Chapter 16: Lunafreya

{Insomnia: June 5:45am, Departure Point}

"Be careful on the journey King Regis," stated Dr. Acrux as he smiled at the King who merely looked towards those who had come to see him off as he glanced slightly to the interior of the aircraft where his son sat next to the window.

"Thank you, and we will be." The others bowed as the door shut and King Regis took his seat across from his son as the boy merely continued to stare out the window.

In the days leading up to their departure, King Regis and the others had observed a severe change in Noctis's behavior towards them. While the idea of exiting the city – not to mention the entire Kingdom – should have caused a faint spark of excitement, recognition, or something; however, Noctis started to behave in a hostile manner when anyone other than Iris and Ignis approached him, and even then, he could become cold and dismissive towards them. The only living thing that seemed even remotely capable of drawing a positive reaction or emotion out of the boy was Cari, his familiar. King Regis sighed, contemplating the boy's reaction towards the Fleuret family and most importantly: the Princess of Tenebrae.

"He's become heavily detached….his mind is elsewhere, and his behavior is bordering on malicious…no matter what we do…he still resists us…"

The aircraft took off from the ground, heading towards the Kingdom of Tenebrae as he considered what to do for the boy. In the silence of the aircraft, Cari had revealed herself and was now curled up in Noctis's lap, gently nuzzling his arm and nibbling upon his knuckles as he rested his other hand upon her back, gently, and slowly scratching his fingers through her white fur. King Regis sighed, leaning back in his chair and looking towards the window before he glanced down towards the Carbuncle whose ears twitched as she looked to him once and then closed her dark-brown eyes. The creature had become his son's constant companion since his awakening roughly a week and a half-ago and while he was relieved to see that his son had found a friend in the Carbuncle, he often wondered how many times the boy's mind was in the waking world and when it was in the dream world he had more than likely created alongside it.

"Noctis….do you know where we're headed?" asked King Regis as he looked at the child and watched him grant him a slightly sharp glare before turning his attention back towards the window.

"Hmm…." The King nearly slumped in defeat.

"We're heading to Tenebrae. It's a Kingdom that the Oracle is in, do you know about her?" he inquired as the boy once more glanced to him.

"He won't speak, no matter what we do…..it's almost as if the child I knew died that night and now…Noctis has become someone else…Aulea…he's….changing to quickly…."

"I asked if I could bring you to see her and she stated that it would be an honor for you to come and see their Kingdom. You can stay as long as you need to, and they have a daughter about your age…" the boy glanced to the side, then to Cari before returning to the window.

King Regis settled back into his chair and merely watched the child. He was dressed in normal clothes, black pants, a dark-gray t-shirt, and a black over-jacket with short-sleeves and a hood. He wore black sneakers and kept an almost unnaturally cold look upon his features as he sat there, lost in his own thoughts and distant from so many things that may have once brought him joy. Since his mother's death, King Regis had gotten the distinct feeling that his son was changing and becoming someone else; however, until these moments had come: he had never known how great those changes would be. Now, he was awash in a maelstrom of differences that he could barely comprehend, and found himself with nearly no means of learning why or how these things had come to be. Taking in a deep breath, King Regis looked to the side and then grasped an item within his pocket as he considered what he was about to do. The King of Lucis turned his gaze towards Noctis who remained silent, still looking far too pale, and frail in appearance.

"Noctis? I have something for you and your familiar," King Regis stated as he held out a chain with a pendant on the end of it that was the Caelum family crest, and a collar for Cari whose ears perked up at the sight of it.

"Is that a collar Noct? Did he get that for me?" Noctis's midnight-blue eyes turned down towards Cari.

"Mhmm…" the Carbuncle chirped and stood up from his lap before jumping over to King Regis's lap as the man smiled a bit.

"This is for you, it bears our family crest, marking you as someone who I in trust my son's wellbeing to," he stated as Cari bowed her head for him to place it on her. Once it was on, King Regis gently patted the Carbuncle and then she licked his hand before taking the crest medallion in her mouth and leapt back over to Noctis who remained seated as Cari sat down in his lap once more and he grasped the medallion in his hand.

