topic of his parents was a sensitive one. Which was why Ignis had never pressed the matter after the first time he'd confronted him about his bruises.

"By the way, Gladio packed a ton of stuff for the road," Prompto rubbed his arm nervously, looking up as the elevator descended floors towards them.

"The camping equipment?" Ignis wondered, a little curious now.

"Well, he had a bunch of stuff out, and when I asked what he needed it for, he said 'cooking,'" Prompto explained, tension lifting from his shoulders. Good, the small talk was getting his mind off more troublesome things.

Either way, Ignis sighed.

"I suppose he intends for me to use them," He surmised.

The ding of the elevator arriving interrupted both of them. Of course, a decently good-looking girl emerged from inside, sending Prompto into a fit of nervousness.

"E-evening!" He greeted her warmly, if not a little awkwardly. Ignis tried not to audibly sigh.

"Good evening to you, too," She smiled at him, adjusting her purse on her arm.

"Good evening," Ignis nodded at her, allowing her room to pass. He stepped into the elevator, Prompto following closely behind, a little lost, thrown by their interaction with, heavens forbid, a woman. But Ignis didn't tease him for it like Gladio did - somehow, the older man seemed to think bullying him into confidence would be a success. Ignis knew it didn't work that way.

"Do you cook a lot, Ignis?" Prompto inquired. "I mean, besides when you cook for us?"

"I wouldn't say 'a lot,'" He considered the question cautiously.

"Y'know, after all these dinners we've had during training, I can honestly say your food is amazing!" Prompto enthused. Ignis chuckled to himself, pleasantly surprised.

"Is that so?" He asked him. Prompto nodded vigorously.

"Yeah! I was hopin' that's what it'd be like at camp, but you usually cook in a real kitchen, right?" Prompto babbled on. "I can't imagine what it's gonna be like on the road."

The elevator finally stopped on Noct's floor, doors opening to an empty hallway. Good thing, too - poor Prompto's heart probably couldn't take another encounter with a woman.

"So I asked Noct, and he said there was nothin' to worry about," Prompto continued, fumbling with his hands. Ignis was wondering why his cooking was such a point of contention - they'd had it almost every day they'd trained together these last three months. "Now I can't wait to have more of your meals, Iggy!"

He chuckled.

He had been quick to judge Prompto when they'd first met him. He hadn't been nearly as hard on the boy as Gladio had, for he never found him to be a bad person, just an unmotivated one. He wasn't the best student, or a good one, by normal means, but that didn't mean he wasn't smart. He was hyperactive, and got distracted easily, and lost focus on things he didn't care about. He suspected he had ADHD, but his parents never cared enough to take him to a learning specialist or a doctor. So the more he got to know him, he got to know his quirks - his passion for photography, his lack of self confidence, his love of Noct and comic books, and actually found his unique perspective - as one outside of the Crown - refreshing. He was glad he'd chosen to come along with them for their journey. He was a breath of fresh air they all desperately needed.

"Well, I certainly don't want to disappoint," Ignis admitted honestly. "I might as well ask your preferences."

"Well, I like sweets, but real food's good, too," Prompto was talking so fast Ignis could barely follow. That was how he was when he got excited. "Spicy food and…well, I'll eat anything, really. Even weird stuff."

"Understood," Ignis adjusted the glasses on his nose so that he could see the hallway even more clearly - that was how he preferred his world. Crystal clear perfection. "I was hoping to experiment with local ingredients, so I'm glad you can keep an open mind."

Prompto grinned emphatically, practically lighting up the hall.

"No problem at all!"

They stopped in front of Noct's apartment, Prompto pressing the panel button on the intercom to let him know they'd arrived.

"Be right there," His bored voice came through the intercom, and the two looked at each other knowingly, already aware he hadn't started cleaning his place at all.

The place looked messier than ever.

It was later than they'd planned, but Gladio's dinner with his family had lasted longer than he'd planned, too. And Ignis and Prompto had only beaten him by about an hour.

Prompto wondered how they'd made so much progress, but the place was still in total disarray. Noct was due out tomorrow, and they'd rearranged his possessions in haphazard piles, trying to organize them to Ignis's content (which was a damn near impossible task). The furniture had come with the place - one of those pre-furnished places - but Noct still had so much stuff they had to sort through that it was taking eons.

"Whoa!" Prompto remarked excitedly, grabbing the comic book from the open box by the door. It was a limited edition MegaMan Issue #263 just LAYING there on top of Noct's things. "Never thought I'd see this again!"

Noctis looked up from his pile, face lighting up as much as a forever-bored person's face could.