"This way, should either of you ever require assistance, you will find it in our allies all across Lucis, and in Tenebrae," King Regis explained as his son slowly nodded his head as he slid it into the pocket of his pants and resumed his window watching.

Cari chirped, her ears twitching to get his attention before pinning downward as she whined and nudged his hand, licking it slightly as his midnight-blue eyes glanced to her and took a deep breath before slowly scratching her behind her ears as she purred and hummed. King Regis smiled slightly as he considered the boy seemed so at peace right then; almost happy. The man felt himself quiver internally as his mind granted him an image of his child when he was smiling and laughing: like a genuinely happy child should have. If anything could be taken away from his son's distancing behavior, it was that he was a miserable, derisory wretch from this situation.

All of the boy's warmth, his smile, his laugh, the adventurous side of him, his mischievous traits, and the light that once filled his eyes: were gone. His warmth had become cold, his smile devoid of emotion, his laugh had been snatched into the winds, his carefree side smothered, his mischievous traits having given way to malicious behavior, and the gleam that had always shown within his midnight-blue eyes, was dead. Everything that had made up the boy before him had been stripped away on the night of the accident, and now Noctis was trying to rebuild himself with the pieces that had been left with him. King Regis took in a sharp breath and forced himself to stand, his age and the power of something that didn't quite belong to him starting to wear upon his aging body as he came to crouch before his son while the boy kept his gaze off him.

"Noctis, please try and understand all that I have done and will do has and shall always be with your best interest in mind," King Regis said as he reached up and brushed his hand through the boy's shadow-black hair.

"Hmmm…." The man took a moment to look at the boy before he brushed his bangs from the child's eyes, placing his hands upon his son's shoulders as he did so.

"I only pray that this journey can rekindle the fire and thirst for life that you once possessed….the very same that your mother possessed…it was something that the two of you shared greatly: that vivacity and aspiration to learn and know more. My only request now is to see that return in you…so…" midnight-blue eyes looked directly to him, and King Regis felt his eyes burn, concern and woe filling him.

"Hmm?"

"So that when the time comes, I know that you will be strong enough to handle yourself alone," he said as he pulled the boy forward, wrapping the child in his arms as he took in a steadying breath, hoping to assure the child before him that he was safe and that he wasn't alone.

"W-Why?" the King jolted as the boy spoke for the first time in several days and he remained still so not to spook him.

"I will not be here forever…so I need to know you'll be safe. That's why I am doing all I can to help you Noct….so please, try and understand that I love you more than the entire world, just as your mother did," he said as the boy leaned against him, fisting the front of his father's clothes as he did so.

"I-I….I'm….sc-scared…" the boy's voice was shaky, hoarse from not enough use and sounded a bit different than the last few times he had spoken. King Regis held the child as the airship continued its way to Tenebrae and he hoped that eventually the boy would come out of his detachment.

"I know….you don't have to be brave right now, you can be whatever you choose to be…but all you need to be right this moment is a child: my son. That is all you have to be," he stated. The boy rested his head against him, nodding slowly as Cari chirped, staying down between the two as Noctis tried to force himself into feeling something other than the dull, emptiness that consumed him right then; because even though he had responded, even though he had attempted to strive forward with his father's reassurance: he couldn't.

"I'm trapped….someone…please help me…"

{Fenestala Manor: June 10th 2002, 4:00pm}

Lunafreya was settled in her room, brushing out her hair and preparing for when their guests arrived as she awaited her mother and father who would escort her and Ravus to the parlor room where they would be meeting King Regis and Prince Noctis. The eleven-year-old Princess took in a deep breath as she considered what the King and the Prince were like: she had always heard that King Regis was incredibly kind, and a just and trustworthy King to his subjects which caused the girl a great deal of respect for the man. But, she had never heard much on Prince Noctis, King Regis's son. The girl looked down, questioning how she and the Prince of Lucis would get along while she sat at the small vanity in her room and then glanced at her reflection before taking in a deep breath.

"Luna?" lavender-blue eyes looked to the door where a man in regal, yet non-to-imposing attire stood. He had the same blonde hair as her and Ravus, but the darker gray-blue eyes that her brother had inherited.