"What?" He stood, stretching, coming to stand beside Prompto.

"This!" Prompto held the comic out so Noct could see it. "I never noticed, but you've got a ton of comics!"

"Some of 'em are yours, too," Noctis remarked with a laugh, pushing the comic out of his way. Prompto's jaw dropped - HE LEFT COMICS AT NOCT'S AND NEVER EVEN KNEW!?

"Seriously?" He guffawed.

Noctis wandered over and took another one out of the box Prompto had rummaged through mere moments before.

"Hey, look at this," He chuckled to himself. Prompto threw the MegaMan back in the box, just to admire the T-Rex Girl Issue #41 in his hands.

"OH!" He grabbed it in delight. "Man, I really wanted to read it one more time."

"Why don't you?" Noctis asked quizzically, a little confused.

To be fair, they were going on a road trip for a few weeks.

Prompto grinned mischievously.

"If you insist," He threw himself on the couch, opening its contents.

"Hold it," Gladio's big ass hand erupted into view, grabbing the comic from his grasp. "You don't mean now, do you?" He flipped it open to a page curiously, eyeballing the scene where T-Rex Girl gets stripped down by her enemy into only her underwear. Typical, Gladio.

"Neither of you has made any progress in cleaning," Ignis agreed, taking the comic away from Gladio, too. "I understand you'd like to reminisce, but now isn't the time." He sighed, exasperated, tossing the comic back into the box from whence it came.

"But isn't all this gonna get taken to the Citadel?" Prompto wondered, lifting himself from off the couch. So much for a break…

"Yeah." That was Gladio.

"Well, once that happens, I'll never be able to see it again!" He was practically pouting, but it was important to him. Once Noct returned with Luna to the Citadel, it would be all business all the time - and even if Prompto was official Crownsguard now, it wasn't like he'd be able to go to Noct's and just read his comics 'cuz he felt like it. With his marriage to Lunafreya, it kinda felt like he'd never see his best friend again. Not as the kids they were once. And it was depressing as hell.

"Can't you just take what you want?" Gladio asked with a shrug. Prompto looked to Noctis, hesitantly hopeful.

"Can I?" He asked eagerly.

"No," Noctis didn't even look at him when he said it. Dick.

"It's all going in a box you won't open again anyway," Gladio tried to convince Noct, on Prompto's side, for once. Prompto shot him a thankful look.

"I'll open it and check," Noctis sighed, unmoved. "Thoroughly."

"And who knows how long that will take," Ignis muttered to himself. Prompto laughed.

"See?" He asked.

"Just give up and go back to cleaning," Gladio clapped him on the back. The room fell quiet while they resumed their tasks, cleaning and organizing to the best of their ability. It wasn't exactly "fun," but in the morning, they'd be heading out for Altissia, and Prompto, though disheartened by Noct's indifference in letting him have his comics back, was excited all the same.

As much as Noctis hated cleaning, he had to admit he and his friends did a damn good job.

It was the middle of the night - he didn't even know what time it was - but they'd gotten all his shit together in boxes piled up by the door, the rest of the apartment pretty much spotless. The furniture remained behind, of course, but the junk had been cleared, and the sanitation restored. He was a little sad to say goodbye to his place - it was the only thing that was truly his, and his alone, in his life.

"Looks like we got it all squared away," Gladio's voice brought him back to real life.

"Finally!" Prompto moaned, melodramatic as always. He was flopped on the floor, face down, in exhaustion. "I never realized how big this place is."

"And this is the last you'll see of it," Ignis noted with a nod. "When we return, Noct will begin his new life."

His new life… with Luna at his side. He'd been waiting years for the moment. But, at the same time, he'd be trapped back in the Citadel. He wasn't sure how to feel.

"Hard to imagine," Prompto admitted, sitting up, pulling at his pant leg.

"His Highness will be married," Gladio crooned in jest. Noctis rubbed the back of his neck.

"It hasn't hit me at all," He admitted. "I'm sure it'll all work out, though." With Luna, at least. How could it not? They'd been close since they were kids.

"You mean you aren't nervous?" Prompto looked up at him with genuine curiosity in his eyes. He was so naive it was kind of gross.

"Hmm…" Noctis crossed his arms. "You mean about waking up on time?"

Ignis smirked. "Certainly," He enthused.

"Yeah, good point," Prompto agreed with a laugh.

Gladio shook his head. "You haven't thought about it, have you?"

"Give me a little more credit than that," Noctis groaned, rolling his eyes. Gladio, while he loved him like an older brother, also ribbed on him exactly like an older brother. And it got real old real fast. "Still, thinking about it's not gonna change much, is it?"

Gladio nodded sympathetically; even he had grown tired of ragging on the Prince tonight. And, truth be told, the Prince had a point. Their fates were pretty much decided at this point. Such was the nature of politics.

"I get ya," Gladio squeezed his shoulder, letting go without a word.

"Not easy being the prince, huh?" Prompto wondered from his spot on the floor.

"First things first!" Ignis clapped his hands together; trying to lighten the mood, Noct was sure. "Completing our journey."

"Right," Noctis agreed, trying to put aside worrying thoughts.

"I can't believe it's tomorrow already," Prompto rose from the ground and stretched. "I'm so excited! Did you study up 'bout the outside?"

"Briefly," Ignis conceded, rubbing his chin. "I hadn't time to dedicate myself thoroughly to the task."

"Yeah, too busy with your own preparations," Gladio taunted him. They all knew he meant Inertia. Noctis had come to respect her a great deal. She was kind, and clever, and very skilled on the field, but also funny, and a lot more interesting than any other person he knew. She was very beautiful, of course, but he had his heart set on Luna; plus, there was something familiar about her to Noct. Almost like he could see her like a sister more than a lover. Which wasn't a bad thing. Not to him. But he couldn't blame Iggy for a little infatuation. Still, he expected it from Prompto - to see it from Ignis was… pretty much unprecedented.

"I had a look at some maps," Prompto twiddled his thumbs - he was eager to change the subject. Noct knew he was crazy about Inertia, too. Must be uncomfortable to like the same girl as his friend. "But even if you ask around, nobody really knows anything."

"It's a whole new world out there, huh…" Noctis wondered aloud. But he wasn't that phased by it - it was just another day to him. He was more concerned with seeing Luna again for the first time in 12 years.

"There're all kinds of wild animals on the outside, right?" Prompto asked Ignis, grabbing his sleeve as if desperate for an answer. Ignis's jaw rippled; he was gritting his teeth in consternation. He didn't like his clothes rumpled in any way — poor Prompto was oblivious. "Think they'll just walk on up to us?"

"Dunno," Gladio admitted. "All I heard is that it's different than Insomnia — least that's what my old man says."

"The culture is similar to that of Insomnia thirty years ago," Ignis corrected them all, readjusting his collar and the sleeve Prompto had pulled on a little more obsessively than he needed to. "Like a sprawling landscape from an old photograph."

"I'm so psyched, but so nervous!" Prompto danced from foot to foot in anticipation, and it reminded of Noct of all their years in high school together when he'd do that at a dance, nervous to ask any girl to join him on the floor - the poor kid had always ended up alone. "Don't know if I can sleep like this."

"Well, if you can't sleep…" Noct began, pulling out his phone and tapping on the screen. He was already opening the King's Knight app.

"Great idea!" Prompto's face lit up and he followed suit, throwing it open on his phone, too.

"You can't be serious," Ignis looked to them in dismay. "At a time like this?"

"Well, why not?" Gladio asked indignantly. "We gotta be there for His Highness, don't we?" He insisted, joining Prompto and Noct in on the fun. Noctis could literally see Ignis's willpower being stripped away before his eyes.

"Besides, this is the last time we can do this here," Noct insisted, gesturing to the apartment around them. Sadly, the four of them looked around, nostalgic for the times they were leaving behind, apprehensive about the future ahead. Theatrically, Ignis sighed - more for show than out of sincerity - and shook his head. He pulled out his phone and joined in, allowing the four of them to live out one last night in the past before barreling into the future.

World-weary, exhausted, aching, and waxing nostalgic, Regis set himself down heavily in his favorite armchair, having just returned from an interminable meeting. Clarus Amicitia, his truest friend and most trusted advisor, Shield of the King, joined him in the chair adjacent, only looking marginally less exhausted.

"I had no idea meetings could be so taxing," Clarus groaned. "My back aches."

Regis laughed, and then he sighed. Words were failing him now for all the thoughts and feelings trapped within.

"How are you feeling?" Clarus insisted. "I imagine you must be exhausted."

"Indeed," Regis managed, laughing ruefully.

"And what of Noctis?" Clarus wondered carefully.

"I hadn't a moment to see him," Regis could feel regret course through his veins. He longed for the time when he was a boy again, small enough to fit in his father's arms, the boy who asked for stories before bed every evening, the one who hadn't been gravely injured by the Marilith. Nothing had been the same since that attack - something he could never forgive the Empire for.