"Father!" the girl stood, rushing to him as she hugged him and he wrapped his arms around his daughter, swinging her a bit as he did.

"Hello my sunshine, how are you this afternoon?" he asked.

"I'm fine father, but you almost missed King Regis's arrival! Where have you been?" King Acheron smiled as he settled the girl down and looked at her.

"Sorry my little blossom, but I was busy with a few meetings. I hope you weren't too worried: your mother already read me quite the riot act for staying away so long. But, duty calls unto a King like none other man. Now, are you ready to meet the King and the Prince of Lucis?" he inquired of the girl.

"I am…do I look presentable?" the girl appeared anxious and King Acheron knew that very well.

The King of Tenebrae was in his later years, much like his wife; however, that had never stopped him from ruling alongside her and being a proper father to his children. Yet, as he stood in his eleven-year-old daughter's room, King Acheron could only consider how many more years it would be until his little girl had grown into a beautiful woman and would become the wife of someone whom he prayed would treat her as she deserved. Looking at her now, King Acheron could never have been more proud or blessed to have Lunafreya as a daughter and he hoped that she would always be the ray of light and inspiration to others when the time came. Right now though, it wasn't time and he merely smiled as he took in the pristine white dress she wore with slightly open-toed shoes and a simple white lily in her hair. The King nodded, smiling brightly as he did so before crouching before the little girl.

"You're as beautiful as a ray of sunshine my dear girl. I hope that you will be able to help the Prince….he could use someone to bring some hope into his life again," he said.

"I will father! Promise…" the King smiled.

"There's my Princess, strong and as gorgeous as her mother. I love you dearly Lunafreya, never forget that," he stated as he hugged her and she returned it.

"I love you too father…always…"

The King then stood and escorted the Princess out of her room before meeting Queen Sylva and Prince Ravus. The four of them headed down the hallway, walking in a steady yet swift pace into the parlor where they would meet with King Regis and his son. As they started down the hall further, coming closer to the parlor, Queen Sylva considered what they would be facing and the fact that she had chosen to not inform either of her children that the Prince was currently unable to walking long distances alone, and thus was wheelchair bound for the most part. Taking that into account, the Queen of Tenebrae hoped that it and the remaining injuries that the Prince bore wouldn't startle them too greatly.

Above all else, the King and Queen of Tenebrae hoped and prayed that not only did the time they spent with them help the Prince, but that he and Lunafreya would grow closer; becoming stronger together and hopefully find a sense of trust in one another. Queen Sylva, King Acheron, and King Regis had long since discussed the chances of them uniting their Kingdoms in a bid for protection from one another and for strength against the Empire. In the discussions of unifying their Kingdoms, also came the requirement of finding how to do so; thus, their children came into play. Though the three of them were anxious about such a request being placed upon their children: they knew it would aid in the potential for peace.

Therefore, King Regis had proposed that the two children come to know one another and gain better grounds before explaining to them that they would be married in order to unify the Kingdoms of Lucis and Tenebrae under a common goal: to defeat the Nifilheim Empire. King Acheron had stated his favor of the option and soon it had been decided that they would grant Prince Noctis and Princess Lunafreya time to nurture a friendship so that they could work well together as not only friends and comrades, but as the future King and Queen of Lucis and Tenebrae's joined territories.

Soon enough, the Fleuret family came into the parlor and Lunafreya took a seat near the window where a small sofa was placed while Ravus settled across from her in a sofa of a similar style. The King and Queen took their seats near the center of the room where a coffee table was present with two larger sofas. It was silent in the room, Lunafreya anxious as she settled herself, wondering what would happen once their guests arrived and whether or not she and the Prince of Lucis would become friends. The Princess of Tenebrae sincerely hoped they would be able to find a means to become friends whilst he stayed there with them; however, she couldn't be certain only because the boy was recovering from a severe trauma, an injury that had caused him a great deal of pain and suffering. The Princess felt a moment of sorrow overtake her as she considered how much the boy had endured until finally, a knock at the door came and the King, Queen, Prince, and Princess of Tenebrae stood to attention as one of the stewards of their household opened the door and the King of Lucis entered the room, allowing Lunafreya to take a long look at him.

He did indeed live up to his reputation; King Regis carried the air of a true ruler: someone kind and trustworthy while still maintaining his place as the sovereign and a father. Lunafreya smiled, bowing slightly as she did before her gaze turned up as a boy was brought into the room via a wheelchair. He was roughly the same age as her, his tincture a pale tone, his hair the sharpest shade of black she had ever seen while bearing a few randomized shades of chrome-silvers, and as she stared at him, her lavender-blue gaze was met with the sharpest, yet most beautiful tone of midnight-blue she had ever seen. The boy then looked away from her and the two Kings and the Queen greeted one another.

"Regis, it is good to see you, old friend," King Acheron stated as he reached to embrace the Lucian King who swiftly returned it.

"As it is you Acheron, how are you and Sylva doing?" the King of Tenebrae nodded, smiling as he did.

"We're very well, as are our beautiful children. Now, is this your son?" King Acheron looked to the boy in the wheelchair as Queen Sylva did and a smile came to their features.

"My word, he looks like his mother," Queen Sylva stated.

"Such a handsome young man. Now, your name is Noctis correct?" the boy nodded slowly and King Regis looked to them.

"He's still not in a very talkative mood. Perhaps some time exploring the gardens and getting used to the manor grounds would do him good?" Queen Sylva nodded.

"Prince Noctis, I heard that you made a garden back home with one of your classmates. My daughter Lunafreya loves gardening and we have a beautiful one just outside. Would you like to see it?" she inquired as the boy glanced around before nodding slowly.

"Very well, Lunafreya? Would you be a dear and take Prince Noctis out to the gardens? Some fresh air and a tour of the manor grounds would be a good way for him to get used to the house. Also, introduce yourselves, no need to be shy." King Acheron beckoned his daughter as Ravus moved towards the group and bowed slightly.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Prince Ravus Nox Fleuret, it is a privilege to meet you King Regis Lucis Caelum, as it is you; Prince Noctis Lucis Caelum. On behalf of my parents and my sister, I welcome you both to Fenestala Manor, and the Kingdom of Tenebrae," Ravus stated with a bow as King Regis smiled and Noctis glanced to the side.

"As it is you Prince Ravus. I am pleased to see no hostility is being met here today; however, I do hope you will not find us imposing. We are here for my son's health, not to stir any troubles." The Prince of Tenebrae nodded as he looked to Prince Noctis who shot him a glare.

"It seems that Prince Noctis isn't fond of me," he said bluntly.

"Not at all, he has been this way towards many of my comrades and those he has spent quite some time around. Granted some time, he should warm up to you," King Regis explained this in the best way he could as Noctis turned his gaze down before the sound of footsteps caught his attention.

The girl before him was the same one who had been staring at him when he was brought into the room. She glowed like an early sunrise, fair skinned, dressed in all white from head to toe, shoulder-length flaxen hair and gentle, and bright lavender-blue eyes. Noctis looked her over in questioning and an expression of confusion graced his features before she came towards him and smiled, holding out her hand.

"My name is Princess Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, it's a pleasure to meet you; Prince Noctis," she said as he slowly leaned back, unsure of her as she smiled softly to him.

"Noctis…." Lunafreya shook her head at King Regis.

"No, please King Regis; do not worry about this. I understand he has been through some trouble…its fine. Just give him time," she stated.

"Very well, would you please show him the gardens?" the girl nodded and moved to grab the wheelchair handles.

"Come with me Prince Noctis, I think you'll enjoy our gardens," she told him as she pushed him out the door of the parlor room and down the hallway, the boy shooting his father a slightly startled look.

"I believe I will excuse myself. Mother, father, King Regis, have a good day." With that Ravus walked out of the room and King Regis looked towards the King and Queen.

"Has Noctis recovered at all?" asked King Acheron. King Regis shook his head.

"While he is doing better for the most part….he's detached himself from most of those around him and even gone so far as to behave maliciously towards anyone whom he doesn't feel up to being around…most of the time he doesn't even speak…" Queen Sylva looked down in sorrow.