"I see…" Clarus cleared his throat. "After you send him on his way tomorrow, why not rest a little? Let me handle the more trivial matters."

"I can't have that," Regis shook his head, a small smile playing upon his lips. "If I leave the kingdom in your hands even for a day, I won't have a place to return to."

Clarus laughed, a full, hearty thing, deep from his belly.

"You make it sound like a bad thing," He teased. The both of them laughed, then, ringing out in the stillness of the night like they used to do when they were young and starry-eyed and full of hope. Regis longed for simpler times, nostalgic for an era they had never appreciated whilst they were in it.

"But you needn't worry about me," The King insisted, rubbing his eyes. "I'm doing just fine."

"Have you had time to contact Cid?" Clarus inquired. "If not, I'd be happy to drop him a line."

"That won't be necessary," Regis held up a hand. "I managed to call him today."

"How was he?" Clarus wasn't asking as an advisor to the King; he was asking as a friend. Both to Regis, and to Cid.

"Fine," Regis lied. "But he demanded a personal visit in exchange for looking after my son."

Clarus chuckled.

"Not the attitude one would normally take toward a king," He looked out toward the window, wistful. Regis followed suit.

"There must be something on his mind for him to be so insistent," Regis surmised. Clarus nodded.

"What did you say?" The Shield asked his King.

"That I couldn't see him," Regis answered honestly.

"An honest king," Clarus murmured softly. Regis scowled.

"Honest?" He scoffed. "Even when I couldn't tell him anything?" In his fervor, he dropped the cane he had been holding close. It clattered to the floor in a clamor. "I couldn't even be honest with my own son…"

Clarus's expression softened into one of pain, and he elicited a sigh.

"It's not something that can simply be said," He told his King earnestly. "When the time came, I couldn't do it either. But there are no right words for such a circumstance — to send them on their way, that is."

"Clarus…" Regis could feel the bond of kinship between them. As comrades-in-arms, as friends, as brothers, as two men burdened by both a kingdom and the duty of fatherhood. He had always cherished the elder Amicitia as his closest confidant, but never had he felt so connected to the man as he did now, together, in what could be some of their final moments.

"You've done more than enough, Regis," Clarus placed a hand on top of Regis's own, but it didn't feel uncomfortable. It felt sincere. "They're no longer children. Someday they will understand."

Regis offered his friend a heartfelt smile.

"Thank you," His voice was soft, but Clarus heard him perfectly clear. His smile, however, faded as he could feel the weight of his position bear down on him. "Many sacrifices must be made for the future." He longed for the days before the Crystal had shown him such visions of said painful future — but what had been seen could not be unseen. "Perhaps it's too much to hope for the understanding of my people. But my will is to protect those of the present, and on the path I have chosen, the options before me are few. I have thrown away my pride. perhaps I'll even be ridiculed as a fool. The name of Amicitia, in the service of Caelum, will be sullied. For that, I must beg your forgiveness, Clarus."

But Clarus, in all his posterity, shook his head.

"You needn't apologize," Clarus gripped his hand tighter. "To me, you are more than a King; you are a true friend." He looked to Regis, tears in his eyes, and Regis could feel the familiar sting of tears in his own. "No matter what happens, that will never change."

Birds were chirping somewhere, he could hear them before he even opened his eyes. Sun streamed in through the speckled window, emblazoning his eyes before he had even raised heavy lids. The chorus of happy chirps, however, was soon interrupted by a blaring alarm, the one on his phone. He groaned, reaching for the snooze, but Ignis was already awake, and was faster than him. Taking his phone out of reach, he placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, trying to rouse him as gently as he could. Opening his eyes, Noct could see blurry versions of Gladio and Prompto lifting themselves up from their slumber, rubbing their eyes and yawning and tousling their bedhead. Prompto lifted his arms above his head.

"Morning already?" He wondered from his position on the floor.

"Guess I fell asleep…" Gladio rubbed the back of his neck, pushing himself off from the bottom of the couch he was careened against. They had all fallen asleep playing King's Knight on the floor of Noct's now barren apartment - no blankets, no pillows. Just four sleepy guys the night before they undertook an important journey.

Ignis sighed impatiently.

"Indeed," He nodded at the other two. "Wake up, Noct."

Noctis grunted incoherently, before heaving himself upright.

"Everyone, please get ready," Ignis announced, rubbing his hands together. "We have to head to the Citadel right away. Your father will see you off, Noct."

"Got it," Noctis mumbled, still weary, but grabbing his phone and finally silencing the obnoxious alarm. Today was the day. There was no turning back.