"I am so sorry Regis. I can only imagine how harsh this is for you…but I promise, I will do my best to help him recover; however, I hope that Lunafreya can assist him as well. She's a kind soul…I believe that Noctis will have greater help from her than just myself. After all, proper healing takes place within the mind, heart, and soul before it begins physically…" King Regis rose an eyebrow in questioning.

"So, how will you do this?" he inquired as King Acheron smiled and placed a hand upon his shoulder.

"Regis, old friend…..Sylva will handle Noctis's physical treatments, but we shall be leaving his emotional and mental care to Lunafreya." The man smiled.

"Very well…I leave it to you, Sylva…" King Regis stated with a smile.

Meanwhile, in the hallways, Lunafreya continued to push Noctis towards the garden while the boy remained silent, looking around the new environment whilst trying to come to terms with all the chaos that had erupted into his life. Between the attack by the Mirilth, the damage done to his body, mind, and emotional state had caused his entire demeanor to change. Normally, Noctis would have been thrilled to be in a new place, meeting new people, learning about different cultures, and trying new things; however, because of what he had endured: something in him changed and he lacked the vitality to be excited about visiting Tenebrae.

However, he was curious about the girl pushing him down the hallway and into the area where they would be going to see the gardens of the manor house. Her name was Lunafreya, and while at first he hadn't thought much of her, in a matter of moments he was growing more and more interested in learning about her as she remained silent and chose to grant him his space. Noctis appreciated the girl not probing into his personal life for the time being, but he didn't expect that to last as it seemed the girl wanted to befriend him: which he currently wasn't too keen on. Sighing, the boy slumped into his chair and the girl giggled a bit.

"You aren't a very proper Prince are you?" she asked.

"No…." came his short reply to which she frowned.

"And you're a tad rude too," she stated as Noctis shrugged.

"Doesn't matter…." The girl stopped what she was doing.

"Well, I think it does matter. After all, you are going to be King of Lucis one day…what will your people think of someone so aloof?" Noctis frowned.

"You talk a lot….don't you?" Lunafreya gave him a long look.

"This must be the most you've talked in a while, your voice is scratchy sounding," she pointed out as they continued down the corridor.

"Kinda…" the Princess of Tenebrae shook her head with a huff as she stopped just short of a set of double doors.

"Now, tell me….what do you like doing for fun?" Lunafreya probed as she started to open the doors.

"What's it matter?" the blonde-haired eleven-year-old pouted a bit.

"It's just small-talk; is there something wrong with that?" she quizzed as he leaned his head back and a bit to the side with a click of his tongue, evidently annoyed by her constant questioning.

"Molestus es valde…" the girl looked to him as he muttered the words and she smirked.

"And you're very cumbersome to deal with; Prince Noctis Lucis Caelum," she said, causing him to whip his head around to stare at her in a wide-eyed expression that showed her the brightness of his eyes.

"Their midnight-blue but they have this azure-blue undertone….their pretty, like the night sky just as the sun is about to come up…"

"You know…." She nodded.

"I was taught the traditional Lucian language as well. The traditional Tenebranian language is very close, but it does have some differences in it. Now, shall we tour the gardens?" Lunafreya stated. The boy looked down as she pushed him through the doors.

"Si dicas ita…" again he muttered in the Lucian tongue to her and she smiled.

"I do say so, shall we?" he groaned.

"Great….I'm doomed…" Lunafreya giggled.

"I believe you are in capable hands Prince Noctis, now….take a look at this," she said as he looked up and around him in surprise.

"Whoa…."

{…}

You're stronger than you know…..

{…..}

Author's Note: Well, Noctis and Luna finally met. Seems that Noct wasn't too fond of his future bride to be when he was that age huh? Most nine-year-old boys I noticed aren't that fond of being around girls close to their age. But, I'm sure Noctis will grow to appreciate Lunafreya over time. Now, for another bilingual bonus:

Molestus es valde translates into: you are very annoying.

Si dicas ita translates into: if you say so.

Have a great day or night!

Sincerely,

ShadowDragon94.